Tag: Niddrie

Criminal investigations begin following Bonfire Night disorder

Police Scotland’s criminal investigations into Bonfire Night disorder began yesterday, with detectives across the country following positive lines of inquiry to identify those responsible.

Certain areas of Scotland experienced significant levels of disorder, with the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun areas of Edinburgh and the Pollokshields area of Glasgow being the most adversely affected.

In each of these regions, local policing teams and other emergency services required the assistance of Operation Moonbeam assets to tackle violence and damage being caused by large groups of youths who threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property. Fires were also set in some of these areas, causing fear and alarm to the local communities.

Other isolated incidents involving the reckless or criminal use of fireworks were also reported in various parts of both cities, including a report of 21 cars being damaged by fireworks at a car dealership in Calder Road, Edinburgh.

In Glasgow, officers and colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had to respond to large number of unauthorised bonfires being lit and were met with large groups of hostile youths upon their attendance.

All of these offences continue to be investigated.

Between Thursday, 31 October and Wednesday, 6 November, a total of 19 arrests have been made throughout Scotland in connection with firework offences. Six people have been charged under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act, while a further 26 charges have been brought against individuals for associated criminality. Further arrests are expected in the coming days.

A Major Incident Public Portal has also been established, allowing communities to share video and photo evidence of Bonfire Night offences taking place in their area. Anyone with footage that can assist officers in identifying people involved in fireworks-related crime can submit it to:

 https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Now that our Bonfire Night deployments have stood down, our investigation teams will begin reviewing all the evidence we obtained through Body Worn Video, Air Support Unit footage and statements from the public.

“This will help us establish the identities of those who chose to cause harm within our communities and who sought to attack and injure emergency service workers.

“While I am encouraged that we didn’t see the same levels of serious disorder, when compared to last year, I am under no illusion that that actions of a minority of individuals still had a significant and detrimental impact on various communities across Scotland.

“Their actions will not be tolerated, and detectives are working tirelessly to make arrests and ensure all of those involved in the offences we witnessed are brought to account.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added: “I made it clear following the incidents that occurred during the evening of Halloween that we’d leave no stone unturned as part of our investigations and I am reaffirming that statement today.

“Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.

“I am enormously grateful and immensely proud of all of the officers and staff who contributed to Operation Moonbeam.  Colleagues worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line, putting themselves in harm’s way to restore order and return these areas to a state of normality as quickly as possible, but the work begins now in terms of identifying and arresting everyone responsible.

“If members of the public have information or evidence that can help with our inquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Glasgow chose to enjoy Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. However, groups of young people, motivated to cause the maximum amount of fear and alarm carried out targeted disorder in certain parts of the city.

“This put not only local residents at risk, but meant police officers, fire service personnel and ambulance crews were in danger of being injured, as they responded to protect communities. Thankfully, however, no injuries were reported.

“Detectives across Glasgow are reviewing all evidence they obtained during Bonfire Night, and working with the public to gather more information, which will help bring these offenders to justice.

“If you believe you can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please get in touch.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received more than 1,000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night

There were also six reported attacks on crews within three hours, however no injuries have been reported.

Two attacks took place in Clydebank, two in Glasgow, one in Edinburgh and one in Blackridge, West Lothian.

Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 347 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday, 5 November. 

In the run up to the event, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.

Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for SFRS said: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline crews.

“Operations Control firefighters answered over 1,000 calls tonight and have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.

“Unfortunately, several of our crews came under attack across Scotland, with six attacks within three hours. Crews were bombarded with missiles and fireworks while responding to emergency incidents.

“These attacks prevent our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, and can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene. 

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe across the Bonfire period.”

Police act following intelligence of planned firework-related disorder

Following intelligence relating to planned disorder and firework related crime in Moredun, Niddrie and Gracemount tonight, Police will be utilising Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Please report any concerns about firework related criminality to the police.

Council Leader calls for tougher measures against nuisance fireworks and disorder

HALLOWEEN DISORDER IN HAY DRIVE MARKS START OF BONFIRE SEASON

Council Leader Cammy Day yesterday repeated his calls for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and tougher sentences for those misusing them and causing public disorder – but trouble flared up in Niddrie last night.

Councillor Day said: “We all remember vividly the shocking scenes we saw last year with emergency services being attacked while trying to do their jobs. And more recently the appalling reports of violence and antisocial behaviour with buses and cars coming under attack.

“Whilst this isn’t an issue unique to Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, I’m clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our city.

