Jacob Fearnley will play world No 17 Grigor Dimitrov in the last 32 of the Madrid tennis Open after posting the biggest win of his career.

The Edinburgh player came back from losing the opening set 1-6, to beat world No 20 Tomas Machac of Czechia 6-2, 6-3. Machac was an ATP tour winner in Acapulco this year,

Provisionally the former Colinton junior moves to world no 59 and is guaranteed prize money of €52,595.

Ironically Jacob felt it was a rolled ankle that required pain killers which was the catalyst for the win as it forced him out of his shell and on the offensive after a tentative opening set.

Should they both win their next round matches – and Dimitrov will be a thoroughly difficult opponent – then Jacob could face fellow Texas Christian University graduate Cam Norrie in the quarter final.

Neil Critchley told BBC Sport Scotland just after the final whistle on Saturday at Tynecastle that he was the man to get Hearts out of their current situation, despite the recent poor run of form.

Less than three hours later the 46-year-old former midfield player was shown the door after only six months in the hot seat, along with his assistant, Mike Garrity.

The club issued a short, four paragraph statement, in which they thanked the Crewe-born head coach and Garrity for their efforts.

It was only 68 words long, in total contrast to the in-depth analytics which were used to recruit the former Liverpool youth coach who also worked with Steven Gerard at Aston Villa for a short spell.

Critchley, who has also managed at Blackpool and London-based, Queens Park Rangers, arrived in October and lifted the club up the table to sixth position, but the Men in Maroon failed to make the top six following a 0-0 draw at Motherwell.

The Jambos also exited Europe to unfancied Moldovan club Petrocub despite being in a good position in the Europa Conference League when he arrived, a Mudrac goal from the penalty spot seven minutes from the end of normal time proving the killer blow.

And Critchley (pictured) failed to find a way to defeat Capital rivals Hibs in any of the three derby games this season, losing 2-1 twice and drawing the other 1-1. Hibs are riding high in the top six of the William Hill Premiership, not something which fans of the Men in Maroon wish to see.

Recently, nine-man Hearts were beaten by Aberdeen with only two minutes of extra time remaining in the semi-final of the Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup at Hampden. The powerbrokers at Gorgie had seen enough and could not have failed to notice the dissatisfaction of fans at the final whistle against Dundee.

Liam Fox will take control of the first team in an interim basis.

The statement posted on the Hearts official web page said: “Heart of Midlothian can confirm that it has today parted company with head coach, Neil Critchley, and his assistant, mike Garrity.

“The club would like to thank Neil and Mike for their efforts during their time in Gorgie and we wish them well for the future.”

Hearts said no further comment would be made at this time but in 35 matches in all competitions, Critchley won 14 and lost 14.

Tellingly, the Jambos have scored only one goal in their last five matches in all competitions and the 1-0 defeat to Dundee at Tynecastle on Saturday sees them slip to eighth in the 12-strong table with 40 points, five points above the relegation play-off spot currently occupied by Ross County.

Ther are only four games left and the Jambos are two points adrift of Motherwell who now top the relegation section with Kilmarnock on 38 points and Dundee on 37.     

Detectives are appealing for information following a break-in and theft from a property in West Lothian.

Between 3.50am and 4.50am on Friday, 25 April, 2025, access was gained to a property on Badger Park, Broxburn and a grey BMW M140i with the registration SY17 OPV was stolen, along with a number of electronic items were taken.

Detective Constable Natalie Civil said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone with any information to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone with private CCTV or any drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dash-cam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0554 of 25 April, 2025.

Put simply, the Jambos are in a jam. In-form Simon Murray struck is 21^st goal of the season after 38 minutes to lift Dundee into fourth in the six-strong Second Phase, Relegation Group and out of the play-off spot.

Ross County slip into this precarious position on 35 points with St Johnstone now on 29 points after their narrow, 3-2 defeat defeat at Motherwell.

It is the Fir Park side who move to the top of the relegation group with 42 points, two ahead of Hearts and four in front of Kilmarnock who beat The Staggies 2-0 at Rugby Park with Dundee now on 37 points.

Earlier, the name of Lawrence Shankland was conscious by its absence when the teams were confirmed at Tyneacstle as Hearts opened their bottom six campaign, the striker having been injured at Hampden.

Teenage striker James Wilson was also missing through suspension however, Frankie Kent was named in the starting side after playing over 70 minutes as a substitute at Hampden in the Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup, semi-final defeat to Aberdeen.

Head coach Neil Critchley had stressed he was looking for 15 points from the next five games, despite the club’s poor recent run with only one goal scored and one point earned in four games, but these are tough times at Tynecastle and the defeat by the Dens Park men makes it even tougher.

Naturally, the visitors celebrated the three points with their fans in the Roseburn Stand at the final whistle as the Gorgie faithful, those that had stayed to the bitter end, gave vent to their feelings.

In the end, Hearts were undone by a cool finish from Murray who harbours ambitions to play for Scotland. The 33-year-old was given a yard of space in the box and took full advantage.

However, Murray and his hard-working teammates deserved the praise heaped on them by manager Tony Docherty in his post-match briefing with the media.

They covered every inch of the lush Tynecastle turf, tracking back, picking up loose balls and forcing Hearts, who had the lions share possession, to play around them. Notice a pattern here?

Yes, chances were at a premium for both sides but Dundee took one of theirs. Just before the deadlock was broken, Seb Palmer-Houlden failed by inches to score from a header after a cross from the right found him clear near the penalty spot and with only Hearts’ goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, to beat, but, in truth, they had little else during 90-plus minutes in Gorgie.

The Men in Maroon did have the ball in the net in second-haft injury time, bundled home by late substitute, Alan Forrest, but it  was ruled off after a VAR check.

And another substitute, Kenneth Vargas, had earlier shot straight at Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson when in a good position on the left side of the penalty box.

The Jambos also hit the post late in the first half through Cammy Devlin. The ball was scrambled clear.

Two minutes later, Murray struck and it was an uphill struggle from there.

Even some of the normally ebullient Gorgie Ultras packed up and headed for the exits, including the drummer, however I can’t say I was disappointed when he packed in.

Hearts huffed and puffed but were unable to breach the determined Dundee defence despite deploying five substitutes and playing three up front during the second half.

And, in a last throw of the dice, they pushing defender Kent into attack and skipper Craig Gordon also left his goal to provide another attacking option in injury time.

This was a day when little went right for Critchley who became increasingly animated as the clock ticked down.

Tony Docherty exhorted his players to dig deep as the final whistle loomed, and you can understand fully why he raised his arms aloft at the end and looked towards the main stand.

His squad have everything for the cause. Docherty conceded that before the game he told them to leave nothing in the pitch They didn’t.

He added: “I could not be more proud of them, putting in that level of performance. I am delighted with the endeavour, the intelligence and the work rate they showed.”

Docherty acknowledged that Hearts have quality players, but he left with the points.

His counterpart left the playing arena head down, boos ringing around the half-empty ground.

Critchley has problems to solve, and quickly, as the Men in Maroon slip down the table towards the drop zone.

He was recruited through analytics. The Cambridge Dictionary described analytics thus: “a process in which a computer examines information using mathematical methods in order to find useful patterns.”

Hearts must now find a useful pattern to unlock opposition defences. Recent games have produced positive possession and territorial statistics, but lack of penetration, basically goals. This can’t continue.,

Critchley wanted 15 points from his five post-split games. The maximum he can accumulate now is 12 but others around him are also desperate. The stakes are high and games are running out.

Crichkey talked post-match about his men dominating the game, and the creation of chances, but, critically, the lack of quality in finishing them off.

Hearts, he said, were in a fight, a fight to secure their slot amongst the elite of Scottish football and he added: “We have to show the right level of fight.”

There was no lack of effort, he added, but crucially Critchley declared: “From the half way line, we lacked quality in our decision making. We’ve got four games to go and it is important that the players show the fight and commitments that will get us out of this situation.”

He also spoke about the players taking the safe option with their passing. That played into the hands of dogged Dundee, and he understands the fans being restive.

There are high expectations at Tynecastle and Critchley has a full week to turn things around before a tricky trip to Dingwall to face Ross County. The survival scrap continues.

