A man who murdered his partner and left her body to decompose in an Edinburgh flat was sentenced to 21 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Roger Crossan (now 53) pleaded guilty to the murder of Moira Gilbertson (57) whose body was found in the Dumbiedykes Road property on Saturday 14th October 2017.

Crossan was detained a short time later and subsequently charged with Moira’s murder.

Detective Chief Inspector David Pinkney of the Major Investigations Team said: “Roger Crossan is a very dangerous individual with a previous conviction in England for killing a former partner.

He was also convicted in 2011 for assaulting Moira and has now been convicted and sentenced for her murder.

“Through his despicable actions, he deprived Moira of her life and a family of a much loved daughter, mother, sister and aunt.

“I can only hope that his conviction and long prison sentence will give them some measure of comfort.

“Police Scotland is wholly committed to investigating all cases of domestic abuse that are reported and we will continue to work alongside our partners at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in order to bring relevant offenders to justice.

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Police Scotland, we want to encourage people to come forward. Victims of crime can be confident that we will listen to them and investigate their report thoroughly, no matter how much time has passed.”

If you’re concerned that someone could be in a relationship with an abusive partner, you can make an application to the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme. More information is available on the Police Scotland website at the following link:

http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/disclosure-scheme-for-domestic-abuse-scotland/

Scottish SPCA Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell ran the London Marathon for Scotland’s animal welfare charity in a fantastic 4 hours and 39 minutes.

Kirsteen said, “The London Marathon was an amazing experience and the encouragement and support throughout my training and on race day was incredible!

“Since joining the charity last year I’ve been amazed at how dedicated and passionate our team is.

“The marathon, although extremely challenging, was great. It’s true what people say about it having such an incredible atmosphere. All the spectators were so enthusiastic and encouraging which really helped as it was a struggle at points due to the warm temperature.”

Sharon Comrie, superintendent of the Society’s animal rescue and rehoming centres, said, “Although we couldn’t be with Kirsteen on the day, we were all cheering her on and are very impressed with her dedication.

“We all think that Kirsteen’s efforts are incredible, and we are bursting with pride too.

“This is such an amazing challenge to take on and we’re extremely grateful to Kirsteen for her hard work and dedication to the cause.

“Kirsteen raised £2691.06 from her mammoth run which will help us rescue and rehabilitate even more animals in Scotland.

“We rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us continue rescue and rehabilitating animals across Scotland and events like these really do help us save lives.”

For more information on Scottish SPCA fundraising events please email fundraising@scottishspca.org or call fundraising on 03000 999 999 (option 4).

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has described the first ever direct flight between Scotland and China as ‘momentous for Edinburgh Airport’.

There will now be two outgoing and two return flights a week, all year round, on the link between Scotland and Beijing which includes a stopover in Dublin.

Following the inaugural flight, Ms Jardine said: ‘This is momentous for both Edinburgh and Scotland in terms of economic, cultural and educational opportunities. Edinburgh already has substantial links with China in a variety of areas, including being second only to London for Chinese tourists in the UK, and this announcement will only make our ties stronger.

‘In particular, I am excited at the prospects that this new connection with Hainan Airlines will have for businesses and tourist destinations across the city and within my constituency. It not only cements Edinburgh’s position as a truly global city, but acts as a springboard for even more trade and investment from the Far East. Not to mention the better opportunities that it creates for Scots to visit China.

‘With this in mind, I hope that this is only the start for what will be more routes added between the two countries.’

Dan Bewley, the former Edinburgh Monarchs and Glasgow Tigers whizz-kid, powered to second place in the British Final.

The Belle Vue Aces and Workington racer took the lead in the Grand Final but lost out to Great Britain rider Robert Lambert (King’s Lynn) who overtook him on the back straight in the first lap.

Craig Cook, Bewley’s team-mate in Manchester, was third with Jason Garrity (Scunthorpe) fourth.

Lambert, who won a silver medal with Tai Woofinden and Cook in the World Championships in Poland on Saturday, won all his five races to take the title in style.

Local riders finished down the field. Lewis Kerr (Glasgow Tigers) scored five points.

Chris Harris (Glasgow Tigers) collected seven points and Richie Worrall (Glasgow Tigers) scored three.

His twin, Steve Worrall (Belle Vue), a former Monarchs rider and who made a shock return two months after a leg break, withdrew after three rides.

Scotland wicketkeeper/batsman Matthew Cross looks to the T20 double-header with Pakistan on Tuesday and Wednesday to claim another prize scalp.

He back-stopped in the sensational, six-run victory over England at The Grange on Sunday.

And the 25-year-old shared in a 100-plus opening stand with skipper Kyle Coetzer which set the platform for the history-making victory.

Scotland kept their cool to deliver and now Aberdeen-born Cross wants more.

He said: “We have two big (T20) games against Pakistan and they are the No 1 team in the world, just like England are at one day internationals.

“The message to the rest of the world and the International Cricket Coucil (ICC) is that Scotland are here and want to be part of everything.

“It is criminal that we can be here not going to the World Cup when we can turn over the best team.

Reflecting on Sunday’s win, which grabbed the national headlines as Scotland humbled England, Cross said: “We played a hell of a game against the world-ranked No 1 side and we deserve every bit of it to be honest.

“The first innings by us was amazing and 371 was a big total. We had to expect them to come out and play like they did.

“They are a very good team with a lot of batting and the start they got was ridiculous, but we held on.”

He agreed that when England got to 100 they were cruising but he added: “The game was in the balance all the way through.

“They were on top at times, but we got two quick wickets which really changed the game. We knew that if we stuck in there and kept coming at them then we had a chance.”

Cross, who made his Scotland debut against Canada four years ago, revealed he had a small conversation with paceman Fife-based but Huddersfield-born Safyann Sharif as the tension mounted towards the final few overs.

And he added: “He knows what he is doing and Saf has deserved the respect he’s receiving. He bowled another brilliant Yorker to win the game.”

Two Hibs’ fringe players have left the club

Callum Crane and Cammy Bell have joined Livingston and Partick Thistle after their contracts expired.

