A 21-year-old man has been convicted following an attempted murder in Edinburgh.Joshua Stewart pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday (5 March, 2026.)
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, 2025.
Stewart was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Monday, 16 June, 2025.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “This was a violent incident and the conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.
“We will continue to bring those involved in serious criminality to justice.
“Police Scotland remains committed 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.
Two men and a woman have been arrested and charged after drugs with an estimated value of around £364,000 were recovered from a property in Gilmerton.
A warrant was executed in the Combe Cruik area on Tuesday, 3 March.
During the search PD Freddie (pictured), an eight-year-old Springer Spaniel specialist drugs search dog, indicated to officers that drugs were concealed in a room.
Officers recovered 3.64kg of diamorphine with an estimated street value of around £364,000 and a five figure sum of cash.
The men, both aged 32, and a woman aged 36, were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences. They were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 4 March).
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lumsden said: “This was a significant recovery which highlights our continued commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce, and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“Drugs cause misery in our community and the public has an important role to play in helping us to take action against those responsible for the manufacture and sale of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us on 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Drugs worth more than £180,000 have been recovered as part of multi-agency operation to tackle organised immigration crime across the country.
Officers engaged with more than 660 people travelling in and out Scotland using airports, roads and ferry terminals across three days of action, which began on Tuesday, 24 February.
Thirty vehicles were searched at ports in Stranraer, which resulted in 27kgs of cannabis being discovered at Loch Ryan. At Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, 78 flights were met.
Over the course of the activity, £7,000 worth of cash was seized and four people were arrested in connection with drugs, road traffic and immigration offences.
A key aim of Operation Lockstream was to safeguard vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and Police Scotland officers worked closely with partners from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Border Force, Home Office Immigration, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Scottish SPCA throughout.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Organised immigration crime is happening now in Scotland and tackling it is a priority.
“We know that criminals use our transport hubs for a range of illegal activities, and working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.
“Action like this is only possible through the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that you will be listened to and the information you provide could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality.”
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, NPCC’s Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, said: “This week we have leveraged all of law enforcement powers at the UK’s borders to target people who come to the UK to commit any form of criminality.
“It has been a significant joint effort involving many officers, staff, and multiple agencies, across the rail network, roads, seaports and airports.
“This activity has generated strong results and crucial intelligence that will help us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”
A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with a disturbance in Edinburgh has now been charged. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 4th March.
Around 8.25am on Monday, 2 March, 2026, police, including firearms officers, attended the Calder Gardens area following reports of a man with a bladed weapon.
Two people were injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment. 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. Both have since been discharged.
The incident is not being treated as terror related.
Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy said: “I’m aware misinformation continues to be shared online about this incident which could cause further distress in the local community. I’d like to be clear: we did not receive any reports of a man attempting to enter a nursery or any educational establishment and this was not a hostage situation.
“While we understand what happened was frightening, I’d ask people to avoid speculating about the details and be mindful that false information could affect any future court proceedings.
“We still have a police presence in the area for reassurance and I thank the public for their continued assistance and support.”
A 19-year-old man who was involved in significant disorder in south Edinburgh on Bonfire Night two years ago has been sentenced to 16 months in detention.
Finlay Burns appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 2 March, 2026, after pleading guilty last month to violent offences, including endangering the lives of police officers after he attacked them in the Gracemount area on 5 November, 2024.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “The scenes we witnessed in Edinburgh that night were wholly unacceptable and Finlay Burns was responsible for some of the most violent and disorderly behaviour.
“His guilty plea earlier this year is a testament to the overwhelming evidence we gathered, and the case built against him by Edinburgh Division.
“His reckless behaviour terrorised the local community and put officers at significant risk of harm.
“The safety of our officers is a priority for Police Scotland, and this incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous nature of situations they can face, while keeping our communities safe.
“I hope the outcome in this case serves as a reminder to everyone that we will not tolerate such conduct and will use all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Exercise Kukri Dawn firearms training at Murrayfield Stadium
Police Scotland is working with the military as part of a training exercise. Exercise Kukri Dawn, led and managed by the RAF, is taking place from 23 February until 13 March 2026.
It was previously exercised in 2025. One of the objectives is to further improve and test how the military work with the police. Planning for the latest round of exercising and scenario has been ongoing for months.
TODAY (Tuesday 3 March), armed policing will be involved in a firearms training scenario at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.This means the public may see armed police officers and military personnel, as well as military helicopters, arriving at Murrayfield.
The public will also hear blank ammunition being used from around 1.30pm – 2.30pm.
There will be no public access to Murrayfield during this time and nothing will be seen once those involved are placed inside the grounds.
Exercises are a crucial way for different organisations to learn, share knowledge and work well together. It’s important for exercises to be as realistic as possible to fully test a multi-agency response.
The public should rightly expect Police Scotland, alongside other organisations, to practice and strengthen our response to major incidents.
Police are working with the stadium who will be notifying residents in the surrounding area.
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.”
