POLICE are appealing for information following reports of offensive graffiti in South Queensferry.
The vandalism is reoccurring and we are aware of six instances between the end of December 2025 and Tuesday, 21 April, 2026.
The graffiti is being removed by the council each time before appearing again. It is mainly happening in the Morison Gardens underpass, and Society Road areas.
Police Constable Euan Sinclair said: “Since this was reported to us, we have been conducting enquiries to trace the person, or persons, responsible. It is wholly unacceptable for this to continue happening.
“I would urge anyone who may have been in these areas and seen anything suspicious, or who has any information to help us identity and trace those responsible, to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2772 of 6 April, 2026.
It comes as applications for a £5,000 yearly funding pot from Queensferry and District Community Council and Cala Homes opens for submissions
People in South Queensferry are now able to get their hands on a first-of-its-kind community directory after it was launched to the public.
The ‘Welcome to Queensferry’ local directory aims to shine a light on a comprehensive list of amenities in the area, including vital services, historic walks, community events, local groups and clubs, places to shop, eat and drink and tourist attractions, as well as the town’s history.
The book has been developed alongside members of the Queensferry community with the support of local homebuilder, Cala Homes (East).
The directory is available for free for people to collect from the town’s Scotmid supermarket and the Rosebery Hall, and has also been shared with all new and existing residents at Queensferry Heights and Rosebery Wynd.
The directory was funded by Cala Homes (East) as part of its Queensferry Community Pledge, an initiative launched in 2022 that goes above and beyond planning obligations by supporting local groups through donations, volunteering hours and providing educational resources about the homebuilding industry.
The homebuilder worked closely with the Queensferry & District Community Council (QDCC) to bring this to life for those living in the area.
Community representatives – including council members, local groups, Cala residents, and businesses – gathered at Cala’s Queensferry Heights development before joining councillors Lewis Younie and Norman Work at Port Edgar to celebrate the launch of the directory and be among the first to receive a copy.
The group also enjoyed part of the Heritage Trail, which is outlined in the book, ideal for those looking to learn more about the history of Queensferry or for those who have just moved to the area and area looking to explore.
Keith Giblett, Chairperson of the Queensferry and District Community Council (QDCC), added: “This directory is a real celebration of spirit of the Queensferry community. It’s been shaped by local voices, for local people, whether you’re new to the area or have called it home for years.
“Projects like this remind us just how much we have to be proud of here.
“We’ve been fortunate to work alongside Cala Homes through their Community Pledge, and their support has been invaluable in bringing this idea to life.
“It’s a great example of what can be achieved when the community comes together and we’re excited to continue working in partnership with them as the Pledge activity continues to roll out.”
Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re proud that, through our Community Pledge, we’ve been able to work alongside the people of Queensferry to bring this to fruition.
“This will be such a useful resource for everyone in the area – whether you live here or are just visiting – helping people find great places, businesses and local treasures.
“For us, it’s all about supporting the community and celebrating everything that makes this town so special, and making sure it continues to thrive for years to come.”
Simon Round, General Manager at Outboard by Scotts – which is one of the businesses listed within the directory – added: “This new directory is a fantastic asset for local businesses, giving us the chance to reach more people and showcase everything South Queensferry has to offer.
“We’re really proud to be part of something that shines a spotlight on the town’s thriving business scene and helps encourage more people to shop, eat and spend time locally.”
The launch comes as applications for this year’s QDCC and Cala Community Chest open, with local groups invited to apply for up to £1,000 of funding for projects.
The scheme, which will see a total £5,000 distributed to local organisations this year alone, aims to support the diverse range of voluntary groups that exist within the town, as well as cultural, environmental and sports clubs.
Applications are open now, with groups able to apply to the grant scheme before the deadline on Friday 3 October 2025.
To apply for a funding grant, visit the application form link on the QDCC website.
Communities will unite on Saturday 19 July to take a stand against the Government’s inaction on plastic pollution
Protests and beach cleans will be taking place across the UK as part of a National Day of Action organised by Surfers Against Sewage
Campaigners and the community in Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh are rallying in a National Day of Action against plastic pollution this Saturday, 19 July.
