The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Labour’s Cammy Day, is being investigated by police over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.
The Sunday Mail reported this morning that Forth councillor Day “bombarded Ukrainian refugees” with messages of a sexual nature.
The newspaper alleges he asked them sexually explicit questions, tried to meet them for wine dates and complimented them on their looks.
The Sunday Mail spoke to two Ukrainians who say Mr Day had been messaging them. They said they felt unable to ignore his unsolicited approaches due to his position within the council.
A spokeswoman for Edinburgh City Council said: “All matters raised with the chief executive and monitoring officer have been progressed through our established processes in consultation [with] our independent whistleblowing service, Safecall, and, where appropriate, Police Scotland.”
A Scottish Labour spokeswoman said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously. They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken.”
Labour’s leader in Scotland Anas Sarwar confirmed this morning that Mr Day has been suspended from the party pending the outcome of any investigation, but Mr Sarwar refused to comment further while investigations are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed: “On Tuesday 22 October, we received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Labour is the only the third biggest party on Edinburgh Council but Mr Day has led the local authority since May 2022 with support from the Lib Dems and the Scottish Conservatives. Both of these groups are now calling for his resignation.
Lib-Dem group leader Kevin Lang said this morning: “I have this morning written formally to Cllr Cammy Day to call on him to step down immediately as Leader of Edinburgh Council.
“The Liberal Democrat group has also tabled an emergency motion for Tuesday’s Policy Committee to agree he must now resign.”
Conservative councillor Iain Whyte said last night: “If Cammy Day has been suspended by Labour he can’t have their support to remain as Council Leader.
“He must step aside immediately. The Council as a whole can then decide a way forward.”
The SNP, the largest opposition party in Edinburgh, have also called for Cllr Day’s immediate resignation.
Cllr Simita Kumar, who leads the SNP group, said Mr Day should resign without delay.
She said on Twitter: “This is beyond shocking, I’m almost lost for words. @cllrcammyday needs to resign as Council Leader immediately.”
She later added: “Serious allegations have been made against Council Leader – Councillor Cammy Day.
“I have written to Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council, to take immediate actions to safeguard the public, protect staff, and offer support to anyone impacted.”
The Scottish Green group have also called for Cammy Day’s ‘immediate resignation’:
Councillor Cammy Day has made no comment but his position is looking increasingly untenable.
Travel and safety advice has been issued following a Met Office Amber weather warning for high winds associated with Storm Darragh today (Saturday, 7th December 2024) between 1am and 9pm.
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during the adverse weather or if travel can be delayed until conditions improve.
The Scottish areas affected by the Amber warning are:
Dumfries and Galloway
South Ayrshire
Please visit the Met Office website for more detailed information about the weather warning. Yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in place for parts of Scotland.
Please also be aware of weather warnings in place for other parts of the UK, including a Red weather warning for high winds across parts of Wales and avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected.
Motorists are advised there is a high risk of disruption in the areas affected by the warning and there may be significant delays. Conditions may be hazardous due to the high winds and extra caution should be exercised.
Travellers with bookings on ferries should check with operators for updates on crossings.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1865037333533180020
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas, or consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.
“Plan ahead and keep updated by checking the Met Office and Traffic Scotland websites and social media.”
Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on 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.
SEPA: Flooding expected as Storm Darragh arrives
Regional Flood Alerts are in place as Storm Darragh is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of Scotland on Friday and Saturday.
Localised flooding from surface water and high river levels is possible across parts of southern, central and north-eastern Scotland. This could lead to impacts such as disruption to travel and flooding of low-lying land, roads and isolated properties.
The Met Office also has warnings in place for potentially damaging winds associated with Storm Darragh. High winds may cause dangerous conditions in coastal areas due to wave overtopping and sea spray.
David Morgan, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “The arrival of Storm Darragh is expected to cause disruption across Scotland today and tomorrow. There’s a risk of surface water and river flooding in central, southern and north-eastern areas due to persistent, and at times heavy, rainfall.
