Scottish Hockey is deeply disappointed after receiving confirmation that hockey will not be one of the sports at Glasgow 2026.

After Victoria, Australia, pulled out of hosting the Games in 2026, finding a solution that could sustain the Commonwealth Games was the priority and, for Scotland to bring the Games back to Glasgow, it was clear there would have to be compromise to the programme to financially deliver the event.

The organisation feels for all the athletes, staff and officials who will miss out and the organisation claimed hockey is a core sport in the Commonwealth Games.

A spokesman said the sport has been included in every Games since its debut at Kuala Lumpur 1998, and they argued that Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre was part of the Games in Glasgow in 2014. The arena has a track record of hosting international events.

Scottish Hockey CEO Derek Keir said: “Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth Nations and the FIH.

“Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience.”

The Commonwealth Games Federation is clear that any decision not to include a sport in the 2026 sports programme does not impact or set a precedent on the sport’s position in future Games.

Keir added: “Scottish Hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams participating at the top end of our sport. Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”

PICTURE: Scotland women in action at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre in a recent international. Picture Nigel Duncan

Rainbows

Our featured image today was taken at the weekend by professional photographer, Arch White, who spotted the rainbow while he was on top of Blackford Hill.

Arch said: “Wind and a rainbow greeted anyone hardy enough to visit Blackford Hill with a temperature of
14 degrees centigrade and wind of 40km/h to 55km/h.”

Success at the Mòd

Join FW(S) Makar Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, for two online events in his Makarations & Makarobatics series this autumn, celebrating poetry and literary translation in the languages of Scotland. As always these events will be live-streamed on the Federation of Writers (Scotland) Newsfeed page on Facebook, shared in the Facebook Group, and made available for catch-up on the Federation website.

FRIENDS OF MIDMAR PADDOCK

The Friends of Midmar Paddock is the group set up in 2018 to campaign to preserve the paddock which borders the Blackford Hill and Hermitage of Braid Local Nature Reserve as unbuilt green space.

The organisation keep in touch with local politicians and the public, the local community council and the landowner.

Friends of Midmar Paddock (FMP) say: “Plans are currently being drawn up for an extensive development at Midmar Paddock, which could include houses and a private care home. 

“An application for planning permission has not yet been made, as far as we are aware, but given the potential scale of the development, it is likely to trigger a requirement to consult with the local community.”

Now the group needs some extra help.
Following the introduction of Local Place Plans (LPPs), the Friends of Midmar Paddock (FMP) are urgently seeking volunteers to help over the next two months with:
        a.    preparing a Power Point presentation for discussion at a public meeting and
        b.    organizing and implementing online and social media consultations on an LPP
 
Why? The sales particulars of Midmar Paddock on the Strutt & Parker website show “Sale Agreed”, so an application for planning permission to build may be imminent. If granted, this would lead to a terrible loss to the community.
 
What?  Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act of 2019, LPPs are community-led plans setting out how the local community wishes to see the future use of the land.  FMP consider it vital to have an LPP prepared and submitted exclusively for Midmar Paddock.  As a basis for such a plan, FMP proposes to hold a public consultation involving both social media and at least one public meeting to demonstrate public involvement and support for the Plan.
 
Once completed and then registered by the planning authority, the LPP must be taken into account in the preparation of the next local development plan – City Plan 2040. 
 
When?  We do not know what the buyer may try to build on the Paddock or when an application for planning permission will be made but we must be prepared well in advance. Having an LPP in place will prove very important in the event of a planning application being submitted.
 
Confirming that FMP is urgently seeking volunteers to help over the next two months with: 

1. If you have the skill and time to help with either of these or wish to discuss how else you could help the campaign then get in touch.  All ideas are welcome savemidmarpaddock@gmail.com

Five chapters in White House history

President of The White House Historical Association, Stewart McLaurin, will present a talk – Five Chapters in White House History on 31 October at 6pm for Edinburgh World Heritage at Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PG.

The White House Historical Association was founded by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 to share the history of The White House in Washington D.C.

Stewart has been President for ten years and he has grown the cultural and educational programme with award-winning books, a video series and events to ensure that the history is preserved for future generations.

This talk reviews 232 years of White House history focusing on four key dates etched into the Entrance Hall’s floor – and one more.

Tickets for online and in person attendance here.

EWH’s events this year are sponsored by James Thomson’s The Witchery.

Castle to go dark on Wednesday

On the evening of Wednesday 23 October, Edinburgh Castle will lose mains power

As part of planned repairs, Edinburgh Castle will lose mains power for an estimated two to three hours from 5pm on Wednesday 23 October.

It will be the first time in five years that this dramatic monument in Edinburgh’s skyline has gone dark, as the Castle is usually floodlit. The last time power was shut off to Edinburgh Castle was in 2019, when electrical LV feeder pillars were installed on-site.

This time, the power will be temporarily shut off to allow essential repairs to the high voltage cable trays and brackets. The trays and brackets have corroded, in part due to the increased temperature and humidity experienced in Edinburgh as part of climate change.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will have satellite events in Portobello Town Hall and at Leith Arches to help people stay local and celebrate New Year’s Day on their home turf. And Edinburgh’s Idlewild will perform on 30 December at the Night Afore Concert.

In Portobello on New Year’s Day, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay keeps the party going with a welcome boost of VITAMIN C at Portobello Town Hall.

The Vitamin C club night hosted by BBC Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), will begin 2025 with a night of rock’n’roll, cosmic disco, soul and everything in between, including full band live sets from alt-rock legends The Vaselines, the infectious indie-pop rhythms of Glasgow’s Sacred Paws, and a night of dancefloor classics with DJ sets from Django Django’s Dave Maclean, and Vic Galloway & Andy Wake themselves. 

DJ & Vitamin C host Vic Galloway said: “Andy and I have been spinning the “platters that matter” and hosting our VITAMIN C nights since the start of 2023, but it’s a real thrill for us to put on our biggest night yet in Porty Town Hall as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. It’s a brilliant venue and promises to be the very best way to start 2025, with alternative legends The Vaselines headlining, joyous support from Sacred Paws, and a party DJ set from Django Django. Shake off the night before, and indeed the year before, with a proper Porty knees-up and some fun, festival vibes by the sea. See you down the front!”

Eugene Kelly, The Vaselines said:“The Vaselines are chuffed and excited to be starting 2025 with a gig as part of the Vitamin C Club at the fantastic Portobello Town Hall. It’ll be our first visit to Portobello and to play in such a beautiful venue which has become beacon for local arts and culture will be a New Year’s Day thrill. See you on the beach!”

A free Family Ceilidh takes place in Portobello Town Hall throughout the afternoon, with Bella McNab’s Dance Band providing the dancing tunes, and a special performance from Edinburgh community Street Band collective Oi Musica! 

Meanwhile in Leith there will be a New Year’s Day Club Night continuing into the wee sma hours with Scottish DJ Hayley Zalassi and an all female line up featuring SWATT Team and Disco T*ts. Glasgow based DJ and Producer, Hayley Zalassi will bring her love of all things House to the Arches, with a euphoric set guaranteed to have music fans dancing their way into 2025, with special guest sets from Edinburgh’s own SWATT Team and local duo Disco Tits. A New Year’s Day to remember at the Arches, for those with a shared love of house and old skool tunes! 

Also on New Year’s Day in the city centre, the return of the First Footin’ culture trail and Sprogmanay will see the very first music gigs of 2025 in a packed programme of free music and events with line-ups to be announced early November. 

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said, “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is once again set to be a spectacular celebration, with events taking place across the city from St. Giles’ Cathedral and Assembly Rooms to Leith Arches and Portobello Town Hall. This diverse programme promises to be an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike, featuring live music, ceilidh dancing, and breathtaking views of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. I’m excited to see Edinburgh continue to shine as the place to welcome in the New Year.” 