Crane, 22, is a left-back, but has also been seen playing for the Hibernian Development Squad as a left wing-back, left-sided central defender and in the midfield.

A product of the Hibernian Academy, Callum was a feature of the Hibernian Development Squad last season and made two first-team appearances.

The defender also enjoyed two loan spells, his first at Berwick Rangers and his second with Alloa Athletic, where he helped the Clackmannanshire side to promotion to the Ladbrokes Championship.

The consistency and form of new Scotland international Lewis Stevenson saw his first team chances limited.

Goalkeeper Bell was a deadline day signing in January acting as a replacement for Scott Bain, who was brought in as cover for Ofir Marciano following a shoulder injury sustained by Ross Laidlaw.

He made his debut away to St Johnstone following the early dismissal of Marciano and put in an assured display.

Bell played the entirety of the next match against Partick Thistle, keeping a clean sheet in the process as Hibernian won 2-0.

A club spokesperson said: “Both players leave with the best wishes of Hibernian and our thanks for their service to the Club.”

Whether or not he wins the Leading Light award his staff have entered him for, we think Ewan Aitken deserves a mention on our pages.

Unknown to him (and to his great credit, to his complete embarrassment!) his staff have nominated him in the category of Leading Light in the Scottish Charity Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at EICC on 14 June 2018. This is what the people who work with him said about Ewan :

Ewan lives and breathes Cyrenians, and the organisation’s mission to support the excluded. He upholds the charity’s values of compassion, respect, integrity and innovation, while finding ways to promote the organisation’s work.  He sees his job at its heart to be “a storyteller, retelling stories which speak of what even the toughest reality can tell us about life, its fragility and its potential”.

He is a former Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, an ordained minister and now the Chief Executive of the Edinburgh charity, Cyrenians. He has an enormous energy for this job which he truly loves, and you cannot hear the name of the charity without it being followed quickly by a reference to Ewan.  I heard him speak most recently at the opening of the Social Bite Village and without a note in sight he spoke most eloquently about his passion, helping to solve the problem of homelessness.

He said :”I am really proud to be here today. The mark of any society is how you look after those who are most excluded. This village says an extraordinary thing about how we all want the world to be. Yes, its about supporting a group of people from a tough place to a better place, but it speaks also of how we want all our societies and communities to be. It is a powerful message of change and transformation where everybody matters and everybody is included. So all of you who have contributed in any way should be proud of what you have given, not simply to this, but to how we can be together as a society.

“Our task now is to build the community that this place will create. The staff at Cyrenians will come and support folk whether it is into jobs or work placements or into education, whatever it is that that person needs to go from a place of exclusion to inclusion.”

DEDICATION

His incredible dedication to his role, and his energetic approach means that his days are filled from client graduation ceremonies, to consultations on food access, to collaborating on solutions to homelessness, and much more.  Since setting a five year plan in 2014 that aimed to expand the work of the organisation, Cyrenians has more than doubled the number of people supported from 4300 to 9000, employed twice as many staff with an increase from 80 to 138 and has increased the number of volunteer hours from 69,000 to 90,000.

STORIES

From his many speeches and written articles here are just some of Ewan’s stories :

“One of the many delights of my job is the opportunity I have to hear [and retell] other people’s stories of their experience of Cyrenians – stories which are worth retelling in affirmation, inspiration, connection and reflection, stories which hold our values and speak of what even the toughest reality can tell us about life, its fragility and its potential.

“Stories need only be one sentence long: like the man in his forties who wept when presented his certificate after doing a course with our Falkirk team – he said it was the first exam he’d ever passed in his life. A simple one line story evoking great hope from a harsh reality.

“And then there was the story of the woman who cooked for her friend for the first time after completing one of our cooking classes – she said – “it felt so good for someone to eat food I had cooked – it seemed like anything was possible now.” We don’t need to know the details – we are nourished by the symbol of transformation in a single sentence.

“Sometimes it’s numbers that tell a story – when I tell audiences we provide 9,000 meals through 110 partner organisations a week using food otherwise destined for landfill, I can feel them getting angry and excited at the same time. No description, no detail, just a picture formed by three numbers telling of creativity and collaboration, our values and our commitments….

“People often ask me what my job entails – it is many things but at its heart it is to be a storyteller….retelling… stories which speak of what even the toughest reality can tell us about life, its fragility and its potential.”

Ewan has worked and volunteered in the charity sector for about thirty years. In 1995 he founded the Ripple Project, a diverse community action organisation that is still going strong.

He believes that poverty is not simply a matter of financial instability but one of inner well-being; that poverty grinds the soul as well as the body. Cyrenians’ philosophy of walking with those who are struggling, and sticking with them when they stumble, is what first attracted him to the organisation.

He often remarks how humbled he is by the people the charity journeys with, and how it is they who genuinely inspire and motivate him in all of his work.

This drive for equality, inclusion, and sense of community means that Ewan has a broad portfolio of organisations that he volunteers with.

Just days before his father’s funeral service Ewan wrote in the Edinburgh Evening News, reflecting on the man who had lived a full, varied and incredibly impactful life: “…what makes a good life; compassion, curiosity, care for others, good conversation; and the seeking of truth and meaning in all we do; a gift for which I am grateful.”

These words describe what drives Ewan, who always demonstrates a search for truth and meaning in his work, voluntary efforts and time spent with family and friends.  He is a person who models Cyrenians values, has extraordinary drive and energy, an exceptionally busy man, but one who has his priorities right, is proud of his family and work equally,  and makes sure neither are compromised.

The winner will be announced on 14 June 2018 and we will bring you the news as soon as we get it.

The very first Hainan Airlines flight from Beijing, China arrives in Edinburgh this morning.

This is the inaugural direct flight from China and is the result of many years of work on the Edinburgh-China Air Link Project. Marketing Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport and the City of Edinburgh Council have all worked together to bring this route to Edinburgh, and city representatives will board the China-bound flight later today.

