Second Phase of luxury apartments introduced at West Craigs Green

A collection of eight luxury apartments has been released by the award-winning Scottish housebuilder, Cruden Homes, at the highly sought-after West Craigs Green development in the heart of West Edinburgh.

This exclusive collection offers a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, all with stunning views of the nearby Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. The two-bedroom units feature private balconies, providing an ideal spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

With prices starting from £220,000, each apartment boasts an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, designed with both comfort and style in mind. High-quality fixtures and fittings are included as standard. This release marks the second phase of apartments within the development, following the successful launch of the first phase in early April 2024, which saw strong levels of demand.

In addition to the new apartments, the West Craigs development includes a range of three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses, and four-bedroom townhouses, each with private gardens.

The West Craigs area is undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood with abundant green spaces, including the newly established Lennie and Meadowfield Parks. Future plans include a new primary school and nursery, café, and health centre within walking distance.

Conveniently situated between Barnton and South Gyle, West Craigs Green is just five miles from Edinburgh city centre. It benefits from excellent transport links, including cycle routes, bus, rail, and tram stops in close proximity.

The Gyle Shopping Centre is easily accessible on foot or by car, offering a range of amenities such as high street shops, a supermarket, and eateries.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “West Craigs Green is a vibrant, community-focused development, and is perfectly located for those who wish to live in more scenic surroundings with all the benefits of staying close to the city centre. 

“Many of these spacious apartments have balconies providing scenic views of Lennie Park and Turnhouse golf course. We had a great response to the first phase of apartments and it highlights the strong demand for quality housing in this area.

“This new release of apartments further enhances this wonderful development, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers, young professionals, and those looking to downsize.”

A number of incentives are available for home buyers looking to move into West Craigs Green, including part exchange and assisted move packages, along with Land and Buildings Transaction Tax support, furniture packages and flooring. 

Prices for the latest release of apartments range from £220,000, with first completions expected in November 2024.

To view or find out more about reserving a property at Cruden Homes’ latest West Craigs Green development, visit www.westcraigsgreen.co.uk or call 0131 600 0095.

The sales and marketing suite, along with the show home, are open Thursday to Monday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Festivals Edinburgh appoints new Director

After a worldwide search, Festivals Edinburgh has appointed Lori [Lorraine] Anderson as its new Director, succeeding Julia Amour who is stepping down from the role in October 2024.

Lori Anderson will lead the organisation in the next stage of development, as it takes the steps needed to achieve the ambitions mapped out in the 2030 Festival City Vision.  She brings unique experience to the position most recently as Director of Culture Counts, the network of arts, heritage, and creative industries organisations in Scotland, and previously with Scotland + Venice, Creative Dundee, Collective Gallery, and Museums Galleries Scotland.

Simon Gage, Chair of Festivals Edinburgh said: “Lori joins us at a moment of significant change in our festivals landscape.

“We’ve bounced back from the covid pandemic but remain fragile, as does the wider culture eco-system. There are many challenges to be confronted in the coming years, but also many opportunities to be seized, and in Lori we believe we have found an exceptionally authoritative advocate to help shape our collective future.”

A post-pandemic study has shown that the Edinburgh Festivals are an even stronger draw now thanks to their unique, ‘must see’ reputations, which support the regrowth of jobs and livelihoods. As well as realising more cultural and economic impact with a lower carbon footprint, the Festivals engagement with local communities and schools has also risen by more than a third since 2018.

The new Director will take up her role just as changes are underway in both festivals’ strategies and wider culture & tourism policies, including the planned introduction of a Visitor Levy by City of Edinburgh Council – the first in the United Kingdom – and the national campaign for all political parties to reinvest in culture, building on Scottish Government commitments to increase funding by £100m over coming years.

Commenting on her appointment, Lori Anderson said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are amongst Scotland’s greatest cultural assets, recognised at home and abroad as bringing immense cultural, economic and social value to the country and its people.

“The fragility of our cultural landscape is all too familiar to me, but the agility of the Edinburgh Festivals in responding to change has always impressed me, and I look forward to taking up this crucial role at the heart of the festivals family.”

Excellent International Baccalaureate Diploma results from Fettes College

On Saturday 6th July, the worldwide International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) results were released, bringing excellent news for the members of the Fettes College Upper Sixth Form who have been following the IB pathway for the past two years. 

