Tag: Police Scotland

Action Porty to buy former police station

📣 We have HUGE news to share! Scottish Land Fund have announced that they will fund 100% of the price for Action Porty to buy the former police station building from Police Scotland via a Community Asset Transfer.

🎉We at Action Porty are absolutely thrilled!!! (Actually, that’s an understatement. We were dancing on the tables when we heard the news!)🎉

When Action Porty bought Bellfield on behalf of the community, Scottish Land Fund (SLF) awarded us 90% of the purchase price.

It’s partly our strong track record that led to this amazing result, but its mostly the incredible work, which has been happening behind the scenes, by a group of very dedicated volunteers: Frazer McNaughton, Mark Boggis, Justin Kenrick and Kieran Gaffney, with Kieran and the team at Konishi Gaffney architects and local structural engineer James Lewis, Hive Structural Ltd, providing pro bono services. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Background – what has led us to here?

Aug 2024: Police Scotland announced plans to sell the building. (Operational police officers haven’t been stationed there since 2016).

Oct 2024: 97% of Community Council survey respondents supported community ownership.

Nov 2024: Community consultation event overwhelmingly endorsed Action Porty’s proposal.

Jan 2025: Action Porty submitted the Community Asset Transfer request.

Jul-Sept 2025: Police Scotland agreed to request and price and Scottish Ministers gave their approval.

Dec 2025: with SLF deciding to fund the purchase, we are in reach of the finishing line!

🏁The actual finishing line will be March 2026 when the sale completes.

To meet the funding conditions and complete the sale we need to get the necessary planning permissions and building warrants in place. There’s lots to do!

Watch this space 👀 – we’ll share more news as we get it.

What’s next for this iconic public building which has served the community for almost 150 years?

Find out here: https://www.bellfield.scot/heart-of-porty

Any questions, comments or feedback that you’d prefer to not post on social media? Email heartofporty@gmail.com

#ScottishLandFund

#communityownership

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland

Development Trusts Association Scotland

Man convicted of firearm offences

A 39-year-old man has been convicted of possessing and discharging a firearm in Edinburgh.

Nicky Robertson pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 11 December, 2025).

Around 3.05am on Thursday, 20 March, police received a report of a firearm having been discharged at a property on Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Robertson was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Thursday, 24 April.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “While this was established as a targeted attack, it was a concerning incident for the local community.

“Through the hard work of the officers involved in Operation Portaledge we were able to recover the firearm involved and ultimately bring the man responsible to justice.

“This conviction highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Man jailed following violent offence and discharge of firearm in Edinburgh

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison following a violent offence and discharge of a firearm in Edinburgh.

Arran Reid pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May.

Reid was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June. 

On Friday, 13 June, officers were made aware of a window having been damaged at a property on Walter Scott Avenue. 

Following enquiries, it was established that the damage had been caused by the discharge of a firearm. 

Reid was also charged in connection with this incident on Tuesday, 15 July.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious criminality that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“It also highlights Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Former Police Scotland officer jailed for firearms offences and neglect of duty

A former Police Scotland constable has today, Monday, 8 December 2025, been sentenced to two years and three months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Alan Sharp, 52, previously pleaded guilty to three charges relating to firearms and one charge of wilful neglect of his duties as a police constable and firearms enquiry officer, when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 November, 2025.

He had possession of two firearms and live ammunition outside the terms of his own firearms license and admitted failing to carry out the necessary checks and enquiries for applications for firearms licenses.

Sharp resigned from Police Scotland in November 2025.

Assistant Chief Constable for Professionalism and Assurance, Lynn Ratcliff, said: “Alan Sharp’s actions in no way reflect the high standards expected of an officer in Police Scotland.

“He abused his position as a constable, neglected his legal duties, and his actions go against everything we stand for as an organisation.

“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times, and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.

“As a result, people like Alan Sharp have no place in Police Scotland. Matters are thoroughly investigated when an officer or staff member fails to uphold the high standards we expect in policing.”

Community Safety at Waverley

Police Scotland joined British Transport Police, CEC Trading Standards, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland at Waverley Railway Station today for a Community Safety stall.

We provided commuters and Christmas shoppers with advice on staying safe on the train network, crime prevention during the festive period, fire safety and how to sign up for Neighbourhood Watch.

Upcoming Events:

– The Gyle Shopping Centre – Wednesday 10 December, 10:00–13:00 (Police Scotland & Neighbourhood Watch)

– Asda Chesser – Thursday 11 December, 12:00–14:00 (Police Scotland)

– Cameron Toll Shopping Centre – Wednesday 17 December, 12:00–14:00 (Police Scotland)

Have you seen Aleighsha?

POLICE are appealing for help from the public to trace Aleighsha Brechin, 13, who has been reported missing from Prestonpans.

Aleighsha was last seen 08:30am on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025. She is described as being 5ft 4in in height and was wearing a black hooded jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and white Nike trainers when last seen.

Aleighsha may be within East Lothian but also has links to Edinburgh including Fort Kinnaird.

