POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered a serious head injury on Princes Street yesterday.
Around 8.15pm last night, police received a report of a disturbance in Princes Street, near to Johnnie Walker premises. Officers attended and a 53-year-old man was found injured. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as critical.
Officers are gathering and checking relevant CCTV footage for any information on the suspect.
Enquiries carried out so far have established a number of people witnessed the fight between the two men and officers are appealing for those members of the public to contact them.
Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “A man has been left seriously injured in this incident and it’s imperative we trace whoever is responsible.
“We know that numerous people saw what happened and I am appealing to them to get in touch with us. Any small piece of information could prove vital in this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3789 of 13 August, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Show-stopping projection unveiled on one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings
Official Partner Destination of The Fringe, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, has kicked off its partnership with the world’s most famous arts festival, by unveiling a show stopping projection illuminating the entire eight floor building.
The projection, created by Scottish projection specialists, Double Take, uses the iconic cantilever clock that sits on the outside of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street building, as a recurring theme.
The 2D/3D projection features a series of bold and colourful scenes that reimagine the facade of the visitor experience with dancers, acrobats and musicians, the idea being that performers are housed within the inner workings of the magical clock – allowing the cogs and clockwork elements to be woven throughout the piece.
The eight floor building is also a proud Fringe venue with ‘Pick of the Fringe’ which is a line-up of the best performances from across the festival. Set in the venue’s purpose built event space, Label Studio, two must-see shows will run daily every Thursday – Sunday at 4.30pm and 10.15pm.
Each day, three acts have been hand-picked from The Fringe’s unrivalled talent pool, for exclusive performances overlooking the Edinburgh cityscape.
The line-up includes performances from: Grammy and Emmy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones, Australian drag and circus act Briefs Factory, America’s Got Talent semi finalist Dom Chambers, and many more.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street has also created ‘Tropical Time Out’ on Victoria Street, an experiential space giving festival goers the opportunity to step out of the busy city and into a world of flavour, showcasing just a hint of what’s in store at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. From here, guests can get a taste of what to expect on the Journey of Flavour tour, before heading down to the newly lit building for their own multi-sensory whisky adventure.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director for Diageo’s Scotland brand homes said: “It’s wonderful to see Edinburgh’s festival season in full swing once more and we’re delighted to be part of the action.
“Johnnie Walker Princes Street is looking fabulous both inside and out, especially with the unveiling of our exciting new projection which will illuminate Princes Street with some fabulous story-telling and images.
“This is our first summer in the city and our team are delighted to welcome visitors to our Journey of Flavour tour, Pick of the Fringe performances, rooftop bar and retail space. We know a thing or two about making the perfect blend and our festival line-up is no different, so head along and see us for an exciting festival experience.”
The Journey of Flavour is a 90 minute tour with 3 whisky drinks tailored to your flavour preference (non alcholic options avaible). Complete with a unique flavour-based quiz and personalised cocktails, the full-sensory adventure culminates in a flavour-filled celebration with three whisky drinks.
Ticketholders for any ‘Pick of the Fringe’ event receive 30% off their Journey of Flavour experience along with 20% off in the venue’s state-of-the-art retail store, subject to terms and conditions.
The projection will feature every night of the festival from 10pm.
On Monday (7th February), work starts on a major new cycling and walking route linking the east and west of the city (including other improvements to the area) – from Roseburn to Leith via Haymarket and West End.
On 7 Feb, we start work on a major new cycling and walking route linking the east and west of the city (incl other improvements to the area) – from Roseburn to Leith via Haymarket and West End. All project and roadworks information is on our website. https://t.co/mqI8oJd8YXpic.twitter.com/nkkOLRsKln
— The City of Edinburgh Council (@Edinburgh_CC) February 3, 2022
A new phase of work on the Trams to Newhaven project is set to begin, as the scheme continues to take shape along the route.
Significant progress has been made on several elements of the project, which remains on target for completion in spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget. More than 60% of track has now been laid (2.8km), 85% of the necessary utility diversions have been carried out and construction work is complete on two new tram stops at McDonald Road and Ocean Terminal.
As part of the next stage of construction the temporary tram stop at York Place, built for the original tram line, will be demolished to allow for the installation of a crossover linking the existing line with the new route.
From 9 February until April the tram from Edinburgh Airport will stop at the West End stop on Shandwick Place. From April, the tram will terminate at St Andrew Square. Details of operational arrangements for this are available on the Edinburgh Trams website.
Construction work on a new, permanent stop at Picardy Place will begin in May. This will come into use when the line to Newhaven opens in 2023.
With construction works on the west side of Leith Walk nearing completion, February will also see changes to traffic management in the area. While traffic will continue to run citybound, from 2 February it will be moved from the east to the west side of the road so that changes to kerb lines, improvements to public realm and the creation of a new carriageway can be carried out on the east side.
This means Pilrig Street and Steads Place can reopen for southbound traffic. There will be some closures to side streets on the east of Leith Walk at certain times, with further details published on the Trams to Newhaven website when these closures are implemented.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’re entering a significant phase of the Trams to Newhaven project, as we work to link the old line to the new. We are in the final year of construction for the project which will be followed by a period of testing and commissioning ahead of opening for service in Spring 2023.
