Grange romped to an 10-0 win over bottom club Inverleith at Fettes in the men’s hockey Premiership to move into second spot in the 12-strong table.

Martin Shepherdson, Grange’s team manager, praised the young Inverleith side for their effort but said that Grange could not drop their standards and did a professional job.

Western still head the table after thrashing Hillhead 6-0 while Watsonians edged Uddingston 1-0.

Watsonians have 15 points from five outings but slip to third on goal difference while Grange and Western also have unblemished records.

The University of Edinburgh are fourth two points behind the three leading clubs after beating FSEG Clydesdale 5-0 and Erskine Stewart’s Melville (ESM) improved their league position to move onto nine points and a mid-table position with a narrow 3-2 victory over second-bottom Dundee Wanderers who remain pointless.

Grove Menzieshill beat the other pointless club, newly-promoted Dunfermline Carnegie, 2-0 on Tayside to move into seventh spot.

Watsonians lead the women’s Premiership with five straight wins including a 4-1 success over The University of St Andrews on Saturday with Clydesdale Western and Western Wildcats both two points adrift.

Results: Watsonians 4, The University of St Andrews 1; The University of Edinburgh 3, Grange Edinburgh Ladies 1; Clydesdale Western 3, GHK 1; Hillhead 1, Glasgow University 4.

FLASHBACK: Grange v Dunfermline Carnegie earlier this season. Picture Nigel Duncan

Scotland go into Day 2 of the Celtic Cup coarse fishing match at Strathclyde Park in joint top position with Team Wales A after a tremendous opening day.

Both teams are tied on eight points and have been drawn next to each other on the water.

Gus Brindle, Scotland’s team manager, said that the opening session proved a great match with 106kg 825gr of fish caught between the 31 anglers on the bank.

Wales B are third on 17 points with Ireland Youth B one point behind. The Irish senior team are next with 20 points and then come Scotland Blue with 21, Wales/Ireland combined with 22 and Scotland Ladies on 27.

Looking at Scotland’s results, Barry Young (Scotland White) earned three section points in A Section with 5.925kg with Derek Brady (Scotland Blue) receiving five with 5.075kg and Heather Lauriston (Scotland Ladies) had eight with 1.474kg.

In Section B, Peter Dick (Scotland Blue) weighed in 6.300kg for two points and Josh Trueman (Scotland Blue) had 3.375kg for four points. Rosalind Cassidy (Scotland Ladies) had 1.100kg for eight points.

James Dornom (Scotland White) from Currie, Midlothian, topped Section C with 6.100kg with Mark Lyons (Scotland Blue) getting eight points with 1.550kg of fish. Emily Mather (Scotland Ladies) received three points for 1.550kg.

Finally, in Section D, Scott Laird (Scotland White) earned two points with 2.700kg while Ewan Weed (Scotland Blue) had four points awarded from 1.625kg of fish.

Today is the final day and Brindle hopes that his teams come through in this development international designed to help anglers step up to European and World Championship angling.

PICTURE: Emily Mather in action on the bank at Strathclyde Park. Picture Nigel Duncan   

Presiding Officer of The Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone, announced earlier that the flags were being lowered at the parliament building as a mark of respect to former First Minister, Alex Salmond, who died suddenly today.

Ms Johnstone said: “On behalf of The Scottish Parliament, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Former First Minister, Alex Salmond, has died aged 69.

Mr Salmond was the leader of the Alba Party, which he set up in 2021.

It is just ten years since he stepped down as First Minister and leader of the SNP after the Independence Referendum. He was the former First Minister of Scotland, the leader of the SNP, a former MP and MSP.

The BBC is reporting that he died while in Macedonia giving a speech.

His friend, former Conservative MP, David Davis, who appeared with him in a Fringe show said on Twitter: “I was due to see Alec tomorrow night to discuss the next round in dealing with the Scottish Government’s malevolent actions against him. We differed on some fundamental issues, but he was a great leader for his country.”

Mr Salmond was leader of the SNP between 1990 and 2000 and then from 2004 to 2014.

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray, said: “It’s impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and our politics. He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this time.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.

“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.

“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the U.K and beyond.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.

“It is right that we recognise Alex’s service to our country as First Minister and to the communities he represented as both MP and MSP.”

Journalist and broadcaster, Andrew Neil, the former Editor of The Sunday Times, said: “So sad to learn that Alex Salmond has died. I had lunch with him in London only three weeks ago — an epic lunch as it transpired, as was fitting with Alex — and he was in fine form. Full of plans and plots. He even paid!

“His upbeat mood then make this all the more surprising and sad. He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK but we had a mutual respect and he knew I always regarded him as the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times. He was also the best of company. To be with him was always a joy. I will miss him hugely. So will Scotland. My condolences to his wonderful wife.”

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the serious assault of a 26-year-old woman near Abbey Road in Dalkeith on the evening of Friday, 4 October, 2024.

Enquiries are ongoing and there will continue to be an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with information which could assist officers, please use the online portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S09-PO1.

Alternatively, contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 3107 of 4 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A pedestrian who died following a crash in Port Seton in East Lothian on Sunday, 22 September, 2024, has been named.

She was Charlotte (Lottie) Harvie, aged 86, from the Port Seton area.

Her family has issued the following statement: “We are devastated at the tragic loss of our much-loved mother and grandmother. She will be sorely missed by all that were lucky enough to cross her path, a true inspiration and forever our superwoman.

“We are deeply grateful to all the emergency services for their outstanding care, compassion and support throughout this awful time. We would like to ask for privacy to continue to grieve our loss.”

The incident happened in a car park at Seton Sands Caravan Park around 10.40am and involved a white Vauxhall Combo van. The van driver was not injured.

Sergeant Dominic Doyle said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Charlotte at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Enquiries to establish the full circumstances continue. We can assist with our investigation and who has not already spoken to officers to get in touch.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1226 of Sunday, 22 September, 2024.”

Police are appealing for information following two separate, but believed to be linked, housebreakings in Livingston.