The school is incredibly proud of the achievements of this talented group of students who scored an impressive average score of 38 points – the best results at Fettes College since 2018. This is compared to a global average of 30 points.

Almost a third of all Fettes candidates gained 40 points or more, with 56% gaining or exceeding a score of 38 points. Four of our students deserve a special mention – two achieving 43 points, one achieving an outstanding 44 points and another, taking the diploma over three years, scoring an exceptional (maximum) 45 points.

The Fettes College IB class of 2024 leave Fettes for distinguished universities across the world such as British Columbia, Harvard, Amsterdam, as well as Oxford (English), Cambridge (Classics), LSE, Edinburgh and St Andrews.

Jonathan Marchant, Deputy Head (Academic) said: “The IB continues to flourish at Fettes. I could not be prouder of the achievements of the IB class of 2024.

“They have shown impressive industry, curiosity and creativity and can now enjoy the fruits of their labour.”

The Head, Helen Harrison, said “Our IB results are testament to a great deal of hard work from our students and superb support from our dedicated staff who maximise the opportunities for students to learn. 

“Our IB students are ready for the next exciting stage in their lives, and we wish them well as they head out to make their mark on the world.”

Fettes College offers both the International Baccalaureate and A Level pathways in the Sixth Form, with the A Level results released in August.

Series of creative workshops support neurodivergent young people across Edinburgh this summer

Neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school

Free-to-attend workshops will take place between 16 – 31 July 

Salvesen Mindroom Centre, a charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity and supports all kinds of minds, has launched a series of creative workshops to support neurodivergent young people across Edinburgh this Summer.

The sessions, delivered through collaboration with local creative organisations Artlink Edinburgh and Out of the Blueprint, will encourage neurodivergent young people approaching the end of their school careers in Edinburgh and surrounding areas, to explore their hopes and dreams for the future and showcase often-hidden talent in the creative arts.

Kicking off with an afternoon of clay sculpture on Tuesday, July 16, the series will include ground-based circus skills on July 18, a 4-day series of eco-friendly comic art Riso printing workshops (from July 22 to July 25), an afternoon creating special effects make-up on July 29 and, to conclude, an afternoon of green screen video production on Wednesday, July 31.

Alan Thornburrow, CEO of Salvesen Mindroom Centre, said: “It’s clear to our dedicated team that the uncertainty around significant change to their well-known environment and the thought of meeting an array of new people when transitioning to life beyond school give rise to a high level of anxiety for neurodivergent young people who have reached the end of their scholastic careers.

“There is also, very often, a natural amount of creative talent, without the opportunity to explore how this might make the transition easier, and that’s why we decided to reach out to a range of incredible creative organisations in Edinburgh to ask if they might like to work with us to help facilitate this transition.”

Those qualifying for the free spaces available (14 to 18 years old, care experienced or on the edges of care and neurodivergent) will have the opportunity to apply for their preferred workshop using a dedicated booking form, or they can contact the team at Mindroom directly.

For bookings and full details around the different workshops, please use this link.

PM says step up in defence spending can safeguard the future of NATO

PM Keir Starmer has underlined the UK’s ‘cast iron commitment’ to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence to respond to growing threats, ahead of a NATO summit

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has underlined the UK’s ‘cast iron commitment’ to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence to respond to growing threats, ahead of a NATO summit where he will say a step up in defence spending can safeguard the future of the Alliance.  

At the summit in Washington D.C., the PM will emphasise his determination to face down global threats to Britain and its western allies. He will praise NATO members’ efforts to increase defence spending and say that further increases in spending will help the alliance tackle the nature of today’s threats.  

The Prime Minister has also confirmed today that he will launch the Government’s Strategic Defence Review next week, with detailed preparatory work already undertaken by Defence Secretary John Healey – who will oversee the review.  

The review will determine the future defence posture of the UK, the capabilities needed and will set out a roadmap to achieving 2.5% of GDP on defence. He will confirm that the review will put a ‘NATO-first’ policy at the heart of Britain’s defence plans.  

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “There is no more important duty for me as Prime Minister than keeping the people of our country safe.  

“At a time when we face multiple threats at home and abroad, we must make sure we are ready to defend ourselves. That’s why I have immediately ordered a root-and-branch review that will secure Britain’s defences for the future.  

“Working with our most important partners around the world, our Strategic Defence Review will make sure the UK is sending a clear message to those who seek to undermine peace and democracy – you will not succeed.”

