Edinburgh News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Head chef and foraging expert Rupert Alan Waites, known for his work in East Lothian, Scotland, has pleaded guilty to possessing and making indecent images of children. Police found 454 such images on his phone, with 21 easily accessible. Waites, 49, is now on the sex offenders register and awaits sentencing. His name has been forwarded to Scottish Ministers for potential inclusion on a list banning him from working with children and vulnerable adults.

20-year-old Aaron Strachan pleads guilty to abducting and raping a teenage girl in Edinburgh. He also admits to two additional serious assaults. The victim was walking to a bus stop when Strachan, wearing a balaclava, approached her and forced her to a basement where the attack occurred. The judge describes the incident as the stuff of nightmares, emphasizing the profound damage inflicted on the young victim. Strachan will be sentenced next month and placed on the sex offenders register.

Hibs David Gray faces tough choices for Falkirk match; key players injured, including Nicky Cadden and Thibault Klidje. Junior Hoilett and Jordan Obita also have minor issues. Grant Hanley returns from suspension. Gray emphasizes aggressive play, aiming to secure three points against Falkirk and gain league table advantage.

Shoplifting surge in Edinburgh hits local businesses hard, with Marchmont Hardware installing CCTV for the first time in nearly four decades. Liane Phillips, owner, shares her personal experience and concerns about the rising crime rates, especially during the holiday season.

Edinburghs Princes Street bus shelters are now adorned with festive Christmas card designs created by local schoolchildren. Twelve talented winners, chosen from various schools, showcase their unique Winter Wonders creations, with six designs also featured on the city councils official greeting cards. The display, a result of a joint competition by the city council and JCDecaux, aims to bring joy to the city center until Sunday.

Edinburgh ranks third in Scotland and sixty-ninth in the UK for happiest places to live, according to Rightmoves poll. The citys rich history, beautiful architecture, and clean air contribute to resident satisfaction. However, concerns about affordability due to student housing and Airbnbs persist. Councillor Meagher welcomes the ranking, emphasizing the citys natural beauty, culture, and community.

Flights at Edinburgh Airport were disrupted due to an IT issue, causing a temporary suspension of operations. Flights resumed by ten thirty-nine AM, but many passengers wondered about their compensation rights. According to Citizens Advice, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight arrives more than three hours late and the delay is the airlines fault. However, delays caused by factors outside the airlines control, like technical issues, typically dont qualify. Passengers with canceled flights have a legal right to a full refund or a replacement flight. If a flight is delayed by five hours or more, passengers can opt for a full refund.

Police Scotland deploys 131 new officers, marking a significant boost to local policing efforts. These officers, including 44 women and 87 men, will soon be on the streets, working to keep people safe. The new recruits celebrated the end of their training with a special parade, witnessed by family, friends, and Chief Constable Jo Farrell. The extended training program for future recruits will start on January 12, 2026, focusing on legislative learning, practical application, fitness standards, investigative abilities, and victim support.