The first incident was reported to police on Friday, 11 October 2024. Around 8.15pm that night, the occupants of a house on Chuckethall Road, Deans, returned home to find it had been broken into and two suspects still within.

Startled by the family’s return, the suspects ran from the house and into a neighbouring garden.

The occupants were not injured but were very shaken by what had happened.

The suspects are described as:

1. White, 5ft 6 to 5ft7, medium build, wearing a mask, a navy hooded top with the hood up, dark jeans or tracksuit bottoms.

2. White, 5ft 6 to 5ft7, medium build, wearing a balaclava and similar dark clothing.

It is believed both men spoke in what was thought an Eastern European accent.

The second break-in was reported to police on Saturday, 12 October 2024. On this occasion, a home on Waverley Crescent was broken into between 8pm on Thursday 10 October and 8.00am on Saturday morning.

Detective Sergeant Derek Smith, Livingston CID, said:“I’d urge anyone with information, or who may have anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the break-ins to come forward.

“If you have any information, including dashcam or door-bell footage from around the two addresses, that you think may help our investigation then please get in touch.”

Any information can be passed to officers at Livingston Police Station via 101. Please quote incident numbers 3460 of 11 October and Inc 0854 of Saturday, 12 October 2024.

Received an email from a former pupil of Peterhead Academy, 54 years on since I left that austere educational establishment, but one which provided a solid platform to help launch my media career.

“We’re having a reunion and we’ve found you at last,” it declared.

I admit to having had reservations. A total of 54 years is a long time and I doubted if I could remember even a handful. However, I accepted and I’m glad we – my wife came too – made the trip to the North East of Scotland.

Four hours from Scotland’s Capital, up the M90 to Perth and then the A90 before joining the new Aberdeen by-pass just north of Stonehaven. What a boon that is as the slip out is at Balmedie, near Donald Trump’s golf course.

We drove into Peterhead. Nothing much has changed. The prison is still on the cliff overlooking the harbour, but this former home to some of the toughest in Scotland is now a museum, and the harbour has been extensively developed.

The red granite houses have, however, not changed, aged yes, and we turned into the spacious Palace Hotel car park, situated in the middle of the town. When I was at school, not yesterday I hasten to add, this was the home of Saturday night dances, and they could get rowdy. The hotel, which has been modernised, was comfortable and the staff helpful.

Peterhead, oh dear, it was a Saturday afternoon and it was deserted. Depressing. Very few people about on the streets. Sad really from what I remember, however, the sun, which blazed through the blue sky, lifted spirits and there was no wind. Shorts and T-shirt in Peterhead, something to note in your diary as the town is the most easterly point in Scotland.

We ventured towards the harbour looking for a café. We found one, The Dolphin, next to the Lifeboat station, which has been serving quality fish and chips for over 30 years, using, unsurprisingly, locally landed fish. Yes, there are staples like burgers, chicken, macaroni and other pies and baked potatos plus soups. I asked what the soup de jour was and the reply: “Mince and tatties soup.”

Well, I had to give it a dry and it was great. Hats off to Pauline who made it, wee bits of beef and packed with vegetables.

On we travelled past the busy, but deserted, fish market, where fish landings topped £200m for the first time in 2017 and, according to the Port Authority, have remained high since. The modern facility can handle up to 10,000 boxes a day and we strolled on, passing the dry dock and on towards the tiny harbour at Buchanhaven, the fishing cottages clinging to the foreshore and nestling among the red granite council houses.

Peterhead beach, at the mouth of the Ugie River, is a gem. Anywhere else and it would be crammed by deckchairs in mid-summer. Here the only wood is driftwood from the sea and the only thing to have changed was the configuration of the sand dunes, worn away by the sea and the relentless windy blasts from the North Sea.

We arrived back at the hotel to be greeted in the foyer by a collection of blue balloons, strange to those not from the North East. Peterhead is nicknamed the Blue Toon because of the blue clothes and stockings traditionally worn by the town’s fishermen.

These ladies, false eyelashes to the fore, were there, not in blue clothes or stockings, but their multi-coloured finery for an evening out. We understood they were the wives of players in a local football team, and they were having a good time. Another cocktail please, waiter.

The dinner was a success, after my embarrassment at not recognising a large percentage of my former classmates, despite travelling to Peterhead’s twin town, Alesund in Norway, with the school choir. The food excellent, despite this being a busy night for the hotel.

Breakfast was typical Scottish. I had smoked fish – we are in a major fishing port, after all – with poached egg, before heading off into the fog. Yes, a total change in the weather, and driving was difficult heading north towards Banff along the coast.

Pennan, famous for its red telephone box in the film Local Hero, was our next stop, a tiny village which has become a tourist hot spot. It was shrouded in mist when we turned down the narrow road and down the cliff into the village which hugs the cliffs. Watch the bend to the right behind the hotel, it is blind. Thankfully, nothing.

The village there was nobody about, only tourists venture out in poor weather, apart from a lady with a wet suit going for a dip. Convenience note, the public toilets are in the village hall.

On we went. Banff was also mist-bound. We did not stop. Cullen, where the Viaduct dominates, was damp with drizzle. The impressive viaduct used to carry the railway until it was decommissioned in the late 1960’s but has been preserved and is part of the walking trails around the town which also boasts a beautiful, soft sand, beach and golf.

We drove on towards Lossiemouth, originally the port for Elgin, but now labelled ‘the jewel of the Moray Firth’, for its two sandy beaches and dunes. RAF Lossiemouth nearby is a front-line operational base.

The fog had cleared slightly to be replaced by drizzle. It was dreich so we headed to the recommended Harbour Lights Café at the harbour. It was rammed but we got a table and loved the coffee and home-baked German biscuit. La crème de la crunch.

A short drive along the coast sits Findhorn, a world-renowned destination for mindfulness and a centre for ecological and sustainable living. It is home to around 900 and is a popular place for sailors, other water sport enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is easy to see why, and we could see by this time as the mist had, thankfully, lifted and the drizzle abated.

