Restrictions on social gatherings will come into force from today (Friday 28 August) making it an offence to breach coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance by having a large house party indoors.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made it clear that the move, which will be reviewed every three weeks, was necessary to ensure socialising can continue in a safe and responsible manner ahead of an expected rise in indoor gatherings during autumn and winter months.
Reports from local outbreak Incident Management Teams suggest that the increasing number of house parties taking place against guidance pose a major risk of COVID-19 transmission and could present high-risk ‘super-spreader’ environments.
Taking responsible action now can help protect families, communities, schools and local businesses from having to return to the stricter lockdown measures necessary to contain any virus outbreak.
The First Minister said: “Seeing friends is particularly important during what is a really difficult period. But it needs to be done safely and responsibly. That is how we avoid the return of some of the stricter lockdown measures and continue to contain this virus.
“We know from our test and protect teams – and also from evidence around the world – that large, indoor gatherings pose a major transmission risk.
“The majority of people, young and old, will be sticking with limits under current guidance – and I am very grateful for that – however, there are a minority who don’t.
“I want to make it very clear – particularly to young people – that this is not about stopping you having fun, but enabling you to have fun safely.
“Ensuring police have the powers to enter and disperse large house parties is another tool in suppressing the virus. While we expect these powers to be used as a last resort, it will help to reduce the potential for future clusters and outbreaks.”
Under current guidance, no more than eight people from a maximum of three different households should be meeting indoors. That remains in place.
To take account of varying sizes and compositions of families across Scotland, it will be an offence for someone to have a party indoors in their house with more than fifteen people from more than one household present, with limited exceptions.
Police are appealing for the public’s help in their efforts to trace two people who have been reported missing this weekend.
Police are seeking your help to trace a womanreported missing in Penicuik.There are growing concerns for the 45-year-old, who lives in the Ladywood area.
Claire Parkes is described as a dark haired white Scottish female with a localaccent.She was last seen wearing a yellow jacket, pink top, and grey/blue tracksuit bottoms.
Claire was last seen in the Nevis Gardens area of Ladywood, Penicuik around 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday).
Anyone who may have seen Claire, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2798 of 22082020.
MISSING PERSON – ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM – CRAIGMOUNT
*** ALEXANDER HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE AND WELL ***
Police are also appealing for information to help trace a missing 67-year-old man from Edinburgh. Alexander Cunningham was last seen leaving his home address in Craigmount Drive around 5.30pm on Friday (21 August, 2020).
He is described as a white male, around 5ft 6in tall with glasses, short grey hair and walks slowly with a limp. When last seen, Alexander was wearing a brown jacket with zip and pockets, black boots and grey trousers.
Inspector Caroline Flynn, of Drylaw Response Policing, said: “We are becomingly increasingly concerned about Alexander’s whereabouts and we are looking for assistance to help trace him safe and well.
“He is believed to be in possession of his bus pass and may have travelled, therefore we ask if anyone has seen anyone matching this description that they get in contact with officers.
“If anyone has any information that could help trace Alexander then please get in touch.
“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 1432 of Saturday, 22 August, 2020.”
“Plan your walk, walk your plan” is the message Sergeant Peter Lorain-Smith of Police Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Team wants to get out at this time.
Peter said: “If you are thinking of heading to our beautiful hills and mountains, it is important to be prepared by planning the route you are going to walk and having suitable equipment and clothing, as the weather up in the hills can change quickly.
“Unfortunately we have come across examples recently of walkers not being prepared for the walks that they are undertaking, including people being on the hills without maps, torches or basic survival gear, or the skills and knowledge to use them. The message remains simple – come to the hills and enjoy them, but be prepared for all eventualities and don’t go beyond your ability.
“We do not want to put anyone off enjoying the great outdoor activities we have here in Scotland but we would ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider whether it is safe to climb a particular route. The environment of the Scottish mountains is by its very nature an unpredictable one and it is important that people take as many precautions and plan ahead as much as possible if they are going to go climbing.
“If you do find yourself in need of assistance in the mountains because of being lost or injured then please remember to phone 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue, you will be helped, but because of the COVID-19 restrictions and volume of calls, it may take longer than normal for us to get to you.
“It is also very important to have respect for the Outdoor Access Code, particularly as it relates to where and when not to park, on what can often be narrow and somewhat crowded roads at this time of year. Emergency vehicles can require access to almost anywhere and a badly parked vehicle could hinder emergency access. Use designated parking areas where possible.
Police are appealing for the public’s assistance in tracing Selim El Syed (54) who has been reported missing from Leith.
Selim was last seen in the East Hermitage Place area around 3.30pm on Monday (17 August 2020).
He is described as Bangladeshi, around 5 ft 5 ins tall, of slim build with dark hair. He has a noticeable gait and when walking may appear to shuffle.
Inspector Grant McCulloch said: “We are very concerned for Selim’s welfare and officers are currently carrying out a number of searches to trace him. He is known to travel to rural parts of Scotland by bus and train and will sleep outdoors.
