Tag: Police Scotland

STORM EOWYN: BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES AS RED ALERT DECLARED

SCOTLAND SHUTTING DOWN

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind from 10am to 5pm Friday 24 January. An Amber warning is in place from 6am to 10am.

COUNCIL SERVICES:

We will publish all the latest information about Council buildings and services on this page.

Schools, nurseries and early years

All Council schools, nurseries and early years settings will be closed on Friday 24 January. Schools will communicate directly with parents.

Bin collections 

Bin collections – residents should not put their wheelie bins and boxes out for collection tomorrow. Friday collections will run over the weekend instead.

Residents should put their bins out for collection on Saturday when it is safe to do so for collection from Sunday. 

Street cleansing will not operate.

Recycling centres – any bookings for recycling centres will be rescheduled 

Special uplift services – residents who have booked a collection for tomorrow should not put the items out for collection. Appointments will be rebooked.  

Housing and homelessness

Anyone who needs to present as homeless should contact us by phone on 0131 529 7036.  

Only emergency council house repairs will take place. Non-emergency council house repairs will be cancelled and re-scheduled. 

Scaffolding will be checked and taken down if possible.  

Council buildings, services and parks

We will only run essential services on Friday 24 January.

The following buildings or parks/grounds will be closed on Friday 24 January:

  • The Registrars Office 
  • All council cemeteries, Mortonhall Crematorium, and the Mortuary
  • All museums, galleries, monuments and cultural venues (Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Churchill Theatre – this includes cancellation of a rehearsal and performance at the Churchill Theatre).  Building checks will be carried out before reopening.
  • Lauriston Castle grounds and Princes Street Gardens. These will also remain closed on Saturday due to extended wind warning and time needed to survey grounds.
  • Ukraine Welcome Hub at Flassches Yard.

Travel disruption

Police Scotland has issued a ‘do not travel’ notice. Police Scotland travel advice 

Lothian Buses expect significant disruption to their services and customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling. 

Scot Rail is suspending all train services tomorrow and there will be no alternative transport available. 

For travel updates check @edintravel and @TrafficScotland on X (Twitter) as well as your travel provider.

Emergency social care service 0800 731 6969 – free phone.

NHS LOTHIAN:

EDINBURGH TRAMS:

Due to the red weather warning in place across Edinburgh tomorrow due to #StormÉowyn, Edinburgh Trams will be operating a reduced service on Friday 24 January. We will be monitoring wind speeds at key places on the track and will continue to operate in order to facilitate essential travel as long as it remains safe to do so.

Please follow @PoliceScotland guidelines and only travel if absolutely necessary.

Customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling on Friday and Saturday, using the Bus & Tram App.

More information: https://bit.ly/3Wx6TMq

LOTHIAN BUSES

CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Service Updates

http://lothianbuses.com/service-updates/… Bus & Tram App

http://lothianbuses.com/app/

WEATHER WARNING: Travel Advice issued in advance of Storm Eowyn

The Met Office has issued an AMBER Weather warning for WIND. As such, there may be a HIGH RISK OF DISRUPTION for road users in the following areas:

• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee,
Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling)
• Grampian (Aberdeenshire)
• Highlands & Eilean Siar (Highland)
• SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East
Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian
• Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, Eat Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire,
East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire,
West Dunbartonshire).

The AMBER warning is effective from 0600 hours on Friday 24th to 2100 on Friday 24th January 2025.

This runs in conjunction with a YELLOW weather warning for WIND which is effective from 0000 hours on Friday 24th to 1500 hours on Saturday 25th January in the following areas:

• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee,
Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling)
• Grampian (Aberdeenshire, Moray)
• Highlands & Eilean Siar (Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland)
• SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East
Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West
Lothian
• Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire,
East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire,
West Dunbartonshire)
And a further YELLOW weather warning for SNOW which is effective
from 0300 hours on Friday 24th to 1200 hours on Friday 24th January in
the following areas:
• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee,
Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling)
• Grampian (Aberdeenshire, Moray)
• Highlands & Eilean Siar (Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland)
• SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East
Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West
Lothian
• Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire,
East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire,
West Dunbartonshire)

The full Met Office warning can be accessed via this link UK weather warnings – Met Office 

Details on Amber weather warning:

Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing to the northeast on Friday night.

This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70 mph fairly widely inland, 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more
exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations).

It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again.

Winds will gradually ease later on Friday.

General advice for road users:

• Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
• All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse
weather
• Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
• If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the
conditions
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an
alternative route
• Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
• Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
• Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and
recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
• Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland |Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland  or visit 
Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
• Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook,
Twitter/X or their website
• Other information can be found on the Met Office and Ready Scotland websites. For public transport information visit https://www.traveline.info. 
• Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter/X for up-to-date
travel information.

