Following an attempt shoplifting incident in Morningside yesterday (Thursday 25 April) police officers traced a 12-year-old boy who has now been charged with making threats of violence towards staff.
Community Sergeant Jen Macgregor said: ‘Behaving and acting in a threatening and abusive way will not be tolerated by our communities.
“Our officers continue to deal with any reports robustly and work tirelessly with families, schools and partners to deter such incidents.
“Please check in with your kids when they’re out and about to ensure they are safe and not involved in anti-social-behaviour or criminality.’
Following a number of recent anti-social-behaviour incidents in the Morningside and Bruntsfield areas, 9 people between the ages of 13-14 years have been identified and charged with 77 offences relating to ASB offences.
Community Inspector Scott Casey of St. Leonard’s Police Station said “ASB is a blight on our communities and I recognise the fear it causes.
“It will not be tolerated in south-east of Edinburgh and my team and I are committed to tackling it and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would encourage members of the public who are experiencing such issues to get in touch with my team via 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”
LEGENDARY fashion mogul, Jeff Banks made a surprise appearance in Edinburgh at the weekend (Saturday 16 March) as he officially opened a brand-new, £750,000 opticians and audiologists in the capital.
The designer was invited to cut the ribbon at the recently relocated Specsavers Morningside store at 85 Morningside Road, alongside retail director Joe Alubaid, clinical director Michael O’Kane and audiology partner Jonathan Bell.
As well as running a week-long competition and giveaway on local radio station Forth One to celebrate the occasion, one lucky customer was also surprised with a Jeff Banks designer bundle in-store on the day.
It comes as Specsavers marks 15 years of helping people in Morningside with their eye and hearing care needs.
Joe Alubaid, retail director of Specsavers Morningside, says: ‘We were thrilled to welcome Jeff to officially open our new home at 85 Morningside Road, just as we pass our milestone 15-year anniversary.
‘This was a truly monumental moment for our team and our fantastic customers, and we can’t wait to share our new space with them for years to come.’
The store is a significant step-up from its previous home at 302 Morningside Road, with the number of testing rooms increased to seven in response to increased customer demand.
Positioned across two floors, the new offering includes a dedicated audiology room and a brand-new contact lens space.
State-of-the-art equipment has been installed throughout, including two Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines, as well as bigger, more spacious waiting areas and a reception to welcome customers ahead of their appointments.
Michael O’Kane, clinical director at Specsavers in Morningside, says: ‘Everything we have introduced in the new store has been in response to the needs of our growing customer base and the local community.
‘There is an ageing, yet independent and healthy population, in the south of Edinburgh, however age-related conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and hearing loss are all becoming more common.
‘What’s more, myopia (short sightedness) is also becoming more prevalent in children within the UK. That is why we have designed our new store specifically to address these emerging needs of our local community.
‘Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential, and so our increased testing capacity and state-of-the-art diagnostic machines will allow our expert team to quickly identify any problems that may be detected.
‘‘So many of our customers also come to us because of our extensive contact lens offering, including myopia control lens options at Specsavers’s prices.
‘Our new store will allow us to expand our contact lens support with the introduction of two new dedicated contact lens teaching areas, while we also have plans to introduce a dedicated contact lens optician into our practice alongside our experienced optometrists to provide our customers with even more support.’
Specsavers Morningside, located at 85 Morningside Road, is open from 9am – 6:30pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 6pm Friday and Saturday and 10am – 6pm every Sunday.
To book an appointment, call the store directly on 0131 446 9960 for eye health specialists or 0131 672 9218 for hearing specialist, or visit:
Specsavers is celebrating 40 years of care this year and is now the largest privately-owned eye care and audiology company in the world with more than 2,500 businesses in 11 countries.
The company is committed to changing lives through better sight and hearing by making expert care accessible and affordable for everyone, and also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to travel to one of its 1,000 locally owned stores.
The Scottish charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has been awarded a generous grant of £109,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to create a new programme of activity designed to support local people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
This award from The National Lottery Community Fund will be given to the charity over three years and is forecast to benefit 600 people.
