Neil Critchley, Hearts’ head coach, has known of the talents of Beni Baningime for some time, having tried to sign him before, and he is delighted he now wears a maroon shirt.

No more so than on Saturday after 76 minutes when the dribbling skills of the Congolese player won the ball in the middle of the pitch, then the 26-year-old took off, leaving several St Johnstone in his slipstream, before finding Kenneth Vargas to his left with a deft touch for the game-winner.

How the Jambos faithful in the 5,917 crowd celebrated. The goal lit up McDiarmid Park if you wear maroon and the delighted coach claimed that the 2-1 victory at St Johnstone produced what he called “a big three points” for the Jambos in a really difficult but entertaining game.

The English-born coach (pictured by Nigel Duncan) told Hearts TV: “To come out as winners, and the manner in which we won the game, was so pleasing.”

Critchley felt his players started the game really well at Perth, showing a reaction from the 2-1 home defeat by Kilmarnock on Wednesday, and added: “We were on the front foot and we had numerous corners and scored from one of the corners, which was good.

“I was pleased with the first half but, in the second half, we lost a bit of energy and they (St Johnstone) started on top and, when they scored, we then responded. That gave us some life and energy and it was a fantastic second goal.

“Beni (Baningime) was brilliant, Kenneth (Vargas) finished it off, and we had to really grind it out, putting bodies on the line, defending set-pieces, long balls. I thought we did that brilliantly well. We had to fight and scrap and see the game out.”

Critchley feels he has quality players in the group and he revealed that he told the squad that immediately after the midweek defeat and tthe message before the game in Perth was that the players had to respond and to show character. Indeed, show what his Hearts are all about.

The three points moved Hearts off the bottom of the 12-strong William Hill Premiership and the coach said: “We are in a tough situation and it is up to us to change it. It is only us who can do something about that.

“Don’t look backwards, look forward. St Johnstone were really strong in the second half, really tough, and gave us a tough time but I thought our character was magnificent.”  

Critchley also mentioned evergreen goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, who he said made a “magnificent” save during the game and now it is into Europe with German side Heidenheim arriving at Tynecastle on Thursday in the UEFA Europa Conference League (kick-off 20.00).

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a road traffic incident in the Cowgate. 

A number of roads have been closed including Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road. 

Forensic officers are at the scene along with several police cars. 

Photographs shared on social media show a large police cordon in place near Niddry Street.  

A Police Scotland spokesperson said “Emergencies services are responding to a road traffic incident in Cowgate, Edinburgh. Blair Street, Guthrie Street, Candlemaker Road are closed.  

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Thank you for your patience.”

A Further update from police said: “Shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday, 2 November, we responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Enquiries are ongoing.”

 Sarah Stichbury (Comiston Ladies) and Margaret Parr (Merchants of Edinburgh) are pictured with the Gibson Cup after their victory on the Braid Hills golf course.

They had to go to an extra hole to defeat final opponents Marie Young and Jenni Ray from North Berwick.

In the semi-final the successful pair overcame Fiona Hunter and Fiona Findlay.

The Gibson Cup is a ladies foursomes competition played annually and always on the Braid Hills.

As well as the main cup a second tier cup is played for by qualifiers 5-8 on the Sunday as well as a Consolation Salver for all other competitors. So, it’s a real festival of ladies golf.

A history of the Gibson Cup is displayed in the starter’s office at the Braid Hills.

Dispersal Zones for #OpCrackle have been set up across Edinburgh and are now enforceable and will remain in place until 0000 hours on 05/11/2024.

These are in place within: Gorgie, Saughton, Oxgangs, Liberton, Gilmerton, Gracemount, Portobello, Niddrie, Moredun, Muirhouse, Craigentinny, Pilton and Edinburgh City Centre.

Officers use this power where they have reasonable grounds to believe that the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more people in any public place is causing, or likely to cause, alarm or distress to any members of the public.

An officer utilising Dispersal Zone powers may give:

1. A direction requiring persons in the group to disperse.

2. A direction requiring any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality to leave.

3. A direction prohibiting any of those persons whose place of residence is not within the relevant locality from returning to the relevant locality or any part of it during such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from giving of the direction as the constable may specify.

A spokesperson said: “If you knowingly contravene a direction given by an officer within a Dispersal Zone under these powers, you can be subject to an arrest without warrant.”

A piece of sublime skill from Hearts midfielder Beni Baningime helped earn the Men in Maroon their first away win of the season thanks to 2-1 victory over St Johnstone in Perth.

He left four blue shirts in his slipstream before slipping an inch-perfect pass to substitute Kenneth Vargas who slotted low into the net.

The Edinburgh combine held out despite intense late pressure from their hosts who were awarded a controversial penalty after a lengthy intervention by VAR officials, but the three points will be a welcome boost for the players, the Jambos coaching team and the club’s success-hungry fans ahead of their European joust in midweek.

Earlier, Hearts made three changes from the 2-1 home defeat by Kilmarnock in midweek, and, in the early stages, neat play from the visitors, moving the ball from side to side, retaining possession, put pressure on Saints.

James Penrice looked lively down the left side, winning the ball deep and initiating attacks, but Adama Sidibeh engineered an opening for St Johnstone. He found Benjamin Kimpioka in the box but  the visiting defence held firm and the play moved back near the home side’s danger area.

Penrice was again at the heart of the move but, eventually, the final ball into the box lacked quality. Baningami was proving his quality in midfield for the visitors but it was Malachi Boateng who set up the next opportunity, picking up the ball in centre field 25 yards out from a poor clearance from Saints goalkeeper Ross Sinclair and sending a slide rule pass to Lawrence Shankland who fired just wide of the left hand post.

At the other end, Boateng gave away a free kick 20 yards out when he was outmuscled by a Saints player. Three Perth players were over the ball including Saints skipper Nicky Clark and his right foot shot over the wall was palmed away by Hearts’ goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.

That produced Saints first corner of the game and their Austrian player, Sven Sprangler, then fired the ball goalwards but the ball hit Penrice before the referee signalled for offside.

Saints maintained their momentum and Kimpioka then powered down the left and sent the ball square to Graham Carey whose left foot drive flew just wide of Gordon’s right hand post.

Seconds later, Hearts broke the deadlock. Time 22mins. Spittal’s corner from the left arrowed into the six-yard box and Clark, under pressure from Hearts’ defender, Kye Rowles, headed into his own net.

Spittal was on corner duty again and his inswinger was nodded on this time by Yan Dhanda but the ball flew agonisingly wide.

It was not, however, all one-way traffic and Alan Forrest was on hand to clear with a header when Saints threatened, but Hearts won the ball back and charged up the pitch. Spittal found Forrest and the hard-working, ex-Livingston player had his shot deflected for a corner which came to nothing.

Hearts, however, kept up the pressure, dominating possession, and Dhanda sent the ball towards Shankland lurking at the back post. It was cleared for yet another corner, but Saints goalkeeper Sinclair kept his cool to gather.

The home side came more into the play as half-time neared, but Hearts defence held firm, and then there were two bookings, Daniel Oyegoke after 41 minutes and Sprangler two minutes later for a hefty tackle on Baningime.

Penrice took the free-kick and floated the ball from just inside the Saints half into the home side’s box, but it was cleared. Oyegoke then sold Rowles short with a crossfield pass and the Aussie defender was the third player to be booked for his tackle on Sibideh.

The scoreline stayed the same at the break in an open game, involving two new managers, and both sides produced some fine moves to keep the fans entertained.

Saints surprisingly changed their goalkeeper at the break, 24-year-old, former Airdrie player, Joshua Rae coming on in place of Sinclair, and two minutes in Jason Holt came close for Saints after a neat move down the left, firing towards goal only to see the ball rebound off defender Frankie Kent, then sending his follow-up shot against the bar.

The home side were on fire and Shankland became the fourth player to find his name in the referee’s book for a foul on Jack Sanders before St Johnstone forced Gordon to make a great save, diving full-length on his right to palm away a glancing header from Sibideh after a probing ball from Carey on the right.

Critchley made two changes with Dhanda off for Kenneth Vargas who joined Shankland up-front, and Boateng made way for Cammy Devlin as the new Hearts boss attempted to stem the St Johnstone tide and put some bite into midfield.

