A man has been arrested in connection with a disturbance in the Calder Gardens area, which happened around 8.25am this morning (Monday, 2 March).
Police, including firearms officers, attended after we received reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
The incident is not being treated as terror related.
Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to non life threatening injuries. A man suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed. A woman suffered a laceration to the head, not believed to be caused by a bladed weapon.
Enquiries are ongoing and officers will remain in the area.
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance and patience while we dealt with this incident.
“I understand what happened was alarming for the local community and I want to reassure the public there is no ongoing wider risk. However, if you do have concerns please speak to the officers at the scene or call us on 101.”
Council Leader and Chair of the Edinburgh Partnership, Jane Meagher, has paid tribute to the response of emergency services and council staff.
Following an arrest made in connection with the incident in the west of the city earlier today (2 March), Councillor Meagher said: “I was deeply shocked to hear about this morning’s horrific incident in the west of the city.
“I want to pay tribute to council colleagues, Police Scotland and other emergency services for their quick response and to wish the two people who were injured a speedy recovery. This must have been particularly traumatic for them and for those who witnessed the attacks. My thoughts are with them all.
“It’s important to echo the Police’s statement that this was an isolated incident, and the suspect is now in custody. I would urge people not to speculate or share unverified information on social media.
“I fully understand the concern this will cause within the community, and we have contacted local residents’ and other groups to offer our support. This will continue for as long as it’s needed.
“Moments like this remind us of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, at work, on their street and in their neighbourhood.
“Edinburgh is a proud, welcoming and diverse city. Our biggest strength lies in those who live here – people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds – and we all have a part to play in making sure it stays that way.”
Anyone with information or concerns should contact the Police on 101.
On Thursday (26 February), Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM hosted an incredibly inspiring and humbling event at the Police Scotland Headquarters; the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence awards.
Held every year, these awards recognise and celebrate the very best of policing from across the Service and in the community, including work and contribution from officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public.
A police officer who, alongside colleagues, successfully brought an incident where a man was holding a 9-week-old baby hostage, with a knife, to a safe conclusion was one of the many officers, staff, partners and members of the public recognised.
PC Alana Whitby, based in Edinburgh, was recognised alongside other colleagues with a Bravery Award for her outstanding role as negotiator.
Alana and her colleagues worked tirelessly alongside Armed Response Police and Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Unit to engage with the man and, with success, persuaded him to release the baby and surrender himself.
Alana said: “I am deeply honoured to be nominated for an award following a hostage situation that tested my resolve in ways I could have never imagined.
“In a moment defined by fear and uncertainty, my focus was on remaining calm, protecting life, and working alongside an amazing team to help achieve the safest outcome.
“None of this was done alone – it was very much a team effort, and the support, trust and courage shown by everyone involved made all the difference.
“I never expected recognition, but this nomination means a lot, and I am proud to be able to say it reflects the work I do as Police Negotiator alongside an outstanding team.”
Bravery Award winners also included PC Kevin McGhee who, with another colleague, attended an incident to trace a male suspected of stabbing his partner.
On arrival they noted thick black smoke coming from the top floor flat and the suspect refusing to leave. Kevin made the brave and courageous decision to force entry to the property and were met with billowing smoke, intense heat and extremely reduced visibility.
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson, who is based in Ayrshire, won an Excellence Award after devising and securing funding for Cut and Connect, a free-to-use mobile hairdressing service that also provides wellbeing checks, non-judgemental conversations and links to vital services including support in recovery, domestic abuse and financial matters.
This service has, without doubt, changed lives.
Other Excellence Award winners included PC Scott McCulloch who was named police officer of the year. Livingston-based, Scott was recognised for his genuine commitment and support for those experiencing domestic abuse.
Scott developed a powerful domestic abuse lesson-pack that focusses on prevention and education which he has personally delivered to more than 4,000 S4 to S6 pupils in West Lothian. Building on this success, he is now training officers in neighbouring divisions to allow them to bring this initiative to other parts of Scotland.
The Chief Constable also recognised the contribution police animals make to keeping people safe.
Police Horse Cathcart was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award having built a distinguished operational record at Police Scotland for over 13 years, with unwavering courage, reliability, and character.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “In a relentless and challenging job like no other, accounts of how our people show up and stand up for, and with, our communities can be a source of energy and pride for policing in Scotland.
“We police with, and for, the people of Scotland and rely on their support and assistance to build and maintain safe, secure, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
“We also recognise acts of courage by members of the public, which go beyond what can be expected of an ordinary citizen, to help others and assist the police.
“I want to congratulate all the nominees and winners for their dedication to keeping Scotland safe.”
Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Police Mutual & Forces Mutual, the Bravery and Excellence Awards’ sponsor said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of Policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the Service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.
“All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the Service and all at Police Mutual would like to offer our thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements as well as congratulations to the winners.”
EXCELLENCE WINNERS:
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Community Engagement Award
Constable Guy Jenner
Innovation Award
Donna Sharp and Michelle Bain from Digital Evidence Sharing Capability Project
Police Officer Award
Constable Scott McCulloch
Policing Partner Award
Jamie Blythe and Sergeant Craig McNeill, Brake Road Safety Charity
Policing Together Award
Sergeant Paul Tomkinson
Probationary Constable Award
Constable Melissa Jack
Team Award
Arbroath Group 3 Team
BRAVERY WINNERS
This is not the list of awards and winners in full. Some winners have chosen not to have their names published publicly.
