Edinburgh students stick together following second Meadows attack

Students and officials at Edinburgh University Students’ Association have taken public safety into their own hands following two sexual assaults in the Meadows in as many weeks.

A series of new schemes designed to protect students in the popular park near Edinburgh University's main campus have gathered momentum following a recent spike in attacks there.

A 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted near the Meadows Tennis Club last week. She was grabbed and forced to the ground while out jogging at around 7pm on 22 November, but managed to fight off her male attacker.

The man, described as being around 30 years of age, 5’10” and dark-skinned, was wearing a grey hoody and fled towards Buccleuch Street following the attack.
Police are not linking this incident to another attack the previous week, which saw a 19-year-old woman sexually assaulted at around 3:30am on 19 November near the Marchmont Road end of Bruntsfield Links. Two men are being sought in connection with the attack. No arrests have been made regarding either incident.

Now, a new ‘Walk Safer’ scheme has been launched at Edinburgh University’s Main Library, allowing students to avoid walking home alone after dark. Participants are invited to write down what time they intend to leave the library, enabling them to meet others who wish to leave around the same time.

Emma Meehan, EUSA’s Vice-President (Societies & Activities) said: “We hope this will encourage people to walk home together over the Meadows and Links, and be aware of their personal safety.”

Elsewhere, a group of student volunteers independent of EUSA have organised a temporary ‘walking bus’ from the Hugh Robson Building, leading down Jawbone Walk and across Bruntsfield Links. The last group will leave campus at 3:30am every night until the end of the semester.

Third year student Hugh Murdoch, who helped organise the ‘bus’, told The Journal: “We're not saying this is in anyway a solution to these problems and we're calling for better lighting and well-targeted policing to help make the meadows feel safer. No-one should feel unsafe when walking home at night.

"This is a student-led project and we're looking for any help that students can give - leafleting to raise awareness or being a bus volunteer. Please find us on Facebook to get involved.

"And save the walking bus number on your phone - it's 07925 580 813."

Ms Meehan added: “Edinburgh is a very safe city and attacks on students are rare. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of your safety when you’re walking home from University.”

EUSA have been following developments closely and have been in regular contact with the local police.

Lothian and Borders Police issued an open letter on Monday to students and residents regarding measures taken to track the offenders and prevent further attacks.

Sergeant Steven Duncan of the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Meadows and Morningside wrote: “Although some crime and anti-social behaviour does occur in the Meadows, I would stress that sexual crime is extremely rare.
“In response to views expressed by the local community with regards to Anti-Social Behaviour in the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, the area and that particular issue, has been designated a ‘Local Priority’. With that, we have increased foot patrols (both visible and plain clothes) and cycle patrols in the area.

Sgt Duncan added: “Rest assured, we are doing all we can to trace those responsible for these crimes.”
Both the police and EUSA have encouraged people to be extra aware while walking anywhere at night. They suggest avoiding walking alone, sticking to well-lit routes that are covered by CCTV and carrying a personal alarm, which EUSA will provide free of charge.

Ms Meehan said: “University security also have free personal alarms available from their office on Infirmary Street - these will be available in the Potterow EUSA office and the Advice Place from next week.”

She said that the union are also working to develop a more long-term strategy, saying: “I am also organising some training about 'bystanding'. The workshop aims to give silent bystanders the skills and confidence to stand up and speak out against all forms of gender based violence and abuse. This will be available to all students.”

In the meantime, Ms Meehan assured students: “EUSA will also continue our liaison with the Police, University Security and students to ensure that we are doing all we can to keep students safe.”