Police have arrested and charged a teenage male following a firework incident Police have arrested and charged a teenage male following a firework incident in Edinburgh city centre. 

Officers were made aware of the incident at Nicolson Square on Monday evening, October 28.  

The 18-year-old has been charged with “culpable and reckless behaviour”. 

Officers have now urged the public to come forward with any concerns regarding firework misuse. 

A statement issued on social media reads: “Following a firework incident at Nicolson Square yesterday, an 18-year-old male was arrested and charged with culpable & reckless behaviour. 

“Stop your area from becoming a firework hot-spot, if you know or suspect anyone who is involved or planning firework misuse, either contact police on 101 or speak up anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111.” 

The new zones will be enforced in Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield in an attempt to protect emergency services, communities and pets. 

New rules make it an offence to use a firework in such zones on specific dates, unless as part of a display licensed by the local authority. 

Those who commit an offence could face imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding of up to £10,000.

Hibs Head Coach David Gray is buoyed by the return of two first team players for Wednesday’s trip to Dingwall. 

Joe Newell missed the derby following his red card against Dundee United and Nicky Cadden also missed out due to an injury but Gray says that both are available for Ross County. 

Speaking ahead of the trip Gray said: “It’s a boost (having Joe Newell back). He struggled watching the derby from the stands, I missed many games like that through injury and suspension, so I know how he was feeling and that he just wanted to be on the pitch. He is back with the rest of the group and is available for selection. 

“It’s the same for Nicky Cadden too, he’s had extra sessions and comes into our thoughts.” 

Gray sees the fixture as an opportunity to get more points on the board and hopefully off the bottom of the table. 

And he wants to put the frustration of Hearts late equaliser on Sunday and use that draw as a platform to build on. 

He added: “Our attention quickly turned to Ross County. 

 “Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom to build on things and that happened after Dundee United. 

“We dropped two points in the derby, but it’s a point on the board and it’s something to build on. We need to take that into Wednesday night, in what will be a tough test. 

“It’s always difficult going up there but we see it as an opportunity to build on the point that we got at the weekend, even though, we know we should be building on three.” 

“Don Cowie has done a really good job there. 

“I know what to expect; it’ll be a tough test, and they will force you to defend. 

“The players will be ready and it’s an opportunity for us to get more points on the board. 

“Three points is the aim and focus going up there. The full focus is on sticking together, working as hard as we can and looking to rectify this situation as quickly as we can.” 

Detectives are appealing for information after a 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were assaulted and robbed in the city centre.

The pair were at the pedestrian crossing at Leith Street and Princes Street junction around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, 2024 when they were assaulted and robbed by a group of people.

They were both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The suspects ran off towards St James Quarter towards Multrees Walk.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray of CID said: “This appears to have been a shockingly unprovoked and random attack, which left the victims requiring medical treatment.

“We are keen to trace three males and a female.

“The first male youth is described as aged between 14 and 16 years of age, tanned complexion, of medium build, with light curly hair which was short on top. He was wearing a black snood, a blue zipped jacket with white down the side.

“The second male is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white trainers.

“The third male is aged between 16-20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with white writing across the chest.

“The female is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, five-foot one inch tall, with blonde hair. She was wearing a white jacket.

“As part of our enquiries, we are reviewing CCTV to identify those responsible. We would ask if any has footage of the incident to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Marti Pellow is coming to party at Edinburgh Castle next July in one of his Love is All Around Summer shows.

The former Wet Wet Wet lead singer will play the castle for the third time and promises to deliver everything that fans love – his timeless hits, heartfelt ballads and his undeniable energy.

Marti said: “”I can’t wait to be back amongst my own in the capital, playing all the hits from over the years. I’ve had the privilege of playing some iconic shows at the castle, but this one is going to be something special. Third time’s the charm! See you all there for one big Marti party.”

During his long career, his music has touched millions with his powerful voice and his ability to connect with the audience.

Mark Mackie of Regular Music said ‘We are delighted to have Marti coming back to play at Edinburgh Castle next year. It’s sure to be an incredible Saturday night up there, celebrating of all of Marti’s hits from his outstanding career… as they say ‘no Marti, no party’!

Marti will also visit many other venues all over the UK.

Tickets for Edinburgh Castle go on sale on Friday 1 November at 10am from Ticketmaster – just before he takes to the stage at the OVO Hydro on his 30th anniversary tour.

Charities supporting Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people will lose millions of pounds of funding, it’s emerged. 

The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), which oversees the city’s health and social care services, is set to slash £4.5m of grants currently shared between 64 organisations. 

The funding supports organisations carrying out preventative and early intervention work with vulnerable residents – including dementia sufferers, disabled young people, rape victims, those on low incomes, and new parents. 

The grant funding was expected to continue until at least March next year, with the possibility of a further extension. 

However health and social care chiefs are proposing to bring this forward to the end of January in a bid to reduce a “significant financial deficit” – giving charities just 90 days to find alternative funding and threatening the future viability of many projects. 

Charities set to have their grant cut have told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the decision would cost city authorities more in the long-term and risked axing the only support accessed by some of the city’s most in-need. 

One compared it to “a sinking ship deciding it needs to be lighter and cutting off its life rafts,” adding they felt “devalued” by the proposals. 

Outgoing EIJB chief officer Pat Togher said in a report the organisation, a partnership between Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian, was at risk of being “unable to meet its fundamental responsibilities”. 

In March a budget gap of £60m was reported and despite achieving  “substantial savings” since then, significant shortfalls remain. And with a further £50m in cuts needed to balance the books in 2025-26, Mr Togher said the gaps “will not be closed through efficiency savings or improved grip and control alone” and cash currently invested in the grants programme “would be better spent on other priorities”.  

He wrote: “The size of the deficit is such that without decisive action, the EIJB will be unable to meet its statutory obligations and unable to protect our most vulnerable. In the absence of a substantial (and recurring) increase in income, the EIJB needs to reduce the scale of the services it provides.” 

He said there were “likely to be adverse consequences for some individuals,” however added this disadvantage was “outweighed by the benefits that would be felt by the most vulnerable members of society for whom there is a legal duty to provide services”. 

An impact assessment found the services provided by the 64 charities are accessed by around 55,500 people across Edinburgh. It said the cut could mean organisations “will close or that specific services will be discontinued due to the funding loss” alongside increased referrals for health and social care assessments and higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. 

With many charities reliant on core grants to attract extra funding from other sources, they have warned the decision to proceed with the cut would be “devastating”. 

Marjorie Mitchell, who runs a Monday day care service in Portobello for people with dementia and wholly relies on an annual £4,000 grant from the EIJB, said: “The problem is that everything else is going up; the transport [costs] have gone up 50%, the rent’s gone up. 

“We”ve got 10 to 12 members who all suffer from Dementia, a lot of them are socially isolated, some of them don’t go anywhere else but here and it’s very important to them and their families, who get some respite on a Monday. 

“I think they will be very upset.” 

She added: “We could do fundraising but to make up £4,000 on top of the other things that have gone up, we’d have to do a colossal amount of fundraising and I don’t think we could do it.” 

Portobello Monday Centre organises group activities, such as singing, and offers users a hot lunch and the chance to interact with others. “Some of them don’t go anywhere else,” Marjorie explained,” it does make a big difference to them.” 

Rachel Green, director of the Ripple Project which works to tackle poverty and inequality in Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny, told the LDRS: “The last we heard we were going to get an extension for the year which would give us 15 months to try and plug this.” 

She said while the charity’s annual funding from the EIJB was £87,000, the cut would lead to a disinvestment in the area “of half a million pounds” as the grant “enables me and other people to lever in other funds”. 

She added: “They are trying to have a balanced budget, they haven’t had a balanced budget for two years and they’ve rolled with it. 

“It’s like a sinking ship deciding it needs to be lighter and cutting off its life rafts. 

“It doesn’t make sense at all. It will just mean additional cost further down the line to another part of the organisation. 

“For this area to lose a resource like this is incredibly devastating. We are the only place they go to. Not only do they come to the lunch club but they tell us that their electricity meter isn’t working right or they need a blue badge, or their prescriptions are not fulfilled. We do all of that under the radar as well. We know people, we know if they’re not there. If there are people who would die, nobody would know that they had died.” 

Rachel said the proposal was causing her to have “an existential crisis about what kind of society we are,” adding the message it sent was that “older people are expendable”. 

She called on EIJB to “work out a way to give us enough time to work together with them to deliver for our most vulnerable people”. 

The cut is also set to hit the Community Renewal Trust’s Health Case Management service, based in Craigmillar, which helps locals access the right healthcare. 