“People living, working and travelling in affected areas are advised to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and stay safe. Take care when travelling and plan your journey in advance as impacts may include roads being flooded and disruption to the rail network.
“We have issued Flood Alerts and continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. Regional Alerts and local Flood Warnings will be reviewed throughout the weekend and updated as necessary.
“We advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our flood updates for all the latest information and view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”
Regional Flood Alerts and local Flood Warnings are in place as #StormDarragh brings heavy rainfall to much of Scotland today and tomorrow.
Check the Scottish Flood Forecast: Combining the Met Office’s cutting-edge weather forecasts with SEPA’s data and expertise, the Scottish Flood Forecast provides a clear, three-day outlook that shows when and where flooding is expected, whether from rivers, surface water, or the sea in Scotland. It can also reassure you if flooding is not expected.
Sign Up to Floodline for text, phone call, or email messages for the area where you live or work, allowing you to take action and prepare when flooding is expected.
Follow SEPA on social media: SEPA provide information on predicted flooding in advance through the dedicated @SEPAFlood account on X and its Facebook page.
Visit SEPA’s flooding pages today to access these tools and find out more about how to prepare for and be aware of potential flooding.
Stay safe
Don’t walk through flood water – 15cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet and hazards can be hidden under the water.
Drive with care, and do not travel through deep fast flowing water. It only takes 30cm of fast flowing water to move an average family sized car.
Consider deploying flooding protection products if required.
What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?
Regional Flood Alerts are early advice that flooding is possible across a wider geographical area. The purpose of the Alerts is to make people aware of the risk of flooding and be prepared. We normally issue them 12 to 24 hours in advance of the possibility of flooding.
Flood Warnings are more locally specific and are issued for areas where we have gauges to measure the exact water height. They are issued at shorter notice when we are more certain that a specific area will be affected.
Motorists are being urged to take extra safety precautions before heading out on the road in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.
Motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to ensure their cars are roadworthy in all weather conditions and have researched tips for protecting vehicles during storm season.
With storm warnings announced across the country, Brits are being urged to avoid getting behind the wheel, but for those who need to head out on necessary journeys, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to stay safe on the roads.
A survey revealed a third of drivers admit to not slowing down in wet weather and nearly one in three have driven over the speed limit despite these dangerous conditions.
According to The Highway Code, in wet weather the stopping distances are at least double those required on dry roads because water reduces the grip the tyres have on the road.
This means the distance between cars, which the Highway Code recommends as two seconds in dry conditions, should also be doubled, or even tripled in wet conditions.
This should allow drivers sufficient time to react and come to a full stop if needed without hitting the car in front of them.
If a road is flooded, drivers should turn around and find an alternative route as driving through flood water can lead to loss of control and serious damage to vehicles – which car insurance is unlikely to cover.
Motorists should also be mindful of strong winds and keep a strong grip on the steering wheel at all times to prevent being swayed off course, especially when driving past gaps in trees or buildings where they’re more likely to be exposed to side winds.
It’s also important to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and are able to handle heavy rain and strong winds.
Essential checks include ensuring the tyres have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated, windscreen wipers are fully clearing the screen, brake pads and batteries are fully operational and the correct lights are on and working properly.
It’s illegal not to turn your lights on in bad weather when visibility is poor and drivers could face a 12-month ban and £1000 fine. It’s also important to know which light should be used when the weather starts to deteriorate.
Know Your Lights in bad weather:
Headlights – when visibility is reduced
Daytime running lights – activate rear set of lights in poor visibility
Dipped headlights – in dull daytime weather or heavy rain
Fog lights – in foggy conditions so drivers can spot you at a distance
Automatic lights – if these come as standard in your vehicle, double check they are activated in bad weather, as they may not come on automatically in certain conditions such as fog
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO ofQuotezone.co.uk said: “With heavy rainfall and strong winds expected across the country, we’re urging drivers to take a proactive approach to safety.
“Before getting behind the wheel it’s crucial to carry out a few checks to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Checking tyre pressure, tread depth, lights, and wipers can make a significant difference in how your car handles adverse weather.