31 December

Texas headline in Princes Street Gardens with Callum Beattie for the Midnight Moment with an expected 45,000 people expected to be in Princes Street at the separate Street Party with a carnival atmosphere, street theatre and lots of food and drink to choose from

New Year’s Eve Revels at Assembly Rooms

‘Maximum Ceilidh Edition’, ensuring partygoers bring in the bells in style on Tuesday 31 December. With more live ceilidh bands than ever before across two dancefloors, guests can birl’ through the bells straight into 2025 with high-energy tunes all night long from Jimi Shandrix Experience, Bella McNab’s Dance Band, Hugh MacDiarmid’s Haircut and Bodhran Bodhran. 

The Bairns New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms makes sure that little ones don’t miss out on the Hogmanay fun, with an afternoon event of ceilidh dancing and live music for all the family. Expert callers make sure that everyone can learn some moves and join in the fun. 

Plus, for a festive yet tranquil way to begin the New Year, the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral will once again host a very special evening, as the St. Giles’ Cathedral Choir, directed by Michael Harris, with the St. Giles’ Camerata leader Angus Ramsay, are joined by a stunning array of talented young soloists. This year’s concert on Tuesday 31 December will mark the concluding three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Bach at his most exuberant in a stunning, atmospheric setting, as the beloved Cathedral celebrates its 900th anniversary. 

30 December The Night Afore

Hot Dub Time Machine will get the party started at the Night Afore in Princes Street Gardens.

Idlewild will headline the Night Afore Concert on 30 December at Assembly Rooms. The indie rock band formed in Edinburgh in 1995 and now after nine albums they have many classic tracks to choose from. Frontman Roddy Woomble will lead the line-up showing their calibre as one of Scotland’s best exports. And keeping some of the surprises under wraps the rest of the line-up will be announced soon.

Idlewild frontman Roddy Woomble said: “We’re excited to be joining the Hogmanay celebrations in the band’s home in Edinburgh and getting the party started early!” 

www.edinburghshogmanay.com 

On Monday national and local government officials joined members of the Armed Forces community for the opening of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance by the Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge.

The poignant event marks the start of the 2024 Remembrance period, where a short open-air service was held.

The attendees paid tribute to servicemen and women who gave their lives, as well as remembering the sacrifices of today’s Armed Forces and their families, during the short service led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland.

The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland performed, along with piper Rory Cairns. The Lord Provost and Paul McLennan MSP, representing Scottish Government both laid wreaths along with many others representing a wide range of organisations.

Legion Scotland Events Manager, Brian Ward, said: “Despite a weather warning in place and a few gusts of wind, this was a wonderful occasion which was very well attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and other dignitaries from across our capital city and of course Scotland.

“It was truly lovely to see so many people turn out, as well as the many passers-by who stopped to reflect and pay their respects to our fallen.” 

The event is organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, and it also marks the start of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal, which will run until Remembrance Sunday on 10 November.

The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until Remembrance Sunday for residents and visitors to pay their own tributes.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.

A collection of sketches by the leading Scottish Colourist painter, John Duncan Fergusson, sold for nearly £12,000 at auction in Edinburgh.

The 11 sketches in conté pencil were created by Fergusson between 1897 and 1921, and kept by the artist in books.

They included a sketch which is believed to show the artist and his muse, the American illustrator Anne Estelle Rice, and a late 19th century portrait of his mother, Christina Fergusson.

Others depicted elegant women in wide-brimmed hats, a man smoking, a couple “promenading” and dancers, sketched around 1907-10 during Fergusson’s time living and painting in Paris.

The studies went under the hammer at Bonhams Edinburgh, where they fetched £11,968.

Leo Webster, picture specialist at Bonhams in Edinburgh, said: “Fergusson always had a sketch book with him. He would often draw cafe scenes and fashionable ladies in their hats.

“In these sketches, made over a period of around 20 years, we can see the artist’s progression from the more traditional techniques in the portrait of his mother Christina around 1897 to his later sketches after he had settled in France and channelled the modern influences that were around him.”

J.D. Fergusson was born in Edinburgh in 1874, the eldest of four children in a family of successful wine merchants originally. He spent long periods living and working in Paris, perfecting his craft and developing his own modern style.

Fergusson met Anne Estelle Rice in Paris in 1907, two years after she was posted to the city to illustrate the latest chic Parisian fashions for a magazine.

Fergusson, who died in 1961, left the sketches to his long term partner, the dancer and choreographer Margaret Morris, and they later formed part of a private collection.

Former Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022-2024) and winner of the The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, Joseph Coelho OBE, will this week appear at his first event in Edinburgh since making the big move from Kent to Musselburgh last month. 

Joseph will appear alongside acclaimed illustrator Kate Milner at Waterstones West End, Princes St, on Wednesday 23rd October at 6pm to chat about their playful and moving tale of self-discovery, Carnegie Medal-winning The Boy Lost in the Maze.  

Joseph and Kate will be in-conversation with the brilliant Vivian French.  
 
In his verse novel, Joseph Coelho brilliantly blends Greek myth with a 21^st-century quest.  

In Ancient Greece Theseus makes a dangerous and courageous journey to find his father, finally meeting the Minotaur in the Labyrinth.  

While Theo, a modern-day teenage boy, finds himself on a maze-like quest to find his own father.  

Each story tells of a boy becoming a man and discovering what true manhood really means. 

The path to self-discovery takes Theo through ‘those thin spaces where myth, magic and reality combine’. Doubts, difficulties and dangers must be faced as Theo discovers the man he will become.  

This event will be followed by a Q&A and a signing and is sure to be a great night so grab your tickets now (tickets from £5 available here or by calling 0131 226 2666). 

Locals in one of Edinburgh’s smallest communities have banded together to fight against a neighbouring quarry’s plan to nearly double in size, a move they say will bring ‘earthquake-like’ blasts closer to their homes.

A proposed south-westerly extension of Bonnington Mains Quarry would move drilling and blasting towards Bonnington Village, located just half a kilometre away.

The expansion into “prized” agricultural could bring the quarry “within 200 metres” of houses, which residents say are already left shaking from the nearby construction aggregate mining operations near Ratho.

Quarry owners Breedon are yet to submit full plans, but a pre-application notice lodged with Edinburgh Council last year has raised eyebrows in the community, prompting the formation of the ‘Stop the Quarry’ group.

It’s founder, Valerie Thrush-Denning, said: “We’re going to get the vibrations, get the shakes, is this going to actually damage the houses down here? That’s a real concern, because we sit on the same rock.

“There’s also the noise, the dust. Surely they should not be working so close in such proximity to residents, to houses, to where people live.”

Bonnington Mains Quarry opened in the early 1990s and has produced millions of tonnes of construction aggregates since. It closed in 2011 and re-opened again in 2018.

“You can’t say ‘well you shouldn’t live near a quarry,” Valerie said.

“The quarry has come to us. We’ve not moved in and are then complaining; the houses have been around 200 years or something.”

Bonnington Village resident Jackie Wright has joined the group’s efforts to oppose the expansion, after her decision to retire led her to realise the full extent of the disturbances blasts can cause.

“If I was at work I wouldn’t know any of this and there’s a lot of people in the village that don’t because they’re not here,” she said.

“We’ve always experienced the blasts but it certainly has got a lot worse as the months have gone on.

“You just don’t know if the ceiling is going to come down, because you’re in the situation whereby your solid home is shaking.

“We’ve got very very thick wallpaper on our walls, so I don’t know what cracking is going on behind that. But the whole house vibrates, it’s like an earthquake.

“We’re all so affected by it and we don’t know it’s coming.

“I’m not exaggerating, this is pretty scary stuff. And the worry is that if they get permissions there will be more blasting. If they get the go ahead then the sky’s the limit. Roughly once a month is bad enough.”

Earlier this year Breedon asked the council to scrap a rule requiring levels of air overpressure – shockwaves that travels through the air when explosives are detonated – to be kept below 120 decibels when measured at nearby properties.

They argued the condition was “unenforceable and unreasonable” due to difficulties obtaining accurate measurements. However councillors did not grant their request after community councillors and members of Stop the Quarry highlighted the impact on local residents from blasts which they said already exceeded the limit on most occasions. This has since been appealed to the Scottish Reporter.

Valerie was “delighted” at councillors’ decision, which went against planning officers’ recommendation to approve, and came after “a lot of time and money” invested by the campaign.

