CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL USE OF ELECTRIC BIKES
Yesterday, Edinburgh City Centre Policing Unit worked alongside Home Office Immigration Officers to tackle the illegal use of electric bikes.
The operation resulted in 7 illegal e-bikes seized riders charged with 20 offences. Two immigration matters were also identified and are being dealt with separately by the Home Office.
We’ll continue working with partners to improve road safety, tackle offending and keep our communities safe.
To help keep communities safe, The City of Edinburgh Council identified 14 areas across Edinburgh designated as Firework Control Zones (FCZs) from 30 October to 8 November 2026.
The zones cover:
Balerno –
Calton Hill –
Corstorphine –
Gracemount –
Liberton –
Lochend –
Longstone –
Moredun –
Niddrie –
Seafield –
Sighthill/Broomhouse –
Stenhouse/Gaskill –
West Pilton –
Wester Hailes
Within these zones, setting off fireworks will be illegal, even on private property, during the designated period.
FCZs aim to reduce noise, stress, littering and antisocial behaviour, while protecting vulnerable people, animals and the environment.
Under the Firework and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, offences can carry a penalty of up to £5,000 or six months custodial sentence.
We will work with local authorities, communities, schools and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness, promote responsible behaviour and enforce the law.
For more info, click the following link:
Know the rules. Check your area. Help keep Edinburgh safe.
Ready for the Bonfire Safety Challenge?
Play four interactive games exploring peer pressure, emergency response and the consequences of disorder
Schools can compete too!
Free activities and support advice also available.
Play now https://orlo.uk/KXzoN
Ministers have activated the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) to prepare for strong, windy conditions from Storm Boelo, which are predicted to impact the whole of mainland Scotland and the Western Isles this weekend.
SGORR convened yesterday after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for wind from 9pm tonight (Saturday 24 October) lasting 24 hours.
It also follows heavy rain from Storm Austen, which has caused an increased risk of flooding in some areas.
The meeting was chaired by Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville and was attended by a number of agencies involved in the response, including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, and the Met Office.
Ms Somerville said: “Much of Scotland will experience very high winds this weekend, and people should be aware of the potential impacts of the Met Office’s amber alert, which includes transport and power disruption.
“The wind, coupled with the rain brought by Storm Austen, means that travel conditions could be dangerous and I would urge anyone planning travel to check their journey and follow all relevant advice before setting off.
“Our resilience and emergency system, SGORR, has now been activated to co-ordinate our response, and I am grateful for the work of partners across the country to keep everyone safe.
“SGORR will continue to monitor the situation closely over the weekend and provide regular updates to the public.”
Police travel advice has been issued following an amber weather warning for high winds across the majority of Scotland.
The Met Office has issued the weather warning for all of the Scottish mainland and islands off the west coast. This warning is in place from 9pm on Saturday 24 October, 2026, until 9pm on Sunday, 25 October.
A yellow wind warning is also in place covering the same area, also including Orkney, from 12pm on Saturday, 24 October.
Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The Amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.
“HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time for your journey.
“Stay tuned to media outlets for further updates and consult the Traffic Scotland website and social media channels for information relating to affected roads.”
Further information about the weather warnings can be found on the Met Office website.
SEPA has issued a number of flood alerts and you can find more information about flood updates on their website.
COMMUNITIES across the UK will be better protected against the growing threats of climate change, as the world’s first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce met for the first time this week.
The taskforce will make independent recommendations to help shape government’s approach to tackling national and international climate security challenges, and to help ensure Britain can best prepare itself for the climate crisis.
The Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, will chair the inaugural meeting, alongside Baroness Fiona Twycross. The taskforce brings together experts from across the fields of climate, nature and security to assess the UK’s readiness for security challenges created by climate change and nature loss – including General Richard Nugee, Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group and Rosie Hails, Director of Science for the National Trust.
The taskforce will establish the most significant climate and nature security risks facing the UK and define a clear vision for a more climate- and nature-secure UK. This comes as the UK has experienced a series of extreme weather events over the past year, including record-breaking heatwaves, severe drought conditions, wildfires and rising flood risks.
