9am Briefing: Man killed at New Year is named

A PEDESTRIAN who was killed after being knocked down by a car in Edinburgh just hours after the Hogmanay street party has been named.

Martin Douglas, from Hay Gardens in the city, was crossing Union Place, near the Playhouse Theatre, at around 4.20am on January 1 when he was hit by a black Toyota.

The 41-year-old was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died of his injuries a short time later.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the collision to contact police immediately."

• A HOUSE has been destroyed following a fire in the early hours of this morning.

Around 35 firefighters were called to the detached property, which was under renovation, at Dick Place, The Grange, at 12.50am.

There was nobody in the house and nobody was injured.

The property was completely destroyed.

• VISITORS to Edinburgh Zoo have been flocking to pick up a penguin over the last 12 months, new figures show.

The birds are the most popular choice for people sponsoring a creature at the zoo – and also took second and third places.

Over the past year 180 people adopted a King penguin, 106 a Gentoo penguin and 99 a Rockhopper penguin.

Money raised through the scheme goes towards the general care and upkeep of the animals.