On to Nairn, a busy seaside resort on the Moray Firth, with three superb beaches and two championship golf courses. We walked along the shore and into the town. Not busy, Sunday near tea-time, and we were peckish.

Close to the station we fell upon The Classroom Bistro, described as a chic and popular restaurant serving quality ingredients, sourced locally, and “served with a smile”. Ours was, even though the waitress was rushed off her feet, and the fish and chips and lamb steak were top drawer.

No problem walking back to the refurbished, with a Scottish twist, West End Hotel, situated in a leafy neighbourhood. Quiet yes, warm, yes, but homely, no. Needs some TLC, in our opinion. The breakfast room was soleless.

On to Aviemore. A bustling place, packed with tourists as it is billed as an “all round destination” for winter sports, 30km of ski runs, walking, climbing, biking and fishing plus other leisure pursuits.

Competition for trade is fierce, particularly among the mountain and walking clothing sector, and the shops windows were covered by sale, 50% off and other visual attractors. We walked on by.

Our designation was the Cairngorm Chairlift car park, a pleasant drive through forest and past Loch Morlich, home to many water sports. We reached road end and there is a charge for the car park, but many park a tad down the hill, on the verge.

You know you are near the summit of Cairn Gorm, 4,081 feet about sea level, when you step out of your car, even in late September. An icy blast and the woman in the shop warned: “Snow on Thursday.” She was right.

A short time later we were back on the road towards the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore (open 10.30 to 4pm). Don’t miss this, especially if you are a fan of the historical drama series, Outlander. There are over 35 buildings onsite where you learn about how people in the Highlands lived, worked on and off the farm, went to school and did their shopping. This closes on October 31 for the winter and re-opens in April 2025. There is no charge but they welcome donations. Be generous as this is a fine facility.   

We enjoyed our jaunt apart from the mist, fog and drizzle, and A9 was not too busy on our route back to Scotland’s Capital.

MAIN PICTURE: Pennan, of Local Hero fame. Pity about the mist but the famous telephone box is in shot. Picture Nigel Duncan 

PETERHEAD HARBOUR: One of the busiest fishing ports in the UK. Picture Nigel Duncan

QUIET: Saturday afternoon in Peterhead’s shopping centre. Picture Nigel Duncan

PETERHEAD BEACH: wonderful sand but deserted apart for gulls. Picture Nigel Duncan

HARBOUR LIGHTS, LOSSIEMOUTH: A sanctuary away from the drizzle with great home-baking. Picture Nigel Duncan

GREAT FOOD: The Classroom, next to the school, quality food in chic surroundings. Picture Nigel Duncan

WEST END HOTEL: Great location but disappointing. Picture Nigel Duncan

FLASHBACK: Life in the Highlands in years gone and lovingly restored in the Folk Museum in Newtonmore. Picture Nigel Duncan

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS: The Palace Hotel, Peterhead. Picture Nigel Duncan

It’s sad to see an essential Edinburgh venue threatened with possible closure after Summerhall Management Limited was served with a “winding up petition by HMRC”.

it is also dispiriting that suggestions have been made that the building or parts of it could be turned into student accommodation. Summerhall has been an essential venue providing many memorable gigs in recent years.

This gig was no different with the return of Baby Bushka whose appearance in the capital attracted an audience of veteran fans. The line-up has changed over the years. Talented front-woman Natasha Kozaily (Boss Bush) masterminds a Kate Bush experience that manages to combine the subject’s theatricality and music successfully. One minute she is summoning the scary flying monster from the Experiment IV promo video, released shortly before Halloween in 1986, or the band dresses up as wolves during a galloping Hounds of Love.

Kozaily is also a storyteller, relating the story of late band member Nina Leilani Harding who died tragically in a car crash in 2020. She told one story concerning a grumpy front-row audience member in York who couldn’t resist Harding reaching out to him during a dramatic performance of This Woman’s Work.

They ramped up the drama for Ran Tan Waltz concerning a stay-at-home father and his absent wife. The band muster the idiosyncratic subjects of the Bush songbook while acting out versions that nod to Kate’s various television, promo and live performances while sometimes adding a little bit extra comic value in the case of her 1982 single There Goes A Tenner.

Baby Bushka is one of several acts that have toured the Kate Bush catalogue during the singer’s absence since a run of shows in 2014. I saw Kate’s show in October of that year at the Hammersmith Apollo not realising it would be her last.

It’s also another goodbye to Baby Bushka on this farewell tour. It’s been seven years with some incredible highs and lows. The late Nina Leilani Harding’s 2018 performance of This Woman’s Work at the Mash House in Edinburgh will linger long in the memory of anyone who saw it.

A seven piece band featuring music of Joni Mitchell, due to appear at Summerhall next week, has had to find a new venue for their upcoming concert following difficulties at the venue.

The band will now perform at St Bride’s in Dalry which has stepped up to offer an alternative home where the show will go on.

The seven piece band, Hejira, features Hattie Whitehead performing Joni Mitchell’s greatest songs. The numbers are largely drawn from Mitchell’s Shadows and Light album which the band says are “beautiful and exciting”.

A spokesperson for Hejira said: “Importantly, as with the original personnel, the band – though comprised of great and highly experienced jazz musicians – is there with the primary objective of serving the music!

“Taking on the role of Joni Mitchell will be the outstanding vocalist Hattie Whitehead – who not only pulls off the qualities of Mitchell’s singing…but also plays guitar like Joni, involving all sorts of Mitchell’s ‘open tunings’. Hattie grew up, surrounded by world-class musicians – being the daughter of the brilliant saxophonist, Tim Whitehead. Aside from mastering Joni’s vocal mannerisms, Hattie is a great singer/songwriter in her own right: she won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition in 2016 and has subsequently had hundreds of thousands of streams of her original works listened to.

“As it was Joni Mitchell’s 80th birthday last year – and after being awarded a Grammy this year – there couldn’t be a better-time for celebrating the major works of, arguably, the greatest singer-songwriter of the 20th century.

“Expect an evening of Joni’s ‘great songs’, such as ‘Amelia’, ‘Woodstock’, ‘A Case of You’, ‘Song for Sharon’, ‘Free Man in Pari’s ‘Hejira’ ‘Black Crow’ etc.”