Holt became the fifth player to be booked, this time for a challenge on Baningime, giving Hearts a free-kick 12 yards inside the opposition half and that resulted in a corner for the Tynecastle team, but it came to nothing and Saints were back on the attack, earning another corner.

The ball came into the box and Devlin was involved in a tussle with defender Kyle Cameron resulting in a VAR check. Referee Chris Graham was advised to go to the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot after a lengthy deliberation.

Devlin was yellow carded and Saints awarded a penalty and Clark calmly sent the ball into the back of the net, Gordon going the wrong way, for 1-1 after 68 minutes.

Hearts, however, powered forward and enjoyed a spell of pressure. Vargas had two shots charged down and Shankland had a sniff, but the scoreline stayed the same before Baningime dug in and won the ball on the centre circle.

The 26-year-old Congolese player (pictured in training by Nigel Duncan) weaved his way through the St Johnstone defence before sending the ball to Vargas who showed great composure to slide the ball home for his second of the season. Time 77 minutes.

Forrest was crowded out on the edge of the box as the Jambos faithful urged their favourites on from the terraces and Saints made a double change with Matt Smith and Makenzie Kirk, a summer signing from Hearts, going on for Clark and Sidibeh.

Jorge Grant was introduced by Critchley as the clock ticked down, Shankland going off, and the captain’s armband moved to Gordon, as Hearts dug in to secure a much-needed win.

Animated Hearts coach Critchley barked instructions from the touchline as the pressure intensified but it could have been 3-1 after Spittal sent a telling ball over the top and down the left wing. Vargas collected and drove into the box before firing a left foot shot at Rae. The ball rebounded to Grant but the substitute was forced wide and the danger cleared.

Seven extra minutes were added by match officials, mainly due to the intervention of VAR regarding the penalty, and Saints pinned Hearts into their own half as they looked to rescue the game, but the well-organised Hearts defence stood firm.

Kirk did win a corner off Rowles and every blue shirt including goalkeeper Rae were in the Hearts box. The ball was cleared.

Critchley again urged his men forward and Rowles bravely defended from Sibideh on the edge of the box with 95 minutes on the clock then Kent repulsed another attack, blasting the ball upfield following another Saints attack.

Spittal headed clear before Grant cleared and then it was all over. Hearts moved on to nine points to be level with tenth-placed Dundee and off the bottom of the table to be replaced by Hibs but the Easter Road men have two games in hand.       

Double Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, Andrew Maxwell has been confirmed for Darren McGregor’s Testimonial Comedy Day 

The event will take place on Sunday 17 November, 2024 in the Behind The Goals Suite at Easter Road Stadium; 12.30pm start. 

Renowned for his cutting-edge comedy and intrepid social commentary, Maxwell has appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, and he’s the recognisable voice of MTV’s hit show Ex On The Beach. 

Alongside this he’s a regular on Radio 4 as the host of Welcome to Wherever You Are, and has been seen on Live At The Apollo (BBC One), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Celebrity Juice (ITV2), Mock The Week (BBC Two) and much more. 

Throughout his career, he has had many sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and worked alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment. 

He joins a star-studded line-up, alongside Glesga Da, John Gahagan, Darren McGregor, Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson for a fantastic day of comedy and fundraising, this being the second event in Darren’s Testimonial year following on from the successful Ladies Day. 

There are only 20 tickets available for the event so spaces are incredibly limited! It’s just £75pp and that includes: 

Drink on arrival 
2 Course Lunch with Tea & Coffee 
Souvenir Gift 
Darren McGregor Signed print 

Sunday 17th November 2024 
Behind the Goals, Easter Road Stadium 
12.30pm – 7pm 

Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Hibernian Football Club at an official Hall of Fame presentation night at Easter Road.

Born in Kirkcaldy, Stevenson spent over 20 years with the club and played a key role in the 2007 League Cup winning side that beat Kilmarnock 5-1 at Hampden Park – picking up the Man of the Match award after an exceptional performance in the final. 

In 2016, he played in the Scottish Cup Final victory over Rangers at Hampden Park, becoming the first – and currently – only ever men’s player to win the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup with Hibs. 

Recognised at international level – Stevenson received his first, and only, Scotland cap in May 2018 and currently sits fourth on the Club’s all-time record appearance holders list with 600 to his name. 

More records tumbled for Stevenson, when he became the Club’s record league appearance holder in February 2023 surpassing Arthur Duncan’s record of 449 league games. 

Hanlon made his First Team debut in 2007 and cemented his name as one of the first on the teamsheet throughout his 17 seasons with the Club. 

He will forever be fondly remembered for that equalising goal at Tynecastle that kept the Scottish Cup dream alive back in 2016. 

He featured heavily in the 2016 Scottish Cup winning campaign – starting the final and writing his name into the history books as the Hibs ended a 114-year wait for Scottish Cup glory. 

Hanlon sits fifth on the Club’s all-time record appearance holder charts with 565 to his name. 

After the presentation an emotional Stevenson said: “It felt weird driving in but it felt like being back home, especially in football terms. 

“I feel so privileged and a big thank you for getting inducted tonight. It’s unbelievable. 

“You hear about these names (previous inductees) when you are playing but you never put yourself in the same bracket. There are some unbelievable names that go down in folklore so to be put beside them is a massive achievement for myself. 

“When I’m older I’ll probably sit back and look at my career. 

“To play for this football club for so long, so many games and been lucky enough to have been in teams that have won cups, and I’ve had some amazing times here, it’s been an honour. 

“It’s nice to be inducted alongside Paul. His mum or maybe his wife says we are like Ant and Dec because we are always together. 

“Most of the games, I’ve played have been alongside Paul and it’s made my job a lot easier at times.  

“I was just a young guy from Fife when I first came and I left as a man with a family and kids and some amazing memories and some great friends on and off the field, the fans as well. 

“Looking back, it’s been a privilege to be part of this football club.” 

Off the pitch, the pair proudly run the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation – which has already done so much to help young people in the local area. 

Also inducted were former Turnbull’s Tornado Alex Edwards, former owner Tom Hart and two former Hibs’ Women, Joelle Murray and Suzy Shepherd. 

During Black History Month we should understand the power of history and education to change perceptions. 

To mark Black History Month 2024, I hosted a reception in The Scottish Parliament with Museums Galleries Scotland to give politicians the opportunity to hear about how museums and galleries are working to address Scotland’s legacies of empire and colonisation. It is important that we understand how history, and the way it is presented by our museums and schools, shapes our perception of the world around us and our understanding of Scotland’s place in it. 

I, like so many others was horrified at the outbursts of racist violence seen across the UK this summer. And while Scotland thankfully avoided any major incidents, we must not become complacent and believe Scotland is completely free from racism and prejudice. These attacks highlight how important it is to invest in anti-racism initiatives.

Racism is built on ignorance. We must ensure anti-racism is at the core of our museums and school curriculum. Educating people on black history can break down barriers between cultures and build understanding, making the likelihood of future racist riots in Scotland lower.

Earlier this year Museums Galleries Scotland released their report into Empire and Slavery in Scottish Museums. They made several recommendations to the Scottish Government to ensure anti-racism is embedded in our museums and they work to promote race equality. Including creating a dedicated space to address our role in empire, colonialism and historic slavery and working to promote anti-racism in the curriculum. 

Work is already beginning on those recommendations. This summer I visited the V&A museum in Dundee to find how they are working to “decolonise” their exhibitions, including adding important context of the British empire to items on display like the Paisley Pattern. This Black History Month I would encourage people to research into how our museums and galleries are placing greater focus onto black history and learn about the figures which have been hidden for so long. 

Since I first started campaigning against hate with Edinburgh and Lothian Regional Equality Council, and now as an MSP, Scotland has undoubtedly improved in dealing with prejudice and hate. But despite this, institutional racism remains. Embedding anti racism into our curriculum and museums, teaching students and public about black history, and the history of empire is one step we can take. Growing understanding of other cultures doesn’t just make people of ethnic minorities feel more welcome, it creates a more equitable and welcoming society for everybody. 

An election hustings is being organised in Colinton/Fairmilehead.

The hustings which has been set up by The Scottish Libertarian Party will be held on 6 November at 7.30pm at Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre.

The Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill, is to chair the event.

The evening will begin with a short introduction from all candidates registered to take part.

There will be questions from the moderator and from members of the public until just before 9pm when candidates will be invited to make their closing statements.

