Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after the theft of a campervan in the Murrayfield area.
The blue Volkswagen California van, registration VMS 321 was reported stolen from outside a property on Succoth Gardens around 2am on Thursday, 15 September.
Entry was gained to the property and the keys removed before the vehicle was taken and driven away. The campervan remains outstanding.
Detective Sergeant Craig McMillan said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or who believes they have seen the campervan is asked to get in touch.
“You can pass on information by calling 101, quoting reference 0225 of 15 September.”
Detective are appealing for information following a fire in the Wester Hailes area in the early hours of Monday morning.
Around 2.50am on Monday (12 September, 2022) officers received reports of a shed on fire at the Murrayburn and Hailesland Community Garden.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and no-one was injured, however, an estimated £13,000 worth of damage has been caused.
Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Costorphine CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured as a result of the fire.
“This fire caused a great deal of damage to the shed and its contents, although it is fortunate it didn’t spread further and cause even more destruction.
“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with information or saw any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 0948 of 12 September. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for Murrayburn and Hailsland Community Garden said: “Appreciate the support from everyone last night. Sorry to say we lost our children’s natural play shed which was set light to, and play materials and a load of new tools that Tesco had just donated to the garden.
“It’s a blow for all the young folk who helped build the shed in the first instance. A punch to the guts.
“We’ll put things right and use this as an opportunity to improve on what was already there. Onwards!”
Large crowds expected as cortege travels from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Airport
People are expected to gather in large numbers in Edinburgh today to pay their final respects to Her Majesty The Queen.
After the Lying at Rest, the coffin will be transported from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport.
The cortège will follow this route: St Giles’ Cathedral – Lawnmarket – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lothian Road – Queensferry Street – Dean Bridge – Queensferry Road – Maybury Road – Turnhouse Road – Edinburgh Airport.
This will have a significant impact on public transport services across the city and on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.
People are being asked to work from home if they can, and those not wishing to pay their respects in person are being asked to avoid any non-essential travel.
There will be significant disruption to travel along the route of the Queen’s coffin with numerous road closures from 1pm. Some schools in Edinburgh will also be impacted and close earlier.
Latest traffic and school information can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
The schools and early years centres affected are:
Early years centres
Cammo Kindergarten
Fox Covert Early Years Centre
Fox Covert Kindergarten
Lauriston Kindergarten
Primary schools
Blackhall
Clermiston
Cramond
Davidson’s Mains
East Craigs
Ferryhill
Flora Stevenson
Fox Covert
Hillwood
Stockbridge
St Andrew’s Fox Covert
High schools
Broughton
Craigmount
St Augustine’s
St Thomas of Aquin’s
The Royal High School
Special schools
Rowanfield
Oaklands
The route the Queen’s cortege will travel means the following roads will close between 4pm and 6.30pm:
Johnstone Terrace
Lothian Road
Queensferry Street
Dean Bridge
Queensferry Road
In addition to roads on the route, extensive closures and diversions of adjoining roads will be in place, including all crossover junctions. This will have a significant knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.
The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, ScotRail and other partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, however, lengthy delays are to be expected.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects. In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.
“Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.
“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connolly said: “Monday and Tuesday will be extremely busy for Edinburgh, the City Bypass, and the surrounding network, due to a series of road closures and the sheer volume of people expected to line the streets.
“We want to strike a balance and ensure those who wish to pay their respects can do so safely. If you can work from home we would strongly encourage you to do so. Please consider your need to travel if you are not attending any of the advertised events.
“If you do plan to pay respects in person, please allow extra time for your journey and leave the car at home. Consider public transport options, or if you need to use a car, think about car sharing and using park and ride facilities where possible. On arrival, be prepared for long periods of standing. Bring water and dress for the weather. Most importantly – let’s look out for each other.
“Please continue to check Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram websites – as well as @edintravel and @ScotRail social channels for updates before finalising your travel plans.”
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We share the respect and affection the public is demonstrating for Her Majesty and urge everyone to continue to be safe as they do so.
“Roads around Edinburgh are expected to be very busy on Tuesday with closures in place and people should plan ahead and follow travel advice.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tuesday’s events will be of an unprecedented scale, even for our Capital City, so I’m really proud that Edinburgh’s playing such a significant role in these ceremonial events with the eyes of the world are on us.
“Thousands of people lined the Royal Mile to hear the proclamation of the new King and we’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to manage disruption and safely accommodate the large numbers of visitors who will wish to pay their respects on Tuesday.
“We’re reminding everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any non-essential travel throughout the day. For those who choose to try and attend events, please be aware that you may need to sit or stand for a number of hours so dress for the weather and with limited facilities, we recommend that you prepare accordingly.”
Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said: “We are doing everything we can to support people to pay their respects while Her Majesty The Queen lies at rest in Edinburgh.
“We expect trains to be busier than normal over the coming days, particularly to and from Edinburgh. Passengers are advised to download the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk for the latest information.”
The coffin procession will depart St. Giles’ Cathedral for Edinburgh Airport at 5pm.
Those wishing to attend are being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions, limited facilities, crowded roads and very busy public transport, and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside.