CEO John Halliday said this was a “vital service” based in the poorest neighbourhood in the whole of Edinburgh supporting people facing mental health and chronic pain related crises. 

He said: “In our case, our wide-ranging charity will survive intact, although the same cannot be guaranteed of all those local residents we would have been supporting. Much more than our own organisation and our own local community, we are primarily worried about the huge scale of these abrupt sweeping cuts on those residents with lowest life expectancy in every ward of the city.” 

While the East Synergy Group, a partnership of third sector organisations operating in the greater Craigmillar area, estimated the cuts could “cause around 100 job losses and take away services to around 40,000 Edinburgh residents”. 

In a statement the Group’s chair Scott Neill said: “While we recognise the significant funding challenges faced by the EIJB, disinvesting from 
the third sector for short term cost savings seems misguided. Such actions are likely to increase pressure on both NHS and council services, contradicting the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, and the Audit Commission’s strong advocacy for enhanced prevention and early intervention strategies which are known to take time and require investment. 

“Evidence consistently shows that investment in prevention is one of the most 
cost-effective methods to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities, ultimately fostering greater sustainability with economic, social, and environmental benefits.” 

SNP councillors said they will oppose the in-year cut and seek a solution to continue the funding in future years. The group’s EIJB spokesperson Cllr Vicky Nicolson said to address the “urgent risk of closure facing many valuable third-sector organisations” she would request that the Board defers the report, which is due to be considered this Friday, November 1, to allow consultation with a council committee to gather input. 

“At that stage,” she said, “we will recommend that the council consider using reserves to cover the in-year funding, ensuring these essential organisations can continue their work”. 

Council leader Cammy Day said the Labour administration would try to “stop the in year cuts wherever we can”. 

In a post on X on Monday night, he blamed a “decade of SNP cuts” and said he would “propose a way forward” to engage with the third sector. 

Mr Togher recently announced his resignation as EIJB chief officer and will soon leave the organisation to take up the equivalent role in Glasgow. 

Commenting, he said the proposed changes to grants “represent less than 3% of our overall spend from the EIJB to the third sector with the remaining savings consumed by the Health and Social Care Partnership”. 

He said: “Projects were awarded funding for three years in 2019 which was subsequently extended in 2022 due to continued disruption from Covid and are due to end in March 2025. 

“The EIJB were required to close a £60m financial gap this year and are currently preparing for similar savings 25/26. 

“We must make the necessary decisions to protect our core legal duties and protect our most vulnerable  – such as providing care homes,  applying adult protection/ mental health legislation and preventing further drug related deaths in the city. It is in this context that we must decide on how we now prioritise spend when faced with the gravity of the savings imposed and ensure longer term sustainability. 

“We have a duty to spend public money carefully and we will therefore bring forward proposals to achieve the best for the citizens of Edinburgh through working with our third sector partners to ensure clear, measurable outcomes which improves health and social care in Edinburgh.” 

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Friends of Dalry Cemetery

Jakob Assarsson runs the Friends of Dalry Cemetery group.

He is being pursued in a civil action in Edinburgh Sheriff Court by Philippa Berry who lives in the Cemetery lodge. She has installed an alarm at her house which warns every time someone enters the cemetery by the main gates on Dalry Road.

The Friends group was set up during lockdown to carry out litter picking and gardening in the cemetery. All Friends groups in the city are governed by rules laid down by the The City of Edinburgh Council.

Ms Berry now wants to prevent Mr Assarsson from using the entrance next to her house.

He has set up a Go Fund Me to raise money to pay for defending the legal action which will be heard in what is called a Proof before Answer at Edinburgh Sheriff Court from today.

Edinburgh Poppy Day Concert

The Edinburgh Poppy Day Concert will take place in St Andrew Square on 31 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Among those taking part will be the George Heriot’s School Pipe Band, the Edinburgh and Rosyth Military Wives Choir, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Royal Marines Band, Alan Brydon, and Richard Kerr.

Budget cuts threatened

The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) is planning to make cuts of £4.5 million to 60+ third sector organisations in Edinburgh on 90 days’ notice, but it appears that it will be in for some level of opposition. And most of that is coming from councillors.

The EIJB is an organisation which is quite separate from the council although it exists to run the social care part of the council’s responsibility – and it is a kind of partnership with NHS Lothian.

SNP Cllr Vicky Nicolson said: “These cuts threaten the work of 64 organisations across our community. This programme has an essential role in sustaining preventative services and supporting vulnerable communities.

“To address the urgent risk of closure facing many valuable third sector organisations, I will request that the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) defer the report and first consult with a council committee to gather input. At that stage we will recommend that the council consider using reserves to cover the in year funding ensuring these essential organisations can continue their work.”

Cllr Cammy Day, the Council Leader, said: “After over a decade of SNP cuts and under funding Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care, proposals to cut the third/voluntary sector are here. Edinburgh Labour will propose a way forward to engage the sector, work with them and city partners and stop the in year cuts wherever we can.”

The savings or cuts of £4.5 million have to be set in the context of the EIJB having an almost £1 billion budget. So the savings are minute, although the effects would be huge. The EIJB also recommend that a Public Social Partnership is set up instead to set up “a new working relationship with third sector providers based on improved partnership working and longer-term sustainability”.

The kind of bodies which might be affected by the savage cuts include small organisations running lunch clubs for older people, or transporting older or disabled people around the city.

The EIJB report was dumped on the internet on Friday afternoon at 4pm announcing the proposals.

You can read it here – but be warned it runs to around 300 pages.

St Mark’s Portobello

Fundraisers at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Portobello which will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, have raised £600,000 to repair their building. They have said that they are short of £50,000 and are looking for some small donations to help them “get over the line” so that they can preserve the building for the future.

The church say that they have to repair the fabric of the historic building to make it fit for purpose, providing space for community and congregational life. The church is entirely self-supporting and the trustees are responsible for keeping the building in good shape. You can read about the five stages of the refurbishment here which was launched in 2019.

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Edinburgh Diwali

The tenth Edinburgh Diwali will take place on Sunday beginning with a parade from St Andrew Square and finishing with fireworks under Edinburgh Castle after an afternoon of entertainment.

Read more here.

BONUS ITEM

There are two community drop in events today for locals to hear more about Leith Connections… read more below

Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson, has written to Ian Murray MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, all other Edinburgh Labour MPs, and the UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle.

In the letter he appeals to them to obtain funding from Chancellor Rachel Reeves for the world-leading super computer which was to be housed at the University of Edinburgh.

When the funding for the exascale computer was announced by Rishi Sunak’s government only last year, the government said then: “Exascale is the next frontier in computing power, where systems are built to carry out extremely complex functions with increased speed and precision. This in turn enables researchers to accelerate their work into some of the most pressing challenges we face, including the development of new drugs, and advances in nuclear fusion to produce potentially limitless clean low-carbon energy.

“The exascale system hosted at the University of Edinburgh will be able to carry out these complicated workloads while also supporting critical research into AI safety and development, as the UK seeks to safely harness its potential to improve lives across the country.”

Labour cancelled funding

Shortly after the election the UK Government cut the £800 million investment in the Exascale Supercomputer during the summer. Officials at the UK Government Department for Science, Information and Technology said then that investing in the supercomputer made ‘little strategic sense,’. In the statement they added that the UK Government was “committed to building technology infrastructure that delivers growth and opportunity for people across the UK”.

At the time of the announcement, Mr Robertson who is also Culture Secretary, said: “Labour has made a hugely consequential decision early on that misunderstands and undermines the priorities of Scotland’s world-leading data, AI, and tech sector.

“‘It’s clear Labour’s desperation to cut government funding is undermining the economy.”

Since then, the Chancellor has outlined how new money will be available for “borrow-to-invest” projects such as this. Robertson says Edinburgh Labour MPs should be pushing to obtain some of this money to reverse the £800 million cut.

Letter

In his letter to the UK Science Secretary, Edinburgh Labour MPs Chris Murray, Scott Arthur, Tracy Gilbert, and Ian Murray, Mr Robertson said: “Following news that “borrow-to-invest” funding will be created in this week’s budget, I write to appeal for your help advocating to the Chancellor to provide investment for the building of the Exascale Computer at Edinburgh University. While I appreciate very difficult funding decisions have to be made, the choice to cut £800 million by the UK Government to Edinburgh’s globally leading institutions was the wrong one. 

“The Chancellor has said the change of public-sector debt measurement will free up investment to ‘grow our economy and bring jobs and growth to Britain.’ This provides an opportunity to back the ambitious Exascale project that will ensure the University, city and country’s place as a global leader in supercomputing and related data, tech, and AI fields. 