The candidates in Colinton/Fairmilehead are:

• Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
• Mev Brown, Independent
• Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
• Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
• Sheila Gilmore, Scottish Labour Party
• David Ian Henry, Independent
• Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
• Grant Lidster, Reform UK
• Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
• Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
• Louise Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Marc Wilkinson, Independent

The by-election is on 14 November.

By the time our paper goes to press and is then distributed to libraries and cafés all over the city, we are already planning the next issue.

So if you have a story for us then please get in touch. If you are running an event, if your business has something or someone new – or you have something to complain about then email us here.

In November’s print edition you can read all of our usual articles about where to drink your next cup of coffee, where to eat out.

We also have a regular feature outlining some of the latest planning news in this ever-changing city.

Our Page 3 is always a photo of some kind – and this month it is the young dancers from Dance Iyahami  who grace our page ahead of Edinburgh Diwali on Sunday 3 November in the city centre. The festival of lights will bring much needed cheer in a parade along George Street from 1pm to the Ross Bandstand where there is dance and music all afternoon ahead of an official firework display.

There are all kinds of local stories – from garbage to the closure of The People’s Story to creating a new public square at West Crosscauseway. And we have the latest instalment in the long running saga which Stephen Rafferty has unearthed about Bross Bagels.

Please pick up a paper wherever you see it – or subscribe here to have a copy delivered to your front door in a compostable envelope.

Thank you for reading – and if you like what you read then please buy us a croissant here… It helps us keep going and keep on bringing the news without paywalls to all our readers.

The sky isn’t necessarily the limit for Civil Service Strollers committee member, Nazmi Ozan, nowadays.

Following a successful sponsored parachute jump in aid of the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People, Nazmi admits the thrill seeking bug could have smitten him – at the age of 67.

“For an encore? Maybe a bungee jump? I could be tempted by that” he said.

Catalyst for Nazmi’s jump was care received at the hospital for his grand-daughter, Londyn, who from birth was diagnosed with an intestinal problem which required the tot to be attached to a colostomy bag.

He said: “Londyn’s made a full recovery thanks to the magnificent treatment received but in her first six months she had three major operations.

“Londyn’s mum, Lara and her sister Denize were talking about what they could do to repay the kindness and dedication of hospital staff and when they suggested a sponsored sky dive I said I’ll join you.

“I am not usually a risk taker unless there is a good reason and this was certainly one.”

“There was a bit of anxiety involved but the views ascending to 10,000 feet took my mind of it.

“Once attached to a professional jumper I knew I was in good hands especially after the first 30 seconds when I relaxed and was able to  enjoy the complete silence.”

Lara’s partner and Londyn’s dad is ex-Hibs 2016 Scottish Cup winner Liam Fontaine and Nazmi revealed how the football community – and others including Edinburghs Turkish community where Nazmi has his origins – had been especially generous.”

To complete the jump Nazmi and his daughters travelled to Skydive St Andrews.

To contribute to the cause visit JustGiving – Nazmi’s fundraiser for Royal Hospital for Children & Young People.

A gamekeeper has won his fight to build a family home in the countryside after councillors were told the job is an ‘integral part of farming and agriculture”.

East Lothian planners refused Gary McPherson’s application to build a new home to accommodate his growing family in a corner of agricultural land at Newmains, Whitekirk, because they said he did not have a link to a rural business.

But a meeting of the council’s Local Review Body this week overturned the decision after one councillor defended his job saying gamekeepers were often given the ‘bum’s rush’ by people who did not understand their role.

Councillor Donna Collins, who is a farmer herself, told the meeting: “Gamekeeping is an integral part of farming and agriculture.

“It  sometimes gets a bit of a bum’s rush, a lot of people think gamekeepers just go around saying ‘oh let’s go shoot some things and kill a stag’. It doesn’t work like that, There is a lot involved in being a gamekeeper and it is deeply connected to agriculture.”

She backed the appeal adding: “The fact the farmer is offering them the land shows he wants them close to the area. These people have been an integral part of the community for a long time and want to stay there. ”

Mr McPherson and his partner currently live in a cottage across from the farm land they want to build their new home on and said that they had looked at buying a larger property locally but they were either too expensive or in the wrong location.

They said a house in an estate would not be compatible with his job which often involved unsociable hours and bringing farm vehicles such as quad bikes home.

At the Local Review Body Councillor Colin Yorkston raised concern that approving the house would ‘open the floodgates for others’ after a recent spate of similar applications.

He said: “I sympathise with the family but my concern is that if this is approved what would the implication be for others coming along. It looks a beautiful house but I won’t support it.”

However Councillor Kenny McLeod supported the appeal saying: “There are no objections and the work commitments stick with me. I take every case on its own merit and I am supporting this application.”

Review body chairperson Liz Allan agreed that each case had to be heard on its merit and welcomed the views of Councillor Collins.

She said: “We are very much a rural community in East Lothian and supporting our local families jobs that are connected to the benefit of of the countryside has a huge amount of merit.”

The board overturned the decision and granted permission for the new house by three votes to one.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Hibs midfielder Nicky Cadden was ‘buzzing’ to get back on the pitch in midweek after suffering an injury setback which caused him to miss the majority of October.  

The 28-year-old came off the bench against Ross County and made an immediate impact. 

He almost grabbed a late winner with a powerful strike from the edge of the area which flew inches over the bar. 

Cadden is confident that Hibs can build on their two most recent draws and get back to winning ways on Sunday. 

“I was buzzing to get back out there. It has been a frustrating time for me, having to watch the boys from the sidelines when you want to be out there helping the boys. 

“It is difficult especially when we haven’t been picking up points, but our performances have been good – I know it’s not about that, it is about getting three points at the end of the day so hopefully I can help us do that. 

“We need to stick together. We know we have good players in there, we’ve got a good changing room – so if we do what we are capable of then I am sure we will be fine.” 

“The way the game panned out on Wednesday I thought we edged it and had the better chances. We were gutted not to take the three points, but looking back on it we will take the draw and build on it. 

“Every game is important – we want to win every game we play and Sunday is no different. We’ve got two games at Easter Road so it’s a good opportunity to go into the next international break with maximum points. 

“We just need that one win to get us going – once we get that, I am sure it will snowball from there. 

“Football is fine margins, and that is what is costing us at the moment. We’ve been playing some good stuff but we’re just not quite getting the rub of the green at the moment.” 

Lothian players featured prominently throughout the Yonex MCFM East of Scotland under-15 and under-19 badminton championships held initially at Jack Kane Centre and at Meadowbank the following day.

Competitors were attracted from England and Wales as well as Scotland.

Emily Jobson won the under-15 girls’ singles while Deepti Vijayakumar won two titles in the under 19 age group, including the mixed doubles with fellow Lothian player, Blair Tait.

There were two double winners in each age group. In the under 15’s age Calum Tsang claimed singles and boys doubles titles while Nathan Luo claimed boys doubles and mixed titles.

In the under 19 age group, in addition to Deepti who won the girls’ doubles as well as the mixed, Lewis Smith also won the boys’ singles and boys’ doubles.

The tournament was sponsored by Martin Campbell Financial Management (who presented prizes) and Yonex equipment with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council.

The next big event for local junior badminton will be the Yonex MCFM East of Scotland under-13 and under-17  championships at the Jack Kane Centre on November 2-3.

Results:

Under-19 boys singles –  Lingyun Xiao (Heriot’s) lost to Lewis Smith (Glasgow & North Strathclyde), 12-21 17-21

Under-19 girls singles  –  Deepti Vijayakumar (St.George’s) lost to Jaagruti Mannem (West of Scotland), 18-21 19-21

Under-19 girls doubles  – Deepti Vijayakumar & Jody Groundwater (Orkney) beat Jaagruti Mannem & Shreya Vargheese (West of Scotland), 21-11, 21-11

Unde-19 mixed doubles  – Blair Tait (Watson’s) & Deepti Vijayakumar beat Alfie Martin (Lanarkshire) & Katrina Chan (Glasgow & North Strathclyde), 25-23, 21-12

Under-15 girls singles – Emily Jobson (Gillespie’s) beat Elona Kennedy (Lanarkshire), 21-11, 16 21, 21-14

Under-15 boys’ Singles – Calum Tsang beat Reyansh Arora 17-21, 21-12, 21-13

Under-15 boys doubles  – Melrick D’Souza (Craigmount) & Dylan Jia (Watson’s) lost to Nathan Luo & Calum Tsang 13-21, 19-21

Under-15 girls doubles  – Emily Jobson & Elona Kennedy lost to Maia Baker and Riya Bhaskar (Midlands) – 16-21, 21-17, 21-19

Under-15 mixed doubles –  Melrick D’Souza & Emily Jobson lost to Nathan Luo & Elona Kennedy 19-21, 22-20, 13-21

Emergency Service workers are likely to be exceptionally busy over the next week as they work together to combat issues that can arise from the misuse of fireworks and illegally lit bonfires.  

