Latest from Scotsman
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh shopkeepers left dreading busy times of year as shoplifting on the rise
Edinburgh city centre shopkeepers have been reacting to news that reported shoplifting incidents have more than doubled in the past two years. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The latest data from Police Scotland shows that theft by shoplifting grew in Edinburgh from 3,461 incidents in 2022 to 7,592 incidents in 2024, a rise of 119 per cent. The most affected area is the city centre, which saw 2,199 shoplifting crimes in 2024. Majid Mohamed, who has groups of shoplifters visiting his mobile phone accessories and repair shop on Princes Street, said the problem gets particularly bad during busy tourist seasons. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'It depends on the time of year really how bad shoplifting is, it's particularly bad at Christmas and New Year and of course The Fringe, the busy times for the city. 'They come in to the shop in groups of two or three, sometimes with masks. They mostly go for earbuds and small items, which don't cost too much, but it all adds up. 'We have CCTV but when they are in groups they provide cover for each other. Sometimes items are stolen without us even noticing until too late. And even though we have the cameras the thieves don't seem to care, it's a 'what are you going to do' kind of attitude, pretty intimidating.' The store manager at cosmetics shop Kiko Milano on Princes Street praised her staff for knowing what to look out for regarding shoplifters. | National World Dawn Alexander, store manager at cosmetics shop Kiko Milano on Princes Street, said shoplifting has been a problem in recent years but praised her staff for knowing how to deal with it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said: 'It was bad when I started here two years ago, but the team I have here now know what to look out for. It's not as bad as what it was, but I put that down to my staff having good knowledge of regular shoplifters and the signs to look out for. 'There are organised gangs of shoplifters really. You can see them coming together in the morning, meeting outside Waverley Market. They are quite brazen, you need to be very strict with them. Our staff know most of their faces now so can watch out for them. They are normally carrying big bags, so are not that hard to spot. I have seen them running past after stealing large amounts from JD Sports. 'When you are phoning the police to report the incidents you are basically wasting your time, as we don't have cameras to record the thefts. We think we're going to get cameras though, to help stop this problem. The community officer is lovely and very helpful though.' She added: 'The whole thing is a bit scary though but I guess it's just another part of the job now, keeping an eye out for shoplifters.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Police Scotland figures show that Leith Walk was the next most affected Edinburgh area for shoplifting last year with 794 incidents, while Portobello and Craigmillar had 626 incidents last year. Another Princes Street shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said: 'We've noticed a rise in shoplifting incidents, but not huge, in fact all in all it's probably about the same, I just think more people are reporting these crimes now. 'There are a lot of young people kicking about causing a nuisance, but a lot more is being done now to tackle the issue, with the Business Improvement District (BID) people helping retailers here with security.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Princes Street shop assistant said: 'Shoplifting is quite prevalent, it's almost daily now. And there's lots you don't even notice at the time. It's bad for business. It's actually surprising to me who is doing the shoplifting, it's all sorts. A lot of people we've caught shoplifting you would never have guessed. 'We had a woman in a wheelchair who stole lots of items, we've had parents with kids in buggies, who steal items and hide them in the buggy. And also just groups of teenagers. 'We feel now like we have to really keep an eye on everyone who comes in here, just in case, be extra vigilant.' Another shopkeeper at a Princes Street unit added: 'We have definitely noticed a surge in shoplifting in recent years. I have worked here for a year and a half and I noticed a big difference until recently. It was getting silly how many incidents there was. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'However, recently it appears to be quietening down in general. Although, there are still groups going round with large bags stealing items. We have even had parents with push chairs stealing items.' Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Celtic's next windfall, surprising Kyogo rumour, ex-Rangers coach lands SPFL job