Buy your tickets at the Eventbrite link below.

Exciting new show just announced for the 20th October: Hejira – Celebrating Joni Mitchell’!

Gael Logan, from Portobello, is pictured in action captaining the 2014 Scottish Commonwealth Championship women’s water polo team against the current Scotland side.

The match took place during a festival of water polo in Dunfermline  to commemorate esteemed coach Brian Campbell and also featured the second-ever girls tournament.

Joining Gael in the erstwhile Scotland team was Porty colleague, Victoria Witko, while Warrender’s Neal Rayner acted as coach.

Compared to 2023, the girls entry increased from six teams to nine and Edinburgh representatives Warrender fulfilled their objective of improving on last time out.

This time Warrender finished fifth (compared to sixth) having clinched the place by defeating Cathal Brugha, one of three Irish representatives in attendance.

Another of the Irish sides, Clonard, went on to win the tournament, their victims including Warrender (12-8).

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

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

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

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

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In Edinburgh’s ever-evolving culinary landscape, it seems that when one door closes, another opens.

This time, CABO has stepped in to fill the space left by Superico on Hanover Street, offering the city’s first foray into Pacific-fusion dining. After just a few weeks of operation, it’s clear the restaurant has promise, but is still finding its rhythm—a common challenge in a city filled with competitive new openings.

Upon arrival, the restaurant’s large, dark interior may feel a little underwhelming, particularly if you’re dining during daylight hours. While greeted warmly by the cheerful general manager Han, we opted for a table by the window, preferring some natural light to soften the somewhat empty atmosphere. A Sunday lunch with just two other occupied tables felt quiet, but that’s likely more of a timing issue than anything else.

CABO’s menu is ambitious, blending Latin American and Mexican influences with a flair for bold spices, chillis, and peppers. With the option of either a reasonably priced set menu (two courses for £16 or three for £19) or a more expansive à la carte selection, there’s a variety of intriguing dishes to explore. However, despite the accessibility of the set menu, it was the à la carte offerings that piqued our interest.

We started with some well-presented Bloody Marys—my companion opting for extra spicy. In fact, the green chilli garnish in my companion’s drink added a fiery kick, aptly described as “hotter than the hinges of hell”. Our subsequent bottle of rosé, though pleasant, was priced at £32, which seems steep for one of the cheaper wines on the list.

.
To begin, we shared a selection of CABO’s smaller plates. The Beef Short Rib Croquettes, though flavourful, were on the dry side, and could have benefited from a more generous helping of aioli. The Aji Amorillo Glazed Corn Ribs, on the other hand, were delightfully moreish, though slightly cumbersome to eat without making a mess. The Chicken El Pastor soft-shell tacos, bursting with mango and chipotle, were a highlight, though predictably messy, especially if eaten with one’s fingers.

Moving on to the main courses, there were some hits and misses. My Aji Panca Marinated Lamb Rump was succulent and cooked perfectly to my preference, paired beautifully with sweet potato fondant and golden raisins. It was, however, disappointing that the sauce had split, and the dish—like my companion’s scallops—was served tepid, with cold plates to boot.

My dining companion, who had initially planned to order the seabass, was instead offered scallops due to what we suspect was a minor white lie about that day’s fish delivery not being to his liking. While the scallops were generous, the Rocoto beurre blanc had also split, and the huge portion of chopped chorizo overpowered the delicate flavour of the scallops. Still, the underlying quality of the ingredients was clear, even if the execution was inconsistent.

Dessert offered a sweet end to the meal, with the Pineapple Ceviche stealing the show. Thinly sliced pineapple with chilli and coconut ice cream was a refreshing and imaginative palate cleanser. My Matcha Alfajore, though well-intentioned, was a bit dry and could have used an extra scoop of gelato to balance it out.

Despite these early teething problems—split sauces, cold plates, and a few overly ambitious flavour combinations—CABO shows real potential. The service was warm, attentive, and eager to please, and the menu is adventurous with a clear commitment to high-quality ingredients. In a city teeming with new restaurants, it’s clear that CABO is still finding its feet, but with a few tweaks, it could become a strong contender in Edinburgh’s dynamic dining scene.

With a bit more refinement and attention to the finer details, CABO could carve out a loyal following. We’ll be keeping an eye on how it evolves over the coming months.

Cabo, 99 Hanover Street, Edinburgh

Two supermarket service stations have been granted provisional premises licences by West Lothian’s Licensing Board. 

The licences cover the retail element at service stations attached to Morrisons’ supermarkets in Bathgate and at Dedridge, Livingston. 

The board heard there were no objections or adverse comments. 

 Police Scotland apologised for not attending the meeting but added the force had no objections or adverse comment about either the application.  

Licensing Solicitor Gary McMullen told the Board: “The two applications are related in the sense that it is the same applicant- Motor Fuel Limited- for two different premises. They are the Bathgate service station and the service station at Dedridge.” 

Mr McMullen told councillors that while garages would not be normally considered as licensed case law has been established surrounding retail elements at garages. 

 He told the Board “The legal test established is that there are a recognisable number of persons in the locality who see and treat the shop as the principal source either of groceries or fuel and   who would consider themselves disadvantaged or inconvenienced were that shop not to provide those retail facilities. 

“The test is about retail facilities, the sale of food and fuel, it’s not about alcohol sales.” 

 He added: “If the board considers that the tests are satisfied the premises are not excluded from licensing and the application must then be considered like the board would consider any other application.” 

Councillors had no objections and supported a motion from Councillor Tony Pearson, chairing the Board, to grant provisional premises licences. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

It’s not often you find a culinary surprise on your doorstep. Take a pace forward, Dhaba. Neighbours said it was quality and the reviews were good but, for some reason, we did not get round to giving it a try.

The restaurant, created from the former village Post Office, is tastefully decorated and comfortable and the menu online promised much. Among the phrases used in the about us section we noted: “Indulge in exquisite flavours, a tapestry of authentic Indian delights”, “where tradition meets innovation” and, finally, “every meal is a celebration of culinary excellence”.