Hearts: Craig Gordon, Frankie Kent, Beni Baningime (Drammeh), Jorge Grant, Canny Devlin, Blair Spittal (Dhanda), Elton Kabangu (Forrest), Sander Kartum (Vargas), James Penrice, Jamie McCart (Kingsley), Adam Forrester. Subs: Ryan Fulton, Stephen Kingsley, Craig Halkett, Calem Nieuwenhof, Michael Steinwender, Alan Forrest, Yan Dhanda, Musa Drammeh, Kenneth Vargas

Dundee: Trevor Carson, Clark Robertson, Ryan Astley Ingram), Joe Shaughnessy, Scott Tiffoney, Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron, Simon Murray, Ziyad Larkeche (Samuels), Seb Palmer-Houlden (Robertson), Antonio Portales (Fraser). Subs: Jon McCracken, Ethan Ingram, Imari Hines-Samuels, Charlie Reilly, Finlay Robertson, Billy Koumetio, Scott Fraser, Mohamed Sylla, Aaron Donnelly

Referee: Ross Harris

Hibs long unbeaten league run came to an end at Pittodrie this afternoon.

The Easter Road side had the better chances and looked to be in control before the hosts scored with 10-minutes remaining.

Head coach David Gray made three changes to the starting XI that beat Dundee two weeks ago with Warren O’Hora, Josh Campbell and Kieron Bowie replacing Lewis Miller, Junior Hoilett and Mykola Kuharevich. 

Attackers Hoilett and Kuharevich were on the bench, but Miller who this week extended his contract with the club was not in the squad. 

Aberdeen were unchanged from their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts last weekend. Jamie McGrath, who played an important role in the ‘Dons winner at Hampden and has signed a pre-contract with Hibs started on the bench. 

Former Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet started up front. 

The Hibs players wore black armbands in memory of former goalkeeper Jim Heriot. 

First real chance of the day fell to Martin Boyle in the fourth minute following a mistake by the ‘Dons keeper Dimitar Mitov but his effort from the edge of the area flew inches wide. 

Moments later Campbell headed a Jordan Obita header just wide. 

Alfie Dorrington then did well to intercept a Boyle cross with Kieron Bowie waiting. 

From the resultant corner Campbell headed the ball into the path of Nectar Triantis but his effort struck Rocky Bushiri and went over the bar. 

At the other end Bushiri did well to block firstly Ante Palaversa then Topi Keskinen. 

O’Hore then produced an acrobatic interception to prevent Leighton Clarkson’s long ball reaching Keskinen. 

Bowie managed to get on the end of a Campbell cross, but his effort was blocked. 

O’Hora then produced a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Keskinen as play raged from end to end. 

Just before the break Palaversa was shown a yellow card for pulling back Bowie. 

Hibs started the second-half on the front foot and Campbell headed a Chris Cadden cross just wide. 

 Knoester then did well to deflect a Cadden cross behind for a corner with Boyle waiting to pounce. 

In the 57^th minute Jimmy Thelin sent on Jeppe Okkels and Hibs bound  McGrath in place of  Shayden Morris and Pape Gueye. 

Moments later Dwight Gayle replaced Bowie up front for Hibs. 

Keskinen was booked for a late challenge on Obita on the left wing. From Boyle free-kick Mitov was able to palm the ball behind for a corner. 

Bushiri then bulleted Obita’s corner just over the bar. 

In the 68^th minute Nisbet fired the ball into the net but there was a clear offside in the build up and the goal was not given. 

Nicky Cadden then replaced Dylan Levitt with 20-minutes remaining. 

Campbell then fired wide from 20-yards. 

Then with 10-minutes remaining Nisbet opened the scoring for the home side with a fantastic volley into the top corner of the net after chesting down a Bushiri header. 

Jack Iredale was booked for a foul on McGrath before  

Myko Kuharevich and Junior Hoilett replaced Iredale and Chris Cadden. In added time Jordan Smith produced two fines saves to keep the deficit to one goal. 

Triantes went close with a shot from the edge of the box which was deflected for a corner and Aberdeen held on to take all three points. 

Hibs remain in third place on goal difference level on points with Aberdeen. 

Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Dorrington, Knoester, Shinnie, Morris, Clarkson, Palaversa, Keskinen, Nisbet, Gueye. 

Substitutes: Doohan, Devlin, Mackenzie, McGrath, Polvara, Dabbagh, Okkels, Milne, Boyd. 

Hibs: Smith, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, C Cadden, Levitt, Campbell, Triantis Obita, Boyle, Bowie. 

Substitutes: Bursik, Ekpiteta, Alasana, N Cadden, Moriah-Welsh, Hoilett, Gayle, Whittaker, Kuharevich. 

Two men have been arrested and charged following the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value of around £190,000 in West Lothian.

Around 9.30am on Friday, 25 April, officers executed a warrant at a property in the Elm Square are of East Whitburn and a bladed weapon and cannabis were recovered.

Officers also executed a warrant at a property in the Marches Drive area of Armadale where cocaine and cannabis, along with illegal ornamental weapons, were recovered.

A property in the Wood Drive area of Whitburn was also searched and a significant amount of cocaine and cannabis was recovered.

The men, aged 25 and 30, were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “Drugs cause misery in our communities and Police Scotland is determined to disrupt the supply of illegal substances and trace those involved.

“This recovery underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we urge anyone with knowledge or concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault of a child in Edinburgh.

The incident occurred around 3.45pm on Tuesday 15 April 2025, on Cultins Road.

The man pictured may be able to help with enquiries.

He is described as a white, 5ft 7in tall, slim build, around 30 years old with blue/green eyes, short light brown hair a light beard. He was wearing a dark coloured zip-up bomber jacket with a hood, dark coloured tracksuit bottoms, and black and white trainers.

Constable Ross Murray said: “The man pictured is believed to have information that could help with our enquiries into this assault. “If this is you, or you recognise the man, please get in touch.

“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2191 of 15 April, 2025. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.”

A celebratory reception was held on Thursday at the City Chambers to honour the winners of two Edinburgh 900 themed writing competitions.  

Hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, the event recognised the creativity and talent of local writers who submitted original works inspired by Edinburgh’s remarkable nine-century history. 

The two featured competitions included the Green Pencil Award 2024, aimed at school-aged children (P4 to S3) attending Edinburgh schools or home-educated in the city, and a city-wide poetry writing competition organised through Edinburgh’s library network, open to adult residents. 

The Edinburgh 900 initiative commemorates 900 years since the Royal Burgh was established by King David I around 1124. In honour of this historic milestone, residents were invited to share their reflections, memories, and love for Scotland’s capital through poetry and storytelling. 

Both competitions highlighted Edinburgh’s rich heritage, cultural vibrancy, and strong community spirit. Six winning entries from the poetry competition will be immortalised on exclusive bookmarks to be distributed across Council-run libraries throughout the city. The winning poets will also be filmed reciting their work, with the recordings shared across the Council’s social media channels and preserved as part of the Edinburgh 900 archive for future generations. 

The winners are Shasta Hanif Ali, Eric Robinson, Rory Allison, Tricia Ronaldson and Suzanne Smith. 

The Green Pencil Award encouraged young people to express their voices creatively in written form, with entries limited to one side of A4 and open to stories or poems in any style. Twenty finalists were selected, with one crowned the overall winner and presented with the prestigious Green Pencil Award trophy and winner’s medal. 

The Green Pencil was awarded to Preston Street Primary 7 pupil Ema Mene for her poem “To Edinburgh She Went”. 

Highly commended: Isobel Rhys-Davies, Cargilfield School (P6); Marcus Osborne, Bruntsfield Primary School (P6B); and Sofia Brown, James Gillespie’s High School (S1). 

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge praised all entrants for their enthusiasm and passion: “Creative writing ensures our stories are told and remembered. Edinburgh 900 is not only a celebration of the past but also a platform to inspire the future. These competitions show how deeply people care about the city and its legacy. 

“Edinburgh has long been a city where literature thrives, as we mark 900 years these wonderful written pieces provide another meaningful way to honour the city’s legacy through the words of its people. My congratulations to our fantastic winners.” 

United will extend the number of flights from Edinburgh Airport to Washington DC to almost a year round service.

At the moment the airline had planned to fly daily during the summer months until 25 October. Now the US airline will extend that into the winter with flights five times each week until 5 January 2026. The schedule will have a brief break until 20 February 2026 when it will resume – and will then operate daily again from 29 March 2026.

This is in addition to the Edinburgh to New York/Newark service and also Chicago and means that United now offer more flights to the US from Scotland than any other airline.

Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales UK and Ireland, United Airlines, said: “As the only airline connecting Edinburgh to the United States year-round, we are delighted to announce this significant expansion which further underlines the importance of our Edinburgh services within United’s global network.