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Britain’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. We cannot have prosperity without security and we must never take our ability to live freely for granted. 

“The world is increasingly volatile with rapidly changing global threats. In the footsteps of Bevin, our government will help ensure we have a strong NATO in this increasingly insecure world. 

“Our government’s first duty is to keep the country safe. That’s why we will increase defence spending and launch a Strategic Defence Review to ensure we have the capabilities needed to protect the UK now and in the future. The Review will also set out defence reforms to secure faster procurement and better value for money.”

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “NATO is part of Britain’s DNA. 75 years ago, Ernest Bevin helped to establish NATO. Today, as then, our commitment to NATO is completely unshakeable.

“We cannot have stability and prosperity without national security. That’s why NATO is the ultimate guarantor of our ability to live freely and build a more prosperous future, for the people of this country and our Allies.

“Ukraine’s security is our security, so our priority for Washington must be to show that NATO support for Ukraine remains iron-clad, and our support will be sustained. Putin thinks he can outwait the West, but he is mistaken.” 

Building on our existing global defence partnerships such as AUKUS and GCAP, the Prime Minister is determined to make sure the UK is one of the leading defence players on the world stage, and alongside our like-minded partners prove that progressive, peaceful democracies will ultimately triumph over tyranny.  

The Strategic Defence Review will consider the nature of the threats we face – including Putin’s ongoing brutal invasion of Ukraine, continued instability in the Middle East and the rise of authoritarian countries – and the capabilities we need to tackle them.  

That includes the shape of our Armed Forces and their readiness to fight, enhancing our defence partnerships, developing a new defence industrial strategy, ensuring our defence staff have the capabilities and skills needed, and delivering procurement reform. 

The Review will be conducted in consultation with allies, industry and external experts and its recommendations will be reported to the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary, as well as being laid before parliament.  

A major element of the Strategic Defence Review will be an emphasis on deepening our defence ties with NATO countries and other international partners. 

Over the next two days, the Prime Minister will meet the UK’s most important allies for the first time on the international stage, to drive forward progress on defence and other priorities – including supporting Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing illegal war, which has now entered its third year.

Kirsty McNeill appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Scotland Office

Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Scotland Office.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said: “It is an honour to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Government to rebuild Britain and which has Scotland at its beating heart.

“Teaming up with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray in a resurgent Scotland Office, I will work across our country and far beyond to build a brighter future for all.

“Now for action and my absolute priority in the role will be to deliver the change and renewal that Scotland needs – to drive economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.”

Women’s History and Heritage, Granton and North Edinburgh

You are invited to an evening dedicated to women’s heritage as part of the local history of Granton and North Edinburgh

Granton:hub and Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme present an evening of talks and discussion celebrating the part women have played in the heritage and local history of Granton and North Edinburgh. It will take place on July 18th 2024, 7-9pm at Granton Station, 1 Granton Station Square, Granton, Edinburgh EH5 1FU.

Leading academic and Chair of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association, Lisa Williams; Victoria Nyanga-Ndiaye, Founding Chief Executive Officer of Project Esperanza, and Jade Stein from Engender will join local women who live in Edinburgh and activists for a lively conversation around the history of women’s involvement in the area, women’s heritage, and our wishes for the future.

There will be space for sharing stories, memories and aspirations, and a chance to see the Eve-Hawa Quilt, “a profound expression of resilience and healing” which was made by skilled women involved with Project Eseranza with the artists Francia Boakye and Alberta Whittle with @natgalleriessco.

We hope that as many people from our community as possible will join us. Please tell your friends.

This is a free event and the venue is accessible. Light refreshments will be provided. You are welcome to bring a cushion to make sitting more comfortable for you.

If you would like to be involved more formally, or suggest someone, please contact Tamsin Grainger on history@grantonhub.org

This is a Granton Waterfront Heritage Programme event in conjunction with Granton:hub and thanks go to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland for funding.

Please book your ticket via Eventbrite: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/929688261617?aff=oddtdtcreator

Arrest following attempted murder of police officer on Stenhouse Road

A man has been arrested following the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh. The incident took place at a petrol station on Stenhouse Road at around 7.25pm last night ( 9 July, 2024).

