Bethany Christian Trust asks that people in Edinburgh choose a Caring Christmas Tree to help people without a home this winter. 

Buying from the charity helps to bring much needed care and support to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. 

Priced from £45 and sustainably grown in Scotland, shoppers can buy a Grade One Nordman fir tree, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to Bethany’s work to support homeless and vulnerable people this winter. 

The funding from the social enterprise helps to provide outreach, drop-in support, shelter, befriending, new opportunities and professional support to thousands of people during the harsh winter months.

Caring Christmas Trees has been running in Scotland for almost 20 years. Last year the project sold 3,330 trees and raised £53,231 towards its work.

Regular customer Fiona said: “I’ve had a Caring Christmas tree for a number of years – I’m glad that my purchase of something that feels luxurious can help someone in need. My tree lasts through till Twelfth Night, it smells fantastic and when I go to pick it up there’s always a great sense of camaraderie amongst the team of volunteers. Everyone wins!”

Caring Christmas Trees are available to purchase online www.caringchristmastrees.com or by calling 0131 561 8948. The trees will be ready for collection at various locations in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow and Fife in November and December, with an option for delivery also in November and December in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Three networking events have been organised by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Chamber of Commerce (MELCC) before Christmas.

Emergency first aid training is on Tuesday, November 26 at Stuart House on Eskmills Business Park in Musselburgh.

A crucial set of skills and actions which can save lives in critical situations before professional medical help arrives will be shown and training will also be given in how to notice signs of someone in need.

Karen Ritchie, chief executive officer of MELCC, said: “The main aim of emergency first aid is to preserve life and, with that in mind, the course contents include common injuries/health issues, lifesaving techniques and equipment, knowing your role and even workplace processes, including accident and incident reporting and first aid needs assessment.”

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is bringing what is believed to be one of the biggest-ever celebrations of jazz legend Duke Ellington’s music to Edinburgh on Sunday 1 December.

Comprising thirty-four musicians, Remembering Duke will feature an opening set by the seventeen-strong Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. The SNJO will then play its internationally acclaimed Ellington interpretations with their special guest, singer Lucy-Anne Daniels adding gospel music-inspired selections of the great composer’s songs.

“Duke Ellington has been an inspiration to musicians and composers across the musical spectrum for almost 100 years,” says SNJO founder and musical director, saxophonist Tommy Smith. “The breadth of his writing encompasses songs that were the pop music of the day and hugely descriptive suites that compare with works in the classical canon in terms of ambition. It’s wonderful to witness young players from the TikTok era finding their way into playing jazz through Ellington as generations before have done.”

The SNJO’s expertise as Ellington interpreters has developed over its twenty-eight-year history and was recognised internationally through its 2012 recording, In the Spirit of Duke, which captured the orchestra in top form live on tour.

“To be praised in the US for performing Duke Ellington’s music was special recognition,” says Smith. “Quite a few of the musicians who took part in that tour are no longer with us but the players who have come in have picked up the baton, knowing that they must measure up to high standards. At the same time, Ellington is now in the orchestra’s DNA and his music is an essential part of what we do.”

For Remembering Duke, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra will reinvigorate Ellington classics and rarities, adding to the SNJO’s command of highlights from throughout the master’s repertoire.

The Edinburgh concert is one of three tour dates and takes place at the Queen’s Hall, which the SNJO has come to regard as its Edinburgh home and which has a near-forty-five year history of staging jazz concerts.

“We’re looking forward to playing this great music, which has so much depth and character, and to giving the audience an experience that will be authentic in every way in terms of staging, attire and equipment as well as the music,” says Smith. “The Queen’s Hall has become a very familiar venue for us and it’s a great setting. We always enjoy playing there and it’s great to be part of a jazz lineage that has included so many legends of the music from Sonny Rollins, Nina Simone and Gil Evans through to Wynton Marsalis and the current younger generation.”

Police Scotland have begun criminal investigations into disorder in the city on Bonfire Night with detectives across the country involved in seeking out those responsible.

Certain areas of Edinburgh experienced significant levels of disorder, with the Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun areas of Edinburgh worst affected.

In each of these regions, local policing teams and other emergency services required the assistance of Operation Moonbeam assets to tackle violence and damage being caused by large groups of youths who threw fireworks and other projectiles at officers, vehicles and public property. Fires were also set in some of these areas, causing fear and alarm to the local communities.

Other isolated incidents involving the reckless or criminal use of fireworks were also reported in various parts of both cities, including a report of 21 cars being damaged by fireworks at a car dealership in Calder Road, Edinburgh.

Police say that all of these offences continue to be investigated and they released aerial footage of gang violence on social media.

Police Scotland released aerial footage of disorder in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night pic.twitter.com/aaNeO71hHx

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) November 7, 2024

Between Thursday, 31 October and Wednesday, 6 November, a total of 19 arrests have been made throughout Scotland in connection with firework offences. Six people have been charged under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles Act, while a further 26 charges have been brought against individuals for associated criminality.

Further arrests are expected in the coming days.

A Major Incident Public Portal has also been established, allowing communities to share video and photo evidence of Bonfire Night offences taking place in their area.

Anyone with footage that can assist officers in identifying people involved in fireworks-related crime can submit it to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Now that our Bonfire Night deployments have stood down, our investigation teams will begin reviewing all the evidence we obtained through Body Worn Video, Air Support Unit footage and statements from the public.

“This will help us establish the identities of those who chose to cause harm within our communities and who sought to attack and injure emergency service workers.

“While I am encouraged that we didn’t see the same levels of serious disorder, when compared to last year, I am under no illusion that that actions of a minority of individuals still had a significant and detrimental impact on various communities across Scotland.

“Their actions will not be tolerated, and detectives are working tirelessly to make arrests and ensure all of those involved in the offences we witnessed are brought to account.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, added: “I made it clear following the incidents that occurred during the evening of Halloween that we’d leave no stone unturned as part of our investigations and I am reaffirming that statement today.

“Law-abiding members of the public living in Niddrie, Calder Road, Gracemount and Moredun were left terrified as serious disorder took place in their communities and vital bus services that allow safe travel across our city were violently attacked, which is entirely unacceptable.

“I am enormously grateful and immensely proud of all of the officers and staff who contributed to Operation Moonbeam. Colleagues worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front line, putting themselves in harm’s way to restore order and return these areas to a state of normality as quickly as possible, but the work begins now in terms of identifying and arresting everyone responsible.

“If members of the public have information or evidence that can help with our inquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Chief Superintendent Lynn Ratcliff, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “The overwhelming majority of those within Glasgow chose to enjoy Bonfire Night in the proper spirit. However, groups of young people, motivated to cause the maximum amount of fear and alarm carried out targeted disorder in certain parts of the city.

“This put not only local residents at risk, but meant police officers, fire service personnel and ambulance crews were in danger of being injured, as they responded to protect communities. Thankfully, however, no injuries were reported.

“Detectives across Glasgow are reviewing all evidence they obtained during Bonfire Night, and working with the public to gather more information, which will help bring these offenders to justice.

“If you believe you can assist with our ongoing inquiries then please get in touch.”

Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens

The council, having failed to agree on using philanthropic funds for the redevelopment of the Ross Bandstand a few years ago are now consulting on what they might do with the space. Norman Springford of Apex Hotels put up £5 million at the time for the reimagining of the Ross Fountain and Ross Bandstand. Around half of the money was used to refurbish the fountain which is such an attraction in the gardens. But the Quaich Project to build a pavilion where the Ross Bandstand is was shelved.

The council is now asking the public to put forward their views on the future use and development of the Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens.

An online consultation launched this week aims to gather feedback on potential improvements and the type of events and cultural activities that could be hosted there.

Residents, businesses and the wider public have until Friday 20 December to give their feedback on the Council’s proposals, including their thoughts on ‘low impact’ and ‘major events’ including those that extend beyond the Bandstand and into other areas of the Gardens.

Currently, the maximum number of major events allowed at the Ross Bandstand and surrounding Gardens is four, which includes the annual Winter Festival, Summer Festival and a major event in September. Looking ahead, the Council proposes that a major event could also be held in May.

