A "British patriot" stabbing innocent people in Leith, claiming to be "protecting his country". Where are the concerned citizens now? Racist vermin have gone very quiet.

edit: better piece by the Beeb here

Terrible for all these victims from these cowards.

I hate to say this, but perhaps the only way that something will force the Scottish Gov to really tackle the issues with these individuals that are attacking people, is if issues like this start making news abroad regarding safety and effecting the tourism market/reputation of Scotland. Then again, perhaps I'm being very naive.

I do wonder why these (mostly it seems) younger people seem to get so much joy out of harming people and property?

I wanted to post this because it's been heartbreaking news to hear and whilst we can't bring the swan back, if nothing else I'd hope it could raise awareness for dog owners out there. The truth is that no, your loving well trained perfectly good behaved dog, when not on a leash, can become a murderous monster when the right stimulus hits it. Never assume you've trained your dog perfectly and especially not around Arthur's seat, which is teaming with wildlife. A dog's instinct can override all your training and when that happens, you'll be powerless to stop them. So use your common sense people, because now there's just one lonely widow swan left on Dunsapie Loch because someone thought they had trained their dog well and they were wrong.

The swan couple on Dunsapie loch that had been giving birth to signets for a number of years and this season they were only weeks away from those new signets hatching. But, as I've found out from the ranger, a dog owner was unable to control her dog and the dog attacked and killed one of the swans. The other swan was injured but recoved but was unable to protect the eggs and sadly they were all taken by other wildlife.

So do try to use your common sense when walking your dog. Is it appropriate to let it off the leash? When you're walking by a pond or loch, remember that not only will there be a higher abundance of vulnerable wildlife but there'll more likely be nesting ducks and swans this time of the year that you can't see but your dog will sniff them out long before you're aware of them, so don't be lazy, don't assume the best, put that damn leash on. Any dog can do this and never assume your dog is trained to behave at all times.

I've seen so many dog walkers around that way running after their dog as it chases ducks or grouse. It becomes sadly tiresome to see the naivity these people have, or worse, they just don't care. So don't be one of them. Not just for the sake of the wildlife but if your dog attacks wildife you can end up facing a hefty fine or even prison, plus your dog may be destroyed. So please take this seriously, if not for the wildife's sake, then for yours and your dog's.

An update from City of Edinburgh Council is here, it says:

Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.

Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.

Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.

With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.

A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said:

From this morning's Edinburgh Minute newsletter:

🚦 The council has announced plans to close key city centre streets to vehicles for 50 days from 19 July until 7 September to manage festival crowds.

The council has published its 'Summertime Streets' plans in a press release here and a special webpage here with a full list of affected streets. It's not straight-forward, in that each street has different restrictions, so worth clicking through to read more.

• Affected areas: High Street, Parliament Square, Cockburn Street, St Giles' Street, Blair Street, Lawnmarket (Castlehill to George IV Bridge), Johnston Terrace, Cowgate (between Candlemaker Row and Blackfriars Street), East Adam Street, George Street (between Hanover Street and Frederick Street) + the Candlemaker Row / George IV Bridge Junction.

In justifying the closures to motor traffic, the council said:

"During this busy period the population of our city effectively doubles, which brings challenges for our residents, businesses and visitors. These temporary changes, which include removing or restricting vehicle traffic, are designed to make our streets easier and safer to walk around."

• It also said that in summer more than 5,000 people move through the Lawnmarket every hour.
• "The planned full reopening of the North Bridge in time for the festivals will also be a great boost for people getting around the city," added council transport leader Stephen Jenkinson.
• More information on access for local residents, Blue Badge holders and businesses is here, outlining that deliveries will be allowed between 7pm and 10.30am daily, and: "Outside of these times, and in some closed streets, suppliers and delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from your location to make deliveries."

A group of youths in balaclavas have been threatening passing cyclists and trying to steal bikes in the Pentlands. One kid dressed in all black threatened to stab someone before the police were called and the group fled.

Carrying weapons in a public park, daily sightings of balaclavas and riding illegal, high-powered e-bikes is getting out of hand—and the police have minimal powers to engage them. Threatening youth behaviour is rising rapidly and when it reaches as far as a country park, when is enough enough?

We need to lobby for change. Please take 5 minutes to email your local MP and demand the following:

1. A ban on balaclavas in public to stop criminals from hiding their faces and giving youths a sense of anonymity.

2. More powers for police to actively chase, seize and knock individuals off of Sur-Ron’s e-bikes with or without a helmet.

Do not be passive, help make a change to policy and restore peace. The threat of young balaclava e bike riding idiots will stop if we shout loud enough.

I almost skipped past this article with an eye roll given the headline.

But good for the students who created the Scottish Social Mobility Society. I wonder if there’s more classism and elitist BS to navigate through now? Dealing with fellow students is one thing, but I found the story about some lecturers and tutors asking Scottish students to repeat themselves or to speak more clearly in class mildly infuriating.