Eventually, we got round to booking a table. Our loss. A comfortable five-minute walk from home to restaurant, we were warmly welcomed and then presented with the menu.

Having not been there before, we asked questions, several. Explanations were given and so we got down to selecting.

We by-passed the 12 starters listed on the night, including achari tandoori prawn marinated with ground spices and pickles, and the mouth-watering chilli paneer, cottage cheese cooked with mixed pepper, ginger, garlic, spring onion with green chilli.

Our concentration was the main course. I was tempted by the Goan king prawn, coconut cream, curry leaves with whole red chilli and mustard seeds, and the paneer makhani, Indian cottage cheese with tomato base butter and cream was also considered.

Instead, we picked a chicken biryani and a lamb Dhaba36, which was highly-recommended, and the dish of diced lamb cooked with ground spice and jaggary lived up to its hype. A garlic nan was suggested and accepted.

Before the attentive waiter left the table he asked if we liked our dish hot or medium, just to check, and we provided the feedback.

Drinks were ordered from the extensive bar and a few minutes later the superbly-presented dishes arrived. They looked great and we wondered if this restaurant could live up to the blurb.

Well, it did. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Dhaba36 situated in the heart of Balerno’s Main Street and only a short walk from a No 44 Lothian bus stop.

Dhaba36 uses, where possible, locally-sourced ingredients and serves vegan dishes, caters for allergies, and you can order online and pick up. It also has a kids menu.

Dhaba 36, 36 Main Street, Balerno, Edinburgh Eh14 7EH: tel: 0131 259 5760 or info@dhaba36.co.uk

Vandals who target bus lane cameras cost Edinburgh Council around £300,000 last year, new figures show.

It comes following a string of incidents which saw traffic enforcement cameras cut down or otherwise damaged.

Council officials said it was an “ongoing problem” which they are working with the police to try and resolve.

The local authority expected bus lane fines to generate around £600k in the 2023-24 financial year, however only half that was actually collected.

A new finance report blamed “camera vandalism,” while problems with energy networks also led to there being periods of non-enforcement and fewer notices being issued.

The camera monitoring the controversial ‘bus gate’ in Corstorphine’s low traffic neighbourhood has been targeted three times. Since being installed last year to reduce the volume of general traffic on Manse Road vandals have cut down the pole it’s mounted on twice, and last September the camera’s wires were snipped.

Furthermore two bus lane cameras were targeted in one night in February, as similar incidents saw poles sawed down at Murrayfield Gardens and South Gyle Broadway.

Following this the council reached out to the Metropolitan Police in London, where there have been around 1,000 attacks on cameras used to enforce the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone, for advice on “how to deal with this kind of situation,” former transport convener Scott Arthur said.

One way the council responded was to cover the Manse Road camera pole with anti-climb paint – a thick, greasy substance also known anti-vandal paint – and it set up CCTV will to monitor the spot.

As the issue was discussed at Thursday’s transport committee, SNP councillor Danny Aston asked: “On the bus lane cameras, can I just ask, for that to result in £300,000 less revenue than was expected, how many instances of vandalism to bus lane cameras have we had?”

Council officer Gavin Graham replied: “It’s an ongoing problem, we’re looking for trends etcetera and have alerted the police but I’m afraid we don’t have any figures at the moment to identify how many cameras are actually down.”

The council has been asked to provide data on the number of times traffic enforcement cameras vandalised in recent years and how many are not currently operational as a result.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Nearly a decade after its iconic chimneys came crashing to the ground a new image of the former Cockenzie Power Station site has been released.

East Lothian Council bought the giant 230 acre site from ScottishPower in 2018 with a vision of creating employment and an economic centre from it.

And as work begins to move tonnes of bund material from the nearby coal store onto the site to upfill the area for future development, the aerial view of the flattened site reveals its scale and potential.

Cockenzie Power Station was decommissioned in 2013 and two years later thousands of people gathered on land and sea to witness the demolition of its twin chimneys which had become a coastal landmark for locals.

Public consultations and masterplans followed as the local authority looked for investors for the site with interest to date coming from green energy firms.

In the image released today the first of a number of projects in the pipeline can be seen progressing at the top of the site where Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) are building their storage facilities which will bring energy from an offshore windfarm onto land and into the National Grid.

On the right of the site white buildings and a car park have been constructed which the council says relates to the ICOL project and will return to council once that project is complete.

East Lothian Council says work to date on the majority of the site has been around creating the infrastructure  to allow bund material from the coal store to the site, including putting up security fencing and reinforcing the Edinburgh Road which lies between the two sites so trucks can cross.

The first trucks are due to start rolling into the former power station site next week and continue bringing materials onto the site into next spring.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Detectives investigating the serious assault of a woman in Dalkeith have launched an online portal for members of the public to contact officers directly, one week on from the attack.

Between 5.30pm and 6pm on Friday, 4 October, 2024, a 26-year-old woman was attacked on a path in a wooded area near the golf club on Abbey Road.

Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

An extensive investigation remains ongoing, with a significant police presence remaining in the area. The online portal that gives people access to a form to send information, pictures or videos directly to the team can be accessed by following the link: https://orlo.uk/5Rrem

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky McGovern said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their continued assistance with our investigation, as we continue to appeal for information as part of our extensive enquiries into this attack.

“We are continuing to assess a significant amount of information and have a dedicated team of officers carrying out local and CCTV enquiries at this time.

“Anyone who has yet to speak to police, and has information which may assist our investigation, is asked to contact us.”

Inspector David Rourke, Deputy Local Area Commander, said: “I’d like to reassure the public that we have increased high visibility patrols in the area and these will continue over the coming days as enquiries progress.

“Anyone with information or concerns can speak to these officers.”

If you believe you have information which could assist officers, please use the online portal link above, or contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference number 3107 of 4 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The owner of Selmmuir Carp has confirmed he is closing the fishery near Livingston permanently.

Lee Brodie informed anglers in a post on the fishery Facebook page at lunchtime on October 11.

