Heather Carrick

A man died after falling from the fourth floor of the Harvey Nichols department store at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh on 19 August 2026. Police and ambulance crews attended around 11:35 a.m., but the man was pronounced dead shortly afterward. The pavement outside the store was cordoned off, while the main road remained open but restricted to one lane; Police Scotland said enquiries were ongoing.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has begun a strategic review to determine its priorities for the next three years after venue leaders accused it of becoming bloated and losing sight of its purpose. Assembly founder William Burdett-Coutts and Underbelly director Ed Bartlam criticized the Society’s administration, finances, reduced Keep It Fringe bursary funding and ticket commission arrangements. Chief executive Tony Lankester said the Society’s core mission of supporting artists, sustaining the Fringe brand, advocating for funding and demonstrating the festival’s value to Edinburgh would remain, although its methods and priorities could change.

Firefighters continue to manage hotspots after a large wildfire on Salisbury Crags near Arthur’s Seat, which reignited briefly despite overnight suppression efforts. Authorities warn the public to avoid the area, with road closures in place and residents reporting ash fall across parts of Edinburgh. Officials from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service expect operations to continue for several days and urge caution amid ongoing wildfire warnings. Historic Environment Scotland reinforces bans on open flames and disposable barbecues as crews also battle a separate major blaze in the Cairngorms National Park.

Hundreds queued overnight on Lothian Road as SpudBros opened its first Scottish Express store, offering free baked potatoes to the first 100 customers. Fans, including one who travelled from Fife to camp overnight, lined the street after the chain’s viral TikTok popularity. The Edinburgh location marks the brand’s twelfth Express outlet and follows strong responses to earlier pop‑up visits, with the company calling the city the ideal site for its Scottish expansion.

A two-vehicle crash on the westbound A720 Edinburgh City Bypass led to a full carriageway closure from the Dreghorn junction, causing delays of over 70 minutes. Emergency services responded shortly after 2:40pm, and authorities urged drivers to avoid the area as heavy queues built up from Gilmerton toward Baberton.

A 34-year-old man, Olaksandr Dupik, received a four-year prison sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh for the attempted rape of a highly intoxicated woman in November 2025. CCTV footage showed the victim’s vulnerable state and Dupik leading her into a secluded lane before a security guard intervened, preventing the assault. The judge condemned his actions, highlighting the victim’s incapacity to consent. Police Scotland urged victims of sexual crime to report incidents and assured they would be supported.