The latest Scottish football transfer news and speculation Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here is your Thursday evening transfer bulletin rounding up the latest rumours surrounding Scottish football... Surprising Kyogo rumour Kyogo Furuhashi could be on the move again this summer just six months after leaving Celtic for Rennes in a £10million transfer. The Japanese striker has endured a nightmare spell in France, managing only six appearances, and just one start, for a combined 120 minutes of action and no goals since joining the Ligue 1 club in January. According to Japanese news outlet Sponichi Annex, the 30-year-old could be set for a surprise move back to the UK to sign for newly-promoted English Championship side Birmingham City. The report claims that Kyogo is favouring the possible move to England's second tier ahead of other options on the table from around Europe. A move to the Blues, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers' ex-Celtic assistant Chris Davies, would see the striker team up with former Celtic team-mate Tomoki Iwata. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Celtic could net another transfer windfall if Brighton sell Matt O'Riley. (Photo by) | Getty Images Celtic's possible next windfall Celtic have already banked a £5million sell-on fee this summer thanks to Jeremie Frimpong's move to Liverpool, now they could be set for a second windfall with another former player lined up for a big move. The Parkhead coffers were significantly boosted earlier this month when Frimpong completed a £29.7milion move from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield. Celtic negotiated a 30 per cent sell-on clause on any future profit made when they sold Frimpong to the German club for £11m in 2021. Another jackpot could be on the cards amid reports that Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has been the subject of a £25.6m bid from Napoli just 12 months on from his £25m Parkhead exit. It is claimed that talks are ongoing over the "package" the Seagulls would receive for O'Riley with the club willing to sell the 24-year-old if their valuation is met. It is understood that Celtic hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the deal which could see the Scottish champions earn upwards of £2.5m. Ex-Rangers coach lands SPFL job
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scotland U20 squad named but coach in the dark over fundamental aspect of World Championship
Young Scots to face England, Australia and South Africa in Italy Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kenny Murray has named his Scotland Under-20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy but the coach still doesn't know if there will be relegation at this summer's tournament. The young Scots are back in the elite competition for the first time in six years after earning promotion last season by winning the second-tier World Rugby U20 Trophy. Their 'reward' is an extremely testing group which has seen them paired with England, Australia and South Africa in Pool A. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's a huge step up for Scotland but one which Murray is relishing. He has named a 30-man squad for the 12-team tournament but remains in the dark about whether or not the bottom-placed side after the play-offs will be relegated, even though the competition is kicking off a week on Sunday, with Scotland's opening fixture against England in Verona. Scotland U20 head coach Kenny Murray, centre, with some of his players. | SNS Group / SRU 'We're hoping to get confirmation before this tournament begins,' said Murray. 'There's discussions going on at World Rugby about expanding the tournament, so we're still waiting for final clarification as to whether that's definitely happening and whether there's going to be relegation or not. I'm hoping to find out next week at the latest. 'All I've heard is that there's definitely some motivation to go to 16 teams. That's as much as we know at the moment, but obviously we'll need to know before the tournament starts. It would be good to go there without that extra pressure of relegation.' After the opener against England, Scotland will play Australia in Viadana on July 4 and South Africa in Calvisano on July 9. They will then play two ranking play-off games to determine their final position. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Freddy Douglas and Johnny Ventisei will co-captain Scotland, with both having had experience of leading the team during the 2025 U20 Six Nations. Scotland U20's Seb Stephen played for Glasgow Warriors against Leinster. | SNS Group / SRU Douglas, who made his full Scotland debut against Portugal in the autumn, is one of a handful of players in the squad to have played pro club rugby. The highly talented flanker featured seven times for Edinburgh last season. Jack Brown, the full-back who scored a hat-trick in the impressive win over Ireland U20s last week, also made his Edinburgh debut and hooker Seb Stephen played for Glasgow Warriors against Leinster, impressing in a narrow defeat in Dublin. In addition, Reuben Logan made a brief appearance off the bench for Northampton Saints against Exeter in the Premiership. The squad is relatively experienced, with 29 of the 30 having played in either or both the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy or 2025 U20 Six Nations. Jed Findlay, the full-back who featured in last week's win over Ireland U20, is in a tournament squad for the first time. Forwards Will Pearce and Oliver Finlayson-Russell are the other players yet to feature in a competitive match for Scotland U20. Both were in the U20 Six Nations squad but did not make an appearance. Jack Hocking, the versatile Edinburgh back, is included after injury and could make his first competitive appearance since featuring for Hawick in October last year but Guy Rodgers misses out with a hamstring issue. Scotland U20 squad for 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Forwards: Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh), Dylan Cockburn (Melrose RFC), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh; co-capt), Oliver Duncan (Edinburgh), Oliver Finlayson-Russell (Univ of St Andrews), Mark Fyffe (Univ of Edinburgh), Bart Godsell (Loughborough Univ), Dan Halkon (Glasgow), Reuben Logan (Northampton), Oliver McKenna (Glasgow), Charlie Moss (Montpellier), Will Pearce (Cardiff Metropolitan Univ/Bristol), Joe Roberts (Glasgow), Jake Shearer (Glasgow), Seb Stephen (Glasgow), Jamie Stewart (Edinburgh), Ben White (Melrose/Edinburgh).