“Able to perform one billion billion calculations each second, the Exascale Computer would provide high-performance computing capability for key research and industry projects across the UK. Exascale is aimed at helping researchers model all aspects of the world, test scientific theories and improve products and services in areas such as artificial intelligence, drug discovery, climate change, astrophysics and advanced engineering. The consequential economic benefits are astronomic. 

“Having been contacted by numerous stakeholders following the cut, the opportunity lost at the project’s cancellation is clear. It would simply not be possible for the UK to be a science superpower without such a supercomputer. 

“As you are aware, more broadly, our city and region have a huge part to play in all facets of AI, data, tech, and related fields. Years of investment from Scottish and UK Governments, local authorities, businesses, academic institutions, and more, have solidified Edinburgh as a crucible of future technologies, research and economic growth. The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is well on the way to establishing Edinburgh as the data capital of Europe, along with the creation of 21,000 jobs. 

“We must keep the momentum going to build on this work, and investing in the Exascale computer is key to doing this. Following the new funds being made available by the Chancellor, I would be most grateful for your help securing the Exascale supercomputer investment and remain available to assist in any way I can.”

The cast members are getting excited about the first night of the Gang Show which begins on Tuesday.

Around 250 members of Girlguiding Edinburgh and South East Scotland Scouts will step into the spotlight this evening as the curtain rises on the city’s annual Gang Show.

Taking to the Festival Theatre stage from 7pm each night from Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November (including a matinee on Saturday), Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts from all over Edinburgh will show off their skills in singing, dancing, performing and acting in one of the country’s biggest Gang Shows.

Lilly Ammah, Guide, aged 13, said: “Gang Show is an amazing opportunity to perform and have fun. The hard work over the past few months is always worth it when you walk out onto the stage and get to sing and dance with such amazing people! I love having some friends in the cast as well and making new ones that I get to share the experience with.” 

Lochlyn Aitken, Scout, aged 13, said: “I’ve been in the Edinburgh Gang Show for a few years now and I have always been really excited for show week. There is nothing as exciting as being on the stage performing! It’s really good seeing the show come together – I think people are going to really enjoy it. There is still an opportunity for people to come and see us, especially on Thursday for Halloween. Who needs trick or treating when they can be entertained by us instead?”

Andy Johnston, Gang Show director, said: “This year’s show features the usual eclectic mix of material with something for everybody. Songs from shows as varied as 13, & Juliet, and Jekyll & Hyde sit alongside tributes to Elvis, George Gershwin and Edinburgh Zoo’s penguins!

“More than 200 ridiculously talented young people will take you on a journey from Rio de Janeiro to the Wild West, stopping off in Edwardian London with Sherlock Holmes, via Prestonpans with the legendary Gang Show Giraffe!

“The Gang have been working incredibly hard for many months now and can’t wait to hit the famous Festival Theatre stage to entertain the Edinburgh public. As directors, Louise Hunter and I are immensely proud of each and every one of these brilliant Guides and Scouts and can’t wait to see them spreading Gang Show magic this week.”

Tickets start from £15 and are available from capitaltheatres.com.

The run includes a Saturday matinee performance. Best ticket availability is on Thursday 31 October 2024. For more information, please visit www.edinburghgangshow.co.uk

T-shirts featuring The Cult’s classic albums and logos were doing a roaring trade in the Usher Hall foyer.

Cash-only sales of Billy Duffy signed pictures, a plectrum box, stickers and badges also proved to be a popular draw.

The Cult crank up with the industrial-flavoured crunch of In The Clouds and the sweaty throng began to move around and raise their hands. Wild Flower is an early highlight from their 1987 album Electric which helps kick the band into gear.

When Ian Astbury sings under a black bandana “I’m a wolf child” as Duffy’s circular rock solid riff spins around it’s a magical moment. By the time of Sonic Temple (1989), the former goths had become a full-blown denim and leather-clad rock band. Sweet Soul Sister from the period is one of those soaring epic tracks that hasn’t diminished.

Similarly, they deliver an arresting and bright acoustic version of Edie (Ciao Baby) stripping the song to the bare bones. The Cult don’t need elaborate stage sets or lighting, they rely on good old fashioned stage-craft, the music and particularly their classic 1980s triumvirate Love, Electric and Sonic Temple.

Astbury tells the crowd not to be shy as Duffy begins the opening riff to Rain. His guitar work, much like his fellow Mancunians and Manchester City supporters Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher, retains a distinctive, hypnotic power. Astbury and Duffy have plenty of gas left in the tank, they finish with what else but She Sells Sanctuary. Their 1985 hit retains an otherworldly feel that benefits from the atmospheric conditions of a sold-out and fired-up Usher Hall.

You can see how much this all means to Astbury who never fails to mention his Scottish roots while allowing his Glasgow accent to return for the night. The Cult partly boil down to Astbury and Duffy’s solid partnership, while they might be opposites their respect for what the other does partly holds them together.

They both delivered a heartfelt nod to the other at the end of the night. The Cult’s forty-year union shows no sign of decline.

At Usher Hall.

INSUREPAIR, the all-trades insurance reinstatement firm, has speeded up its sustainability drive and has bought its first electric car.

One of Scotland’s leading authorities in the sector, the Edinburgh company has recently moved from Abbeyhill to a more energy-efficient headquarter building in the Morningside area of the city.

The privately-owned business has been paperless for around 10 years and the management is now turning a focus onto upgrading its vehicles. The company serves Fife, the central belt and Scottish Borders as well as the capital from its base in the south side.

The Smart EQ Fortwo can travel 80 miles on one charge, and can be recharged at up to 22kW from a commercial charging point, which will take the battery from 10% to 80% in 40mins – ideal for frequent city driving.

“We operate in a sector that traditionally has not been great for the environment but as times and attitudes change, then so must businesses,” said managing director Richard O’Donnell, whose firm also specialises in renovations and property maintenance.

“No matter the size of the company its incumbent on owners to look at their carbon footprint and do what they can to improve it and change their business model wherever possible.

“This is the perfect car for getting around what is often an extremely busy Edinburgh city centre. We clock up thousands of miles a year attending to clients in the city so this is an important addition to our fleet.”

Approved and accredited by major insurance companies, brokers and loss adjusters throughout the UK, INSUREPAIR operates more than 20 vehicles in attending to clients’ needs across the country.

Acknowledging the need to continually monitor the company’s sustainable development, O’Donnell plans to phase in more electric cars and vans in the next 12 months.

“We have our business plan in place, have set our targets and ambitions for 2025 and as part of that we’re aiming to roll out more electric vehicles across the fleet,” he said.

“We are constantly reviewing our practices as we strive to reduce the impact on the environment as it is something that has to be taken very seriously.”

Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel will be adding some festive magic to one of Edinburgh’s ultimate afternoon tea experiences from 20 November until 4 January 2025.

Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal will provide a classic setting for friends, family and colleagues to indulge in the ship’s new five-course Festive Afternoon Tea. 

Available daily from 12pm until 3.30pm in the Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar, Fingal’s galley team have created the new Festive Afternoon Tea to offer guests and non-residents one of the most decadent of British traditions in a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist.

Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage. 

Savoury highlights of the new Festive Afternoon Tea menu include Loch Linnhe salmon rillette with cucumber gel, lemon and mandarin; Kintyre blue cheese and fig tart with walnut emulsion; and Lochaber free-range turkey, sage, onion and cranberry brioche bun.

People with a sweet tooth can indulge with Matcha cake with yuzu and vanilla mousseline; Gingerbread house with speculoos biscuit, Mouneyrac pear with chocolate financier, and Coconut and salted caramel macaron.

Open to non-residents for Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of private dining booths for small pre-booked groups. 

Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining.

Re-launched as a luxury hotel in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just 10 minutes away. 

Fingal’s Festive Afternoon Tea menu is priced at £70 per person, or from £85 per person for the extra special Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservation is required.

Fingal is located opposite the Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport. 

Follow Fingal on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh

The developers, AMA, have confirmed that they are the preferred bidders for the buildings at Summerhall in a statement released today.

In the statement they describe Summerhall as the “troubled arts venue”, but say that they will retain arts as a priority in developing the buildings.

The family trust Oesselmann Estate Limited is the owner of the buildings, and Robert McDowell, the face of Summerhall, is the oldest of the brothers who are beneficiaries of the trust. He has been quite open that the sale of this property, which he has turned into arts venue, was against his wishes.

A representative of the trust said: “We are delighted by AMA’s proposals for Summerhall and their commitment to continue supporting the arts at the venue. In the meantime, existing tenants can remain in place, and discussions are ongoing with two charities, Edinburgh Palette to take over the day-to-day management of the facility and Summerhall Arts to take over the delivery of the currently planned and future programme of events.”