Funding 18 volunteers and supporting the addition of a new role of Community Engagement Worker, the team will support local people to live fuller and less isolated lives. They will do this by making positive changes to their daily routine through participation in a variety of activities and outings such as weekly Wellbeing Lunches and the “Community Living Room” development, which are key parts of the Eric Liddell Open Community Programme.
Founded in 1980 in memory of Eric Liddell – the 1924 Olympic 400m gold medallist, Scottish Rugby international and committed missionary – The Eric Liddell Community exists to create a place where no one feels lonely or isolated.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said:“We are absolutely delighted and humbled to receive this generous grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
“This funding will allow us to expand our reach and build an entirely new programme over the next 3 years, enabling us to continue the legacy of Eric Liddell, the celebrated Scottish Olympic athlete, who dedicated his life to serving others.
“No one deserves to feel lonely or isolated; we’re committed to ensuring this isn’t the case in our communities and we’re excited about the opportunities this grant presents for us to make a much-needed difference.”
The cash gift also signifies the fund’s powerful vote of confidence in The Eric Liddell Community’s mission to combat loneliness in communities across Scotland.
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.
“This project delivered by Eric Liddell Community, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved not only during the Festive season, but all year round, when people come together for a common cause or to help others.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”
For more information about The Eric Liddell Community and its initiatives, please visit ericliddell.org.
Detectives are appealing for information following a disturbance on Alvanley Terrace in Bruntsfield.
Around 5.20pm on Saturday, 2 December, 2023 police were called to reports of an assault where a woman was threatened and pushed into her vehicle by a man.
The car, a black coloured Hyundai ix35, was parked on Alvanley Terrace, adjacent to Bruntsfield Links.
The man was startled by a witness and was seen to leave in the direction of Bruntsfield Place, where it is believed he got into a silver Peugeot and left in the direction of Morningside.
The man is described as white, late 30s, of average build, with dark brown hair which is long on the top and short at the back and sides. He has a sleeve tattoo and was wearing a light grey hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper, from Edinburgh Division CID, said: “Although the woman wasn’t physically injured, she has been left shaken by the incident.
“Whilst there is no risk to the wider public, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or observed the suspect in the surrounding areas before or after the incident mentioned, to please get in touch.
“We would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2768 of 2 December. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
SUCCESS FOR MORNINGSIDE’s OPEN DOOR CAFE MUSIC PROJECT
Nine hard-working Scottish community groups have won up to £70,000 each of National Lottery funding in this year’s The People’s Projects. The vital funding was awarded after they won the public over with their plans to make a life-changing difference in their local communities.
The groups were among 95 worthwhile projects across the UK in the running to share over £4 million in National Lottery funding as part of this year’s The People’s Projects.
The People’s Projects sees The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) working together to give the public a unique say in how National Lottery funding should be invested in their local area.
One of the winners was The Open Door Edinburgh’s Music for Health and Wellbeing project.
The Morningside project will use the power of music – songs, sounds and rhythms – to improve the health and well-being of older people with dementia and other support needs. They will also provide a range of Daycare services that helps the elderly, and the most vulnerable in the community, to age well.
Since The People’s Projects started in 2005, it has awarded around £45 million to over 1,000 good causes, delivering vital grants to the heart of UK communities.
Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects highlights the incredible work of inspiring community groups in Scotland and throughout the UK. We are proud to have given local people throughout the country a say in where over £4 million of vital National Lottery funding will go.
“We congratulate this year’s winners and look forward to seeing them make a life-changing difference in their communities.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, distributes money raised by National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million each week across the UK for good causes.
Last year, it awarded over half a billion pounds (£579.8 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 14,500 projects. Over the last three years, its funding has reached every constituency and every local authority in the UK.
15 Scottish community groups are calling on local people to support their bid to win up to £70,000 of National Lottery funding in this year’s The People’s Projects
Your vote could make the difference – don’t miss the chance to have your say on which community projects get life-changing National Lottery funding.
Projects will feature in the Sunday Mail where readers get to see their incredible work.