This is viewed as one of the most valuable tourism markets worldwide already contributing £26.5 million to Edinburgh’s economy before the flights. Now it is envisaged that the capital will reap the benefits of the new tourists and business passengers, with hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions ready to welcome new trade.

Independent jeweller Laings on George Street signed up as the lead sponsor for the project and the Edinburgh Hotels Association also back the development.

The impact is expected to manifest itself in different ways, but mainly as a major marketing opportunity for the capital. Edinburgh will feature in in-flight magazines, travel products and on billboards. Chinese visitors are expected to share their experiences of Edinburgh and its attractions on social media, but also by telling their friends when they return home.

There is now no need to route through London to get to China and any produce which is brought to Scotland will have an extra few days shelf life, and it is expected that the duration and cost of business trips could reduce.

Students are also expected to consider Edinburgh as their preferred place to study, while business travellers are expected to consider Edinburgh as their next business destination.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a number of organisations and it is fantastic for all of us to see the new flight schedule up and running. As the only Scottish city with a direct flight to China, the new route will provide Edinburgh with substantial outreach to Asia for tourism, business travel and investment opportunities. This will be supported by many across the retail, hotel and restaurant sectors through the city’s innovative ‘China Ready’ campaign and I’m sure it will also be welcomed by Edinburgh’s many business travellers and holiday-makers.”

Fiona Hunter, Edinburgh-China Air-link Project Manager said: “Securing a global flight connection on this scale is hugely encouraging of the Capital’s position as an outstanding place to visit, live, work, study and invest.

“The flight path is the result of many years of hard work and is really just the start of the opportunity for Edinburgh. Based on our research we expect to see the number of flights increase quite significantly over the next few years, bringing with it even more investment and economic influence.”

Jonathan Payne, Managing Director of Laings said: “When we first heard about the Edinburgh China Airlink Project we knew how important this would be for the tourism industry here in Edinburgh and had no hesitation about getting involved. The Chinese market is hugely influential and we can’t wait to build a connection with the new visitors the direct flight brings.”

Gordon Robertson, Director of Communications at Edinburgh Airport and Chairman of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “Having direct connectivity to China will deliver a massive tourism boost for the city and country’s economy and we’re delighted to welcome the first flight to the capital today. This really is testament to the support and backing of our campaign and we’re thrilled the work has paid off.”

For further information on the Edinburgh-China Airport Link Project visit www.edinburgh.org.

The man who was elected The Rt Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh in 2007 and who served as the city’s first citizen until 2012, died over the weekend.

George Grubb was the Liberal Democrat councillor for Almond Ward which includes South Queensferry.

Former Lord provost George Grubb quietly slipped away from us on Saturday night. He served Queensferry with love and community spirit both as a Minister and a Lib Dem Councillor. He was my mentor and my friend. The Ferry, and the City are all the poorer tonight for his passing. pic.twitter.com/x68RfJhthh

— Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP (@agcolehamilton) June 11, 2018

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Born in Edinburgh in 1935 he attended James Gillespie’s and the Royal High School. He was ordained as a minister in 1962 and then became parish minister at Craigsbank Church from 1971.

George Grubb studied at Edinburgh University, the Open University and the San Francisco Theological Seminary.

He married Liz in 1960 and they had two children Rhoderick and Mhairi.

The Lord Provost Frank Ross said: “I only met my predecessor George a few times, but I recall the politeness of a kind and thoughtful man who had a great amount of wisdom about civic life, having served many years in the Royal Air Force in his youth, and a great many more as a Parish Minister.

“A true gentleman, George was the first Liberal Democrat to become Lord Provost of Edinburgh. He was a local politician for Queensferry, where he lived with his wife Liz. The two became very close to a great number of people in the area. On behalf of everyone in the city he represented for so long, I wish to pass on my sincere condolences to Liz and the rest of the family. He will be missed by and remembered fondly by all who knew him.”

In the auction room on Queen Street this week there is a complete array of paintings and furniture, with one room devoted to silverware for the home.

There is a bronze bust of May Botterell by the Irish sculptor William Leech. This is the first cast of the 12 he made. The original plaster head is in the collection at the National Gallery of Ireland. The sculptor met May Botterell in May 1919 and began an affair before they were both eventually free to marry in 1953. The guide price on the bust is around £4,000.

The HOME and Interiors Sale will take place on 13 and 14 June 2018 at Bonhams 22 Queen Street EH2.

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has announced the appointment of Will Kerr and Fiona Taylor as Deputy Chief Constables (DCC) within Police Scotland’s leadership team.

The appointment panel was chaired by Susan Deacon, Chair of the SPA, and included David Hume, SPA Board member, Angela Scott, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council and Iain Livingstone, Interim Chief Constable of Police Scotland.

Announcing the appointments, Susan Deacon, Chair of the SPA said:“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Will Kerr and Fiona Taylor to what I believe are among the most important policing and public service leadership roles in the UK.

“These appointments follow a rigorous and open process which attracted a strong field of candidates. I am confident that we have identified two individuals who will bring valuable skills and experience to the leadership team of Police Scotland and will make a significant contribution to the development of policing in Scotland in the years ahead.

“This is the first of a series of key leadership appointments the SPA will make in the coming months to strengthen the leadership of our police service as it continues to develop and adapt to meet the needs of a changing Scotland.”

Will Kerr is currently Director of Vulnerabilities at the National Crime Agency with strategic responsibility for leading and co-ordinating law enforcement response to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and Organised Immigration Crime. A police officer for over 28 years, he is also the NCA’s strategic lead for the Agency’s relationship with partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

While serving as Director at the National Crime Agency, Will Kerr has been on secondment from his role as Assistant Chief Constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). His last PSNI role was Head of Crime Operations including Serious Crime and Counter Terrorism. Previously, as ACC Urban (Belfast) Region, he had responsibility for the policing of all major events including marches and parades.

Fiona Taylor has over 24 years of experience serving as a senior officer with Lothian & Borders Police, Strathclyde Police and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Prior to leaving the MPS in December 2017, she was Temporary Assistant Commissioner for Professionalism with strategic oversight and leadership of the Directorate of Professional Standards, Met Training, the Serious Crime Review Group and Operational Support Services.

