A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with assault following the death of a man in Edinburgh.
Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city around 12.55pm yesterday (Friday, 7 June) following concern for a man within a property.
The 53-year-old was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.
Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing but we are treating this as a contained incident.
“Westfield Road has been closed to allow for investigations to be carried out in the area.
“We know this has had a significant impact on the local community and wider public so we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”
Taylor Swift is set to receive a civic gift on behalf of the Capital as she takes to the stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this weekend.
Edinburgh has heralded the arrival of the global pop sensation by creating a gift hamper celebrating the best of the city and of Scotland.
Contents will include a bespoke Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap made by master tailors Kinloch Anderson, whisky courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a personalised city itinerary from the Council’s in house destination marketing service, Forever Edinburgh.
It is hoped that the artist will use one of the guitar straps during her performances and sign a second, which would then be auctioned with the proceeds going towards the One City Trust, which combats inequality and social exclusion in Edinburgh.
The exclusive guitar straps, of which only two exist, are inscribed with the text ‘Fàilte chridheil gu Dùn Èideann’ – A heartfelt welcome to Edinburgh.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge said:“On behalf of the city and people of Edinburgh, I’m delighted to welcome Taylor Swift to Scotland and to Edinburgh.
“These performances are set to be some of the biggest and most spectacular the country has ever seen, with hundreds of thousands of fans attending and tens of millions of pounds set to benefit the local economy.
“Whilst Edinburgh is no stranger to high calibre international events and culture, the fact that the world’s foremost pop superstar has chosen our city to begin the UK leg of her world tour is testament to the global reputation our city commands.
“I’d like to thank Kinloch Anderson for their generous and expert work in designing the Edinburgh 900 tartan, of which several items were fashioned as part of this civic gift. I’d also like to thank all the other local and national companies which contributed to the hamper.
“I’m quite sure this will give Taylor a lasting memory of her time in the country of her ancestors and our beautiful capital city.”
CEO of Kinloch Anderson, John Kinloch Anderson said:“We have always been proud to call Edinburgh our home, and as the city experiences a “Swift” lift, we are happy to have contributed to the celebrations with the Edinburgh 900 Tartan.
“As we all get ready to welcome Taylor, we are thrilled to have collaborated with local businesses to build an all-Scottish hamper, crafting products using this brand-new pattern.”
Full list of items included in Taylor Swift’s civic gift hamper:
Exclusive Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap by Kinloch Anderson
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MUNRO, Marie-Clair
Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Chris
Scottish National Party (SNP) – SHEPPARD, Tommy
Reform UK – WINTON, Derek Steven
Edinburgh North and Leith:
Scottish Liberal Democrats – ANDERSEN, Mike
Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROCK, Deidre
Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values – DEEPNARAIN, Niel
Scottish Labour Party – GILBERT, Tracy
Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don
Reform UK – MELVILLE, Alan Gordon
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Joanna
Scottish Greens – O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson
Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles
Independent – WATERLOO, Caroline
Edinburgh South:
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – COWDY, Christopher
Scottish Family Party – Promoting Traditional Values – HOLDEN, Phil
Scottish National Party (SNP) – KUMAR, Simita
Alba Party: Yes to Scottish Independence – LYON, Lynne
Independent – MARTIN, Alex
Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Ian
Scottish Greens – PHILLIPS, JO
Reform UK – ROSE, Cameron
Independent – ROWBOTHAM, Mark
Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILLIAMSON, Andy
Edinburgh South West:
Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott
Scottish National Party (SNP) – CHERRY, Joanna
Reform UK – HARPER, Ian
Scottish Greens – HEAP, Dan
Scottish Family Party – LUCAS, Richard Crewe
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – WEBBER, Sue
Independent – WILKINSON, Marc Richard
Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILSON, Bruce Roy
Edinburgh West:
Scottish Labour Party – DAVIDSON, Michael Colin
Independent – HENRY, David
Independent – HORNIG, Nick
Scottish National Party (SNP) – HYSLOP, Euan
Reform UK – INGLIS, Otto
Scottish Liberal Democrats – JARDINE, Christine Anne
Scottish Libertarian Party – LAIRD, Tam
Scottish Greens – PUCHOWSKI, James Konrad
Scottish Conservative and Unionist – SHIELDS, Alastair
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Andrew Kerr said:“Today marks one step closer to the Capital going to the polls, and we now crucially know who our residents will have the opportunity to vote for on 4 July.
“We want everyone to be able to exercise their democratic right and vote in this General Election. Due to its timing, we’re expecting increased demand for postal and proxy votes and I’d encourage everyone to make the appropriate arrangements as soon as possible – whether that’s registering to vote, applying for different ways to vote or ensuring they have the correct photo ID.
“I want to thank our colleagues who are working hard to ensure this election runs smoothly and efficiently for the people of Edinburgh.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service will provide emergency provision for one of the biggest concerts to be held in the country – Taylor Swift’s three nights at Murrayfield.
Pop star Swift will perform on June 7, 8 and 9 with all three shows sold out. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to descend on the Capital.
SAS will be present at all three events during the duration of the concerts and on hand to respond to medical incidents and emergencies.
This includes several clinicians on site and Paramedic E Bikes covering the surrounding areas.
SAS CEO Michael Dickson said: ““We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the event.
“However, we’d also like to remind concert goers to keep well hydrated, you’ll need it with all the dancing, think about what you are wearing you will be standing for a long time, be ready for the Scottish weather and bring any medication you normally take.
