Road policing officers are appealing following a serious crash in the Drumbrae Terrace area.
The incident happened around 1.30am this morning (Thursday, 16 October), and involved a black Suzuki Jimny car which hit a building at Drumbrae park.
Emergency services attended and a 20-year-old man, a passenger, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as critical.
The driver, an 18-year-old man, and another passenger, a 19-year-old man, were treated at hospital for minor injuries.
Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are asking people in the area to check any private CCTV from the surrounding streets to see if they have captured anything that could assist.
“If you were driving in the area please also check to see if you have any dash-cam that might help with our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0194 of Thursday, 16 October, 2025.
Nine emergency service workers and five members of the public have been presented with Brave@Heart awards by First Minister John Swinney.
Among those commended for acts of courage and bravery was an off duty firefighter who rescued two sailors on a boat which had crashed into rocks near St Andrews. Two police officers were recognised for calmly and decisively taking action against a man with a suspected firearm in West Lothian.
Another winner included a woman who saved two people from burning cars following a collision in the Scottish Borders, saving both their lives. Two children aged 11 and 9 in Aberdeen saved the life of their mother after she suffered a cardiac arrest – they called 999 and put their mum into the recovery position while following the advice of the emergency services call handler and seeking help from their neighbours.
During a ceremony at the First Minister’s official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh last night, John Swinney also presented five Brave@Heart award winners with St Andrew’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional bravery including Police Constable Aaron McCall & Police Sergeant Paul Griffiths, Nathan Foster, Damon Creevey and Ian Skinner.
Since 2010, the Brave@Heart Awards have recognised acts of bravery by staff of the blue-light services, voluntary sector rescue organisations and members of the public. The recipients each year are chosen by an independent validation panel.
First Minister John Swinney said: “One of my greatest privileges as First Minister is celebrating the remarkable people who make their communities and our society better. The Brave@Heart awards do just that as we honour extraordinary individuals who have changed lives, saved lives, and left a lasting impact on others.
“Everyone who has received an award has, in a moment that truly mattered, stepped forward with bravery and conviction. That is clear from the powerful stories shared by the validation panel, and even more so from hearing these experiences firsthand.
“With these awards, we shine a light on their courage, so that their stories can continue to inspire others. They remind us that bravery can come from anywhere, in any circumstance and that bravery can make all the difference.”
Brave@Heart Validation Panel Chair David Garbutt said: “As Chair of the First Minister’s Awards Validation Panel, I’ve been deeply honoured to hear the nominations from our emergency services about so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens in Scotland, with ordinary people going far beyond the norm to help others.
“It’s been a truly humbling experience and a great privilege to be part of this process.”
SCOTTISH AMBULANCE SERVICE HAILS BRAVE@HEART AWARDEES
Two brave siblings who saved their mum’s life and three Scottish Ambulance Service staff have been recognised at this year’s Brave@Heart awards.
The awards celebrate acts of bravery in exceptional circumstances by blue-light services, voluntary rescue organisations and members of the public.
Youngsters Oliver Liddle and Arianna Liddle, along with SAS staff Ian Skinner, Colene Buchan and Jill Summers, all collected certificates on Tuesday (October 7) at a ceremony at Bute House, attended by the First Minister.
Oliver, 12, and Arianna, 11, of Aberdeen, provided immediate care to their mum after she had a cardiac arrest last year.
Arianna called 999 after finding Donna, who suffered a cardiac arrest, unresponsive on the floor while Oliver put her into the recovery position. After speaking to the call handler, several ambulance staff were dispatched with help arriving within six minutes.
Their award nomination said: “Without the prompt and brave action of Oliver and Arianna, Donna may not have been alive today. It was a stressful time, but Donna has made an amazing recovery.”
Iain Skinner, Advanced Paramedic based at Killin Ambulance Station, attended to a challenging incident involving a patient last year.
He was nominated by a fellow member of staff who said: “Through his quick thinking, physical intervention and bravery, Iain ensured the safety of all present and successfully managed the situation.”
Paramedics Jill Summers and Colene Buchan, both based at Fraserburgh, attended to a challenging situation involving a multi-agency response where they bravely descended an extremely high and unstable cliff to attend to a patient.