The Surfers Against Sewage “The People vs Plastic” campaign will see protestors descend on the UK’s beaches, city streets and everywhere in between to send a clear message: the government must act decisively to tackle plastic pollution at its source, to position the UK as a global leader in the fight against single-use plastics.
Locations and timings of protests in Scotland are as follows:
· Craws Nest, Stonehaven Beach, Aberdeenshire 10:00
· Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, 13:00
The campaign aims to ramp up the pressure on Government ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, reconvening in Geneva from 5-14 August.
Earlier talks collapsed in South Korea, last year, with countries failing to agree on reducing plastic production. Campaigners say that a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty is urgently needed to cut pollution at its source and protect blue spaces.
Ahead of the National Day of Action, communities from coast to city will host grassroots events, from “Trash Mobs” in local schools to community-led cleans, building momentum for the nationwide protest.
Data will be collected during the community cleans, which will help Surfers Against Sewage map the true scale of plastic pollution, and name the brands and retailers most to blame.
The public can get involved by heading to the Surfers Against Sewage website to find a local protest to join or show support during the Week of Action by getting involved with a local Plastic Free Community close to home.
Communities and schools are at the forefront of Surfers Against Sewage’s campaign against plastic, with over 400 active Plastic Free Communities and over 3,000 Plastic Free Schools leading the way in the fight against plastic in their local area. So far in 2025, over 88,000 people have taken part in over 3,600 local cleans, collecting over 40,000kg of rubbish, as part of the charity’s Million Mile Clean initiative.
Marion Montgomery, Surfers Against Sewage representative and Stonehaven Beach protest organiser said: “In Stonehaven, we’re organising ‘Save our Seas from Plastic’ protest along with a beach clean and sandcastle competition.
“We’re demanding real action against the producers of the huge amounts of plastic packaging which inevitably ends up polluting our ocean and coastlines. To avoid future carnage, we need tighter restrictions against ‘new’ things, like single use vapes, being put on sale to the public.”
Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the UK Government to deliver on the goals of the Global Plastics Treaty immediately through joined up and ambitious national plans to end plastic pollution, including:
· Setting legally-binding targets to cut plastic pollution
· Implementing an effective circular economy centred on reuse and refill, including the implementation of a comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and introduction of binding reuse targets
· Holding polluters to account by enforcing current laws and delivering Extended Producer Responsibility schemes that make polluters pay.
Giles Bristow, Chief Executive at Surfers Against Sewage said:“Broken promises, stalled progress, surging pollution. We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic that continues to rise.
“Enough is enough, so we are rising up too. As families pack their buckets and spades and the summer holidays begin, there’s no better time to shine a light on the plastics choking our shores. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste that travels the globe, and our government is still dawdling on action.
“We’re sick to death of plastic-pushing corporations fuelling this crisis while spinning greenwashing lies and pointing the finger at consumers. They churn out mountains of non-recyclable packaging, sabotage vital policies behind closed doors, and consistently miss every voluntary target. The Labour government pledged us a zero-waste future, we’re all ears, but we won’t settle for anything less.
“That’s why, on Saturday 19 July we’re calling on Ocean Activists from Penzance to Porthcawl and everywhere in between to make their voices heard.
“Whether you’re clearing your favourite beach or marching through city streets, communities hold the power to drive change. With Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat.
“Together, we can become a force impossible for leaders, and polluters, to ignore.”
Protest locations and National Week of Action information can be found on the Surfers Against Sewage website.
Following the protest, the charity is encouraging people to sign a petition to put pressure on the Government to tackle the problem. For more information, visit the campaign web page here.
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.
The initiative, which is being run by Queensferry and District Community Council and supported by homebuilder Cala Homes, will open to applications on Friday 1 November
Groups in South Queensferry have the opportunity to apply for up to £1000 of funding for local projects, thanks to a new initiative between Queensferry & District Community Council (QDCC) and Cala Homes (East).
The ‘QDCC & Cala Community Chest’ scheme will see a total of £5,000 distributed to local organisations in 2025. The funds will be provided by the local homebuilder and forms a key part of its Community Pledge for the South Queensferry area.