“With 60% of track laid and main construction on two of the new tram stops completed, we’re making great progress and it’s exciting to be able to see elements of the new line in place, giving us an idea of how the route will look next year.
“Of course, as is expected of major infrastructure projects of this nature, there is bound to be some disruption, and I’d like to thank all those living and working nearby for their patience.
“We’re working hard to mitigate the impacts and will continue liaising with residents, businesses and public transport providers to keep them up to date.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Delivering the tram line to Newhaven will unlock a large area of the city for housing and economic development, while providing a sustainable, reliable mode of transport to densely populated communities.
“We’re clearly making great strides towards its completion, and we’re making every effort to minimise disruption as part of this process.”
Logistics hubs on Montgomery Street, Albert Street, Dalmeny Street and near the Foot of the Walk will remain open for local businesses as part of the Support for Business package, which also includes a local voucher scheme and a business continuity fund.
As work on a bidirectional cycle lane continues the existing cycle diversion remains in place on either side of Leith Walk. Pedestrian footways and access to shops, hospitality and leisure venues on the east side will be maintained at all times.
The London Road to Crown Street section of the project is estimated to be complete by July 2022, while it is expected that the London Road to York Place section will be finished in September.
EIGHT years on, there’s still no sign of any report from Lord Hardie’s Edinburgh Tram inquiry …
Some of Edinburgh’s most promising young performers will be appearing on the West End this festive season, as Stagebox members take to the stage as part of the star-studded casts of West End Musical Christmas and West End Does: Christmas.
Boasting a long line of successful members and clients, Stagebox is an award-winning programme for theatre, film and TV training and management, responsible for the nation’s most promising young performing talent. With centres across the UK including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London, Stagebox’s current clients have enjoyed success on both stage and screen, from the BBC and Netflix to the West End and Broadway.
Appearing in West End Musical Christmas (13th & 20th December) alongside stage legends John Owen-Jones (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera), Michael Xavier (Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music), Emma Hatton (Wicked, Evita) is Stagebox’s Arwen Seilman, who trains at the Edinburgh centre.
The West End show will excite all musical theatre fans, featuring the nation’s favourite Christmas and showstopper numbers performed alongside a live band and dance ensemble.
Stage veteran and national treasure Maureen Lipman will host West End Does: Christmas on 19th December, with Gina Beck (Wicked, Showboat), Liam Tamne (Prince of Eygpt, Wicked), Aisha Jawando (Tina the Musical) and many more.
The performance will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols and songs to get the audience into the festive spirit.
The star-studded cast will be supported by a choir formed of Edinburgh Stagebox members Alexandra Bruce-Dickie, Chloe Bloice, Circe Miller, Hazel Craig (Nativity! The Musical), Laura Koechlin, Layla Davies and Tommy Thompson.
Jasmine Quinlan-Gardner, General Manager at Stagebox, says: “This is a huge moment for our wonderful members who will be representing us on a world-famous stage this December.
“After such limited interaction last Christmas, we’re looking forward to lighting up both the Lyric Theatre and Cadogan Hall alongside some stage legends!”
Stagebox auditions for 2022 will soon be opening.
West End Musical Christmas takes place at 8pm on Monday 13th and Monday 20th December. For tickets, please visit: www.westendmusicalchristmas.co.uk.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman’s handbag was stolen in a robbery near St Mary’s Cathedralat the West End.
The incident happened at around 7.25pm on Tuesday (19 October) as the 39-year-old was walking with a second woman on the lane between Manor Place and Palmerston Place, which runs behind the cathedral.
Two men approached the women from direction of Atholl Place and together forcibly removed the woman’s handbag.
The suspects left the area on foot towards Manor Place. Officers attended the scene and found no trace of the men or the stolen items, which include a phone and keys from within the bag.
Both suspects are described as adult men, of stocky builds and wearing all black clothing with their hoods up.
Detective Sergeant Gary Smyth of Gayfield CID said: “The victim and her companion were simply walking along the street when these men approached them and stole her handbag. The red leather bag is still missing, along with its contents.
“We are reviewing CCTV in the area and would ask anyone with private systems to check their footage and provide anything of relevance to officers as soon as possible.
“I’d also ask anyone in the West End area on Tuesday night who may have witnessed what happened, or the suspects before or after the incident, to come forward and speak with officers.”
Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 and quote incident number 2965 of 19 October. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision involving a cyclist over the weekend. The incident happened around 1am on Sunday 18th August on Princes Street, at its junction with Lothian Road.Continue reading Appeal after cyclist injured at West End
A man has been arrested and charged following an assault in the West End. A 52-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being assaulted outside the Rat Pack pub on Shandwick Place in the early hours of Sunday 1st April.Continue reading Rat Pack assault: man charged
“Road safety is absolutely paramount” –Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes
New traffic signals which give cyclists a head-start ahead of other traffic are being proposed under the latest plans for safety improvements along Edinburgh’s tram route. The proposals, which are now out for consultation, follow the death of student Zhi Min Soh in an accident at the West End last May.
