As the year draws to a close, we conclude our review of the year’s news highlights by looking at what was making the headlines in the final three months of 2023.
There was the farewell to the giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang as they left Edinburgh Zoo for China; the disturbing scenes of mayhem on he streets on Bonfire Night; the tragic explosion in Baberton; and the sad death of Alistair Darling. Other stories we featured included a preview of the world’s first inland surf resort a call for an underground waste system in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site; an accolade for The Shore in Leith; and a new station opening in East Lothian.
Scroll through these 27 pictures to recall some of the highlights.
25. Police warn of 'reduced service'
Police in Edinburgh will be forced to attend fewer calls about "low level" crime such as vandalism, road traffic offences and damage to cars if their funding is not increased, the city's police commander Chief Superintendent Sean Scott told councillors. He said: "The bottom line is the consequence of a flat cash settlement will be less officers and a reduced service." Photo: John Devlin
26. Student flats at Jock's Lodge
Controversial plans for student flats at Jock's Lodge in Edinburgh were approved after an appeal. The council had refused permission for the development but the decision was overturned when a Scottish Government planning reporter ruled in favour of the application. Now six ‘run down’ commercial units - three of which currently lie empty - will be demolished and replaced with a 191-bed student accommodation block. Photo: Supplied
27. New station opens
Crowds cheered as the first train pulled into the reopened East Linton station - the first since the station closed in 1964. Following a major £15m revamp supported by Scottish Government funding, the station has a new footbridge between its two platforms and a car park with 114 spaces. Scotrail will operate passenger services between Edinburgh and Dunbar and TransPennine Express between Edinburgh and Newcastle. Photo: East Lothian Council