He said: “The site is now residential only and will remain as my home. I will honour all bookings for credits that are left until credits are used up as there’s not many left. Any bookings currently in place for October will also be honoured.”

Brodie added: “I know this is sad news for some, but I have served my time in the fishing sector and now moving on with new life prospects.”

The social media page will close soon, he added, and the post indicated that there is no bait left on the premises and no toilets available on site as they have been removed.

Former Hibs and Liverpool legend Peter Cormack has sadly died at the age of 78. 

The Scotland international who won nine caps for Scotland, previously revealed he was battling dementia. 

The Edinburgh-born midfielder earned the first of his nine international caps in a 1-1 draw against World Champions Brazil when he was 20 years old in 1966 and was included in the Scotland 1974 World Cup squad.

He joined Hibs in 1962, and played 182 times scoring 75 goals before moving to Nottingham Forest for a reported £80,000. 

He then joined Liverpool and at Anfield won two league titles, the UEFA Cup and FA Cup during four years between 1972 and 1976 working under manager Bill Shankly who once described him as one of the club’s best ever signings. 

He then moved to Bristol City before returning to Hibs before going on to manage  Gala Fairydean, Partick Thistle, Cowdenbeath and Greenock Morton with a short spell as an international manager for Botswana. 

He also enjoyed a spell as number 2 under Alex Miller at Easter Road. 

In a statement released on social media on Friday, Hibernian said: “Everyone at Hibernian FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Hibee Peter Cormack at the age of 78. Rest in peace, Peter.” 

A statement from Liverpool said: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former midfielder Peter Cormack, aged 78. 

“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Peter’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.” 

Sex shops will be banned from opening in East Lothian after councillors set the number they will allow to set up at zero.

Licensing chiefs had recommended elected members bring sex shops under licensing control to ensure any future venues could be regulated.

The move meant any shop which was deemed to sell a ‘significant number’ of sex aids and similar items would need to apply for a licence and required them to set the number they were willing to approve in the county.

It comes nearly three years after councillors agreed similar legislation for sex entertainment venues which also had a zero limit placed on them, effectively banning them from operating.

A meeting of the local authority’s licensing sub committee this week heard from its legal advisers Ian Forrest that while, as far as he was aware, there were no sex shops operating in East Lothian and he was not expecting a ‘sudden influx’ of them, leaving them unlicensed meant they were able to open anywhere.

He told the committee: “As things stand if one was to open up we would have no control over them as it is not currently a licensed activity.

“This would in effect close a loophole and give us control should a sex shop want to open up in the future.”

The committee was asked to pass a resolution making sex shops a licensable activity which would then require them to decide how many shops they would allow.

Mr Forrest said a public consultation was held in August through the council’s consultation hub but only received one response which came from Councillor Cher Cassini.

Councillor Cassini, who sits on the committee, did not take part in the debate or decision after making her views clear in her response.

She told the consultation: “I would never grant a licence for any sex shop as these places detract from any area they are sited. They pose a particular risk to women and children. They bring down the tone of their surroundings.

“ As I have already committed to the specific protection of women and girls, I feel any outlet which sells material that demeans the value of women in particular is completely against equality and decency East Lothian Council has pledged to uphold.”

During the meeting committee member Councillor Jeremy Findlay questioned what would happen if someone set up a lingerie shop, referencing Ann Summers stores, which sells a small amount of sex items.

He asked: “Is that a sex shop, to what degree is a significant number of items, is it 20%, 50%?”

However the legal adviser said there was no specification in the legislation about it adding it would be down to ‘common sense’.

He said: “If it happened to be a lingerie shop with a shelf which sold ‘other items’ shall we say that might not be considered a sex shop.”

Councillor John McMillan moved the committee agree the resolution to licence sex shops, which could be in place by December.

He said: “I think Councillor Cassini’s response is a fairly widely held view. I am mindful other people have different views on this, there is a view that regulating it is a benefit if someone wants to apply.

“I think this is something beneficial, it allows the licensing regime to come in and hear an application and allows us to enforce, it is a preventative measure and I will support it.”

The committee unanimously agreed to the resolution before unanimously agreeing the accepted number of shops to be licensed will be zero.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

INEOS Britannia qualified for the final of the America’s Cup, the first time in 60 years that a British yacht has done so, and they are set to square-up to Emirates Team New Zealand in a series of races starting this weekend.

The British crew are fresh from victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup and Sir Ben Ainslie’s British team are race-hardened after an intense seven weeks of competition against four other teams.

The series ended with a 7-4 victory over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and confidence is naturally high for the series. The first team to win seven races takes the Auld Mug and, if Britain win, it will end 173 years of America’s Cup hurt as it is the one sporting trophy that Britain has never won despite 22 challenges.

The Kiwis defend the world’s oldest sporting trophy, with a history dating back to 1851 when the New York Yacht Club won a race around the Isle of Wight after an invitation from the Royal Yacht Squadron to take on their fleet.

Wheatley says the book title comes from a phrase first coined in 1851 as the yacht America sailed down the Solent after racing, and beating, leading yachts in the British fleet around the Isle of Wight.

Ainslie acknowledges that his men are underdogs, but the Olympic gold medal winner said: “Emirates Team New Zealand are the All Blacks of sailing, but we are ready for the challenge.”

Magnus Wheatley has covered the event for several decades and his in-depth knowledge has been brought together in a book just launched and entitled, There is No Second, which is now available from Seahorse Publishers.

It is wonderfully-well researched and takes the reader back to the early years of the America’s Cup. The blurb says it is “essential reading” for those seeking to drill down and really understand how the race came to represent the pinnacle of international yacht racing.

The Louis Vuitton 37^th America’s Cup match starts on Saturday, October 12 at 13.00 (BST) and British viewers can follow the action live on the Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com homepages.

COVER STORY: The book by Magnus Wheatley which is now available from Seahorse Publishers

An interesting aside. Muc-Off, the world leader in bicycle care and performance, has a partnership with the Ineos Britannia sailing team.