“Our customers in Scotland can now benefit from even more time and travel options to visit Washington D.C., as well as an unrivalled route network from United’s Washington/Dulles hub, offering convenient nonstop connections to 65 destinations across the Americas.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is fantastic news as we see United adding yet more growth at Scotland’s busiest airport,” said . “Taking this service to almost year-round shows the clear demand for direct connections between Scotland and the USA, and with three routes from Edinburgh Airport, it’s also a huge show of confidence in the airport as United’s base in Scotland.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing United expand its presence during the winter months, and with already strong North American connectivity, we will continue to work on adding even more direct services where possible.”

united.com 

A North Berwick pensioner is proving that there is life after retirement, with a whole new career at the age of 76.

The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick will host an exhibition by local amateur photographer, Pat Christie, from 30 April until 13 May. 

NORTH BERWICK SUNRISE TO SUNSET WITH PAT CHRISTIE, is the first exhibition for Pat, whose interest in photography was inspired by a move to the town in 2010.

Growing up in Edinburgh, Pat spent her early years training as a competitive swimmer, eventually representing Scotland internationally in her late teens. 

After leaving school Pat joined the Civil Service, working in Local Government, then brought up her three daughters in Portobello along with her husband John, a professional musician. 

Starting out just taking snaps of the local coast and scenery as personal mementos after moving to her new home in North Berwick 15 years ago, Pat thought some of her images were ‘quite nice’ and eventually started sharing some photos on Facebook.

The feedback and positive comments indicated that other people thought so too, encouraging Pat to her concentrate more on her new hobby.

Armed only with her mobile phone, Pat can be found out and about before dawn most mornings waiting for the sun to peep over the horizon, with the coast, harbour and Bass Rock all favourite subjects. 

As she has become more experienced, Pat’s photographs have regularly appeared in various newspapers, including the East Lothian Courier and The Scotsman, and have even been featured on the BBC.

Her first Calendar was published in August last year, and was a global success with copies going all over the World,  including Japan, Latin America, Australia, America and Canada as well as all over the UK and Europe. 

” It’s so exciting” said Pat, “I’m still pinching myself. Who would have guessed that this would be happening at 76? ” 

The Exhibition at the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick Harbour is Free and will be open daily 10am – 5pm.

This is the most up to date list of roadworks, road closure and events leading to road closures or diversions for traffic in Edinburgh for the next week or so.

If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel or otherwise you can check on the Scottish Roadworks register which is a comprehensive list of places to avoid.

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

Any new works or events are marked in blue.. Read the full list below – which is arranged according to council Ward.

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

Edinburgh Rays baseball team undertake their first fixtures of the new North East League season on Sunday, 27 April, when they travel south for a double header with Durham Spartans.

And the Capital outfit will be bolstered not only by a recent friendly win at Stirling Storm but a well organised pre-season at two venues as well as local authority support.

The club have been training twice a week at either Holyrood Park or Morgan Playing Fields, Peffermill, and can boast a main squad of 15-20 players.

It is at the latter venue that help has been received in the form of a concrete slab for a container that will allow equipment to be stored.

“We really feel we can put down roots now” says club official Luke Rajczuk.

“We are very much a community club with American expats, Canadians, Asians, English and Scots.

“We play in a league alongside Durham, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield In addition to exhibition games.

“Baseball is a niche sport but newcomers are always welcome at our training sessions in Holyrood Park on Wednesday evenings (6-8pm) and Morgan Playing Fields on Sunday’s (12.45-3pm).

Zebre Parma 25 – Edinburgh 25

Despite spending most of the opening quarter in their 22, Edinburgh were able to score the first points of the match after Fusco was caught offside at the scrum.

With the pressure Zebre were applying it was only a matter of time before they reaped the rewards. A lovely show and go right in front of Edinburgh’s line by the scrum half, Fusco, left an unaware Darcy Rae for dust. A missed conversion leaves the score 5-3.

Zebre’s errors proved costly once more after an advantage in their 22 gifted Edinburgh three points.

It was a sniping masterclass from Alessandro Fusco as he picked up his second try from the back of a nice maul after Zebre went to the corner.

Zebre showed tremendous game management during the ten-minutes with 14 men. For Edinburgh, after 35 minutes they had implemented no real pressure with Zebre forcing errors through intelligent defending.

HT: Zebre Parma 12 – 6 Edinburgh

Following an excellent break into the 22 Zebre caught Edinburgh off guard in the first minute of the first half. Excellent attacking shape allowed Zebre to move it wide for Trulla to dive over in the corner.

Zebre’s momentum continued as star man Fusco flew up on Rae forcing Edinburgh to go for the quick pass which resulted in a knock on by youngster Jack Brown.

A malfunctioned Edinburgh lineout five meters out saw Boan Venter charge through Zebre defenders like an angry bull and dot down for the try.

Some much-needed relief came for Edinburgh as veteran Hamish Watson made an excellent steal followed by a Zebre infringement allowed them to get out of their 22.

Edinburgh’s shining light, Boan Venter, turned the contest in to a one-point game as he made his way through two defenders to reach over the line once again.

Just as Edinburgh looked as if they were making headway in this game Muncaster was yellow carded for a dangerous no arms tackle.

A Zebre siege was repelled by an imposing Edinburgh defence and a Jack Brown intercept who really impressed on his first start for Edinburgh.

Zebre took no chances as Montemauri pushed over two penalties in the final ten minutes to gain a seven-point lead.

Just as the Sharks did last week, Edinburgh persisted right till the end. Paterson led them up the pitch finding Graham who flung it to Currie finished nicely in the corner in the eightieth minute. Cammy Scott, who’s in his first year as a professional, struck the conversion beautifully to draw the game.

This result has made the ‘race for eight’ even more tense than before with already every point invaluable, this injury riddled Edinburgh team will now have to bring something special to Galway if they want to secure their play off spot. This will challenge will be heightened as they face a clinical Bath side next week in the Challenge cup semi-final at home.

FULL TIME: Zebre 25 – 25 Edinburgh

Yellow cards:

Edinburgh – B.Muncaster (65”)

Zebre – G.Da Re (18”)

Scoring timeline (Edinburgh first): 3-0, 3-5, 6-5, 6-12, HT, 6-19, 11-19, 18-19, 18-22, 18-25, 25-25, FT

Referee: Ben Connor

Teams:

Edinburgh – B.Venter(R.Hislop 70”), P.Harrison(H.Morris 68”), D.Rae(A.Williams 65”), G.Young, S.Skinner(G.Gilchrist 46”), B.Muncaster, H.Watson (F.Douglas 73”), M.Bradbury, A.Price(C.Shiel 69”), R.Thompson(C.Scott 63”), J.Brown, J.Lang(M.Tuipulotu 53”), M.Currie, D.Graham, H.Paterson

Zebre Parma – D.Fischetti(P.Buonfiglio 70”), T.Di Bartolomeo(L.Bigi 63”), M.Hasa(J.Pitinari 50”), M.Canali, L.Crumov(A.Zambonin 62”), G.Ferrari, B.Stavile(R.Nasovew 62”), G.Licata, A.Fusco(G.Garcia 56”), G.Da Re(Montemauri 68”), S.Gesi, D.Mazza(L.Morisi 73”), F.Paea, S.Gregory, J.Trulla

Early morning international remembrance services marking the 110^th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War, took place on Friday. 

Today is ANZAC Day, the annual Remembrance of all the Australian and New Zealand citizens who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world. It coincides with landings on Gallipoli during the First World War, in which the two southern nations were involved. 

Today, representatives of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland joined members of the Australian and New Zealand communities, as well as veterans and current servicemen and women in a wreath-laying ceremony at Comely Bank Cemetery, at 5am.

The event was led by Rev Dr Karen Campbell and also featured Scots Guards piper Mark Macrae and bugler Iona Macfarlane.

A similar dawn service took part at the same time at the Western Necropolis in Glasgow.

Later at 11am, The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, and government representatives from Scotland, the UK, Australia, France, and Turkey took part in Legion Scotland’s annual ANZAC and Gallipoli Day Service at the Scottish National War Memorial inside Edinburgh Castle.

The ceremonies are a reminder of the events which took place at dawn on 25 April 1915, when the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), together with British, French, and Russian forces landed on the Dardanelles Peninsula (now part of Turkey) at the start of the Gallipoli campaign.