Wind

HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.

Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.

Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.

Snow/Ice

Keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to 10x greater than on dry roads.

Check your windscreen washer levels and effectiveness of wiper blades.

Check your vehicle’s lights.You must ensure your lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible.

Ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.

Two men arrested after cannabis worth £3.6million recovered

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences after cannabis cultivations, with an estimated street value of £3.6million, were recovered in West Lothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh.

Two warrants were executed in Falkirk on Monday, 20 January, 2025 which resulted in the men aged 29 and 28 being arrested in connection with serious and organised crime. They were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 21 January, 2025

Large scale cannabis cultivations were discovered in Livingston, West Calder, Edinburgh and Falkirk between September, 2022 and January, 2025.

The cannabis cultivations have an estimated street value of £3.6million.

As part of enforcement action £80,000 worth of cannabis was recovered and £12,000 in cash.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine: “We remain committed to targeting those involved in serious and organised crime in Scotland as we recognise the impact this has on our local communities.
​
“Disrupting large-scale cannabis cultivations prevents illegal drugs being circulated on our streets.
​
“This action reiterates our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
​​
“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we ask anyone with knowledge about drugs activity in their area to call Police Scotland on 101.”
​
​Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Deaths of 36-year-old man and six-year-old girl in West Calder treated as unexplained

Following a report of concern for a person, around 4pm on Monday, 20 January, 2025, officers found the bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl within a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder.

The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.

Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.

Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”

UPDATE at 12:05pm 22/1/25:

Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the deaths of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl in West Calder.

On Monday, 20 January, 2025, officers attended at a property in Harburn Drive where the bodies of a man and a girl were found within.

The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.

A team of officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, plus the local division, are involved in the investigation.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and at this time, there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our enquiries are continuing.

“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.”

There will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while the investigation is ongoing.

This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division and the Major Investigation Team.

Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“This incident is very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”

Police appeal following serious crash in Penicuik

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious injury collision on Bog Road, Penicuik yesterday (Sunday, January 19, 2025).

Around 3.20pm, police received a report of a collision involving three children, aged 11, 12 and 13, and a Volkswagen T-Cross on Bog Road, Penicuik.

Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh where medical staff confirmed their injuries as serious. The 12-year-old girl was uninjured.

The road was closed to allow for collision investigators to examine the location.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should get in contact, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1844 of 19 January, 2025.

YOU, ME, TOGETHER: Educating young people about abuse and coercive control in their relationships

Police Scotland and Education Scotland have come together to deliver YOU, ME, TOGETHER, a resource for secondary school pupils to make them aware of domestic abuse and the wider issue of violence against women and girls.

A video has been released on our social media channels after an event on Thursday, 28 November, 2024, when teachers at Loudoun Academy in Galston and officers provided young people with information about domestic abuse, including themes of coercive control, inappropriate relationships and peer pressure.

Teachers have a number of a resources to work with to help facilitate open and safe discussions about what can be an emotive subject for young men and women. The package includes a short film (add hyperlink to trailer) which follows a story line of coercive control between young people in a school setting and shows the warning signs to look out for.

YOU, ME, TOGETHER demonstrates that if we all work together, we can tackle domestic abuse. The emphasis being on victims, friends, family, supporters, partner agencies, professionals and police all working together.

Detective Inspector Phillip Kennedy said: “This programme is aimed at young people at an age when they are starting to form relationships.

“Domestic abuse can be a problem at any age but You Me Together aims to address any issues and promote positive behaviours.

“The programme talks about healthy relationships but also about the warning signs when things are not right. It is about empowering young people, giving them advice and information, and helping them make a choice and take action when something doesn’t feel right.

“By helping to educate young people, we hope that in the longer term this will reduce the likelihood of abusive behaviour developing and reduce incidents of domestic abuse.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Housing, Transport and Communities said: “I was very pleased to join with Police Scotland and Head Teacher David Falconer for the launch of the new resource You, Me, Together at Loudoun Academy.

“East Ayrshire schools were involved in the development of the resource through the pilot project in 2022 and are proud to have had a role in shaping its development.

“I am also pleased that this took place during the 16 Days of Action campaign, which continues to be so important. It brings people together to work towards eliminating gender-based violence and encourages us all to take action to support women and girls in our communities.

“Last year, the Police recorded 1552 reported incidents of domestic abuse in East Ayrshire. There is no doubt that action is required to reduce the number of women and children affected by domestic violence, but we all understand that there is also no quick fix. Education is essential and resources like You, Me, Together take a long-term approach with the aim of encouraging positive behaviours among our young people that they will take into adulthood.”