Views are also being encouraged on the establishment of a Summer Festivals stage, providing opportunities for various festivals and community groups to contribute to a series of low-impact activities lasting up to eight weeks. These activities would be carefully programmed within the area of the Ross Bandstand

The consultation also highlights the parameters events are required to adhere to in the Gardens. This includes ensuring they remain fully open except for ticketed event performance days, with only limited and managed partial closures permitted outwith those times to ensure safe operations for event organisers and maintain public access. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day, said: “We understand that, as an important green space in the city, there are many perspectives to consider, especially concerning the variety of events that could be hosted in the Gardens. That’s why it’s essential for us to gather input from as many people as possible. We know that many will want to share their views and join us in agreeing a strategy for the years ahead.

“Located in the heart of the city, nestled between the Old and New Towns beneath Edinburgh Castle, West Princes Gardens and the Ross Bandstand are cherished historic sites which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations. We are keen to make sure this continues.”

The Big Noise with the RSNO

Young people from The Big Noise in Wester Hailes took part in a unique concert alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) last Friday. A total of 32 young musicians from the orchestra, all aged between seven and nine, performed at the Usher Hall.

Stewart Wilson, head of centre at Big Noise Wester Hailes, said: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performance by our young musicians alongside the RSNO. This has been the culmination of months of hard work from our young people, and we’re all delighted to have seen them perform on one of the country’s biggest stages.
“Witnessing the dedication and hard work of our young people come to fruition on such a prestigious stage fills us with immense pride and reinforces the profound impact of music in their lives.
“I’d like to thank the RSNO for its continuing partnership with Big Noise Wester Hailes, and with the Big Noise programmes across Scotland, which has provided an incredible opportunity for our talented young musicians and the rest of the Wester Hailes community. I’d also like to thank the parents and carers for all their support and to our partner schools.”

Jumble Sale

LifeCare’s Winter Warmer Jumble Sale This Sunday

Join LifeCare Edinburgh this Sunday 10th November for our family-friendly community jumble sale. Go along for a browse, pick up a bargain, enjoy a hot bacon or sausage roll, tea and coffee. 

Running from 10.30am – 1.30pm at the LifeCare community hub on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge. (Where you can also pick up an actual copy of our latest newspaper.

The People’s Story to reopen

Following a protest the museum on the High Street is to reopen on 2 December. The council has announced that The People’s Story will reopen to the public on Monday 2 December after a temporary closure.

This matter is due to be considered at the full council meeting on 7 November. Whether or not that report will continue to be debated in full is not clear, as at the time of writing the motions and amendments to the report have not yet been published.

The Museum, which offers an insight into the lives of Edinburgh’s working-class people from the 18th to the late 20th century, was temporarily closed. This sparked protest and the council said it was “due to staff shortages”. It will now reopen on its regular seven-day schedule from Monday 2 December.

Read more here.

Gordon has retired

Gordon Scott from Gordon’s Trattoria on The Royal Mile has retired after 43 years in business. Here he is getting a plaque for his long service from Cllr Cammy Day, the Council Leader, and The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.

Dennis Conaghan who sent us the photo said he would also like to wish Gordon a “long and happy retirement”.

Around 60 anglers are set to compete over two days at Kirkcaldy on Saturday and Leven on Sunday in Iain Reid’s Memorial Match on the Fife Coast.

The popular annual sea fishing match has drawn top anglers from all over Scotland and from the North of England with rods in the water from noon to 4pm on both days.

Registration for the measure and release competition is from 10am to 11am at the East End Car Park at Kirkcaldy Promenade and pegging is from the harbour end of the beach.

Bait restrictions are lugworm and mackerel and winning anglers earn points for the national Penn Sea League.

Entry is £40 to include both days and one of the organisers, David Dobbie, confirmed that there are prizes for first, second and third plus awards for zone winners and the heaviest flat fish.

Mike Horn, the Kirkcaldy-based president of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, said dabs, flounders sea bass and whiting are species most likely to be hooked.

He revealed that staff from the Borders-based St Abbs Marine Station will be there and fish will be taken, placed into tanks and then transported back to their laboratory as they conduct tests to see how wind farms are affecting sea life.

The fish will be released back into the sea once the tests have been concluded.

Anglers are reminded that there is a 15cm minimum size limit but undersized fish will receive five points per fish.

The prize giving will be at the East Dock Bar, Methil KY8 3EQ after the match on Sunday.

Organisers also request prizes for a raffle to be held to assist funding for the Scottish Ladies Shore Angling team which competes annually in the Home Nations Shore Angling Championship. In fact, two members of the women’s team, Edinburgh-based but Aberdeen-born, Buffy McAvoy, and Lesley Maby from Cumbria, are listed as entrants this weekend.

Ian Campbell, organiser of the Edinburgh Winter Shore League, is taking names for leg three at Newhaven on Friday. Registration is from 6pm to 6.15pm at Western Harbour Breakwater EH6 6PA with fishing from 7pm to 10pm.

Full details on the Scottish Shore Angling Match Group’s Facebook page.

FLASHBACK: a previous leg of the Edinburgh Winter Shore League. Picture by Nigel Duncan

The council has announced that The People’s Story Museum will reopen to the public on Monday 2 December after a temporary closure.

This matter is due to be considered at the full council meeting on 7 November. Whether or not that report will continue to be debated in full is not clear, as at the time of writing the motions and amendments to the report have not yet been published.

The Museum, which offers an insight into the lives of Edinburgh’s working-class people from the 18th to the late 20th century, was temporarily closed. This sparked protest and the council said it was “due to staff shortages”. It will now reopen on its regular seven-day schedule from Monday 2 December.

The council also says it is working on a new operating model for the Museums and Galleries service aimed at enhancing the experience for residents and visitors, increasing revenue, and focusing more on the city’s historic collections.

The service has faced increased budget pressures this year, and the council says it was this which also led to a proposal to close the People’s Story Museum during the autumn and winter. However, based on public feedback, officers have been working to identify funding and resource which will facilitate the reopening of the museum.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “After initially proposing a temporary winter closure for the museum, we listened closely to the community’s passionate feedback, and I’m delighted to announce that we will reopen the museum on Monday 2 December.

“It’s a special museum where all exhibits are inspired by the voices of Edinburgh’s own people, drawn from oral histories and written accounts to share authentic stories. The collections showcase this with items such as Friendly Society regalia, banners, and materials representing Edinburgh’s diverse communities. We look forward to welcoming visitors back through the museum’s doors.”

A report on the new operating model for Museums and Galleries will be brought to December’s meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee.

Plans to sell the former Bubbles swimming pool site in Livingston to a housebuilder have been approved. 

Up to 122 new flats could be built by Cruden on the site of the former Xcite Livingston leisure pool. 

West Lothian Council’s Executive approved plans to sell the land – with potential price tag of £3m – at this month’s meeting despite a call from the SNP group demanding more clarity of the potential value of the site. 

Pauline Stafford, the SNP group depute leader, said the sale should be stalled because there was: “insufficient detail on the proposed sale and without an assured sale value or an assured minimum sale value.” 

The opposition group’s amendment added that the amount received by the council could be reduced if the projected housing density is not achieved. The eventual receipt would also be reduced by any Section 75 costs demanded as well as abnormal development costs, the SNP claimed. 

Addressing officers Councillor Stafford added: “You said this represented good value for the council but as elected members we have no idea what that value is. There’s nothing here to say what that value would be. As a group we can’t agree to this sale without more information and some clearer commitments from the developer on this. 

“What we do know is that what was there before was a very valued leisure facility which had huge value to the community. This land is still public, and I think the public have lost trust in the administration’s stewardship of the public assets for the greater good. 

 “We are being asked to agree to something that we don’t know the terms of.”  

Seconding the SNP amendment local councillor for the ward Moira McKee-Shemilt said the area of land was under scrutiny by her constituents.  

“It’s very much on the radar of people because of the original Bubbles that people were discontented about losing.  I agree with [fellow ward] Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick that there’s a need for social housing, we’re not saying that is unwelcome, but we need to know a wee bit more about what would be the income to the council and what’s the minimum accepted value, because we don’t know that. We have to be really transparent about what we are doing here.” 

However, Labour’s Tom Conn rubbished the amendment. He said: “I’m really surprised by the posturing of the SNP group on this. They criticised the sale of the site and they seemed to forget that the UK government gave £63m  to save swimming pools in England. The Scottish Government got £6.3m in [Barnett] consequentials. Councils applied for that and not one penny was released to councils.   This had the consequence of three swimming pools in West Lothian being closed.” 