However the group now faces an uphill battle against Breedon’s expansion plans. Among their biggest challenges will be sifting thorough thousands of documents – something local civil engineer and Stop the Quarry member Paul Fisher became familiar with while digging into the application to remove blast limits.

He said: “Looking at it and reading just synopses of some of those documents including an environmental impact assessment, has led me to believe that I don’t have a lot of trust in what they’re saying. 

“There was some very misleading statements being made, claims being made that really couldn’t be justified and in the wider context of quarrying across the world didn’t really stand up to scrutiny. I just thought I needed to get involved and help local people to raise our voices as a community.

“I’ve noticed heavy lorry traffic volumes going up and it can only increase should the quarry get the go ahead. It’s dangerous.

“That’s just one aspect, and yet the environmental impact assessment which Breedon submitted says that traffic isn’t an issue. And they have chosen to say the effects are going to be minimal. I just think that is wrong. I only need to find one thing like that that makes we think I’ve not got a lot of confidence in what they are saying.”

Paul added the “end point of all of this” would be local people “frightened in their own homes”.

Valeries husband Ray, said: “If they get the permission that they are seeking, or will be seeking if they eventually put in the application, we’ll be talking about a field which at the moment is under agriculture and they’re starting at the top and going down, and the whole pattern of work for a period of work is going to be totally different from what we’ve been experiencing.

“It’ll be closer but also different because they’re going to have to start in one place to start the quarry and open it up.

“This field is classified as countryside and within the City Plan wording is designated as the equivalent of greenbelt. And within the greenbelt you can’t do anything.”

Valerie highlighted the field earmarked for the quarry expansion was also “prime agricultural land, countryside which is not supposed to be touched”.

She said: “The farmer was saying that particular stretch of land, that field has been in the Guiness Book of Records several times for high yield.

“He’s absolutely beside himself they are going to quarry it.

Paul added: “It would be a huge loss of prized agricultural land.”

Breedon was contacted for comment.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Nearly 500 objections to a £54million flood protection scheme have been lodged with East Lothian Council.

The Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS) was formally notified in March this year after councillors rejected calls for it to be paused amid concern it would lose Scottish Government funding.

Now a report to councillors has revealed 470 ‘valid’ objections were recorded, but it said a further 357 responses were ruled invalid with 55 of them rejected because they did not give their address.

Around 140 responses were dismissed because they were duplicates of one already received while other reasons given for not accepting them ranged from late submission to not containing an objection and not being made in writing.

The Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme (MFPS) has sparked controversy in the town after costs soared from the original £8.9m in 2016 to a current estimate of £53.9million.

In January councillors approved the outline design for the scheme which they were told needed to be submitted to Scottish Government by the end of March to qualify for 80 per cent funding in a current cycle of grants.

Opponents of the MFPS, which includes the introduction of high walls through the town centre, wanted it paused claiming not enough work has been carried out to find ‘natural solutions’ instead of walls. They claimed less than a tenth of the outline design for the scheme uses natural options.

The Musselburgh project aims to protect the town from flooding from the coast and the River Esk which runs through its centre. Current plans include 4.7km of flood walls with 1.7km made up of “flood embankments and hybrid structures”.

The report on responses after its submission breaks down the areas where the objectors live revealing 372 lived in the EH21 postcode but 66 did not live in East Lothian with two not evening living in Scotland.

It says: “Musselburgh has a population of circa 21,700 as defined in the 2022
census and the percentage of relevant objectors to this population equates
to less than 2 per cent.”

The council has written to ‘relevant objectors’ offering to meet them to discuss their concerns in an attempt to try and persuade them to withdrawn objections.

If despite remaining objections councillors decide to push ahead with the scheme their decision will be sent to Scottish Ministers who will advise them on the next step which could involve holding a public local inquiry or a local hearing.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A record number of almost two million international tourists flocked to Scotland in the first six months of this year, spending around £1.5 billion.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics for the International Passenger Survey (IPS) show Scotland continued to outperform other parts of the UK.

They show there were a total of 1,975,000 visits to Scotland, representing a 14% increase on the same period last year and an increase of 46% compared with 2019.

Between January and June, international visitors spent almost £1.5 billion – up 2% on last year and 30% on 2019, in real terms, when adjusted for inflation.

European visitors were responsible for just over half of all trips, followed by North American visitors who continued to show the largest growth in visits, up 54% on 2023 figures.

Vicki Miller, CEO of VisitScotland, said: “These figures show that Scotland continues to be a destination of choice for international visitors in 2024 and is still outperforming other parts of the UK.

“They are a testament to the strength of Scotland’s offering with visits and spend up on 2019 and 2023, which was a record-breaking year for international visitors.

“These visitors, who stay longer and spend more, are crucial to our industry and the visitor economy, supporting businesses and communities across the country.

“Scotland’s strong international recovery has been a result of the work carried out by VisitScotland, industry and partners to drive demand over the last few years.

“We must continue building on this across our key markets, inspiring both domestic and international visitors through the channels we know they use to drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland.”

The figures show that between April and June alone there were over 1,358,000 international visitors, with a record spend of £1.2 billion.

According to VisitScotland’s 2023 visitor survey, more than 80% of international visitors said they were likely to recommend Scotland as a destination to friends and family, making this the top source of inspiration for visitors.

Over two thirds of European and nearly half of long-haul visitors said they were likely to return to Scotland in the next five years.

And more than 70% of international visitors revealed they stayed in two or more places during their trip.

The top drivers for taking a holiday in Scotland were landscapes and scenery, history and culture, outdoor activities, Scotland’s people and ancestral ties.

A recent VisitScotland survey also found that 89% of international and domestic visitors agreed their trip in Scotland “enhanced their physical and emotional wellbeing”.

Summerhall Management Ltd continues to defend itself against action by HMRC.

Director, Robert McDowell, said: “Summerhall Management is continuing to defend the petition to wind up the company that was recently served upon it.

“After papers were physically served on 4th October, our lawyers have now submitted answers to this petition confirming our intention to defend it – we have now been proffered a First Court Date of Monday 21st October 2024.

“To give some context and transparency, HMRC are pursuing Summerhall Management for over half a million pounds in corporation tax from many years ago, (for 2016, 2017, & 2018) claiming that we have made £1.5m undeclared profits in those 3 years, which our tax advisors and I believe is incorrect. According to our annual accounts since 2012 and verified by our independent accountants, Summerhall Management Ltd has in fact made a loss annually.

“The decision has been taken, under advisement, to continue to trade as far as possible within the prescribed restrictions imposed upon us. Our hope in continuing to trade is to protect the future of Summerhall, its staff, and its clients, following this action.

“These restrictions have been extremely challenging, especially without access to our bank accounts. We cannot pay out box office income, make essential stock purchases, pay suppliers, refund customers or pay our staff payroll.

“Our events calendar has also been severely impacted. Some events have been moved to alternative venues or cancelled, whilst events requiring no financial outlay can go ahead.

“We continue to work with our professional advisors and HMRC to defend our belief that no Corporation Tax is due, and hope that a resolution can be achieved which will allow us to deal with this and move on quickly.”

The buildings at Summerhall are owned by a family trust which put them on the market for sale with Cuthbert White, with a closing date on 18 September. Since then it has emerged that developers, AMA, may have been chosen as the preferred bidder. Read more here.

The Management company is the one which runs the business side – and if HMRC have frozen their bank accounts then it is difficult for the company to trade. There is a third entity the charity Summerhall Arts which is NOT involved in the running of the business which Robert McDowell has built up here since buying the former Dick Vet building. Summerhall Arts is a charity established earlier this year which has totally separate governance and finances from Summerhall Management.

A government watchdog has warned that Scotland’s prisons are vulnerable to cyber attacks by criminal hackers due to poor online security.

Scotland’s Auditor General has told the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) that a cyber attack could “significantly impact” both its finances and operation.

The public sector spending watchdog says SPS needs to be better prepared should “an attack or disaster occur” amid continuing “significant risks of cyber attacks to public bodies”.