The resource was initially piloted in 2022 in schools across Scotland reaching more than 1000 pupils, with feedback supporting the enhancement of the resource to meet the needs of students.

In 2023 all high schools in Ayrshire supported the delivery of the resource which has now been developed into a more accessible online interactive format to support national delivery to students in all areas of Scotland. It will be delivered within the existing personal and social education curriculum (PSE).

Police Scotland is committed to tackling gender-based violence and abuse, as highlighted in our prevention campaigns including the recent That Guy campaign and our support for the annual 16 Day of Activism campaign.

A key part of this work is building relationships with partners and working with them on a regular basis to highlight and make people aware of their messages too.

Man and woman charged following enquiries to locate family

A 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman have been arrested and charged following enquiries to locate a family in Edinburgh.

​The family, last seen in the Captain’s Road area yesterday – Thursday, 16 January, 2025 – were traced safe and well.​

The man and woman are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 20 January, 2025.

Man jailed for robbery and attempted robbery with imitation firearm in Glasgow and Edinburgh

A man has been jailed in connection with a robbery in Glasgow and an attempted robbery in Edinburgh that happened in February 2024.

Issa Mohamed, 30, was sentenced to four years and eight months at the High Court in Kilmarnock on Thursday, 16 January, 2025, after being found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 3 December, 2024.

The first incident happened on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024,  Mohamed threatened a 37-year-old woman with an imitation firearm at a property on St Vincent Street, Glasgow, stealing her phone and a quantity of cash. 

The second happened on Saturday, 17 February, 2024, he threatened a 60-year-old woman with an imitation firearm and attempted to rob her at an address on Powderhall Rigg, Edinburgh.  Both victims were left shaken but unhurt. 

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “Mohamed’s actions were calculated and deeply distressing for the two women involved.

“His conviction reflects the seriousness of his crimes and demonstrates our determination to hold offenders accountable.

“Violence has no place in our society, and we will continue working to bring those responsible to justice and keep our communities safe.”

Drivers and passengers in Edinburgh urged to buckle up on every journey

Road Safety Scotland and Police Scotland have launched an impactful campaign highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of failing to wear a seatbelt – urging drivers and passengers in Edinburgh to belt up.

Figures show that 21 per cent of those killed on Scotland’s roads over a five-year period were not wearing a seatbelt1 and research demonstrates that wearing a seatbelt reduces both fatal and non-fatal injuries in front and back-seat passengers.

Despite this, 11 per cent of drivers admitted to not always wearing a seatbelt in the front or back of the car, while around one in five drivers (18 per cent) said they don’t think it’s important to wear a seatbelt in the back.2

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Fastening your seatbelt is one of the simplest actions you can take to protect yourself and others. In a collision, failing to wear a seatbelt can have devastating consequences – not only for the driver and passengers but for your loved ones.

“This campaign serves as an essential reminder to anyone travelling in a car: a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death and it’s not just you who gets hurt. Make it a habit on every journey.”

The campaign stresses the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times – regardless of time of day, length of journey, and whether you are driving on busy or quiet roads. It also reminds people that it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt while traveling in a taxi or private hire vehicle.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “Wearing a seatbelt isn’t optional, it’s the law. Our officers will engage with and educate drivers and passengers on the importance of seatbelts, but we will also continue to take appropriate enforcement action, with those caught not wearing a seatbelt facing a fine up to £500.

“Drivers should also remember they are legally responsible for ensuring passengers under 14 are using their seatbelts, with fines issued for every child not properly restrained.

“The evidence is clear – seatbelts reduce injuries and save lives. Don’t take an unnecessary risk – wear a seatbelt every time you travel.”

The campaign will run across streaming services, cinema, radio, digital and outdoor channels.

For more information go to roadsafety.scot.

1 In-Depth Road Traffic Fatalities Report for the Years 2015-2020

2 RITS: Driver attitudes and behaviors tracker, Road Safety Scotland (September 2024)

Appeal to trace missing family

Police are appealing for information to help trace a missing family in the Edinburgh area.

Bahara Denisa Baci, a 13-year-old girl, Shakira Baci a 7-year-old girl and Umut-yronn Saban, an 11-month-old boy were last seen around 12.30pm yesterday – Thursday, 16 January – in the Captain’s Road area.

All three are understood to be in the company of their mother, Narcisca Baci, aged 28 and their father Serbanica-Ibram Saban aged 32, who are also missing.

Superintendent Murray Tait said: “Our concern for the family is growing and we would urge anyone who has information on their whereabouts to contact police urgently.

“We believe the children and their parents are together but we want to ensure they are safe and well.

“If anyone sees any of the family or knows their whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland urgently on 101, quoting incident number 1380 of 16 January, 2024.”