AMA have developed many sites in Edinburgh, describing itself as the “luxury home specialist”.

AMA commit to supporting the arts

Dr Ali Afshar, co-Founder and MD of AMA, said: “We are proud to have been chosen as custodians of this iconic Edinburgh landmark and one that we know is so important to the arts community.

“Summerhall is a complex city centre site, steeped in history and containing a number of listed buildings. Its use as a Fringe venue and home to small businesses has given it a special place in the hearts of local people. As we start to develop plans for its future, we intend to treat Summerhall with respect and consideration for its rich history, with an ongoing commitment to continue supporting the arts on the site.

“Following a full legal process, we will be undertaking a structured consultation with stakeholders, planners and the local community to determine the way forward for Summerhall, as we want to develop the best possible plan to achieve a sustainable and commercially viable future. We anticipate that this will be a mixed-used plan, but we can confirm that any planning application we make will include allocating a substantial proportion of the space for art, conference, entertainment and public space.

“AMA is a well-respected Edinburgh family business, with more than 40 years’ experience in delivering award-winning developments in the Capital, including complicated sites such as the former Scottish & Newcastle Brewery and St Vincent Place. The redevelopment of Summerhall is a challenge we are very much looking forward to, and we want to reassure Edinburgh residents that we will bring forward a proposal that respects the local surroundings and the existing exceptional architecture, and that it will be carried out to the highest build quality by our professional team.”

CULTURE CONVENER

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said:  “I’m pleased to see AMA announced as the preferred bidder to lead plans for the future of this treasured arts venue. We have consistently highlighted Summerhall’s vital role in Edinburgh’s arts and cultural landscape, and I’m encouraged to see the commitment to making the arts a central focus in its sustainable development.

“Summerhall is a beloved cultural institution and festival venue, and we’re dedicated to supporting Edinburgh’s cultural sector as a whole and the Summerhall site plays an important part in this. I look forward to meeting with AMA to discuss their plans and the venues next chapter.”

Edinburgh Diwali will light up the city centre next weekend, firstly with a parade led by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and secondly with music and dance at the Ross Bandstand finishing off with the traditional fireworks.

Indian festival Diwali will be celebrated in the capital for the tenth year, but it is the first here in the capital for the Consul General of India, Edinburgh, Mr Siddharth Malik who has just arrived in Edinburgh with his family.

He said: “Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration that transcends cultures and unites people in the spirit of hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. This beautiful festival, commemorating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, is now celebrated globally, and I am delighted to see the vibrant community in Edinburgh embrace this tradition with such enthusiasm.

“I am pleased to extend support of the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh to Edinburgh Diwali as they prepare for their annual celebration on 3 November.

“The colourful parades, music, dance, and fireworks planned for the city centre and the Princes Street Gardens will undoubtedly bring joy and excitement to all. This event is a testament of Indian community’s hard-work towards fostering cultural exchange and sharing traditions with the people of Scotland. I thank the Edinburgh City Council for extending their support. I look forward to joining the festivities and celebrating with everyone.”

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland will step off from St Andrew Square accompanied by the Stockbridge and Glencorse Pipe Bands. The Edinburgh Noise Committee will provide the music for seven different dance troupes showing the diversity of Indian culture.

Rajnish Singh, President of Edinburgh Diwali, said: ‘‘We are celebrating our 10th Diwali, Festival of Light, complementing 900 years of Edinburgh city. Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Indian festivals across the world by the Indian diaspora. We at Edinburgh Diwali organise the festival in such a way that anyone interested can participate with no barriers – open to all and free to attend in the city centre. We had to refresh the event in 2021 post Covid, and are really pleased that it has become one of the most popular communities led event in Edinburgh in a short span of time. We take pride in the way we celebrate the core message of light over darkness with an array of multicultural dance & music and fireworks – Uniting Communities, Celebrating Diversity.

“The organisation of Diwali 2024 is not possible without the hard work of the Edinburgh Diwali committee, volunteers, performers, and the support from City of Edinburgh Council and our sponsors. I would like to extend my gratitude to all of them and to our audience for their continued support. We also highly appreciate the support and guidance from the office of Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Consul General of India, Edinburgh, and many long-standing friends of Edinburgh Diwali.

“We are eagerly looking forward to showcasing a vibrant and fun-filled Diwali 2024. On behalf of my Committee, I would like to invite all the residents and visitors of Edinburgh (and Scotland) to join us on 3 November with family and friends.”

Lord Provost and Chair of Edinburgh Diwali, Councillor Robert Aldridge said: “Diwali is a vibrant, family-friendly festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Free and open to all, it has become one of Edinburgh’s unmissable events in recent years. I’m delighted to see it continue to grow and flourish. This year marks the tenth celebration of this Indian festival in Scotland’s capital, offering a lively programme of music, dance, and lights.”

Celebrations will begin at St Andrew Square, where performers from across Indian and Scottish culture will converge before setting off on a parade through Edinburgh’s New Town en route to Princes Street Gardens. The display gathers at St Andrew Square at 1.15pm, before making its way along George Street from 2pm to Castle Street, led by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Consul General of India, Edinburgh, and the Edinburgh Diwali Committee. The parade moves to Ross Bandstand where performances begin at 3.30pm.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk

Students from Ahalya Dance Academy will showcase the ancient art form of Bharatanatyam – a form of classical dance that takes its name from the Tamil words for expression, melody, rythym, and dance. While the University of Edinburgh’s first South Asian fusion dance society Junoon Dance and Edinburgh Bhangra Crew will showcase modern day India with a display of contemporary South Asian dance styles. The different states and regions of India will be represented with traditional dance displays from Bihar, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu; and Edinburgh Diwali celebrates multiculturalism in Edinburgh by welcoming Soles Del Peru, who will bring a touch of Latin America and carnivale spirit to the parade.

Celebrations continue with the main event at the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens from 3.30pm, with a varied and vibrant programme of music, drama, and dance. Indian fusion, Scottish Highland Dancing, and Bollywood all feature with performances from BollyFeat, Dance@Studio21, and Edinburgh’s longest running Indian dance school, Dance Ihayami.

Community members from Bharatiya Ashram, Dundee’s Dudhope Multicultural Centre, will depict the traditional story of Diwali with a dramatisation of the Ramayana, an Indian epic that follows the life of Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

The evening will culminate with a headline performance from one of the UK’s leading British Asian fusion bands, Kaykay & Co.. Led by Kaykay Chouhan, their distinctive and contagious mix of Bollywood bangers and Western pop classics will enthral attendees before a show stopping fireworks display designed by 21CC beneath Castle Rock at 6.30pm.

Edinburgh Diwali is an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and a Committee from the Indian diaspora of different faiths based in Edinburgh to bring Diwali – Festival of Lights, the most famous Indian Festival to Edinburgh so that the mainstream community can Share, Participate, and Celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.

Edinburgh Diwali takes place thanks to the kind support from the City of Edinburgh Council, People’s Postcode Lottery, and People’s Postcode Trust. The festival is further supported by Baillie Gifford, BEMIS Scotland, Craigvrack Hotel, Lidl GB, Mr Basrai’s World Cuisines, and two of Edinburgh’s leading Indian restaurants – Desh and Dishoom.

Hibs on-loan midfielder Nectar Triantis believes that there were some positives to take from the 1-1 draw with Hearts on Sunday and he hopes the team’s hard work pays off on Wednesday when they travel up to Ross County. 

The 21-year-old was booked in the opening five minutes of the derby which curtailed his normal aggressive approach to the game. 

But he is determined to help the side climb off the foot of the table with a victory at Dingwall as fellow strugglers Hearts face Kilmarnock. 

Speaking ahead of the trip to the highlands, Triantis said: “We know there’s positives to take from games, but ultimately football is about results.  

“We’ve been falling short at the final hurdle, and we’re trying our best to fix that. Hopefully, that can be corrected on Wednesday. 

“Our mentality is that we want to win games, you can’t go into them just looking for one point. 

“Every game is just as big of the next and that starts with Wednesday. We’re looking for a strong, good win.” 

Since joining on loan from Sunderland in the summer, Triantis has been virtually ever-present for Hibs playing in that deeper midfield role. He was asked about his own development this season. 

“It’s always good getting minutes under my belt and learning each game, but it’s more about the team getting points at the moment, and not individually.” 

A footpath around the edge of a town’s football ground is set to be built to help elderly residents of a care home get to local shops and services.

Tynebank Road is home to Haddington Athletic FC’s home ground Millfield as well as Haddington Care Home, but has had a long stretch with no pavement for years despite being used regularly by residents of all ages to get into the town centre.

