Two men charged in Edinburgh murder bid as gang war arrests reach 47

Two men have been charged in connection with an attempted murder in Edinburgh amid an ongoing gang war.

Police arrested and charged two men on Monday in connection with the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove on Thursday, May 22.

Joshua Stewart, 20, and Arran Reid, 26, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday and made no plea.

Reid was charged with a number of offences including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and drugs.

Stewart was charged with attempted murder.

Both were remanded in custody to appear in court within the next eight days.

A 26-year-old man was also arrested in connection with outstanding warrants after officers attended a property in the Muirhouse Drive area of the city at around 6pm on Sunday, June 15.

He was also charged in connection with a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street in Edinburgh on Thursday, March 6, and was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday

Police say the three arrests brings the total number in connection with Operation Portaledge, the ongoing investigation into violent incidents across the country, to 47.

Local and specialist officers continue to carry out extensive enquiries to gather evidence.

Detective chief superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Further to these arrests, we have also recovered a vehicle and a firearm, both of which are believed to have been used in recent incidents.

“This activity highlights our continued commitment to tackling organised crime and we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry.

“We still require further support from local communities as our investigation progresses. If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, March 21, 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.