“I would urge anyone who has seen Selim, or has any information on his whereabouts, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1409 of 19 August.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic crash in Sighthill. The incident happened at around 1.10pm yesterday in Bankhead Terrace when the male rider of a quad bike was injured when he came off his machine.
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick of the Roads Policing Unit said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this crash. In particular we would like to speak to the occupants of a red coloured Toyota Prius car which was seen driving west along Bankhead Terrace at the time of the crash.
“I would also ask anyone who may have been driving in the area in a vehicle which had a dash-cam fitted to check their device for anything which might help us establish the circumstances surrounding this crash.
“Callers can use the 101 number to call in and should quote the reference number 1609 of 18 August 2020.”
UPDATE: Police Scotland have confirmed that Leslie Adam, 60, who had been reported missing from Edinburgh, has been traced SAFE AND WELL.
Thank you to everyone who shared our appeals and assisted in our enquiries.
Police are appealing for information to help trace a woman reported missing from Corstoprhine.
Leslie Adam, (60) was last seen at her home address in the Bughtlin area around 2am on Sunday, 16 August. She is believed to have left around 9am on the same date on foot and has not been seen or heard from since. There is growing concern for her welfare.
She is described as being 5ft 5ins tall and of a heavy build. Leslie is thought to have recently cut her white hair which is described as being a very short, shaved cut. At the time she went missing she is believed to have been wearing a dark bomber style jacket.
Inspector Keith Forrester from Corstorphine police station said: “Along with her family, we are becoming increasingly concerned for Leslie’s welfare and are keen to locate her as soon as possible.
“It is very out of character for Leslie to not keep in contact with her family, she left on foot but has limited mobility so we believe she may have used a bus or taxi to travel.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen her to contact us as soon as possible. Similarly, if Leslie is reading this, let us know you are safe and well.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 1543 of Sunday, 16 August 2020.
Police have issued CCTV images of a man they wish to trace in connection with an attempted robbery which occurred in the Dalry area in April.
The incident happened on Orwell Terrace at around 9.35pm on Wednesday, 1 April 2020.
A 25-year-old man was on Orwell Terrace, when he was assaulted by an unknown man who then attempted to rob him.
It is believed the man pictured may be able to assist the investigation.
Detective Constable Peter Lyons from Corstorphine CID said: “The victim was understandably very shaken as a result of this attack.
“We are appealing for anyone who can help identify this male as he may be able to assist the officers with their enquiries.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3529 of 1st April 2020, or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Police in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of a man that officers believe may be able to assist them with enquiries into robbery at a shop in the city.
The incident happened at premises on Shandon’s Ashley Terrace around 7pm on Tuesday, 23 June, 2020 and a three figure sum of cash was stolen.
Officers believe that the man shown in the image may have information that will assist with their investigation and would appeal to any members of the public who recognise him to come forward.
The man is described as black, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, of a medium build and around 5ft 10ins tall. He is shown in the image wearing a dark grey suit jacket, a black hooded top, black trousers and black leather shoes.
Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Corstorphine CID said: “Nobody was injured but this was a frightening experience for staff and customers alike. Our enquiries are ongoing and I would urge anyone who may be able to identify the man in the images to come forward.
“If you can assist with this or have any other information at all please call 101, quoting incident 3084 of 23 June, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received more than 1,000 emergency calls overnight due to severe weather on Tuesday night.
Crews were mobilised to a number of flooding incidents caused by heavy rain, and fires believed to have been caused by the weather across Scotland, with the east and north of the country particularly affected.
Between 10pm on Tuesday, August 11 and 8am on Wednesday, August 12 the Service’s Operations Control room in Edinburgh received more than 500 (five hundred) 999 calls – almost 400 of which were related to flooding, while Dundee received 300 calls and Johnstone more than 200.
This included calls to a significant landslide at a caravan park in Pettycur, Fife affecting 450 caravans. Crews assisted in the rescue of 27 people and also the relocation of 218 people from the site.
A further 14 people were rescued by firefighters following significant flooding on the M8 motorway, where a number of cars were submerged between junctions 5 and 6.
Six fire appliances and more than 20 firefighters were mobilised to a fire within a kitchen showroom in Falkirk.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms which is currently in place for parts of the country until Thursday, August 13.
Ross Haggart is the Deputy Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He said: “This was an extremely challenging night where we received an incredibly high number of calls, making this one of the busiest nights the service has seen this year so far.
“We have seen high numbers of flooding calls from the Lothian, Falkirk and Fife areas which were severely affected by serious rainfall – resulting in a significant localised response from the national service.
“Crews also attended a number of other serious incidents including road traffic collisions and fires which may have been caused by the weather.
“My thanks must go to our crews and Operations Control for their outstanding work overnight in very challenging conditions, and to our partners for their continued assistance.”
The atrocious weather conditions are thought to have been a factor in the train derailment near Stonehaven which resulted in three fatalities. Investigations are now underway.
Police ScotlandAssistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton said: “We can confirm that a joint investigation into the tragic incident near Stonehaven yesterday is being conducted.