Following disorder throughout the city on Thursday 31^st October which saw a teenager arrested and a female officer injured, Chief Superintendent David Robertson said the police will leave “no stone unturned” to find those responsible for the violence in Niddrie and elsewhere on Halloween. 

He said: “I think (Niddrie) has become a focal point, in truth. It feels as though that’s why it’s almost become an anniversary type position, where it’s to attack police in Niddrie. 

“That’s what these individuals are seeking to do. That’s how they get a sense of enjoyment, it’s about attacking the police. 

“No stone will be left unturned. We are mobilising everything that we have at our disposal to identify who’s responsible and bring them to justice as soon as possible. 

“We are putting everything into this.” 

Police also revealed a quantity of fireworks and petrol were seized at an address in the Magdalene Gardens area on Thursday. 

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:  “I am appalled by the violence that took place across Edinburgh. It left a police officer injured, property damaged and put residents and transport workers in fear of their lives. 

“Much more needs to be done to crack down on antisocial behaviour. That’s why I will be meeting with the First Minister in the coming weeks to discuss it in greater detail. 

“As we approach bonfire night, which has been the focus of violent disorder in recent years, I want to see the Scottish Government working closely with the police and councils to support them in keeping communities safe.”   

Officers have been utilising Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act as part of Police Scotland’s commitment to deterring fireworks-related crime in these areas. 

This allows officers to stop and search people and vehicles to identify any dangerous instruments or weapons, if they believe there is a possibility of serious violence or disorder taking place. 

Crimestoppers are also unning a campaign across Scotland that aims to help prevent deliberate fires and Bonfire Night attacks on Scotland’s Police, Fire and rescue, and Ambulance services during fireworks season. 

If you have any information on the misuse of fireworks or any planned disorder, please report anonymously via Crimestoppers and do your bit by keeping your community safe.  

Five rising stars from the Demonburgh club have been selected to train with Team GB ahead of the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Brisbane, Australia, next year. 

These include Cameron Sarpong, aged 14, known as Pika 2, who has already been selected to join the prestigious Open Division Team having earlier this year competed in a nationwide selection process.

Cameron is one of just two Scottish athletes to make the final roster, and over the coming months he will be travelling to practice sessions at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire to prepare for the Olympic level competition. 

He will be joined by four talented Demonburgh team-mates selected for the Team GB development squad. They are Cecily Hutcheson, 13, Chloe Hu, 14, Sarah Gordon, 14, and Sophie Marshall, 13, all from Edinburgh.

The quartet will train alongside Cameron’s Open Division team with an eye to competing in future international competitions including the 2027 World Cup.

Heather Weatheritt, Demonburgh’s coach, said: “This is a huge moment for Demonburgh and for each of the skaters selected. They have all shown immense dedication and have trained so hard to get where they are. We are so proud to see them recognised.”

Jonathan Emery, Team GB head coach added: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Demonburgh athletes to Team GB – their skill and passion for the sport have earned them a well-deserved place among the finest young talents in British roller derby. We expect the training and preparation for the 2025 World Cup to take their skating to the next level and we can’t wait to see them shine and push their limits in the months ahead.”

The Junior Roller Derby World Cup runs every two years and features USA, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and France.

Funding through the Junior Roller Derby Association UK is limited, and junior athletes are required to fund the majority of their trip which is estimated to be in the region of £10,000. Cameron is hoping to fund-raise enough to cover his trip for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

To assist Cameron go to his Gofundme page here

The possible closures of the People’s Story Museum and Summerhall Arts Centre have attracted plenty of discussion.

The future of these two arts venues has added to the sense of a looming cultural crisis in a city which prides itself on its wealth of cultural institutions and events, including the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. Summerhall has grown to become a key venue for art and performance since it was acquired from Edinburgh University in 2011. At present, the future of Summerhall as an arts venue is in doubt. 

Among Summerhall’s most precious aspects is the vast collection of material collected by Richard Demarco, CBE, one of Scotland’s most important cultural figures. The material in the archive tells the story of the Edinburgh Festival, which Demarco, now 94, has been intimately involved with for decades. A new home is now needed for it. The Demarco Archive Trust is currently examining possible new locations. It has also begun a fundraising campaign to cover the very substantial costs involved in moving and rehousing the archive.

Demarco’s archive at Summerhall, in its thousands of documents, artworks and photographs, tells the rich tale of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. 

An exhibition at the Signet Library during the 2022 Festival gave the public a glimpse of the fantastic material the archive contains. It’s also a record of Demarco the cultural progenitor and his many connections with artists throughout Europe. The world renowned Serbian conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović recently spoke of the key role played by “the legendary” Demarco in presenting her first international performance in 1973. Abramović is typical of the path-breaking artists that Demarco has promoted. The archive is a rich record of this activity. The profound uncertainty hanging over the future of Summerhall reflects a deep sense of threat and jeopardy. Demarco feels he must move. But where and how? 

“I desperately need to move”

Summerhall has, through long-time collaborator Robert McDowell, (whose family trust owns the buildings), been a useful home for the archive. But it’s always been far from ideal. Very little of the material can properly be exhibited or accessed. This goes against Demarco’s hope that the archive will be “an educational resource” and inspiration to present and future generations. Archives are often dismissed as dusty repositories of the past, when most are pregnant with potential, including for creative use. This is how Demarco conceives of his archive, or ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ (a total work of art). But at present, this potential is thwarted by its current location.

Of particular immediate concern are floods which have affected the archive in recent years. Two serious leaks have caused substantial damage to sections of the archive. It’s evidence of the rather ancient plumbing in the building which regularly blocks and overflows. Plaster has fallen from the ceiling in several sections, including on one of the corridors in the Demarco Archive section of the building. The place needs substantial restoration. 

As a place to house an accessible archive, Summerhall is seriously deficient. The urgency of the need to move has been heightened by the deep uncertainty over the future of Summerhall. Against his wishes, Summerhall’s Director Robert McDowell had to agree to putting the place up for sale when pressured by his siblings. Efforts are being made to ensure that it remains as an arts centre, but this could be a forlorn hope. Various deadlines have been given to Demarco to move out. Even if he doesn’t have to move out very soon, there is still an urgent need given the threat of further damaging floods.

On a recent visit, one of the upstairs rooms had drying, rumpled documents scattered all over it. Photographs were being teased apart, with a desperate hope they could be saved. Staff from the National Galleries stepped in to assist, but some material was beyond salvage. There were several boxes marked “For Disposal”, with significant, irreplaceable material in each. Such losses deeply pain Demarco. For him, it’s a physical expression of the true values of the Festival being eaten away at, dissolved.

“I have no energy left to explain this”

Demarco needs the archive to speak for his cultural vision after he dies. Speaking on Radio Scotland in 2012, Demarco held that the “spirit of the Festival should be “a physical reality”. This physical reality was previously the Traverse Theatre (Demarco was a key figure in its creation) and the Demarco Gallery. Now it is his archive.  

He hopes that his archive will survive to help tell the story of the Festival and explain the cultural vision behind it. He feels his physical and intellectual energy ebbing away. “I have no energy left to explain this”. Without him around, who will be able to really communicate the deep meaning? He has many supporters, such as those involved with the Demarco Archive Trust, but no one has his deep knowledge of the archive, borne of his close involvement with the artists whose work is represented in it.

RICO

Without Demarco there, who will be able to communicate this cultural vision with the passion that he still does?  He has articulated this in numerous books, lectures, films (including Marco Federici’s documentary RICO: The Richard Demarco Story) and interviews. Demarco has been, in addition to his roles as a cultural progenitor, artist, teacher and patron of the arts, a significant public intellectual. Yet, he feels he has failed to transmit his message to enough people. 

