Around 11am yesterday (Monday, 4 January), police recovered the body of a man from water at a quarry near West Granton Road.
Although formal identification is still to take place, officers believe it to be Lukasz Machalski (above) who had been missing from his home in Restalrig since Sunday, 13 December, 2020 and his family has been informed.
Enquiries are ongoing and a full report will be forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal.
The STUC has strongly welcomed the extension of blended learning in schools and extra lockdown requirements but is disappointed at failure to protect all non-essential workers.
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “By the government’s own admission the situation is now more serious than it has been at any other point, we are literally in a race to save lives, yet the measures set out are still less stringent than the lockdown last year.
“We welcome the decision to move to blended learning in schools until at least February. It is absolutely vital in the period ahead that education workers are listened to, and that a precautionary approach is maintained. Further changes to the plan for staggered return to universities also seems to be inevitable.
“We are also pleased our position has been heeded that shielding workers should not be required to attend work.
“However, we are deeply disappointed that, despite the severe circumstances, the First Minister, appears to be prepared to allow a range of non-essential workplaces such as construction and manufacturing to remain open.
“As well as posing increased transmission risks. this is a recipe for confusion and will place many workers in an invidious position, particularly those who have caring responsibilities. We intend to raise this as a matter of urgency with the Government.”
Responding to the latest announcements, David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “We recognise the situation with the pandemic is fast moving and are behind the government’s efforts to get on top of the virus.
“Nonetheless these further restrictions are unsettling and come at an incredibly difficult time for the retail industry. Non-food retail as a whole has been thwacked hard by the onslaught of coronavirus, and even before the latest lockdown came into effect was trading almost a quarter down compared to the same period last year.
“Even when stores are eventually permitted to re-emerge from this enforced hibernation, it is likely many will continue to suffer from lower shopper footfall. Prior to the current lockdown footfall was down by a third.
“Whilst a return to trading is crucial, it will not be a panacea for the industry. That’s why we hope to see a recovery plan from government to get retail moving once again, including visibility on the route out of lockdown, early clarity over continued rates relief for the coming financial year, and short term stimulus to boost consumer confidence and spending once shops can re-open perhaps through a high street voucher scheme.”
Police Scotland issued the following statement:
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement of a new lockdown, Director for CAMRA Scotland Joe Crawford said: “Tighter restrictions under the new national lockdown means that the light at the end of the tunnel still seems months away for Scotland’s beleaguered pubs and breweries.
“With pubs having missed out on any money through the tills over Christmas – which would have been their busiest time of year – and no prospect of re-opening on the immediate horizon, it is clear that the existing financial support on offer won’t be enough to save our pubs and breweries from permanent closure.
“The Scottish Government must recognise that local pubs are a force for good, bringing communities together and playing a key role in tackling loneliness and social isolation.
“They deserve a new, long-term, sector-specific financial support plan to make sure that they can survive the next few weeks and months and are still around to open their doors again once restrictions start to be lifted.”
The EIS has expressed its support for the decision to keep schools on a remote learning platform for at least the month of January, as part of the lockdown announced the Scottish Government.
Commenting on the decision, EIS General Secretary, Larry Flanagan said: “There was already heightened concern from teachers in Level 4 areas around school safety and the surge in infection levels, driven by the new variant, will have compounded those concerns especially as it seems clear that children can be as easily infected as anyone by the new strain, with subsequent transmission also occurring.
“Given that social distancing amongst pupils is physically impossible in crowded classrooms, moving to remote learning is the correct decision, therefore, if we are to successfully drive down community infection levels. Suppressing the virus is key to school buildings safely reopening.”
He added, “Whilst the education system is better prepared to deliver education remotely than during the first lockdown, challenges remain and we need to ensure that all pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access learning on an equitable basis.”
Mr Flanagan concluded: “We have raised with the Scottish Government the question of prioritising vaccination of school staff as a mechanism to allow school buildings to reopen for all pupils.”
Police Scotland has released images of a man and woman they believe may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation which relates to a housebreaking that occurred between 23 and 24 November 202 in the Drylaw area.
Officers believe that the man and woman shown in the images may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Detective Constable James Palmer said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information or who recognises the people in the image to contact us. Any small piece of information could assist us in our enquiries.”
“If anyone recognises the people in the images or has any information regarding the incident, please contact officers at the Community Investigation Unit in Corstorphine via 101, quoting incident number 0099 of the 24th November 2020.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Police Scotland have launched a new online form for concerned citizens looking to report irresponsible people who are flouting coronavirus restrictions.
The form enables members of the public to report all Covid-related breaches.
Police Scotland announced on Twitter:
Our online reporting tool for reporting #COVID19 breaches is now live
http://ow.ly/sYdB50CWecI Make sure you understand the rules around gatherings for your area, via @scotgov, before you get in touch with us.
Scotland is currently under level four restrictions which makes it illegal to travel between other local authorities or to invite other people over to your house for non-essential reasons. It’s likely these guidelines will be toughened later today.