The SPS’s 2022/23 Annual Audit Report said the risk made it “even more important” that the SPS ensures it has “appropriate policies and procedures in place”.

It warned SPS risked not being sufficiently protected against “common online threats” and also advised they should “ensure they have appropriate independent cyber accreditation”.

It recommends: “With the ever growing cyber risks faced, SPS should ensure that it is meeting the minimum requirements set out in the Public Sector Cyber Resilience Framework (PSCRF).”

The warning comes despite the SPS having already fallen victim to international hackers who targeted its website in January 2021.

Online criminals claiming to be linked to Morocco knocked the webpage offline for around an hour after they replaced normal content with a message saying “hacked by Morocco Hack Team”.

Prison chiefs launched an urgent investigation after the attack was detected at around 11am and the website was restored an hour later.

It has also emerged the SPS was rejected for two government-backed cyber security schemes — Cyber Essentials, an industry scheme helping organisations protect themselves against common online threats and for Public Services Network (PSN) accreditation.

According to the auditor’s report, PSN compliance is a way to report security arrangements and is “how a public body demonstrates that their organisation’s security arrangements, policies and controls are sufficiently rigorous for the Cabinet Office to allow the public sector body to interact with the PSN and those connected to it”.

The report says: “Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme that helps organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The base certification is a self-assessment that ensures protection against a variety of the most common cyber-attacks.

“Cyber Essentials is also a requirement under the Public Sector Cyber Resilience Framework (PSCRF). SPS were unsuccessful in their application for Cyber Essentials accreditation.”

The report adds: “SPS has also been rejected for Public Services Network (PSN) accreditation. PSN compliance is a way to report security arrangements.

“It is how a public body demonstrates that their organisation’s security arrangements, policies and controls are sufficiently rigorous for the Cabinet Office to allow the public sector body to interact with the PSN and those connected to it.

“With the ever growing cyber risks faced, SPS should ensure that it is meeting the minimum requirements set out in the Public Sector Cyber Resilience Framework (PSCRF).”

A spokeswoman for the SPS said: “SPS is currently taking steps to gain accreditation of Cyber Essentials, as we are with meeting the minimum requirements of the Public Sector Cyber Resilience Framework.”

The leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Cllr Cammy Day has been shortlisted for the Churches, Charities and Local Authorities (CCLA) Investment Management Limited annual councillor awards.

Cllr Debbi McCAll of Midlothian Council has also made the shortlist for the Community Champion award, and Cllr Norman Work has been nominated for the Lifetime Legend award.

Two of the younger councillors Ben Parker and Finlay McFarlane are also nominated. Cllr Parker is named in the Young Councillor of the Year category and Cllr McFarlane is on the shortlist for the Innovator of the Year award.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland said: “The judging panel was blown away by the number of extremely high quality nominations this year, with councillors up and down the country going the extra mile for residents.  

“The shortlist for the 2024 Cllr Awards represents some of the most devoted elected representatives in Scotland. With councils working under enormous pressure, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors achieve for the places we live.

“Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

CCLA is a leading specialist fund manager for local authorities and charities. When they began sponsoring the Cllr Awards they had 22 local authority accounts. Today, they have over 700 and this number is growing every month. They are owned by their clients – their mission is to serve the whole sector, regardless of size.

The winners of the awards will be announced on 14 November.

An LNER Azuma train has been named in honour of those who serve in the armed forces, and those who have served in the past.

The train, an 800111 unit, will run up and down the East Coast Main Line reminding everyone who sees it of those who lost their lives.

Former Royal Navy Petty Officer, Helen Firth, and Royal Air Force Senior Aircraftman, Will Warwick, officially launched the special named train at London King’s Cross ahead of its journey to Aberdeen. 

They are pictured alongside LNER’s special liveried InterCity 225 “For the Fallen” (Class 91 No. 91111) which is dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War One, “Thank You” was welcomed into service by former military personnel who now work for LNER.

James Downey, Director of Business Services, and Executive sponsor of LNER’s veterans’ community, said: “As a signatory of the Armed Forces covenant, we feel it is incredibly important to show our debt of gratitude to those who have served and continue to do so. We are proud that Azuma 800111 will carry our message of thanks. We hope this special livery acts as a moving reminder to all who see “Thank You” on our route.” 

People in a West Lothian town have vowed to stand up to plans to build homes on a memorial field where dozens of old soldiers had their ashes scattered. 

The Scottish Government backed plans to develop the hillside site which was once home to Bathgate’s war memorial – despite widespread objections including from the community council. 

And Labour Councillor Harry Cartmill, who led the opposition to the plan to desecrate what is considered as a hill of heroes, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I stand with my constituents as we fight this outrage tooth and nail – we won’t give up without our voices being listened to – this is not North Korea!”. 

Until 1995, the land off Napier Avenue was home to Bathgate’s 1925 built war memorial.  Beech trees were planted on the site at the time and many who had served in the First and Second World Wars had their ashes scattered around the trees.  

The memorial also commemorates those lost in the Korean war in the early 1950s. 

The original memorial site was built to include six semi-detached cottages – Veterans’ Cottages – for badly disabled veterans and their wives and families.  

TM Land Purchases won their appeal earlier this year and this week the Council’s Development Management committee will be given official notification that the firm has planning permission in principle to build homes on the site. 

Quite apart from the emotional upset caused by the plan being granted permission, neighbours of the site have long argued that the steep hills, narrow streets and access points make it impractical and dangerous to build more homes on the site.  

There are fears that up to fifty homes could be crammed onto the hill. 

Following two public meetings in the town the community council now has a twin track strategy. 

It aims to establish once and for all that the land was gifted to the town as Common Good and should never have been sold by West Lothian Council. 

It will also reinvestigate an earlier rejection of development on the site by the Scottish Government because of the unsuitability of access. 

Councillor Cartmill said that a recent meeting in the town   had been “filled with anger” at the plans. 

The latest meeting Councillor Cartmill said was to: “to focus on what could be done to fight the Scottish Government Reporter’s dreadful snub to democracy and his gross disregard to the memory of the greatest generation and to the natural environment of this site – all now sanctioned by Scottish Government Ministers.” 

The community council is now combing parish records to establish proof that the land was gifted to the town in the 1920s as the site of the war memorial. 

 A Freedom of Information request has also been sent to West Lothian Council requesting details of an initial plan to build on the site which was rejected by a Reporter of the Scottish Government’s Division of Environmental and Planning Appeals (DPEA). 

Councillor Cartmill said that the first DPEA decision had branded the site as unsuitable for housing. 

The town’s war memorial was moved down into town to a new site next to St John’s Church in May 1995 as part of the BBC’s Challenge Anneka programme after it was realised that the steep hillside, and narrow roads were making it increasingly difficult for visitors to access the site. 

The same logic should now be applied to the housing plans, say objectors. 

 Councillor Cartmill said there was anger in town that the council rushed to secure a Section 75 agreement with developers, a guarantee that money will flow into council coffers for each home built on the site.  

“The feeling was it was underhand and again grossly undemocratic – another FOI will be sent to the council for all details” , he said. 

The initial TM Land Purchases plan was refused by the council in January before that decision was overturned a few months later by a DPEA Reporter. 

The councillor added: “We were all angered that West Lothian Council’s Highways Engineer who attended the Development Management Meeting admitted ( as per the minute of the meeting) that he hadn’t even personally visited the site – the Reporter used his flawed judgement to somehow say the entrance / exit was suitable, which it’s clear to all who take time to visit, is grossly inadequate in width and crucially location.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Hibs produced a valiant performance against League leaders Rangers at Meadowbank on Sunday and looked to be heading for a memorable victory before the Glasgow side scored an equaliser in added time. 

Eilidh Adams dispatched from the penalty spot in the first half, before she had a second spot kick denied by Rangers ‘keeper Jenna Fife in the second 45. 

Rangers substitute Rio Hardy came on and snatched a point for the away side deep into stoppage-time, denying Hibs the win.  

“I am delighted with the performance,” said Scott despite the late agony. “I’m really proud of the group. All week we have worked really well to produce that level of performance today. 