Their award nomination said: “They are a credit to the Scottish Ambulance Service and most importantly were brave, skilled and effective under extreme pressure.”
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The actions of all the Brave@Heart recipients are truly commendable, and they have each showed extraordinary bravery.
“They are all wonderful ambassadors for the Scottish Ambulance Service. I’d like also to commend the actions of Oliver and Arianna. Their quick-thinking saved their mum’s life.”
Road users in Edinburgh are being asked to consider distance, blind spots and visibility as part of an initiative by road policing officers in the city.
Police Scotland is working with partners including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh City Council and David Philp Commercials, to encourage everyone to be more aware.
A number of vehicles were on Castle Street yesterday (Thursday, 28 August), demonstrating blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians.
PC Stewart Sinclair from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh, said: “We are encouraging everyone to think about how visible and safe they are. Many of us are unaware how much or little a driver can see because of blind spots. This event will give awareness to more vulnerable road users how to keep themselves safe on the road network.
“Visibility is very important in terms of making our roads safer and I would like everyone, including pedestrians, to think about how they are seen, especially if a street is poorly lit after dark. Visibility is very different to that of a bus, car, lorry, motorbike or bike.
“I must emphasise the need for all road users to look out for each other and give each other space. Unfortunately, when a crash happens it is often a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist injured.
Willie Hamilton, Operations Director, Lothian Buses, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Police Scotland and other key stakeholders to help raise awareness around cyclist visibility and potential blind spots on our roads.
“With a network of over 70 routes across Edinburgh and the Lothians, we invest heavily in our driver training programme which covers all aspects of road safety including awareness of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.”
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Crew Commander David Main, said: “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service welcomes the opportunity to support this initiative and work with partners to improve the safety of all road users in the Edinburgh area.
“By working to improve awareness and encouraging everyone to think about safe distances, blind spots, visibility when on or around our roads we can make our roads safer for everyone”
Nine Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ) will be introduced in Edinburgh this year to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks around Bonfire Night.
FCZs, which ban the use of fireworks in a specific area, were first implemented in Edinburgh last year and covered Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.
On Thursday, members of the Culture and Communities Committee voted to reintroduce FCZs in these areas for two years, in addition to FCZs in Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill between 31 October and 9 November 2025.
In March people were invited to apply for their local area to become an FCZ resulting in proposals for Corstorphine, Moredun, Gracemount, Longstone and Sighthill. A subsequent public consultation on FCZs for these areas, alongside Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield, found overwhelming support for their introduction.
Amongst the reasons community groups stated in their applications for FCZs were the misuse of fireworks and the protection of animals and vulnerable people.
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Grahamsaid: ““We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and these FCZs are part of our efforts to ensure that.
“The new FCZs being introduced are based on community requests and respond to real concerns around the safety of people and animals in these areas. This is in addition to the FCZs first introduced last year, which we found had a really positive effect.
“This is just one tool for minimising the negative impact of fireworks at this time of year, and we’ll continue to work closely with partners to look at different ways of addressing the issue.”
It is intended that FCZs will align with any Dispersal Zones planned by Police Scotland around Bonfire Night.
They will also support work to tackle antisocial behaviour with partners like Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) as part of the Citywide Bonfire Strategic Planning Community Improvement Partnership (CIP).
This includes patrols of fly-tipping hotspots, co-ordination of CCTV cameras, visits to premises licensed to sell fireworks to conduct safety checks and youth engagement initiatives.
Emergency services attended a major fire on Arthur’s Seat yesterday.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said last night: “We were alerted at 4.05pm on Sunday, 10 August, to reports of a fire in the open at Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.
“Operations Control mobilised four fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters are working to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of gorse.
“There are no reported casualties at this time and crews remain at the scene.”
Firefighters remained onsite overnight but the fire is now under control.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) convened a SGORR Ministerial meeting last night to co-ordinate the response to Storm Floris.Justice Secretary Angela Constance chaired the meeting.
Utilities companies are working to reconnect properties with the weather impact on power networks expected to continue through the night. 43,000 homes were affected.