She was the MPS lead on the Public Inquiry into Undercover Policing (UCPI) and was responsible for concluding activity following the independent Henriques review into the MPS’s handling of a number of high profile historical sexual abuse investigations.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has begun its multi-sensory bath experience, offering you a moment or two to relax even if you are a busy business traveller.

While the hotel has its own spa, some people just don’t have time. It is only £20 extra to upgrade to include the Soak Your Senses bath experience in your room.

What this offers is an indulgent soak in the bath in your own room or suite. This comes complete with ESPA bath oils, a pot of herbal tea (for drinking!) and an exfoliating wash glove.

There is mood lighting in the bathroom and there are music suggestions to play through the bathroom’s speaker system. These range from relaxed to revived. If you want to feel inspired then you are recommended to try out the orange light setting with a detoxifying bath oil paired with appropriate music and Emerald Dragon Oolong tea all delivered to your room.

Soak Your Senses has been tried and tested by kilted yoga YouTube star and former Mr Scotland, Tristan Cameron Harper. The Scottish Instagrammer, who can often be found scaling a Munro or taking part in an exciting photoshoot, is an advocate of mindfulness.

Tristan said: “We put our bodies and minds through a lot of stress on a daily basis and can easily forget the importance of taking time for ourselves. Often, I find a moment of peace by immersing myself in nature, so I was pretty excited to try unwinding in a more luxurious setting for a change!

“The combination of different elements is really effective and impacts all your senses in an incredibly positive way. I’m also a big fan of tea, so the freshly brewed pot brought up to my room was a nice touch. Afterwards, I felt totally calm and centred and at peace.”

Tristan Nesbitt, General Manager at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh said: “Today’s traveller tends to be very time-poor. They may only have a day or two in which they want to explore the city, visit landmarks and take in the captivating scenery surrounding Edinburgh, which doesn’t leave much room to relax.

“We are offering the perfect quick-fix for those wanting to regain that precious life balance on the go. A good soak in the bath can prove transformative so we wanted to offer an enhanced version for our guests who may not have the time to recharge at our spa after a long, busy day.”

‘Soak Your Senses’ is now available to order and is priced at £20 including a 15ml bath oil that will last for 1-2 baths; freshly brewed loose leaf tea and an exfoliating wash glove. Guests can order the experience through the hotel’s ‘Let’s Chat’ service using WhatsApp, iMessage or SMS or via the Concierge desk.

More information can be found here:http://www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk/bath-menu

Earlier today the council approved the closure of Cockburn Street during the daytime in August, but not Blair Street, as previously considered.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society originally asked for permission to licence the whole area along the Royal Mile including the top of Cockburn Street and Hunter Square, for Fringe events and stalls. This was only partially granted to the Society today, as the committee had by then already approved by majority Street Trader licences to David Coutts for two hot food units in Hunter Square.

The Fringe Society will now have  a licence to operate stalls in High Street, West Parliament Square and St Giles Street, and a Theatre Licence for the High Street to its junction with George IV Bridge, West Parliament Square and Cockburn Street.

Mr Coutts has held similar licences during the Fringe in past years. These two units for pizza and other takeaway food will be positioned to the side of the Tron in Hunter Square for the period from 1-28 August.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive and Andrew Meldrum , Street Events Manager of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society attended the Licensing Sub Committee Meeting this morning. The Fringe Society was granted a licence to take over the rest of the High Street up to West Parliament Square, including St Giles Street during August for Fringe events.

In view of the fact that the Fringe Society would not be operating in Hunter Square, the committee no longer considered it necessary to close Blair Street to vehicular traffic.

Instead, we understand that a barrier will be put in place at the junction at North and South Bridges from 10am to 5pm and cars will not be able to access the first part of the High Street or Cockburn Street during that time.

David Spaven Convener of Living Streets Edinburgh Group said : “I think it is disappointing that the council are going for closure of  one street not two, and in particular that the next street down from Blair Street would be Cowgate. We have already identified Cowgate as a street that has a lot of problems in terms of pedestrian safety, and too much traffic moving too fast. This is a particular problem in the evenings and during the festival time.

“It is interesting as there is already a ban on vehicles in the Cowgate overnight because of accidents and danger in the past. There is a large number of people visiting pubs, clubs and restaurants on Cowgate.

“It seems like a natural extension of the scheme although there are some difficulties to do with access. But these could be resolved by allowing access until say midday and then closing Cowgate from then on.

“It is a bit disappointing but this is a start which is the main thing. We look forward to the council pushing ahead with their programme that advances every year until we really do get a more civilised city centre.”

We asked the Fringe Society if they had anything they wished to say, but they declined to comment.

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery in which took place around 4pm on Friday 8th June at Middlefield, near to the Sainsbury’s store in the Leith Walk area.

A 33-year-old man was walking in the area when two men and a woman approached and engaged him in conversation.

At this time one of the men punched the victim to the face before the group stole a two-figure sum of cash from him.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

The first suspect is described as male, white in his late thirties, with a slim build,  a scar on his cheek, short shaved hair and wearing a grey top and blue jeans.

The second suspect is described as male, white, in his hearly thirties with a stocky build, black medium-length hair and wearing a navy tracksuit.

The third suspect is described as female, white, in her mid-twenties with a slim build, long black hair and wearing a light-coloured tracksuit top.

Detective Constable Jo Robertson from Gayfield Police Station said: “The victim sustained a painful injury to his face but did not require medical attention. He was, though, understandably upset at the theft of his money and we are pursuing various lines of inquiry to identify the culprits.

“If you were in Middlefield on Friday afternoon and witnessed this robbery, or have any other information that can assist with our inquiries , then please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact CID at Gayfield via 101 and quote incident number 2892 of the 8th June. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information after an armed robbery which took place between midnight and 1am on Wednesday 6 June at an address in the Blackburnhall Gardens area of Blackburn, West Lothian.

The 29-year-old victim was woken by the suspects entering his property, who subsequently threatened him and stole a number of personal items.