“Many motorists underestimate the impact of weather on driving conditions and failing to adapt your driving style to the conditions can have serious consequences.
“It’s important to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and be vigilant for potential hazards like flooding and debris.
“Drivers should also check what type of insurance they have – while most comprehensive car insurance policies cover storm damage, motorists who have taken out third-party only or third-party, fire and theft insurance won’t normally be covered.
“Also, drivers who actively drive through flood water are likely to invalidate their insurance and lose protection for any damage – given it was an avoidable situation, and the driver has a duty to safeguard the vehicle.”
Before setting off in stormy conditions, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the journey. The essential checks include ensuring the tyre tread depth meets the legal requirements and that the tyres are properly inflated to provide maximum traction on wet roads. It’s also important to make sure that all lights and wipers are functioning correctly, as visibility can be drastically reduced in heavy rain.
Reduce speed
Drivers need to reduce speed to improve vehicle control and allow themselves time to react in unexpected situations such as sudden stops or fallen trees on the road. This is because the stopping distances double on wet roads due to the reduced grip that tyres have on the water.
Increase distances
It’s important to leave a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front to give yourself ample time to react in case the car ahead stops suddenly. Aim for at least a four-second gap in wet conditions, and consider increasing it further during heavy rain or when visibility is limited.
Don’t drive through a flood
Flooded roads pose significant risks, including the possibility of losing control, stalling or damaging the engine. Even shallow water can conceal hazards like deep potholes or debris. Also, most car insurance policies won’t cover you for damage if you drive through flooded water.
Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel
Strong winds can make it difficult to maintain control of your vehicle, especially when driving through open areas where you’re more exposed to side winds. A firm grip on the steering wheel helps you react quickly to unexpected gusts of wind.
Beware of aquaplaning
Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing the vehicle to lose traction and making it difficult to steer and brake. If you feel the steering becomes lighter or the car begins to slide, ease off the accelerator, don’t brake and allow your car to slow down naturally.
Use the right light
In heavy rain or poor visibility, it’s important to double check your lights are on, dipped headlights allow other drivers to see you more easily. They’ll be seen from a much greater distance than sidelights and they won’t dazzle other drivers or pedestrians.
Quotezone helps millions of drivers right across the UK find essential savings and better insurance across a whole range of products such as car, van and motorbike insurance.
EDINBURGH Police haveissued CCTV footage of three men officers believe might be able to assist with enquiries into an incident on 5 November 2024 at Captains Road, in the Gracemount area.
The first male is described as a white, aged between 20 and 30 years-old, around 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build and a bushy brown/red beard. He was wearing a black hat, black tracksuit top with white logo on left chest and white lining around shoulders and black trainers.
The second male is described as a white, aged between 30 and 40 years-old, with a medium build and black hair. He was wearing a black jacket with a fur hood and black trousers.
The third male is described as a white aged between 18 and 20-years-old, 5ft 9ins tall, with a medium/athletic build, dark eyebrows and black hair. He was wearing a black snood, black crew-neck Nike jumper with small white swoosh on left breast, black trousers and black trainers.
Detective Inspector Steven Dick said: “We are keen to talk to these males as we believe he may have information which could assist with our enquiries.
“The males pictured, or anyone who may recognise them, are asked to please contact us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police Scotland have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing enquiries into a robbery which occurred at around 2.15pm on Friday, 25 October, 2024, at a petrol station at Ferrymuir Gait, South Queensferry.
Officers believe the man shown in the images may have information that can assist the ongoing investigation.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins -5ft 10ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a black beanie style hat with grey trim, a grey snood which covered his mouth and nose, brown coat with fur trim collar and cuffs, blue jeans and white trainers. He was also wearing a black backpack and blue gloves.
Detective Sergeant Jennifer Hughes said: “Extensive enquiries into this incident remain ongoing.
“I would encourage this man, or anyone who may recognise him, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2072 of 25 October, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Three youths have been arrested and charged in connection with the serious assault of a teenager in Edinburgh.