Police have appealed to the public not to call 101 or 999 for guidance on Covid restrictions.
Police Scotland is appealing for information after two motorbikes were stolen from Houston Industrial Estate in Livingston.
The bikes were stolen during break-ins to business units in Muir Place between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday, 30 December, 2020.
Detective Constable Sam Plastow of Livingston CID said : “Two KTM 450 SX-F motorbikes were stolen worth a five figure sum. One motorbike is orange and grey with the lettering ‘LAURIS’ on the front and side. The second motorbike is orange with ‘METAL MULISHA’ and ‘ROCKSTAR ENERGY’ stickers on the front and side.
“It is believed that a white van may have been used to carry one of the motorbikes away from the business units and the other being pushed away.
“Enquiries into this incident are currently ongoing. However, if anyone was in the area around the time of this incident and saw anything that may assist this investigation we are keen for them to get in contact as soon as possible.
“I would also urge anyone who has seen motorbikes matching the description or has noticed them being advertised for sale, or has any information about the location of the bikes to make us aware.
“Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 2772 of Wednesday, 30 December 2020, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Two Police Scotland officers have been recognised for their outstanding public service in the Queen’s 2021 New Year Honours list.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sam McCluskey, Head of Public Protection, and Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch, area commander for Shetland, will receive the Queen’s Police Service Medal (QPM) – the highest honour awarded for policing service.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM said: “Our officers, staff and volunteers are committed to public service and dedicated to helping others in all our communities.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to those recognised today for the significant contributions they have made to policing in Scotland.”
Detective Chief Superintendent McCluskey has spent most of her career as a detective and devoted much of it to the support of victims.
She has been Head of Detective Training at the Scottish Police College and in 2014 was appointed Head of the Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit and Task Force. She implemented a national Domestic Abuse policy and pioneered a victim centred–perpetrator focused approach.
Sam played a highly-significant role in the introduction of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, or Claire’s Law, and Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.
Detective Chief Superintendent McCluskey said: “I am really honoured and humbled to receive this award. I have had the privilege of working with great people, both in the police service and with our partner organisations and would like to thank them for their tremendous support in driving our work forward.”
Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch is the Area Commander for Shetland in the Highlands and Island Division. A Shetlander himself, he has shown outstanding leadership and organisational skills and met the challenge of introducing a positive policing model to the island’s communities and developing relationships with key partners.
During the pandemic Chief Inspector Tulloch’s leadership and clarity of purpose undoubtedly help prevent unnecessary escalation.
He joined Northern Constabulary at Inverness in 1992 and transferred to Orkney in 1997. In 2000, following a secondment to Inverness he became a detective constable and was promoted to sergeant in 2003.
In 2006 he became a detective sergeant at Lerwick and in 2012 promoted to the rank of inspector at Thurso, transferring to detective inspector in Public Protection with responsibility for Caithness, Orkney and Shetland. He returned to Shetland in 2014 taking over as Area Commander in 2015.
Chief Inspector Tulloch said: “This recognition by Her Majesty the Queen today is a great honour which I am extremely humbled and proud to receive.
“I am very fortunate and feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated people, not only within Police Scotland, but from partner agencies and the voluntary sector who continue to support and keep people in our communities safe.”
Police and council leaders have urged residents to adhere to national guidance as we welcome 2021.
Ahead of tonight’s midnight moment, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, are reminding residents to adhere to the ongoing level 4 restrictions in the Capital.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, said: We’re asking everyone to continue to do the right thing to stop the spread of this virus and protect public health as it’s clear that there is an ongoing risk.
“Remember that parties and indoor gatherings of different households are not permitted and we will continue to use our enforcement powers to disperse large groups of people where necessary.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.
“Please follow the Scottish Government’s advice, which is to celebrate Hogmanay and the New Year with your own household only, in your own home.”
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The best and safest place to celebrate Hogmanay this year is at home.
“Cases have increased significantly so please don’t go round to friends’ houses and keep adhering to the guidance – more gatherings at Hogmanay will cause increased risk to people across the Capital and in particular our NHS staff and services.
“Following the rules now is the quickest way to get restrictions lifted and hopefully we can look back at this Hogmanay as one of our final sacrifices in the battle against the virus.
“As 2020 comes to a close and with the roll out of vaccines underway, we can look more positively towards 2021. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance, please stay at home and keep yourself and others safe.”
Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: Public safety must be our top priority as we continue the fight against Covid-19 and, by following the guidance as you have done so admirably since it began, you can play your part once more.
“We’ve worked closely with Underbelly and other partners to produce a fitting online celebration of Hogmanay and, having already paid tribute to our NHS and frontline workers with a fantastic pyrotechnic show on the Castle Esplanade, I would encourage everyone to tune in to the finale of the UK’s largest swarm drone display as we bid Fare Well to 2020. It’s a truly spectacular and moving show, befitting of Edinburgh’s status as the Home of Hogmanay.