Fifteen hard-working Scottish community groups in are calling on local people to help them secure up to £70,000 of National Lottery funding by voting for them in this year’s The People’s Projects.
Back after a three-year break, The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) have teamed up to give the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be put to good use in their local area.
All fifteen will have the opportunity to showcase their work in the Sunday Mail as they go head-to-head in a public vote in this year’s The People’s Projects to help them make an extraordinary difference to their community.
The three projects with the most public votes will receive grants of up to £70,000. This funding will help make a real difference to people’s lives, particularly in these difficult times. The runners up will be offered up to £10,000 towards their project, bringing the total funding up for grabs for communities across Scotland to £760,000.
Three of the short-listed projects were submitted by Edinburgh organisations:
LET’S TALK (YOUNG PEOPLE) CLC are looking for almost £70,000 to provide a range of sports and recreational facilities – including an outdoor gym – in Craigmillar;
ELREC have applied for £62,000 to stage a two-day outdoor Festival of Cultures, and
Morningside’s THE OPEN DOOR is seeking over £24,000 for a Music for Wellbeing project to improve the health and wellbeing of older people with dementia.
The People’s Projects not only delivers vital grants to the heart of UK communities, but also raises awareness of the incredible work of the shortlisted community groups vying for votes.
Since it started in 2005, The People’s Projects has awarded around £45 million to over 1,000 good causes.
Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, The People’s Projects is a fantastic initiative that showcases the incredible efforts of truly inspirational and hard-working groups, each delivering life-changing support to help their community thrive.
“We encourage the public to vote and have their say in how much-needed funding is used to make a difference to so many lives across Scotland.”
Voting is now open and closes at noon on Friday 26th May. People can vote only once per region and will need an email address or mobile number to vote*.
Visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk to vote, read the terms and conditions and see a full list of projects involved across the UK.
The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, distributes money raised by National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million each week across the UK for good causes.
At around midday yesterday, supporters of Animal Rebellion entered Waitrose in Morningside, took milk from the shelves, and emptied it on the floor of the shop.
This follows two high-profile milk spills in Fortnum & Mason and Selfridges in London where two individuals were arrested and charged with £100,000 in damages
SIX Animal Rebellion supporters disrupted Waitrose on Morningside Road yesterday as they continue their call for a plant-based future.
Two protesters took bottles of milk from the shelves and emptied them over the store’s floor to highlight the need to support farmers in a transition to a sustainable, plant-based food system.
Similar actions occurred simultaneously in London, Norwich, Manchester and Leeds.
Hannah, one of the activists, said: “Milk isn’t a viable product, it’s unsuitable for human consumption, it becomes unsuitable as soon as we exploit animals, deforest massive sways of land for unsustainable animal agriculture, polluting our groundwater and contributing more Greenhouse Gas Emissions than Exon, Shell and BP.”
The action comes as part of Animal Rebellion’s demands for a plant-based future, which were announced on 23/05/22.
The animal and climate group is calling for wholesale governmental support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system and a programme of rewilding that will secure a future for generations to come by drawing down carbon from the atmosphere and restoring vital habitat to native wildlife.
Other recent actions taken by the group include disrupting the Queen’s Jubilee, running onto the track at Epsom Derby, and blockading multiple dairy distribution centres day-after-day at the beginning of September.
Animal Rebellion is a mass movement using nonviolent civil disobedience to call for a just, sustainable plant-based food system.
This October Half-Term Break, McLarens on the Corner in Morningside is introducing a limited offer to celebrate grandparents with a “Grans Eat Free” deal throughout the October holidays.
The family-friendly restaurant that believes in serving up sumptuous food, delicious cocktails, and a whole lot of love has created the offer as a thank you to the grandparents that will be home with the kids while they’re off from school.
Grandparents are beloved for spoiling their grandchildren with love, affection, and all the treats mum usually doesn’t allow. It’s time that they get spoiled in return! Signature Group has decided to turn the tables, and instead of having kids eat free this half-term holiday, we’re giving the free meal to Gran.