Muc-Off has now extended its high-performance drivetrain optimisation expertise to the high seas.

The collaboration aims to leverage Muc-Off’s pioneering technologies, including their chain optimisation process, originally developed for road racing, to enhance the performance of the Britannia team’s Cyclors, the athletes who pedal stationary bikes to generate hydraulic power for the boat’s hydrofoils and sails.

Police Scotland has issued advice to the public in relation to gift card fraud.

Officers say that if you are buying a gift card for anyone other than a person you know, it could be a scam.

Typically, victims receive a call, text or email demanding an urgent payment by purchasing gift cards. Fraudsters may claim to represent organisations or even employers.

Following the purchase, the victim is asked to provide the gift card code to the fraudster who does not require to have physical control over the card/voucher.

Employees may also receive urgent emails purporting to be from management asking them to purchase gift cards on their behalf. A legitimate employer will not ask you to handle company business through gift card purchases.

• No reputable organisation would ask for payment using vouchers or gift cards.

• Do not reveal the vouchers codes to anyone.

• If an offer sounds too good to be true – it probably is! Even if it’s from an organisation you know and trust.

• Don’t follow links in text messages or phone any numbers provided within the message.

• No bank, utility company or government agency; such as the Police, NHS or HMRC will ever ask you to purchase gift cards or make immediate payment over the phone or electronically;

STOP AND THINK BEFORE PARTING WITH YOUR MONEY, IT’S OK TO REJECT, REFUSE OR IGNORE ANY REQUESTS.

ONLY CRIMINALS WILL TRY TO RUSH OR PANIC YOU!

Sign up to the Trading Standards Scotland Scam Share Bulletin to keep up to date with the latest phone, email, doorstep and online scams affecting Scottish consumers –

For more information on scams and frauds, please visit the Police Scotland website.

One of our readers sent in this photo of the Northern Lights on Thursday evening.

“A pic of my friend’s dog Douglas with the northern lights, first time I’ve ever seen them after being in Scotland for nearly 30 years.“

If you have any photos please do share them with us

Douglas the dog Photo Vroni Holzmann

The aerospace business, Leonardo, has been the target of damage caused by pro-Palestinian protesters in recent years.

The company has now taken steps to increase security by installing razor wire on top of the fences which surround the compound on Ferry Road.

Grange have won all four of their men’s Premiership matches so far this term, scoring 16 goals and conceding four, and they entertain bottom club Inverleith at Fettes on Saturday (noon).

The visitors are pointless having lost all four of their games, scoring three goals and letting in 24 and third-placed Grange are in no mood to slip up here.

They are bracketed behind pace-setting Western and Watsonias, who are second, on a maximum 12 points, but the Auchenhowie men top the table on a goal difference of 19 against Watsonians 14. Grange have a goal difference of 12.

Second-placed Watsonians entertain Uddingston (16.00) while Western, fresh from playing in the EuroHockey League in London, host Glasgow rivals Hillhead who are seventh with four points from one wins and a draw from their four games.

The University of Edinburgh are fourth on ten points from three wins and a draw, scoring 14 goals and letting in four, and they host FSEG Clydesdale who are four places and six points adrift having won only one of their four outings.

Mid-table Erskine Stewarty’s Melville (ESM) with six points entertain second bottom Dundee Wanderers who are one of three teams without a point so far and a goal difference of minus 20, one better than Inverleith.

Watsonians women have won all their games, scoring 44 goals and conceding one, as they defend the Premiership, and they go in against struggling The University of St Andrews.

The students have one point from their four games having scored four goals and shipped 16.

Eighth-placed Inverleith host bottom club Fjordhus Reivers at The Mary Erskine School and they home side are two points better off with three against one.

The University of Edinburgh, who are fifth, host city rivals, Grange Edinburgh Ladies who are one place below them in the table. The students have lost one of their three games while Grange have drawn all four of their games so far.

Men’s Premiership: Erskine Stewart’s Melville (ESM) v Dundee Wanderers (no time given); Grange v Inverleith (noon, Fettes); Grove Menziehill v Dunfermline Carnegie (12.20, Dawson Park); The University of Edinburgh v FSEG Clydesdae (13.20, Peffermill); Western Wildcats v Hillhead (13.30, Auchenhowie); Watsonians v Uddingston (16.00, Peffermill).

Women’s Premiership: Clydesdale Western v GHK (no time or venue given); The University of Edinburgh v Grange Edinburgh Ladies (no time of venue given); Watsonians v The University of St Andrews (no time or venue given); Inverleith v Fjordhus Reivers (13.00, The Mary Erskine School); Hillhead v Glasgow University (15.45, Upper Windyedge).

FLASHBACK: Grange v Western Wildcats at Tipperlin last season. Picture by Alex Rose

A 25-year-old man has been arrested this morning in connection with the death of Gary Nicol in Livingston. 

Mr Nicol 50 was found with serious injuries on Bankton Lane around 2am on Thursday, 26 September, 2024. 

Officers say that their enquiries are ongoing. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Gary Nicol in Livingston. 

“The 50-year-old died after being found with serious injuries on Bankton Lane around 2am on Thursday, 26 September, 2024. 

“The 25-year-old was arrested on Friday, 11 October and enquiries are ongoing. 

For the 50,000 people who live on Scotland’s western islands, the words “Cal-Mac” provoke either rage or a shrug of the shoulders. Yet the state-owned ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne is a “lifeline” to the islands, providing them with all their heavy supplies and a means of getting cars to and from the mainland. And, of course, bringing a stream of tourists to boost the local economy. 

But Cal-Mac has been sailing through a sea of troubles in recent years, largely due to under-investment in its fleet of 33 vessels and partly due to poor management and political bungling. On Monday, the totem vessel in all this, the Glen Sannox, is due to be handed over to Cal-Mac by Ferguson’s shipyard. It’s six years late and four times over budget.