This adds to his sense of alienation and of feeling unacknowledged in Scotland. Many of his most significant supporters and advocates are to be found overseas. There is a substantial risk that the archive will eventually end up overseas, possibly in Poland. Demarco is keen to find a new home for it in Scotland, where young Scots can be inspired by it and use it.

 The National Galleries of Scotland are planning to house a large amount of archival material collected by Demarco at their proposed The Art Works facility in Granton. The plan is to make this material accessible to the public. However, this is the collection that the National Galleries acquired from Demarco in 1995, and not the material now at Summerhall, which Demarco considers more significant. Hence, the need to find a sizeable new home.

Funding appeal

But even to simply store it is beyond Demarco’s  current finances. “I have no money”.

Demarco has launched a major appeal, with an initial target of £50,000. This is a conservative estimate of the costs involved in moving to a new permanent home in 2025, as well as reviewing the collection and professionally conserving as many artworks as possible. Upcoming fundraising events include a dinner at Prestonfield House on 15 November, when some of Demarco’s own artworks will be auctioned off. It is evidence of the urgency of the situation that Demarco faces that he’s prepared to do so. Tickets for the event are now available.

“that which contains darkness also contains the prospect of light”

Demarco, now in his 95th year, sees existential threats to the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, and the European cultural values that inspired it. Though Demarco’s optimism is starting to wane, his passion for art remains undiminished. 

He holds the belief that “that which contains darkness also contains the prospect of light”.

The Edinburgh Festival was created in a time of general scarcity and political turmoil. Because of this, Demarco retains a faith that art will endure through uncertain times. The tragedies that Demarco sees looming are surmountable but will require great effort to ward off. Demarco’s archive manifests this cultural ambition.

The profound threat that looms over it is illustrative of deeper and wider threats in an era of confusion and tragedy. What will win out? Demarco’s gloomy prognosis of the state we are in – or the deep reservoir of faith in the power of art? 

Quotations from Richard Demarco are from an interview conducted with him on 27 August 2024.

As specialty coffee spreads across the city, it’s increasingly found in a variety of places. This includes good coffee spots popping up in cultural venues. The MF Coffee Project at Summerhall is a prominent example of this.

On a slightly smaller scale, we find a newcomer: Ground Floor on Great Junction Street in Leith. Opened this August, they had a belated launch party in early October. 

Leith is one of the few areas in Edinburgh where cultural institutions are more integrated into the local community. These include Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street, a community arts centre which also has a café. Ground Floor has a similar vibe, albeit it’s focused much more on music than the visual arts. Other community arts related places nearby include the excellent, well curated Edinburgh Community Bookshop, which is just a few metres along the road.

This slightly Tardis-like location is something of a  hub, playing hosts a variety of creative activities, as well as retailer Drum Central. As you enter you will encounter, just past the coffee bar, the impressive new purpose-built home of EHFM radio. This online station previously broadcast out of Summerhall. 

Founded in 2018, EHFM has built up a substantial community of presenters and volunteers. This allows them to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With café customers being able to see the studio so easily, hopefully it will help promote the station and give it a higher profile. Proceeds from the café go towards “powering” EHFM. You can hear the music and the DJ’s wafting through the space while you have your coffee. A nice calming background if you want to sit here and read, study, or chill. Several people seem to come to the place to write, perhaps absorbing the energy from the surroundings and turning it into literary magic. 

Previously Spilt Milk Social Club and Café, the space itself is much changed. The  interior has gone through something of a transformation, with a lot of stuff removed. They’ve created a less cluttered and airier space. Ground Floor staff got involved. “if you’ve never demolished anything I can tell you that it’s very satisfying…they even let me have a go with a sledgehammer!”

The coffee itself is well made, using specialty beans with satisfying chocolatey notes. While I was there, fresh sacks of beans were being delivered, roasted just a few days before. Ground Floor have recently started using beans sourced from Mutual Coffee, a very new roaster based in Edinburgh. Ground Floor is acting as something of a “guinea pig” for Mutual, to gauge customer feedback. So far they’ve had “really positive feedback” from Ground Floor customers. They plan to have retail bags of a range of Mutual’s beans for sale in the coming months. It shows how specialty coffee places promote and give business to other local businesses. Alongside the coffee and sweet baked goods they offer topped vegan focaccia. This is baked by Alby’s – the popular sandwich bar on nearby Portland Place. 

The coffee bar at Ground Floor is not the main focus of the place but adds to the sense of a communal cultural hub. It’s open to anyone walking in off the street. It also helps to caffeinate the presenters of the radio station and stimulate those using the extensive music studios downstairs in the basement.

In the 30 minutes I was there, at least 10 different musicians came and went, lugging their instruments through the doors. All were given a warm welcome. The place acts as a meeting place for musicians. It plays a leading role in connecting people looking to form bands and looking for jam sessions to play at. Again, it all emphasises the community hub aspect of the place – as well as an undoubted sense of energy. You may well find yourself popping in for a flat white and pastry and getting caught up in something new. The spread of specialty coffee through Leith is a manifestation of the changing character of the area, though it retains its unique flavour. Ground Floor has added to that.

Ground Floor 125 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5JB

Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9-5
Sun 10-4

https://www.instagram.com/groundfloor__

Those familiar with the highly acclaimed television series starring ex-England cricket captain, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, would surely identify with what is going on at Murrayfield Wanderers rugby club.

The programme shows Freddie helping youngsters from less than salubrious backgrounds become model citizens through sport.

For Flintoff read Marko Mladenovic, himself an international sportsman of – admittedly – lower profile than Flintoff but someone who has come up the hard way, of which more later.

Appointed Youth Development Officer at Wanderers three years ago, Marko is now seeing the fruits of his labours.

“A while back the club launched a Friday night project called “Wandies Young Aspirers Hub” recognising that this was the time bored youngsters would most likely turn to things like booze, smoking, vaping etc.

“It was a struggle at first but now we have achieved capacity numbers and what’s more are fielding teams at various age groups and pushing the occasional player into regional set-ups.

“It is very rewarding and best of all we teamed up with Leith and Penicuik to form a side which reached the semi-final of an East Shield under-16 competition losing to Kelso only on ‘first try scored’ when all other tie-break methods were equal.”

As Marko says Wanderers have provided a platform and soon players will be fed into the senior set-up much like he was as a young player, becoming a full cap (with Cyprus) aged just 17.

But go back further and you find a dogged determination and family survival instinct the 33-year-old ex-flanker draws upon to this day.

“I’ve always had a fighting instinct believing that whatever the odds I am in with a chance” he says.

This can be traced to early days in Croatia living near the Serbian border during a well documented conflict.

“Neighbours literally knocked on our door and told us we weren’t welcome to stay after a bombing raid took place a few miles away; my dad organised for us to be on one of the last flights out … to Cyprus.

“There I was a rough-and-tumble sort of kid until my mum noticed something in the newspaper about rugby and enrolled me.”

He never looked back, gaining an international debut away to Azerbaijan and going on to win 45 caps against the likes of Bulgaria, Finland, Monaco, Croatia and Serbia.

Rugby also took him to Bristol where he was part of the Bears Academy, a club near St Etienne in France and Currie before settling at Wanderers, his playing days ended by a knee injury earlier this year.

So Marko, whose wife Rosie is a diving instructor at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, concentrates on coaching with opportunities occurring such as in the Scottish women’s representative game while a colourful assignment lies ahead next May.

“I have been asked to assist the Cyprus sevens team at a ‘small Olympics’ competition in Andorra against the likes of Luxembourg, Monaco and San Marino” he says.

Last month, I was invited to a fascinating event at the Edinburgh New Town Cook School on Queen Street by my friend and former colleague, Emma. Now working in marketing for Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Emma brought me to the “Farm to Fork Demo”—an eye-opening experience that left me with a new appreciation for locally sourced Scottish meat.

The event featured master butcher, Gordon Newlands, who, alongside a young rising star in the butchery world, 19-year-old Anna Forbes, demonstrated expert butchery skills. Anna, an apprentice butcher from Sheridans Butchers in Banchory and Ballater, impressed the audience with her confident and engaging presence as she worked through her demonstrations.

They were joined by Perthshire beef and sheep farmer, Beth Alexander, who explained QMS’s approach to farming and meat quality, giving us insight into their new marketing campaign for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork.