Now East Lothian Council has applied for permission to create a new footpath and road crossing to link the care home to the centre of town running around the football grounds, to avoid removing any hedgerow.

The council said it had received funding from Scottish charity Paths For All to allow the new route to be built and designed it to have minimal impact on the hedges and trees which line the road and the Hi-His ground.

A spokesperson said: “We have applied for planning permission to develop a new footpath, fencing and lighting at Tynebank Road connecting Mill Wynd to Meadowpark in Haddington.

“The proposed path will run alongside Haddington Athletic grounds and the sports pitches providing a safe and accessible surface, separate from the road, with a crossing point outside Haddington Care Home linking it to the existing footpath.

“The project is being fully funded through Paths for All and, subject to planning approval, we hope that work will start in February 2025.

“A construction process has been agreed which will have minimal impact on the trees. The hedgerow at Tynebank Road will remain in place with only a small section of hedge removed on Mill Wynd to accommodate the crossing point.”

The plans have been lodged on the council’s planning portal for comment.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

NHS Lothian has announced today that it will withdraw joint funding from a service that provides support to veterans in Lothian. 

The health board has told Veterans First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its share – £214,778- of the total budget required, to maintain the service amid the significant financial challenge facing health boards.

Veterans First Point Lothian was jointly funded by The Scottish Government and NHS Lothian as a “one-stop shop” offering support, advice and mental health care for veterans. It is a multi-award-winning service which has provided support to more than 2,500 different veterans throughout the last 15 years.

By April 2025, NHS Lothian advises that the service will cease to exist in its current form and say “a significant redesign and move of premises” is planned by March 2025.

The health board says it is being forced to review all services and departments to make “efficiency savings” of seven per cent following the budget allocation made earlier this year.

Further reductions in part of the mental health budget of 4.6% means that the health board can no longer continue to find its share of this service.

Tracey McKigen, Director of Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services, NHS Lothian, said: “This has been a really difficult decision and we apologise to all of our patients and staff who are affected. We would like to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to supporting our veterans over the years. 

“This is no reflection on the quality of the Veterans First Point Lothian service, but it does serve as a stark reminder of the extremely difficult choices that we are facing every day as we balance the need to provide safe and effective healthcare while meeting the severe financial challenges facing health board and other public sector organisations.”

Miles Briggs MSP said: “It is extremely disappointing that NHS Lothian has been forced into the decision of withdrawing funding for Veterans First Point.

“Years of financial mismanagement by SNP Minister have left NHS Lothian in a desperate situation and unable to fund services.

“Veterans First Point provides a lifeline to veterans to access healthcare and provides a service tailored to their needs.

“NHS Lothian is the most underfunded health board in Scotland, leading to a reduced levels of services for patients across the region.”

The Scottish Government will allocate its 40 per cent share of the funding. NHS Lothian is what service it can provide in the future within the remaining budget. 

Veterans First Point Lothian will no longer be able to accept new referrals or commence any new episodes of treatment. Veterans who are impacted by the change are urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support. If any veterans feel they need help or support and are not already part of Veterans First Point Lothian, they should contact their GP during the day. At evenings and weekends, they should contact NHS 24 on 111.

Councillors have given cautious welcome to plans for more than 300 new homes on the edge of Bents and Stoneyburn which they initially rejected.  

Plans to build on open fields off Cannop Crescent at the western end of Bents and Stoneyburn  had been knocked back by West Lothian’s Development Management Committee (DMC) in mid 2022.  

The new, detailed plans for the housing had been met with 20 objections, but councillors accepted that the developers had proposals for the 44-acre site which would finance and spur on projects such as the cycle path to Fauldhouse – from what locals call an Island village because of its lack of footpaths to other communities.  

Objectors had cited lack of amenities in the village, few shops, and the nearest medical facilities three miles west in Fauldhouse. There were also concerns about increased traffic on the narrow roads as well as over-development of the village and the potential construction noise. 

An appeal to the Scottish Government saw the 2022 objection overturned in January last year. Keepmoat Homes presented detailed proposals for 332 new homes on the site to this month’s meeting of the DMC. 

Tony Irving, a senior planning officer with the council, told the DMC that a wide range of houses were planned as part of the development including a significant proportion of affordable homes- 33 affordable homes for social rent and a further 43 for shared ownership.  

Mr Irving told councillors: “Overall it is considered that an attractive residential environment will be achieved.” 

David Howell, a planning consultant for the developers, told the meeting that a significant amount of time and effort has been spent working with the council’s planners to deliver an “attractive extension” to Bents and Stoneyburn. 

He said that the new housing would provide a range of styles including bungalows and many would be starter homes.  

 Local councillor Pauline Clark told the meeting she was pleased at the mix of tenure but urged the developers to look again at proposals for a retail unit on the northern fringe of the site which sits in the plans adjacent to existing homes.   

She asked if the unit could be moved further west. Planning officers said that could be a delegated “design tweak” and   Mr Howell said the consultants would accept such a change if it was conditioned. 

Mr Howell said the development would contribute to future plans for cycle links onwards to Fauldhouse and added that he believed the new homes had the “potential to attract further investment to a community which has missed out in recent years.”  

 It would bring, he added, an: “exciting new chapter for Bents and Stoneyburn.” 

 Councillor Clark said: “All things considered; I would be happy to support this.”  

She added: “Back in the day I don’t think the committee at that time were happy to support this as it was building in the countryside. I certainly think there are other opportunities for building in Stoneyburn, but we are past that now and we have been presented with what I think is a pretty good, proposed proposed development. The planning tweak I would like to see in there.  I think the good size gardens have been a good consideration and I hope that stays.  

Fellow SNP councillor Willie Boyle said he was pleased with the detail of the development and added: “I know there was a lot of objections against this development, and I can understand a lot of the thinking behind it. But the principle I’ve held for a number of years is  I think the development in our smaller settlements in West Lothian, off the  the footprint of the M8 corridor actually brings vitality and viability to a lot of these small settlement areas.  

“I know a lot of people that originate from this area that have moved from this area because they couldn’t get houses in this area, and I think that the concentration along the M8 corridor is doing no favours to the smaller settlements scattered around West Lothian.  

“I hope that Bents will come to see the benefits of this development because I’m hoping that this development, as it matures, will draw additional services like doctors’ surgeries and other things to the area and help with the viability and vitality of the place.”  

Chairing the meeting, Labour councillor Tony Boyle proposed granting the detailed permission with the condition of the design tweak of moving the retail unit. Members agreed. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Edinburgh AC pair Paul Forbes and Josh Kerr were among the prize winners when the Scottish Athletics 4J awards were handed out in Glasgow.

US-based Kerr received international acclaim by taking a silver in the Paris Olympics’ 1500 metres and along the way becoming the first Scots to pick up medals at TWO Games.

That, together with a new British mile record and a 3000m world indoor gold in Glasgow earned him the title of Scottish athlete of the year.

Forbes also travelled to a foreign track to make his mark and it was in Sweden that he won the world masters 800m gold as well as silver in the 1500.

He also triumphed over 800m in his 0-65 age-group.

Other Capital successes saw Corstorphine AC land the Janice Eaglesham, MBE, Para Development Club award  for their work in promoting Frame Running.

And Edinburgh University’s Angus Wright gained the Martin Hyman junior hill running award after finishing seventh in the European under-20 mountain climbing event.

Just across the Forth at Pitreavie Francis Smith was named Performance Development Coach of the Year partly for coaching a GB team that included Balerno’s Rebecca Grieve to a bronze medal at the world under-20 championships in Peru.

Paul Forbes is pictured receiving his award from the new president of Scottish Athletics, John Rodger.

The World’s Strongest Man took on a new challenge last night as he made the draw for the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Third Round. 

Draw host Gordon Duncan was joined by Scottish strongman Tom Stoltman to conduct the draw, which saw the 20 Second Round winners joined by the 20 sides from the Championship and League One, leaving 40 teams to face off against each other in 20 ties to compete for a place in the Fourth Round. 

Stranraer were the first side out of the pot, with their reward for their thrilling comeback victory against Threave Rovers on Friday night a home tie against Broxburn Athletic. 

Edinburgh City are at home to Dunfermline Athletic, Linlithgow Rose face Raith Rovers at home. 

 Livingston also have a home tie against Brora Rangers and Musselburgh Athletic host Bo’ness United.  

Tom Stoltman is used to dealing with pressure, having this year won his third World’s Strongest Man title, and was undaunted by the prospect of making the draw. 

He said: “It’s cool to be invited to this. I love football and it’s nice to be able to play a part in this competition. 

