Edinburgh Evening News
RESEARCH GIVES US HOPE FOR VALENTINA
An Edinburgh toddler will require “roundthe-clock care for life” after she was diagnosed with a rare condition that affects just 1 in 10,000 girls. Parents Cesar Garcia Torres and Virginia Munoz Rucian, both originally from Spain, received the...
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MAKE NEXT GP CLINIC IN LEITH
Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has called for a walk-in GP clinic to be set up at Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The first of the new clinics - designed for patients with an urgent health concern who cannot attend their usual GP practice - opened as a...
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HERO’S WELCOME AT MURRAYFIELD
Greg James has paid tribute to the Prince of Wales’s “royal glutes”, which he said helped power him through part of his 1000km cycling challenge to raise money for Comic Relief. Crowds of cheering well-wishers gathered at Murrayfield Stadium in...
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HEAD OVER HEELS FOR COMIC RELIEF
An Edinburgh schoolgirl has raised hundreds of pounds for Comic Relief by undertaking a unique cartwheel challenge. Flora Walker, who is in Primary 2 at Parsons Green Primary School, decided to attempt to cartwheel around the perimeter of the school...
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I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST PART OF WHO I WAS
Maëlle Guennec is one of the millions of women across the globe suffering from a debilitating condition which took years to get diagnosed. The 23-year-old osteopath, originally from France but now living in Edinburgh, was diagnosed with endometriosis...
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Belated Christmas present
Unique Assembly, organisers of Edinburgh’s Winter Festival, are set to share donations of more than £46,000 with charity partners working across the city. Age Scotland, Simon Community Scotland, OneCity Trust and When You Wish Upon a Star will each...
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School of Rock
An Edinburgh schoolboy is setting the tone for sustainable music production with his own innovative guitar design. Chester, 19, a senior prefect at Merchiston Castle School, has created an eco-friendly instrument that can switch between acoustic and...
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BOY HAILED HERO FOR SAVING LIFE
A brave schoolboy has been hailed a hero after his quick thinking helped save the life of a lorry driver who was trapped inside his burning cab. Ben Somerville, 11, and his dad Alan were driving to Prestonpans for Ben’s badminton lesson shortly before...
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PARENTS & STAFF BACK PHONE BAN
A consultation has found overwhelming support among parents and staff for banning mobile phones in Edinburgh secondary schools. However, a majority of pupils said the ban should only apply to class time, with access to phones being allowed during...
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I’M COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
An East Lothian man is “counting his blessings” after his van was almost hit by a falling lorry which then burst into flames. Mark Innes, who owns The Tartan Timber Co based in Haddington, was out making deliveries shortly before 4pm on Wednesday when...
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OUR DREAM HOLIDAY BECAME £87,000 NIGHTMARE
An Edinburgh couple’s dream holiday in Cape Verde quickly turned into a nightmare after a medical emergency left one in hospital and the couple facing an £87,000 bill. Portobello couple Bazz Granger and Janie Morris travelled to the island off the...
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EPIC PEDAL FOR DODDIE BEGINS
Crowds turned out yesterday morning to give the widow of late rugby hero and MND campaigner, Doddie Weir OBE, a big sendoff as she joined other cyclists at the start of an epic fundraising challenge. Kathy Weir was joined by rugby legends Rob...
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‘WE’RE BEING LEFT TO DIE’
A West Lothian mum with a rare form of motor neurone disease is fighting for the chance to receive treatment which she says could save her life. Angie Brown, from Bathgate, was diagnosed with the SOD1 gene variation, a form of MND that is thought to...
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Scotland eye Six Nations title
Whatever happens at the Aviva Stadium in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations, one of Scotland or Ireland will go top of the table at full-time. Gregor Townsend’s side are level on points (16) with current league leaders France after their 50-40...
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LOSING MY DAD INSPIRED WEBSITE
A man who lost his dad to dementia has used his experience to help other bereaved families across the country. Steven Scott, who is originally from Dalkeith, lost his father David Scott at the age of 90 at the end of last year, more than 10 years...
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TRIBUTES PAID TO ‘BEAUTIFUL SOUL’
The heartbroken family and friends of a young Edinburgh woman who tragically lost her life in a horror crash have paid tribute to her “beautiful spirit”. Taylor Jenkins died in a head-on crash in the early hours of March 1 when the white BMW M135 she...