“But I’m a little bit disappointed. It was a disappointing time to lose the equalising goal and I felt that the reward of having a victory today would have been better for the players considering what they put into the game. That’s not to say that we deserved to win, I actually think we did without being disrespectful. 

“We were playing against a top side and you have got to stay concentrated for the full 90 minutes. There’s a tinge of disappointment there because I thought the players deserved that one today.” 

Scott took the time to compliment every player in the squad – including those who did not feature in the game – for their efforts across the past week and ensuring past frustrating performances were not replicated once more. 

“We had a great game plan today. I have criticised the players before for us having a plan and them not executing it properly. But today, we got every move and every action spot on. 

“Rangers were good first half, they carved us open a couple of times and looked quite threatening. But, bar the shots off the woodwork, I thought we managed most of it pretty well. 

“Credit to every player in the group. There were a couple of players who didn’t get on today as well that have played their part all week to help us get that disciplined performance today. 

“We’ve managed the whole squad this week. 

“We have players unavailable due to illness and players on the bench who probably should not be there because they aren’t well, so credit to them for being honest and answering honestly when I’ve asked how they are – because everyone wants to play. 

“We’re raring to go and that’s the level of performance we can produce when we are all on the same page.” 

Skipper Rachael Boyle added: “Overall, the performance was exceptional from the girls. From back to front, the girls on the bench, everyone played their part today. 

“It feels like a defeat given they scored so late on. But you get punished at this level if you don’t switch on. 

“There were a lot of positives to take. We had a game plan coming into the game. You can see from the performance of the girls that we stuck to it. To a man, we were excellent. 

“The conditions were not great. It was not the type of the game that you can get the ball down and play. But from a battling perspective, I think we have certainly shown our qualities.” 

The international break gives the side a rest from competitive football for a fortnight, before the Hibees return to face Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium in two weekends time. 

With a handful of our players heading off to join up with the Scotland Under-23s squad for a friendly double-header, Boyle insists the remainder of the group will be preparing with intensity for the Dons clash. 

“It’s going to be a bit mismatch with a few players going off to national team camps, so we will have them away and then regroup when they are back. 

“But certainly the ones that are based at HTC will be working hard and we will be ready to go again.” 

The details of the first of the Castle Concerts next year have been announced today. The most streamed classical artist of all time, Ludovico Einaudi, will play on the castle esplanade on 10 July.

The pianist will come to Edinburgh following a five night stint at the Royal Albert Hall which has already sold out.

Einaudi has quietly become one of the most successful musicians in the world. His hauntingly beautiful and evocative music regularly tops the classical charts worldwide and he has performed to huge crowds at the world’s most prestigious venues.

John Stout, Castle Concerts said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Ludovico Einaudi, one of the world’s most popular classical artists, as part of the series at Edinburgh Castle next year. It will be incredibly special for the audience to experience his meditative, atmospheric music in such a breathtaking setting and will, without doubt, be one of the cultural highlights of Scotland’s summer.” 

Audrey Jones, Historic Environment Scotland (Edinburgh Castle): ‘We are delighted to welcome the iconic Ludovico Einaudi to the iconic Edinburgh Castle and look forward to a wonderful evening of music’.Ludovico said: “I am thrilled to be returning to the UK next summer and visiting Edinburgh again. I have been to Edinburgh many times and it is close to my heart – connecting with the audience is when my work comes alive, and I can’t wait to celebrate my music with friends in July.”

The Summer Portraits will be officially released on 31 January 2025, with the lead single ‘Rose Bay’ out now. Described as a song cycle, The Summer Portraits will have 13 tracks, including ‘Maria Callas’, a track inspired by the opera singer, with other tracks ‘Pathos’, ‘To Be Sun’, and ‘Sequence’ featuring Théotime Langlois de Swarte, the French violinist.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 24 October at 10am via myticket.co.uk and Ticketmaster.

https://myticket.co.uk/artists/ludovico-einaudi

Hibs striker Dwight Gayle admitted that Saturday’s defeat to Dundee United left the players frustrated. 

The experienced forward scored his first goal for the club since signing when he headed home at the back post from a perfectly placed Jordan Obita cross. 

At that time there was 18-minutes remaining and the large Hibs support at Tannadice were convinced that it would be enough to secure the victory. 

However Joe Newell’s second yellow card in the 84^th minute was followed by two United goals in time added on. 

“Of course it’s nice to get on the scoresheet but the result is not what we wanted,” Gayle said to Hibs TV post-match. “It’s all about the three points and the team result.”  

“Obviously it’s not ideal to concede two late goals at the time we did. After we scored they put us under a lot of pressure and a lot of balls into the box and we weren’t able to deal with it at the end. 

“A frustrating result really. All the boys are so frustrated, and we need to take a look at ourselves. 

“It’s an especially tough one to take given some of the results we’ve had.” 

Detectives are appealing for information following a robbery at a service station on the B9080 in Winchburgh.

The incident happened around 8.30pm on Sunday, 20 October, 2024.

A three-figure sum of cash was taken. There were no reported injuries.

The suspect is described as being a man, around 6ft tall, of slim build. He was wearing a grey jumper, grey trousers, a pink snood and blue gloves.

Detective Constable Jennifer Rogers said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact us.

“We also ask any drivers in the area at the time with dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3395 of 20 October, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Garden of Remembrance opens

PoppyScotland will officially open the Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street on Monday morning. A short open air service led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, National Padre of the Royal British Legion Scotland, will be held, paying tribute to servicemen and women who have given their lives in past conflicts.

The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as piper Rory Cairns will perform. The Right Honourable Lord Provost, Cllr Robert Aldridge, and Paul McLennan, Minister for Housing, representing The Scottish Government will lay wreaths.

Halloween film night at The Biscuit Factory

Guests are encouraged to dress up for a spooky night at The Biscuit Factory on 1 November. Family friendly silver scream films will be shown from 4pm. Children are welcome until 8pm after which horror cult classics will be shown. Facebook followers can choose the films here.

Walkie Talky Brewing’s new popup taproom, now open until the end of the year, will serve a range of amplified ales, mulled drinks and refreshments.

Entry is free and includes a welcome popcorn. Event Eats will also be offering pizza by the slice until late.

Costumes and fancy dress are welcome and encouraged, but remember that the venue can be “bone-chilling” at times.

After 11pm DJ’s will spin spooky songs for any ghouls that are still haunting the Biscuit Factory.

At Abbey Strand

On Friday, 25 October. Fireside Stories: Local Lore will allow visitors to step inside Abbey Strand, a building with many chapters of fascinating history, and pull up a seat by the fireplace to hear some of its many stories by professional storyteller Fiona Herbert. The event includes complimentary refreshments, and a chance to explore this historic building. Book tickets costing £15 here.

The Scottish Parliament is in recess until next week

While The Scottish Parliament remains on holiday until next week, there are still ways of being involved in government matters.

The parliament has a petitions process which anyone can use to have a matter brought to the attention of MSPs. The most recent petition seeks to remove peak pricing from ScotRail fares, and another more specific demand for support for communities affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The petition asks for government support by:

• setting up a national fund to assist struggling homeowners and tenants affected by RAAC
• initiating a public inquiry to investigate the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC, including investigation of how business related to RAAC was conducted, the handling of safety reports and property sales, disclosure of RAAC, and responses to homeowner concerns
• introducing or updating legislation, similar to the General Product Safety Regulations, to ensure developers, councils, and housing associations are held accountable for using substandard property materials, mandate risk disclosure, and make surveyors and solicitors liable for untraced defects. Legislation should also include provision for a comprehensive register of high-risk buildings in Scotland.

Read or sign all of the petitions here.

Meanwhile remember that the carrier bag charge came into force ten years ago this month.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The tenth anniversary of the introduction of the single use carrier bag charge is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how small changes in our behaviour can make a significant difference – and commit to the action we need to see over the coming years to make even greater progress in protecting the environment and moving towards a more circular economy.

“Single use bags can litter our neighbourhoods, cause harm to animals and pollute our natural environment. Environmental charges can be an effective tool to change people’s behaviour, encourage responsible consumption and reuse, and reduce the harm plastic and other litter can have on the environment.