The victim was left uninjured and the five suspects are believed to have left the area in a vehicle.

The suspects are all described as male and aged in their twenties. They are described as being dressed in tracksuits that were black or grey in colour, and all had masks covering their faces that had a skeleton print on.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Detective Constable Scott Jordan from Livingston CID said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim who was thankfully left uninjured.

“I would be eager to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area in the days prior to Wednesday night, or who witness the suspects arriving or leaving the area in the early hours of 6 June.

“Equally anyone who has any information relevant to the enquiry or that can help us trace those involved is asked to contact us as soon as possible.”

Those with information can contact Livingston CID via 101, quoting incident number 0198 of 6 June, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Eagles hammer Vikings in their march to Semi-final spot.

The Edinburgh Eagles welcomed Jarrow Vikings on Saturday to the Jack Kane Centre for their NE Cup tie and, while the promised ‘Yellow’ weather warning for rain and thunder did not materialise, the Eagles, playing for the first time this season in their yellow kit, gave out a warning of their own to the remaining teams in the cup as they ran out winners in their toughest competitive game of the season so far.

The home side kicked off up the slope and early exchanges saw defences on top and plenty of aggression as both sides sought to establish physical supremacy. It was Jarrow who scored first on the 11th minute as they forced their way over the try line to take the lead for what proved to be the only time in the game.

The visitors sought to build on their lead but strong Eagles defence continued to keep them at bay allowing the home side to build pressure of their own, using the forwards to take the ball through the middle channels before spreading it wide in the later tackles. This tactic eventually paid dividends as the hard running Nick Hanmer was able to take the ball on the right edge to continue his try scoring form and touch down for Edinburgh’s first try of the afternoon in the 26th minute to level the score at 4-4. Now the Eagles were able to settle into their rhythm forcing a goal line drop out in the 31st minute from which Jonny Quinn was able to score from close range in the resulting set of six.

The desire of both teams to dominate the opposition physically finally boiled over shortly afterwards and saw punches being thrown and a player from both sides sent to the sin bin for their part in the altercation. Eagles were awarded a penalty which directly led to Mikey Mair scoring his first try of the afternoon on 37 minutes which Fergus Simpson was able to convert to give Eagles a comfortable looking 14-4 lead just before the break. A dogged Jarrow however reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time when the went over for their own converted try, giving a score of 14-10 at the mid way point.

The second half saw the Vikings kick off and on 45 minutes they thought they had scored a try to level it up but the referee adjudged a double-movement. From the penalty, Eagles took full advantage racing down the field for Mair to get his second of the afternoon under the posts which Simpson converted.

It was looking good for the Eagles now and both sides continued to play with controlled aggression but the hosts were able to take advantage of coming down the slight slope, and scored another try on 55 minutes following a typical cross field passing play that stretched the Jarrow defence. Full back Clayton Woods, who is clearly starting to enjoy playing in this position, the scorer this time.

The visitors weren’t finished, however, and passed up a glorious chance to get back into the match when they knocked on with the try line beckoning however it didn’t put them off as they managed the next try to bring the scores back to 24-16. Jarrow’s resistance was finally broken on 65 minutes when the fleet-footed Simpson used his speed and agility to evade tacklers, breaking out of his own half, to score the try of the game and extend Eagles lead to 28-16.

While the Vikings didn’t throw in the towel, they could not turn the tide as first, captain, Lewis Clarke, got the try his play throughout the entire game merited, under the posts, followed by Craig Robertson on his return to the Eagles side, touching down against a tired-looking Vikings side. Both tries were converted by Simpson to make the final score 40-16 to the Eagles.

Craig Robertson was awarded Man of the Match by the visitors coaching staff.

Following the final whistle, coach Barry McGuffog said; “Firstly, I want to thank the lads from Jarrow for making the trip. It was a real tough game which I’m sure almost everyone of the 40-50 people watching will have thoroughly enjoyed. The game had everything you could want in a game, strong defence, big tackles, tries and a bit of biff! It was a bit niggly and scrappy at times but we were pretty well disciplined and I think we were good value for the win. We just need to work our percentage plays and value the ball a bit more, earn the right to play the exciting stuff by doing the hard stuff first. We’ve probably shocked a few people today but there’s a bit of a buzz in the group at the minute and the self-belief and confidence of the lads is growing week on week so we’ll now look to take that into the Strathmore league game next weekend.”

Match report courtesy of Edinburgh Eagles’ Andrew McPhail

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.

EDINBURGH MCDONALD’S VOLUNTEERS TEAM UP WITH SCOTTISH CANALS AND KEEP SCOTLAND BEAUTIFUL TO CARRY OUT UNION CANAL SPRING CLEAN

Volunteers from 11 McDonald’s restaurants across Edinburgh along with volunteers from Scottish Canals and Keep Scotland Beautiful got together to spruce up the Union Canal in Edinburgh.

Over the May Bank Holiday, 55 people walked from the along the towpath, to the Wester Hailes area and back, picking up litter, messy weeds and debris, to clean up the route.

They collected an amazing 68 bags of rubbish.

Local McDonald’s franchisees Ryan Straub, Elliot Jardine, Graham Angus and Operations Consultant Martin Lomax, who own and operate the 11 city restaurants have combined to organise the voluntary clean-up.

Elliot Jardine, who owns operates the restaurants in Newbridge and Corstorphine said: “It’s a key priority of McDonald’s to ensure that the local area remains free of litter – especially in Edinburgh, as the summer is such a busy time! I was really proud to see so many people come together in this citywide effort and we’re all looking forward to the next one already.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful Operation Director Carole Noble said: “I am delighted that McDonald’s has agreed to support our Clean Up Scotland’s campaign with such a huge event. As a brand it has been active in championing litter prevention activity for many years. The support from McDonald’s crew members and customers will be invaluable in helping raise awareness of the litter that surrounds us.”

John McGowan, Volunteer Coordinator for Scottish Canals said: “We’ve enjoyed working with McDonald’s and Keep Scotland Beautiful on this event. Volunteering is making an impact to the maintenance on Scottish Canals and following this litter picking event on the Union Canal we will help protect the wildlife and have improved the look of the area. We need to continue working hard to change the public’s understanding of discarding litter and encourage everyone to take their litter home with them.”