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‘FEAR OF DEATH CONSUMES ME’
An Edinburgh mother who was given just six months to live when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer nine years ago has made an emotional plea to MSPs ahead of the final vote on the Assisted Dying Bill. Lisa Fleming was just 34 years old when her...
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Vettriano self-portrait to go on show
A self-portrait by Jack Vettriano is to go on show in Edinburgh on the first anniversary of his death. The 73-year-old selftaught painter was found dead in his flat in Nice, France, on March 1 last year. The Portrait Of The Artist will go on show at...
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City Guides celebrate friendship
More than 1000 members of Girlguiding Edinburgh – from Rainbows to Rangers – joined their leaders at the weekend to mark 100 years of World Thinking Day. Enjoyed by Girl Guide and Girl Scout groups around the globe, the event takes place on February...
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PHONE BAN SEES MORE RESPONSES THAN TRAMS
Edinburgh City Council’s consultation on banning mobile phones in schools has produced more responses than the recent consultation on the city’s proposed North-South tramline. So far, over 12,300 people have sent in their views on the plan to stop...
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I WANT TO BE A BEACON OF HOPE
A snowboarder from Edinburgh hopes to become a “beacon of hope” after being announced as the first snowsports athlete with MND to compete in the Winter Paralympics. Davy Zyw will join the ParalympicsGB team sheet for the Milano Cortina Games in March,...
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PUBS SET TO STAY OPEN FOR FOOTIE
Edinburgh pubs and other venues will be allowed to stay open until early morning to show World Cup matches, after a decision by the city’s Licensing Board. The general hours extension covers all World Cup games, not just Scotland games, and includes...
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I’VE BROKEN THE SOUND BARRIER
An East Lothian grandad is celebrating a “remarkable” two-month transformation after receiving life-changing hearing devices that brought the sound back to his home and hobbies. After thirty years in the security industry, 79-year-old Drew Johnson...
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IT’S TIME TO GET TOUGH ON SHOPLIFTERS
An Edinburgh shop owner has said more police action is needed and laws need to be changed in order to fight a surge in shoplifting in the city. Artur Zieleniewski, 44, owns the Techspace360 technology store on Shandwick Place, and says his shop loses...
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‘The law must take its course’
The King has said “the law must take its course” after expressing his “deepest concern” over the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew was taken into custody on his 66th birthday yesterday...
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WE’RE SO THANKFUL FOR THE SUPPORT
The family of an East Lothian teacher and firefighter who has “made a difference to many lives” say they have been overwhelmed by the community’s support after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Father-of-three James McPherson, from North Berwick,...
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Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel
Mansfield Traquair was built in 1895. Designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, it features murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair. After falling into disrepair, a £2.8m Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 1996 allowed two conservators and three trainees to work for...
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KATHY PICKS UP DODDIE BATON
The wife of late rugby legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir will take on a 750-mile cycling challenge to raise money for the charity he founded. Kathy Weir will cycle from the Scottish Borders to Dublin as part of the Doddie's...
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MP CALLS FOR CITY CLEAN-UP
A city MP has launched a petition calling on land owners to clear one of the worst fly-tipping sites in Edinburgh, after raising the issue in the House of Commons. Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP Chris Murray also called for more support for...
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McInnes ‘not bothered’ by Hearts’ title challenge doubters
Hearts boss Derek McInnes says the target that the players and coaches set at the start of this season would now not be enough to match their ambitions as they close in on it, writes Martyn Simpson. The Jambos head coach revealed that in the buildup...
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Just the ticket – First Minister announces train fares freeze
First Minster John Swinney has announced rail fares will be frozen for the next year, ahead of the first vote on the Scottish Government’s Budget. Mr Swinney visited Edinburgh Waverley Station yesterday to announce the £4.3 million investment – which...
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Optometry team only has eyes for Frankenstein
As the great and the good of the film industry line up for this year’s awards season, Edinburgh contact lens specialist Heather Muir only has eyes for Frankenstein. A member of the team at Cameron Optometry, an independent practice the Capital,...
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STALKING CRIMES ARE ON THE RISE
Stalking crimes in Edinburgh are up 40 per cent in the six months to September over the same time period a year before, according to new crime statistics released by Police Scotland. It comes a day after BBC Scotland presenter Anne McAlpine described...
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Sarwar tells Starmer to quit
Sir Keir Starmer should quit, the leader of Scottish Labour has said, in a fresh blow to the Prime Minister’s authority. Anas Sarwar used a press conference in Glasgow yesterday to call for Sir Keir to resign as the PM battles the scandal over Peter...