“There’s not as much pressure doing the draw compared to competing in front of millions of people at World’s Strongest Man – my nerves held up and thankfully my hands managed to fit through the hole into the draw pot as well. 

“East Kilbride against Falkirk stands out for me – I know a few East Kilbride boys and obviously Falkirk are flying, while Caley Thistle and Cove Rangers is another tie that stands out. 

“Caley are in turmoil right now so it would be nice to see if they could kick on and get a few games in the Cup. 

“The draw is going to be interesting – there’s a lot of ties here with some small teams and there will be a few upsets in this round I think. 

“When I think about some of the moments in the Scottish Cup over the years that stand out for me, Ross County reaching the final was one that comes to mind. 

“When they beat Celtic in the Semi-final the whole town was like a ghost town, it seemed like everyone was at Hampden for it. 

“To beat Celtic and then just lose out to Dundee United in the Final, that was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in the Scottish Cup, especially with them being a local club for me.” 

Aside from conducting a Scottish Cup draw, 2024 has been a memorable year for Tom, with his third victory in the World’s Strongest Man competition back in May of this year. Despite his passion for football, Tom is very happy with the way his athletic career has developed. 

“Winning World’s Strongest Man for the third time was incredible. I’ve been busy this year, doing a lot of miles on the road – I’ve been doing more miles than I have been lifting weights. 

“I’m going to keep taking as many opportunities as I can – I’m living the dream – and aim to win as many competitions. I want to keep on riding this wave and hopefully keep on being World’s Strongest Man for a few years to come and break some more records. 

“I played for Ross County when I was younger and a few of my mates called me the Scottish Peter Crouch back then, though I played in the wrong position and I did not look like Peter Crouch – I used to wear glasses so I said I was more like Edgar Davids than Peter Crouch. 

“I’ve always been a football fan and football is a massive part of my life, but I’m very happy with how my athletic career turned out. 

A large part of his strongman preparation involves diet, and with his experience in playing football as a youth, Tom is well placed to comment on how the all-important pre-match meal of a footballer compares to his own. 

“My pre-tournament meal is a bit different to a footballer’s pre-match meal – it’s usually a big pancake blow out. Basically, eight to ten pancakes with whatever I want on them. I usually have Nutella, Biscoff sauce, a few Haribo, Kit Kats and Crunchies all mixed into one. So, quite different to a footballer’s meal.” 

Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Round Three Draw  

Arbroath v Queen of the South 

Ayr United v Greenock Morton 

Banks O’Dee v Hamilton Academical 

Clydebank v Buckie Thistle 

Cove Rangers  v Inverness Caledonian Thistle 

Cowdenbeath v Brechin City 

Dumbarton  v Alloa Athletic 

Dundee North End v Airdrieonians 

East Kilbride v Falkirk 

Edinburgh City v Dunfermline Athletic 

Elgin City v Kelty Hearts 

Forfar Athletic v Stirling Albion 

Fraserburgh v Annan Athletic 

Irvine Meadow XI v Stenhousemuir  

Linlithgow Rose v Raith Rovers 

Livingston v Brora Rangers 

Musselburgh Athletic v Bo’ness United 

Peterhead v Montrose 

Queen’s Park v Partick Thistle 

Stranraer v Broxburn Athletic 

Ties to be played on the weekend of Saturday, 30 November. 

Nearly 700 people have signed a petition to save a town’s much-loved theatre within 24 hours of it being launched.

The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, is described as the ‘beating heart’ of its community by campaigners battling to ensure it is not lost.

East Lothian Council meets tomorrow to decide the fate of the venue, which has been closed since March last year after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in its roof.

A report to councillors will warn that repairing the current building is ‘unaffordable’ and recommend it is demolished at a cost of £3.6million.

But the petition launched on the eve of the decision calls on councillors to promise to replace the theatre, if demolished, with a new venue on the same site.

It says: “The existing Brunton Halls has been the beating heart of arts and theatre in East Lothian for decades. It is where so many actors, dancers and musicians took their first steps on their performing journey. It is where countless children have enjoyed an annual visit to the pantomime.

“The significant economic impact for Musselburgh and the surrounding area having a thriving theatre and arts centre cannot be underestimated.

“Investment in a new Brunton Theatre and Arts Centre will bring undoubted financial and economic benefit for businesses in Musselburgh and in East Lothian as a whole.”

The Brunton Trust, which runs the theatre, has continued its programme of events at alternative venues including Loretto School theatre, in Musselburgh, and Haddington Corn Exchange, since the closure.

The original theatre was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1971.

The report to councillors says RAAC in the roof panels of the Brunton have been assessed and it is believed the cost of repairs to reopen it are too costly while leaving them are not an option.

It says: “Whilst safety arrangements have been put in place to mitigate the risk
associated with these roof panels, there have been cases of sudden failure
elsewhere in the UK.

“If the roof panels were to fail, there would be a significant risk of disruption to asbestos-containing materials below, with possible release of asbestos fibres into the air.

“Potential remediation of the RAAC at the Brunton Hall is unaffordable and the preferred option is to demolish the building at a cost of £3.6m.”

Councillor will be asked to decide the future of the theatre and, if demolition, is to be considered, approve a public consultation before a final decision is made.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Advanced Traditional Screeding (ATS), the Fife-based specialist flooring contractor, has laid the foundations for major growth after taking delivery of its second Putzmeister Transmix truck.

The enormous German-manufactured 44-tonne vehicle, pictured on site in Edinburgh, is specially designed for pouring thermal lightweight aggregate (TLA), a non-combustible insulation alternative that can be used for floors, roofs and voids, and will serve an expanding UK-wide client base from the firm’s headquarters in Rosyth.

With a capacity to pour up to 100 cubic metres of gap-free, flowing insulation a day, the £300,000 investment enhances ATS’ reputation as the leading supplier of TLA in Scotland while underlining its commitment to sustainability.

Formed in 2014, ATS is a licenced installer for world-leading brands such as Flowcrete, Vebro, energystore, Cemfloor by McGraths, Mapei and Sherwin Williams and operates as a standalone company within the energystore group following its acquisition by the Northern Ireland-based firm in June.

The company now runs the only two trucks of their kind in Scotland, the first one purchased in 2022 now used mainly for the delivery of Cemfloor and thin section levelling screeds.

Last year the firm became Scotland’s first Kiwa UK-approved installer of energystore TLA and the new Transmix will undergo regular inspections by a Kiwa representative to ensure standards are maintained.

“Having the two vehicles releases the pressure on running multiple projects and the new truck will help us service our growing network of Tier 1 contractors,” said Jason Lister, managing director of ATS.

“The Transmix trucks offer the most controlled and economical method of delivering TLA and we have the only two in Scotland. It is a significant investment and one which reflects the growing demand for gap-free non-thermal bridging flooring solution.

“We can schedule large-scale pours of insulation and screed at times that suit the projects and demands of the site. They are completed quickly with better quality control, which is another big plus.

“We remain committed to innovation and sustainability and the trucks keep waste to a minimum as they allow us to mix to order on project sites without the need for delivery by multiple trucks.

“Our capacity for making flowing screeds has increased significantly and we are now in the ideal place for the growth that we are expecting as we move towards the new year.”

A conference was held last week as part of The Scottish International Storytelling Festival to mark the twenty years since the capital was created the first UNESCO City of Literature.

As part of that gathering of 60 representatives from other Cities of Literature, 36 visiting cities donated books to the Edinburgh Children’s Library, all different and all written in the original language of each city. It is traditional for visiting cities to donate books to their host city.

Keira Brown, Communications and Community Manager for Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, said: “It’s a wonderful initiative that the Cities of Literature decide to donate picture books from their city, showcasing the range of talent from this global network, giving back to Edinburgh for welcoming these delegates to the city for the week, such a beautiful idea reflecting the international connection that is so beneficial for the sector here in Edinburgh.”

Nottingham’s City of Literature Director and UNESCO Cities of Literature Chair, Hannah Trevarthen, said: “It’s a fantastic tradition, donating children’s books to the city hosting the meeting every year, and one we hope will long continue. A thank-you so to speak for all of the hard work that goes into hosting the Cities of Literature delegates.’We hope that the children of Edinburgh will be inspired by the books from other Cities of Literature from around the world.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “Donating children’s books is a wonderful tradition within the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network. Through our ongoing partnership we are thrilled to see this meaningful gesture from such a diverse network of cities. As the founding city of this international cohort of UNESCO Cities of Literature, we take immense pride in celebrating our 20th anniversary, and I truly hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

Edinburgh City of Literature Trust birthday also contributes to the on-going Edinburgh 900 celebrations; marking the 900 year anniversary of Edinburgh – a city-wide celebration of Edinburgh’s history, culture and future.