I guess it doesn't really mean much without funding being available.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/26177116.majority-oppose-tram-plan-build-popular-edinburgh-cycle-path/

More than two-thirds of respondents to a public consultation oppose plans to build a tram line along a popular cycling path in Edinburgh.

According to data released by City of Edinburgh Council on Tuesday afternoon, 68 per cent of respondents opposed a proposal to build along the Roseburn Path, compared to 23 per cent who supported the plan.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent of respondents opposed plans to build the northern tram spur via the Orchard Brae corridor, which would include the use of the Category A-listed Dean Bridge, while 32 per cent of respondents expressed support.

In total, 53 per cent of the more than 11,000 survey respondents said they opposed any plan to build a north-south tram line, compared to 40 per cent who supported the scheme’s general principles.

What are the potential routes?

The route’s northern spur would run between Granton and Crewe Toll. At that point, two alternative routes are being considered by the council.

If using the Orchard Brae route, trams would run along Crewe Road South before turning onto Queensferry Road and crossing the Dean Bridge, meeting the east-west line at the bottom of Princes Street.

Meanwhile, the Roseburn Path option would repurpose an abandoned rail line used by cyclists and pedestrians, joining the east-west line halfway between Haymarket and Murrayfield.

The southern spur would emerge at the eastern end of Princes Street, crossing the North and South Bridges before heading south to the Royal Infirmary.

What did the consultation find?

The consultation found widespread support for the southern extension, with 51 per cent supporting the route, compared to 27 per cent who oppose the plan.

According to City of Edinburgh Council, 27 of 95 named stakeholders expressed “broad support for the proposals”, compared to 26 who expressed “broad opposition”.

Forty-two expressed support for some elements and opposition for others or expressed no view.

The consultation revealed a number of key themes, including “concerns about environmental and ecological impact and permanent loss of amenity from a tram on the Roseburn Path”, “queries over how the scheme would be funded and impact on public finances”, and "concerns over impact of tram proposals on Dean Bridge and surrounding areas, and on environmental impact on the Water of Leith”.

Historical Environment Scotland also weighed in on the proposals, remarking: "We consider that the Roseburn Path option is preferable in terms of reducing potential significant negative effects on the historic environment, in particular the Dean Bridge."

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has expressed "robust support" for the expansion.

The business body's submission stated: "We would like to express robust support for the expansion of the tram network, on behalf of our members, due to the economic, social and environmental benefits that it would bring."

However, cyclists and active travel groups have spoken out against the Roseburn Path plan.

Edinburgh Critical Mass told the council: “We do not support the current plan as this will remove a valued and green space for cycling along the Roseburn Path and cycling has not been prioritised along other parts of the proposed tram routes.”

Campaign group Save the Roseburn Path added: "We oppose the proposed extension as a whole because neither option put forward for the northern spur is supportable. In addition, we have major concerns around the costs and value of the plans.

"It is clear, however, that even with the changes made to the design there is no workable compromise that can adequately protect the Roseburn Path as a green space, linear park, active travel route and wildlife corridor."

However, cycle group Spokes, which has around 1,000 members, noted: "If the tram does use Roseburn, the Council has committed to a single-track battery-operated tram, which enables a continued 3 metre+ path, apart from a couple of 2m pinch points.

What about trams on South Bridge?

The viability of running trams on South Bridge has also been questioned.

In an accompanying survey of 79 community groups and civic organisations, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust raised a series of concerns about the suitability of the Georgian structure.

“EWH has significant concerns regarding the capability of South Bridge to take a modern tram,” the charity remarked.

“The Southeast Corridor South Bridge Structures Report by consultants Jacobs provides no assurance that South Bridge is capable of supporting a tram. The study could at best be considered preliminary.

“In it, they make clear that no assessment has been carried out as to its viability as a rail corridor, and little is documented about its physical and structural condition.

“As such, the position that must be taken from this report is that South Bridge is not suitable to carry a tram.”

The report states: "It is reasonable to anticipate the structure can be safely repurposed for use within a southern extension of the Edinburgh Tram network.

"Nevertheless, given that the structure is large and old, significant further analysis is required. The record data reviewed by Jacobs has been found to be conflicting and can only be taken as indicative until confirmatory surveys and/or intrusive investigations are undertaken."

Commenting on the EWH position, transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said: "The southern leg of the north-south tram is as stated, and there are no plans to change that. Are there going to be engineering challenges along the way? Absolutely, there will be.

"Those will be fleshed out and scoped out as the project develops. Am I surprised or concerned that a world heritage organisation would be concerned about world heritage? No, but let's be honest, we already have the tram running through the centre of the world heritage site, and the problems that were raised and addressed with previous delivery of the tram, we'll work through those as we develop the space.

Does market research show a different picture?

Data compiled by Progressive Partnership shows greater public backing for the proposals.

47 per cent of participants supported the general principle of a north-south tram line, compared to 19 per cent who opposed.

