Isla Storie

Footage filmed on an illicit phone inside HMP Edinburgh shows an inmate wrapped in a bed sheet being dragged across the floor by other prisoners, with captions implying a debt dispute. The clip, briefly posted on TikTok, also includes scenes of another inmate sliding through water in a prison hall. The Scottish Prison Service condemned the incident, emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent contraband such as mobile phones entering prisons, and said it is working with Police Scotland to take action against those responsible.

Emergency services, including police, fire crews and an ambulance, responded late on July 10 to an incident on Morrison Way in Livingston, where a cordon was put in place. The nature of the incident and whether there were any casualties remain unknown. Fire crews assisted Police Scotland and left the scene shortly after 1 a.m.

A 21‑year‑old man was taken to hospital after a serious assault believed to be a stabbing on Loanhead High Street. Police arrested and charged a 33‑year‑old man, who is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on July 13. Emergency services responded around 5:30pm, and details about the victim’s injuries have not been released.

A new Ember-operated E19 bus route will launch on July 1, providing a 20‑minute frequency service between Edinburgh Airport and Livingston. The route alternates between two variations every 40 minutes, covering stops including Uphall, Broxburn, Calderwood, East Calder and St John’s Hospital. Online adult single fares start at £4.45, with higher prices on board, and the service accommodates bikes and pets. Ember, founded by Keith Bradbury and Pierce Glennie, will run the route daily, expanding its all‑electric network first launched in 2020.

A 69-year-old cyclist from West Lothian described a dangerous near miss on a blind bend when a driver overtook her too closely, causing her bike to wobble. She urged motorists to give cyclists adequate space and consider the risks, especially to older riders. Police Scotland reiterated that drivers are responsible for safely overtaking vulnerable road users as part of ongoing road safety efforts.

A family in Perth is grieving after sentimental items, including solar lights and a panda ornament, were stolen from the grave of baby Ryan Guilar in Edinburgh’s Mount Vernon Cemetery. Ryan’s father and sisters describe the thefts as deeply hurtful, disrupting the sanctity of the resting place after more than 30 years without issues. The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, which operates the cemetery, has contacted the family following the incidents.

Residents of Brae Court in Linlithgow have been unable to leave their homes for a month after the building’s lift failed, leaving many elderly and mobility‑impaired tenants struggling with stairs. Residents say complaints to housing provider Bield went unanswered until late May, while Bield states structural damage discovered in April required further inspections and quotes before repairs could begin. Tenants report pain, safety concerns and significant disruption to daily routines, while Bield has apologised and says work will start as soon as costings are finalised and support is being provided in the meantime.

A 58-year-old man from Midlothian was left paralysed from the waist down after complications during spinal surgery caused blood to enter his spinal column. Now undergoing long-term rehabilitation in Glasgow, he faces significant lifestyle changes including the need to relocate to an accessible home and secure specialised equipment. A friend has launched a fundraiser that has already raised over £10,000 to help meet the substantial costs associated with his new care needs.

A fire at Murrayfield Primary School in Blackburn destroyed playground equipment and cracked nursery windows, though no internal damage or injuries were reported. Fire crews extinguished the blaze after two appliances were dispatched, and the school is expected to reopen as normal following cleanup and window replacement. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Visitors on an Edinburgh ghost tour have reported cuts, bruises and other unexplained injuries attributed to the so‑called Mackenzie Poltergeist at Greyfriars Kirkyard. The entity, linked by folklore to 17th‑century Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie, is said to cause physical marks, sudden temperature changes, equipment failure and other unusual phenomena. City of the Dead Tours has documented multiple incidents, including bleeding scratches and reports of people being grabbed or knocked over. Tour founder Jan‑Andrew Henderson says activity peaks around Halloween and describes the force as unpredictable and malevolent.

A group of thieves broke into a home in Broxburn, West Lothian, stealing around £25,000 worth of items later seen being thrown into the River Almond. Police Scotland is appealing for information, particularly from a fisherman who witnessed the suspects and from anyone with CCTV or dash‑cam footage that could help identify those responsible.

A group of youths reportedly vandalised a McDonald's restaurant in Livingston, verbally abusing customers and throwing drinks before being removed. The company condemned the behaviour as unacceptable and reaffirmed its zero‑tolerance policy toward violence or abuse against staff or customers. Police Scotland has been asked for comment.