The concept of a City of Literature was devised in Edinburgh by the Trust’s founding members Jenny Brown OBE, Catherine Lockerbie, James Boyle and Lorraine Fannin, trailblazing the way – there are now 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world. 

Reports of sexual crime have increased according to Police Scotland, but a senior officer hopes that is due to victims having more confidence to come forward. 

Latest figures show that between 1 April 2024 and end of September 2024 (quarters 1 and 2, 2024 – 25), 1,400 rapes were reported to Police Scotland, an increase of 19.5 per cent on the same period in 2023-24.  

Most offences (850) had occurred within the last 12 months. The remainder occurred more than 12 months ago. 

Nearly 7,600 sexual crimes were reported in total, an increase of 3.2 per cent on the same period in 2023-24. Of those, nearly one quarter were reports of non-recent offences (1,829). 

The force’s Police Scotland’s new THAT GUY sexual crime prevention campaign launches today Monday 28 October. 

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Steve Johnson, lead for Major Crime and Public Protection, Police Scotland said: “My hope is that increased reporting indicates increased confidence in victims coming forward, as we work with partners, to improve our response to reports of sexual crimes, which have a devastating impact on victims. 

“Women and girls should be able to live their lives free from all forms of violence, abuse, harassment and exploitation. We want to prevent sexual crime, by tackling behaviours that demean, minimise and brutalise women. 

“Prevention sits with all of us, but men need to take responsibility for their behaviour and stop sexual offending before it starts.” 

Police Scotland’s latest THAT GUY campaign continues the theme of supporting men to reflect on their own, their friends and relatives, behaviour towards women. 

Its target audience is men aged between 18 – 35 years. It encourages men to intervene and to stop a friend potentially committing a sexual offence. 

ACC Johnson continued: “As a father, I hope I’ve brought my sons up to respect women and to not be that guy who stands by and says nothing when a mate acts in an abusive way or doesn’t take no for an answer. 

“No men want the women in their lives to be a victim of sexual offending, just as we don’t want a friend to end up on the register or in prison for sexual crimes. 

“All men need to consider the impact of their behaviour on women, but equally have a quiet word with a mate to prevent them doing something they really will regret.” 

The campaign will run across social media channels. 

Visit the THAT GUY website at www.that-guy.co.uk  

Podcast series 

It will also include a new podcast series hosted by writer and broadcaster Alistair Heather, who appeared in the 2022 THAT GUY video advert. 

The THAT GUY podcast features five episodes of frank conversations about the attitudes and behaviours that puts women at risk of sexual violence and men at risk of offending. 

By exploring topics like football, social media, and relationships, Alistair learns how guys can make a positive difference by speaking up and stepping in. 

The podcast series will be available on the That Guy YouTube channel and podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple. Episodes will be published weekly during the six-week campaign. 

Edinburgh based law firm, Burness Paull, has promoted two of its corporate tax team.

Christine Yuill becomes head of tax to lead the growing department. Ms Yuill moved to Burness Paull in 2022 and is recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 legal directories. The company has also promoted Nicola Williams to partner, and Chubbe Anucha becomes a tax solicitor. Ms Williams initially qualified in New Zealand where she worked for the national tax authority as well as a big four tax firm. She is qualified in English and Scots law and has worked on tax advice in the last 15 years including the enterprise investment scheme

Ms Yuill, the new head of tax, said: “The UK tax system is complex and made even more intricate for businesses operating in Scotland by the devolution of tax-raising powers to the Scottish government. We also anticipate that clients will require support with the significant tax changes expected to form part of the UK government’s upcoming budget.

“Getting tax wrong can be expensive, both financially and reputationally, while getting it right minimises the costs and risks faced by both businesses and individuals. We help our clients to navigate this highly technical area by offering sensible solutions to achieve tax-efficient results and support wider business objectives.

“Nicola’s skillset enhances our proposition and her promotion to partner is well-deserved. She is highly regarded for her expert knowledge and clients value her ability to explain tax issues and advise on practical and commercial ways forward.

“I am excited to be taking on the leadership of Burness Paull’s tax team. We believe there is significant opportunity to further grow the practice and Nicola’s promotion and the appointment of Chubbe will support that ambition.”

Peter Lawson, chair at Burness Paull, said: “Corporate tax is a highly specialised area that adds significant value to our client offering and wider business. Tax advice is an increasingly important component of the work we do for our clients, particularly in the corporate and real estate M&A investment spheres where tax efficiency and risk mitigation are key considerations.

“The promotions of Christine and Nicola, and appointment of Chubbe, reflect the continuing growth of the team and our commitment to attracting and developing talented individuals who can deliver the very best outcomes for our clients.”

Hibs striker Mykola Kuharevich scored his first derby goal yesterday firing home from a yard out after Marvin Ekpiteta hit the bar from a header.  

But the big Ukranian finished the day with mixed emotions after 17-year-old James Wilson equalised with three minutes remaining. 

The result means both Edinburgh sides remain in the bottom two in the league with Hibs at the foot of the table having played one game less than their rivals. 

That could change on Wednesday night with David Gray’s men travel to Dingwall. 

After the match, Kuharevich praised the fans for their support and highlighted the importance of getting back to winning as soon as possible. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Kuharevich said: “It was a hard game, there was a lot of fight on show in the game – we played some good stuff.  

“For me, scoring goals is the most important thing for strikers, so it was great to score my first in the Edinburgh. I 

“t was an unbelievable feeling to score my first goal in a Derby, but we couldn’t hold on for the three points – which is so disappointing. 

“It is so disappointing to concede these late goals, especially in these last few games. We know we have to be better than this. 

“It was amazing feeling, an amazing atmosphere and it is so good to play in games like this. The fans were amazing and we appreciate them all, they deserved more today. 

“It is so important that we get back to winning ways, we need to work hard and believe that we are going to get back on track as quickly as possible.” 

Subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter

Today would be a really good day to subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter. We are just finishing off the November issue which goes to press tomorrow and we will post out the copies to our lovely subscribers just as soon as the papers arrive in Edinburgh. You could sign up now to become one of the select few.

Subscribe here.

And here is one last look at the front page of the October paper – if you wish to read it now then click here.

This evening at Traverse

At 7.15pm the launch event of A History of Scottish Drama in Six Plays will be held at Traverse. This will be a live recording of a podcast on the past, present and future of Scottish playwriting.

It is a free event, but ticketed, and lasts for an hour.

Panellists include the critic Mark Fisher, the playwrights Nicola McCartney and Isla Cowan, and Traverse Theatre Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls. The discussion will be recorded and released as a seventh and final episode of the podcast.

The launch event will run from 6.30pm until 9pm in the Traverse Theatre bar, with the discussion taking place from 7.15pm until 8.15pm.

Book here.

Eunice Olumide – she’s made a film – see it in Edinburgh on Wednesday

Scottish supermodel, Eunice Olumide, MBE, does not let the grass grow under her feet. She has now made a film which will be shown at The Cameo on Wednesday.

Eunice made a name for herself with appearances in Star Wars and the Netflix series Outsiders. Now she’s directed her first documentary, Secret Lives, a personal overview of conscious hip-hop’s development in the UK and how it relates to the US, joining the dots internationally.

Secret Lives focuses on the pioneers of underground who paved the way for hugely successful rappers of today. Here Eunice reveals her own double life as both model and Scotland’s first female rapper touring the world with major US talent including Nas, Damien Marely, Lauryn Hill, Naughty by Nature, Fat Man Scoop and Wu Tang. For a girl from Wester Hailes, she has done good.

Secret Lives has been selected for theatrical release through Picture House with upcoming screenings on
the 29th and 30th October – as well as at the highly prestigious BAFTAs this month.

Tickets here.

Photos at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

At the Portrait Gallery you will find 40 years of photos from the National Museum of Scotland collection. Step back in time to the 1980s when the National Galleries of Scotland officially began its world-class photography collection. Explore over 100 art works from Scotland’s national photography collection, dating from the 1840’s to the present day in this free-to-visit exhibition. Marvel at historic photographs, visit some famous faces and discover an exciting range photographic styles in this eclectic celebration of the nation’s photography collection.

National Galleries of Scotland has acquired an artwork consisting of photographs, film and performance by Glasgow-based artists Beagles and Ramsay. Sanguis Gratia Artis (Black Pudding Self-Portrait). This is a performance piece which features a black pudding self-portrait made from Beagles and Ramsay’s blood. Exploring the boundaries of the self-portrait, a pint of blood is extracted from each artist and then used to create two black puddings. While the act of making the puddings is central to the artwork, the piece exists beyond the performance with three photographs and a film that has recorded an earlier cooking session. 