“The charge on single use carrier bags has provided consistency for consumers and businesses and driven forward sustainable behaviours – with research published earlier this year showing an 80% drop in plastic bags found on beaches across the UK in the past 10 years.

“Data from Zero Waste Scotland also shows that 84% of people in Scotland are now always or mostly taking their own bags to the shops, playing a crucial role in increasing reuse and reducing waste and litter.

“This is an example of positive action from the government, in partnership with businesses and consumers which is delivering change and by working together over the next decade and beyond we can do even more to encourage responsible consumption and protect our environment.”

Handbags and gladrags

On 27 October Anna Somerville (previously of Covet on Thistle Street) will host a launch of her handbag collection at the &Gallery on Dundas Street.

During the one day only event you can explore the collection of Anna’s handbags and scarves while enjoying a glass of fizz.

https://annasomerville.design

Corstorphine Athletics Club enjoyed success at the annual Lindsay’s National Cross-Country relays in Cumbernauld.

First across the line in the Masters event were Dermot Cummins, Donald Macaulay, Malcolm Lang and Stuart Livingstone who finished ahead of Inverclyde (silver) and Garscube Harriers (bronze).

In the M50 team event (left to right) Alan Cunningham, Iain Macleod and Jeremy Rogers earned bronze for Corstorphine finishing behind Cambuslang Harriers and Cumbernauld.

The Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing team launched their fund-raising drive for next year’s Home Internationals in Ireland with an appeal for fresh blood.

They are keen to recruit more members for the squad and promise to help anybody interested, even novices, as newcomers are needed.

Kirsty Murray, who is sprearheading the fund-raising drive, said she had been greatly encouraged by the support received for the event which attracted over 20 anglers despite the atrocious weather of high winds and driving rain.

Pottishaw Fishery near Whitburn was the venue and owner Fraser Thomson the host and a total of £2,360 was raised.

Murray, who was third in the Scottish Ladies National Championship this season, is a relative newcomer to the sport herself as she only took up fishing three years ago and made her debut for Scotland earlier this year when the Tartan team came fourth.

She confirmed that another fund-raiser is planned for Burnhouse Lochan near Cumbernauld before the Home International next Spring, but no date has been fixed yet.

Dunfermline-based Murray added: “Fund-raising is essential for us as it is expensive to represent your country and, even more so, as we have to go to Ireland next year, but this drive is also essential as we want to encourage more women to join us.

“Our aim is to develop the Scotland team into one which really challenges and fly fishing is not at scary as it looks. We are nice, friendly people. Come and have a cast with us.”

Somebody who has had very little association with fishing in the past can come along and Kirsty said the current members of the team will help them. All anybody interested has to do is to contact a member of the team through the Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing Team Facebook page.

She added: “Anybody who is a novice can be helped by coaches and all that is needed is a fishing rod, reel and floating line and we will sort them out from there, it won’t cost them a fortune. You will find a lot of helpful people in the team who will help you or sell you second-hand equipment.

“Three years I have been fishing, and I don’t think I am amazing at it, but I do give the best I can to the sport and the team.”

She added: “We would love to encourage younger ladies. Remember, fishing is fun and you can spend time with your friends, getting out in the fresh air, meeting new people and you can do this as a family. My whole family fish, my partner, daughters and son.

“And there are off-shoots to it with fly tying. If you go out there and catch a fish on your own fly the feel-good factor is huge so please come and join the Scottish Ladies Fly Fishing Team page and find out what we are up to.”     

PICTURE: Several members of the Scotland Ladies Fly Fishing team at Pottishaw Fishery during the fund-raiser. Left to right: Dione Roberts (Edinburgh), Kirsty Murray (Dunfermline), Morag Wallace (Leslie), Lana Taylor (Edinburgh), Helen Philp (Kinross). Picture by Alex Rose

LONE ANGLER: Many had gone for lunch leaving this diehard still fishing. Picture Alex Rose

LEAFY GLADE: part of the lake at Pottishaw near Whitburn. Picture by Nigel Duncan

SERENE: Pottishaw bathed in sunlight. Picture Nigel Duncan

IT’S MINE: Pottishaw owner Fraser Thomson at the water. Picture Nigel Duncan

TEAMWORK: Members of the Scotland ladies fly fishing team who attended the fund-raiser: (left to right) Dione Roberts, Kirsty Murray, Morag Wallace, Lana Taylor and Helen Philp. Picture Alex Rose

Staff and volunteers from PoppyScotland have been busy this weekend setting up the Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens.

The Garden features thousands of poppy crosses and other remembrance symbols with personal dedications from across Scotland. It will remain open until Remembrance Sunday for residents and visitors to pay their own tributes.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing life-changing support and advice to veterans, servicemen and women, and their families.

The garden will be officially opened on Monday in a short ceremony attended by The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge and Paul McLennan, Minister of Housing. Music will be provided by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Donations may be made online here.

Edinburgh’s Hard Rock Café is launching an exclusive Thanksgiving Supper Club on Thursday 28 November, created to bring the nostalgic taste of the US holiday to the city. 

The special one-off event will be held in a communal dinner setting with classic American dishes including a roast turkey carved table-side, creamy sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. With over 3,500 US citizens living in Edinburgh, the restaurant’s Thanksgiving Supper Club offers the perfect welcoming celebrations for those who may be missing the special occasion at home. 

After a welcome glass of prosecco, guests will choose from a variety of classic Thanksgiving sides, including creamy sweet potatoes, savoury stuffing, rich gravy, green bean casserole, mac & cheese, fresh-baked cornbread, and the star of the evening – a succulent roast turkey carved table-side. In the spirit of celebration, guests can enjoy two glasses of wine or bottles of lager to accompany their meal.

The meal, costing £75.55 per person, will end with a pumpkin pie for dessert, adding the perfect sweet note to a cosy evening. Three seatings are available at 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Supper Club experience will take place in a seasonally decorated private dining space. Guests can relax and enjoy a leisurely dining experience at a table specially arranged to foster conversation and a sense of community.

For solo guests looking for a special way to enjoy Thanksgiving, seating will be reserved in a semi-private dining room, offering a unique opportunity to meet new people and share stories while enjoying a festive, family-style meal together. Click here to reserve your spot at the Thanksgiving Supper Club.

Book directly by emailing Edinburgh_social@hardrock.com  for a reduced price of £69.95 when paid in advance.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh’s 2-course Thanksgiving meal is available to book by clicking here.

For guests looking for a more traditional restaurant experience, there’s a more affordable option for a Two-Course Thanksgiving Menu, including a traditional roast turkey dinner and a slice of classic pumpkin pie, available for £33.50 per person. Booking in advance is recommended.

David Gray says that he is responsible for Hibs results and admits that club is ‘massively underachieving’. 

Hibs came from behind to lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Warren O’Hora and Dwight Gayle but Joe Newell was harshly sent off in the 84^th minute and Gray’s men conceded two goals in stoppage time. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray shared his frustrations on the result. 

“Look, I could stand here and come up with 1000 excuses about how the game went.  

“I could talk about how it was a great reaction to come back from 1-0 down, but the thing is we’ve been in this movie before – we’ve gone down to 10-men and when we have been seriously asked questions, we’ve failed to come up with the answers again. 

“It is really tough to take, for the amount of work we’ve put into it. It’s even harder when it’s an individual error or a decision at a key time. 

“When you’re down there and things are going against you – it’s fine margins and things are going against us at the moment. But I am not going to stand here and make excuses.  

“Performances are one thing, but results are the most important and where we are isn’t good enough.” 

On Newell’s sending off he said: “The first yellow card is soft, and I don’t think there is any contact at all. 

“But, as I have said before – when you are a yellow card, you run the risk when you go into a 50:50 and tackle like that.  

“The frustration comes from the fact the referee didn’t even give a foul initially.  

“But that’s an excuse – there is still time after that, we were still leading in the game and we need to be stronger in these moments. 

“When you’re asked to defend, and you’re under the cosh, and you need to defend your box like your life depends on it – we didn’t do that and we came up short again. 