He added: “There’s a gross figure that’s been put forward and there’s negotiation to take place. We need to trust our officers.  

“I think this is a stalling tactic of the worst order, and attention seeking. We all know what the standard practice is for disposals.” 

In a vote the amendment was defeated by nine votes to four. 

A council spokesperson said later that the plans could – potentially – raise up to £3.1 million (less deductible costs), which would be fully reinvested in protecting and improving council services for the local community in the long term, such as improving the school estate.  

They added that Cruden Homes Limited (CHL) is a large development company with a proven track record of delivering similar residential schemes in Scotland and plans to build a four-storey development of flats. 

Planning permission would still need to be obtained, but the town centre location is seen as suitable for high-density and town centre uses, such as flats or shops. 

David Baird, Property Services Manager told the meeting: “The offer from CHL of £3,116,248 is considered to be the best terms obtainable by the council in the current circumstances.” 

There was anger earlier this year when council officials ordered the demolition of the pool on the advice from police and fire officers following vandalism and arson attacks on the building and the former swimming pool at Broxburn. 

 Original plans to sell the site for redevelopment as a filling station and shop fell through after the buyers refused to cover the council’s £180,000 demolition costs.   

 The council will move the public artwork called ‘Symbiosis’ on the site to an alternative location in Almondvale Park in the current financial year.  The relocation will be carried out by council  staff later this year will cost around £20,000. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Hundreds of homeless people in Edinburgh are set to be moved out of ‘unlawful’ temporary accommodation as the council prepares to cut ties with providers operating unlicensed shared housing. 

Council housing allocations have been halted so that homeless families living in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which do not meet licensing requirements can be temporarily moved into any available properties. Non-urgent repairs are also being paused to prioritise work to get more void homes back into use.

The decision marks a huge blow to efforts to tackle the city’s housing crisis, which Shelter Scotland warned was “at risk of getting worse not better”.

And it raises serious questions over whether the local authority will be able meet its legal responsibilities to provide every homeless person with a place to stay – or if the sudden upending could leave vulnerable people sleeping on the streets. 

Edinburgh Council’s housing chief said the council’s use of unlicensed HMOs “can’t continue” and added: “We urgently need to move people out of these properties and find alternative temporary accommodation.

“We’re planning to use existing council stock, speed up the turnaround of void homes to a minimum standard, continue to encourage unlicensed providers to apply for their licence, source other suitable temporary accommodation in the city, and engage with registered social landlords to encourage them to maintain the increased rate of allocations to homeless households.” 

The council is currently using around 700 rooms across 30 unlicensed HMOs to house homeless families, it emerged in September, as monitoring officer Nick Smith warned councillors in a report the practice “amounts to illegality and maladministration” and had to end. 

Shared temporary accommodation not subject to full checks to ensure residents’ safety and suitable living conditions was first procured during the pandemic as part of urgent action taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The authority’s reliance on illegal shared housing in order to meet rising rates of homelessness has continued long past the end of the pandemic however. 

The number of households in temporary accommodation across the capital has risen to over 5,000 from 3,570 at the start of the first lockdown in 2020. 

Officials have asked landlords in breach of the rules to register for HMO licences and “many did so or have undertaken to do so,” Mr Smith’s report said, “but others have refused or taken no action”.

It’s understood the council plans to stop paying providers who don’t comply from the start of December – which would leave less than a month to find alternative accommodation for those living in unlicensed HMOs. 

In response bosses have paused adverts for council homes to temporarily prioritise properties for people staying in unlicensed HMO accommodation. Allocations will continue for households living with a disability, while housing association and housing co-op homes will still be advertised.

A notice on EdIndex, the website which manages Edinburgh’s social housing applications, said due to “unprecedented pressures” the service took the “difficult decision to temporarily pause the advertising of council housing”. 

The council will review the temporary pause on council home adverts at the end of this month and the pause on non-urgent repairs for tenants will remain in place until January 7 at the earliest, it is understood. 

Commenting, Shelter Scotland assistant director Gordon MacRae said: “One year on from declaring a housing emergency, the situation in Edinburgh is at risk of getting worse not better.

“It would be highly misleading to suggest that this crisis has only occurred in the last few months. We have known about Edinburgh’s broken and biased system for many years. 

“Suspending council housing allocations or legal duties might make the numbers appear better but they will not address the needs of those suffering without a safe secure home. 

“Decades of underinvestment in social housing and poor decisions at every level of government has brought us to this point. Investment and leadership, not cuts and excuses is what we need.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, the city council’s housing convener, said: “With greater numbers of people facing homelessness, some of the most expensive private rents in the UK and insufficient funding from the Scottish Government to build more homes, the pressures on temporary accommodation are unprecedented.

“The unfortunate reality is that in responding to these pressures we have had to house people in unlicensed HMOs and realise that this can’t continue. We’re in a critical position that means we need to escalate our efforts to address this. 

“We urgently need to move people out of these properties and find alternative temporary accommodation.

“We’re planning to use existing council stock, speed up the turnaround of void homes to a minimum standard, continue to encourage unlicensed providers to apply for their licence, source other suitable temporary accommodation in the city, and engage with registered social landlords to encourage them to maintain the increased rate of allocations to homeless households. 

“This has not been an easy decision to make, and I appreciate how difficult these changes are. I’d urge any tenant who is worried to contact their housing officer for advice and support.”

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please see below an additional quote for the story Plan to move hundreds out of unlicensed HMOs sparks crisis’ published 6/11/24.

Eilidh Keay, Edinburgh city chair of the tenants’ union Living Rent, said: “It is crucial that those in temporary accommodation are moved from unlicensed HMO’s. But it is a shocking indictment of the failings of the City of Edinburgh Council that they were ever moved there in the first place.

“That the council is now unable to take on more applications due to “unprecedented pressures” should and could have been avoided. The shortage of council housing in Edinburgh is having a catastrophic impact on residents. Tenants were already waiting unforgivable lengths of time for a permanent, affordable home in Edinburgh prior to the declaration of the city’s housing emergency.

“The Visitor Levy, set to make over £50m pounds in its first year, presents a clear opportunity to invest in the council housing the city needs. However, to deliver the volume of council housing needed, Edinburgh requires more funding beyond the levy to ensure that everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.

“More radical action must be taken by the Council if it is serious about ending the housing emergency. This means increasing the availability of council owned homes, not only through building, but by buybacks and bringing empty properties back into use.

“It must also champion the rights for private tenants. In the city where rents have skyrocketed by over 80% in the last ten years, private tenants in Edinburgh rent controls to bring rents down, and ensure that no one is made homeless due to eye watering rents.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Neil Critchley assured fans that he prepares meticulously for all games, home or away, domestic or European, and he is under no illusions about the challenge facing Heart of Midlothian FC when Bundesliga side Heidenheim visit Tynecastle on Thursday (20.00) in the UEFA Europa Challenge League.

For the record, the German squad sit in 12^th spot in the 18-strong table with ten points from nine starts, and their record so far includes a 1-0 home defeat to RB Leipzig on October 6. Leipzig are second in the table.

Heidenheim have also lost 4-2 at Dortmund, another strong German side, who are fifth in the standings, and the team from Southern Germany have only won one of their last give games and drawn another, suffering three defeats.

The team, based in Baden-Wuerttemberg, close to the Border with Bavaria, have scored 12 goals and shipped the same number, but Critchley has put them under the microscope.

The 46-year-old coach (pictured at Hearts’ pre-game media briefing by Nigel Duncan) acknowledged that Hearts have made a good start to the Conference League.

He refuses to look beyond Thursday night’s game. Of course, he would love to have secured three points by the final whistle which would, said the coach, put the Capital club in a “really positive position”.

There is no doubt that the Jambos are in a good place having won 2-1 at Dinamo Minsk thanks to a late strike four minutes into injury time from Yan Dhanda, when Liam Fox was in interim charge, and followed up by beating Cypriot side Omonoia 2-0 at Tynecastle thanks to goals from Alan Forrest and Blair Spittal, both in the first half.

Hearts’ players will undoubtedly require a strong mentality and focus to earn a result and Critchey stressed the need not to lose the ball in critical areas of the pitch.

