Forth Road Bridge is 49 today – York Place reopening this weekend – Police close Operation Assure after Festival ends – Stockfest – Assault on the Royal Mile
Queensferry Ambitionare the people behind the Business Improvement District in South Queensferry, and they were among those hosting an event earlier today to mark the 49 years since the Forth Road Bridge was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on a rather foggy September day in 1964. But more than that they were able to explain at their launch event today about some of the events which will take place next September to mark the half century since the bridge was opened to traffic. The Festival will last from 4 September 2014 to 9 September 2014 and the full list of events include a Biker Rally, a boat flotilla, local band Bwani Bridgestock playing in concert, trips ups the bridge towers, a 50th birthday firework display and a torchlight procession which will allow those over 16 to walk across the bridge and back, while raising money for charity.
Soon there will be bridges spanning the Firth of Forth built in each of three consecutive centuries. The Forth Road Bridge was the longest span bridge in Europe at the time it was built, built from Scottish steel, built for 25 ton lorries which now weigh 40 tons. Now the latest, the Queensferry Crossing will be built from steel which comes from China. Changed days.
We interviewed some of the VIPs at today’s event to find out more:-
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Lothian Buses have set new routes for some of their services from this weekend when York Place will reopen. This is what they say on their website and you can also check on the Lothian Buses App and you can access the revised route map by clicking here.
York Place re-opens on Sunday 8 September 2013
Following the early re-opening of York Place and in preparation for the introduction of tram, some of our services are changing their routes in the city centre from Sunday 8 September.
- Services 10, 11, 12 & 16 heading east will run via Princes Street, Frederick Street and George Street to St Andrew Square and then via York Place to Leith Walk. Heading west these services will all continue using their current route from Leith Walk via York Place, St Andrew Square and South St. David Street to Princes Street. This means that passengers heading east beyond Frederick Street will alight on George Street while westbound passengers will board on Princes Street.
- Service 41 heading south will run via Princes Street, Frederick Street, George Street and Hanover Street to The Mound. Heading north, buses will run via The Mound and Hanover Street to George Street (buses will continue along George Street until the West End has re-opened). Buses will no longer serve Waverley Bridge.
- Service 42 heading south will run via Frederick Street, George Street and Hanover Street to The Mound. Heading north, buses will run via The Mound, Hanover Street and George Street to Frederick Street. Early morning, late evening and Sunday buses will continue from Hanover Street via George Street to and from St Andrew Square. Buses will no longer serve Waverley Bridge.
- Service 67 will run from St Andrew Square via George Street and Hanover Street to The Mound in both directions. Buses will no longer serve Waverley Bridge.
- AIRLINK will have a revised drop-off stop in George Street instead of Princes Street. There is NO CHANGE to the departure point on Waverley Bridge or pick-up location at the West End.
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Police Scotland has praised the local and visiting public within the Capital following a successful operation to keep people safe during the Festival.
On Thursday 1st August, officers in Edinburgh launched Operation Assure, which saw high-visibility police patrols undertaken across the city throughout the month.
Police engaged with Festival-goers, local residents and business premises and offered a range of crime prevention advice and personal safety messages, as well as promoting the non-emergency 101 number.
To reach as many of the Capital’s communities as possible, officers also carried out online engagement via Twitter using the hashtag #FestivalPolicing.
Around 50 tweets were issued from the @EdinburghPolice account over August to provide the public with helpful information and guidance on keeping themselves and their belongings safe while out and about in the city.
These tweets also helped visitors and locals stay informed about major events ongoing in Edinburgh, such as the Scottish Defence League and Unite Against Fascism demonstrations at the Scottish Parliament and the end of Festival fireworks display in Princess Street Gardens
Since Operation Assure was launched Police Scotland have gained over 80 new followers to the @EdinburghPolice account and local officers are keen to continue their engagement with the public via social media.
Throughout the Festival, police conducted over 350 stop and searches with over 100 resulting in the recovery of drugs, weapons and stolen property.
The high-visibility patrols throughout Edinburgh’s busiest areas also led to over 50 people being issued with Fixed Penalty Notices for various antisocial behaviour offences.
In addition over 40 people were charged in connection with a number of crimes including robbery, shoplifting and assault.
Officers have now thanked the public for their assistance and support during this busy month and look forward to another successful Festival next year.
Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “This was the first Festival to be policed by Police Scotland. However, officers in Edinburgh have a wealth of experience in dealing with the numerous and varied events, which regularly take place within the Capital.
“Operation Assure was launched as part of our commitment to keeping people safe and throughout August our officers provided a visible and engaging presence across the city.
“As a result of this engagement, we were able to respond to and investigate a number of reported offences, many of which have resulted in arrests, Fiscal reports or the issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice.
“The Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year and I am delighted that the vast majority have enjoyed their summer in a responsible and considerate manner, with only a relatively small number coming to police attention.
“For the first time ever, we were able to engage with the Festival public via social media and the tweets we issued during August seem to have been well received and undoubtedly played some role in the increase in followers to our @EdinburghPolice account.
“I would like to thank the public for their co-operation and support for Operation Assure throughout this month and I look forward to another successful Festival next year.”
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Stockfest, a weeklong festival celebrating Stockbridge, Edinburgh and the surrounding community, will return in 2013 for its 2nd festival.
Stockfest2012 was the brainchild of Stockbridge Traders (Tannis Dodd, Herbies’ of Edinburgh; Rhona Johnston, Kiss the Fish and JoJo Hernandez, Lilies & Dreams) and local resident Jane Ali-Knight. Following the success of previous one day festivals in the area it was decided to spread events over a week and further involve local traders, community groups, schools and residents. Aiming to increase footfall during the week and increase business to the area after the summer and festival period, Tannis Dodd states ‘Stockfest 2012 was a huge success, events were well attended and the community got involved in over 50 different events during the week. The highlight for me was the Upcycling and Flea Market event. This was immensely popular and reinforced peoples love for vintage products and, in times of austerity, the desire to resue and recycle clothes and other personal items. This year we are delighted to be hosting it in our local bowling club!’
Times have been tough for independent businesses and the local community over the last few years with contentious planning projects and the loss of local community spaces to redevelopment. The festival aims to boost morale, celebrate the successes and increase the profile of Stockbridge as a place to shop, dine and live and a destination to visit. Most of the events have again come from within the local community and the 2013 programme will not disappoint. Highlights include Guided Walks through the area, taster sessions in Yoga, Bollywood dancing and Puppy Training, Book and Poetry readings at Stockbridge Library, the Masai Warriors performing in a local venue and live music. Stockfest organised events return including an opening Community Ceilidh on Saturday 21st September, Stock Up – an Upcycling and Vintage Flea Market and a Closing Party curated by JoJo Hernandez, Lilies & Dreams.
Stockfest 2013 is from 21-28 September in venues in and around Stockbridge. For full details of the programme and for tickets visit www.stockfestedinburgh.com
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Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault that happened on the Royal Mile yesterday evening (Tuesday 3rd September).
The incident happened outside John Knox House around 5pm yesterday, when the victim, an 80-year-old Canadian man, was singing gospel hymns to a small crowd.
A woman was observed coming from a kilt shop across road, before she approached the victim and a disturbance broke out. This resulted in the victim falling over and hitting his head on the ground.
A passerby called for an ambulance and the victim was taken to the ERI, where he was treated for his injuries.
The woman is described as mixed race, late 40s, 5ft 8in, large build, and with shoulder length dark hair.
Detective Constable James Philp said: “We know that a small crowd had been watching him sing, so we are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist their inquiries to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