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Enlightening experience
Enlightenment at Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall is a unique light and sound show that takes audiences on a memorable journey – all from the comfort of your very own bean bag. Inspired by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, the touring show – which has now been seen...
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NO WORLD CUP HOLIDAY HERE
City of Edinburgh Council will not recognise the national Bank Holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup finals. A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the local authority had no plans to treat June 15 as a bank...
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MOVING TRIBUTE
A luxury locomotive has been named in memory of Pipe Major Iain Grant, the Royal Scotsman’s resident piper for nearly 30 years. A proud Leith native, Iain famously welcomed thousands of passengers at Waverley Station with a stirring bagpipe...
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LEZ RAISES £1M IN ITS FIRST YEAR
Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone raised more than £1 million in its first year of operation. After the costs of running the the scheme were taken out, that left £793,000 which has been allocated to a range of initiatives, including work with schools on...
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‘UNPREPARED AND UNDEREQUIPPED’
The widow of a newlyqualified firefighter who died in the Jenners blaze in Edinburgh has raised “serious concerns” about the circumstances of his death after he fell down stairs in the smoke-filled former department store. Shelley Martin claimed her...
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WE'RE READY TO MAKE A SPLASH
An Edinburgh surgeon will be taking on a 3000 mile row across the Atlantic with two of her friends later this year. Jenna Volpert, 29, a surgeon at the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, is part of the Saltire Tides team which will...
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Leith Legends on the march
A new army of supporters has been mobilised ahead of Scotland’s opening World Cup match this summer. Starting from Easter Road Stadium, a group of sheltered housing tenants living in Leith have set off on a 3,070-mile walking challenge – the virtual...
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Nowhere for Jock to lodge
A famous Edinburgh pub has been demolished to make way for purpose-built student accommodation. Once known as Jock’s Lodge, the pub on the corner of London Road and Restalrig Road South had several names over the years, including Jimmy O’Rourke’s,...
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Close encounter with the Bard
People across the country have been celebrating Robert Burns’ 267th birthday, with many raising a glass and tucking into a haggis in honour of the beloved poet. First Minister John Swinney was among those sharing messages of goodwill on social media,...
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£60M HOUSING UNDERSPEND
Edinburgh City Council is facing criticism after forecasting a £60 million underspend in its housing budget despite a declared housing emergency. The figures include £14.3m for new construction and £45m for acquisitions. Opposition councillors have...
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Young curlers brush up their rink skills
Young curlers in the Capital are being equipped to follow in the footsteps of Olympic heroes Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds. As excitement grows around next month’s Winter Games in Italy, Gogar Park Young Curlers have been awarded £2500 from Aldi...
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‘GROWING PAINS’ TURN OUT TO BE CANCER
An Edinburgh girl who was told by doctors she had “growing pains” and sent home with painkillers turned out to actually have a rare blood cancer. Ava Ferguson, nine, was taken by her mum Samantha to see a doctor in November after she returned home...
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OPPORTUNITY KNOX
Proposed repairs at a landmark Old Town building have been given the go-ahead by City of Edinburgh Council. A planning application was submitted in November for fabric repairs at the late 15th century John Knox House by the property’s owners, the...
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Light fantastic
Scotland was treated to a spectacular view of the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis – on Monday night. The colours are created by disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by particles from the Sun, and are usually concentrated around the...
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King toasts Scottish enterprise on city visit
The King shared a dram with Scotland’s First Minister while hosting Scottish business owners at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The reception brought together various entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and capital investment firms to celebrate...
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REGAN WARNS OF VIOLENCE
There is a crisis of violence against women and girls in Scotland, independent Edinburgh Eastern MSP Ash Regan told the Scottish Parliament as she appealed to John Swinney to back her Bill on prostitution. Ms Regan said latest figures from the Crown...
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RACE TO BRING UP TO 1M FANS
Up to a million sports fans could come to Edinburgh next summer to watch the start of the Tour de France cycle race, organisers have said. Paul Bush, Grand Depart GB managing director for the race in 2027, predicts between 10 and 15 million people...
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BOTANICS COSTS THROUGH ROOF
Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is looking at having to scale back its once-in-a-generation glasshouse project after costs more than doubled. The Edinburgh Biomes project – described as “arguably the most visionary and exciting project of the...
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MBE strictly for the Bird
Broadcasting veteran Jackie Bird said she was “honoured” to be decorated by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle yesterday. The journalist, 63, who was the face of BBC Scotland News for three decades, was made an MBE for her services to broadcasting...