Life saving
Constable’s Jacob Ashmead and Lauren McGregor – Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division
Crisis Intervention
Constable Russell Duffy – Operational Support Division
Inspector Becky Lidster, Detective Sergeant Isla Craigie, Constable Alana Whitby – Edinburgh City Division
Rescue
Constable Sally Nicol – Operational Support Division
Constable’s Cammy Miller and Kevin McGhee – Lanarkshire Division
Armed/ Violent Attacker
Sergeant’s Scott McElroy, Niall MacKinnon, Anthony O’Reilly, Constable’s Tony Thompson, Stewart Murdoch, and Katie Hunter – Forth Valley Division
Cheryl Gourlay, member of the public
Above and Beyond
Constable Luke Richardson – Greater Glasgow Division
Donald McNeil, member of the public
Police Animal Lifetime Achievement
Police Dog Tora and Handler Sergeant Amy Burns – Operational Support Division
Police Horse Cathcart – Operational Support Division.
Two males aged 17 and 18 have been arrested and charged in connection with assault to endangerment of life, breach of the peace and weapons offences following a disturbance in The Jewel area.
Around 4.20pm on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, officers were called to a report of males with weapons causing a disturbance.
There were no reported injuries.
Chief Inspector Alison Macdonald said: “We are treating this as a targeted attack and extensive enquiries are continuing to trace others involved.
“This type of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers are committed to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the local community. Targeted patrols will continue to deter and detect any criminality.
“Anyone with any concerns should speak to local officers or contact us through 101.”
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a crash at Fort Kinnaird.
Around 11.30am on Thursday, 12 February, 2026, there was a collision involving a pedestrian and people carrier style taxi in the carpark of Fort Kinnaird Retail Park.
The pedestrian, a 69-year-old man, was assisted by the driver of the vehicle and a member of the public at the scene. He later attended hospital for treatment.
The incident was reported to police on Wednesday, 18 February, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: “I’m appealing for the driver of the vehicle to come forward. They did stop at the scene and assisted the pedestrian and will likely be unaware of the subsequent police involvement.
“I’d also ask the member of the public who helped the man to contact us, as they may have information which could assist our investigation.
“Anyone else who saw what happened or has relevant dash-cam footage is urged to call 101 quoting reference 1925 of 18 February.”
A pedestrian who died in a crash in the Corstorphine area has been named as Bill Hepburn, aged 66, from Edinburgh.
His family has asked for privacy and released the following statement:
“Our family are heartbroken at the loss of Bill who was a loving husband and father.”
The incident happened around 9am on Wednesday, 18 February, in a supermarket car park off Meadow Road Place and involved a blue Volkswagen Polo.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Bill and enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
“Anyone who has not spoken to us and has any information that could help is asked to get in touch with road policing officers via 101, quoting incident number 0688 of Wednesday, 18 February, 2026.”
POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public to trace 72-year-old Brian Johnstone, who has been reported missing from his home in South Gyle.
Brian was last in contact with his family around 10.45am on Sunday, 15 February, 2026. He is described as white, around 6ft and bald.
Inspector Graham Belfall said: “It is completely out of character for Brian to go missing. His family and police are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety and wellbeing.
“Enquiries and searches are ongoing throughout the Edinburgh area and places he is known to visit, including Cramond. Officers are keen to trace him as soon as possible to ensure he is safe.
“I would urge anyone who has seen Brian, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact 101, quoting incident number 1413 of 15 February.”
UPDATE
Brian Johnstone, who was reported missing from Edinburgh on Sunday, 15 February, 2026, has been traced. Thanks to those who shared our appeal.
Four men have been convicted of serious organised crime offences linked to Operation Portaledge.
Kieran Abercrombie, 32, Kenzie Gardner (pictured, top), 19, Tyler Ramage (pictured, above), 19, and Robert Thomson (pictured, below), 18, pleaded guilty to wilful fireraising at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Thursday, 12 February, 2026.
They had been arrested and charged by police on 23 May, 2025, after two vehicles were deliberately set on fire in Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
Abercrombie, Gardner and Thomson, also pleaded guilty in relation to a fire at a premises on Cumbernauld Road in Stepps, which happened on Thursday, 8 May, 2025.
Thomson also pleaded guilty to a firearms offence, while Abercrombie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal activity.
They are all due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 10 March.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “These were concerning incidents for the local community and now those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.
“I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.
“These convictions are further examples of 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.
Scotland has seen a drastic 129% rise in shoplifting since 2021, with 48,564 recorded incidents in the year ending September 2025, according to figures from Police Scotland. Yet only 2,854 people were convicted in 2023/24, showing a growing gap between crime and accountability.
Tracy Gilbert MP, who worked on the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-Restricted Goods and Services) Scotland Bill before her election to Parliament and has a long history in the trade union movement advocating for worker rights, said: “These figures are deeply concerning. Retail workers are on the frontline, facing increasing risk from shoplifting and associated crime, yet our laws and policing are not keeping pace. Workers and communities deserve better protection.
“This is not just about crime statistics, it’s about real people, and real communities. Adequate resources are required to ensure effective policing, and support for retail staff is urgently needed to tackle this growing problem.”
The Protection of Workers Bill, which Tracy contributed to before her parliamentary career, provides a vital framework for safeguarding retail staff, ensuring they can carry out their roles safely and without fear.
Tracy Gilbert added: “We must act now to ensure that Scotland’s workers and communities are protected.
“I will continue to advocate for better policing and laws that safeguard those on the frontline by working with trade unions and employers to ensure retail crimes are reported and prosecuted.”