The coach argued that the Gorgie men have to impose themselves and play their game over the entire 90-plus minutes. Intensity and emotion will play a part on the night, and Critchley has a strong squad to pick from.

Yutaro Oda and Calem Nieuwenhof will be absentees as they recover from long-term injuries, but, otherwise there are no concerns from the 2-1 victory at St Johnstone on Saturday.

Critchley confirmed that he watched Celtic’s 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, and was complimentary of the performance of the Glasgow side. He quipped: “Hopefully, we can be the next Scottish team to win against German opposition.”

West Lothian Council is to buy a new block of flats in the rapidly expanding village of Winchburgh to add to its stock of social housing. 

Councillors approved the £3m price tag at this month’s meeting of the Executive.  

The new block will be available to let by the summer next year and provide the council with 16 two-bedroom flats. 

In a report to the Executive Marjory Mackie, Housing Strategy and Development Manager said: “While developing the options for use of the additional Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) funding, an opportunity was identified to purchase one full block of flats containing 16 new build two-bedroom flats at Winchburgh Grange, Winchburgh, which will be complete by summer 2025.  

“Whilst these units will not be completed by 31 March 2025, which is a requirement of the additional 2024/25 funding from Scottish Government, the development is already under construction and all 16 units would be complete by summer 2025, therefore it is proposed that the available £3.303 million capital budget is utilised to purchase these units. The budget for the purchase of the 16 flats is estimated at £3.040 million.” 

Councillor Tom Conn asked: “There’s a mention of construction price inflation and I’m wondering about Winchburgh Grange potential purchase and the estimated cost.  Will we have an agreed price to avoid price inflation in the construction period.” 

Mrs Mackie said:  “Because these are acquisitions the agreement is to purchase the sixteen properties rather than a construction contract.  The cost is a fixed price as of now. That will be the contract price, so we are quite satisfied that has been accounted for.” 

The purchase of the new block comes from identified savings in the new build and buy-back budget of £1.957m and £1.346m of surplus resources to be spent within this financial year. 

Elsewhere in the county preparatory work is under way at for four new build sites at Almondvale Crescent, Houston Road and Simpson Parkway in Livingston as well as Deanburn in Linlithgow. 

As of 30 September 2024, the council has acquired nine homes through the buy-back programme this year, with further acquisitions in progress. This is in addition to the 302 homes that have been added to the housing stock through the buy-back scheme in previous years. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Police are appealing for information to assist in tracing 15-year-old Nathaniel Reevell, who has been reported missing from Leith.

He was last seen on Friday 1 November 2024.

Nathaniel is believed to have travelled to East and West Lothian in the last few days but his current whereabouts are unknown.

His family are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Nathaniel is described as mixed ethnicity, 5ft 8 tall, short black afro style hair style, slim build, last seen wearing jogging bottoms, a hooded top and white trainers.

If anyone has information that could assist, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number: 0501 of the 01/11/2024

Police are appealing for information to assist in tracing 14-year-old Madhi Abid, who has been reported missing from Leith.

He was last seen on Friday 1 November 2024.

Madhi is believed to have travelled to East and West Lothian in the last few days but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Madhi’s family have had no contact from him for 5 days and are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

He is described as mixed ethnicity, 5ft 5 tall, slim build, short black hair, last seen wearing jogging bottoms, a hooded top, a beanie had and in possession of a shoulder bag.

If anyone has information that could assist, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number: 4743 of the 01/11/2024.

An online survey has been launched which asks for people’s views on “downsizing”.

A SurveyMonkey set of questions has been designed by the Edinburgh-based website, collectiveselfbuild.substack.com

The aim is to gauge the appetite for not-for-profit housing designed to resident specifications – including environmental standards, security, energy efficiency and sharing resources – even if it means slightly smaller properties. The survey is Scotland-wide.

The editor of CollectiveSelfBuild is Mike Wilson, a former trustee of Cohousing Scotland.

Mike said: “It’s a data-gathering exercise that might help formulate policy and shape approaches to funders and building firms.

“The possibilities are endless when housing is not presented as take-it-or-leave-it.

“If you know someone who might be interested in moving to a new, “rightsized” home, do let them know.”

The survey ends on 25 November and can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3QBT7T9

The Scottish Galleries at the National opened on 30 September 2023, and since then visitors have flocked to the newly created space.

There have been three times as many people visiting in the last year than in previous years. The estimate is that one million people have been to see the new gallery and yesterday Edinburgh’s Royal Scottish Country Dance Society got their dancing shoes on and danced a jig to celebrate.

The new layout was designed to make art more accessible than ever to visitors. Among the one million visitors, 86% of visitors to the new Scottish galleries said that their visit had a positive impact on their wellbeing. 94% of visitors felt that the Scottish art was presented in an accessible way and 95% left feeling they had learned more about Scottish art.

An East Lothian councillor has claimed trucks full of sewage from a new housing estate are being emptied into  a village’s main drains system.

Bellway Homes, who are developing the site, were accused of causing anxiety among local residents after it was claimed sewage from their homes on the edge of the village of Elphinstone, was being transported out of the estate.

And local ward councillor Colin McGinn said there were claims the vehicles were discharging their loads into the village mains – and said there was some dispute over whether it had happened ‘once or numerous times’ as he called for a delay on a decision over allowing more homes to be built at the site.

No representative of the developer was present at the meeting to address the claims.

While it is not known who was responsible for the trucks of sewage, Cllr McGinn claimed the problem had been caused by the developer failing to resolve a long-standing issue with sewage connections to their housing development.

He was speaking as Bellway applied to begin phase two of its development at the village, near Tranent, with another 111 homes.

Councillor McGinn said problems with the first phase had not been resolved. He pointed to flooding issues, which were first reported two years ago at the site, as well as problems with sewage connections for the homes already built.

He told the meeting: “Over the past couple of months sewage has been transported from within the site to a temporary facility.

“What has also happened, and there is some contention over whether it was more than once or once, is that it has been transported into Elphinstone village itself to be disposed of down a mains which has caused loads of anxiety in the village.

“Only yesterday I had phonecalls from residents in Elphinstone to say the stench of sewage in the top half of the village is unbearable and that is new.

“Local tradesmen went up and had a look but were unable to get on site but the feedback was clear that something was amiss.”

MrMcGinn took the unusual step of asking councillors due to decide the application from Bellway Homes for the new housing along with a separate application for a footpath on the site to delay hearing it until officers could investigate issues raised.

He told the meeting issues with the first phase of the development had dragged on since flooding nearly two years ago without resolution.

He added: “That the sewage and mains connection has not been resolved in phase one and we are now being asked to look at phase two is a concern.”

Councillors were advised by planning officers that delaying the decision could lead to the developer appealing to Scottish Ministers to decide for them.

However Mr McGinn issued a plea to Bellway to work with locals to resolve issues on the site rather than go down an alternative route.

He said: “I don’t want to create another battlefield. I just want Bellway to be better for the people of Elphinstone and reach that co-operation which will make this phase two better than phase one.”

Bellways Homes did not attend the meeting where it was unanimously agreed to delay a decision on the application to allow officers to bring back a detailed report on the issues.

NOTE TO EDITORS: RESPONSE FROM BELLWAY TO EARLIER STORY “CLAIMS HOUSING ESTATE SEWAGE BEING EMPTIED INTO VILLAGE DRAINS”

A spokesperson for Bellway denied waste was being moved off the site saying it was being emptied three times a week into a working connection on the estate.

They said: “We have  been addressing concerns of the local authority and residents on the site waste solution for our site. The approved design for the site has two connection points at Elphinstone which connects to the Scottish Water drainage network.

“One of these was connected in May and June and this takes a portion of the site waste and it is working as designed. The connection of the second connection to the waste network has been delayed due to external issues in connecting the system. It is a complex piece of work which has been delayed and we intend to resume these works again in the New Year.

“As a result of the delay initially, we implemented the chamber and tanker solution. When the chamber fills we vacuum this to the other chamber on site, which discharges into the existing drainage network.

“To ensure that there are no issues we complete this exercise three times per week and we can confirm that we don’t move waste off site.