Minister for Climate Transition, Katie White, said: “This summer, we saw homes destroyed, families evacuated and huge stretches of our British countryside scorched by wildfires. Climate change isn’t some distant problem to worry about tomorrow, it’s happening right now.
“National security starts at home, protecting the people and places we love. That’s why our new taskforce brings together some of Britain’s best minds, from military leaders to climate scientists and security experts, to get ahead of these threats, take greater control of our future and make Britain stronger, safer and ready for whatever comes next.”
General Richard Nugee said: “The ministerial taskforce is a significant step forward.
“It offers the opportunity for real change to be proposed and delivered to ensure that this country is more resilient to the shocks from nature loss and climate change that are likely to occur in the future.”
Erin Sikorsky, Director at the Centre for Climate Risks and Security, said: “This summer’s heatwaves and wildfires made clear that climate change is already a security problem.
“The question now is how to prepare, prevent, and adapt going forward. I commend the UK government for taking that question seriously, and I’m honoured to join the taskforce to identify recommendations for the climate resilience and security investments the UK and its partners need.”
The impacts of climate change stretch to almost every corner of Britain’s way of life – from migration to energy systems, supply chains and financial stability – and this taskforce will boost the UK’s preparedness for these security challenges.
The taskforce – formally titled the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce – has a clear set of objectives:
THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER 5.45pm from DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Join a women-led night ride through North Edinburgh starting at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and exploring local highlights before finishing with a hot drink at West Pilton Park.
REGISTER HERE:
https://bbr.cyclinguk.org/?drylaw-nc-and-elgt-womens-cycling-group
Throughout September, communities across Edinburgh have taken part in activities designed to help people understand the risks associated with carrying knives and explore how to prevent violence.
The 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has provided a powerful focal point for conversations about the devastating impact of violence and knife crime.
As part of the programme, 500 pupils were funded to attend Code at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The gritty theatre production explores county lines gangs and violence through rap, parkour and BMX stunts.
The performance prompted important discussions among pupils, teachers and peers about the realities and consequences of violence.
Pupils from 13 high schools also attended Balisong, an educational play about knife crime produced by Strange Town. With support from Forth Ports, the production has toured high schools across Edinburgh, reaching thousands of pupils.
Young people have also played a key role in a creative project which saw 92 pieces of pupils’ artwork selected to form a mosaic on a Lothian bus. The artwork focuses on keeping safe and being kind, providing a positive message that was seen by people across the city.
Police Scotland school engagement officers have worked with schools and young people throughout September as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence before it starts.
The Local Policing crime prevention team took part in community workshops, while officers have been providing local retailers with advice and guidance around the responsible sale of knives.
The Council held a closing ceremony on Friday to mark the end of the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh. The event brought the community together to reflect on the month’s activities and consider how partners can build on this work to continue reducing violence and knife crime across the city.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The Knife Angel has provided a powerful opportunity to bring people together and have important conversations about knife crime, violence and how we can make our communities safer.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Knife Angel programme, particularly our schools, young people, community organisations, Police Scotland and our other partners. The creativity and commitment shown throughout the month has helped keep these important conversations going.
“Although the Knife Angel is now leaving Edinburgh, the work does not stop here. The partnerships, conversations and lessons from the past month give us a strong foundation to continue working together to prevent violence and keep our communities safe.”
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Edinburgh Division has been proud to have supported the Knife Angel residency alongside Places For People, City of Edinburgh Council and over 100 partners to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of violence crime and the support available to those affected by crimes of this nature.
“There is no place for violence in our society and our officers work daily with our communities and partners to respond to incidents of violence when they arise and support a range of diversionary activities aimed at deterring at risk groups from getting involved in violence.
“During the month of the Knife Angel residency we have helped keep people safe by patrolling the transport network, providing local retailers with advice on the responsible sale of knives, delivering inputs to schools on the dangers of weapon carrying, and, crucially, listening to those impacted by violence across our communities, including children and young people, about their experience of violence. This is all in addition to enforcement activity targeting perpetrators of violence.
“The Knife Angel has provided a platform for discussion reaching millions, united partners to roll out education programs, community engagement events, practitioner events and the sharing of accounts from those impacted by violence. However, the work does not end when the Angel goes, we remain committed to tackling violence in communities.