The joint Community Chest initiative aims to support a diverse range of voluntary groups that exist within the town, as well as cultural, environmental and sports clubs.
Applications open on Friday 1 November 2024 at 7am, with groups able to apply to the grant scheme before the deadline on Tuesday 31 December 2024.
A panel comprising QDCC & Cala representatives will formally review all applications in January 2025 and will announce successful recipients of the funding at the end of January.
Keith Giblett, chairperson of South Queensferry and District Community Council, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Cala Homes (East) once again to offer this fantastic opportunity for local groups.
“The Community Council and Cala have worked closely together for a number of years, and this ongoing collaboration has already brought significant benefits to South Queensferry.
“We are excited to continue building on this strong relationship, which reflects our shared commitment to supporting local projects and enhancing the wellbeing of our community.
“We encourage as many groups as possible to apply and look forward to seeing the range of projects that come forward, all of which will contribute to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our town.”
Elaine Doyle, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Queensferry & District Community Council on this Community Chest to help voluntary groups in the area thrive.
“This project forms a key part of our Community Pledge for the area, which is designed to bring measurable and meaningful benefit to the town and the people living in it.
“Collaborating with communities on initiatives that will really make a difference helps us forge even stronger connections to the places in which we are building homes, and we are excited to be continuing our close work with QDCC.
“We are looking forward to learning about the groups which will benefit from this additional funding and watch them make a real difference to the lives of the people living in the town.”
Cala Homes (East) has two flagship developments in South Queensferry – Queensferry Heights and the recently launched Rosebery Wynd – presenting an impressive mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses as well as one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments.
Meanwhile, a brand-new show apartment plus two showhomes recently opened their doors at Rosebery Wynd.
To learn more about the range of community support initiatives announced for the South Queensferry area of Fife as part of the Community Pledge programme, and to explore Cala’s developments within South Queensferry, visit:
CONSTRUCTION has begun on the second phase of affordable homes in South Queensferry which will provide a much-needed boost to housing supply.
Cala Homes (East), in partnership with Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA), has broken ground on 25 social rent homes at its Queensferry Heights development near the Firth of Forth.
The £4.3 million project, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council with grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Investment Programme, includes 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 10 three-bedroom terraced houses.
It builds on the 19 homes that have already been built and handed over to MEHA as part of the first phase, taking the total number of affordable homes delivered across the development to 44.
The second phase of homes are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, providing new opportunities for families and individuals seeking affordable living in the area.
Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Given all the challenges around building new affordable homes in Scotland we are delighted to have agreed all the terms required to start work on this second, larger phase.
“Manor Estates Housing Association is based locally and has already proven to be an excellent partner to work with at this location. Together we’re able to ensure that those moving in can benefit from warm, efficient and contemporary homes, within a flourishing community.”
The development, located in a prime position near the Forth Bridges, offers excellent transport links and access to local amenities, making it a desirable location for new residents. As with the first phase of 19 MEHA homes, the second phase blends seamlessly with the wider private development.
In addition to its attractive location, the development has been designed with sustainability and community in mind, featuring energy-efficient homes and integrated green spaces.
Cala have signed a contract with housing association, Manor Estates, to provide 19affordable homes at Cala’s Queensferry Heights development.
Pictured: site manager Gavin McCann and Manor Estates’s CEO, Claire Ironside and Chair of the Board, Rachel Hutton (Glasses)
Amanda Hay, Property Services Director with Manor Estates Housing Association said: “Our goal is to create safe, sustainable communities, and this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration with Cala Homes and support from the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council.
“We are delighted to have appointed C~urb Property Development to provide a full development consultancy service for this phase of new homes.”
C~urb Property Development, part of the Link group of companies, provides expert affordable housing development services to a range of customers including Registered Social Landlords cross Scotland.
Keith Giblett, Chair with Queensferry and District Community Council (QDCC), said: “QDCC is pleased that Cala has found a way forward to deliver the much needed affordable homes working with Manor Estates, an existing provider of homes in Queensferry.