It is out of character for Aleighsha to be out of contact with family or friends and we are asking anyone who may have seen her to contact us.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0076 4th December 2025

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents? #TakeFive

Looking for a good deal on Christmas presents? 🎁

Criminals create fake websites that impersonate big brands. Always verify the site’s authenticity before entering any personal or financial details.

#TakeFive to Stop, Challenge and Protect this Christmas.

✋ Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.

☝️Challenge: Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

👊 Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to us.

#ChristmasShopping

#StopChallengeProtect

Man convicted of rape of teenager in Edinburgh city centre

A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

Aaron Strachan pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday, 4 December). He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026.

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the York Place area.

Strachan also pled guilty to an assault to severe injury which took place in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date, as well as an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life which took place in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from Edinburgh’s Sex Offender Policing Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.

“The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, Area Commander for Edinburgh City Centre, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”

Drugs and driving don’t mix

  • Driving on drugs is never worth the risk
  • It’s illegal in Scotland, and immediate roadside testing can be carried out at any time.

Drugs can slow down your responses, making it more likely you’ll have a collision on the road. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.

The effects of drug driving can seriously ruin lives. Not just yours, but other road users and their families too.

If you’re caught and convicted of drug driving, here’s what you can expect to face as a minimum:

  • 12-month driving ban
  • 3 to 11 points on your licence
  • Up to six months in prison
  • Up to £5,000 fine
  • An offence that stays on your licence for 11 years
  • Causing death carries a maximum 14-year jail sentence
  • You could lose your car and even your job.

THE LAW IN SCOTLAND

  • It’s illegal to take drugs and drive in Scotland – and the punishments are severe
  • The law also includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you’re not meant to use whilst driving
  • The penalties for driving while on these drugs are exactly the same as having illegal substances in your system.

THE EFFECTS CAN LAST A LIFETIME

A drug driving conviction can change your life for years to come.

You could:

  • Lose your job, or business, if you can’t drive
  • Struggle to get another job because of your criminal conviction
  • Face a significant increase in your vehicle insurance
  • Have difficulty travelling abroad – especially to the USA

HOW YOU CAN BE CAUGHT

It’s easier than you think to get caught drug driving.

You could be:

  • Stopped by the police for a routine check
  • Stopped for another traffic offence – like not wearing a seatbelt or a faulty light
  • Involved in a crash, even one which is not your fault
  • Reported by someone who suspects you’ve been taking drugs

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET CAUGHT

  • If an officer reasonably suspects that you have taken or are under the influence of drugs whilst driving you may be arrested or required to carry out a roadside drug wipe test
  • You may also be required to carry out a preliminary impairment test
  • If the drug wipe is positive or the preliminary test indicates drugs in your system, it is likely you will be arrested and taken to a police station
  • At the station you will be required to provide a blood or urine sample which will be sent for testing. The result of this test will be used to make a decision about any prosecution

HOW DRUGS CAN AFFECT YOUR DRIVING

  • Depending on what’s been taken, drugs have different effects on driving ability
  • Many impair awareness, judgement and reaction times
  • Drugs can still be detected in your system quite a few days after they’ve been taken
  • Many prescription drugs can also make you drowsy and affect vision, coordination and concentration

For more information on the effects of specific drugs, read the content on release.org and changes to drug driving law on gov.uk.

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

It’s illegal to drive using any medicines that affect your driving abilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Some medicines, like hay fever remedies, can cause drowsiness and impairment
  • The penalties for driving while impaired by prescribed drugs can be just as severe as illegal ones
  • It can be an offence to drive if you’re over the stated limits of certain drugs – whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter
  • Always check the information leaflet, or ask the pharmacist for any driving restrictions

There are no issues if:

  • You’ve been prescribed the drug, and
  • It’s taken as prescribed, and
  • It doesn’t affect your driving.

Edinburgh’s Retail Crime Task Force gets to work

The Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force launched its first day of action last week in the North East of the city, focusing on Leith Walk and Fort Kinnaird.

This initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Crimestoppers Scotland , aims to tackle shoplifting and violence against retail workers.

The operation combined two key approaches – Prevent and Pursue:

✅ Plain-clothes officers targeted hotspot areas to identify and apprehend offenders.

✅ High-visibility patrols visited retailers to offer reassurance, crime prevention advice, and act as a visible deterrent.

Retailers have welcomed this proactive approach and the ongoing partnership to address prolific shoplifters.

PC Sarah Brotherston, who led the operation, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. We know the harm it causes to retailers and staff, and we’re committed to reducing theft and bringing offenders to justice.

“This day of action is just one piece of work that the Edinburgh Retail Crime Task Force are involved in. Further days of action and targeting of those who are repeatedly involved in shoplifting will be taking place in the run up to Christmas”

If you have information about shoplifting or stolen property, report it anonymously at https://orlo.uk/3Fp70 or call 0800 555 111.

#NotaVictimlessCrime

#RetailCrimeTaskForce