Understanding What’s Behind the Label

QMS’s new campaign, “When You Know, You Know”, is all about helping consumers choose their meat with confidence. The campaign shines a spotlight on the rigorous standards behind the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork which Scottish consumers can purchase. It’s not just about buying meat, but making an informed decision based on quality assurance from farm to plate.

You might have noticed the distinctive blue Saltire and UK GI badge stickers on your meat products in supermarkets but never paid much attention to what they mean. To be honest, I hadn’t either—until now. These badges are part of a 30-year-old assurance scheme that guarantees the meat you’re purchasing was born, reared, and processed in Scotland, under a whole-of-life quality assurance system. This means that when you choose these products you’re not just getting meat, you’re getting a product that upholds world-class standards of animal welfare, sustainability, and quality.

Beth Alexander, who also manages the QMS Monitor Farm Programme, explained how this programme supports Scottish farming. The Monitor Farm Programme brings businesses and communities together, encouraging farmers to collaborate with industry experts and researchers to explore innovative solutions that drive positive change in agriculture. It’s all about ensuring that the quality behind the Scotch labels is upheld at every stage of the supply chain.

Lamb for St. Andrew’s Day Initiative

During dinner, we learned about a brilliant initiative aimed at boosting the profile of Scotch Lamb—Lamb for St. Andrew’s Day. This project was the brainchild of auctioneer George Purves and sheep farmer, Willie Mitchell, developed during the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme. Their idea is to make lamb the dish of choice for St Andrew’s Day, much like haggis is for Burns Night or turkey is for Christmas.

QMS has been working in partnership with other stakeholders such as the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), the National Sheep Association (NSA), and NFU Scotland to promote the consumption of Scotch Lamb on this day. One key element of this initiative is the Lamb Bank, which allows farmers to donate lamb or its equivalent value, helping to ensure Scotch Lamb reaches school plates throughout the country.

This movement is about more than just boosting sales. It’s also about making lamb more accessible to children who might not typically get the chance to try it. By encouraging schools to serve lamb on St Andrew’s Day, QMS aims to introduce a nutritious, healthy, and delicious meal to schoolchildren. And it’s not limited to schools—if you’re keen to get involved and cook lamb for St. Andrew’s Day, the QMS website offers a range of easy-to-follow recipes.

Why not try something new, like a Lamb Keema Pie with a Shepherd’s Pie with a spicy, Indian twist, or a classic Lamb Kleftiko, Greek-style slow-cooked lamb with herbs?

Cooking with Confidence

The event concluded with a hands-on cooking masterclass, led by Bethany Ferguson, where we made Air Fryer Chipotle Steak Tacos with Charred Corn and Red Pepper Salsa. Now, I’ll admit, I was excited at the prospect of finally getting to grips with the air fryer that’s been gathering dust in my kitchen. However, much to my surprise, no air fryer was in sight!

Instead, we relied on a traditional gas hob and oven, but the result was still a delicious and simple mid-week supper that anyone could recreate at home.

If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, the recipe can be found online, and it’s a perfect example of how to cook confidently with high-quality Scotch Beef.

The Takeaway: Buy Better, Buy Local

As I left the evening, the key message was clear: if you want to feel confident about the quality of the meat you’re buying, always look for the “Make It Scotch” labels. The logos for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork are not just stickers—they are a mark of quality, provenance, and trust. These labels assure you that the meat you’re buying was raised and processed in Scotland to the highest possible standards. It’s a simple but powerful message: When you know, you know.

So, the next time you’re in the supermarket or butchers, take a closer look at the packaging and choose to support Scotland’s farming industry by selecting products that bear the QMS quality assurance logos. Not only will you be enjoying top-quality meat, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable and transparent food supply chain.

makeitscotch.com

A community project to turn a city centre street into a public square has almost ground to a halt after 17 years of local activism. In 2007 the campaigners turned the triangular traffic island at West Crosscauseway into a tropical island to show how it could be used as a public square.

In the intervening years there have been light shows, gatherings of cyclists and projections on the surrounding buildings all hoping to draw attention and support for the project, and make it into a permanent installation.

Causey Development Trust (CDT) simply want to create a safer place to walk or cycle, which would also improve the area for any wheelchair users. Their plans include reversing the traffic flow, resurfacing the street and realigning the pavements to help locals be more neighbourly, adding trees and seating.

The project is split into two Phases. The total cost of the plans to complete Phase 1 and progress Phase 2 is around £2.1 million – although the cost of the initial scheme when drafted several years ago was a fraction of that. 

Phase 1 covers the bulk of the scheme and Phase 2 covers the on-street changes in Chapel Street.

The Causey Development Trust (CDT) has support and interest from people who live and work in the area. But despite an approved Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), and not one, but two, offers of funding to make the plans come to life, no progress has been made. 

A public hearing was held in 2021 when the Reporter decided that any objections to the TRO “could not be sustained”. Scottish Ministers recommended in June 2022 that the order should be confirmed without modification. 

The various awards of funding have now been clawed back as the work has not begun. Monies were originally allocated through the government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP). That government funding has now been withdrawn by The Scottish Government except for projects already under construction.

Sarah Drummond, Chair of the Causey Development Trust, said: “It was hoped that The Causey project would find its place in The Council’s Active Travel Investment Programme (ATInP). However, despite there being no formal decision by Transport Scotland, who support the Council’s ATInP, The Causey has not been noted for funding at this point.”

The TRO which came into effect on 1 March 2024 now requires to accommodate bigger buses in the Lothian fleet, and new communal bin hubs, which mean changes to the layout. This aspect of the proposals would come under the second phase covering Buccleuch Street and Chapel Street.

A new TRO and RSO will have to be drafted and the council has not yet initiated that work (although it could have started this in March this year). 

Sarah Drummond said:“The Causey is about more than augmenting existing and planned Active Travel networks (which it does) – it is about creating an attractive, useable space that prioritises people. 

“It’s about making a place for cultural events, outside of the high and overcrowded festival seasons, it’s about putting community first and promoting wellness. We are not some big developers, we are local people who volunteer because we think The Causey really could make people’s lives better – it already has – and we appeal to the Council to find a way of funding the works that will see these long laboured plans come to fruition.”  

Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, said:“The future of The Causey project is likely to be dependent on external funding from The Scottish Government and this is currently unavailable. I acknowledge that delays on this project have been frustrating, chiefly due to the pandemic.

“We’ll continue to explore all available options but unfortunately we are unlikely to be in a position to be able to move forward with the project in the current climate.”

Meantime if you wish to support the campaign go along to West Crosscauseway on a Saturday morning. Campaigners gather there most Saturdays to have a coffee and a chat.

It’s hard to underestimate the impact of Suede in the early 1990s, in some ways their cultural introduction was not dissimilar to the arrival of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Brett Anderson was a working-class intellectual who wrote about everyday frustrations in British life with a certain street glamour and authenticity.

The impact of singles such as So Young and Animal Nitrate helped to define the early 90s and with Suede the dreaded ‘Britpop’ term was coined. Who came up with it first is still part of conjecture. The catch-all term for many very different bands was commonly used by the time Suede released their difficult second album Dog Man Star. During the recording, they lost an essential member Bernard Butler. Not just a vital member of Suede but one of the most inventive lead guitarists of the era who could comfortably stand alongside Johnny Marr and Billy Duffy as players who helped define the sound of the post-Beatles British guitar sound. It’s a loss when bands shed members such as Butler and that loss was keenly felt by the band and fans.

30 years later Dog Man Star has lost none of its potency and remains one of the best records of the 1990s taking its rightful place alongside strong competition such as Nevermind, Definitely Maybe and Urban Hymns. Lead single We Are The Pigs soars as this impressive 180-gram black pressing spins out. Newly mastered, the allure and nuance of Anderson and Butler’s songwriting partnership hit a peak on tracks such as The Wild Ones. The quite cinematic and orchestral arrangement of the album’s second single released in November 1994 recalls early Scott Walker and still stands as an example of Suede’s devastating brilliance. It’s a song that changes the atmosphere and hangs in the air long after the arresting end coda. The Power is perhaps the most Bowie-sounding track of the album with its evocative descriptions of suburban life with dreams of glamour and a more exotic existence. The ‘la la la’refrain seals the deal suggesting this track could have appeared on Ziggy Stardust or Diamond Dogs. The bedsit balladry of The 2 of Us has an intense Morrissey/Marr flavour that manifests another era. The fairground waltz of Black or Blue could have appeared on the soundtrack to Brighton Rock supporting its subterranean atmosphere, another track that is a world away from what was happening at the time. This edition is almost perfect but perhaps the vinyl release should have included Stay Together which helped cement an astonishing run of singles by any band during the period.  