McDonald’s has supported Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Clean Up Scotland litter campaign since 2007. Last year there were 50 events across Scotland, with a total of around 1,250 volunteers taking part. In addition to the annual Clean Up Scotland litter events and daily patrols, many restaurants get involved in regeneration projects, such as painting walls and replanting trees and flowers, to improve local community areas.

Photos Neil Hanna Photography
www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk
07702 246823

Batsman Calum MacLeod and Scotland national coach Grant Bradburn will join Derbyshire for this summer’s Vitality Blast.

Glasgow-born MacLeod, who has played 84 times for Scotland scoring over 2,000 runs and a top score of 175, will be available for the entire competition alongside fellow countryman and all-rounder, Safyaan Sharif.

MacLeod put in a Man of the Match performance in Scotland’s historic first victory over England with 140 not out to help post 371 for five wickets, the Tartan Team’s highest total in one day international (ODI) cricket.

The 29-year-old has previous experience in County Cricket with Warwickshire and Durham and has scored 1,867 runs in T20.

Fife-based Sharif claimed the final wicket as England collapsed from 220 for three to 365 all-out.

Bradburn will join Derbyshire’s coaching team and provide support for specialist T20 coach John Wright and bowling coach Dominic Cork.

Bradburn said: “It’s an exciting partnership between Cricket Scotland and Derbyshire.

“Calum and Safyaan are both highly-talented cricketers and will add depth and international experience to the Derbyshire squad.

“I am looking forward to working alongside John Wright and the other coaches and contributing to wins for the club which has ambitions of silverware this season.”

The Vitality Blast begins on July 4 and runs until finals day on September 15.

Euan’s Guide, a charity website used by disabled people to review, share and discover accessible places to visit, has launched an accessibility guide to Fife.

The guide to one of Scotland’s most popular regions features a range of accessible locations, from the home of golf, St Andrews, to Fife’s famous sandy beaches and its picturesque fishing villages.

The Fife guide, the third in an Accessible Highlights series, is free and downloadable from www.euansguide.com/fife-guide/.

It is being promoted with a series of digital postcards showing just how accessible the region is for disabled visitors.

The digital postcards feature snapshots of Euan’s Guide Ambassadors stopping off at three of Fife’s most iconic locations: the stunning coastal village of St Monans, which dates back to the 14th century; St Andrews, home to golf and famous for West Sands Beach which featured in the film Chariots of Fire; and Kingsbarns Distillery, a former farm steading turned malt whisky distillery.

The public is being encouraged to download the guide and, after visiting the guide’s locations, to share their own
Postcard from Fife to demonstrate just how accessible the region is, with the hashtag #PostcardsFromFife.

Part-funded by VisitScotland Growth Fund, the Fife Accessible Highlights guide is the latest in a series of three printed guides from the charity.

The others uncover surprisingly accessible Scottish Castles & Battlefields and Scotland’s trending city, Dundee.

While the website has been Euan’s Guide’s main information source for disabled people looking for accessible places to go, printed guides offer a more geographically focused option for visitors.

Euan is hoping the Fife guide will inspire disabled people and their families and friends to explore a region which is not only accessible to disabled visitors but also geographically accessible for people in Scotland, the north of England and beyond.

For more information visit www.euansguide.com

Safyaan Sharif kept his cool to claim the final English wicket in Scotland’s historic six-run victory over The Auld Enemy at The Grange.

And the Huddersfield-born all-rounder said he backed his skills even under the most severe pressure.

The 26-year-old said that the key was when Scotland claimed a run-out near the end of the innings.

And he said: “I was confident my yorkers could work for us as long as I got the right length.

“(The victory) was a great achievement for us and I am lucky I got the last wicket but the way the team played as a whole was great.

“It was unbelievable to beat a good solid side from England. We posted 371 and it was up to us (the bowlers) to do the job.”

England were all out for 365 and the Fife-based player acknowledged that England were in a commanding position after the first part of their innings.

The visitors were 220 for three at 28 out of 50 overs but he added: “The bowlers knew they had to keep calm and keep bowling the length and we did that.

“Our bowlers took key wickets and key times and managed to keep the pressure on them.

“It was a great achievement for Scotland and an amazing win.”

Pace bowler Sharif said it was disappointing to go out of the World Cup to the West Indies in Zimbabwe recently.

But he added: “We were unlucky with a few decisions there but, like I said, this is now and we had an opportunity today (Sunday) to show the world what we can do.

“This result proved we can play at a standard and we need a few more games like this in the year.”

He said the England game was now history and Scotland take one game at a time.

They host Pakistan in two T20 games at The Grange Club on Tuesday and Wednesday (both games at 4pm) this week.

He added: “They are the No 1 side (at T20) and hopefully we can continue this form.”

Sunday is a day Calum MacLeod will never forget. The first Scot to score a 100 against England and a maiden victory by six runs over The Auld Enemy.

And the history-making result came before a nationwide TV audience.

MacLeod says Scotland are now firmly on the map, even if they are still ranked an associate nation rather than a Test one.

Later this week, after a double-header in the T20 against Pakistan at The Grange on Tuesday and Wednesday (both games start at 4pm)

he returns to play in the Kent Premier League for Bexley where he is player/coach.

He’s also renovating a house and all this is a far cry from taking centre stage in a packed house at The Grange facing the best England can throw against you.

Glasgow-born MacLeod said Sunday was “right up there” as one of the best days in his sporting career.

And he said that a result like this has been coming for two years since the new Scotland coaching team, headed by Kiwi Grant Bradburn, got to work.

They preach aggressive cricket and he added: “We showed what we are capable of against Zimbabwe (in a recent clash) and to take a step up and beat an England side, the No 1 ranked team in the world, is a massive statement.”

He agreed that Scotland came into the England clash from a low in Zimbabwe when a controversial lbw decision in a rain-affected game against the West Indies robbed Scotland of a World Cup slot in 2019.