“It’s long been my view that we need to ban the public sale of fireworks, given the potential risk to health, if misused, but also the unnecessary fear and alarm they cause in our communities. 

“I will be writing to my colleagues in the UK Government to request a review of the legislation, as well as the Crown Office to ask for tougher sentences for those found guilty of committing these crimes.

“I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent a repeat of last year. Earlier this week I chaired the latest multi-agency meeting with colleagues, the police and fire service as part of our ongoing preparations, and the implementation of our firework control zones, which come into effect tomorrow (1 November).

“In addition to FCZs, we’re also increasing patrols from our waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight.

“Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another.

“Please work with us and our fantastic emergency services to help make it a safe and enjoyable occasion this year. If you witness any criminality, please call the police on 101.

“I want to thank our emergency services once again for the professional and measured way they carry out their duties under the most difficult of circumstances. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have a tough enough job already without being subjected to violence and abuse.

“Please show them the respect they deserve this Bonfire Night.”

Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor added: “We know that certain areas of Edinburgh experienced unprecedented levels of disorder during Bonfire Night last year, and because of this a significant number of officers responding to the incidents that arose sustained a range of injuries.

“The unacceptable actions of a minority of individuals left communities in a state of alarm and put the safety of emergency service workers at serious risk of harm.

“Such offences cannot and will not be tolerated and detailed planning has been undertaken since last year to ensure we have appropriate resources in key areas and can provide additional support should they be required.

 “It is an offence to use fireworks in any manner within a Fireworks Control Zone and we will take appropriate action against anyone in breach of an FCZ over the Bonfire Night period.

“This is just one of the tools at our disposal and we’ll continue to work with key partners to keep our communities safe and bring those intent on causing harm to justice.”

Firework Control Zones will come into effect in four areas of the city – Niddrie, Calton Hill, Seafield and Balerno – from 1 to 10 November, making it a criminal offence to use fireworks (excluding sparklers and indoor fireworks) unless part of a licensed display.

There are a number of organised events taking place across the city. Full details are available on the council website.

UPDATE: Council Leader @cllrcammyday has responded to reports of disorder taking place across Edinburgh last night.

Police officers attended the Hay Avenue area following reports of disorder. Police vehicles and public transport providers were targeted with fireworks and missiles, including bricks.

Roads in the area were closed during the incident, but were reopened by 11pm.

Cllr Cammy Day said: “I’m shocked and saddened to hear of the mindless violence and disorder taking place in areas across the city tonight.”

Community invited to remember baby Craig Millar

Over 23 years since the body of a baby boy was tragically discovered in Niddrie, a memorial dedicated to him will be returned to the community at an unveiling ceremony on Friday (26 April).

Despite an investigation in 2001, and follow ups over the years, attempts to identify the newborn and his parents have been unsuccessful, initiating a huge response from the local community.

He was laid to rest in Mortonhall Cemetery, with residents coming together to hold a funeral for him. Over 400 people were in attendance to remember the baby they named ‘Craig Millar.’

Fundraising also took place to erect a memorial in the place he was found, which was lovingly maintained by the community.

When construction began on the new Castlebrae Community Campus at the site of Craig’s discovery, the memorial had to be removed. It has since been renovated and stored by William Purves Funeral Directors free of charge.

The memorial will be re-installed by the funeral directors on Friday 26 April, before being unveiled to the public at 2pm in its new location.

It follows a survey, conducted by the Council, which found the majority of residents wanted the memorial to be relocated outside of school grounds.

The new location, next to the football pitches at Harewood Road, is easily accessible and just a short distance from the original site.

Plans are also in place for a memorial garden at the original location as part of the landscaping design of Castlebrae Community Campus.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher, said: “Over two decades on, it’s clear to see that the community still care deeply for baby Craig. This tragedy is such a large part of Craigmillar’s history that it’s fitting the residents are there to see the memorial returned.

“Residents made sure the memorial was never without fresh flowers or messages of love and it was always immaculately maintained. I’m pleased we could respect the wishes of the community and return it to a new location, where it can be easily accessed by people who want to pay their respects.”

Andrew Purves, Director at William Purves Funeral Directors, commented: “As an Edinburgh-based funeral director, we understand that this memorial stone is very dear to this community. 

“The memorial is a special tribute to the little boy who will always have a place in the hearts of the Craigmillar community.

“It has been our honour to take good care of baby Craig’s memorial and are now pleased to be able to install it in its permanent home.”

