CaltonHill 8

 

Weapons and fireworks confiscated – man arrested

More Doors Open today

Greens announce their candidates for commission

M & S raise funds for Macmillan

Funding for Winter Festivals

 

A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged after police in Edinburgh recovered a number of bladed weapons from a newsagent during Operation Wolf enforcement activity.

Local officers in Leith executed a search warrant at the Junction News shop in Great Junction Street on Thursday and seized a sword and two knives from within.

Trading Standards were also in attendance and alcohol and fireworks, which the store is not permitted to sell, were also removed.

The man was scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Following a further search warrant, £35,000 in cash was discovered down the back of a sofa at a property in Craigentinny Avenue. Enquiries are continuing.

Superintendent Matt Richards said: “Police Scotland will proactively hunt down any person using or carrying a weapon. Operation Wolf continues to remove harmful items from our communities, whether these be weapons, drugs or anything that jeopardises public safety, and local officers will bring those responsible to justice.

“Our targeted activity is based on engagement with the public who identify the issues or concerns for their area, which require a police response.

“Rest assured, further Operation Wolf enforcement will take place whenever we receive information relating to ongoing criminal activity within Edinburgh.”

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Today in Duddingston there is a door opening at Thomson’s Tower meaning you can go inside for once.

A hexagonal building built in 1825 by William Playfair for The Duddingston Curling Society. The building lies within the lovely Dr Neil’s Garden and sits on the banks of Duddingston Loch. The building, now restored, houses a Museum of Curling in the lower chamber and an interpretation room in the upper chamber, with history of Duddingston Village, Dr Neil’s Garden, Sir Walter Scott, William Playfair and John Thomson.Teas and cakes will be available in the Kirk Hall.

More details here and here.

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An Edinburgh councillor has been put forward to be a member of the commission set up to look into more devolved powers for the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Greens announced their nominations to join the Smith Commission on Devolution at a meeting of the party’s national council.  It was agreed to put forward party co-conveners Cllr Maggie Chapman and MSP Patrick Harvie.

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“Maggie and I look forward to engaging constructively with the Commission and will argue strongly for genuine economic powers. Scotland needs the ability to develop economic policy that’s right for our own circumstances, closing the inequality gap and speeding the transition to a sustainable society.

“However we have serious concerns that the Commission will only offer limited public engagement, and we will make the case for more meaningful participation.

“In light of the record turnout at the referendum, and the high level of political energy among so many in our communities, it is essential that whether people voted Yes or No they have a chance to participate in the devolution process. This cannot be allowed to be just another a stitch up between political parties.”

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M&S Gyle Café hosted a Macmillan coffee morning with a difference on Friday!

As well as serving traditional coffee and cake, employees were also dressed in Downtown Abbey themed outfits, whilst live music from a piper and trumpet player, as well as balloon making and a magician, entertained customers.

The M&S Gyle Café was part of a nationwide charity drive from M&S, who joined forces once again with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise money for its annual fundraising event throughout September.

Leslie Burn, Café Manager at M&S Gyle, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers who came out to support the coffee morning on Friday, as well as those who have supported the charity through their purchases in our Food Hall and Café throughout the month. Lots of tea has been drunk, cake eaten and lots of laughs had. The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning raises money for a truly worthwhile cause, and it has been great fun to once again be a part of it.”

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The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop  announced on Friday an award of £315,000 to be granted to events across Scotland as part of the 2014/15 Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme.

Scotland’s Winter Festivals events run across St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night in a celebration of Scottish culture and creativity, spread across the country.

The funding will be awarded to 16 events in total, comprising seven St Andrew’s Day events, five regional Hogmanay events and four Burns celebrations.

Across the country, these events will welcome locals and tourists to celebrate with them this winter – from the Highlands to Dumfries and Galloway.

St Andrew’s Day will kick-start this winter’s festive season with major city centre events in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as regional celebrations in East Lothian, Oban, St Andrews and Perth. Storytelling, music and traditional Scottish food and drink, at festivities across the country, this St Andrew’s Day has something for everyone to enjoy.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Scotland’s Winter Festivals comprise a dynamic events programme, spanning the significant national dates of St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

“The Scottish Government is delighted to deliver this funding which enables EventScotland to showcase the best of Scottish music, arts, food and drink, innovation and entertainment to a wide audience.

“We are a country renowned for our warm hospitality and in 2013 alone, almost 15 million overnight stays were spent in Scotland. St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night offer great opportunities for visitors and residents alike to celebrate our rich culture and distinctive heritage here, while our special dates are also marked around the world.”

www.scotland.org/winter

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.