Significant Operational Events

Hogmanay 

Operation Winter City, our response to keep those who live, work and visit Edinburgh safe throughout the festive season, ran between Friday 25 November 2022 and Tuesday 3 January 2023.  To maximise public safety and provide public reassurance during increased footfall and demand, local officers, supported by specialist colleagues drawn from across Police Scotland, provided a dedicated highly visible and reassuring presence across the city centre area.

In addition to responding to incidents, officers utilised the Operation as an opportunity to engage with local residents, visitors, businesses and partners, developing new and enhancing existing relationships and providing crime prevention and safety information.

Adverse Weather 

On Monday 12 December 2022, an amber weather warning was declared in response to a weather system arriving and impacting the Shetland Isles.   

High winds, freezing temperatures and heavy snow brought significant disruption, blocking roads and brought down power and communication lines, isolating communities and impacting approximately 5,000 households across Voe, Whalsay, Brae, Yell and the West Mainland. 

A Major Incident was declared and local resilience partnership arrangements initiated.  Community rest centres were established to provide warmth and hot food for displaced residents, and across the course of 7 days, an extensive operation was undertaken to restore power and communication lines. 

On 16 December, a further amber weather warning was declared, impacting Crianlarich area.  Heavy sudden snowfalls affected the A82/85 and led to around 50 motorists being stranded in their vehicles.  Again, local resilience partnership response meetings were convened and chaired by Police Scotland to ensuring suitable rest facilities were provided, whilst Road Policing and Local Policing Officers worked with Local Authorities to clear the affected roads and assist affected members of the public.