Dopey bag-snatchers only get shopping

By Alexander Lawrie

POLICE are hunting a pair of dopey bag-snatchers who struck twice in the space of ten minutes – but only managed to escape with a bag full of groceries.

The thugs first struck on Sunday evening when a 60 year-old woman was approached by a man and a woman.

After trying to engage the woman in conversation the man suddenly lashed out and tried to grab the pensioner’s handbag.

After a brave struggle the callous pair were forced to flee empty-handed after the woman shouted for help.

But just ten minutes later the same pair of robbers assaulted a 39 year-old female before running of with her shopping.

The first attack happened in Edinburgh’s Manderston Street around 7.10pm on Sunday with the suspects last seen heading towards the city’s Leith Walk.

And just ten minutes later the pair then assaulted a 39 year-old woman outside the nearby Scotmid store in Leith.

This time the thieving couple made off with the woman’s shopping.

The man is described as being white, between 30-40-years-old, 5ft 5-10ins tall, of medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and spoke with an Edinburgh accent.

The woman is white, between 25-35-years-old 5ft 5-6ins tall and of slim to medium build. She had fair hair, which was tied back in a ponytail.

A police spokeswoman said: “While neither woman was seriously injured, this experience has left them both understandably shaken.

“We believe these incidents are linked, and are appealing for anyone who may have seen the man and woman in the area, or who recognises the description, to get in touch with police.”

Rod The Mod To Visit Edinburgh Church

By Alexander Lawrie

ROCKER Rod Stewart is expected to attend a Scots church communion with a difference – where the worshippers will be offered champagne rather than red wine.

Celebrations are taking place at the South Leith Parish Church in Edinburgh to mark the 400th anniversary of the church.

The multi-million selling artist, and his model wife Penny Lancaster, are to be invited to the party as their son Alistair was baptised there in 2006.

The champagne tribute to the four-century history of the church was the brainchild of the members of the kirk session.

On Sunday, the church marked entering its 400th year by pulling together the congregations of all the port’s five churches for a special one-off communion.

There are also events planned every month this year to mark the momentous milestone – including a ‘welcome home’ in February to all who have been baptised there.

There are an estimated 20,000 people eligible for the celebrations.

Rev Ian Gilmour said he was excited about the coming year’s events, but admitted he will be worried if all 20,000 turn up on the day.

He said: “Champagne is the drink used around the world to celebrate. We are going to use it to emphasise the party aspect of being together.

“Rod Stewart certainly will be contacted though, by letter.

“We wrote to him last year, sending him a celebratory book for his son and he wrote back to thank us.

“It would be good if he could come.

“It’s something we have been working on for a long time after deciding that the churches should be having a communion together.

“Although, I’m not sure what we do if all 20,000 turned up to be honest.”

The Leith-based church is also holding a special award ceremony to find the greatest Leither of all time.

The winner will be chosen following a poll within the local community.

Couples who tied the knot and those who are buried in its graveyard will also be remembered.

Rev Gilmour said: “The congregation of South Leith Parish Church is very hard working.

“Some organisations last for little longer than a year, but we’ve gone on for 400. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate.”

On-board performance ahead of Tattoo 110

by Karrie Gillett

VISITORS to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith were treated to a guest performance from a group of Royal Marines today.

The band of 24 Scottish Marines boarded the popular tourist attraction as part of a dress rehearsal ahead of the opening night of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

And the director of music, Captain Richard Harvey, revealed how the 15-minute performance was merely a taster of what was on offer during the three-week spectacle at the castle esplanade.