The Transport Scotland Resilience Room (TSRR) and the Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) remain activated to monitor and report on conditions.
Trunk road Operating Companies have responded to multiple fallen trees and damaged infrastructure across the network and have engaged specialist resources to assist.
There have been 119 incidents on the rail network caused by Storm Floris, including 75 tree related incidents. Of those, 85% were due to third party trees.
With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service.
ScotRail is urging customers to check their journey before they travel via the app, website or JourneyCheck. The train operator will also provide updates across social media channels throughout the night.
Ms Constance said last night: “As expected, there has been significant disruption, particularly across the travel networks. We are still in an amber warning, and the advice remains to stay well informed, keep yourselves and others safe and avoid travel if you can, until the danger has passed.
“Power cuts are affecting a significant number of properties, and while utilities companies are working hard to reconnect supply in the face of challenging conditions, this will undoubtedly take some time to complete. The weather is expected to improve tomorrow (Tuesday), but the recovery period – both to reconnect homes to power and get transport back to normal – will require some time to clear the debris.
“We will continue to receive updates throughout Tuesday and will have a better idea on public transport tomorrow morning.”
The latest Met Office weather warnings are available on the Met Office website.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
DOZENS INJURED AS CAR PLOUGHS INTO CELEBRATING CROWD
Statement from Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and partners from last night’s press conference following the incident on Water Street in Liverpool city centre:
ACC Sims: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all those injured in tonight’s horrific incident, their families and friends, and all those affected by the terrible tragedy that has taken place today.
“I want to thank all the emergency services, partner agencies and members of the public who came to the assistance of the injured following this evening’s shocking events.
“This had been a joyous day in Liverpool with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory parade.
“Sadly, at just after 6 o’clock this evening, as the parade was drawing to a close, we received reports that a car had been in collision with a number of pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool city centre.
“A number of people have been injured and were taken to hospital.
“In addition a large number of people of all ages were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.
“Specialist officers have been put in place to support the injured and their families.
“Our emergency services colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and Mersey Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene and will be able to provide further updates.
“The car stopped at the scene and a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested. We believe him to be the driver of the vehicle.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and it is vital that people do not speculate or spread misinformation on social media.
“I know that people will understandably be concerned by what has happened tonight.
“What I can tell you is that we believe this to be an isolated incident and we are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to it.
“The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.
“We would ask that people refrain from sharing distressing footage from the incident online and please share any information directly with our investigation team. Information, including video footage, can be passed on via the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) –
“In the lead up to this event we have been working closely with event organisers and a robust traffic management plan was put in place for the parade which included a number of road closures throughout the route and the city centre.
“We will provide any further updates as soon as we have them.”
Dave Kitchin, from North West Ambulance Service, said: “All of us at North West Ambulance Service are horrified and saddened that a day of celebration for the people of Liverpool could end in such terrible circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who witnessed the incident and those who have been injured.
“As large crowds were expected in the city centre to celebrate Liverpool Football Club’s victory, we thankfully had a substantial presence already close to the route, as we would do for any event of this type.
“Our ambulances, hazardous area response team, MERIT doctors, North West Air Ambulance and senior clinicians were very quickly on scene to offer aid and treatment.
“St John Ambulance also had clinical teams present to support us, and were quick to respond, our thanks go to them for their assistance.
“Our emergency ambulances took patients to our NHS colleagues at Royal Liverpool, Alder Hey, Arrowe Park and Aintree Hospitals. Sadly, four of the injured were children who were enjoying the day with their friends and families.
“We can confirm that our teams treated 20 patients at the scene for minor injuries – these did not need hospital treatment.
“27 patients in total were taken to hospital by ambulance and we believe two of those, including one of the children, have sustained injuries deemed to be serious.
“Our cyclist paramedic was also unfortunately struck by the vehicle, but we are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained.
“We also know some patients have self-presented at local hospitals.
“We are working closely with our partners at Merseyside Police and share their appeal for calm. This is indeed, an appalling incident, and we understand that people will be deeply upset. The people of Liverpool have shown many times before that you are a strong community, you support one another.