It won’t actually go into service on the Arran route until December, just as the manager of Cal-Mac, Duncan Mackison, says he’s facing “a perfect storm” of delays, just as the winter maintenance programme begins.  Another vessel on the Arran route, the 31 year old Caledonian Isles, has been in dry dock for 11 months for £6.5m of repairs and won’t be back sailing until next month, at best. Meanwhile, four new ferries being built in Turkey will not start coming on stream till the spring. The first of those has been delayed by four months because of a shortage of skilled workers over there.    

The whole shambles goes back to 2006 when Cal-Mac was forced to hive off its procurement arm to a separate agency CMAL to comply with European competition rules.  It looked as if all Scottish shipyards would be out-bid by yards in Poland and Turkey and indeed they were, except for Ferguson’s on the Clyde which won a contract worth £97m to build two proto-type ferries which could run on liquefied natural gas as well as traditional diesel. 

The SNP government was so proud of this achievement that it bore with the delays and cost over-runs as the project proved more difficult than at first thought. It even nationalised Ferguson’s shipyard when it went bust. The total bill for the two ferries has now reached £400m.

The opposition parties, of course, have used the debacle to brand the SNP as incompetent wishful-thinkers who have their minds on higher things like independence.  And they have succeeded. You only have to utter the word “ferries” and everyone thinks of SNP incompetence. It doesn’t help that the Cal-Mac board has tried to distance itself from the troubles. The chairman is Erik Ostergaard, who lives in Denmark. He is said to have made just one visit to see his ferries in action and two other members of the board have never been known to visit any of Cal-Mac’s 50 ports of call.  The 1,700 people who work for Cal-Mac must feel slightly abandoned, not to mention the 50,000 islanders.

The basic trouble is that no one wants to take responsibility for the lack of investment in the Cal-Mac fleet for the last 20 years. And politicians lack the courage to increase charges or taxes to pay for it.

Ferries are just one example of such austerity. It’s a disease which has hollowed our public services and left 40 per cent of all families in Scotland in deep poverty, according to a report out this week from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It lays part of the blame on the social security system and has called on both governments in London and Edinburgh to increase child benefits.

Poverty breeds addiction and crime and this week we learned that our prisons are so full (around 300 over the 8,000 capacity) that short-term prisoners are to be freed after serving just 40 per cent of their sentence, rather than the current 50 per cent.  There will be some exceptions, of course, but if we had invested in a proper community service alternative, most of these prisoners would not be in prison at all but learning to correct their ways out in the community.    

An even bigger example is climate change. This week over 60 environmental and trade union groups have called on the Chancellor to invest £1.9bn each year in a transition fund, to move Britain out of oil and gas production and into renewables.  Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and Extinction Rebellion don’t often sign petitions alongside Unite, the RMT and the Scottish Trade Union Congress but they have come together to make sure jobs in the oil and gas industry in Aberdeenshire and elsewhere in Scotland are “transitioned” into the off-shore wind industry. 

One man who has gone further than most to highlight the progress of climate change is the Scottish arctic explorer Pen Haddow.  He has just paid a visit to the most northerly point of the British Isles, a rock known as the “Out Stack” off Shetland, to highlight the fact that the ice at the North Pole is melting fast and we are not far away from arctic disaster. 

But if we can’t even fix our ferries, we will need to try harder to fix the planet.

Paddington Bear

Edinburgh is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will see the special statues appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.
People have gathered in St Andrew Square Garden to meet the newest resident: a meticulously crafted and painted statue sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

The film Paddington in Peru opens on 8 November.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential
Edinburgh said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh is part of Paddington Visits and encourage
fans of all ages to head into the city centre and visit their favourite bear, share his bench for a little while and grab a special selfie in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden –
marmalade sandwiches are optional!”

Solar Ceilidh

Porty Energy are behind the Solar Ceilidh which is taking place on 12 October at Bellfield.
Tickets are still available.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival

The Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF) welcomes film fans from all over Scotland to its 11^th edition. The festival offers a packed programme of cinema screenings, guest appearances and cultural events, featuring a total of 15 films, including seven debut features from Spain and Latin America and offering a snapshot of the best brand-new Spanish-language cinema for 2024. All the new features are Scottish premieres, with most having their only screening in the UK during the festival.

The festival runs until 26 October and the full programme is here or click on the image below.

Summerhall

The future of the Edinburgh Short Film Festival has been thrown into doubt by the goings on with HMRC at Summerhall. The organisers are waiting to hear the outcome of Robert McDowell’s negotiations with HMRC over alleged unpaid corporation tax. A spokeseperson for Summerhall Management Limited, the company at the centre of the tax row, said: “Some events will be cancelled, and the team are working on a case by case basis with those affected behind the scenes. Our website will be kept as up to date as possible to keep customers informed and we thank everyone for bearing with us as we work under these prescribed conditions.“

The poetry festival Push The Boat Out is also conducting a watching brief on what happens at the arts venue – which was marketed for sale with a closing date for offers in September, but there has been no news of a successful bidder. The festival is supposed to take place next month, but PTBO say they are unable to sell tickets through Summerhall – leading to speculation that the venue’s bank accounts have been seized in connection with the alleged debt.

The People’s Story

The council voted last week to close the museum, but the Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson – who is the constituency MSP for the Royal Mile where the museum is situated – has criticised the move by the council.

The museum was closed prior to the meeting of the council. Activist, Jim Slaven, who delivered a stinging deputation at the Culture and Communities meeting is keeping his Twitter timeline up to date with those who support his calls for the museum to be reopened.

Civil Service Strollers take a break from Lowland League action on Saturday 12 October to visit West of Scotland League Division Three side, Dalry Thistle, in a third round South of Scotland Challenge Cup tie.

It is a competition Strollers won in 2017-18 and they should continue to be boosted by the fine form of central defender Matty Shaw following his inclusion in the “team of the round” selected after a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup first round win over Cumbernauld Colts.

On the downside Josh Laing continues to be absent with a broken collar bone.

Strollers will return to Ayrshire later this month to face Irvine Meadow in the Scottish Cup – one of four successive away fixtures before returning home to face Gretna and Albion Rovers in successive outings.

Last time out Strollers overcame Gala Fairydean Rovers 4-2.