“Officers from Police Scotland, British Transport Police and the Office of Rail and Road are working together closely as the investigation seeks to establish the full circumstances of what happened and will utilise the skills of all agencies.
“The investigation, which will be carried out under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, is in parallel to the independent safety investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
“The multi-agency response to the incident remains ongoing and we are working with partners to support the family and friends of those involved as well as the rail family and local community.
“I also want to thank the responders who attended yesterday and were faced with a challenging scene. Our thanks must also go to the local community who rallied around the emergency services with many offers of assistance and we are grateful for your support.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected at this difficult time.”
The three people who died at the derailment incident have been formally identified and can now be named as follows:
Brett McCullough (45) – Driver Donald Dinnie (58) – Conductor Christopher Stuchbury (62) – Passenger
Family tribute for Christopher Stuchbury aged 62 from Aberdeen:
“Chris was a much adored husband, son, dad, stepdad, grandad, brother and uncle and was a treasured and loved friend to many, including the Targe Towing Team where he was an integral and valued member of staff.
“He also volunteered at Roxburghe House in Aberdeen during his spare time which he thoroughly enjoyed doing.
“We are devastated by his death and we request privacy at this difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.”
Brett’s wife Stephanie has requested that Police Scotland issue the following statement on their behalf:
“Brett was a much loved husband, father, son and uncle who will be sorely missed by all.
“It is an extremely difficult time for us as a family and we would ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with our horrendous loss.”
Statement from the family of Donald Dinnie:
“As a family we are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Donald, a loving and proud dad, son, partner, brother, uncle and friend.
“No words could ever describe how much he will be missed by us all and there will always be a missing piece in our hearts.
“It is so heart warming to see how many people have fond memories of Donald and I am sure they have plenty of happy and funny stories to tell. He was a kind, caring and genuine person who was never found without a smile on his face. We know he will be deeply missed by all.
“Together we thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and condolences but we kindly ask at this time that we have the chance to grieve privately as a family.”
Police are appealing for information following the theft of four high valued pedal cycles. The bikes were stolen from a vehicle which was in a car park in the Haymarket area sometime between Tuesday 4 August 2020 and Thursday 6 August 2020.
They are described as:
1. Black and red Trek Rail 9.8 (2020) E-Bike, medium size carbon frame with ‘Trek’ in black writing. The motor within the bike is Bosch.
2. Lime coloured Whyte S150 bike, large sized carbon frame, with an oval golden chain ring. The bike has Magura MT8 branded brakes with 220mm discs, orange pedals and grips.
3. Blue and white Trek Fuel women’s specific design, small alloy frame, Sram Juicy RS branded brakes with red pedals and 26 inch wheels.
4. Brown Cheetah custom build, extra small alloy frame and 26 inch wheels. It has Whyte DT Rear Suspension which is unique with an adjustable seat post (which is adjustable from the handle bars). It has blue grips and blue pedals.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0942 of 6 August 2020. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
And, completely unrelated …
Get on your bike! Cycle sales skyrocket at Cash Converters
More active lockdown lifestyles have seen cycle sales skyrocket – almost doubling – at UK Cash Converters stores after they re-opened their doors to customers in June.
With lockdown restrictions slowly easing throughout the UK, Brits are now enjoying the great outdoors more than ever, and it looks like more and more families are gearing up to get on two wheels during the school holidays this summer.
New stats from the UK’s leading retailer of second-hand goods, Cash Converters, show bike sales have soared by 74 per cent since re-opening, as thousands turn to its booming high street bargain stores for their new bicycles.
The figures, which cover the initial three-week sales period after non-essential stores were reopened across the UK last month, show the huge spike in cycle sales after lockdown compared to the same period previously.
And it’s not just bikes. More savvy shoppers aiming to bag a bargain are turning to Cash Converters stores and its hugely popular online webshop, with sales of leisure equipment, phones, laptops and the latest tech all rising significantly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Peter Hall, CEO at Cash Converters UK said: “The past few months have been challenging for everyone across the country, with restrictions and limitations greatly impacting the ways we’re able to work, exercise and socialise.
“Now that we can get out and about more freely again, many people have turned to new hobbies and outdoor activities, and we’ve seen huge increases in the sale of so many second-hand goods in our stores – particularly bikes. We’ve also seen increases in other hobby items, such as musical instruments and fishing equipment.
“As a second-hand retailer our prices are always extremely competitive and more people are starting to look for used rather than new because the quality is still there, but it comes with a lower price tag. When it comes to gaming, jewellery, baking equipment, DIY tools and everything else in between, people are turning to Cash Converters more than ever.
“And it’s not just about buying from us, if people are keen to unlock the value of their unused goods, jewellery, tech and other household items – or they need to make space in their home – they’re able to sell those to us for cash there and then or use our buy back service.”
Cash Converters is a franchised retailer which buys and sells pre-owned goods in 196 stores throughout the country. For more information, visit https://www.cashconverters.co.uk/.