Sanguis Gratia Artis, translation: blood for the sake of art,will go on display at the Portrait gallery for the first time at National Galleries of Scotland in Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection. The display is made up of 3 photographs including of the artists, black puddings and the ingredients, alongside the recipe for making the black puddings.

Read more here.

Anne Lyden, Director-General at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘Photography is a cornerstone of the National Galleries of Scotland, accounting for almost half of the entire collection. It is with great delight that we celebrate the medium with this impressive and engaging exhibition drawn entirely from the vast holdings of the nation’s collection. Over the course of the last forty years many photographers, collectors, donors, curators, and enthusiasts have contributed to this important world-class collection which belongs to the people of Scotland. We are excited to celebrate this anniversary with our visitors through such a dynamic display.’  

Louise Pearson, Photography Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘The 40th anniversary is the perfect moment to draw from the full breadth of Scotland’s photography collection. This vibrant and fun exhibition includes photographs of famous Scots and works by photographers who have become household names. It opens many possibilities in making connections across our country’s photography collection, sharing highlights as well as celebrating lesser-known works. We want visitors to join us in celebrating the collection and take pride in Scotland’s contribution to photography worldwide.’

This exhibition is funded by The Morton Charitable Trust and the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-portrait-gallery

A concert – book now

A selection of Christmas song and arrangements from Allwood, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Wilcocks. Go and celebrate the Christmas Cheer with the Rudsambee Singers at St Marks Unitarian Church, on Castle Terrace, just behind the Usher Hall.

In a city where history whispers from every sett, the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood has emerged from a spectacular £10 million metamorphosis as a love letter to one of Scotland’s most influential artists.

This ambitious renovation doesn’t just modernise – it pays homage to Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, Leith’s own pop art pioneer, creating an unexpected harmony between Scottish heritage and contemporary luxury.

A canvas of culture

The hotel’s redesign reads like a carefully curated gallery, where Paolozzi’s influence dances through every space. Cool neutrals and layered textures create a sophisticated backdrop, while marble, sand, and onyx elements echo the artist’s multidimensional approach. The Greatroom lobby, serving as the hotel’s social nucleus, strikes a perfect balance between artistic flair and practical comfort, offering everything from remote working spaces, comfortable armchairs, a small reading library with coffee-table type books, to an impressive cocktail bar and restaurant.

From kitchen to canvas

Under the guidance of Head Chef Andrew McRobert, the culinary offering proves equally artistic. Whether you’re catching up over coffee, working remotely, or unwinding with a cocktail, the Greatroom offers a relaxed atmosphere and their bar and dining area. The kitchen sources from Scotland’s finest producers – John Gilmour’s East Lothian beef and George Campbell’s Perthshire seafood take centre stage in a menu that bridges Scottish and Italian culinary traditions.

Food is served from 12 pm until 10 pm. Choose from the Greatroom menu, featuring something for everyone from classic home comforts to grazing and sharing platters, or the Market menu featuring the best that Scotland’s larder has to offer.

An artful feast

During my recent visit with Sales Director Kate Leung, the Market Menu showcased the kitchen’s commitment to both innovation and tradition. Kate’s adventurous choice of 13-hour braised ox tongue came adorned with capers, anchovies, and a crisp oil crumb. Meanwhile, my pumpkin ravioli delivered pure comfort with sophistication – delicate sweet pumpkin parcels served with toasty sage brown butter, elevated by an inspired amaretti crumb and a generous shaving of Parmigiano.

The main courses continued to impress: my roast wood pigeon, a celebration of Scottish game, arrived with balsamic beetroot and a masterfully spiced carrot purée. Kate’s tender, mouth-watering pork cheeks with Thistly Cross cider demonstrated the kitchen’s ability to elevate familiar flavours, particularly with its accompanying truffled parmesan polenta.

Their drinks menu features Aperitivo time, or their Tales of the Old Town cocktails and in the great Italian tradition, if you order any of these between 5 pm and 7 pm, you can enjoy appetizers and snacks served fresh from their kitchen. The perfect way to unwind and prepare for the evening ahead. They of course have an accessible wine list too.

Dessert provided a fitting finale to our meal. Kate’s Heather Honey Panacotta arrived with glazed berries and four rounds of light, crumbly Scottish shortbread – the panacotta achieving that perfect wobble that connoisseurs seek. Taking a lighter approach, I opted for a single scoop of caramel ice cream from the ones on offer, proving sometimes less is more.

The verdict

In transforming this historic Old Town property, the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood has achieved a space that honours its artistic inspiration while creating thoroughly modern experiences. From the thoughtful design elements to the sophisticated yet approachable menu, this renovation proves that when tradition meets innovation, magic happens. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, food lover, or simply seeking a distinctive Edinburgh experience if visiting the Scottish Parliament or Dynamic Earth, this reimagined hotel deserves a place on your must-visit list.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/edimh-edinburgh-marriott-hotel-holyrood

With the clocks having gone back and the nights drawing in, it’s tempting to stay cosy at home. But this Wednesday, there’s an unmissable reason to head out to Assembly Rooms on George Street for an evening of exploration, flavour, and discovery.

Join Wine Events Scotland for their eagerly anticipated Portuguese Wine Fair on Wednesday, 30 October – your last chance to get tickets. This special event brings together 25 outstanding Portuguese wine producers, showcasing a phenomenal selection of 250 wines. From sparkling to red, white to dessert, Portugal’s winemakers are celebrated for their commitment to diversity and tradition, crafting wines from 250 indigenous grape varieties that flourish across the country’s distinct regions.

At the tasting, wine enthusiasts will be able to stroll through a vibrant collection of wines, sampling as they go, and meet the producers who are excited to share insights, answer questions, and introduce you to wines that highlight the depth of Portuguese winemaking. Known for blending modern techniques with age-old traditions, Portugal’s wines promise variety, character, and flavour in every glass.

Don’t miss out—this event is not only a chance to taste remarkable wines but also to expand your wine knowledge under the guidance of Portugal’s expert producers.

Raise a glass to discovering new favourites this Wednesday at the Assembly Rooms.

https://wineeventsscotland.co.uk/events/edinburgh-portuguese-wine-fair/

The Edinburgh Derby was played on Sunday at Easter Road.

The teams finished all square after a late goal by young Hearts player, James Wilson.

Edinburgh charity, People Know How, set up in 2013 is to close, citing the uncertain funding landscape in Scotland.

All members of staff will be made redundant.

The charity has participated in many projects to try and connect people living in the city of all ages digitally, ensuring their social inclusion. One of the programmes they were very much involved with was All Aboard – “a canal boat run by People Know How in collaboration with Polwarth Parish Church. The boat hosts unique trips on Edinburgh’s Union Canal for community groups and organisations to improve wellbeing, socialise and discover new experiences while surrounded by nature in the heart of the city”.

The charity has put out an announcement of their closure, saying that it is with “deep sadness” that they are beginning to work towards closing the charity down.

The statement said: “In just the last few months, we have seen devastating funding cuts across the sector and a drastic shift in the funding landscape. As a result, we have seen fewer options for long-term funding, with other funders closing entirely and leaving those that remain severely over-subscribed. The Scottish Government is currently examining their approach to funding in the third sector, responding to calls from the sector for longer-term funding, unrestricted core funding, funding to accommodate paying staff a Real Living Wage and more. But as the debate continues, charities like People Know How are dealing with the reality.

“While charities continue to close, the cost of living crisis continues, the number of children absent from schools is at crisis level and support for digital exclusion is needed more than ever.

“The decline of available funds is directly at odds with the increasing need of the communities we support. Over the last few months, we have seen attendance to our digital groups and calls on our Digital Support Helpline increase. We also recently partnered with BT to provide information about the digital landline switchover, with many groups across the country eagerly coming forward to work with us on this project. And just 2 months ago, we began our Positive Transitions support in schools for the new academic year, addressing a very real need for support felt by the children, young people and families moving to secondary school.

“While we have funding for some projects, we will not hear back from our biggest funders until the end of this financial year and cannot move forward without the certainty that we will be able to support our service users and employ our staff beyond Christmas.

“Since September, People Know How has been undergoing a 30-day collective consultation process to assess its future and options to avoid redundancies, including pausing all new activities to prioritise the support of those using our services. We have also been speaking with our partners and contacts to assess options and opportunities where possible. That consultation process has now come to an end and unfortunately, we have not found a solution to save the 24 jobs and charity and have had to make the extremely difficult decision to work toward closing People Know How.”