“We are currently investigating allegations of smell in the local community and will continue to work with the local authority to ensure our planning obligations are fully met.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A busy and popular Portobello bar is to shout “last orders” after brewery owners turned sour on the idea of having a tap room in the seaside town.

Shocked staff at The Porty Vault – owned by sour beer specialists Vault City Brewing – learned they were out of a job at a crisis meeting with co-founder Steven Smith-Hay.

They were told the High Street bar would shut on 31 December or as soon as they had found alternative jobs. Most have now moved on to other posts and closure is imminent.

The lease, which runs for another 17 years, is available at a leasehold price of £60,000 and an annual rent of £12,000, with rateable value estimated to be £25,000 per year.

The marketing brochure states: “Our client’s primary business is going through a period of substantial growth and this growth sadly requires the sale of the tap room operation”, but Vault City blamed the closure on trading challenges in the hospitality sector.

In May the company announced it would move from its Portobello brewery to a new site in Easter Bush, Midlothian, after raising £330,000 in a crowdfunding campaign to buy the new site, where it aims to brew 10 million litres of beer a year.

The brewery said earlier that turnover this year had passed the £5 million mark, with exports up by 62% and deals had been secured with leading supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s to stock their beers.

A dedicated team at the Portobello venue worked hard to sell the sour beer vision to new converts but despite their best efforts it was not enough to save their jobs.

A statement issued by Vault City Brewing, said: “Porty Vault is a venue we invested a great deal of time, energy, and passion into making work. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and given the significant headwinds for the hospitality sector, coupled with the upcoming move of our brewery from Portobello to Midlothian, we’ve made the very difficult decision to close the bar down.

“The failure of Porty Vault as a viable business does not lie one bit with our amazing staff who have worked tirelessly to make the place a success. We will be very sad to close its doors, but we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported Porty Vault, from our loyal customers and the local community to our dedicated staff.

“The bar will remain open until such time we are no longer able to staff the venue, giving everyone the chance to enjoy it one last time, and giving our team time to find a new opportunity.”

One customer said: “Just three months ago Vault City made a big deal about paying all their staff the same rate as the higher London Living Wage, which is great, but they recruited four new bar staff just a few weeks before they announced the closure which has left a bit of a bad taste in the mouth.

“The staff were first class and worked hard to make it work but it seems sour beer is not everyone’s favourite tipple. It’s a great shame and a loss to the High Street and we’ve got to hope a mainstream operator can come in and succeed where Vault City failed.”

Pinsent Masons Vario has today announced the appointment of Gary Gray as the first Legal Director of its Company Secretarial (CoSec) team. 
 
Gary joins Vario in Edinburgh after 18 years with Burness Paull, the last eight of which he spent as the firm’s Head of Governance and Company Secretarial. In that role, he managed the team responsible for delivering the firm’s company secretarial service to a breadth of international clients operating across a range of sectors and industries. 

Founded in 2013, Vario is one of the top legal flexible legal resources in the UK, with more than 70 consultants working in Scotland ,where it is the pre-eminent law firm-backed Alternative Lega Services Provider (ALSP).

Comprising Chartered Company Secretaries and experienced paralegals, Vario’s CoSec function is a high-growth element of the group, doubling its revenue in the previous financial year. The team supports an extensive global client roster with the creation, governance and management of legal entities. Now in post, Gary will operationally lead the team while basing himself in the Pinsent Masons’ Edinburgh office.

Matthew Kay, Partner, Vario Group Head said: “Over the last five years, Vario’s revenue has trebled as we’ve held firm to our strategy, broadening our offer to encompass managed legal services and expanding our presence into new territories like Ireland and the Middle East.

 
“Our CoSec service is a vital element of the Vario offering, providing clients the support they need as they grapple with evermore complex, cross-border regulatory demands.

“Gary’s significant experience heading up Burness Paull’s company secretarial operation means he is well placed to take the helm as we seek to grow our offering and compound Vario’s reputation as a leading provider of law firm-led flexible legal services across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”  

Gary Gray added: “Vario has already established itself as the pre-eminent Alternative Legal Services Provider for clients across Pinsent Masons’ key sectors.

“With my comprehensive understanding of clients’ CoSec requirements, I intend to further grow the team’s contribution to Vario’s impressive trajectory by evolving our offer to address legislative developments before they become headaches for our clients. This agility in our service offer will continue to be a differentiator for Vario.” 
 
Gary is the immediate past Chair of the Chartered Governance Institute’s Scottish Branch and has twice been recognised in the Governance Hot 100.

He is the second long-serving Burness Paull employee to join Pinsent Masons in the last month, following on from the appointment of Edinburgh-based Walter Clark who is a Partner in the UK financial services corporate team.

Separately, Glasgow-based Partner and Vario’s Head of Account Management, Gerladine Kelm, has been awarded the inaugural Legal Pioneer Award by the Law Society of Scotland in recognition of her contribution to legal freelancing and “helping make it a sustainable career option for lawyers”.

Leading artists to shape next generation of dancers.

A LEADING Scottish performing arts institution has launched one of the country’s first artist-led Contemporary Dance degree courses.

The Scottish Institute (The SI), is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2025, making it the only higher education provider in Scotland to offer a course that is led by professional dance artists specifically tailored to contemporary dance.

Spearheading this pioneering degree is Scotland’s preeminent contemporary dance artists, Errol White and Davina Givan, who will serve as artists-in-residence and course leaders.

With over 25 years of experience collaborating as performance artists, White & Givan have built an acclaimed body of work that engages audiences on a physical and emotional level.

The pair said: “Embedding White & Givan as artists in residence within the Institute is a rare opportunity within the educational world for practicing artists and students to evolve together.

“Passion in sharing knowledge lies at the heart of White & Givan, and we are extremely proud to play an integral role in developing a new generation of dance artists.”

White & Givan will host a series of Elite Intensive workshops across the UK to give aspiring dancers an opportunity to learn from and meet the professional dancers. The intimate sessions will give participants valuable insight into the unique contemporary dance training that awaits the programme’s first cohort in 2025.

The first workshop will take place on Sunday 10th November at The SI campus in Livingston, with seven additional dates to be announced across the country.

The duos appointment as artists-in-residence at The SI creates a unique bridge between professional practice and education, offering a unique opportunity to share their expertise and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.

Students will benefit from The SI’s state-of-the-art technologies and professional-grade studios, as well as access to the renowned Howden Park Theatre.

“The inclusion of sport science and the role it plays in the training of young dance artists at the Scottish Institute is vital, preparing them for a long and fulfilling future career as successful dance practitioners.” White and Givan added.

The degree will couple sport science and dance training and is poised to produce well-rounded, successful dance practitioners prepared for long and fulfilling careers.

Mark Langley, Principal of The SI, said: “Having White & Givan as artists in residence creates an extraordinary environment where practicing artists and students evolve together.

“Our students won’t just learn about the profession – they’ll be immersed in it, working alongside industry specialists, performing in professional venues, and developing their craft through a carefully structured progression from core techniques to professional practice.

“The Scottish Institute was created by professionals to educate the next generation of professionals, and this new BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance program exemplifies that mission.”

The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).

To book a slot at the Elite Intensive day or have additional questions on the course, contact: admissions@thesi.co.uk

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Thursday

The Remarkable Deliverances of Alice Thornton, a one-woman show set in the 17th-century, will be performed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 7 November 2024. Tickets here.

The script is based on manuscripts written by Alice Thornton(1626-1707), a North Yorkshire woman who wrote about her daily life over three hundred years ago.

The play was developed with researchers from The Alice Thornton Books Project at The University of Edinburgh, Alice Thornton is played by the writer, Debbie Cannon.

• The event runs from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on November 7th 2024 at The Scottish Storytelling Centre
• The one-woman play has been developed as part of the Alice Thornton’s Books project, a partnership between The University of Edinburgh and Durham Cathedral, with funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Being Human Festival
• Tickets £12 (£10 concessions) from Scottish Storytelling Centre

Alice Thornton was the daughter of Christopher Wandesford, briefly Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1639, but is primarily known for her writings which discuss her childhood in Dublin, her return to Yorkshire during the civil war, her royalist views, a distinctly Church of England piety, and the births of nine children (only three of whom made it to adulthood).

The play is set in 1668, when Alice’s husband, William, had just died leaving her with three children: Nally (aged 14), Kate (aged 12) and Robert (age 6).