Significant numbers of stewards are being drafted in, alongside police officers, to help keep the public safe. The stewards will provide advice on routes from car parks, identified crossing points and safe viewing areas.
People are being urged to consider if their journey is absolutely necessary and to work from home if possible. If travel is essential, please allow for extra time, and if possible walk or cycle, use alternative routes or travel at a different time.
Travel information:
There will be rolling road closures along the route. Other roads in the area are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects.
Those coming to the area by car should reconsider and look at using one of seven park and rides to get a bus or train into the city. Allow plenty of time to travel and park within the designated areas. Please try to share lifts with friends, family and neighbours wherever possible.
The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.
People intending to view the Queen’s cortege, should not leave their vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Parking is only allowed in designated areas and the directions of stewards and police officers must be followed.
People are urged not to stand in any unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times.
Drivers must only park where it is safe to do so, and to respect the needs of residents and businesses to access their premises.
For safety reasons, do not throw flowers on the road or towards the cortege.
Please note that before and after the movement of the vehicles the route remains open and fully operational and normal safety processes apply.
There will be significant travel disruption along the route of the Queen’s coffin on the afternoon of Tuesday 13 September.
Police Scotland will be putting in place numerous road closures from 1pm which will cause significant disruption across the city.
As a result, a number of schools and early years centres along the route will close early from 12 noon to allow pupils and staff time to return home safely before the Police Scotland closures are in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. However, you will appreciate these are exceptional times.
All schools will open on Wednesday 14 September as normal.
POLICE have confirmed the body which was discovered in Northumberland at the weekend has been identified as 75-year-old Peter Coshan.
The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington on Sunday, 4 September, 2022.
Dr Coshan’s family has been made aware and specialist officers are continuing to provide support to them.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would again like to thank everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”
Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection with Dr Coshan’s disappearance and both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
A pedestrian who died following a collision involving a car on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass can be named as Michael Greens.
The incident happened around 5.10am on Saturday, 3 September, 2022, eastbound near the Straiton junction. Mr Greens, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:
“Michael was an extremely sharp and intelligent man, who would astound and entertain us with his wit and knowledge.
“He was a student of science and history, with a passion for fitness and historical re-enactment.
“A joy to be around, he touched the hearts of those who knew him.
“He will be sorely missed by parents, Billy and Sadie, and brother, Daniel.”
The 39-year-old male driver of the BMW 3 Series car involved was uninjured.
The road was closed until around 12.40pm to allow for an investigation at the scene.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the Michael’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and I would ask anyone with information which could help to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help our investigation.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0714 of Saturday, 3 September, 2022.”
POLICE have released images of a man they believe may have information that can assist their ongoing enquiries into an attempted robbery. The incident occurred at around 1.50 am on Monday, 1 November 2021, on Gayfield Place.
Officers believe that the man shown in the images may have information that could assist them and would appeal to him or anyone who recognises him to contact them.
The man shown in the images is described as aged 20-30 years of age, around 5 foot 8 inches tall, with dark hair and was wearing a black and white jacket, black jeans and dark shoes and carrying a rucksack at the time.
Detective Constable Claire Riley, of Gayfield CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and our inquiries have been ongoing. I would urge the male in the images or anyone with information relating to him to contact police as soon as possible.”
Members of the public can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 0298 of 1 November 2021, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Officers investigating the murder of Peter Coshan, 75, have recovered the body of a man in Northumberland.
The body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington this morning (Sunday, 4 September).
He is still to be formally identified but Mr Coshan’s family has been made aware.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family at this incredibly difficult time and we are continuing to provide them with support.
“I would like to take the opportunity to pass on our thanks to everyone who has come forward with information which has helped our investigation.”
Two men, aged 27 and 63, have previously been arrested and charged in connection. Both have already appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Detectives investigating the murder of Peter Coshan are appealing for information to trace the movements of a motor vehicle in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland area of England between Monday, 15 Aug, 2022 and Tuesday, 16 Aug, 2022.
They are particularly interested in sightings of an older style dark coloured Vauxhall Vectra, with a 57 registration plate, as enquiries continue to find Peter.
Detectives believe the movements of this vehicle are central to the investigation and are appealing for the public’s help in trying to find out more about them.
Officers are urging people to think back and consider if they saw something unusual during the hours of darkness on Mon, 15 Aug, and Tues, 16 Aug, in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland areas.
Police have set up a portal that gives the public access to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team. You can remain anonymous when submitting information.
Peter was last seen in the Seafield Rd area of Leith, Edinburgh around 11.50pm on Thurs, 11 Aug, and was reported missing the next day.
Peter, of Edinburgh, is believed to be dead and officers are treating his death as murder. However, his body is yet to be recovered.
Peter’s family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is obviously a very distressing time for Peter’s family and our priority is to find him.
“I am therefore seeking the public’s help in trying to find Peter’s body.
“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, including travelling on the A7, the A68 or any others roads in these areas, during the hours of darkness on Monday, 15 August, and Tuesday, 16 August.”
Anyone with info call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1745 of 12 August. Information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sorry to say we lost our children’s natural play shed which was set light to, and play materials and a load of new tools that Tesco had just donated to the garden. 