Dog Man Star 30 will be released as a new half-speed master edition pressed on 2LP 180g black vinyl. A highly collectable “Dinked” album edition will be available on two LPs. It also comes on a translucent yellow vinyl 140-gram pressing with gatefold packaging, and an exclusive two-sided 7” single featuring The Living Dead (Piano Version)’ and ‘La Puissance (The Power)’ on vinyl for the first time.

Edinburgh Trams will pay tribute to the armed services by offering free travel to events on Remembrance Sunday 10 November 10 and on Armistice Day, 11 November.

The tram operator is also donating £500 to the Scottish Poppy Appeal to help the Armed Forces community to access life-changing support.

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director, commented: “As a veteran myself, I am immensely proud to see how our business continues to show respect for all men and women who paid the ultimate price throughout the years while serving our country.

“Many of our colleagues are former servicemen and strongly committed to acknowledging the heroism of military personnel, both past and present, and thus we display specially designed poppies in tram windows in the lead up to the remembrance events.”

As a sign of respect, all tram services will stop safely at 11 am on Sunday and Monday to observe a two-minute silence, and by showing their military ID or wearing their uniform, veterans and serving members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force can travel for free on both days.

Drummond Trinity cricket club are mourning their chairman, Gus McCallum, who has passed away after a short illness. He was 55.

In a statement the club said: “Since DTCC’s founding in 2005, Gus has been a cornerstone of our cricket community. His leadership, vision, and dedication helped shape DTCC into the club it is today.

“Gus was more than a leader—he was a dear friend and mentor to many. His kindness and commitment left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.”

Uday Kuchadi, the Inverleith Park-based club’s captain, added: “Gus was the backbone of our club and a good batsman.

“He was also a selector while if any issues arose you could rely on him to deal with them successfully,

“Under Gus’s leadership the club has grown to be able to run five teams and in the season just ended the 1^st X1 were promoted to the East Championship for the first time.”

A funeral service will be held at Murrayfield Parish Church on Thursday 14 November with a request that coloured clothing be worn.

• Donations in support of research into rare cancers can be made in Angus’ memory to Cancer Research UK at https://tinyurl.com/RareCancerResearch

As swansongs go this one is fairly dramatic with the death of bandleader and frontman Wayne Kramer and original drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson earlier this year.

Heavy Lifting, produced by Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed) provides one last gasp of the band’s high-energy rock n’ roll. The title track is a solid opener that fans of the band’s talismanic track Kick Out The James will love. It also features a guest appearance from Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello. 

The short, tight riffs of Barbarians At Gate show Kramer doing what he does best. Several tracks are punctuated by special guests such as Slash and William Duvall (Alice In Chains) on The Edge of the Switchblade. Slash and Kramer doodle their way through this perfunctory slab of rock. Black Boots has a much funkier and catchy flavour that will remain stuck in your head after one listen.

Blind Eye is one of two tracks featuring the band’s original drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson and it sounds like the pair simply enjoying one last blast during a driving hard rock track. Hit It Hard fearing Joe Berry is an infectious funky jazz closer that sadly brings the curtain down on Detroit’s Motor City Five.

Kramer deserved more as part of one of the most influential rock n’ roll bands of all time. He has finished well with many of his famous fans stepping up to lend a helping hand in recent years.

Kramer’s brilliance has stood out one last time and just enough to remind us just how good he really was.

The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) met on Friday and approved the terms of a cross party proposal – which means there will be no immediate cuts to third sector organisations.

The proposal to cut £4.5 million of grants to more than 60 bodies in the city was made in a 200+ page report published about 4pm last Friday – only a week before today’s meeting. Whether or not there will be further cuts proposed as part of a more in depth look at the structure of the organisation remains to be seen.

The EIJB agenda actually included many more items than just that – but this was the only one that most people had turned up to listen to. The public gallery in the Dean of Guild Court Room (always too hot and stuffy on any day) was full of people making and supporting deputations, and Health and Social Care Partnership staff were on hand to put people into an overflow room.

There were around 60 or so people from various third sector organisations outside the City Chambers who continued to chant as the meeting got underway just after 10am. The background to what was being discussed is in this article here and in our Twitter thread below – but the bottom line is that without this core funding many of these bodies would simply have closed with an estimated 100 or so redundancies immediately.

We are at the City Chambers where around 50 people have gathered outside before the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board meeting which is just getting underway One of the bodies funded by the EIJB is @Cyrenians1968 We spoke to CEO Ewan Aitken pic.twitter.com/EMKn9cryp8

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) November 1, 2024

Underfunding

Many people who spoke today mentioned that the EIJB had been set up with a funding gap of £32 million almost at its inception.

Chief Officer, Pat Togher, was attending his final board meeting as he is resigning to move to a similar role in Glasgow. He introduced the report on which the discussion was based, saying that the “recommendation to remove the grant funding from next year represents a three per cent reduction of that budget”.

He explained that by removing that 3% the board would be able to protect the rest of the funding, but warned that the body still has to face up to £50 million of savings next year.

He also explained that the EIJB and the Health and Social Care Partnership was not in a massively different situation from other IJBs “up and down the country right now”. But his main point was that there is a risk that “we retreat back to core statutory services”. He also said that “moving forward there is a requirement to produce collaborative working”.

He then passed over to Strategic Planning officer, Andrew Hall, whose view of the situation was that “everything has been scrutinised. The knowledge that is generated from this level of analysis puts responsibility on us as officers and the board as decision makers.”

He suggested that “huge progress” had been made in terms of delivering savings and yet the EIJB remains hugely over committed financially. He said: “We will not break even this year, and we are looking at a substantial deficit of £50 million next year.

“As we sit here today, without a significant injection of additional funding, we will not be able to meet statutory obligations.”

Board member, Peter Knight, said that he had learned a lot from the deputations. Although he had been a member of the board for around three years he found the deputation from Brenda Black very enlightening – and that some of the information was news to him.

Moira Pringle, Chief Financial Officer, said: “We are unable to find any other alternatives. Clearly this is a very emotive issue but the board must be clear that we have looked at everything.”

EIJB Chair, Katharina Kasper, said: “We are underfunded. We have heard today about some of the negative impacts that will happen if cuts are made.

“It is not going to take much more for our whole system to really topple over. I think this is what the officers are grappling with.

“We don’t have enough money to fund health and social care – full stop. Now it is taking its toll on service users, on officers and on our staff. There seems to be the will from our council colleagues to have a discussion. This is not about the grants programme. We need more money in the system otherwise everybody will suffer.”

After the meeting the Chair said: “The EIJB has listened to voices across Edinburgh and has voted not to proceed with in-year savings to third sector grants at this time. We have also agreed that the long-term under-funding of the EIJB cannot continue.

“We have committed to working with third sector partners and our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian to find a way forward which supports charities across the city.

“The EIJB’s budget deficit which was inherited from its partners in 2016 remains, with £60m savings required this year and £50m next year. The EIJB has a legal duty to protect core services such as care homes and drug death prevention services. If a solution cannot be found we will have to come back with a recovery plan to make these savings.”

Vice-Chair of EIJB, Cllr Tim Pogson, said that this is about the third time he has had this kind of discussion since he joined the board in 2022, and to have this discussion again today appears impossible to him. He said: “We have statutory responsibilities – we have responsibility to deliver packages of care, to support people in hospital and to deliver prescribed medicines. That is the priority.

“But we have to be sure we do not get to the point in this financial year when we turn round and say to Edinburgh’s citizens that we have run out of money and that there is no more money for prescriptions or any packages of care.”

COMPOSITE MOTION

Cllr Pogson had countersigned an alternative proposal (called a composite motion) along with councillors from other parties to reject making in year cuts.

He said that the relationship between the EIJB and the third sector needs to be improved – and they need to be brought into the conversation.

Green councillor Alys Mumford said she realised it must be frustrating for officers to make the recommendations they have made today in the face of a daunting deficit.