The main source of information for Alice Thornton are her three books of her life and a book of remembrances.

For many years the whereabouts of her books was unknown. In 2009 the British Library brought the first and third books of her life at auction from a private collector.

In December 2018, Professor of History at University of Edinburgh, Cordelia Beattie, identified a manuscript in private hands as the missing Book of Remembrances. Beattie’s research into Thornton and the Comber family, who had owned the manuscript since Alice Thornton’s death in 1707, took her to Durham Cathedral Library. Here, in January 2019, she found another missing Thornton manuscript, the second of three books of her life. Later the Book of Remembrances was also gifted to Durham Cathedral by Patrick Comber.

Tickets here.

Teapot Trust

The Musselburgh based charity will receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Young Start delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund awards money from dormant bank accounts to projects that help young people across Scotland reach their full potential.  And Teapot Trust which supports children with chronic illness through art therapy is being awarded funding which will keep their service going for another two years.

Read more here.

La Dolce Vita Swing Collective – Christmas tickets on sale now

Edinburgh-based swing band La Dolce Vita Swing Collective have announced their festive themed Edinburgh date at the Voodoo Rooms.

As the Festive Season gets underway, the now annual Christmas cabaret show with La Dolce Vita Swing Collective will take place at the Voodoo Rooms, West Register Street on 16 December.

Band leader Tony Delicata said the ‘Cool Yule’ series of shows have become a tradition in certain venues and are always special shows. In line this year we will be heading to Bishopbriggs, Peebles, King’s Kirkcaldy as well as Edinburgh.  

He said: “No matter where we play, our audiences both young and old love getting up close and personal with the band, singing and dancing especially when it comes to our Cool Yule Christmas where the show is packed full of Rat Pack Christmas Crackers and Phil Spector festive classics.”

Cool Yule Christmas Show with La Dolce Vita Swing Collective play The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh on Monday December 16 at 7:30pm Tickets: https://www.dolcevitaswing.com/event-details/voodoo-rooms-cool-yule-christmas-show-1

Leith Annual 2024

The Leith Annual has been published – chronicling a year in the port.

The book has been devised by Muckle Brig the company which owns the Port of Leith Distillery and Lind & Lime Gin. Other businesses have contributed to the annual.

Ian Stirling, Co-CEO of Muckle Brig said: “We are fortunate to operate in one of the most industrious and exciting neighbourhoods to be found anywhere in the world. We have manufacturers of kilts and biscuits, architects and engineers, exceptional bars and restaurants, brand designers and advertising agencies, our very own movie studio, brewers, distillers and an incredible, busy industrial port that’s placing itself at the heart of the transition to net zero. This is a remarkable place, and we wanted to capture and document that wonder for local residents and visitors, as well as future generations.”

The Leith Annual’s editor, Johanna Derry Hall, said: “Leith has always been a colourful and vibrant neighbourhood, with a strong sense of identity and individuality. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with local writers, illustrators, photographers and artists, as well as local businesses, community organisations and people to create The Leith Annual. It’s a celebration of the area exactly as it is now, and will hopefully continue as a chronicle of the neighbourhood for many years to come.”

The Leith Annual 2024 is the first issue of what will be an annual publication. The inaugural version will be available at £15 from retailers across Leith and Edinburgh, sold in the retail shops at both Port of Leith and Lind & Lime distilleries and online at www.leithexport.com. 

Planning news

An application has been made to change an empty office, Edinburgh One, on Morrison Street into a Clayton Hotel.

The application seeks permission for “Change of use and conversion, alteration, partial demolition and extension of vacant office to form hotel, bar and restaurant and associated facilities.”

Read more of the planning documents here.

A cure for dementia would transform millions of lives world-wide and Edinburgh-based Professor Craig Ritchie, believes that will happen within the next ten years.

The world-renowned dementia expert is the founder and CEO of Brain Sciences Scotland, and he maintains that taking an entirely new approach to Alzheimer’s disease would result in it becoming a rarity. 

90,000 people in Scotland have dementia. 65% of care homes occupants live with it and it’s amongst the leading causes of death in Scotland. By 2031 it’s estimated to cost the country between £2.6 – £2.9 billion every year, but the emotional cost of the illness is almost immeasurable.  How can that be turned around in just ten years? 

“The most recent research clearly reveals that Alzheimer’s disease can start decades before symptoms appear, so we’re approaching our research and clinical trials from a much younger perspective,” says Ritchie “We’re now recruiting younger volunteers as we need to look at it as a brain disease that you could potentially have from your 50s or even younger, but many years before symptoms emerge.”  

This is the foundation to his belief that it’s time to change how we look at Alzheimer’s. At present, he says people with moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s aren’t “treated” but rather their symptoms and care are managed. Although there are some medications available for Alzheimer’s disease none claim to be a cure. They have no effect on some people, and the hope with others is that they can temporarily slow down the progress of symptoms affecting everyday functions and activities.

However, Ritchie’s aim is to prevent the next generation from developing symptoms, using a test which looks for the presence of amyloid protein, a known contributor to the many neurological, behavioural and cognitive symptoms typical of the disease. A new treatment, Lecanemab, can help clear these proteins from the brain but it’s not yet in NHS use because it’s considered too expensive.  

“It won’t work for anyone beyond the early stages so we must be realistic about the new treatments being developed,” says Ritchie “They’re for a younger generation, who need to be brain disease aware much earlier. We aim to identify those who have it and give them treatments to clear amyloid protein from the brain. Scottish Brain Sciences needs volunteers from Scotland who are 55+ and are concerned because there’s dementia in the family, or they have mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s dementia. These are the people who will prove the science, that brain disease can be treated before it becomes a severe dementia.”

His claim is that the approach to Alzheimer’s treatments has barely changed in decades, with medical students still being taught about it in exactly the same way as 40 years ago. In 97/98 Ritchie helped establish one of the first memory clinics in the world which opened in Melbourne and says there was very little difference between that and the one he worked in, in Edinburgh two years ago.

“We should create a new and dedicated speciality in the Alzheimer’s field, bringing together neurologists, psychiatrists and others under the banner of Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Medicine,” says Ritchie “That specialism would shift the focus to brain disease that starts in midlife which could then be prevented from developing into later stage disease – currently described as ‘dementia’. And we need to do it fast.” 

He says that being realistic means having a big plan, recognising that those already in advanced stages of the disease get the right care and at the same time this new specialty in brain health and neurodegenerative medicine is being developed. It also means understanding how clinical trials work and potential side effects.

 “This new generation of treatments won’t suit everyone and will have some quite serious side effects so specialists will need to closely monitor patients in their care” says Ritchie ‘But these are the first generation and many more treatments will follow, with 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th generations that will be even more targeted, safer and more effective.”

“I don’t just expect a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in ten years,” says Ritchie “I also expect that with early detection, managing risk factors and powerful new treatments, advanced Alzheimer’s disease – dementia – will be very rare.” 

https://brainsciences.scot/how-to-join-us/

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended more than 1,000 calls from the public during an eight-hour period on Bonfire Night. 

There were also six reported attacks on crews within three hours, however no injuries have been reported.  

Two attacks took place in Edinburgh, three in Clydebank, and one in Blackridge in West Lothian. 

Initial figures indicate that crews responded to approximately 347 bonfires and 598 incidents across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, 5 November.  

In the run up to the event, SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and unsafe bonfires with a message to consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services. 

Andy Watt, Deputy Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism and resilience of our frontline crews. 

“Operations Control firefighters answered over 1,000 calls tonight and have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most. 

“Unfortunately, several of our crews came under attack across Scotland, with six attacks within three hours. 

“Crews were bombarded with missiles and fireworks while responding to emergency incidents. 

“These attacks prevent our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, and can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene.  

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe across the Bonfire period.” 

Last night Tuesday, 5 November police officers in Edinburgh responded to various incidents of youth disorder in Niddrie, Sighthill and Moredun.  

Large groups gathered in these areas before throwing fireworks, bottles and bricks at police vehicles and other cars.  

Two fire service appliances were also attacked during this time. 

No injuries to emergency service workers or members of the public were reported. 

However Police Scotland said that throughout the country serious disorder during Bonfire Night have fallen this year. 