STRUT: Greater Craigmillar performers announced

What is STRUT?

STRUT is a night time performance and projection parade shining a light on 5 talented dancers with a connection to Greater Craigmillar whose personal choreographies reflect the celebratory energy of the town with Highland, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Disco and Breakdance styles in the mix.

These talented movers and shakers were selected from a wide-ranging Open Call, with the help of a community panel. The rotating one-performer parade weaves its way around locations in Craigmillar and Niddrie with spectators watching from the pavement, waving from their windows or following the event and dancing along.

STRUT: Greater Craigmillar takes to the streets on Wednesday 20 March, 7-8pm (Craigmillar) and Thursday 21 March, 7-8pm (Niddrie).

Emiegh – Dancer

Hiya, my name’s Emiegh and I am 17 years old. I have lived in Craigmillar for the past 8 years. I am still in school but dance is a big part of my life whenever I’m not in classes. I do many different styles of dance including jazz, commercial, contemporary and highland.

There are many reasons I love dance, but one of them is that it makes me happy and allows me to express myself in many different ways. Another reason I love dance is the opportunities it gives me, including going to Portugal to dance in the Dance World Cup and dancing in parades in Spain. I also competed at Disneyland Paris in a Highland Dance Competition.

I am very excited to be a part of STRUT as the opportunity to do something in my community is very special to me. Soon I will be going to University to be a nurse and I hope to become a dance teacher alongside my nursing and studies. 

Bianka – Dancer

Hi, I’m Bianka and I’m nearly 13 years old. I will perform some contemporary dance as part of STRUT and have created my very own choreography for the performance. 

I have recently joined Lyra’s Young Company and have just started to take aerial dance classes with All or Nothing. I love dancing. When I dance I can show other people what hard work is and what it does. 

I am excited to do STRUT because I love to perform and show my dance skills. This is my first ever solo performance so it’s a big opportunity for me! I’ve lived in Craigmillar for almost 6 years, and I know the area really well. I was born in London but I really like living in Edinburgh.

Gabriele – Dancer

I am Gabriele, a 25-year-old dancer originally from Southern Italy, now based in Edinburgh, Scotland. My main dance style is Breaking, although in the past few years, I have developed an interest in Afrobeats, House and Hip Hop choreography.

I believe dance connects us on a deeper level, and one dance language is not enough to express yourself. Learning more about different ways you could move is like speaking different languages which allows you to facilitate broader communication.


This is one of the reasons why I love to dance. Dance has also made me a more confident individual and helped surround me with great people, who have the same goals and ambitions, connecting us all as a family (or in my specific case a dance Crew which I am proud to be a part of, called TMRW crew).

I am looking forward to taking part in STRUT mainly because as a street performance it will allow me to connect to the crowd around us. I’d love to inspire more kids in the audience to give dancing a go, or at the very least, just have a great time with everyone in the community during the performances.

My connection to Craigmillar is rooted in a local project where I have performed before. Alley Oop took place at Lyra’s basketball court across two weeks. The innovative dance project, choreographed by Tony Mills and performed by myself and Ursula Manandhar, allowed me to get more involved with the Craigmillar youth community and inspire kids in the audience to give dance a go.

Kieren Gabriel – Dancer

My name is Kieren and I am 11 years old. My style of dance is hip hop and I love dancing because I get to express myself and my feelings in many different ways.  I like to look for inspiration from YouTube for my moves and also freestyle.


I am a member of Lyra Dance Troupe, part of their Young Company’s next show. I am originally from the Philippines and I am proud to be a Filipino. My family have recently moved from London to Edinburgh and we have been settling in well, so far.

I’m so excited to be taking part because STRUT is my first ever show. I am also excited to be involved because I love meeting people, connecting with them and making people joyful and happy through dance. 

John Mcloughlin – STRUT: Craigmillar MC

Hey, I’m John, 36, from Craigmillar, Edinburgh. I do drag, discos, karaoke and am a born entertainer. I lived in Spain for seven years, running five different gay bars with lots of staff to look after.

I’m excited to be hosting STRUT: Craigmillar as it’s an opportunity to meet new people and see something really different come to the community. I’ve been part of this community my whole life and it’s brilliant to see something like this happen in Craigmillar, especially for young people in the area.

Rita Hu – Dancer

Rita is a dancer specialising in soul, funk and Waacking styles. Born in China, Rita discovered soul dance at just 6 years old, finding Waacking later, in 2014. 

She has trained avidly in multiple dance styles over the last 20 years, and also loves old school hip hop, commercial styles and K-pop. 

Rita has performed, battled and taught around Asia and the world, including performing at World of Dance. Some of her favourite battles include Summer Dance Forever, Amsterdam, and Old School Night, Japan, and she has won several competitions including the Huawei New Year’s Eve 2v2 freestyle champion in 2018 and the 2020 Changsha Queen of Disco for Waacking. 

Before moving to Scotland, she taught regular classes at 227 Studio and Kinjaz China, as well as teaching workshops all over China. Rita now teaches weekly classes in Scotland, has been a judge for UDO (United Dance Organisation) and more, and has taken the Waacking Scotland Team to Greece, Poland, and elsewhere in Europe. Her mantra is simply: keep on dancing!

She says: “Craigmillar is where I had my first flat in Scotland and made tons of great memories and new friends. Now I live ten minutes away and love running through the castle grounds. I can’t wait to be back dancing in my first Scottish neighbourhood”.

Bonfire Night disorder: 27 arrests, 53 offences as investigations continue

Twenty-six people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences following bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November, 2023.

A further individual will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with two charges, meaning a total number of 27 people have been identified for 53 offences.

The ages of those range between 12 and 34 years of age, with the majority aged in their mid to late teens.

A total of 31 charges against 15 individuals relates specifically to the significant disorder seen in the Niddrie area.

Within this, two men, aged 29 and 27 have been charged in connection with inciting violence. They are alleged to have filmed the events on mobile phones while encouraging youths to be violent towards police.

A 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were also charged in connection with supplying fireworks to youths.

The charges are a result of an extensive investigation which has been ongoing since bonfire night by a dedicated team of officers.

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The events of bonfire night, especially in the East of the city, were wholly unacceptable.

“The scenes experienced are not reflective of the Niddrie community as a whole and were acts carried out by a minority.”

Read the full update at: https://ow.ly/mBL050QgQ3l

5th November disorder: More Arrests

Eight further people have been charged in connection with bonfire night disorder seen in Edinburgh on Sunday, 5 November.

Two male youths, both aged 15, have been charged in connection with preparing petrol bombs and firing fireworks at police in the Niddrie area.

Six other male youths, all aged between 14 and 16, have been charged in connection with possession of fireworks and associated disorder in the Southhouse/Gracemount areas.

Work remains ongoing to establish the identities of others involved and a number of others have been identified.

Officers continue to appeal to the public to provide any information that can help with ongoing enquiries.

There is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed as follows: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S38-PO1

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “The disorder seen in the capital on bonfire night was completely unacceptable and these charges show our continued commitment to identifying and tracing those involved in the incidents.

“Our investigation continues and I would urge the public to continue to help us with that by reporting any information to 101, or send it to the portal link. Alternatively you can call Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Bonfire Night disorder: More Arrests

POLICE investigating the violent disorder in both Edinburgh and Glasgow on Bonfire Night have arrested a further seven people and identified as least 14 others.

Two arrests had already been made on the night, bringing the total to nine since Sunday, 5 November, 2023.

In relation to the disorder in the Niddrie area, a 31-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested and charged with fireworks offences and were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

An 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were also both arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct and being in possession of a weapon. The 18-year-old will appear in court at a later date and the 13-year-old was reported to the relevant authorities.

Fourteen others have also been identified for the disorder in the Edinburgh area, and work is ongoing to establish the identities of others.

In Glasgow, a 17-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault and being in possession of a weapon. Two men, aged 16 and 17, were also arrested and charged with assault. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries continue into both incidents and further arrests are expected. We continue to appeal for information from the public with major incident portals set up for both Glasgow and Edinburgh where the public can submit information, including videos and images.

For disorder in Edinburgh there is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed as follows: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S38-PO1

For disorder in Glasgow there is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed as follows: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S39-PO1

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “We are continuing our enquiries into the significant disorder we experienced on bonfire night. These arrests are just the start, and we expect to make more in the coming weeks.

“We took a robust stance, and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence that night.

“A number of our officers sustained minor physical injuries, however we are also aware of the mental impact that dealing with such significant levels of violence can have and will continue to support all officers affected.  Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someone’s son, daughter, husband or wife.”

If anyone has any information that can help us in our investigation, then please contact 101 or send it in via the respective portal link. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.