She said:”There absolutely should be more conversation about how to spend public money and about what third sector investment looks like in future years, but this needs to involve the experience of the third sector. To withdraw this money midway through the year is a marginal cost saving.

“It will impact on the organisations and the people they serve but also on our abilities to reshape the community engagement and health and social work with all the knowledge from today that we need.”

She said that as a board member she has not been given enough information about the possibility of the suggested alternative structure called a Public Social Partnership.

Cllr Max Mitchell said the stress and anxiety could have been avoided and criticised the board for a lack of foresight. But he conceded that there will be some really unpleasant decisions “coming down the road next year”. I think things are so severe that a future decision on this will be unavoidable.”

Liberal Democrat Cllr Alan Beal also supported the cross-party proposal, saying that the third sector have not yet been given a chance to respond to the new EIJB objectives which have been created. He pointed out that postponing the decision until the end of the financial year would allow them time to do so.

Board member and former SNP councillor, George Gordon, said there is insufficient information on which to take a decision. He said: “We don’t actually know what these third sector organisations are doing so how can we actually make a decision on their future?”

Peter Knight said he was struck by the evidence he had listened to from Wester Hailes based GP, Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh, earlier in the day. She had outlined the practice of prescribing non-medicinal solutions for patients which can help many avoid hospital or medical treatment.

Mr Knight said: “What we have here is a burning platform and that gives us an opportunity to move forward.”

The Chair reminded members of the board that officers have to deliver a recovery plan, and that there is still a £26 million gap to be made up between now and the end of the year as well as the possibility of a £50 million deficit next year.

She said: “Stopping this grant funding this year would allow some certainty for officers in planning for next year. And it also gives us a strong commitment towards a PSP model.”

The cross-party proposal was approved by 6 votes against 4 votes for the alternative proposal from the Chair.

Hibs head coach David Gray Gray gave an update on the fitness of Chris Cadden and Dwight Gayle who both missed Wednesday’s draw with Ross County in Dingwall. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s home game against Dundee Unted, Gray said: “Both were on the grass today, which is positive.  

“They’re in a race against time, but they’re trying their best to make themselves available; it’s testament to them both because they want to be involved and play. 

“We will wait and see because we can’t take unnecessary risks, but at the same time we know the situation we’re in.” 

Gray also said that he wants his side to play “on the front-foot with real attacking intent” against United whom the played in the William Hill Premiership just two weeks ago at Tannadice. 

Two injury time goals for United condemned Hibs to defeat that day and Gray believes the players will remember that moment and have the bit between their teeth on Sunday. 

“I think it’s natural for the players to have that, and I can feel that. It helps from a tactical point that we played them so recently too. We know what to expect, and the players do because we felt it recently. 

“The full focus is on what we can do and how we can affect the game. We take the positives from the game before (against them), we know the areas that let us down, and we have to go into the game really on the front-foot with real attacking intent.” 

Hibs come into this game off the back of consecutive draws and will be looking for their second league win of the 2024/25 campaign. 

This match is the third in the week for Gray’s side, and he explained how the players have reacted since Wednesday evening. 

“The players have recovered well; that’s been the main focus immediately after Wednesday because we’ve had three games in a week. 

“When you have so many games in a short space of time, the work on the pitch is at a lower level.  

“The main focus, like I said, is on recovery at this point, then the day before the game is in-depth tactically, and you look at each players’ freshness. 

“At the moment, everyone is in a good place. We’ve done everything right in terms of preparations, which is good. We need to make sure the players are ready to go. It’s a great opportunity to get three points on the board at Easter Road on Sunday.” 

A gamekeeper has won his fight to build a family home in the countryside after councillors were told the job is an ‘integral part of farming and agriculture”.

East Lothian planners refused Gary McPherson’s application to build a new home to accommodate his growing family in a corner of agricultural land at Newmains, Whitekirk, because they said he did not have a link to a rural business.

But a meeting of the council’s Local Review Body this week overturned the decision after one councillor defended his job saying gamekeepers were often given the ‘bum’s rush’ by people who did not understand their role.

Councillor Donna Collins, who is a farmer herself, told the meeting: “Gamekeeping is an integral part of farming and agriculture.

“It  sometimes gets a bit of a bum’s rush, a lot of people think gamekeepers just go around saying ‘oh let’s go shoot some things and kill a stag’. It doesn’t work like that, There is a lot involved in being a gamekeeper and it is deeply connected to agriculture.”

She backed the appeal adding: “The fact the farmer is offering them the land shows he wants them close to the area. These people have been an integral part of the community for a long time and want to stay there. ”

Mr McPherson and his partner currently live in a cottage across from the farm land they want to build their new home on and said that they had looked at buying a larger property locally but they were either too expensive or in the wrong location.

They said a house in an estate would not be compatible with his job which often involved unsociable hours and bringing farm vehicles such as quad bikes home.

At the Local Review Body Councillor Colin Yorkston raised concern that approving the house would ‘open the floodgates for others’ after a recent spate of similar applications.

He said: “I sympathise with the family but my concern is that if this is approved what would the implication be for others coming along. It looks a beautiful house but I won’t support it.”

However Councillor Kenny McLeod supported the appeal saying: “There are no objections and the work commitments stick with me. I take every case on its own merit and I am supporting this application.”

Review body chairperson Liz Allan agreed that each case had to be heard on its merit and welcomed the views of Councillor Collins.

She said: “We are very much a rural community in East Lothian and supporting our local families jobs that are connected to the benefit of of the countryside has a huge amount of merit.”

The board overturned the decision and granted permission for the new house by three votes to one.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

After four games on the road Civil Service Strollers football club return to Christie Gillies Park on Saturday to face Gretna 2008 in the Lowland League.

Although exiting the Scottish Cup last weekend on the back of a 0-3 defeat at Irvine Meadow the Muirhouse-based side can draw strength from winning their last three league games.

That run has pushed Strollers up to ninth in the table on 17 points with Gretna not far behind in 12^th place with 15 points.

The official report of last week’s defeat in Ayrshire confirmed Strollers left themselves too much to do after trailing 0-3 at the interval who early concessions forcing them to play catch-up.

However, they did stem the tide and claimed more possession, hitting a post on one occasion.

The report stated: “We had a lot more of the ball in the second half and got into our passing game but just couldn’t find the net.”

Kick off is 3pm with admission £9, concessions £5 and under-16s accompanied by an adult free.

Crews working to protect communities across Scotland want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night and the public is being urged to attend public events wherever possible and a list is available on the SFRS website. This is by far the safest way to watch fireworks. 

Statistics released by Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) show that 37 people accessed emergency treatment between 4 and 6 November last year for fireworks related injuries. 

Deputy Chief Officer Andy Watt is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves at times of celebration, but we want them to do so safely and think of others, including our crews who are working hard to respond to emergencies.  

“Bonfires and fireworks go hand in hand at this time of year, and we advise people to go to an organised event wherever possible. This is the safest way to enjoy firework displays and bonfires.”  

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Fire crews and other emergency services workers do an outstanding job protecting communities over the Bonfire Night period and any attack on them is utterly despicable. 

“Such assaults endanger 999 workers and can prevent crews from reaching those in emergency situations who desperately need help. 

“Attacks on 999 crews using fireworks or pyrotechnics are aggravating factors that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders. 

“We have also introduced a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones within their boundaries. These new powers will be used for the first time this year in areas across Edinburgh over the Bonfire Night period.” 

SFRS encourages everyone to attend public events in their area. If deciding to have a display at home, is encouraged to make sure they are aware of the environment and the Fireworks Code. 

It is essential to read all packet instructions on each firework, light fireworks at arm’s length and stand well back. Never return to a firework that has already been lit. 

It is illegal for anyone to supply someone under the age of 18 with fireworks. Additionally, it is illegal to set off fireworks in public spaces, such as streets, roads and parks. 

Fireworks are restricted in terms of use between 6pm and 11pm, and this is extended until midnight on November 5. Additionally, for the first time, there are Firework Control Zones implemented in Balerno and in the Niddrie, Seafield and Calton Hill areas of Edinburgh. This means it is against the law to set off fireworks at any time between the 1st and the 10th of November. 

We also encourage anyone who may be having a bonfire at home to ensure it is kept away from buildings, vehicles and trees. Any bonfire which is unsafe, or where people are behaving irresponsibly, will be extinguished and made safe.