POLICE in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of two women they wish to speak to in connection with thefts in the city.
The incidents happened between Thursday, 9 February, 2023 and Saturday, 11 February, 2023, in Gorgie Road and Lanark Road.
The first woman is described as aged 30 to 40, has long dark hair with blonde highlights, a tanned complexion, and was wearing a knee length coat and jeans.
The second women is described as late teens to early 20s, with a tanned complexion, long dark hair, and of slim build. She was wearing a black puffer style jacket, skinny jeans and trainers.
Police Constable Gillian Trevis, from Wester Hailes Police Station, said: “I would appeal to anyone who recognises the women in the images to please get in touch as it is important that we speak to them as part of our investigation.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting incident number 2783 of Thursday, 9 February, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”
A Glasgow-based housing developer has broken ground on a new sustainable 25-flat development in Edinburgh, with support from Bank of Scotland.
Carmichael Homes has delivered 11 developments across Greater Glasgow over the past nine years, including sites in Finnieston and Bishopbriggs. Building on its success, the firm has recently started construction on a new 25-flat development made up of a range of one to four-bed flats on Lanark Road in Edinburgh.
The latest development in Edinburgh will feature a green roof to help the building retain water and aid local biodiversity, enhanced high performing glazing for added insulation, modern fans and an energy efficient boiler system, linked to solar panels.
To support the development, Carmichael Homes secured a seven-figure funding package via Bank of Scotland’s Clean Growth Finance Initiative (CGFI) which provides discounted lending to help firms invest in sustainable projects.
The construction of the new flats is expected to take 16 months, with completion expected by December 2022. The business currently has three live developments across Glasgow and Edinburgh and is expecting a further three projects to go live next year – all of which will be developed with a focus on sustainability.
Carmichael Homes is also supporting Scottish businesses during the development, using products from Wick-based Ashley Ann Kitchens, Aberdeen-based Stewart Milne and many more locally sourced companies.
Scott Carmichael, managing director of Carmichael Homes, said:“At Carmichael Homes, we create high-quality properties that are sustainably built to help Scotland on its way to net zero.
“The support from Bank of Scotland has been a massive boost to our business. It has enabled us to equip each property with a host of eco-friendly features and ensure each flat has a low carbon footprint.
“The project will also mark a continuation in our expansion into Edinburgh. A recent report* found that people across Edinburgh are concerned with the current climate emergency and by building new homes with this in mind, we are continuing our commitment to provide sustainable homes across Scotland.”
Douglas Spowart, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, said:“Earlier this year it was reported that renewables met 97% of the country’s electricity demand in 2020.
“While this was a positive development on our path towards net zero, there’s still more that can be done. Businesses in sectors ranging from agriculture to construction can all play a considerable role in helping us decarbonise.
“Carmichael Homes’ new project in Edinburgh is a prime example of a Scottish business doing just that and we’re proud to be supporting them with this new sustainable project.
“With COP26 just around the corner, we’ll continue to support businesses like Carmichael Homes as they work to reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions and strengthen our ever-growing green credentials.”
Police are appealing for information after two cars were deliberately set on fire in the Colinton area.
The incident happened around 11.30pm on Wednesday (14 July 2021) on the driveway of a property in Spylaw Park.
Officers are keen to speak to two men seen at the time, both wearing grey tracksuits and dark-coloured trainers. One is described as around 6ft, the other as around 5ft 10ins and he was riding a mountain bike and carrying a rucksack.
The men may also have been in Lanark Road and Spylaw Avenue around the time of the incident.
Detective Constable Sam Gillies, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Fortunately no one was injured but this was a deliberate and reckless act that has destroyed two cars and could have caused more extensive damage if the fire had not been put out quickly by the fire service.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch, including if you were driving and have dash-cam footage that could help with our investigation.
“If you can help please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4203 of Wednesday, 14 July, 2021, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
“we are aware of local concerns, and we’ve made a number of changes in response” – Transportand Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes
Work on measures to ‘significantly improve’ cycle safety on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road as part of the Spaces for People programme will begin next week, the city council has announced:
Following feedback from the community we’ve made several amendments to the scheme, which will include a segregated cycle lane on both sides of the road and speed limit reductions.
Along with pop-up cycle lanes on Slateford Road and Dundee Street/Fountainbridge, interventions will help relieve congestion on the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway. These shared use paths have seen a substantial increase in pedestrians and cyclists during lockdown with at least a 150% rise in cyclists during the summer. This alternative route will help reduce conflict and allow for physical distancing, particularly on narrower sections like the Slateford Aqueduct.
Since sharing the original proposals with stakeholders we’ve made changes to the designs in response to comments from local people, largely to maximise parking access for businesses and any residents who don’t have driveways.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (SNP) said: This scheme will introduce a much-needed safe and welcoming route for those making essential journeys by foot, bike or wheelchair, offering an alternative to the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway.
“It’s clear from our own monitoring that these popular shared-use paths are becoming over-crowded and we simply must provide other options for the many people who don’t own a car, who don’t feel comfortable using public transport at present or who want to take daily exercise on foot or bike.
“Of course, we are aware of local concerns, and we’ve made a number of changes in response. The beauty of the scheme’s temporary nature is that we’ll be able to continue monitoring its effectiveness too, making further tweaks where possible.
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran (Labour) said: “This is all about providing safe, convenient options for those making essential journeys and this is a key route for those travelling out of the city.
“Our Spaces for People team have worked hard to respond to concerns from residents and businesses and as a result the designs have been changed. Ultimately, this is about protecting the safety of vulnerable road users, and providing space for people to physically distance, and schemes like these are essential for achieving that.”
Measures on Lanark Road and Inglis Green Road will include:
Segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the road, protected from traffic
A reduced speed limit, from 40mph to 30mph
The removal of the kerbside traffic lane, except on approach to junctions
The introduction of a bus lane on approach to Gillespie crossroads
Measures on Longstone Road will include:
Introduction of segregated, and advisory cycle lanes as space allows
A reduced speed limit, from 30mph to 20mph
Carriageway narrowing and parking restrictions at certain points
Safety improvements at Longstone Roundabout
Changes to designs following community feedback will see additional parking retained at:
Cranley Nursery
Lanark Road Nursery
Dovecot Park
Inglis Green Road
Kingsknowe Golf Course
Redhall area
As part of the development of the scheme we’ve liaised closely with a range of stakeholders, such as the emergency services, Lothian Buses, community councils, equalities organisations, Spokes and Living Streets to ensure designs don’t impact on essential services or accessibility and that they provide an improved environment for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.
Once introduced, we will continue to monitor the changes, carrying out regular reviews and tweaking where necessary.
This project is one of a range of improvements being made across the city as part of the Spaces for People programme, which is helping to provide safe, welcoming routes for walking, cycling and wheeling while allowing people to physically distance during COVID-19 restrictions.