“If you are a young person who knows information about violent crime, including weapon possession, you can report it 100 percent anonymously via Fearless, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, at fearless.org.
“If you are an adult, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or directly to Police Scotland by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Together we can keep Edinburgh a safe place to work, live and visit.”
The Council will continue to work with partners, schools, and communities to support violence prevention and build on the work inspired by the Knife Angel’s visit.
And for Lisa Petrie, the remarkable wee mum who lost her son John McNab in a stabbing last September, the campaign goes on. The Angel may have moved on, but Lisa’s determination to ensure her terrible loss is Not In Vain remains as strong as ever.
More information about the Knife Angel’s time in Edinburgh and the Book of Remembrance is available on the Council’s website.
“This week sees an unusual – but vitally important – visitor to Leith.
“Knife Angel has been installed at Kirkgate, a huge 27ft statue constructed with 100,000 knives and bladed weapons that have been confiscated by police forces from all over the UK. Raising the important topic of knife violence within young people, the statue was brought to the town with the help of Leith mum Lisa Petrie.
“Lisa lost her 22-year-old son John to knife violence last year and since has tirelessly campaigned to make young people aware of the dangers of carrying a knife. Through her grief she is bravely doing all she can to make young people aware of the dangers of knife crime.
“Knife Angel will be in Leith for one month and I hope it creates thought provoking conversations and encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a blade and what the repercussions can be.
“The installation is part of a month-long anti-knife crime campaign aimed at children, young people and the wider community.
“The Council funded 500 high school pupils to attend Code at the Fringe, a gritty physical theatre piece centred on knife crime and country lines and the realities of getting involved with gangs. Using rap, parkour and BMX stunts, the show received rave reviews and pupils tell me it raised important discussions with peers and teachers.
“Theatre production company Strange Town have been funded, with support from Forth Ports, to take Balinsong to high schools across Edinburgh.
“The theatre performance centres on knife crime and how a split-second decision can have devastating impact on a young person’s life. Thousands of pupils will see the show which is hard-hitting and previous audiences have agreed the messaging lives on long after the curtain falls.
“For younger pupils, 92 pupils submitted artwork centred on the theme of safety with the art being turned into a mosaic that covers an entire Lothian Buses bus. Pupils were asked how young people can help make Edinburgh safer and I was blown away with some of the suggestions and the creativity of the young people.
“The bus was launched last week and I have already spied it travelling down Princes Street – it is certainly eye catching and was a good way to involve younger children in the anti-violence campaign in an age-appropriate way.
“Working with partner agencies, I was shocked to learn that carrying a knife makes you over 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of knife crime. While knife carrying and violence is decreasing in our society it is clear that we need to continue to do all we can to continue this downward trend.
“Every life lost to knife crime is a tragedy and I would urge young people, teachers and parents to use this initiative as a talking point and make sure they know the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.”
City of Edinburgh Council Has Passed The Most Extensive List of Firework Control Zones So Far
Animals and vulnerable residents in Edinburgh will benefit from protections from fireworks noise, as the city has confirmed an extension of the successful Firework Control Zones policy, championed by Greens.
Five FCZs for two years were confirmed for Corstorphine, Longstone, Gracemount, Moredun and Sighthill/Broomhouse with a further five at Lochend, Liberton, Stenhouse/Gaskell, Wester Hailes and West Pilton. These join existing Zones in Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.
14 Zones will operate in total.
Edinburgh Green spokesperson for Culture and Communities Dan Heap welcomed the move saying: “Fireworks noise an be extremely distressing for vulnerable residents and also pets, as almost any dog and cat owner will tell you, and we also have strong evidence that they pollute the air and water.
“That’s why it is so crucial we have today extend FCZs further, encompassing a large part of the city.
“I am proud of the role Greens have played in championing these essential protections for people, paws and planet.”
In 2024-25 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended 10,468 deliberate outdoor fires. Many of these involve young people.
Make sure children & young people are aware of the risks of playing with fire and the consequences of deliberately setting a fire.
More: https://rb.gy/lwjmgh