Scotsman
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rising Scottish golf star Carly McDonald makes it back-to-back wins
St Regulus member storms to ten-shot success in Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As Hannah Darling prepares to turn professional after Lorna McClymont made that switch already, a new Scottish star is emerging in the women's amateur ranks. Step forward Carly McDonald, who has just turned 14 but, like Darling in particular at the same age, is already producing some eye-catching performances. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A week past Sunday, the member of St Regulus Ladies Golf Club in St Andrews won the Barrie Douglas Foundation Scottish Junior Masters by four shots at Strathmore Golf Centre in Perthshire. Carly McDonald in action during Scotland's 2024 European Team Championship preparation at Blairgowrie | Chris Young/Scottish Golf Boosted by that effort, McDonald made it back-to-back victories by storming to a ten-shot success in the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase at Schloss Roxburghe in the Borders. 'It is great, it is really good,' said McDonald of her latest title triumph. 'It is pretty high up there in terms of my best victory and it is really good to win back-to-back after my win in the Barrie Douglas Junior Masters as well.' The Madras College pupil posted rounds of 68-72-72-70 for a nine-under total at Strathmore, where she finished ahead of her St Regulus clubmate Abigail May. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Taking up where she'd left off in that event, McDonald opened with a 68 in her latest assignment before adding three successive 71s for an equally-impressive seven-under aggregate. 'I knew I was in good form, so I knew I had quite a good chance,' she added. 'It was good scoring because it's a strong golf course and a long walk as well.' McDonald, who enjoyed the thrill of representing Scotland along with her brother Jamie in the combined Girls and Boys Home Internationals last year, was recently selected in the Great Britain & Ireland team for the Junior Vagliano Trophy later this month. St Regulus member Carly McDonald shows off the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Vase while she also won the Bobby Johnston Trophy, held by his son Stuart | Stephen Gallacher Foundation In what is likely to be her last appearance in the amateur ranks, Darling will be playing in the women's event at Royal Hague in the Netherlands and the girls' version is running alongside it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Yeah, it is amazing to be picked for that again, having also played in the last one, and I am so looking forward to it,' said McDonald. 'I've then got the European Team Championship, with the selections being announced on Monday, then the Girls' Amateur.' Jodie Graham, a Stephen Gallacher Foundation ambassador who is a member at both Hamilton, finished as McDonald's closest challenger after rounds of 70-79-71-71. However, the stage belonged to the in-form player in the Scottish junior girls' game. 'I've played golf basically since I was two years old,' said McDonald. 'We live in St Andrews and I've grown up with such good facilities on my doorstep, which has been really helpful.' Asked who her golfing idols are, she added: 'I really like (world No 1) Nelly Korda and I always liked (former Women's Scottish Open champion) Carly Booth due to her being Scottish as well.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Carly McDonald pictured with fellow Barrie Douglas Foundation Scottish Junior Masters winner Martin Shone at Strathmore Golf Centre in Perthshire | Martin Cairns Won in the past by Bob MacIntyre, the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Trophy, held concurrently at Schloss Roxburghe, was lifted on this occasion by Jamie Henshaw. The Bruntsfield Links member signed off with a 66 for a three-under total, winning by three shots from Kai Laing, Darling's Broomieknowe clubmate.
Scotsman
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Council's £1.7m Tour de France Spend Under Scrutiny
Edinburgh Councillors need to 'take back control' from officials, one has claimed, amid a row over calls to spend of £1.7 million of council reserves on the Tour de France. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In a report published before Thursday's full council meeting, officers had asked councillors to sign off on £1.7 for the Tour de France, saying council political group leaders had agreed to it. However, at the full council meeting, several group leaders spoke out to say that they had not approved the spend, and that the last they'd heard of Tour de France planning was in October. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One councillor said the move was 'unacceptable', while another admitted they did not yet know how the spend would benefit the city. The report for councillors said that they intended for the £1.7m spend to be replenished from income from the city's upcoming visitor levy. | AFP via Getty Images The decision on approving the £1.7m Tour de France spend – and £2m in other reserve use for other issues – has now been pushed back to a committee meeting next week. Conservative group leader, councillor Iain Whyte, said: 'We were given some information. We were not given all the information. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We agreed that officers should keep working on it, but I would have expected that to come to committee.' SNP group leader, Councillor Simita Kumar, expressed the same sentiment. The report for councillors said that they intended for the £1.7m spend to be replenished from income from the city's upcoming visitor levy. Former Liberal Democrat leader Kevin Lang shared the confusion of the other group leaders. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But, he also clarified that, in October, officers had explained that the use of visitor levy money to backfill the £1.7m was intended to be extra income brought in by the event. It was announced in March that Edinburgh would host the start of the 2027 running of the men's Tour de France race. It will be the first time that the race visits the city, and with the women's race set to start somewhere else in the UK, the first time that both the men's and women's races started in the same country besides France. SNP councillor Kate Campbell said: 'There is very little explanation really of why we're making those allocations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Group leaders I've spoken to do not have recollection of making a decision on this. 'We've had no reports to councillors, no notes to committee, about the value we're getting from £1.7m for the Tour de France. 'It's a huge amount of money. We really don't know what the benefit to the city is.' Conservative councillor Phil Doggart said: 'Much as I have respect for my convener, and much as I respect the other conveners, can I just say that group leaders are not a decision making body. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'At the very least, this should have come to F&R last week. We could have discussed it. 'This is unacceptable. We are the council. So let's take back control of the council from the officers. We make decisions.' Councillors agreed with a motion put forward by the city's Labour administration, which saw the matter pushed back to the next meeting of the city's Finance and Resources Committee. That meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, 24 June, and can be viewed here.