This ended in a stalemate, with troops withdrawing in January 1916, with a total of more than 100,000 soldiers killed over the nine-month period. 

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “This annual event allows us the chance to remember the service and sacrifices of ANZAC servicemen and women through the years, as well as our own soldiers who fell during the Gallipoli campaign. It is our opportunity to also reflect on the extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces community, both past and present, as well as the enduring friendship between our countries.”

Private student housing blocks in the city could be bought up by Edinburgh Council to help tackle the city’s housing crisis.

The move emerged as councillors voted to suspended council housing allocations, with Edinburgh struggling to meet Scottish Government housing requirements.

This is the second time in less than a year that the council have had to suspend housing allocations, after a similar measure was taken in November last year.

In pausing the council housing allocation policy, and working to bring void council properties back into use, the city hopes to make 120 units available for homeless households every month.

The city is also exploring other avenues for quickly expanding the city’s housing stock, including the purchase of existing private housing.

Danny Aston, SNP councillor for Craigentinny/Duddingston, said at the Friday committee meeting that the city was exploring the purchase of a private student housing block to help with the issue.

“So we’ve [councillors] heard there’s a purpose built student accommodation block being looked at,” Cllr Aston said. “I’ve actually heard a rumour that there’s maybe more than one.”

It is understood a report set to go before the council’s Finance and Resources Committee next week will explore the purchase of ELS house on Gorgie Road, a major private student housing block.

Gareth Barwell, executive director of Place said :”Thanks Councillor Aston. There are some discussions ongoing with some sites as you’d expect, some commercially sensitive discussions. But we are aware of a number of opportunities in the city where we may be able to buy buildings that are either ready or will be ready within the next, I think, six to nine months.

“I think it’s an ongoing discussion.”

Council officers also said that the city was exploring options for expanding the city’s council housing stock more in the medium and long term.

The decision to suspend the allocation of council housing means almost all spaces will now be directed towards people experiencing homelessness, with the exception of people with acute medical needs or awaiting discharge from hospital.

Free council housing units will be used either for temporary accommodation for homeless people, or for permanent tenancies for homeless households.

Figures presented to the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee on Friday showed that the city failed to accommodate homeless people on 3,263 occasions in the past year – an increase of 115% over 2023/24.

And in March alone, Edinburgh failed to accommodate 750 homeless households seeking housing, almost 58% of the total number of requests that month.

The situation has been compounded by a recent legal ruling which forced Edinburgh to stop using hotel and bed and breakfast rooms that did not meet licensing requirements.

Also at the meeting, councillors raised concerns about the impact that suspending the council housing policy could have on existing tenants, as well as those on waiting lists.

SNP councillor Stuart Dobbin, representing the Forth ward, pointed out that around 1,000 families currently in council housing in the city live in overcrowded conditions.

The decision will be reviewed in a meeting near the end of June.

Plans for a path from West Lothian’s ‘Island Village’ of Stoneyburn are set to go before the council later this year. 

But it could be another two years before the path is built, councillors on the Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Local area committee heard this week  

By that time the original £2m funding package will have expired and new money will have to be found. 

In a report to the committee Graeme Burton, the council’s Design Engineering Manager, said the two-year deadline had been built in to accommodate the potential for Compulsory Purchase Orders on sections of the route. 

Mr Burton told councillors that negotiations were ongoing with landowners along the route and wildlife surveys of bats and newts are currently underway, with plans being prepared for the council to consider after the summer. 

In his report he added: “It is still likely that the Council may have to consider pursuing the route of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), to ensure all the necessary land along the route is secured for the project. A CPO cannot progress until planning permission has been granted. 

“Officers will continue to work with the current design consultant Local Transport Projects Ltd and ecologist Gavia Environmental to progress the design of the cyclepath link. 

“Officers are keen for the project to be progressed but the time-line for delivery is dependent on the conclusion of the required surveys, planning approval and potential land discussions and any negotiations that may have to take place. 

He added: “The anticipated timescales officers estimated previously were in the region of 18 to 24 months to get the appropriate permissions and secure the required land. Once funding is secured, it would then take in the region of ten months to a year to carry out the tender process to procure a suitable contractor to construct the project.  

“These dates are estimates at this time and will not be known in more detail until the appropriate planning and CPO processes are progressed.” 

Councillor Cathy Muldoon asked for the committee to be given regular updates on the proposals. 

Villagers, who live in what they brand the Island Village, have been fighting for more than two years already   for a footpath and cycle route to Fauldhouse three miles to the east. That’s where the nearest   health care facilities for the village are. 

Additionally, they are campaigning to complete a footpath linking  Stoneyburn and East Whitburn  

Despite lying at the almost geographical centre of West Lothian Stoneyburn has few bus connections and few pavements beyond the village boundaries, making walking hazardous along   narrow and winding B-roads which are heavy with undergrowth and hedging in the summer. 

Sandy Edgar, one of leading campaigners for   the improved footpaths  welcomed the progress but admitted he disappointed at the potential for delay. 

“We are pleased to see continued progress on this vital connection for our island village. Enhanced connectivity will contribute positively to the physical and mental well-being of all residents, while also providing a crucial link to neighbouring villages and transport networks. 

“However, we are disappointed with the current time frames and would welcome any opportunity to accelerate the process, while recognising the necessary steps involved in its development.” 

The council has long supported the footpath plan and enlisted Sustrans to help. The bulk of the £2m costs will go on the development of a new shared use footpath/cyclepath crossing over the A706 which will be by way of an overbridge.   

The Sustrans promise of funding through Places for Everyone funding expires in September, but councillors were assured that replacement funding can come from the new Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, which council officers will apply for in the 2026/27 financial year. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Supermarket chain Asda has been given the go ahead to sell booze from an East Lothian petrol station as part of a new move to introduce alcohol sales across forecourts in the UK.

Representatives of the firm said the Asda Express petrol station at Haddington retail park, was one of around 350 taken over by the company as part of a £2.3billion acquisition from Euro Garages.

And they said there were plans to create ‘full convenience stores’ on the sites.

A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board heard the bid to sell booze would add to the convenience offered to customers using it in the future.

A spokesperson for Asda told the meeting: “The Express forecourt strategy is a brand new strand to the Asda business and what it is seeking to do is provide a value led convenience offer across the estate, some 350 petrol filling stations will become Asdas in due course.”

He said Asda planned to replace what had in the past been a focus on tobacco, confectionery and car products in the forecourts with a ‘full convenience store’ including ‘fresh, frozen, larder and household products with where space permits food to go”.

He added: “What they are seeking to do is have a small alcohol offer to complement the grocery offer.”

Petrol stations are generally considered ‘excluded premises’ which cannot sell alcohol unless it is proven customers would be disadvantaged by losing access to groceries or fuel at it.

The board accepted that in this case the Haddington garage was not an excluded premises and was a convenience store which would be allowed to sell alcohol.

Councillor John McMillan, acting board chairperson, described Asda’s management of the store as a ‘safe pair of hands’.

He said: “I think the very fact this is a convenience store means there is no reason to refuse (the licence).

The board unanimously granted the licence.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A gathering of British business people at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre celebrated business success stories and raised more than £1 million for the charity, Social Bite.

The entertainment was provided by Sting singing unplugged with only a guitar (and Rob Brydon trilling along at various points when he knew the words). Brydon also posed the musician some original questions during an hour long Fireside Chat.

Rob Brydon acted as MC for the evening taking guests through a long list of awards and nominations after the fabulous three course dinner.

Sir Bob Geldof did not hold back, telling the audience exactly what he thinks of the “three clowns in the White House in Washington”. He said that the very existence of a charity like Social Bite and the gathering of people in Edinburgh issued a living rebuke to all of what he said at the top of his address. First Minister, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader and Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative leader were joined at the front of the room of 1,600 people by Jonathan Reynolds was appointed Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

The British Business Awards were run in partnership with NatWest and 18 UK businesses were crowned as winners, with Elaine C Smith lightening the mood as her companion to announce one of the awards took the opportunity to tell Mr Reynolds how to help the hospitality industry in the UK.

All 300 businesses who entered and were shortlisted for the award were carefully examined and judged by an independent panel on the positive impact on their workforce, sector and overall contribution to the British economy.

The judges were key figures from British industry and included Vinodka Murria OBE, Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers and Emma Crystal, CEO Coutts Bank, and Jennifer Cheyne founder of Cheyne Hairdressing in Edinburgh. Ms Cheyne told us the judging was conducted online and was carried out over four days.