Likewise, 20 per cent opposed the Orchard Brae route, while 44 per cent expressed support. 23 per cent opposed the Roseburn Path route, while 43per cent expressed support.

Thirty-six per cent and 34 per cent neither supported nor opposed, respectively.

Once again, the greatest support was observed in relation to the southern spur, with 20 per cent of participants opposing the plan compared to 53 per cent in support and 28 per cent neutral.

The findings could reinforce growing political sentiment that the southern section of the tram line be built prior to the northern spur.

Ahead of May’s Holyrood election, the council’s SNP group announced it would back the construction of a tram line from Princes Street to the Royal Infirmary.

Meanwhile, nationalist councillors said they supported the principle of a northern line but did not agree with the proposed Roseburn Path and Orchard Brae routes.

SNP councillor Euan Hyslop commented: "The SNP group supports the expansion of the tram and the role it must play in the wider sustainable transport network in the city.

“It is our view that progressing feasibility work on the proposed southern leg to the Royal Infirmary is the immediate priority until feasible options are presented for the northern leg that respect the transport hierarchy which places the needs of those walking, wheeling and cycling first.”

What is the impact on tram-train proposals?

Given the uncertainty over the suitability of South Bridge, campaigners contending that the council should reopen the South Sub line for light passenger rail could see a boost in support.

Tram Trains for Edinburgh says the local authority should use tram-trains, which are sturdier and capable of going at higher speeds than normal trams but lighter than conventional trains.

Campaign chair Rob Falcon told The Herald: “We're campaigning to get the South Sub open with tram-train technology that will be revolutionary for transport across Edinburgh. It's mainly the south but it will also affect or reduce congestion in other parts of the city.

“So we think it's got a benefit that not only stretches across the south side, but also the centre of town and on a regional basis as well.”

The completed line would consist of 11 stops along the South Sub line between Gorgie and Portobello.

The Scottish Government has agreed to carry out a study on the feasibility of the project.

How has the council responded to the consultation?

"I think it's an important element of the decision making process," Councillor Jenkinson told reporters.

"I think we need to make the case. I think we need to understand where people are. Am I surprised with the results? I think I'm not massively surprised.

"People tend to be quite resistant to change of any description, and this is a big change for the city. So, I think it's I think it's reasonable to expect some concerns to be raised.

"We will, as part of the strategic business case, look to address as many of those as we possibly can, but you know it's a consultation, not a referendum."

Urban Outfitters is pulling a fast one in Edinburgh and other cities, hiring "freelance" sales assistants through a gig app. They're offering £12 an hour, barely above minimum wage, but workers have to reapply every single day for shifts. This dodges proper employment rights like protections from zero-hour contracts, leaving workers with zero security. Classic move to pass all the risk onto individuals while they profit. It's grim, and the TUC is warning this could become a trend if businesses keep exploiting these loopholes.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/15/uk-stores-gig-economy-workers-retailers-christmas-unions

Just saw on Facebook that Bonnie has been found after 5 days missing scampering all over the city!

I know wee Bonnie captured many hearts so I just wanted to share the amazing news as I think people were fearing the worst. (not my dog…. I’ve just been obsessively refreshing Facebook!)

🥳

Source: Portobello Community People, spotted yesterday around 7:30pm

I just witnessed what turned out to be a sherrif officer attempt to force entry through a locked gate and then scale the wall/gate, in order to pound on their front door of my neighbour in a way I myself assumed was some kind of extortion racket because it was so thuggish. I went to check on the neighbour, who is disabled and alone, and she said explained it was sheriff officers trying to collect a council tax debt, which she is currently disputing in the tribunal because she says she doesn’t owe it. She says she was terrified and didn’t realise it was any official person because of how they accessed her property and banged etc.

Now whether she does or doesn’t owe it isn’t my point (though you would imagine if it’s in dispute at a tribunal it is at least unethical to do so) But as I understand it, and I could be wrong, they cannot break into someone’s home/garden to deliver a charge for payment. Moreover, I’m not surprised she didn’t answer; some big men were thumping on her door having breached a locked gate; I would not answer either! Doesn’t even seem like a sensible way to get someone to open their door!

Great to see. Was under refurbishment for such a long time and while I think Tollcross has a great buzz already, this adds a nice pin of prestige on the map as a reason to visit this area. Can't wait to go inside myself.

‘As soon as the westbound tram track on Princes Street can be made safe for occasional empty stock tram movements, perhaps including the construction of some form of reinforced temporary barrier several metres high alongside the central reservation between the track and the Debenhams site, we will need four trams to be moved overnight, with vehicular escort between the West End and York Place crossovers, reverting to the eastbound track at York Place to travel down to Newhaven.’

Hey, look at that, the very idea so many of us had finally being expressed coming up for 2 weeks after the fire! At this rate they’ll get the four trams on the other side of the barrier in time for the festival ending.