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Trump protest at US consulate
Protesters have gathered outside the US consulate in Edinburgh to demonstrate against the arrest and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. People at the demonstration on Regent Street on Saturday called for US President Donald Trump to...
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ARTIST’S BRUSH T
Self-taught Edinburgh artist Joe Capps has seen a significant surge in commissions after wowing TV audiences with his distinctive style. Joe, from Tollcross, recently participated in Series 12 of the prestigious Sky Arts competition, Portrait Artist...
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EPIC CYCLE TO HONOUR VET
An East Lothian vet is preparing for an epic charity challenge in honour of a muchloved colleague who is receiving palliative care. Chris Monk, Clinical Director at Dunedin Vets in East Lothian, is undertaking the Strathpuffer 2026 mountain bike race...
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WALKING OUT ON PEDESTRIANS
Walking campaign group Living Streets Edinburgh has come out against a proposed active travel scheme for Dundee Street and Fountainbridge. It says the plans fail to put pedestrians first, with pavements reduced in width in at least 12 locations and...
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DRINK SPIKING VICTIMS CALL FOR CHANGE
Two Edinburgh women are calling for urgent changes to how police handle drink spiking cases after saying they feel let down by authorities. The women, who both believe they were spiked at two separate Edinburgh city centre bars, have said they were...
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WANTED: HIRED GUNS
Members of the public could be trained to use speed guns to catch motorists who are driving too fast, under a scheme advocated by Edinburgh’s Green councillors. They said speeding is a frequent factor in road deaths but that the police are currently...
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HOGMANAY POWER OUTAGE
Hospitality businesses in one of Edinburgh’s tourist hotspots have warned that the city’s global reputation as the “ultimate Hogmanay destination” is being put at risk by a recent series of power outages – including one they fear will affect New Year...
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CRUNCH PARTY TALKS ON TRAMS
City of Edinburgh Council’s minority Labour administration is expected to seek talks soon with other parties in an effort to secure support for the proposed new tramline from Granton to the Royal Infirmary and beyond. Officials are still analysing the...
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KNIGHTHOOD FOR BOTANICS CHIEF
The Royal Edinburgh Botanic Garden’s chief executive has said it is an “immense honour” to have been awarded a knighthood as he prepares to retire. Simon Milne, Regius Keeper for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, has been awarded a knighthood in the...
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CHAS HELPS MAKE JOSH PILOT FOR A DAY
Christmas came early for a young East Lothian boy when a leading charity joined forces with Loganair to make his dream of flying a reality. Josh Narrie, eight, who loves aeroplanes and all things to do with aviation and transport, has never been able...
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PHONES BANNED BY END OF 2026
A consultation on banning mobile phones in Edinburgh’s secondary schools will be launched in January – and education chiefs want a ban in place by the end of the year. It is expected to be modelled on the pilot scheme which has been running at...
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The first-ever city derby on Christmas Day, 1875
A century and a half on, many of the details remain shrouded in mystery. And there’s always a degree of doubt when it comes to the exact order of events. But the one thing historians seem to agree on is that, exactly 150 years ago tomorrow, in 1875, a...
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HELPING HAND AT CITY’S CHRISTMAS
Edinburgh’s Christmas is partnering with four charities to help raise their profiles as people enjoy the entertainment in the city centre. Donations and money raised across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals this year will be...
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Scottish teachers struggling with growing mental health issues
Scottish teachers took a total of nearly 600,000 sick days on mental health grounds over the course of five years, new data obtained by the Scottish Conservatives says. The party accused the SNP Government of failing to provide the necessary support...
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THE MAKING OF CHRISTMAS
An Edinburgh couple have been left ‘tickled’ after they received a touching Christmas card from a group of schoolgirls. Lee and Kate Frankish were sitting at home on Monday evening when a ‘lovely surprise’ from three local strangers was delivered...
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Call me a sap but tree smell is too strong
Earlier this month I tentatively suggested we change the family tradition of buying a real tree at Christmas. Yes, I freely admit, I was swayed by the daytime telly adverts for fake Canadian Spruces. I worried I might miss the scent of the real thing...
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GUNMAN JAILED FOR 26 YEARS
A gunman who carried out a gangland hit on a man outside an Edinburgh pub on Hogmanay has been sentenced to 26 years in prison. Grant Hunter, 34, fatally shot Marc Webley, 38, outside the Anchor Inn in Granton, Edinburgh, just after 11.30pm on...
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