Josh Littlejohn, founding partner of the British Business Awards, and founder of charity Social Bite which helps people who have experienced homelessness, said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to all 18 winners of last night’s awards, and a big thank you to everyone who came along, had fun and donated to Social Bite.

“It was striking to see so many of the UK’s businesses together in one room. These awards have shown that there is still a huge amount of strength and confidence in the sector, and with that, comes collaboration, innovation and, ultimately, growth for our whole economy.”

Full list of winners:

Socially Responsible Business of the Year 2025 Winner – BSW Group (Berwickshire)

Business Innovation of the Year 2025 Winner – thebigword (Leeds)

Family Business of the Year 2025 Winner – Murray Capital (Edinburgh)

Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Winner – Colin Frame, Stellar Omada (Edinburgh) (Sponsors of Monarchs Speedway)

Growth Strategy of the Year 2025 Winner – RSK (Cheshire)

Female Business Leader of the Year 2025 Winner – Vikki Jackson-Smith, J&B Recycling (Hartlepool)

Technology Company of the Year 2025 Winner – Dynisma (Bristol)

Retail Business of the Year 2025 Winner – Seasalt Cornwall (Cornwall)

Legal Business of the Year 2025 Winner – Addleshaw Goddard (London)

Stellar Omada Financial Services Company of the Year 2025 Winner – Vetsure Pet Insurance (Midlands and East)

Large Business of the Year 2025 Winner – BaxterStorey (Reading)

B Corp of the Year 2025 Winner – The Useful Simple Trust (London)

 Green Business of the Year Winner – Robertson Group (Stirling)

Employer of the Year 2025 Winner – QTS (South Lanarkshire)

SME of the Year 2025 Winner – The TEFL Org (Inverness)

International Business of the Year 2025 Winner – Walker’s Shortbread (Aberlour)

Customer Satisfaction Award 2025 Winner – Miller Homes (Edinburgh)

CEO of the Year 2025 Winner Keith Anderson, Scottish Power (Glasgow)

The developers of the Murrayfield Sports Bar site in Gorgie say the council’s concerns over the flood risk are wrong, and run contrary to other applications already approved in the same area.

The planning application for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is on the list to be considered for the third time by the committee next Wednesday with a recommendation from officers that it should be refused partly on the basis of flood risk.

The report states: “The proposal for purpose-built student accommodation is at risk of flooding in a 1 in 200-year flooding event when climate change allowance is considered, and it is not compliant with the requirements of NPF 4 policy 22 as it cannot be considered as safe and flood-free and the development would create an island during such a flood event.”

The council officers are also accused of using the wrong data and ignoring a detailed ground survey which was carried out by developers.

Changes have been made to the plans which the developer says are “major improvements”. And EH1 Students Gorgie, who plan to create the student flats on the site once it is cleared, say that the previous plans had less effective flood control measures.

In the case of a separate site at 495 Gorgie Road, EH1 says the flood control measures were not as good as those proposed for the Murrayfield Sports Bar site, and that the flooding in that case was described as “dangerous”.

The developers have also pointed out technical errors to the Head of Planning in the report by officers which they take issue with. One significant demand is that Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) ask for a wall to be included as a flood wall (contrary to their own guidance). This would demand planning for a “one in a thousand year river flow event”.

Maurice McCann Development Manager for EH1 Students Gorgie said: “We were initially encouraged by our engagement with council officers who seemed to welcome the enhanced flood protection included in our new application, indeed we would not have made a planning application if they had responded negatively.

“After the application was submitted the attitude changed and we found we couldn’t get a meeting with the council’s Flood Team to address any concerns. The work we have done on this application shows very clearly that we can provide safe access and egress for what would currently be a one in a thousand-year flood event. 

“We have written to the Head of Planning to point out that an appropriate and policy compliant flood solution can be found, and that the information in the council report is demonstrably wrong. We have asked that the item be withdrawn from the agenda in order that more accurate information can be considered. 

“We have a proposal that was recommended for approval when the flood management issues were not policy compliant, but now we have compliant proposals the recommendation has been changed. All we’re looking for is for fair treatment and common sense. These proposals can help shift students out of flatted accommodation to free up much needed housing during a ‘Housing “Emergency’. 

“Our proposals deliver flood safe facilities for a what is currently a one in a thousand-year river flow. Nobody should be asked to go beyond that as it would frankly be bonkers. We all want to see ‘climate resilient’ developments – and our proposals are climate resilient and we’re building this to last. We’re confident this can last for hundreds of years, but nobody knows what might happen in a thousand years. I don’t want to trivialise the debate – these are serious issues, but there’s every bit as much chance of there being student housing on Mars in a thousand years’ time. This is just ticking the wrong policy boxes, without regard to common sense.

“My team stands ready to engage with the council’s planning team to work through the details and deliver proposals that meet the council’s policy objectives and help tackle the housing emergency.“

The council report is below:

Loading...

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab

The Edinburgh Marathon brewers have been given the go ahead to keep serving pints at future events by East Lothian licensing chiefs.

Bellfield Brewery were granted a licence to sell alcohol at this year’s finish line in Musselburgh by the county licensing board this week.

And they were told they would not have to appear before the board in future years unless there were major changes to their operating plans with future licences delegated to officers.

The decision, which was unanimously backed, came after the board acknowledged the brewery had been ‘grilled’ over their plans at last year’s meeting.

The drinks licence for the annual event, which takes place on Sunday, May 25, this year, has in the past required to be brought to the board because of its early start time with drinks sold from 10am – an hour ahead of the board’s Sunday policy.

However board chairperson Councillor John McMillan said there would be no need to come back before the board as long as the annual application remained the same in future years.

The decision was unanimously support by board members.

Bellfield Brewery will operate three bars at this year’s event.Two will serve draught beers while a third ‘can bar’ will offer soft drinks alongside the specially brewed low alcohol marathon Cool Down lager.

The bars will be sited in the charity village at the finish line on Pinkie Playing Fields, in the town.

The Edinburgh Marathon has been held every year since 2003 with the exception of two years during the Covid pandemic.

Originally following a route throughout Edinburgh starting at Meadowbank Stadium and heading down to the former Royal Yacht Britannia, the route changed in 2007 and starts in the city before the majority of the run takes place along the East Lothian coast looping back to finish in Musselburgh.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A man has been arrested in connection with a series of sexual exposures which were reported to police between Friday, 11th and Thursday, 17 April, 2025 in the Holyrood Park area of Edinburgh.

Officers from the Local Initiative Team at Craigmillar Police Station made the arrest.

The man was subsequently charged and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers from the Local Initiative Team at Craigmillar Police Station recently investigated a series of sexual exposures.

“A male was arrested in connection with the incidents which were reported to police between Friday, 11th and Thursday, 17 April, 2025 in the Holyrood Park area of Edinburgh.

“The male was subsequently charged and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.”

Hearts kick-start their campaign in the bottom six of the William Hill Premiership against Dundee at Tynecastle on Saturday (15.00) and the pressure is really on.

Neil Critchley’s (pictured) side have a fine past record to look back on with seven wins against the Tayside team in their last ten meetings. Dundee have won three and during that spell, Hearts have scored 23 goals and let in 11 with four clean sheets.

The Men in Maroon have won their last three home league games against Tony Docherty’s side who conceded six without reply when Hearts visited Dens Park on February 1.

A win, by whatever margin, is what Critchley craves and he is looking for 15 points from the five games the Jambos have left to play.

Critchley admitted it has been tough since the Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup defeat to Aberdeen at Hampden but he wants to turn that disappointmenty into motivation.

He urged his men to show the right level of commitment and fight and he said: “We have five games and 15 points to play for.”

The Jambos sit in seventh spot with 40 points from 33 outings. They have scored 43 goals and let in 44. Dundee are ninth with 34 points from 33 games. They have scored 50 goals and let in 71, the worst goals against total in the division.

It’s tight at the bottom with Motherwell eighth with 39 points, Kilmarnock ninth with 35, the same total as Ross County who are tenth. St Johnstone, who prop up the table, have 29 points.

The main danger man for the Jambos is Simon Murray with 21 goals in 41 games for the struggling Tayside team.

The 33-year-old was quoted in midweek as having an ambition to play for Scotland, goals which could keep Dundee in the top league could go a long way to helping the player achieve that.

Detectives investigating the ongoing gang feud incidents in the East and West have arrested and charged eight people in the past week.

This brings the total number of arrests in connection with this investigation to 20.