“I am well aware of the fact that this is not good enough. I can stand and point the fingers or make excuses but this is my responsibility – whatever happens I am responsible for results at this Football Club, and I know we are massively underachieving. 

“We need to stick together, work as hard as we can; and make sure I get it right as quickly as possible.” 

On Monday take a walk on the wild side…

Tamsin Grainger invites anyone to join her on Monday morning at 10am to embark on a Walk of Chance.

The walk will begin at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and the route will be decided by using Thread and Word’s prompts and a giant dice.

She will lead an EASY walk locally. Tamsin said: “Instead of deciding in advance, chance will lead us and we will Walk Towards an Interesting Sound.

“Everyone is welcome; we will adapt our location to suit the group’s needs and always stay safe. Please wear comfy shoes, wet weather gear, and bring some water and a sense of fun with you.”

• Date: Monday 21st Oct
• Time: 10-12, lunch 12-12.30
• Meeting point: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, 67b Groathill Rd North.
• Level of walking: EASY
• Lunch: 12- 12.30 at Drylaw NC

You might also like to join Tamsin at the Neighbourhood Centre for Chi Gong on 23 and 30 October from 11am to noon. No booking required.

More information on the website here or call 0131 315 4989.

The Caley was bought by Henderson Park in summer 2023, and as part of their £35 million investment into the well known hotel, a new eating and dining space will open later this month.

The Court lies in the middle of the hotel combining “vintage luxury with mid-century design”. The hotel now has a grand cocktail bar, a lively dining terrace, a patisserie and lounge. The cocktail bar draws inspiration from the 123 train, the fastest steam train associated with The Caledonian railways, casting back to the hotel’s own unique history as a railway station and so giving the hotel its name.

The bar will offer a selection of signature cocktails, one-of-a-kind serves, and Caledonian classics, collaborating with local suppliers, and incorporating sustainable, climate positive spirits. “Inspired by Scotland’s surroundings and flavours, guests will be taken on a journey of rugged peaks and crisp valleys and rivers, rich fruity florals and hyper-local spirits from Edinburgh itself.”

A music stage for live acts completes what the hotel hopes will be an inviting social space where locals and visitors gather. A weekly music programme of performers will be curated.

Nitin Ramtri, General Manager at The Caledonian Edinburgh, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil The Court and look forward to welcoming guests to this exciting new food and drink destination, which stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. 

“At The Court, we’re not only providing physical spaces but an environment that reimagines networking, entertaining, dining events in an iconic building and location that only Edinburgh could offer.”

Completed in 1903, the five star 241-room hotel is a category A listed building with a red sandstone front, which has been part of the social fabric of Edinburgh for over 120 years. 

The “Caley” has a long list of famous former guests having hosted Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II and former U.S. President Barack Obama, as well as Hollywood stars including Laurel and Hardy, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin and Sean Connery. During COP26 President Joe Biden was prevented from staying at the hotel as the necessary bullet proof screens would have been too heavy for the hotel lift.

Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich,OBE, VR, DL, has just stepped down as Governor of Edinburgh Castle, but he has already applied for a new post.

This time the former British Army reservist has his sights set on academia. Alastair is one of the 38 people who have now successfully submitted a statement of interest to become Chancellor of University of Oxford, as the post is vacated by Lord Patten. The first round of voting will take place during Week 3 of Michaelmas Term during the week commencing 28 October.

He is not the only Scot, but he has a diverse CV behind him to back up his written statement published on the university website.

As well as a distinguished Army career beginning in the Scots Guards, during which he saw active service in the Falklands, he has an ongoing job at Sky where he commentates on Royal occasions. He also commentated for Sky on the 25th anniversary of The Scottish Parliament, was a historical adviser to the TV series Downton Abbey, and has written many books.

He took a principal role at the Coronation last year as well as during Her Late Majesty The Queen’s funeral. It was Bruce who interviewed Her Majesty one to one in 2018 about her Coronation in 1953 for the BBC programme, The Coronation. Queen Elizabeth explained to him then why she could not look down while wearing the Imperial State Crown – and talked about the coach which travelled at walking pace around London.

Major-General Bruce is a member of the Royal Company of Archers and was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as a herald in 1998 – the Fitzalan Pursuivant.

While he was Governor of Edinburgh Castle the Major General treated his social media audience to many photos of the inside of the Governor’s House, and the fabulous views from Castle Rock over Edinburgh. He married his husband Stephen Knott at St John’s on Lothian Road in 2021 in full military uniform after a quiet, and discreet relationship of two decades. He then became the highest ranking officer in the British Army to marry in a same-sex ceremony. It was only in 2000 that the Army changed policy on homosexuality.

In his bid to become Chancellor he said: “Through 45 years serving in the Armed Forces in war and peace, while contiguously working in broadcasting, filmmaking, as trustee of many educational and charitable organisations, I have built an experience and perspective from which to offer a consistent, wise, gentle and effective source of support. I am already a critical friend and source of strategic advice to many in positions of senior leadership.    

“After living through the military ban on homosexuality for half of my 45 years of service, I am proud to have become the first openly gay General in the British Army. This personal achievement and experience, along with a proactive period serving as the Army’s Advocate for Race, has driven my understanding of Diversity and Inclusion. I have much to learn from many other communities, but I hope that each sees in me a transparent will to understand and develop mutual awareness, engagement and support in the multi-faceted world in which we live. I would proactively shoulder any work to represent and support the University in its commitment to fairness and equal chances for anyone and everyone. ”

Bruce’s final act as Governor was to fire the One O’Clock Gun which he did with his usual verve and style as you can see here.

Hearts trained on Sunday with their Europa Conference League clash against Omonoia on the horizon on Thursday (kick-off 5.45) at Tynecastle, buoyed by Saturday’s 4-0, confidence-boosting win over St Mirren, a result which proved a welcome tonic to the 18,000-plus fans who packed the stadium.

Neil Critchley, the club’s coach, could not have dreamed of a better start to his new career, and said: “I am delighted for the players. They have been so receptive to the work we have done and there were signs of that on the pitch.”

The way the players have taken on the ideas of the new coaching staff has really impressed Critchley and he added: “They had good energy, kept the ball well, passed the ball well and they were threatening. The first goal was massive.

“We have not scored the first goal this season. Kenneth (Vargas) scored in the week (for Costa Rica) and came back in good spirits. Second-half, when we went 2-0 ahead, we could have controlled the game better. I would rather see us dominant and the best form of defence is attack, keeping the ball and pushing them back.

“They got balls on top of us a little bit (in the second-half) but I did not feel under any undue pressure. Sometimes, balls coming forward can mean one moment can hurt you, but we got a couple of goals near the end.”

He stressed that Hearts were at home and the aim was to be positive and the coach revealed: “They (St Mirren) surprised us in how they lined up, but we changed at half-time and the second goal (scored by Daniel Oyegoke), I don’t know where that came from, I was not expecting that, but it came from changing the play from one side of the pitch to the other.”

Commenting on the reception he received from the Tynecastle faithful, the 46-year-old said: “I loved it. I am going to have to prove myself to the supporters here, I totally get that, and I will. They will learn over time, hopefully, who I am as a person and what I can bring to the football club.”

The three points lifted Hearts off the bottom of the 12-strong William Hill Premiership, Hibs are now bottom, and Critchley conceded that moving to 11^th spot was a confidence boost. There was also an element of relief. It was an important day.

The ex-professional footballer was pleased with the contribution of all the four substitutes who came on – Cammy Devlin, James Wilson, Alan Forrest and Adam Forrester – and he commented on the energy of Forrest.

Teenager James Wilson had been “a real livewire” in training and the coach said: “I was not expecting him to score like that, but they all count and I am delighted for all the players.”

Blair Spittal, he felt, epitomised the team against St Mirren, pressing hard and the coach likes his mentality, but the ex-Motherwell player tweaked his leg in scoring in injury time. Critchley believed initially it was cramp, but the medical team will assess that.

He also praised the two centre backs, Frankie Kent and Kye Rowles, who played their part and were, he said, “perfect” in protecting goalkeeper Craig Gordon, and he also mentioned, Yan Dhanda, who he knows from his days at Liverpool with the under-age teams, and James Penrice.