“Let’s see out the year safely and look forward to a better and more positive 2021.”
Following the cancellation of the world famous street party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has moved to an entirely online celebration with a series of spectacular ‘moments’ that can be watched from home.
Featuring the UK’s largest swarm drone show, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will bring to life an exciting new piece of writing by award-winning poet and Scots Makar, Jackie Kay. Fare Well is split into three, 5-minute parts, that can be viewed online at 7pm tonight.
Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations can be found at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Police Scotland is advising drivers that the Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice covering a number of areas across Scotland today (Thursday, 31 December).
The local authority areas affected will be Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire.
The Met Office warning lasts until 2pm on Thursday, 31 December. Conditions for travel may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised.
What to expect:
Snow and ice may bring some disruption late in to Thursday morning or early afternoon.
Northerly winds will bring showers of rain, sleet and snow across the north of Northern Ireland as well as northern, western and south of Scotland.
Snow accumulations will mostly be confined to ground above 100m away from coasts, but some temporary slushy deposits are possible to low levels at times. 1-3cm is likely to accumulate above 100m, and as much as 5-10cm above 250m, this mostly across high ground of Scotland. Some accumulations of 1-3 cm are likely, again mainly over higher ground, but 5 cm or more is possible over parts of southern Scotland.
What to do:
If you are travelling you should ensure that you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, such as warm clothing, food & water in the event of being delayed for several hours.
Make sure that there is sufficient tread on the tyres fitted to your vehicle, ensure tyres are correctly inflated and that the screen wash is filled.
Charge your mobile phone and have the ability to charge it further if necessary.
Plan your route as well as alternatives to your planned route.
Drive to the conditions, leaving sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front to allow you to use smooth braking, steering and acceleration to minimise skid risk.
Listen to media broadcasts especially local radio and Traffic Scotland Radio or visit www.trafficscotland.org.
For public transport information visit www.travelinescotland.
Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter for regular and up to date travel information.
Nine people have been charged following a police operation in Edinburgh and Falkirk which has resulted in plants with a potential value of at least £1 million being seized from private rented properties.
The eight men, aged from 17 to 35, and a woman aged 39, appeared at Edinburgh and Falkirk Sheriff Courts between 17th November and 16th December 2020.
Detective Inspector Paul Greig said: “This operation to investigate the cultivation of drugs in properties highlights our determination to tackle drug activity at all levels. It sends a clear message that drugs have no place in our communities.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our enquiries which are ongoing. Officers will continue to speak with members of the public and work in the community and alongside specialist teams to detect and deter this type of criminality.
“I would also urge landlords in the private rented sector to make sure they carry out thorough checks on prospective tenants. In particular be aware of tenants who are willing to pay in cash, and make regular checks on your property.
“Anyone with information about drugs, including cultivation and supply, is asked to speak to officers if they see them out and about, to call Police Scotland on 101, or make a report anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Further information and advice for private sector landlords is available via the Police Scotland website:
NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are working together to support mental health and wellbeing for people across Scotland during the Festive Season.
After a year like no other for the people of Scotland and our NHS and emergency services, the Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services that support mental health.
The three organisations have been working together to develop new ways to support people in mental health distress when they contact the services.
People calling Police Scotland in mental health distress may now be offered access to the NHS Mental Health Hub service. The Scottish Ambulance Service is also able to support some callers through a similar pathway.
Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ the partners are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support. Online information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.
NHS 24 offers a range of online mental health guides through NHSinform.scot as well as the 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.
Vicky Burnham, Consultant Paramedic in Dementia and Clinical Lead for Mental Health with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “We have been faced with many different challenges this year as a result of Covid-19 and all key workers have gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care throughout the year during an unprecedented global pandemic.
“With social interactions being limited as a result of restrictions this year, it’s vital that health care providers and emergency services are able to provide additional support to those who require help related to anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.
“We look forward to working alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland and NHS24 to ensure we continue to provide the very best care to patients across Scotland.”
Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery, NHS 24 said: “”We are pleased to be working together with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide the best possible outcomes for people in mental health distress.
“We know this Festive Season is going to be very different for everyone and many people will feel more anxious than usual. Our online resources are a good place to look for the first steps to support and self-care. If you need help now there are a range of services available to you. Our team are here to help those getting in touch with our services with a compassionate response.”
Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space said: “We know that this time of year can be a particularly poignant and difficult time for some. This year there will be many people who are facing bereavement, anxiety and stress, perhaps for the first time.
“Talking about how you feel, and being listened to, can make all the difference. Our Breathing Space advisors are here to listen and respond when you need someone to support you.”
Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, Gary Ritchie said: “It is the challenge of all in public service to ensure that when people need help, they get it at the right time from the most appropriate agency.
“This is why we have strengthened our work with NHS and SAS colleagues, to make sure that those callers who are suffering mental ill health can now be referred directly to a qualified health professional. We will never step away from people in crisis where they have nowhere else to turn.”