On Wednesday night, 23 April, 2025, a 16-year-old male youth and a 20-year-old man were arrested and charged in connection with five incidents of attempted murder and one of culpable and reckless fire-raising.

This follows a series of fire-raisings that have taken place across Glasgow in recent weeks. Both are due to appear in Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 25 April.

On Thursday, 24 April, 2025, officers executed warrants at two properties in South Queensferry. Firearms were seized from both addresses. Two men, aged 36 and 38, have been arrested and charged in connection with firearms offences. Both men are due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 25 April.

These are in addition to four other arrests across the country in recent days.

Shortly after 2.35am on Saturday, 19 April, 2025, a vehicle failed to stop for officers in the Robroyston area of Glasgow following disruption activity. The car then left the scene before being abandoned on an offroad track near to Chryston a short time later.

Two men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested and charged in connection with conspiracy and a number of road traffic offences, all related to serious and organised crime. Both appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 22 April.

On Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, a 38-year-old man was arrested and charged in Edinburgh in connection with reset of a stolen vehicle, theft of fuel, road traffic offences, culpable and reckless behaviour and being in possession of weapons. He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 24 April.

A 16-year-old male was also arrested and charged with reset of a stolen vehicle and culpable and reckless behaviour.  He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 24 April.

A dedicated team from our Specialist Crime Division is working alongside divisional officers to gather hundreds of pieces of evidence and build solid cases against those responsible for these targeted attacks.

Meanwhile, local officers have been carrying out intelligence-led patrols to disrupt the activities of criminals and build reassurance in our communities.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry said: “The arrests over the past week highlight the ongoing work that officers have been doing to target those responsible for these attacks.

“While we believe these incidents are linked to rival groups who are targeting each other, I want to make it clear this violence will not be tolerated.

“As well as carrying out these days of action and disruption activities, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes, including exploring forensic opportunities and analysis of digital devices.

“While this may not be as visible, please be assured we are working tirelessly to build cases and are following a number of significant lines of enquiry.

“We have had a good response to our appeals and I want to thank the public for their help and information so far.

“The support of our communities is absolutely vital when it comes to tackling serious organised crime, preventing violence and getting justice for victims. Your information really can make a difference.

“If you know anything about who is responsible for these dangerous and abhorrent acts, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone who can assist our enquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

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

Several years ago, Milton of Kincraigie was a dilapidated farm cottage. Not now, the stone-built property, just outside Blair Athol in glorious, undulating Perthshire, was reduced to a shell, but has been transformed.

Skip loads of rubble were cleared, the cottage was insulated, new plumbing and electric circuits introduced, and a heat pump installed. Painters and decorators were brought in and estate staff had fun choosing the colour scheme and much of the furniture.

The garden, overlooking a river, was landscaped and a tasteful holiday cottage created. Shades of the past remain, like a deep Belfast sink, but the kitchen is superbly equipped with a microwave, induction hob, plus substantial fridge and freezer. It took us a few anxious minutes to discover how to work the hob with the aid of YouTube, mind you, but we got there, part of the getting-away experience.

The two upstairs bedrooms – one double and one twin – are reached by a wood panelled staircase. The heavy floral wallcovering might not be to the taste of everybody, but the rooms are superbly finished and two hot water bottles were on the beds on arrival. A nice touch.

The sizeable downstairs bathroom has a shower in the bath – a tad difficult for those over 5ft 9in – and toiletries by Sea Kelp Scottish fine soaps, and the heating hovers between 19c and 22c, ample for the property which also has a warming log burner in the lounge.

Almost forgot, don’t worry if you have forgotten to bring a phone charger, they are built into the plug sockets.

The land around the cottage is farmed by the Blair Atholl castle team. It is an organic, regenerative farm, primarily focused on native Aberdeen Angus cattle, black-faced sheep and Highland cows.

While waiting for the kettle to boil pre-breakfast, we noted a huge hare out one window and a beautiful pheasant out the other. Lots of smaller birds were heard and they are apparently attracted by the hedge planting programme across the estate.

Walks are available from the front door. Glen Tilt is over the hill from the cottage, sadly our walk was curtailed by forestry work, but nearby there are a number of circular trails, including a native woodland scheme in Glen Fender which has recently been planted.

You could also opt to step out on signposted paths dotted around the local area and, you can, of course, walk round Blair Castle, the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Incidentally, the earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and entry is free with your stay.

Try to time your visit to link with the piper, a great favourite with foreign visitors, and the castle grounds host a well-appointed children’s play park.

For those who like to bag Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet), there is the option of Beinn a Ghlo, a range with three Munro summits including Carn Liath and if you are of a more active persuasion, Nae Limits at Ballinluig, offers canyoning, white water rafting (weekends, June to September) and quad biking.

Of course, there is also a bunjee jump (40 metres, 132 feet) above the River Garry in nearby Killiekrankie.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Aviemore and the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie, Activity Kids at Stanley (outdoor adventure park, indoor soft play and family-friendly animals), and clay pigeon shooting at Dunkeld are within reach.

So is the Highland Chocolatier shop, home of Master Chocolatier, Iain Burnett, at Grandtully, which boasts a month-watering selection, and also interesting information on chocolate production.

Soldiers Leap at Killicrankie, an 18ft leap across the fast-flowing Garry River, Dunkeld Cathedral, Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre, where there are displays on hydro-electricity, dam history and salmon breeding, plus a café and gift shop, are accessible.

Atholl Country Life Museum, once a village school, with artifacts in three small galleries relating to local area life, plus a lovingly reconstructed post office of the 1930s, is also popular, but don’t miss the Blair Atholl Watermill which is still producing stoneground oatmeal and flours and dates back to the 1590s. The attraction, just behind the station, also houses a café with fab fruit scones made using their own four and a range of warming coffees, including lactose-free options.

Segway and bike hire is possible at Blair Athol and you can indulge in equestrian sports.

Blair Atholl, Pitlochry and Dunkeld all have golf courses and there are local cinemas in Perth and Aberfeldy. The Birks at Aberfeldy, kept alive by community funders, loyal customers and volunteers, do live screenings and special events and the busy café has a varied selection. Home-made tomato and herb soup was our pick and it was delicious.

The well-known Pitlochry Festival Theatre, described as the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire, is close.

Back at the well-quipped, dog-friendly, cottage, which also boasts a laundry room with Bosch washing machine and tumble dryer, there are games including chess, draughts, dominoes and cards, and a good wi-fi connection. The TV has Disney, Netflix, Prime Video and Rakuten (video-on-demand) TV options.

An extremely helpful welcome book is provided with information on what to do if things go wrong at the cottage during your stay and useful telephone numbers for the local hospital, doctor, dentist, vet, chemist, opticians, garage and car repairs are listed.

Grocery shopping is available in Blair Atholl including The Larder, which is primarily organic, in the caravan park reception building. A Spar shop and a local store are also available and bakeries, butchers and delicatessens outlets are listed along with breweries and distilleries, restaurants, spas and gyms.

The hugely popular House of Bruar, a family-run business, sometimes described as the Harrods of the North, houses an upscale department store plus classic Tweed and cashmere clothing plus outdoor wear, as well as gifts.

There is also a fishing section and an extensive food hall with butchery and fish departments plus a fish and chip shop – you can buy lobster and chips, by the way – and it is minutes away by car.

Talking of food, our welcome pack included eggs, mouth-watering Lazy Ploughman cheese from the Isle of Kintyre – cheese is combined with home-made caramelised onion – crunchy Clearspring organic Scottish oatcakes, vegan, high in fibre and with no added sugar, lightly-salted organic butter packed for Calon Wen and from Carmarthenshire, and an extremely tempting unsliced loaf of bread plus tea, coffee (rich Italian ground) and sugar. Linen is supplied, including dish cloths, along with plenty of pots and pans and dishes.

The accommodation is several miles up a steep, single-track road, but, sitting on the patio, overlooking a forest and hills stretching far into the distance, and listening to the water rumbling over rocks in the nearby river, it was hard to beat.

Atholl Estates also offer a wide selection of holiday accommodation for couples, families and groups and you can choose from Highland Lodges, cottages and luxurious Sheperd Huts. Woodland Lodges and a range of options in the caravan park in the Blair Castle grounds are also available.

Atholl Estates: 01796 481 355: enquiries@atholl-estates.co.uk

Blair Castle and Gardens: 01796 481 207: bookings@blair-castle.co.uk

Blair Castle Caravan Park: 01796 481 263: bookings@blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk

Highland Lodges and Shepherd Huts: 01796 481 355: stay@atholl-estates.co.uk

PICTURE: Visitors to Blair Castle enjoy the piper.