The 32-year-old male officer was on foot when he was injured in an incident involving a stolen Mercedes GLE. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, and has since been discharged.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Gorgie Road area around 7.05pm that evening. A 16-year-old boy was a passenger within the vehicle at the time of the theft and managed to exit the vehicle a short time later. He was not injured in the incident.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with numerous charges, including attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, abduction, dangerous driving and other road traffic offences. He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Thursday, 11 July, 2024).

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “This was a very serious incident and we are continuing to provide support to the officer and his family.

“I would like to thank members of the public for quickly coming to our colleague’s aid and for their assistance with our enquiries at the scene.

“We are aware that damage was done to several vehicles in the area during the incident and we would encourage any further witnesses, or anyone with information who have yet to speak with police, to please come forward.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 2997 of 9 July, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Views sought on anonymity for child homicide victims

Consultation sets out options to reduce trauma for bereaved families

Views are being sought on options to help reduce trauma for bereaved families of child homicide victims caused by the publicity arising from such cases.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has published the consultation after hearing from bereaved families about the impact of ongoing news and social media coverage about their loved ones.

The consultation seeks views on a range of potential options, including whether the law should be changed to grant anonymity to child homicide victims. This would prevent the deceased children – and therefore their families – from being publicly identified.

Responses to the consultation, along with engagement with families, victims’ organisations, media representatives and justice partners, will inform next steps.

The Justice Secretary said: “It is hard to imagine a more profound agony than that of losing a child. When that child is a victim of homicide, the heartbreak can be compounded by associated public and media attention. While such cases are rare, I have heard first-hand from families about just how devastating that sustained scrutiny can be.

“This consultation seeks views on how we can protect bereaved families from this additional trauma, while respecting the important principles of open justice and freedom of expression.

“We know from the views gathered so far, and from research into anonymity in other jurisdictions, that these are highly complex issues. This consultation provides an opportunity for a wide range of views on this sensitive and emotive matter.”

The consultation on media reporting of child homicide victims will run for 12 weeks until 1 October 2024.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine children’s hospital ‘a depraved act of violence’

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine

“I would like to start by thanking Under Secretary-General Msuya and Doctor Zhovnir for their briefings. And I welcome the participation of Ukraine, Poland and the EU in our meeting today.

“I offer the UK government’s deepest condolences to Doctor Zhovnir and the victims of Russia’s latest appalling airstrikes across Ukraine, and to their families and their loved ones. 

“Since 23rd February 2022, in repeated attacks on Ukraine, Russia has killed Ukrainian children. Russia has maimed and injured Ukrainian children. Russia has abducted Ukrainian children. And yesterday, Russia came back for wounded and sick children in Okhmatdyt hospital. This is cowardly depravity. And this must stop.

“I visited Okhmatdyt Hospital last December. It has become a refuge for children injured in attacks across Ukraine.

“I saw for myself the dedication of Doctor Zhovnir and his staff and the care they provide. I met two young girls, among many, who were resolutely learning to walk again with prosthetics.

“One had been injured in Russia’s attack on Kharkiv, the other in Russia’s attack against Kramatorsk railway station. Colleagues, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitutes war crimes. The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for the Russian President, former Defence Minister, the Chief of the General Staff and the Commissioner for Children’s Rights for suspected war crimes. 

“Since 23rd February 2022, Russia has violated the UN Charter and repeatedly breached international humanitarian law. Its conduct is a disgrace to the Security Council and especially to the President’s seat. Colleagues, we must join together to condemn Russia’s actions and stand foursquare behind the UN Charter and its guarantees of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and behind international law and international humanitarian law. 

“For our part, the UK, together with our partners, will continue to ensure Ukraine is able to defend itself from these barbaric acts of violence. As confirmed by my Defence Secretary this weekend in Odessa, where he announced new military aid for Ukraine’s defence.

“At the NATO summit this week, we will demonstrate our resolve to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will also work to ensure accountability and justice for the Ukrainian people. And we will support Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. 

“I want to commend the exceptional resilience of the Ukrainian people, and in particular, to pay tribute to the Ukrainian emergency services, especially over the last 48 hours.

“I also express my admiration for the doctors and other hospital workers at Okhmatdyt and for their patience.

“In conclusion, I call on Russia again to end its aggression against Ukraine and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and stop killing Ukrainian children.”

Widespread international condemnation – quite rightly – then, but meanwhile in Gaza schools and refugee camps are being attacked by daily missile strikes … what’s the difference? – Ed.