Leith Links sex attack: man charged

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A 24-year-old man has been charged with rape following a serious sexual assault on Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The incident happened at 1am, when a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man who produced a knife before subjecting her to the attack. The man then made off and the victim contacted police.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “This was a horrendous attack, which left the victim deeply distressed and she is now being supported by Police Scotland and other relevant partner agencies.

“The incident was carried out in a public area and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Leith Links in the early hours of Thursday morning and saw anything suspicious.

“Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any further information that can help us trace the man responsible is also asked to contact police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Sara Buchanan said: “We understand that this incident may have an impact on the local community and so high-visibility patrols are currently being deployed within the Leith Links to engage with members of the public and offer reassurance.

“In addition officers will be liaising with relevant partner agencies to assist anyone affected by this attack.

“I would urge anyone who wishes to speak with an officer in relation to this incident to approach one of the officers at the scene, contact 101 or make an anonymous report via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

MELA looking for volunteers

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The Edinburgh Mela Festival 2014 is looking for volunteers

Friday 29 – Sunday 31 August

A carnival atmosphere with a vibrant and exciting mix of dance, music, street art and theatre, The Edinburgh Mela Festival is a lively, colourful event for all the family.

We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join the Festival team, so if you are looking for a fun, summer experience then this is the opportunity for you…

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Artist Liaison, Audience Services, Market Stalls, Kids and family area, Green Recycling Team and Marketing.

We provide:

Ø A volunteer training session, which will give you a chance to meet your volunteer colleagues

Ø Travel expenses to and from the Festival

Ø A meal per shift plus refreshments from our hospitality area

Ø 2 complimentary day tickets

Ø A limited edition Mela t-shirt

Ø You will be able to ask for a reference on successful completion of your volunteer post

You will be asked to attend a short, informal interview and training session.

To find out more, please contact Antonia Dickson on 07870621086 or email volunteer@edinburgh-mela.co.uk; alternatively write to The Edinburgh Mela, Unit 14, Abbeymount Techbase, 2 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5AN

The deadline for all opportunities is Sunday 10 August.

http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/

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New venue for Edinburgh Moonwalk

Leith Links will be the location for this year’s MoonWalk Edinburgh charity fundraiser, and while it’s a bit chilly to be thinking about such things just now, registration for the June event is now open!

New Year, New Moon, New You!

Grant-making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce two new and very exciting Power Walking challenges for The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland on June 8. The event is also being held at a brand new venue – Leith Links.

Sign up for the New Moon and you can join a huge sleepover.  Not so much sleep, but you will be able to walk 6.6 miles, or get a team of four together to complete a Marathon between you. Best of all, whilst you wait for your turn to walk, you can snuggle up, eat popcorn and watch films in our huge pink tent. If you’ve never taken part in a Marathon, this is a great place to start.

Or if you are looking for the next extreme challenge, then the “Over the Moon” is for you. Two MoonWalks back to back, covering a distance of 52.4 miles!

Walk the Walk is still offering its famous Half Moon (13.1 miles) and Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenges, with all walkers uniting together to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

All walkers over the age of 13 wear Walk the Walk’s trademark brightly decorated bras. This year’s theme is “Psychedelic Extravaganza”, where the swinging 60’s meets 2013!

The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland has raised in excess of £15 million since it was launched eight years ago. Most of the money raised stays in Scotland, helping to improve the lives of people with cancer. More than £1.5 million was raised by the 2012 event alone.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk The Walk said: “Anybody can do The MoonWalk. I have seen many women and men over the years commit to taking part, with no idea of how they are actually going to achieve it. Most of them have never done any regular exercise, let along taken part in a Marathon.
It really is wonderful that with the support of thousands of people in Scotland, Walk the Walk has succeeded in raising more than £15 million, making a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients across Scotland. We also know from the many thousands of letters we receive, that by taking part in The MoonWalk, we are helping people to become fitter and healthier, changing their lives for the better. So, come and join our Magical Mystery Tour, a Psychedelic Extravaganza, where anything goes, as long as it is bright and bold”!

Entries for The MoonWalk Edinburgh Scotland are now open. To enter and for more information about Walk the Walk, go to www.walkthewalk.org

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