Critchley said: “I know what Yan is capable off and Penners (James Penrice) has been brilliant. Beni (Baningime) had good control in the middle of the pitch and Shanks (Lawrence Shankland) showed creativity for the first goal, but this is a squad game.”

The head coach is desperate to build on Saturday’s win and Critchley commented: “We have a brilliant game to look forward to on Thursday night. There may be changes.”

For the record, Omonoia are currently fourth in the Cypriot First Division and they come to Tynecastle on a downer having lost 1-0 at home to a goal from Paralimni player, 24-year-old, Guinea international, Thierno Barry after 29 minutes.   

PICURE: Blair Spittal in training and coach Neil Critchley said he “epitomised” the team on Saturday. Picture Nigel Duncan 

More than 2,000 motorists were caught drink driving or driving while under the influence of drugs by Police Scotland in a targeted campaign on known hotspots.

Latest data shows that 2,270 drivers were caught for drink or drug-driving offences – including those failing to provide a specimen – between April and June this year.

The figures represent an increase of 20% or 379 cases compared on the same period last year.

Police Scotland say they are using analysis to identify “optimum times and locations” in a bid to put the brakes on reckless motorists ignoring the “don’t drink or drug-drive” message.

The stats show that every region in Scotland recorded increases with both the east and west of the country having “recorded the highest numbers in the last five years”.

Drink or drug-driving in the west of Scotland increased by 215 cases, while the number of offences in the east rose by 34. In the north there was an increase of 130.

The latest police performance report said: “Since December 2023, the number of offences have been above or close to the upper limit, with May being the highest number of these offences recorded.

“These increases are as a result of our campaign work across the country, as well as analysis which enables us to identify optimum times and locations to increase our effectiveness in keeping Scotland’s roads safer.”

The news follows the latest data from the Department of Transport, which showed deaths on Scottish roads caused by drink drivers had tripled, with 30 people killed by drivers over the legal limit in 2022, compared with ten the previous year.

The total number of casualties was also up by almost half with 310 people injured compared with 210 the previous year.

The Scottish drink drive limit was lowered in December 2014 from 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 50mg and in 2019 Scotland introduced a specific offence of drug driving.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: “Drugs and alcohol can affect your reactions, judgement and perception of risk. If you choose to drive after taking drugs, that decision can be life-changing for you and the people around you.

“Drugs can affect people’s reasoning and perception of risk but there is no excuse.”

Sloan added: “It’s a choice – if you know someone is going to drive after taking drugs, please speak to them. It could be the difference between life and death.

“If you are concerned about a driver’s behaviour, let us know. We’re asking everyone to take responsibility and help us save lives.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Any injury or death as a result of drink or drug driving is one too many. To the minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law, our message is clear — drink or drug driving is illegal and can ruin lives.

“The Scottish Government is allocating a record £36million to road safety in 2024-25, some of which will be used to deliver national campaigns addressing those behaviours which cause most harm on our roads.

“Many of these campaigns will support Police Scotland activity which seeks to encourage safe road use. The funding also seeks to promote action and investment by local authorities to address local concerns.”

Daniel Oyegoke stroked the ball into the roof of the net from just outside the St Mirren penalty box giving Ellery Balcombe absolutely no chance. Cue broad smiles from the player and his teammates and from all around sun-kissed Tynecastle, apart from the 600 visiting fans in the Roseburn Stand.

The 21-year-old, Barnet-born’s first goal for the Jambos since he arrived from London side Brentford came just one minute into the second-half to put the Men in Maroon, who had dominated possession in the opening session, a 2-0 lead.

They joyfully added two more strikes before the final whistle to run out convincing 4-0 winners and lift the Gorgie side off the bottom of the 12-strong William Hill Premiership.

Remember, this result came against a side which had beaten them 2-1 on September 21 in Paisley, just before the international break, a scoreline which had deep implications, costing former head coach, Steven Naismith, his job along with his assistants, Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy.

Hearts’ first victory of the current league campaign lifted them off the bottom of the table and into the second-bottom position with five points, the same as Capital rivals, Hibs, but the Jambos have a goal difference of minus five against minus six for the Easter Road combine. Hearts have, however, played nine games and Hibs eight.

Guess what, the bottom two clash next Sunday in Leith (12.00) and it’s a game which could have come at the right time for Hearts, now guided by Crewe-born head coach, Neil Critchley, and his assistant, Mike Garrity.

They have only been in the hot seat for only four days prior to Saturday. The fans were expectant, indeed, hopeful that a new broom would seep away the hurt generated by a dismal start to the season.

The majority of the 18,757 inside the ground warmly welcomed Critchley ahead of kick-off, but there was tension. Another defeat could not be contemplated, but this Hearts team came out of the trap with purpose, passion and pace.

They pegged Stephen Robinson’s men back, forcing errors, and were rewarded. Critchley clenched his fists in delight on the touchline when a slick move started by Blair Spittal who fed Beni Baningime. He who moved the ball on to skipper Lawrence Shankland.

His stabbed pass with the outside of his right boot into the danger area found the Costa Rica international who converted low past Ellery Balcome and it fired the home side who continued to drive forward in a bid to add to their tally.

Aussie defender Kyle Rowles had a chance at the back post as half-time loomed, but he sent the ball wide, but there was a scare for home fans when Killian Phillips popped up at Craig Gordon’s right-hand post, beating Oyegoke to the jump, but he failed to find the net. A let-off.

The second session opened with a stunning strike. Delighted boss Critchley said he had no idea where Oyegoke’s goal came from, but it completed a slick sequence of passes, shifting play across the pitch, and certainly eased tension.

The Buddies came more into the play in the second half, but Blair Spittal almost made it three when goalkeeper Balcombe’s attempted clearance hit the former Motherwell man and trundled towards the unguarded net, but the goalkeeper recovered in time to save his embarrassment. A let-off.

Critchley rang the changes in a bid to secure a confidence-building win and Hearts Academy graduate, James Wilson, was one of four substitutes used. He came on after 76 minutes and ten minutes later bundled the ball home from close range after a Yan Dhanda free-kick on the right to the far post was nodded across the goal by Frankie Kent.

The 17-year-old Wilson was in the right place at the right time to tap-in his first goal for the senior side and it was no wonder that he raised his arms in celebration. There was more. Three minutes into injury time, Blair Spittal, who with Dhanda and James Penrice had been influential throughout, profited from gritty play in the middle of the pitch from another substitute, Cammy Devlin.

The determined Aussie picked up a ball on half-way, drove forward, despite the attention of a Saints player, and laid the ball off to the former Motherwell man who calmly picked his spot and guided the ball beautifully into the corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Cue more celebrations. Bring of the Hibees was heard around the ground as Saints boss Robinson fumed in the away dugout. His face spoke volumes. A disappointed man, certainly, as his team have lost seven of their last ten games in all competitions and, at Tynecastle, they failed to really test Gordon in the Hearts goal.

The 41-year-old, Scotland international, however, did require on-field treatment after diving bravely at Roland Idowu’s feet late on from a cross from the right, but this was undoubtedly Hearts’ day. They had 60 per cent of possession against 40 per cent from the opposition and made 509 passes against 339. The home men also had four shots on target with none in reply, however St Mirren had created six corners to one by Hearts.

The result was one to savour for Critchley a day after his 46^th birthday and only four days since he took charge. The coach said: “When you go to sleep, you dream of a few goals and a clean sheet.”

His new charges delivered in full and the ex-Liverpool youth coach added: “The players have been really receptive to me this week and I’m delighted for the supporters to go home happy.”

Critchley admitted that St Mirren’s starting formation surprised them, but Hearts made changes at half-time.

The first goal he argued was “massive” but he felt that Hearts could have controlled the game better in the second-half. He added: “The best form of defence is attack.”

Robinson declared: “There were not enough people who took responsibility. We made stupid decisions, poor decisions. This performance is not acceptable., arguably one of the worst performances since I’ve been here.”

PICTURE: The scoreboard at Tynecastle tells the full story, a 4-0 win for the Jambos. Picture Nigel Duncan