The deal was created to acknowledge the unsung heroes at the heads of our families that rarely get a day devoted to treating them with the same care that they exhibit each day.
Including anything from a bacon cheeseburger for lunch to blackened salmon for dinner, grandparents can choose the entrée that suits their appetite for no charge for two weeks in October. Now, the kids can start pooling together their pocket money and get ready to pick up the bill for their meal, because this meal is on them.
The limited offer will be available on weekdays between 10th and 21st October. One grandparent can receive a free main course per visit when they dine with their grandkids. Kids must also order a main dish from the children’s menu or main a la carte menu. Free main excludes steak.
Host of acts take to the stage as suburb enjoysFree Fringe for the first time
A BUSTLING Edinburgh suburb will see a host of acts and entertainers descend on the area as it becomes part of the Free Fringe for the first time, thanks to the Merlin pub
The team at the popular Morningside venue is delighted to have landed the major coup – which will see a packed programme of shows daily throughout the annual arts festival.
At least 15 separate acts will be involved in the Free Fringe at the Merlin and among the performances daily from noon until late night, will be theatre, cabaret, stand up, improv, reggae music, magic, poetry, storytelling and even incredible feats of memory.
Justin Cranley, general manager of the venue, said: “There’s always a huge amount going on in Morningside, but we are thrilled to be bringing the Free Fringe here for the first time ever.
“It’s a brilliant programme that has been pulled together meaning there will be something for everyone, from child-friendly shows early in the day to the best comedy for those who prefer late night entertainment.
“In previous years it has felt like Morningside has missed out on the Fringe, but that won’t be the case in 2022. In fact, it will be possible to spend the entire day right here in the Merlin watching a feast of entertainment through to the wee small hours.”
Now the pub, which has been a renowned fixture on Morningside Road for decades, will be listed as Venue 604 for the duration of the Fringe, which runs from August 5-29.
The team at the Merlin, part of Greene King’s 51-strong Local Pubs Division in Scotland, will transform its upstairs function room into a 100-seater venue during the world-renowned arts jamboree.
Justin added: “It’s a fantastic space and we hope the local community really gets behind this initiative and that we’ll see it packed out most days.
“Certainly, we are going to see just how flexible a space the function room is, because there are an incredibly diverse range of acts who will be appearing.
“While the Merlin has bounced back tremendously well after the pandemic, functions have not recovered fully. This is a great way for us to get local people back in to see what a superb space we have for the other 11 months of the year for weddings, birthdays or any kinds of events.”
The programme includes a feast of reggae music in a show called How Music From A Small Island Changed The World. It will see musician Duane Forrest showcase acoustic versions of classic from legends like Bob Marley.
Late night comedy will come in the shape of Law & Disorder, a stand-up special from lawyer Sam Benedict and “professional free spirit” Joe Riley, a pair who have graced various BBC shows and reached the Student Chortle semi-finals.
Popular magician James Phelan will also be performing daily with his highly-anticipated show, James Phelan Blows Your F#@king Mind!, which follows multiple TV appearances and a successful residency in Las Vegas.
The full line-up and timetable can be found here – https://freefringe.org.uk/ and audience members simply need to turn up. While the performances are free, those attending are encouraged to make a donation at the end of the show.
The Free Fringe was started in 1996 by Peter Buckley Hill – known as PBH – who brought his comedy show to the city, but was disheartened by the cost of booking venues and the pricey tickets for the public. The PBH Free Fringe now puts on hundreds of shows every year.
He pioneered the model of persuading venues to offer space for free in return for acts bringing in additional customers. If audience members enjoy a show, they are encouraged to make a voluntary donation at the end.
Luke Meredith, an actor and performer who is also the CEO of The Free Fringe in Edinburgh, said he was delighted that free shows would be available in Morningside for the first time.
He added: “Everyone knows Morningside and what an important part of Edinburgh’s heritage it is, so it’s remarkable that the Free Fringe has never had a toehold here – until now. It’s brilliant that it’s finally arrived in this part of the city.”