BLAIR CASTLE: selection of weapons

WHEELY GOOD ATTRACTION: a look at some of the machinery at the Blair Atholl Watermill

COMMUNITY CINEMA: The admirable community-funded cinema and cafe at Aberfeldy

COSY: The lounge with wood burner in the cottage

The good news keeps on coming for Hibs fans. 

Following on from the new contracts for Lewis Miller and Jack Iredale, today the club announced that head coach David Gray has signed a new deal. 

Following his side’s magnificent run of form, the 36-year-old has penned a new three-year contract with the Club. 

Gray’s Assistant Head Coaches Eddie May, Liam Craig, and Craig Samson have also extended their stays with the Club. 

In Gray’s first season as Hibernian FC Head Coach, he – and his coaching staff – turned around the Club’s difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign and, in the process, broke a number of records along the way. 

His Hibs team are currently 17 games unbeaten in the William Hill Premiership, – equalling the Club’s post-war record. 

Alongside this, Gray has also won three Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Month awards, becoming the first ever Hibernian FC manager to win the award three times in the same Premiership season. 

On the new deals, HibsSporting Director Malky Mackay commented: 

“I am delighted that David, and his staff have extended their commitment to our club, and they thoroughly deserve their new contracts.  

David is a terrific ambassador and leader for our team and this club and his staff have worked tirelessly to help Hibs succeed.   

“Over the course of the season, it’s been evident to everyone how David has adapted, evolved, and improved a number of our players, which has allowed us to make great strides on the pitch.“He is someone that fully understands the fabric of this Football Club and has a deep desire to be successful here. Tying down someone of David’s calibre was an important step for us, and we look forward to what the future holds.” 

Gray added: “This is a football club that means a lot to me, my family, and my staff, and we’re delighted to have signed new deals. I’ve been very open about the support we’ve received from the Board and it means a lot to be backed by the Gordon Family, and Malky Mackay. 

“There have been ups and downs this season, but the turnaround we’ve had is due to everyone’s hard work. The players and the staff have worked tirelessly to get us in the position we’re in heading into the split. 

“As a collective group, we want to continue making the supporters proud. They have been with us every step of the way this season, and we can’t thank them enough for that. 

“The aim for us to build on our performances and to pick up as many points as possible. We’re excited about the future here at Hibs.” 

Officers in Edinburgh have located convicted prisoner, Raymond McCourt, who was reported missing on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025, after failing to return to HMP Castle Huntly.

The 59-year-old man was detained by officers in London Road this morning, Friday, 25 April 2025.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ” He will be returned to prison.

“Thank you to everyone who assisted us and to those members of the public who contacted us with information.”

Mary McCardle, wife of President Scott McCardle, delivered the traditional first jack of the new season at Postal Bowling Club.

This was followed by a match between the President’s team and the treasurer’s team captained by Colin Turnbull. The treasurer’s team won a tight contest which was followed by traditional refreshments.

May graces us with a new comet, a New Supermoon, a Full Micromoon and the Eta Aquarids meteor shower seeded by Halley’s comet.

After 5 May, the sky never darkens beyond nautical twilight all month long.

The Sun leaves Aries (The Ram) on 13 May at 11:52 pm and enters Taurus (The
Bull) and recedes from Earth by 966,174 km over the month. Daylight lengthens
from 15:24 (15.395 hours) on 1 May to 17:10 (17.165 hours) on 31 May so we lose
1 hour and 46 minutes of night time by the end of May. After 5 May, we never
attain astronomical twilight or darker as the Sun is always above the -18
degrees boundary (so never dips below it).

The first quarter Moon shows up on 4 May at 2:52 pm in Cancer (The Crab). Lunar
apogee (furthest from Earth) occurs on 11 May at 1:34 am and takes the Moon to
406,256 km away from Earth—around 21,856 km further than average—subtending
an angle of 29.4 arc-minutes. This is followed by the full Flower Moon which
makes an appearance on 12 May at 5:56 pm in Libra (The Scales). It is also a
‘Full Micromoon’. The Moon enters last quarter on 20 May at 12:59 pm in
Aquarius (The Water Bearer). Lunar perigee (closest to Earth) occurs on 26 May
at 2:28 am and finds the Moon some 359,013 km away from Earth—around 25,387
km closer than average—subtending an angle of 33.3 arc-minutes. The new Moon
appears on 27 May at 4:02 am in Taurus (The Bull) beginning a new synodic month
which will last 29 days, 7 hours and 29 minutes. The new Moon is also a ‘New
Supermoon’.

Pollux in Gemini (The Twins) will be 2.1 degrees north of the waxing crescent
Moon in the early hours of 3 May. Antares in Scorpio (The Scorpion) will be
0.3 degrees north of the waning gibbous Moon before sunrise on 14 May.

For the inferior planets: Mercury begins the month in Pisces (The Fishes) and
ends in Taurus (The Bull) and recedes by 48,648,853 km. Contrarily, the ‘Swift
Planet’ increases in brightness from 0.15 to -2.17 magnitudes over the month.
Mercury is lost behind the Sun on 29 May when it is furthest from Earth and
reaches superior conjunction the following day. He is closest to the Sun on the
last day of the month. Venus remains in Pisces (The Fishes) all month but
recedes by 36,100,539 km. Venus decreases in brightness from -4.72 to -4.39
magnitudes over the month but is still with us as the glorious ‘Morning Star
Planet’.

For the superior planets: Mars begins the month in Cancer (The Crab) and ends
in Leo (The Lion) but recedes by 40,892,375 km. The ‘Red Planet’ decreases in
brightness from 0.94 to 1.28 magnitudes over the month. Planet spotters will
have little difficulty in seeing Mars but, if you need a hint, on 3 May the
Roman god of war will be 2.1 degrees south of the waxing crescent Moon in Cancer
(The Crab). Jupiter remains in Taurus (The Bull) all month and recedes by
36,842,985 km. The ‘Gas Giant’ fades in brightness from -1.98 to -1.91
magnitudes over May.

Saturn remains in Pisces (The Fishes) all month but comes closer by 63,816,018
km and, so, increases in brightness from 1.17 to 1.08 magnitudes. Uranus
remains in Taurus (The Bull) all month and recedes by 2,005,930 km. The ‘Ice
Giant’ reaches Solar conjunction on 17 May and is lost to us. Uranus is
furthest from the Earth, all year, on 18 May. Neptune remains in Pisces (The
Fishes) all month but comes closer by 62,526,245 km.

There are 2 meteor showers in the May sky for Edinburgh and Lothian. The strong
Eta Aquarids (031 ETA), radiant from Aquarius (The Water Bearer), began last
month and are active until 28 May. They peak on 6 May with up to 50 meteors per
hour. The radiant rises around 3 am on 6 May so the shower, with a ZHR=50, will
be visible for 90 minutes—the waxing gibbous Moon illuminated to 71%
notwithstanding—before sunrise spoils the show. These are one of only 2
meteor showers seeded by the world’s most famous comet: 1P/Halley. The very
weak Eta Lyrids (145 ELY), radiant from Lyra (The Lyre), are active between
3–14 May and peak on 10 May with barely 3 meteors per hour. This shower is
associated with comet C/1983 H1 IRAS-Araki-Alcock. They are very hard to see
and the almost full Moon won’t help. They will be radiant from an area between
Vega and Deneb: two of the bright stars in the ‘Summer Triangle’.

A new comet was discovered, serendipitously, last month by the NASA’s Solar and
Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite. Since the instrument used in the
discovery was SWAN, it was dubbed SWAN25F but it’s correct designation is now
C/2025 F2 (SWAN). SWAN—or to give it it’s full name the Solar Wind
Anisotropies instrument—maps hydrogen, specifically Lyman-alpha radiation, in
the solar wind and the sudden brightening may be attributed to an outburst at
these wavelengths. It may be visible to the naked eye, but certainly visible
with a telescope or binoculars, after sunset during the first week of the month
near the Pleiades (M45) in Taurus (The Bull) but will fade quickly.

The Blaze Star, the recurrent nova T CrB in Corona Borealis (The Northern
Crown), should continue to be monitored for it’s much-anticipated brightening
as the constellation is highly visible during evening and night hours all
month.