“The added benefit is the Community Council has good working relationships with Manor built up over many years which is good for the community of Queensferry.”
Police Scotland Air Support Unit launched their drone in South Queensferry this week as part of an operation tackling antisocial vehicle use in the Hawes Pier area.
Community officers were joined by Cllr Lewis Younie and assisted by colleagues from our Roads Policing Team to raise awareness of the issue and engage with those involved.
Scotland’s capital hosted the first visit to the nation by Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne.
Queen Anne made a spectacular transit of the Firth of Forth before dropping anchor at South Queensferry for Edinburgh on the first port of call of its British Isles Festival Voyage – a celebratory ‘lap of honour’ circumnavigation of the British Isles.
Her arrival beneath the famous Forth Railway Bridge attracted significant interest as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her maiden call.
A traditional piper played on the pier as Queen Anne sailed into port, with spectators also treated to a tug water cannon display during her arrival.
Queen Anne arrived early yesterday morning and later departed bound for Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.
Her passage then takes in scenic coastal cruising as well further calls at Invergordon and Greenock where Cunard’s long and historic association with the Clyde will be recorded.
This historic visit was marked by a short Plaque Ceremony during which the ship and the port exchanged specially commissioned commemorative plaques. The port plaque will be displayed on board Queen Anne and the ship’s memento will be displayed by the Port.
Cunard guests sailing on board had a range of shore excursion opportunities to enjoy, including the chance to savour a unique visit to Summerhall Distillery – partners of the luxury cruise line – with a Cunard 4 Queens gin tasting, an exclusive Queen Anne shore experience.
The British Isles Festival Voyage
The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage departed Southampton on 24 May and includes a spectacular Naming Ceremony for the ship in Cunard’s spiritual home at Liverpool on 3 June.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our guests on board can visit Scotland, starting in the nation’s capital Edinburgh.
“Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores is a truly historic sailing for Cunard.”
Queen Anne
Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.
She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
Development of the new site is expected to deliver around 200 jobs, directly by Lovell and through the supply chain. Many of the new roles will be for apprentices, including joiners and bricklayers.
Lovell is proud to support the local community everywhere they build and, in addition to creating jobs, has invested nearly £7million in local business.
The sod cutting ceremony took place on Scottish Housing Day, which this year focuses on housing as a career. It was attended by City of Edinburgh Council Housing Convenor, Councillor Jane Meagher.
The development is set to boost housing stock in the area, with several impressive views of the historic bridges crossing the Forth.
Those properties not earmarked for Sanctuary Scotland will be rented by Sigma Capital or sold on the open market by Lovell Homes.
The Crossings will include active travel infrastructure and measures such as rain gardens and green/blue infrastructure that work with the water cycle to promote the health of the site and proper water management.
The homes will also be environmentally sustainable, using solar panels and energy efficient boilers.
The Crossings will be a 20-minute neighbourhood, meaning that residents will be able to have most of their daily needs met within a short walk or cycle.
Sarah Freel, Head of Partnerships at Lovell, said: “We are particularly proud to be working with Sanctuary Scotland to provide social housing at this development, which will go towards achieving the Scottish Government’s target of building 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.
“With views of the historic Forth bridges and great access to amenities, this development is certain to be one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
“Today’s sod-cutting ceremony marks the start of this exciting new community, which will become home to many families over the coming years.”
Gillian Lavety, Sanctuary’s Development Director for Scotland, commented: “As a leading national housing association, we’re committed to ensuring local people have access to affordable, good-quality homes.
“The Crossings at Bridgewater Village is an exciting development that will make a real difference, and we’re delighted to be working with our partners to help meet the established need for more affordable homes in the area.”
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher said:“Today marks Scottish Housing Day and it is important to use this opportunity to reflect on this hugely important sector, not just here in Edinburgh but across the country.
“It was fantastic to be able to mark the day by attending the ceremony to see the start of construction of one hundred social rented homes here in South Queensferry.
“This exciting start represents an important step forward in the area’s development and will help to alleviate some of the critical pressures that face the Edinburgh’s housing sector.”