And the proud Scot, who plays for Bexley, said: “This is a special day, but it does not take away what happened there (in Harare) and everybody’s feelings about a ten-team World Cup.

“Performances like this help push our case (for full Test status) but these are opportunities we have to take as a Scotland team.”

Looking back at the game, when Scotland scored 371 for five after 50 overs with MacLeod finishing on 140 not out, the batsman, who was released by Durham two years ago, said that England looked odds-on when Jonny Bairstow was smashing his way to 105.

But he added: “We keep talking about our bowling attack and performances like Mark Watt on that wicket and these boundaries (they were shortened) wins you games, even if it does not grab the headlines.

“That’s a performance (three wickets for 55 runs) that we will look at as outstanding.

“And the two quick wickets we got (both falling at 245) changed the momentum of the game and when Saf (Safyann Sharif) had the ball in his hand everybody out there felt we could do something.

“He’s quite a laid-back guy and when he has the ball in his hand we back his skills.

“It is up to that to build on this and over the past 18 months we have tried to work on capitalising on key moments, not being plucky Scots losers but being brave enough and bold enough to win games.”

Duncan Hodge, the Scotland rugby international, was introduced as a motivating factor ahead of the England game.

And MacLeod joked: “He’s never going to leave.”

Looking to the future, MacLeod said that if something comes along there would be “conversations” but he added: “I do not want to get too far ahead. Let’s enjoy tonight.”

Scotland 371 for five wickets (50 overs); England 365 all out (49 overs) at The Grange.

They swarmed onto the pitch, they danced and even corporate and VIP guests hugged each other after Fife-based Safyann Sharif dismissed last man Mark Wood lbw with a vicious in-swinging yorker.

And this is a moment that the 4,000 people lucky enough to be in the tight but atmospheric arena will say for years to come that they were there.

That’s after minnows Scotland humbled the star-studded England cricket team and sent them homeward to think again after a historic, 736 run-feast at The Grange.

Weeks ago Scotland suffered as a controversial lbw decision in Zimbabwe sent them tumbling out of the World Cup to the West Indies.

Now they face Pakistan in a T20 double-header at The Grange on Tuesday and Wednesday (both days at 4pm) buoyed by their first ever win over The Auld Enemy.

And batsman Calum MacLeod became the first Scot to plunder England’s quality bowling attack for a century.

In fact, Glasgow-born MacLeod, who was released by Durham at the end of the 2016 season, carried his bat unbeaten for 140 superb runs to the delight of the sell-out crowd.

And the game was screened live by Sky Sports putting MacLeod and Scottish cricket firmly on the world stage.

They may not have qualified for the World Cup but they skittled England, the No 1 ranked country in one day international cricket.

And the victory made a mockery of the decision to cut the associate nations from next year’s World Cup.

England jet home to face the might of Australia at the Oval on Wednesday and skipper Eoin Morgan conceded: “We were miles off where we expect to be and the way we played we didn’t deserve to win.

“There were quite a few mistakes made that we need to rectify and learn from ahead of the Australia series.”

He spoke minutes after the match announcer warned fans that they faced lengthy bans if they invaded the pitch.

But security staff were engulfed in the euphoria. The players then paraded around the pitch as Flower of Scotland played over the tannoy.

Earlier, Scotland posted a big total of 371 for four. Yes, it was a short boundary, but the effort was callosal against a top bowling attack.

It was the first time that Scotland had reached 350 in their one day international history and the 47 boundaries the batsmen secured is the most ever accumulated by an associate nation.

MacLeod, however, who plays for Bexley in the Kent Premier League, was centre stage and the 29-year-old celebrated his 57th one day international cap with a 70-ball ton.

The tone was set early on by Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer who pre-match said the players were pleased to have the opportunity to, as he put it, “get back on the horse” quickly against top opposition after the disappointment of Zimbabwe.

He told reporters that Scotland will beat England one day and they delivered 24-hours later.

Skipper Eoin Morgan brought a strong squad to Edinburgh and the glum faces of the fielding side told a story as Scotland sparkled in the summer sunshine.

Coetzer scored an assured and well-constructed 58 from 49 balls with eight fours and his second six brought up his half-century in a first-wicket partnership with Matthew Cross of 103.

In strode MacLeod and the right-hand top order batsman swept the English attack side with some glorious shots.
Scotland maintained a high run rate but Cross was next to go at 107 when he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sam Billings for 48.

On went MacLeod who teamed up with Richie Berrington, who scored 39, and then was joined by Oxford-born George Munsey who collected 55 runs from 51 balls in a belligerent knock which started with a reverse sweep to the boundary. That’s confidence for you and he shared a 107 run partnership with MacLeod.

Debutant Dylan Budge was next at the crease and he scored 11 runs before departing to allow Aberdeen-born Michael Leask an opportunity.

His cameo of ten runs started with a four off his first ball and the crowd loved it.
Minutes later they stood to salute MacLeod as he left the pitch having faced 94 balls and hitting 16 fours and three sixes.
In came England and Jonny Bairstow downed an espresso before he went out to bat and the caffeine injection certainly worked as he stroked his way towards a hundred.

He threatened to break the record but his knock ended up as the third fastest.

It looked as if the Scotland attack was there for the tacking as England comfortably piled on the agony, plundering boundaries, seemingly at will.

Bairstow was out for 105 from 59 balls with 12 fours and six sixes, but the rot set in when Joe Root was run out for 29 by Mark Watt after a mix-up with Alex Hales.

Still, at 220 for three, and playing as they were, it seemed as if England would stroll to victory with eight wickets remaining as Scotland did not appear to have real penetration in their bowling attack.

Then England lost two wickets in two balls with the score at 245, Morgan bagged at wide mid-on by a smart catch by captain Coetzer and Alex Hales was caught at short mid-wicket for 52 by Alasdair Evans.

That, according to Scotland hero MacLeod turned the game despite 46 runs from Moeen Ali and 47 not out from 44 balls from bowler Liam Plunkett who almost saw England home.