At the time of our sky map, some constellations visible are Ursa Major (The
Greater Bear) at zenith, Cepheus (The King) in the north, Hercules (Hercules)
in the east, Gemini (The Twins) in the west, and Corvus (The Crow) in the
south. The ecliptic hosts Libra (The Scales), Virgo (The Maiden), Leo (The
Lion), Cancer (the Crab), Gemini (The Twins) and Taurus (The Bull).

If you wish to have a late night, around midnight mid-month, try seeking out
some prominent Messier objects visible on our sky map. These will need a
telescope or binoculars but M82 (Cigar Galaxy), M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy) and M51
(Whirlpool Galaxy) will all be close to zenith and M87 (Virgo A), in the south,
will be at a reasonable airmass. M44 (Beehive Cluster also known as Praesepe)
and M67 (Golden Eye Cluster) will be in the west, near Mars.

We also see 3 bright star triangles in the May sky. The ‘Spring Triangle’ of
Arcturus in Bootes (The Herdsman), Denebola in Leo (The Lion) and Spica in
Virgo (The Maiden) is south-east. The ‘Winter Triangle’—Procyon in Canis
Minor (The Lesser Dog), Sirius in Canis Major (The Greater Dog) and Betelgeuse
in Orion (The Hunter)—sets early in the west and after midnight the ‘Summer
Triangle’—Deneb in Cygnus (The Swan), Vega in Lyra (The Lyre) and Altair in
Aquila (The Eagle)—rises in the east. Circumpolar constellations—always
above the horizon at the latitude of Edinburgh and Lothian—include Draco (The
Dragon), Perseus (The Hero), Cassiopeia (The Seated Queen) and Camelopardalis
(The Giraffe).

Schiehallion, the mountain that stands proud in the middle of Scotland, frowned down on us as we cycled along the shore of Loch Tummel on Good Friday. It’s as if he, or she, was saying: “What on earth is going on down there?”

This week we have found ourselves debating “extremism”, fighting another round in the culture war over sex and gender, facing both ways on climate change and wondering what the death of the Pope means – even for those who are not Roman Catholics.  

Any mountain, but Schiehallion in particular, reminds us of eternal things. It has stood there for 430 million years, a silent, cone-shaped hill, watching the lochs and glens being formed, glaciers passing by, farmers tilling the soil, and now cyclists out on a holiday ride. 

Because of its regular shape, it was chosen for a grand experiment to calculate the weight of the Earth.  In 1774 the astronomer royal Sir Nevil Maskelyne and a team of hardy scientists set up camps on the north and south side of the mountain. They were there for two years watching how the plumb lines in their theodolites diverged from the perpendicular because of the mass of the mountain. It all involved observations from 73 stars and measuring the density and volume of the mountain itself and then a devilishly difficult size-up  calculation to reach a result that was within 20 per cent of what we now know is the mass of Planet Earth, 5.9×10(24) kilogrammes. 

I mention all this to give a wider perspective to our week of news. The death of Pope Francis, the 266^th Pope, also allows us to wonder at the 1,800 year history of the world’s oldest institution. The fact too that he led a congregation of 1.3billion people across the globe is impressive. 

Here in Scotland there are 841,000 Catholics, compared to 1.7million Church of Scotland members and 1.9million people of no religion. Special services to mark the Pope’s death have been held in churches across the county. The First Minister, John Swinney said: “Pope Francis championed the virtue of compassion and advocated for the poor and marginalised across the world.”  He will be attending the funeral in Rome on Saturday.

Relations between Catholics and Protestants in Scotland have not always been great and sectarianism continues to be a problem.  It’s not helped, in my view, by the existence of 360 state-funded Catholic schools, 14 per cent of all schools.  In 2016 leaders of the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church signed the St Andrew Declaration which sought to ease tensions and focus on “shared humanity”. The Catholic Church in Scotland has also had its share of historic abuse scandals, including the resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien in 2013 just as he was about to set off for Rome to take part in the Conclave which elected Pope Francis.

We all make mistakes. At First Minister’s Questions, John Swinney was asked to apologise to the women of Scotland over the shambles on gender recognition. The Conservative leader, Russell Findlay, also accused him of wasting public money defending gender self-identification which ended with last week’s defeat for the government at the Supreme Court.

Mr Swinney said he accepted the ruling that a women was defined by her sex at birth and he promised there would be new guidance on women-only spaces in schools, hospitals and sport changing rooms. Already Borders Council has conceded a case at the Court of Session and accepted a parents’ demand that the new primary school at Earlston should change its gender-neutral toilets.      

On Wednesday, John Swinney chaired the first of his civic summits against extremism and “the far right” which he says is endangering democracy in Scotland. He had in mind Nigel Farage’s Reform Party which is now polling at 17 per cent in Scotland.  We saw a rather grim gathering at The Merchants House of Glasgow agree that something had to be done to restore faith in old democracy, but alas the promised “concrete steps” were not defined.

Meanwhile, up on the Moray Firth, the latest off-shore wind farm was opened by The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, and has begun feeding electricity into the grid. Its 60 turbines can produce enough electricity to supply half of Scotland’s homes.  It follows two other large wind farms already operating there and a fourth is due to built by 2030. But while all this is good news for the climate, we also had a story this week about a multi-million redevelopment at Glasgow Airport and the Scottish government dropping its target of reducing car travel by 20 per cent by 2030.   

All this shifting and sliding is in stark contrast to the solidity of Schiehallion which will still be the same when our civilisation is gone, even its oldest institution. That’s what makes it so impressive, and intimidating, to anyone who cycles by.

A new art exhibition will showcase the creative talents of Martin Birkhans, an 88-year-old Edinburgh resident who has rediscovered his passion for painting, proving that creativity has no age limit.

Martin, who resides at Cramond Residence, is preparing to unveil his first public exhibition, ‘Sketches from a Wheelchair’ – a collection of striking nature-inspired artworks encouraged by his daughter.

Upon arriving at Cramond Residence, physiotherapists helped Martin channel his determination into walking again, an achievement that garnered attention from BBC documentary makers. With age returning him to wheelchair use, Martin found a new outlet for his energy and resolve through painting.

“I have never considered myself an artist, nor do I claim to be one now. But painting has been a wonderful way to keep my mind active,” Martin said. “Nature has always fascinated me, and much of my work is inspired by the world outside my window.”

Martin approaches his art with the same curiosity that made him a respected academic during his career as a senior lecturer at the Edinburgh School of Architecture. His late wife, Joan Lingard, was a renowned author and together they shared a lifetime of creativity and inspiration.

“The exhibition wasn’t my idea – my daughters encouraged me to share my work, and I’m looking forward to seeing how people react to it,” he added.

Set to open on Friday 25th April in the cinema space at Cramond Residence, the exhibition will allow fellow residents, family, and guests to enjoy Martin’s creations. His work will remain on display over the weekend and will also be showcased in reception ahead of the event.

Despite his professional background in architectural academia, Martin’s paintings take a more organic approach, drawing heavily from the natural world. He credits Cramond Residence’s gardens as a major source of inspiration.

“I started drawing the flowers outside, and it evolved from there. My daughters send me photographs of places they know I love, and I paint from memory, imagination, and a little artistic licence,” he explained. “Painting is relaxing, almost addictive, and has become an important part of my routine.”

Creativity runs through Martin’s family. Born in Latvia, Russian occupation forced him and his family to relocate to Canada in 1948. His sister, who still lives in Canada, is a professional painter, and Martin keeps her artwork alongside paintings by his father in his room at Cramond Residence.

The team at Cramond has been instrumental in Martin’s artistic journey, encouraging him to explore his creativity despite health challenges that have kept him from other beloved hobbies such as golf and fishing.

Richard Annan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Cramond Residence said: “Martin is a truly inspiring individual, and his exhibition is a testament to his talent, humour, and sheer determination. He has a unique way of seeing the world, and we’re thrilled to help him share his work with others. His paintings are not just beautiful; they tell a story of resilience and creativity.”

The exhibition is a personal event for Martin, who has chosen to gift his artworks rather than sell them. Family members and close friends will have the first opportunity to choose pieces before they are distributed to others who have supported him.

Martin’s wider circle includes generations of architecture students, including the current Professor of the Edinburgh University School of Architecture. This exhibition marks another chapter in his extraordinary life where he shares his creative talents with the community.

“I hope people enjoy the paintings as much as I enjoyed making them. I never set out to exhibit them, but I’m glad my daughters convinced me otherwise,” Martin concluded. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll inspire someone else to pick up a paintbrush, no matter their age.”