Police release images of Davidson’s Mains assault

Ye Olde Inn, Saturday 22 August: do you know this woman?

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 Police Scotland has released CCTV images of a woman they wish to trace as part of an investigation into a serious assault earlier this year. The incident happened at around 9pm on Saturday 22 August at the Ye Olde Inn, Davidson’s Mains. Continue reading Police release images of Davidson’s Mains assault

Chain reaction: Community rallies to support Forthview following bike thefts

Mackenzies serves up support for school hit by robbery

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The Forthview Primary School community was devastated when their storage shed was broken into over a holiday weekend in May. Thieves stole bikes which had been borrowed to help teach pupils cycling proficiency, leaving the school facing a potential bill of one thousand pounds it could ill-afford to pay.

Forthview’s Tracey Berry said at the time: “Bikes that we had borrowed, so that Bill Stobie could teach bike ability to P6, have been stolen, along with footballs and gardening equipment. We are responsible for the bikes: it will cost us about £1000 to replace the them!

“Our fundraising is meant to be for outings and activities for Forthview children, not replacing things that thoughtless people have stolen. If you find one please hand it to the school – the more we find, the less money we have to pay out from the school funds.”

An appeal went out to trace the stolen bikes (see NEN blog ‘Forthview break-in: can you help trace bikes?, 11 May) – and the community response has been nothing short of remarkable!

Forthview head teacher Eileen Littlewood said: “Not only have parents, grandparents and their friends rallied to make donations for us, but a fairly new restaurant in Davidson’s Mains contacted us when they heard about the theft. They are very eager to support the community in any way they can and they offered to hold a fundraising night where staff and other people could come and enjoy a taster menu with wine for £30 a head.

“Staff who went along had a wonderful evening and the food was delicious. We enjoyed 8 courses and half a bottle of wine each. The cuisine was superb and at the end of the evening, Grant and Jamie who are the partners in the business gave us every penny back – £550!

“They did not even want to cover the costs of the food. We have been overwhelmed by their generosity. As one staff member said: ‘what a fundraiser – we made a lot of money, had a brilliant meal and wine as well!’Forthview FundraiserThe business in question is Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar in Davidson’s Mains, which opened under new management at the end of April. Mine hosts Grant and Jamie are local lads- from Granton and Wardieburn – and together with Grant’s partner Trisha pledged to help a local school in need.

The Mackenzies team’s tremendous support is greatly appreciated by all at Forthview – and they may just find that their generosity is reciprocated by a grateful community. Well done, Mackenzies!

PS: And the icing on the cake – a number of the missing bikes have been recovered too! 

 

 

Did you witness D Mains hit and run?

policecarPolice are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run incident in Davidson’s Mains last Sunday (30 November).

A thirteen-year-old boy was on a push-along scooter in Main Street at around 8.10pm when the collision occurred after the car mounted the pavement. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the incident and was last seen heading towards the Drylaw area, and anyone who can assist officers with their ongoing enquiry is asked to come forward.

The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured people carrier type similar to a Citroen C4 hatchback.

Inspector Chris Scobbie said: “Fortunately, the boy was not more seriously injured as a result of this incident, but he still required treatment at hospital. The driver failed to stop and we are conducting local enquiries to trace this individual.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and who may have information relevant to this investigation. In addition, I would urge the driver to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents should contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Royal High School boy missing

roninPolice in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses to help trace a 13 year old boy. Ronin Bisset was reported missing by family at 6pm yesterday ( Thursday 18 September) after he failed to return home from The Royal High School.

Ronin was last seen by friends earlier at 5.30pm, on Quality Street, heading into Davidson’s Mains Park, believed to be heading home.

He is described as male, white, 5ft 6in tall, stocky build, short dark hair, glasses, black school jacket, white shirt and black trousers with a bright yellow and black school bag.

Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin who is leading the enquiry said: “Ronin has now been missing overnight, and as time passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for this 13 year-old school boy. I would appeal to anyone who has seen Ronin in the Davidson’s Mains area or further afield, or has any information relating to his whereabouts, to contact us immediately on 101, to assist our enquiries”.

Officers are involved in searches of the area and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who has information or has seen Ronan should contact Police Scotland on 101.

Weather looking good for D Mains Gala

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Organisers of the annual Davidsons Mains Children’s Gala will be keeping an anxious eye on weather forecasts this morning.

However the forecasts are certainly looking good for today so fingers crossed for a day of sun and fun!

The Parade leaves the Green at 1130am, progressing along Main Street, past Tesco and on to Lauriston Castle. The crowning of the Gala King and Queen will take place at around midday on the stage and this will be followed by a full programme of activities until 5pm.

Mist, drizzle and murk: D Mains Gala 2012
Mist, drizzle and murk: D Mains Gala 2012

 

D Mains Park is 90!

Art exhibition kicks off birthday celebrations

 

Dmains ParkA number of activities have been planned to celebrate Davidson Mains Park’s 90th birthday this year.

Getting the party started is an exhibition of art created by pupils from Davidson’s Mains Primary and the Royal High School. The exhibition can be viewed in Holy Cross Church Hall on Quality Street next week.

The exhibition opens on Thursday 10 April from 3-8pm (private view in the evening), Friday 11 April 3-8pm and on Saturday 12 April from 11-4 pm.

All welcome – don’t miss it!

Bogus workmen alert

Police in North Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following two bogus caller incidents in the area this week.

An 84-year-old woman was within her home on Bellevue Road on Monday (9 December) at around 10am when two men called at the door offering to carry out maintenance on the property.

After agreeing a fee with the occupants, one of the men left to get equipment while the other man followed the lady into her back garden to retrieve an item.

On going back into the house the victim stopped to lock the backdoor while the man went out into the front. She realised at that time that her purse had been stolen and both men had disappeared.

Both men are described as white, Scottish, with a local accent, around 50 years old, with an average build and 6ft tall. One of the men had a full beard.

In the second incident, an 85-year-old woman was at her home in Davidson Mains on Tuesday (10 December) at around 3.30pm when a man arrived at her door asking if she needed any gardening done. When she refused, the suspect asked if he could come in while waiting for someone. She agreed and whilst in the kitchen area the suspect is believed to have taken her handbag and gone back outside.

The suspect is described as having a tanned complexion, aged late 20’s to early 30’s, possibly sporting a moustache or facial stubble and spoke with a local accent. He was  wearing a dark winter hat, dark jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Stuart Harkness from Police Scotland said: “The elderly occupants have been left very upset after having their belongings stolen from within their house. Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the Belleview or Davidson Mains area of the city is asked to contact police immediately.

“Bogus workmen normally prey on the most vulnerable members of the community, particular the elderly and our communities are asked to be vigilant for people calling at the doors of neighbours, friends and loved ones.

“Similarly, all members of the public are advised to check the identification of anyone attending at their address seeking to carry out work. If they are not happy with the callers they should refuse them entry and phone the police”.

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland 101, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.