Around 8pm on Monday, 2 December, 2024, a 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he was assaulted by a group of youths at Slateford Green.
The group of youths involved seven males and three females, aged in their mid to late teens.
The boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, where he remains in a stable condition.
Following enquiries, two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old female youth have been arrested and charged in connection with serious assault. They will each be reported to the relevant authorities.
Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace all those involved in this unprovoked attack.
“I’d like to reassure the public that we have increased high visibility patrols in the area and these will continue over the coming days as enquiries progress.
“I encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to these officers.
“I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have dashcam or private CCTV footage to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 2315 of 2 December, 2024.
Figures show 45 offences recorded in Edinburgh during last year’s festive period
A hard-hitting campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug-driving was launched by The Scottish Government and Police Scotland yesterday, after a record number of drivers being caught drink or drug-driving.
With police officers able to carry out immediate roadside drug testing using a simple swab, it’s easier than ever for officers to catch drug-drivers, with almost 50 per cent of tests showing up positive2.
The most recent figures available, from 2022, show that drink-driving is estimated to have resulted in 30 deaths and a further 280 injuries.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance, was joined by Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, at the Livingston Inn, to emphasise the potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug-driving – not just for other road users but for those behind the wheel.
Ms. Constance said: “Driving with drink or drugs in your system destroys lives. As well as those whose loved ones are killed or seriously injured as a result of a driver under the influence; drivers themselves face losing their licence and their job, and could be faced with hefty fines.
“The impact on their own families can be huge. It’s simply not worth the risk – leave the car at home if you are planning a night out.”
Police Scotland is urging people to make transport plans before heading out to festivities.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “Our officers will be working hard to relentlessly target drivers who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs.
It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol or drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.”
The campaign aims to emphasise the long-lasting effects of drugs and alcohol and remind people that even one drink can take them over the alcohol limit. You can still be unfit to drive the morning after drinking or taking drugs, and some drugs can remain in your system for days.
Those caught driving with drugs or alcohol in their system may face a range of penalties including a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, penalty points on their licence and up to six months in prison.
Chief Superintendent Sloan continued: “We will be doing everything we can to protect the public and support crucial road safety partnerships to encourage behaviour change, but we also need your help.
“The influence people can have on their family and friends can be lifesaving.
“If you know someone is going to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, please speak to them. We all have a responsibility to improve road safety.”
The new drink and drug-driving advertising campaign highlights how easy it is to catch drivers under the influence, that even one drink can put you over the limit, and that you can still be over the limit the morning after.
It will run during the festive period on radio, digital and outdoor channels supported by a PR and social media campaign.
For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
Police Scotland is anxious to trace the whereabouts of Blair Davidson who has been missing from the Granton area since around 11pm on Sunday 24 November 2024.
Blair is 32 years of age and is described as white, 6 feet tall, medium build, dark cropped hair, and stubble.
Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 or Crimestoppers on 0500 555 111. Quote incident 0177of 26/11/2024.
Road Policing officers in Edinburgh are appealing for information following a fatal road crash on Dundee Street, which took place around 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday, 1 December, 2024).
The incident involved a grey Volvo XC60 and a male pedestrian. The 20-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a 51-year-old man, was arrested and released pending further enquiries.
An investigation to establish the full circumstances of the crash is ongoing and officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Sergeant Dave Waddell said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this tragic time.
“As our enquiries continue, we ask anyone who was in the area and either witnessed the crash, or has potential dashcam footage from around that time, to please contact police.”
Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting incident 2556 of 1 December, 2024.
POLICE are are appealing for help to trace Gary Coyle, 65, who has been reported missing from Corstorphine.
Gary was last seen around 9.20am on Saturday, 30 November in the Parkgrove area.
He is described as around 5ft 4, of slim build and has long thinning grey hair. It is not known what clothing he is wearing.
Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “Concerns are growing for Gary’s welfare. I am appealing to anyone who might have seen him, knows where he may be, or if Gary himself sees this appeal, to please get in touch with officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 3163 of Sunday, 1 December 2024.
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