In 2023, specialist resources as part of Operation Moonbeam were deployed on 26 separate occasions during the evening of 5 November.  

This year, 18 deployments were required during the same period. 

The overall number of fireworks-related calls has remained consistent to previous years, however, the number of officers injured has reduced significantly, compared to last year. 

During the Operation Moonbeam deployment for October and November 2023, a total of 62 officers sustained injuries after being targeted with fireworks and other projectiles. 

To date, one officer was injured on Halloween evening after a brick was thrown through the window of her police vehicle in Edinburgh.  

No further injuries to officers have so far been reported. One person has been arrested and charged in relation to this assault. 

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam said: “I firstly want to recognise the outstanding courage and professionalism of all of those emergency service workers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep communities safe. 

“Their actions ensured that some of the challenging scenes we witnessed this year did not escalate into mass disorder, on the scale of what we experienced last year. 

“Nevertheless, the levels of violence and aggression police officers, fire service and ambulance service personnel faced in some areas was wholly unacceptable and a significant investigative response is now underway to identify each and every one of those involved and bring them to justice. 

“In advance of Bonfire Night 2024, local policing teams across Scotland have worked diligently with local authority and third sector partners to make positive in-roads with communities and identify some of the root causes that lead to disorder.  

“In addition, this engagement has resulted in an increase in the intelligence we have received from the public, allowing us to take preventative enforcement action before crimes could occur. 

“Throughout Operation Moonbeam, we have utilised all legislation and policing powers at our disposal and we will continue our discussions with local authorities and Scottish Government to explore further opportunities for reducing fireworks offences for next year and moving forward.”

Organisations supporting children, teenagers and young adults across Scotland are today sharing in £1,371,545 from Young Start. 

Young Start is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund and it awards money from dormant bank accounts to projects that help young people across Scotland reach their full potential.

One of 15 groups who will benefit from a share of -the funding is Musselburgh based charity, Teapot Trust. Through the gentle process of art therapy, Teapot Trust supports children and young people living with chronic illness who are struggling with their mental health. Thanks to funding of £50,700 they will be able to continue providing this service for another two years. 

One 9-year-old participant who attends Young Voices said: “I like this group because it makes me feel calm. You can be who you are because there are other people with arthritis.” 

Ally Lloyd, Participation Officer, Young Voices, said: “It’s incredible to have this support from Young Start.  Over the last year we have been working with children and young people with chronic illness who have taken part in art therapy with us, to understand what help they need.  They have told us that they need more support around transitions, chronic illness and grief and get more chances to meet peers. 

“They’ve already got some brilliant ideas about what can be done next, involving others and making a difference.  It’s brilliant to think that now, thanks to this funding, we can make this happen.” 

Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We are always delighted to support such a broad range of projects that are driven by what young people want and need from their communities.” 

“Organisations like Teapot Trust support young people to gain new skills and look after their own wellbeing and we’re delighted that Young Start funding will help them grow and develop this vital work. “ 

www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk     

Niddrie Mains Road is currently closed between Duddingston Road West and Duddingston Park South.  

The public are being asked to avoid the area. 

Operation Moonbeam resources are assisting local officers in the Niddrie area following reports of youths throwing fireworks at vehicles.  

There are no reported injuries are enquiries are ongoing.  

An eye witness from Niddrie Mains Road told the Edinburgh Reporter that a vehicle had been set on fire and that 15 police vans full of officers in riot gear were in the vicinity. Local people were on the streets watching the events.

A Police spokesperson said: “If you have information about planned criminal activity involving fireworks this evening, please contact us 101. 

“ If you wish to report an ongoing crime then dial 999.” 

Further reports suggested fireworks were being set off in the city centre.

Lothian Buses have confirmed that the service 400 has been withdrawn for the remainder of the day due to the disorder.

A supposed “overspend” of £100,000 on Linlithgow’s Burgh Halls is actually the amount the venue  is unlikely to make for the council this financial year.  

The figure was included in 17 pages of dire financial forecasts presented to a meeting of the council Executive this week. 

It prompted questions and comments from all three local councillors – and revelation that proposals for the future of the Burgh Halls would come to councillors by the turn of the year – more than six months after an initial financial report was announced in June.  

The paper on the projected budget shortfall by interim director of  finance Kenneth Ribbons highlighted: “An overspend of £100,000 has been forecast at Burgh Halls due to under recovery of income. This is being offset through staffing vacancies with work continuing on a long-term business plan for Burgh Halls. 

“Reduced staffing costs across the service resulting from the introduction of council wide recruitment control measures and savings made as a result of the temporary cessation of nonessential supplies spending brings the overall forecast position to £100,000 below budget.”  

For the SNP group Councillor Pauline Orr asked: “For clarification, an overspend of  £100,000 at the burgh halls due to under recovery of income. What is that?. 

 Mr Ribbons replied: “It means that it is income that has been budgeted for.” 

 Councillor Orr said: “So are we saying that we would get X from the cafe, X from the rental  and so on. So those expectations have not been met? 

 He agreed. 

 “Are we doing anything to try and change that”, asked Councillor Orr. 

 Greg Welsh, head of primary education, within whose remit the Burgh Halls sits, told the meeting: “Officers are currently undertaking work to look at a longer term business plan for the Burgh Halls and that is set to come before the Corporate Policy PDSP by the turn of the year.” 

Labour Councillor Tom Conn also questioned the overspend saying: “This is a target which is assigned and not met. If targets are increased and the previous target has not been met, are we not creating the problem? 

“If the targets are failing then it has nothing to do with the facility, it is to do with the expectation of the targets.”   

Mr Welsh said that the target of income generation would be addressed as part of the  plan going forward.  

Councillor Danny Logue asked whether someone with retail hospitality experience should be involved at the Burgh Halls as there had been when similar problems were identified at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston. 

 Linlithgow’s Lib Dem Sally Pattle  defended staff saying: “I’m going to address Councillor Logue’s comments about the staff and team at Burgh Halls. I’d like to reassure him that they really are experts at what they do. The packages they deliver really are top class particularly in the context of West Lothian.” 

Councillor Pattle  first called for reports on the future of the Burgh Halls in February after a projected loss of £77,000 was revealed at the venue which is marketed for weddings and gatherings.   

Councillor Conn followed up with a call for reassurances that a “holistic” review of how the Burgh Halls was used be delivered. 

There has also been criticism of opening hours at the building. Within Linlithgow there has been criticism that the venue is not managed or promoted properly by the council, stuck as it is into the educational services portfolio. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

It is “only a matter of time” before someone with ME dies in Scotland as a result of poor healthcare support.

The lack of healthcare support for people with ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is being raised at Holyrood this week alongside a demand that MSPs take action.

The #MEAction Scotland volunteers will be at Holyrood all week telling politicians about the condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, including thousands who have developed ME following Covid-19.

The Scottish Chief Medical Officer issued recommendations in 2002 for ME services to be rolled out. More than two decades on and there are no specialists and only NHS Lothian treats people with ME in Scotland. Not one doctor in NHS Scotland specialises in treatment of the condition.

The Scottish Government’s commitment to implementing the 2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS gave some hope of improvement, but three years later the ME and Long Covid communities are still waiting for the support and services they need.

Judith Stark, spokesperson for #MEAction Scotland says “We believe it is only a matter of time before a patient with severe/very severe ME dies in Scotland due to the lack of health care provision and the extremely limited training for healthcare professionals.”  

Janet Sylvester, founder of #MEAction Scotland, first discovered the lack of understanding of ME and the gaps in support when her daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with ME in 2012.

She said: “The lack of support for people with ME has been recognised in numerous Government reports over the past 22 years.” 

“14 years after Emma was diagnosed, very little has changed and I really feel that implementing the NICE guideline in Scotland would make a huge difference in helping health professionals understand what they can do, as well as leading to the development of services across Scotland.”

#MEScotland believes the urgent need for support has been underlined following the inquest into the death of Maeve Boothby O’Neill, a 27-year-old woman who had severe ME. She tragically died of malnutrition in 2021 as the hospital lacked the knowledge to treat her. 

A Prevention of Future Deaths report was issued last month. Whilst the report’s recommendations are focussed on NHS England, the situation in NHS Scotland is even worse for people with ME due to the lack of specialists and specialist services. 

