Wilful fireraising – Wheels & Wings Show at the Museum of Flight – Mary Queen of Scots – Festive Fun – Port Edgar Marina –
Police in Midlothian are appealing for witnesses after a number of incidents of wilful fire-raising in the Mayfield area of Dalkeith, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
An aviary at the rear of a house at Hill Place, Mayfield, was destroyed in one fire resulting in the loss of a total of 18 birds.
In another incident at Stone Place, Mayfield, a tarpaulin adjacent to the wall of a house, occupied by a family including two young children, was set alight.
At the same address, a wheelie bin was deliberately set on fire and placed against a car, causing £3,000 worth of damage.
Det Sgt Stevie Bertram said:- “The owner of the aviary suffered from smoke inhalation after trying to save her birds. She had to be treated by medical staff at the scene and in addition to her physical distress she is distraught about the loss of the birds which she has nurtured for a decade.
“In the other incident a family, including two young children, were put at risk by the reckless actions of those responsible for setting these fires.
” On both occasions, the householders were alerted to the danger by neighbours who became aware of the fires.
“We are treating these fires as suspicious and it is a matter of luck that no one has been seriously injured. I would appeal for anyone who has any information to contact Police Scotland.”
Police have been carrying out door to door inquiries and checking cctv footage. They are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area between 3am and 4am and who may have seen anything suspicious. They are particularly keen to trace two young men, both around 5ft 8in height and wearing hooded tops who were seen at approximately 4am in the vicinity of the fire at Stone place.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800555111 in confidence.
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At the Museum of Flight today you will be able to get a close up view of more than 200 classic cars and vintage vehicles, look to the skies for the Jet Provost flying display and watch the death defying White Helmets motorcycle display team, take a trip on a Segway scooter, test your mountain bike skills, ride in the pedal powered cabs and try an alternative mode of cycling with a laid back bike.
Here’s how it was last year…
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At the National Museum of Scotland the Mary Queen of Scots exhibition is on until next month. Maybe the views of those who have already seen it will convince you to go along:-
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This week seems to be all about Christmas. On Monday we are invited to the launch of White Christmas which is on at the Festival Theatre this December.
This video will give you a hint of what might be in store for you
On Tuesday we are invited to the launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas which this year has new organisers.
So forgive us if you smell a hint of egg nog from this website over the next few days!
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The management and operation of the Port Edgar Marina is to be taken on by Port Edgar Holding Ltd following a decision by the City of Edinburgh Council to grant the company a thirty-year lease.
A report to both Economy and Finance & Budget Committee was approved by councillors this week and would see new management in place by April 2014.
Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s Culture and Sport Convener, said: “This is a welcome step forward for the Port Edgar Marina and secures the future of this important sailing facility. We’re very much looking forward to working with Port Edgar Holding Ltd as the new lease holder and the Council will be working closely with them over the next few months to finalise the detail in advance of the handover.”
Russell Aitken of Port Edgar Holding Ltd, said: “This is an exciting development for this much-loved marina and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure a lease which will ensure continued investment in this sailing facility. We’re grateful to the Council for granting us this lease. Now the work really begins to finalise the detail and get ready to take on the management next Spring.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