A fire broke out in shipping containers on Pentland Avenue in Bathgate on April 23, prompting a response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which produced thick smoke near nearby homes, and remained on scene for over an hour to secure the area. A local resident suggested the fire may have been deliberate. Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

A mother in Winchburgh reports persistent damp and mould issues in her council home following a previous ceiling collapse, linking the conditions to her son’s pneumonia diagnosis. She expresses frustration with West Lothian Council over inadequate repairs, disputed assessments, and delays in rehousing despite being listed under special circumstances. The council states it investigates all damp and mould reports and continues engaging with her.

A 15‑year‑old springer spaniel named Ollie was swept away in the River Almond in Livingston after slipping down an embankment. Owner Stevie Ross and his son Corey have searched daily, using a drone and receiving assistance from Muzzle Mutts, a volunteer dog‑search group. Despite fears for the dog’s health due to age and medical issues, the family continues the search following potential sightings near Blackburn.

Residents intervened to contain a fire allegedly started by a group of youths in a field near homes in West Calder before emergency services arrived. The blaze spread along a fence line, prompting concerns about risks to nearby properties and livestock. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed no injuries and said investigations are ongoing, while locals reported wider concerns about youth behaviour in the area.

A senior carer at a Livingston nursing home, Barry McLaughlan, was struck off the Scottish Social Services Council register after being convicted for threatening, abusing and physically harming a vulnerable resident between February and March 2023. The abuse was discovered through a camera placed by the resident’s family, leading to a 2025 conviction at Livingston Sheriff Court. The SSSC ruled his behaviour incompatible with professional practice, citing serious emotional and physical harm, breaches of trust and concerns over potential repeat conduct. A Removal Order was issued, as a warning or suspension was deemed insufficient.

Police are seeking the driver of a white Ford Fiesta that collided with trolleys, hedges and bollards in a Livingston retail park before fleeing on foot, with no injuries reported. Inspector Kyle Barnard appealed for witnesses and dash‑cam footage to assist the ongoing investigation, and the public was urged to contact Police Scotland with information.

A police negotiator was honoured with a Bravery Award for persuading an armed man to release a nine‑week‑old baby he had taken hostage in Edinburgh. The offender, Scott Bradbury, had assaulted a woman, barricaded himself inside a flat with the child and threatened violence before surrendering. He later received an eight‑year sentence including licence time. Senior police leadership praised the actions of officers and community members recognised at the annual Bravery and Excellence Awards.

A Livingston couple describe the challenges their son Luka has faced after being born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, including multiple surgeries, feeding complications and ongoing dental issues. The family recounts social difficulties and bullying he experienced, noting improvement as he grew older. They credit the charity CLAPA for providing essential emotional support, specialised feeding equipment and guidance from the time of diagnosis. Luka’s father plans to run the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for the organisation, which relies entirely on donations to continue its support services.

A planning application has been submitted to build a Sainsbury’s Local store on the Calderwood estate in East Calder, providing a closer shopping option for residents of roughly 2,300 homes. The proposed 3,960‑square‑foot development would include parking, an access road and a public realm area on land designated for local centre use within the Calderwood Masterplan. The project will proceed through the council’s statutory planning process.

A 37-year-old woman was found dead at a property in Calder Crescent, Armadale, prompting a police response late on January 26. Officers remained at the scene overnight, though the death is not considered suspicious. Enquiries continue and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Two individuals were charged with several traffic offences after riding an off‑road quad bike dangerously in Fauldhouse, West Lothian. Police Scotland noted repeated reports of quad bikes being used dangerously or anti‑socially in both residential and rural areas and urged the public to report incidents with identifying details. Authorities provided contact channels, including Police Scotland and Crimestoppers, to help address ongoing safety concerns.

A 43-year-old man was arrested and charged with public indecency after multiple reports he was seen in a state of undress on Edinburgh Road in Bathgate. Police Scotland confirmed officers responded on January 20, detained the man, and held him in custody for a court appearance at Livingston Sheriff Court the following day. Authorities thanked the public for reporting the incident and encouraged anyone with additional information to contact police.

Two lorries collided at the junction of the A706 and B7015 near Longridge, bringing surrounding roads to a standstill. Emergency services responded, and one man was taken to hospital, with the extent of injuries not confirmed. Images showed an HGV and another lorry positioned across the junction as police and ambulance crews attended. Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed the time of the incident and the medical response.

CCTV captured four masked individuals attempting to break into the GLO Tanning salon in Whitburn, eventually entering using heavy cutting equipment and leaving with only a small amount of cash and stock. Staff were left unsettled, and safety measures including shutters and upgraded alarms are being added. Police Scotland confirmed inquiries are ongoing into the early‑morning housebreaking.