Watt finished as the top Scotland wicket taker with three for 55 with Evans and Berrington also claiming two each.

But it was the Yorker from Safyaan Sharif which will be remembered for sparking scenes probably never seen before at the picturesque Grange ground.

Walking campaigners have hailed the City Council’s plans to stop daytime vehicle traffic in two streets in the Old Town during the August as a good move.

Both streets link from either side of the Royal Mile, and the council says it will close them both between 10am and 5pm each day in August.

David Spaven, the Convenor of Living Streets Edinburgh Group, commented: ‘We’ve been pressing the Council for several years to tackle this growing problem of lack of space for pedestrians in the city centre during the peak summer season. So, we’re delighted they’ve taken up our idea. Banning traffic from Cockburn Street and Blair Street is an important step towards creating a civilised city centre which is safe and convenient for all pedestrians. But it should be just the start of a more ambitious programme – with growing safety concerns along Cowgate, we feel this traffic-dominated street should be an early priority for treatment.’

Living Streets are marking up the traffic ban as their second campaigning success in a matter of weeks. In May, the Council backed a plan to remove advertising boards from pavements throughout the city – one of the walking group’s key aims in recent years.

It took until just before 4pm for the procession to pass into Holyrood Park. While the official estimate is that 10,000 women took part it could be many more.

Fenella Dawnay is associate producer with Artichoke who are producing the event today in Edinburgh #Processions18 pic.twitter.com/aaK7V1Me4e

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) June 10, 2018

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We spoke with @FionaHyslop ahead of the #PROCESSIONS2018 event which starts at 2 from The Meadows pic.twitter.com/YZJHnwuk9R

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) June 10, 2018

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The Edinburgh South West MP @joannaccherry is also taking part in #PROCESSIONS2018 pic.twitter.com/LW7eT8jMae

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) June 10, 2018

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We asked @cajardineMP why she is taking part in #Processions2018 today pic.twitter.com/cZhxrVmiNu

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) June 10, 2018

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Two new appointments bolster finance team at the progressive Edinburgh club

Chartered Certified Accountant, Alice Shek, has been appointed as Director of Finance at Boroughmuir Rugby and Community Sport Club and the team that supports the role has been enhanced by a couple of key additions.

Inclusion in Scottish Rugby’s flagship Super 6 tournament and the appointment of its first female board member in the club’s 98-year history has meant it has been an exciting and transformational few months for the, Meggetland based, community club.

At the Boroughmuir AGM on 31st May, Shek was selected to succeed club stalwart, Bill Watson, as Director of Finance. Watson remains on the Board as Vice Chairman and will ensure Shek is fully supported in her role.

The ambitious club has also appointed Mark Hare as Assistant Director of Finance to ensure that financial management is centre stage as the club enters the next phase of its evolution. Mark, who still plays for the club that he joined aged 8, is a CIPFA-certified accountant and said he was “delighted” to get involved.

Shek is currently Transport Sector Accountant for international technology company Leidos. She said: “I am delighted to get involved in a club that I have admired for some time, especially at this stage of its evolution.”

Watson, ex-Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby Union said: “I have been keen to hand the reins to the next generation so, when we got the chance to secure Alice and Mark, I was over the moon.”

Ally Hay, chairman, said: “We have an exceptional Board, which has now with the addition of Alice and Mark just got even stronger. Everything at Boroughmuir is shaping up nicely for the start of the Super 6.”

Berwick Bandits moved to the top of the SGB Championship with a 51-38 victory over Redcar Bears in the Borders.

The result came after a ten-point defeat on Teesside on Thursday and it was achieved minus Jye Ethridge who was still suffering from a heavy fall at Redcar.

And Aaron Summers had a disappointing night only scoring three points.

Nikolaj Busk Jacobsen was best for the home side with 12 points and he was backed by 11 from David Howe and ten points from Dany Gappmaier.

Thomas Jorgensen was best for Bears with ten points.

In Poland, Great Britain were runners-up in the World Championship.

Tai Woffinden won the Grand Final but Robert Lambert trailed in fourth behind two Russians who took gold.

The Hibernian Historical Trust will once again hold an open day as part of the Leith Festival on Sunday 17 June 2018 from 1pm – 5pm.

The tours, which are self-guided, offer visitors the chance to explore many areas of the stadium and get up close with a range of historical Hibernian items held by the Trust.

The main reception holds the Hall of Fame exhibition with photographs of many of the legendry figures in the club’s glorious history.

The Boardroom where directors meet visiting dignitaries ahead of kick off houses the famous Gordon Smith exhibit containing his five league championship medals as well as commissioned portraits of Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull Pat Stanton and George Best, painted by Aine Devine.

Match worn boots and jerseys belonging to members of the Famous Five will also be on display,

In addition display cabinets holding  jerseys, boots and other memorabilia from the past will be available to view in the  Gallery and Players’ Lounge where photographs of past glories adorn the walls.

The East Stand concourse holds enlarged famous programmes for home games against Real Madrid, Naples and Barcelona and the outside wall contains personalised stones with messages.

The South Stand houses the Hibernian Community Foundation offices whilst the Famous Five Stand has a plaque in memory of former player James Main.

Visitors will also be able to visit the home and away dressing rooms and go pitchside down the tunnel where they can pose for photos in the dugouts.

Volunteers and club staff will be on hand throughout the stadium to answer questions and provide further information

This year’s displays will include  memorabilia from the Scottish Cup win, a Lego model of Easter Road Stadium and much, much more.

Among the Queen’s birthday honours was an OBE for Pargan Singh Cheema, Chief Executive of The Scottish Grocers’ Federation. Mr Cheema – known to friends and associates as Pete – was awarded the honour for services to Business, Community Cohesion and charity.

The Federation, based in Queensferry Road in Edinburgh, is the national trade association for the convenience store industry in Scotland and is the authoritative voice for the industry to both policy makers and the media. It currently has over 3,000 convenience stores in its membership.

Mr Cheema, 54, has been on the Federation’s National Executive for 17 years and is a former President. He has been Chief Executive of the SGF since March 2015.