“All of us at North West Ambulance Service share with you the frustration that this wonderful day has ended like this. We hope those who have been injured make a speedy recovery, and would like to extend our thanks to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, both of whom assisted us in tending to the injured, as did many of the supporters in the crowd. As well as our NHS colleagues who continue to treat the casualties.
“To the people of Liverpool, we are sorry this has happened to you today – we are all thinking of you.”
Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle, from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this incident this evening.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were informed at 1807, we immediately mobilised 3 fire engines to Water Street and were in attendance in 4 minutes.
“On arrival the crews were met with numerous injured people and 4 persons trapped under a vehicle.
“Our crews rapidly lifted the vehicle, removed people from beneath and passed them to our Ambulance colleagues. We then worked with emergency service partners to ensure casualties received medical treatment and transport to hospital as quickly as possible. My Fire crews will maintain a visible and reassuring presence in the coming days and weeks.”
Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “I’d like to start by saying on behalf of everyone in Liverpool how much our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this appalling incident in the city centre.
“It has cast a very dark shadow over what had been a joyous day and the finale to a fabulous bank holiday weekend.
“We are working closely with Merseyside Police to support their investigation, and with other relevant organisations to make sure those affected get the appropriate support.
“I would urge people not to speculate as to the motives behind this appalling incident and to allow Merseyside Police to conduct their investigation.
“We won’t be commenting any further but will provide relevant updates as and when we know more and it is appropriate to.
“Once again, our hearts go out to all those affected.
“Liverpool is a city that has a proud history of coming together and supporting each other during challenging times
“I’ve no doubt that will again be the case over the coming days and weeks.”
Liverpool Football Club said last night: “We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities who are dealing with this incident.”
A very high to extreme risk of wildfire remains in place across areas of Scotland today Monday, 12 May, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.
Firefighters are currently tackling one major blaze near Fauldhouse in West Lothian. The fire broke out on Saturday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
SFRS Wildfire Lead Michael Humphreys said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
Frontline Melrose staff members from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will appear on a new series of Paramedics on Scene, which airs on Tuesday.
Lee Myers, Paramedic, and Mark Kerr, Technician will feature alongside SAS’s West Ambulance Control Centre (ACC), West SORT (Special Operations Response Team) and Melrose frontline staff.
Lee and Mark said: “It’s been a great experience working with the film crews and being given the opportunity to demonstrate the work we do within our local community, the highs, the lows, and the effect that has on us and how we cope. It’s not all blue lights and sirens.
“The border towns are close knit communities, and I think the residents take great comfort at difficult times from knowing that they and the crew are likely to be connected either through family, work, or friends.”
Season Six of Paramedics on Scene is on BBC Scotland at 9am on Tuesday and repeated at 10pm on Thursday. It is also available on BBC iPlayer.
The next episode features a woman thrown off a horse, a crew called to a man who has taken some illegal drugs and close to death, and the air ambulance team bring a sick eight-year-old from Campbeltown to the Children’s hospital in Glasgow.
Lee Myers and Mark Kerr, here pictured with Fraser McArthur of Firecrest
Barchester’s Strachan House care home in Edinburgh is proud to provide a much-needed pit stop for all local emergency services.
At any time of the day or night, hard-working emergency workers can call into the care home to get a hot or cold drink and a tasty bite to eat either to have at the home or to take away with them if time is tight.
Everyone at Strachan House is delighted to be able to offer this service to our wonderful emergency crews to thank them for all that they do.
When crews come to Strachan House, they are always so glad of a drink and a rest if there is time so staff and residents decided to extend this offer to all emergency teams in the area and they want to spread the word that all blue light staff are always welcome to stop in for a rest and some refreshment.
The home has prepared snack bags to keep on hand should a crew have no time to rest and just need to grab a bag and go.
Frances Fisher, General Manager for Strachan House, said: “We all know how hard our emergency services work and how much we rely on them.
“We wanted to say thank you for all that they do to protect and support us and this is our way of giving back. We want our local emergency services to know they are always welcome here at Strachan House”.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care and specialist dementia care. For more information, please contact StrachanHousee@Barchester.com