“If you do feel a bit overwhelmed by it all take a moment, focus on your breathing and if things don’t improve seek help from a member of our staff if required.”
A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for serious sexual offences in the Edinburgh area and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Haydn Edmonds, 37, was sentenced today, Friday, 7 June for a series of crimes, including rape, committed between June 2016 and June 2019.
He was previously found guilty following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Brown said: “The investigation revealed Edmonds to be a manipulative and sexually violent individual who poses a significant risk to women. It is due to the courage of those came forward to report his abuse that he has been held to account for his actions.
“I would urge anyone who has suffered sexual violence to come forward and report it to us, regardless of the passage of time. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will support you through the process, investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
“Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
This opportunity is for anyone aged 16-30 living in the City of Edinburgh experiencing poverty, dealing with unemployment, struggling with mental ill health, feeling socially isolated, or living in challenging circumstances and is keen to make some positive changes in their life.
Venture Scotland’s Journey Programme is a free, 12 week-long personal development programme based in the outdoors.
What to expect:
Regular activity days, like canoeing, gorge-walking, coasteering, hill walking, rock climbing, orienteering, and more.
Regular skills and wellbeing sessions*.
Residential trips to a remote bothy (simple cottage) in the Borders and to our Bothy in the beautiful Glen Etive.
The opportunity to challenge yourself and make positive changes in your life, all in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
Gain skills such as confidence, communication, teamwork, and leadership.
If you are interested and would like to know more, please see our website for more details and for our referral form: https://venturescotland.org.uk/
You can also contact Louisa who is our Outreach and Support Worker via email at louisa.selwood@venturescotland.org.uk ; on Facebook Messenger Louisa Venture Scotland; or phone/text 07535 164 285.
Four men have been jailed for a total of over 18 years after pleading guilty to being involved in serious organised crime in Edinburgh.
Dale Cleeton, 31, was jailed for seven years, Calvin Begbie, 30, for six years, Fraser Boyd, 51, for three years and Mitchell Whyte, 24, for 32 months.
Cleeton and Begbie were also given Serious Crime Prevention Orders for three years.
They were convicted on Friday, 3 May, 2024 at the High Court in Glasgow and were sentenced there this morning, Friday, 7 June.
Detective Inspector Mark McCullagh, senior investigating officer for the case, said: “These men and their organised crime group were a significant factor in the trade of illegal drugs in Edinburgh and The Lothians.
“They caused nothing but harm in pursuit of their own gain.
“Their activities were uncovered by an intelligence-led operation by specialist officers working in Edinburgh. Disrupting the activities of organised crime groups and making the country an extremely hostile environment for them to operate is one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.
“There is no place for serious organised criminality in our society and, working in partnership with the local communities we serve, law enforcement agencies and the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue our fight against those involved in serious and organised crime to keep our communities safe.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Is open water swimming good for your heart?
Open water swimming is becoming increasingly popular with almost three million people taking part in the UK. But what is it?
Open water swimming takes place anywhere outdoors that isn’t a swimming pool. This includes lakes, rivers, lochs, seas and reservoirs, all places where there are no man-made sides or bottoms and no lane ropes for you to follow.
Swimming in general is one of the most common forms of physical activity and it is a great workout for your heart. But is open water swimming good for your heart too? Here we look at the benefits and risks of open water swimming and how to stay safe out there.
The benefits
Swimming in general is a great form of aerobic exercise that requires muscular strength and endurance. By adding in the challenges of the open waters varying conditions, it becomes a more intense workout that requires your heart to engage differently with each swim.
Open water swimming has been found to reduce your risk of heart disease through improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and inflammation when practised regularly. It is also an effective weight management method that can help to reduce your body fat.
Due to the horizontal swimming position, your heart must pump blood against gravity, meaning it works harder to get oxygenated blood to your extremities. This means that your heart gets stronger and open water swimming can help improve your circulation.
Being outside in nature and open water can help to reduce stress, anxiety and improve your mood. Submerging your body in cold water can boost your dopamine levels and release endorphins. This has also been found to stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and so improve the quality of your sleep.
The risks
By submerging yourself into cold water, your blood vessels narrow, and your heart rhythm becomes disturbed. This can put your body into shock and can cause a cardiac arrest. Always try to submerge your body gradually and try to control your breathing.
If you swim in cold water for a prolonged period or are exposed to cold air, then you are at risk of hypothermia. Once you exit the water, your body temperature will continue to cool so make sure you get dry and changed as quickly as possible.
If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, then the increased work rate on your heart could be dangerous.
Make sure you check with your GP before taking part.
How to stay safe
Swimming in open water can be dangerous, especially if you are new to the sport or have an underlying health condition. Make sure you never swim on your own, always go with friends or join a group. This way you have people to look out for you, and you can enjoy the benefits of socialising.
Make sure you wear the correct equipment; this will help to keep you safe, warm, and visible. A brightly coloured swimming cap, goggles and wetsuit are essential.
The colder the water is, the less time you should spend in it. Make sure you spend the right amount of time in the water if you’re in it for too long you’re risking your health.
If you begin to feel unwell at all whilst you’re swimming, get out immediately, get warm and seek help.
We have a programme starting on 24th June! 
Regular activity days, like canoeing, gorge-walking, coasteering, hill walking, rock climbing, orienteering, and more.