The campaign for support for people with ME in Scotland has gathered pace since Covid-19, with evidence suggesting that around 50% of people with Long Covid have ME. A conservative estimate is that the number of people with ME has increased at least threefold since Covid, with an estimate of 58,000 people now having ME. This is five times more than the number of people with Multiple Sclerosis and seven times more than Parkinson’s.

Ben Macpherson MSP is sponsoring the information stall at The Scottish Parliament.

He said:“It’s a privilege to be collaborating with #MEAction Scotland, and to assist them in their work to support people with ME across Scotland.

“Currently around 58,000 people in Scotland are affected by ME, and engaging with MSPs helps to raise awareness of ME, its connection to Long Covid, and the debilitating impact on those living with the condition. 

“The volunteers at #MEAction Scotland deserve huge credit for their dedication to campaigning to help make sure that those with ME in Scotland have access to the appropriate care, support, and specialist treatment.” 

#MEAction Scotland volunteers will be in the Parliament from 5th to 7th November to engage with MSPs. They will be asking MSPs to support their call for ME services and specialist leads for ME across NHS Scotland. 

The growing financial crisis threatening West Lothian Council has been laid bare after the Head of Finance revealed an £8.1 million overspend at the six month point of the current financial year. 

Kenneth Ribbons, the council’s interim Chief Financial Officer described the state of the council books as “unprecedented” and said: “We have never experienced a forecast budget position of this magnitude.” 

But while spiralling costs of statutory duties – those the council must carry out – account for the vast majority of the overspend, the SNP group accused the administration of “incompetence.” 

Finance officers have proposed a package of money saving measures including  a recruitment freeze and widespread cuts in all non- essential services. 

These could eventually mean non-statutory service cut back in areas such as subsidised transport. 

This latest update confirms that West Lothian Council has an overspend this year (2024/25) of over £8.1 million. That means that more savings are now required to allow the council to balance its budget – something the council is legally required to do. 

 Two key areas are fuelling the overspend – homeless accommodation and care of the elderly. All councils have a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation to anyone presenting as homeless and, on average, 187 clients per night were accommodated in B&B between April and September. 

The increasing elderly population means that demand is increasing for services such as care homes and additional agency/locum costs, and housing with care services.  

The forecast position for the council’s Adults & Older People Service is an overspend of over £6 million. 

There is significant growth in commissioned adult social care, in demand for packages of care, both due to client numbers and overall individual complexity, with forecast overspend of £5.119 million. 

Mr Ribbons told a meeting of the Executive: “The current position is not sustainable and councils across the country face very similar challenges. 

“Urgent measures are needed to address the situation so that we’re able to balance our budget.” 

“It is also important to identify other sources of income as a longer-term option which would potentially generate additional funding to help protect local services.” 

Councillor Pauline Stafford, the SNP depute group leader said: “This is a really sobering paper highlights the serious situation this council is in. To have a projected overspend jump by £2.6m million in the space of two months since the last review and to be in a position where we are proposing sweeping measures like the cessation of non-essential spending without any information on how that is likely to affect our constituents. 

“I think it shows the incompetence of this Labour administration and a failure to plan.” 

 She added: “The issues facing this council are serious but they’re not a shock, we have known these are coming we have a rising age demographic. This administration has failed to understand the situation on the ground in West Lothian or to meet these challenges.” 

 Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle said: “I was really shocked when I read this. This is beginning to become frightening about what this council will be able to deliver. I would like to thank the officers for the clarity in the report; it couldn’t be clearer. I know that we are not alone, but it does increasingly feel that we are in a desperate situation, particularly with regard to social care. 

“I am really concerned about the stress that is being placed on officers who are being asked to find these savings constantly when we know that there is very little left we are able to cut and those be asked to deliver increasingly meagre services.”  

 “I really hope that Holyrood and Westminster are taking note of this perilous situation and are going to offer support in the coming months.” 

 Councillor Ann McMIllian, Labour said she was surprised at the SNP ‘s “derogatory” comments about incompetence and a failure to plan given the Scottish Government’s “last minute” announcement of the council tax freeze last year. “Substantial and prolonged underfunding by the Scottish Government has led us here”, she added. 

 She added: “I hope future funding will reflect these costs especially in social care” 

Labour veteran Councillor Tom Conn said: “Our financial position is not of our making. This was a car crash that everybody could see was going to take place except the SNP group who looked the other way. There was no accident here.  

 He highlighted how Scottish ministers   suggested they would consider another council tax freeze if additional money came from Westminster. 

“You never learn. Council tax freeze doesn’t help councils. There is more money coming from Westminster. It’s how you use it to support services rather than fantasy projects.” 

Councillor Moira Mckee-Shemilt, SNP, said: “I have been in the council since 2017 and I have never ever, ever heard the Labour Tory coalition take responsibility for anything ever. It’s always the Scottish Government there must be some amount of self-reflection for the decision making you have done. There has been enough to be self reflective upon.” 

 Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick paid tribute to: “top-class officers who work very very hard.” He added: “Officers in our public service are dedicated.” 

He said that the problem for local government had been the eight council tax freezes imposed which shattered the economies of councils which faced year on year price increases because of the cost of living.  

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

AFG Media is the parent company of MorphCostumes which makes Morphsuits – and one of their initial investors from 2012 has just exited the business with a pay off of more than ten times their original stake.

The investor – BGF – is one of the largest growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland. The company originally invested £4.2 million in a minority stake 12 years ago. The exit was achieved through a company and management buy back and was a strong return on their investment.

BGF have worked with the Morphsuit brand over the years and supported their merger with Digital Dudz in 2013 as well as their other acquisitions.

Patrick Graham, Head of Scotland and Northern Ireland at BGF, said: “It’s hugely gratifying to hand our minority stake back to the owners and wider AFG Media team after twelve years of close partnership.

“The business today is almost unrecognisable to the one we invested in, and we firmly believe that our patient approach was central to realising the huge potential of Fraser, Ali and Gregor’s eye-catching original idea. I look forward to following the company’s future successes and seeing their unique products popping up in ever more far-flung locations.”

Fraser Smeaton, Co-founder of AFG Media, said: “BGF invested at a vital time for our business, and we are hugely grateful for its patience in some of the tougher times, particularly through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the breadth of the support they provided over the last twelve years.

“We are now focused on scaling the business further, entering new markets and developing incredible new costumes.”

A substation at the heart of a £1.6 billion project to create an underwater “super highway” to bring offshore energy into the UK network has been given the go ahead despite protests.

East Lothian Councillors today approved SP Energy plans for the National Grid connection.

The application is a key part of plans to create an Eastern Link between Torness and County Durham which aims to turn the North Sea into an energy powerhouse for the future.

However planning convenor Norman Hampshire raised concerns about out-dated planning rules which were allowing major developments under ‘green’ energy guidelines.

He told the meeting: “We need to change the process and bring it up to date to deal with renewable technology which is being set up all over the countryside.”

The committee heard there had been 60 objections to the substation with concerns raised by local communities about the cumulative effect of its approval.

Objectors said dozens of other projects were preparing to ‘bolt on’ to the substation in what one described as an ‘algal bloom’ of industrial sites which will spread out over the countryside.

The SP Energy application was for a 400 kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation at Branxton which it is expected will be linked by up to 12km of underground cables to a converter station and landfall sites in East Lothian with 176km sub-sea cables linking the Torness and County Durham sites.

However the substation, which it is estimated could take up to five years to construct with work going on six days a week as it is built,  sparked concern from local communities who said East Lothian has already taken an  ‘unfair amount’ of renewable projects.

East Lammermuir Community Council said that while it supported renewable energy the substation would be “key to all of the other developments” and “major schemes” in the area.

And neighbouring West Barns Community Council said it had concerns about the cumulative impact of the number of energy projects focused around the site.

Councillors also voiced concern over the inability to consider other potential projects when determining the substation application.

Councillor Hampshire said legislation had been designed for a different time when an individual smaller substation might be built, and did not allow them to consider the wider impact of modern projects.

He said: “We need to write to Scottish Government asking for this to be looked at and policy changes to be made.”

However he said, under the current planning process, the substation did meet requirements.

Councillors approved additional conditions urging the developers to work with the community to ensure local benefits come from the project as well as discussing construction plans with them.

The committee unanimously approved the application.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter