Third sector workers in Edinburgh are urged to act fast as nominations for prestigious awards ceremony celebrating those in the not-for-profit health and care sector come to a close.

Whether you work for a small community group which supports the elderly or homeless, or are part of a large organisation, such as a hospice or care home provider, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards want to hear from you.

The awards are organised by Care Management Matters (CMM), and developed in conjunction with the National Care Forum, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert advice in the care sector. The scheme recognises individuals and organisations who bring about significant impact in their communities within the not-for-profit sector – celebrating hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence.

Anyone can enter themselves or nominate someone else in one of the categories. Whatever their position in an organisation or the support they provide within the not-for-profit sector, there is a category for everyone. There is no charge for entries – but you’ll have to be quick as the closing date for nominations is Friday 25 October.

Those successfully shortlisted will be gifted tickets to the awards ceremony to be held at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham on Friday 14 March 2025. The event will bring together esteemed leaders in health and social care from across the UK to applaud and learn about the diverse work of the winners and finalists.

Neil Galjaard, Divisional Managing Director at Markel, said: “Every year, we are inspired by the incredible stories of how people and organisations across the UK make a real difference in people’s lives – so we want to hear from those working in the not-for-profit sector in Edinburgh to celebrate their work and provide them with the recognition they deserve.

“As we prepare for our 11th award ceremony next year, we are honoured to be associated with CMM and the awards. Proud to be different, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards are free to enter, tickets to the ceremony are gifted and judges on the panel have lived experience – by removing barriers to enter, we ensure we really are celebrating the very best of those in the third sector.”

Commenting on the nominations opening, Lisa Werthmann, Director at CMM, added: “It is a real privilege to have founded and organise the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards – which is such a significant and uplifting event.

“I urge everyone working in this sector to nominate your colleagues and also recognise your own hard work so that we continue to recognise excellence through what promises to be a truly inspiring celebration.”

To find out more about the benefits of entering and how you can nominate, visit https://bit.ly/Markel3rdSectorCareAwards.

Markel is widely recognised as a key supporter to the care sector through the provision of specialist insurance, legal, tax and consultancy capability. One such capability the company provides to the sector is their specialist care consultancy, Markel Care Practitioners, who are there to help across a range of issues such as risk management, inspection preparation and continuity planning.

https://uk.markel.com/

West Lothian Council is bracing itself for a surge in pleas for help from pensioners after the government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment. 

The once universal £200- £300 payment will now be means tested and campaigners say many who rely on the money to meet higher fuel bills will face difficulties. 

The council runs its own grant programme to meet winter fuel costs and will launch it next month. While the grant is much lower it still offers a lifeline for those in the most dire of circumstances – giving out more than £8,000 last year. 

The council’s Advice Shop service also helped more than 1,000 pensioners secure benefits they had not been claiming. 

At a recent meeting of the full council an acrimonious debate on a motion critical of the Westminster Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance eventually ended with a rare unanimous cross- party composite motion requesting the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, reverse the decision. 

The motion also backed an advertising campaign to encourage pensioners: “to ensure the maximum uptake of Pension Credit is made by West Lothian pensioners, and support is available when applying for such credit. In addition, Council instructs officers to encourage pensioners on low income to seek a Benefit Check.” 

Winter Fuel Payments were devolved to the Scottish Government ahead of the national decision to restrict the payments to those on benefits. According to the Scottish Government: “This will lead to an investment of approximately £30 million and is anticipated to assist between 110,000 to 130,000 older people in Scotland this year, dependent on Pension Credit take-up.” 

To qualify now pensioners must be in receipt of benefits including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income Support, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. 

A West Lothian Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We do not know how many West Lothian pensioners will be affected by the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payments. 

“However, there are likely to be pensioners living locally who will no longer receive the payment, and we would encourage anyone struggling to contact the council’s Advice Shop for support. 

“Over the last financial year 2023/24, The Advice Shop has assisted 1,360 customers over state pension age with financial gains totalling £8.7 million.  

“Our dedicated Pension Income Maximisation Team will be carrying out proactive targeted work out to ensure those over stage pension age are in receipt of their full entitlement. 

 “We will also be launching our WLC Fuel Grant programme in November this year, which is a payment of up to £100 to households on low incomes experiencing fuel poverty, subject to resources being available. 

“In the last financial year, we assisted 85 customers over pension age with a Fuel Grant with payments totalling £8,500 and we anticipate a higher demand this year.” 

To contact the Advice Shop visit https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/adviceshop or call 01506 283 000. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Recent figures show that 35,785,216 bus journeys were made in Edinburgh in the year 2023/24 by those with a bus pass.

The Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon Macdonald points out that these journeys are all supported by The Scottish Government which has protected free passes for all qualifying groups, whether they are over 60, have disabilities or are injured veterans, or are under the age of 22.

Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The delivery of almost 36 million free bus journeys across Edinburgh this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.  

“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many, helping people access essential services, education, and employment. 

“While the UK Labour Government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment – the SNP Government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from age 60 – unlike in England, where it’s issued at age 66.  

“While the UK Labour Government is busy increasing tuition fees in England, we’re supporting our young people by introducing free bus passes to support them going to work, school, education or further training.  

“The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland – and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making here in Edinburgh, with 35,785,216 of free bus journeys made this year under the free bus travel schemes – part of over 178 million free bus journeys made across Scotland this year.” 

Two families were rescued by the RNLI lifeboat from Cramond Island on Thursday when the tide came in and they found that they were stranded.

Cramond is a tidal island that can be reached by low tide via a causeway. However, once high tide arrives, people on the tidal island no longer have a safe passage back to the mainland and get stuck on the island, or on the causeway.

The Edinburgh Reporter asked the RNLI media team for comment.

This is what was posted on Facebook:

”At 1306 today (Thursday 17 October), UK Coastguard tasked Queensferry Lifeboat to eight people cut off by the tide at Cramond Island.

“The lifeboat launched and made best speed to Cramond in calm conditions. Two crew members were put ashore to ensure the casualties were not in need of medical attention. All eight persons were safely transported from the island to Cramond Village and into the care of South Queensferry Coastguard

“We are on spring tides over the next few days which means that the tidal range is at its largest and there may be stronger then usual currents. Water levels can also be higher than predicted.

“If planning a visit to Cramond Island, we advise you to check the tide times which can be found on our website, by texting CRAMOND to 84100 and on signage at the beginning of the causeway.

“Before heading to the coastline, ensure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions and have a means of calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty, or you spot anyone else in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

CramondIsland #TideTimes #SpringTides #FullMoon

People crossing the causeway to Cramond are encouraged to check the safe crossing times beforehand and arrange suitable plans to return back, but unfortunately, many members of the public have been caught off guard and have needed rescuing by the RNLI.

Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said in 2023: “We’re seeing more and more people needing our support when visiting Cramond Island. We’ve encountered people stuck on the island due to being cut off by the tide, and even had to rescue people who have attempted to walk back and been caught out by the high tide. 

:We’d strongly encourage everyone planning to visit Cramond to check the safe crossing times before heading out to Cramond and return back to the mainland with adequate time to avoid being caught out by the tide.”

To check the safest times to cross, text CRAMOND to 81400 or check the clearly displayed signage before crossing the causeway.

An historic castle which has become a popular wedding venue has been refused permission to carry on using its marquee ten years after it was first put up.

Melville Castle operators had asked Midlothian Council to extend the temporary marquee’s lifespan for a further two years after it ran out in December last year.

However Historic Environment Scotland raised concerns about the continued presence of the giant tent which it said ‘significantly compromised’ the Category A listed castle itself disrupting its view.

Midlothian planners ruled that the operators of the castle had been given years to come up with an alternative solution to their wedding venue without success as they dismissed a request to extend its life to the end of 2025.

They said the arguments made by the applicants to justify the extension were, ‘very similar’ to those made over the last decade of the marquee’s existence on the site by previous applicants.

And they said that while a previous extension had been given in 2022 which took the impact of the Covid pandemic into account the hotel knew at that point there were concerns and they would need to find another solution.

They said: “The applicant has been aware of these concerns since at least June 2022 and so has had ample time to investigate a suitable, more permanent, alternative solution to the marquee.

“While there were some discussions around this time to find a suitable
alternative, which indicated a commitment to finding a permanent solution and gave the planning authority some comfort that the issue was being taken seriously by the applicant who recognises the current situation is unacceptable as a long term solution, this has clearly not been furthered.

“This has not been done despite it being clear that the current situation was not going to be supported after the most recent application in 2022. The temporary marquee has now been in place for 10 years.”

The castle which is owned by the Hay Trust has been leased out as a hotel and more recently wedding venue since the Nineties and is currently leased by The Original Collection (TOC).

Agents for the applicants argued that under the new management of TOC there had been a wholesale refurbishment of the hotel with an investment of £3m by the firm.

They said: “It is clear the new operators have every intention of ensuring that Melville Castle becomes one of the premier destinations in the Edinburgh area for hotel stays, conferences and of course weddings, and it is equally obvious that the marquee plays a fundamental role in this offer.

“Post Covid it is essential Melville Castle is able to meet its commitments to host these events whilst TOC investigates a better more appropriated solution for the longer term.”

Refusing to extend the time for the marquee planners said: “The temporary retention of the marquee will have a significant adverse impact on the setting and character of the A listed Melville Castle, the surrounding designed landscape, special landscape area and river valley.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace 56-year-old Nicole Reekie who has been reported missing from Dundee.

Nicole was last seen in the Menzieshill area around 1pm on Friday, 11 October, 2024, however, we believed she may have travelled to Edinburgh City Centre.

She is described as being around 5ft 5in tall, average build with curly bobbed black hair often worn up or with a headband.

She was last seen wearing light pink chinos, a dark coloured top, a black hooded jacket, black trainers and carrying a blue backpack.

Anyone who has seen Nicole is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 2605 of 11 October 2024.

Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.

Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.

The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.

All three incident are being treated as linked.

Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows. He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.

“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.

“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

Detectives are appealing for information after a break-in at a golf club in West Lothian. 

Entry was forced to the pro shop at Uphall Golf Club sometime between 11pm on Tuesday, 15 October and 7am on Wednesday, 16 October. 

A quantity of golf clubs, clothing and a sum of cash was stolen from within. 

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for information. 

Detective Constable Natalie Civil said: “We would urge anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles around the golf club overnight to get in touch. 

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area overnight. 

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting reference 0521 of 16 October, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” 

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Edinburgh-based partner Walter Clark to join its UK financial services corporate team. 

Walter is an M&A lawyer, with a primary focus on deals in the financial services sector across the UK, particularly for clients with a strong presence in Scotland. 

Walter joins from Scottish law firm Burness Paull, where he was a partner in the M&A team, having joined as a trainee in 2000. As part of his role, he also headed up the governance and company secretarial team. 

Head of UK corporate at Pinsent Masons, Edward Stead, said: “We’ve known Walter for many years thanks to his excellent reputation in the market and it’s a great pleasure to welcome him to the team. His profile and experience in the Scottish legal market will bring strong value to our clients, particularly in financial services and also more widely.”

Global head of financial services, John Maciver, added: “Walter’s appointment is part of an ambitious growth strategy for our global financial services sector and will particularly reinforce the team’s capabilities in Scotland and the rest of the UK.”  

Walter Clark added: “I am very excited to join such an impressive team of innovative and focused individuals. I’m really looking forward to being part of a strong and collaborative international network, as well as working alongside so many sector specialists. It’s great to be getting started and there are exciting times ahead.”

Pinsent Masons employs more than 550 lawyers and support staff in Scotland at its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

Pinsent Masons office network extends across the major international business centres of London, Dublin, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Madrid, Paris, Doha, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Johannesburg, Sydney Melbourne and Perth – and the key commercial centres in the UK.

Private Members’ Bills

Two Private Members’ Bills were introduced at Westminster on Wednesday by two of the Edinburgh MPs.

Scott Arthur MP for Edinburgh South West and Tracy Gilbert both won a slot in the ballot procedure to bring forward bills which would make a difference.

Read more here.

Council back to business next week

After a week of recess the council will begin to meet again on Monday. On Tuesday the Policy and Sustainability Committee meets under the Convenership of the Council Leader. Among the published papers there is a nugget of information or two in the report on the proceedings of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The work to refurbish the Granton Gasholder is progressing and the area should open as a visitor attraction – “a public park within the frame for recreation and leisure use and is key to the placemaking vision for the wider regeneration of the area” – in the first quarter of the year.

But the news about Sheriffhall Roundabout is not quite so upbeat. The initial cost budgeted in the deal is £120 million. But Scottish Ministers have still to make an announcement on what will happen.

This is from the report:
4.18 The existing A720 Sheriffhall roundabout is currently the only junction on the
Edinburgh City Bypass that is not grade-separated, which means that the City
Bypass is at the same level as the A7 and A6106 local approach roads. This at-
grade, six-way junction, often experiences significant queuing, especially during
peak hours.
4.19 The purpose of the proposed Scheme is to separate local traffic from strategic traffic
on the Bypass, thus improving traffic flow journey times, journey time reliability and
safety for all users. £120 million has been allocated by the Scottish Government,
within the CRD allocation, specifically to support improvements for the grade
separation of the roundabout. Any financial risk to deliver the project sits with
Scottish Ministers and not the City Deal partners. The City Region Deal Joint
Committee ratified their support for the proposed Sheriffhall Roundabout Scheme at
the meeting on 3 September 2021.
4.20 A Public Local Inquiry on the Scheme was held between 30 January and 8 February

Following this, the DPEA (division of the Scottish Government) Reporter
issued their report to the Scottish Ministers’ advisors on 10 October 2023, and the
subsequent decision from the Scottish Ministers regarding the scheme is to be
published in due course.

Critics have said that there is no need for such road infrastructure in light of the Climate Emergency, and that it would be better spent on taking vehicles off the road and encouraging more people to use public transport. And the figure of £120million is said to be far short of what the work would cost today.

Read the council papers and find the link to watch the meeting here.

New sculptural benches installed

This is a lovely good news story for Gorgie-Dalry as two artists from Gorgie Collective have designed new benches for the area – and the council has now installed them. Read more here.

Pentlands Book Festival

Tickets for the Pentlands Book Festival are going fast. The Pentlands Book Festival is an annual festival with talks by authors held in Currie and Colinton Libraries and various other venues locally. It runs each autumn, coinciding with Book Week Scotland, and is organised by local volunteers in conjunction with Currie and Colinton Libraries.

The Pentlands Book Festival has been going since 2015. Events last about an hour and give an opportunity to meet and chat with the authors. Featured books will be on sale, perhaps at a discount, and may be signed.

Read more here.

An evening with Joseph Coelho

Joseph Coelho, OBE, former Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate is appearing at Waterstone’s West End next week. He will be in conversation with Vivian French. In his verse novel he blends Greek myth with a 21st century quest.In Ancient Greece Theseus makes a dangerous and courageous journey to find his father, finally meeting the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. While Theo, a modern-day teenage boy, finds himself on a maze-like quest to find his own father. Each story tells of a boy becoming a man and discovering what true manhood really means.

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

There will be a book signing after the event and a Q&A.

Tickets click here

Experts reveal the mammoth water delivery task for “end to end” riders.

Around 700 cyclists on a gruelling charity challenge made a much-needed stop in Edinburgh – where they got through an impressive 54,000 litres of water.

Drinking water specialist Water Direct supported the leg-sapping Ride Across Britain by meeting its own major challenge – ensuring cyclists had access to essential water services at every stop.

The nine-day Ride Across Britain is one of the toughest cycling challenges in the fundraising calendar, and participants pedal the 980 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats – known as the “end to end” – every September.

Now alternative water supply expert Water Direct has revealed the logistical efforts involved in keeping the parched and exhausted cyclists with enough water for all their needs. The Colchester-based firm supplied essential water to 10 welfare stations along the route – transporting more than 540,000 litres of water the length of the UK.

The sixth stop on the epic trek was at Hopetoun House Estate, South Queensferry, where the water used by the cyclists would have filled the average 9m x 4m swimming pool or supplied the full daily water needs for 155 homes. In fact, it serviced eight shower trailers, five drinking water stations, five toilet trailers, and eight standpipes. It also served as one of three laundry sites along the route.

The cyclists had two pit stops each day to which the alternative water supply company provided two 2,000 litre towable water bowsers, keeping up with the riders along their route and keeping them hydrated.

 David Sommerville from Threshold Sports, the organisers of Ride Across Britain, praised Water Direct’s involvement, led by Transport Manager, Kieran Gerred, and said: “They delivered a slick and professional service.

“Working to strict timeframes and in tough conditions, they always get the job done to a high standard and are always forward thinking and problem solving. Nothing is too much for the Water Direct team, it’s great working with them and I thank them for all their hard work over the two weeks.”

Adam Johnson, CEO of Water Direct, praised the huge effort of the dedicated cyclists who gave their all during the gruelling cycling marathon.

He added: “We take our hats off to every single person who completed the ride. It is an incredibly difficult endeavour to take on and it benefits some brilliant causes.

“We understand exactly how big a challenge it is because we took on a huge logistical trial of our own in supplying all the water for the stops along the way.

“Not only did we transport 540,000 litres of water – enough to fill 30 swimming pools – but we also provided all the piping and infrastructure to ensure the riders had access to showers, toilets, catering and even laundry along the way.

“Everyone at Water Direct is proud to have been part of the Ride Across Britain and to have been an essential part of the backstage team that helped keep the riders going.”

Water Direct is the UK’s leading specialist in alternative water supply (AWS), and provides high quality drinking water – via tankers, bowsers and bottles – to where it is most needed. It has delivered drinking water to a huge range of organisations including hospitals, music festivals, supermarkets and steelworks.

The Ride Across Britian partnership saw the Colchester based firm, deliver supplies to all 10 stops along the route, including Okehampton in Devon, Bath in Somerset, Ludlow in Shropshire, Haydock in Merseyside, Carlisle in Cumbria, Edinburgh in Lothian, Strathdon in Aberdeenshire, Bonar Bridge in Sutherland and John O’Groats in Caithness.

At each site the Water Direct team delivered plentiful quantities of the highest quality drinking water – meeting the strictest regulatory and health protection standards – while also providing pumps and associated pipework for dedicated drinking water stations, showers and toilet trailers.

In Bath, Haydock and Edinburgh they also provided water for specially set up laundry facilities. While Water Direct only works with drinking water, the firm also coordinated with other specialists for removal of wastewater.

This year’s Ride Across Britain ran from September 7-15 and the 980-mile route, which climbs 55,000ft, is known for including some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, including Cheddar Gorge, Shap Fell, the Cairnwell Pass and the Lecht.

Many participants choose to commit to raising at least £2,400 for charity and the event has raised £1.2 million so far for hundreds of charities, with the total still rising.

Water Direct operates a fleet of 37 specialist tankers and delivered more than 150.5m litres of water last year. It also stores more than 4m litres of bottled water in a network of readily accessible depots across the UK.

As well as working with businesses and events, the company has made its name helping the UK’s main water utilities – including Yorkshire Water and Southern Water – to supply customers with alternative supplies during emergencies or planned shutdowns on their networks.

https://www.water-direct.co.uk/

Two new benches have pride of place in Gorgie-Dalry and are already brightening up the area.

The benches were designed by local artists, Yvonne Weighand Lyle and Katriona Gillespie, who say they were inspired by the natural and social heritage of the area. Both are members of Gorgie Collective, a local arts and cultural organisation.

The City of Edinburgh Council has installed the benches in front of White Park on Gorgie Road, and also beside the Coop on Dalry Road.

Chair of Gorgie Collective, Katriona Gillespie, explained the project: “Yvonne and I are both very passionate about where we live and we began this project as a way of bringing more street art to our local public spaces. 

“The Gorgie bench features plants found in our neighbourhood’s parks and gardens and the central design is inspired by points on a compass, including local landmarks that are meaningful to me such as Tynecastle and of course The Diggers!”

Fellow artist Yvonne Weighand Lyle added: “The benches represent a link between people and place. The Dalry bench design captures the skies above Gorgie-Dalry at the time we developed the designs, when there was a conjunction of the moon and Saturn. This abstract celestial map then also features plants, industry and people situated in the urban landscape.”

Sarah Boyack, Lothian MSP said: “Its inspiring to see the Gorgie Collective’s work supporting the local community. These sculptural benches don’t just look fantastic, they’ll provide a much-needed area for the people in Gorgie and Dalry to sit and enjoy their community”

Independent Councillor for Sighthill-Gorgie, Ross Mackenzie, said: “Gorgie Collective artists Yvonne and Katriona have been doing excellent community-led work for several years here in Gorgie-Dalry, providing free creative workshops and public artwork for local people to enjoy. I am delighted to see these high-quality sculptural benches installed. They are beautifully designed by local artists and also offer important added amenity to our high street.”

Children aged as young as 10 years old were among more than 1,500 Scottish youngsters frisked by police officers using stop-and-search tactics in a three month period, according to a new report.

According to Police Scotland data, youngsters aged 17 and under were searched 1,555 times between April and June this year, including 15 searches in the age group 1-11.

None in the lowest age category was found to be carrying anything illegal, and Police Scotland said each case had been reviewed and found to be in line with “expected criteria”.

Police Scotland confirmed that 12 of the 15 searches within the age group 1-11 were children aged 11 years old, and there were three searches of 10-year-olds.

Stop-and-search is an operational tactic which allows police officers to stop, question and search a person who is suspected of doing something illegal, including carrying drugs or weapons such as knives.

Critics say the method has little effect on violent crime, and Police Scotland admit that illegal items such as drugs, weapons or stolen goods are recovered in around only a third of all searches.

Performance report data shows there were 825 searches of children aged 12-15 with 106 “positive searches” (12.8%) and 715 searches of teenagers aged 16-17 resulting in 140 positive results (19.6%).

Nick Hobbs, Head of Advice and Investigations at the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said children in conflict with the law needed to be “treated first and foremost as children”.

He said: “A human rights-based approach to policing must take into account the State’s duty to protect children from harm, meaning that stop-and-search powers are used lawfully and proportionately.

“Children are far more likely to be victims of crime than to be a risk to others. Their needs and behaviours must be addressed in a child-friendly justice system where their rights, welfare and best interests are respected, protected and fulfilled.”

Scottish Conservative deputy justice spokesperson, Sharon Dowey MSP, warned that Police Scotland must use its stop and search powers “proportionately”.

She said: “These figures will undoubtedly raise concerns among the public, particularly those who have children. While these concerns should be listened to, stop and search remains an essential tool for police to carry out searches when they believe it is necessary to do so.

“However, it is imperative that the police use these powers proportionately so that Scotland’s consensual policing approach is not compromised.”

Police Scotland recorded 9,116 such searches on people of all ages between April and June, up 11% compared with the same period last year. However, less than a quarter proved positive.

In total 1,747 searches led to the recovery of drugs, 245 searches found weapons and 200 uncovered stolen property.

The report adds: “Fourteen of the searches that recovered weapons were conducted for a care and welfare reason, and a further four were conducted for the protection of life search reason.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Intelligence-led stop and search is a valuable and effective policing tactic in detecting and preventing crime when it is used lawfully, proportionately and in line with the Code of Practice.

“Victims of crime and people right across the country expect us to use all powers at our disposal to keep them safe.

“Stop and search is just one of those powers and one in every three searches leads to the recovery of illicit or harmful items, safeguarding our communities.

“The Code has a dedicated section for children and provides guidance for officers when making a decision to stop search a child using the appropriate statutory power.

“We recognise that stopping and searching people is a significant intrusion into their personal liberty and privacy and we remain committed to ensuring that people are treated with fairness, integrity and respect.

“It is also a tactic that enables the service to keep people safe and assist in ensuring the wellbeing of our wider communities.”

Today at Westminster 20 bills were introduced by 20 MPs from all over the UK.

This included Edinburgh MPs, Scott Arthur and Tracy Gilbert.

Dr Arthur, who represents Edinburgh South West introduced a bill entitled the Rare Cancers Bill. It will be debated on 14 March 2025.

He explained what he would like his bill to achieve: “Today is the day I submit my Private Members’ Bill. It’s focus will be providing pharmaceutical companies with incentives to develop treatments for rare cancers.

“Recent years have seen sufficient advances in the treatment of cancer. Where rare cancers are concerned, however, progress has not always kept pace. For example, the treatment of glioblastoma brain tumours has not changed for decades (Temozolomide – discovered in 1987, but approved in 1999) and the average life expectancy is only 9 months. There are no clinical trials to improve outcomes for the 3,200 people who are diagnosed every year. That is because there is no financial incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to run clinical trials for such a small patient group.

“I hope to base my bill on a tried and tested approach to address this. The 1983 the Orphan Drug Act was introduced in the USA to provide financial incentives to attract industry’s interest through an extended period of market exclusivity for a drug approved to treat an orphan disease, even if it were not under patent, and tax credits. When Orphan Drug act launched in 1983 only ten drugs for orphan diseases were on the market for patient use, by 2015 550 were approved.

“I am grateful for the support of other MPs on this, in particular Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP who has done all the real work following the death of her sister (Margaret McDonagh) to glioblastoma.”

Ms Gilbert is MP for Edinburgh North and Leith. She introduced the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill. It will receive its second reading on 17 January 2025.

She said: “My Bill will end the anomaly in Scotland and Wales where you can apply online for a postal or proxy vote for General Elections, but not devolved or local elections. This will make it easier and simpler to get a postal or proxy vote in the 2026 elections.”

It is open to any MP who is not a government minister to propose a Private Members’ Bill, and then they can proceed with it if their bill is chosen in the ballot. There were 458 MPs in the ballot this year – and there are two in Edinburgh. The topic is chosen by the MP themselves but usually tries to change the law on a specific area.

The bills are usually debated on Fridays during the parliamentary session – and Scott Arthur’s bill has a real chance of being debated as he is near the top of the ballot.

The 20 MPs and their Bills include:

1. Kim Leadbeater, Labour (Spen Valley) – Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
2. Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrats (Cheltenham) – New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill
3. Dr Roz Savage, Liberal Democrats (South Cotswolds) – Climate and Nature Bill
4. Clive Lewis, Labour (Norwich South) – Water Bill
5. Josh MacAlister, Labour (Whitehaven and Workington) – Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill
6. Dr Scott Arthur, Labour (Edinburgh South West) – Rare Cancers Bill
7. Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist Voice (North Antrim) – European Union (Withdrawal Arrangements) Bill
8. Peter Lamb, Labour (Crawley) – Free School Meals (Automatic Registration of Eligible Children) Bill
9. Alex McIntyre, Labour (Gloucester) – Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill
10. Andrew Ranger, Labour (Wrexham) – Licensing Hours Extensions Bill
11. Jake Richards, Labour (Rother Valley) – Looked After Children (Distance Placements) Bill
12. Tracy Gilbert, Labour (Edinburgh North and Leith) – Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill
13. Linsey Farnsworth, Labour (Amber Valley) – Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill
14. John Grady, Labour (Glasgow East) – Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill
15. Rachael Maskell, Labour (Co-op), (York Central) – Short-term Let Accommodation Bill
16. Ruth Jones, Labour (Newport West and Islwyn) – Fur (Import and Sale) Bill
17. Dr Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrats (Winchester) – Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill
18. Sarah Owen, Labour (Luton North) – Fireworks Bill
19. Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrats (North East Fife) – Gambling Act 2005 (Monetary Limits for Lotteries) Bill
20. Dr Rupa Huq, Labour (Ealing Central and Acton) – Sale of Tickets (Sporting and Cultural Events) Bill

Private Members’ Bills must go through all legislative stages in both Houses of Parliament before they can become an Act and written into law. You can find out more on bill stages on our website here.

Police Scotland has released images of a man who may be able to assist them with their enquiries into an incident which occurred around 9pm on Friday, 11 October, 2024 in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh.​

The man (pictured) is described as white, heavy build, clean shaven and around 35 to 40 years old. He was seen to be wearing denim jeans, a dark baseball cap with writing on it and a black hooded top with ‘Hard Rock Café’ written on the front with further writing on the back.​

The man pictured, anyone who may recognise him or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3729 11 October 2024.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.

An Edinburgh community’s five-year plea for the council to fix a landslip has been answered amid concerns part of a graveyard is at risk of sliding into the water.

Heavy rainfall caused the landslip along the Colinton Dells footpath in 2020, blocking a key entrance to the popular walking route which leads to the Colinton Tunnel Mural.

A petition was launched calling for repairs recently gathered over 500 signatures and said the closure had deprived locals and visitors of a “quieter avenue for exercise and nature” away from the busy cycle route which passes through the area “for too long”.

Now residents have been promised work will begin this month to rebuild the path and install a new drainage system at the entrance, at the end of Dell Road by Colinton Parish Church, to prevent further landslips in future. It’s hoped this will allow re-opening by mid-December. 

In addition council officers are understood to be investigating the removal of three trees on the riverbank by the end of the church’s graveyard, which it’s feared could also begin to slip into the water if left unattended.

Colinton resident Mike Scott said the trees’ roots would remain in place as they “serve a purpose in helping to stabilise,” adding: “It’s the top of the trees that act as a giant sail and so that when the wind blows that’s what threatens to tip them over.”

Eddie Banks, a retired engineer living in the village, said: “The alternative is if you don’t take them down, then you could lose part of your graveyard. Which one do you want? Keep three trees, or lose part of your graveyard? I know what the locals would say.”

Mr Scott, who conceived the idea of decorating the old Colinton railway tunnel with a colourful mural, expressed concern visitors could miss out on the attraction as, while other points of access are available, smartphone maps and local signage “show that route as being open,” leading to confusion.

“If they come out to visit the tunnel and come down here thinking they can get to the tunnel, that’s where the frustration creeps in,” he said.

“What we want to do is make the tunnel fully accessible 24/7, 365, and take it from there.”

He added the landslip also meant walkers couldn’t complete the Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells circular route.

“Dog walkers, runners – lots of people used to go on this loop because you weren’t doing the same way as you were coming back, which lets face it is a bit tedious.

“It’ll be quite something to have it open again. Originally this was temporary barriers and they kept being bypassed or cut out and as you can see the ultimate solution from the council was literally this welded fence, you can’t open the gate.”

Anne-Marie Birch, whose house sits on the riverbank, has also been campaigning to get the path re-opened. She said: “It’s a beautiful walk. It’s peaceful and takes you away from the top half with the cyclists.”

She feared her garden could also begin to slide into the water “if it’s not attended to”.

She added: “I’ve been looking for this because I think of the Dells as my back yard and I’ve not had access to it since February 2020. So now to get it open again, for the whole of the street, for everyone, has been key.”

Conservative councillor for Colinton Jason Rust commented: “All the community groups have come together which has been really good.”

A motion by Cllr Rust calling for action which warned elsewhere along the Water of Leith “may be affected by damaging slope movements in the future,” highlighting the council had “a responsibility to repair and to maintain these areas”.

He said: “I think there was a feeling that because they were looking to tender during Covid the materials and the prices were not as good as they could be,” while adding it was a “very significant area for the local public”.

He said: “After we’ve dealt with the drainage and the path, I think they’re going to investigate full removal [of trees] but keeping the roots, or potentially looking at taking some away, to make sure the situation doesn’t get worse.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

The Liberal Democrats are using their opportunity to lodge a Private Members Bill at Westminster to call for a change to charity lottery fundraising.

As it stands lotteries may only raise up to £50 million worth of tickets in one year. This cap limits how much a charity can raise in this way which is regarded as unfair. Other charity fundraising and gambling products are not limited in the same way and Wendy Chamberlain, MP for Fife North East, has lodged a Private Members Bill to change the legal position.

Charity lotteries raise around £420 million for each cause in the UK, usually specialising in long-term unrestricted funding when the money is passed on. The bodies are regulated by the 2005 Gambling Act and although the law was changed in 2020 People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL) has called for still more reform. Their fundraising has to be split into many trusts adding to the cost of administration. PPL say that removing the annual cap on sales could free up an additional £175 million for good causes across the next five years for the charities it supports, which would continue to come at no cost to the public purse.

Ms Chamberlain said: “I am delighted to introduce my second Private Members Bill to Parliament, which aims to remove the sales limits on charity lotteries and allow them to maximise their charity fundraising; and therefore the amount available to charities themselves.

“Charity lotteries play a vital role in supporting charities large and small across Britain, yet they are subject to limits on their sales, which ties them up in red tape, and restricts their effectiveness.

“I have seen for myself the benefit to local charities from lottery funding. Good causes ranging from farming experiences and skill building for people with additional support needs to walking groups and local community projects have received funding within the last year in North East Fife alone.

“These limits have no obvious purpose and removing them would cost the Treasury nothing, yet it will help boost charities at a time when they face a difficult fundraising environment.

“It is bizarre that every other type of gambling product has no limit on sales, yet the product does so much good for society through supporting our charities is capped.

“That is why I am delighted to be taking action to remove this needless red tape and help boost charity lottery fundraising.”

PPL employs around 300 people in Edinburgh, with offices in Charlotte Square. Clara Govier, Managing Director of PPL said: “The charity lottery sales limits are causing increasing difficulties for charity lottery fundraising at a time when charities need these vital funds to respond to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. We welcome Wendy Chamberlain bringing forward this Bill and urge MPs cross Parliament to support it.”

One of the other charities affected is Magic Breakfast, who are working to ensure no child is too hungry to learn. Their Chief Executive, Lindsey MacDonald, said: “At Magic Breakfast we are responding to vastly increased need, yet because of the charity lottery sales limits our funding from charity lotteries cannot increase.  We join leaders across the charity sector who are calling on Parliament to take action and resolve this issue as soon as possible. We therefore welcome this Bill from Wendy Chamberlain MP and urge the Government to back it.”

Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, who run cancer centres in the capital and elsewhere in the UK, said: “Charity lotteries have been transformational for so many charities and the important work they do.  That has certainly been the case for Maggie’s and it therefore makes no sense that charity lotteries are stymied by Government red tape.

“That is why we warmly welcome Wendy Chamberlain MP bringing forward this Private Members Bill to remove the charity lottery sales limits and help maximise funds for charities like Maggie’s, helping us to help cancer patients and their families across Britain.”

West Lothian is within the top 20 local authorities in Scotland in providing positive destinations for its school leavers. 

Over 90% of the more than 8,000 school leavers went to either higher education or training in the last year – and officials think there’s scope for greater partnership work to open more doors for more teenagers. 

They are keen to engage with those who leave school without plans for study, training or work- and especially those who drop out of initial choices. 

In a report the the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel, Stuart McKay, an Education for Work Officer said: “There’s scope for future work to ensure further improvement.” 

The PDSP heard that the Annual Participation Measure (APM) is compiled by Skills Development Scotland each year and counts those classed as participating in education training or employment and those not. 

It combines data from a range of data sharing partners including local authorities, colleges, the Department of Work and Pensions and Student Awards Agency Scotland  

The 23/24 figures reveal 8,825 16 – 19-year-olds from West Lothian were counted. This was an increase of 316 compared to last year. 

Of those 92.7% of 16 – 19-year-olds were recorded as participating in education, training or employment as of April this year. This was 0.9 percentage points less than in 2023. 

 It places West Lothian 18th in Scotland, and equal to the Scottish average. 

Mr McKay added: “As in previous years and in line with the Scottish average, more female students than male were participating with the gap sitting at 1.3 percentage points.” 

A total of 4.4% were classed as not in education training or employment in West Lothian- slightly higher than the Scottish average of 3.7% for this year. 

A third category – unconfirmed – covers those of which there is no record. A total of 254 young people were reported as unconfirmed in the APM in 2024.   

Schools have introduced a number of programmes to ensure that pupils leave with some options if they are not interested in further or higher education.  

A range of training courses has continued to support school leavers to gain additional qualifications, experience and employability skills and to help them with the transition from school into employment or further training.  

The council’s Raising Attainment and Corporate strategies, along with Developing the Young Workforce programme have proved successful in preparing pupils from West Lothian’s secondary schools to enter a positive destination after leaving school.  These include practical skills course in such trades as building introduced for senior pupils who are considering apprenticeships. 

Mr McKay cautioned against too literal interpretation of the numbers in the Unconfirmed category given that the data is collected at a specific time of year, when some older teenagers are not counted in education or training simply because they have finished courses and others may just be about to start. 

He said: “It has previously been identified that there was an issue with the timing of tracking and reporting of partner organisations which resulted in a far higher number than expected of young people recorded as unconfirmed. This was predominantly an issue with young people aged 19 who are the hardest group to track.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

A council has refused to publicly reveal how many of its buildings are currently ‘mothballed’ amid growing concern one if its most popular venues is about to join the list.

East Lothian Council has this year alone temporarily closed two rural primary schools with the most recent, Saltoun, seeing pupils move to another school after the October holiday.

And there are concerns that a report due to go to elected members later this month will call for similar action at The Brunton Theatre, which has been closed since March last year after crumbling concrete was discovered in the venue.

While the local authority remains tight-lipped on the outcome of  a report into options for the future of the theatre, which was opened by the late Queen in Musselburgh, in 1971, it is understood the cost of repairs is too expensive for the cash-strapped council’s budget.

A public survey on how visitors to The Brunton feel about its current use of alternative venues which have included The Corn Exchange in Haddington and other Musselburgh locations, was carried out on East Lothian Council’s consultation hub on behalf of the Trust which runs it earlier this month.

East Lothian Council was asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for a list of all public buildings which are currently mothballed, including schools and community halls, but refused to release it instead saying a Freedom of Information request would be required.

That request was then classed as environmental information, under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and a fee of £191 asked for to cover the cost of a Grade 10 staff member at £38.20 an hour pulling to information together, before it could be processed.

The council does not charge for Freedom of Information responses, only EIR request. It currently has 14 outstanding appeals being investigated by the Scottish Information Commissioner over its responses to information requests – 11 related to EIR fees imposed.

A council spokesperson said: “Any request for information needs to be considered through the correct legislative pathway; depending on the nature of the enquiry this may be Freedom of Information or Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). The legislation that introduced EIRs enabled authorities to charge a fee for collating and providing the information requested.

“Given the potential for the request to be complex with information held in different formats meaning time and resource is required for collation, the council introduced a charging scheme as permitted by the regulations.

 “Wherever possible we will direct enquirers to information that is already held in the public domain. There has been information relating to mothballed facilities shared through a number of channels including in public at council meetings, directly with communities and published online in our members’ library system.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Up-beat Neil Critchley said a lot of people have wished him well since his appointment at Tynecastle was confirmed.

And the Crewe-born coach told success-hungry Hearts fans that he believes their favourites can climb the William Hill Premiership, hopefully starting on Saturday when St Mirren arrive at Tynecastle (15.00).

The club’s new men’s head coach, who said he has watched a number of Hearts games this season, has now overseen two training sessions with others on Thursday and Friday and is “super excited” at the prospect.

He arrived after a rigorous process which involved using analytics and also a number of conversations between a panel and players who have worked with the new coach.

Critchley said: “It is a huge responsibility at a fantastic football club and it is a challenge. There are plenty of points to play for and plenty of games to play.

“We know where we are at, we know what we need to do, and I concentrate on what I have responsibilities for and what I can control.

“For what I have seen, and what I have studied and analysed, I am encouraged by what we still can do this season.

“We are where we are and my focus is purely on St Mirren on Saturday. The rest will take care of itself and, hopefully, over the next weeks and months we can move up the table and get to where we can get to.”

You learn, he said, from all experiences, good and bad, and you reflect on all of them. Critchley added: “I will use that to, hopefully, make me better in the future. Through adversity you gain strength, and I am in a far better position now from what I have been through.

“I hope to use that now to my benefit and transfer that to the people I have responsibility every day for which is the staff and the players.”

MEET THE MEDIA: Neil Critchley at Tynecastle. Picture Nigel Duncan

Edinburgh Council cuts could lead to a third of school staff who assist pupils with additional needs being axed, with those remaining made to fill gaps in classroom teaching, it has been claimed.

After details emerged of an ongoing review of the education department’s inclusion service, amid controversial plans to slash £4m from its budget, a group of parents warned the cuts would “drastically reduce services for vulnerable children who have disabilities and additional support needs”.

Now an inclusion support teacher working in the city has raised the alarm over the cost-cutting proposals, saying the restructure could see them used as supply teachers instead of assisting additional needs learners full time and their specialism being “lost”.

The council said the cuts on the table were “at an early stage of development” and the “least worst options,” but admitted: “The measures will impact on staffing.”

“Our saving proposals are at an early stage of development and will require further work and wider consultation before they are progressed to budget decision in February 2025. Officers have put forward these budget saving proposals for this year that have come from suggestions across the whole directorate, including from schools.”

The teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said if the plans are approved they would be managed by head teachers in ‘learning communities’ – locality clusters of primary, secondary and special schools – rather than by service leaders who currently manage increasing demand across the city centrally within the council.

It’s understood the teams potentially being de-centralised include English language support, early years support, assistance for pupils with ADHD and Autism and the hospital outreach team which creates learning plans for youngsters who can’t attend school due to illness.

Council bosses recently gave a presentation on the ‘inclusion review’ to staff set to be impacted by the cuts, which was shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It said 38 full time teachers and 23 pupil support officers would be “transferred into learning communities allocated according
to key demographic factors (e.g. number of schools, school roll, levels of deprivation, ASN roll including number of children with English as an Additional Language, care experienced children and young people)”.

It said any staff not transferred “will be supported to transfer into suitable alternative roles within the wider education service”.

On one slide officials promised “no job losses” and “all staff on permanent contracts will be transferred into commensurate posts/grades”.

However the council source, who said they were speaking up on behalf of a group of concerned teachers, claimed the plans involved not renewing temporary contracts. They said this constituted a third of all staff in the service, representing “at least” 40 employees.

The presentation proposed “deleting” several posts including 10 service leaders who would be ‘managed via compulsory transfer of teachers’ process’.

“We are already a depleted service and none of the temporary contracts are going to be renewed or extended so we’re going to have less staff,” the teacher said.

“And they’re expecting those staff to go into learning communities and the head teachers to line manage them who don’t have any of that specialism, so basically that specialism is going to be lost.

“We offer a lot of training across the city and I don’t know how that would work if there’s no central person managing that.”

They added: “I’ve had quite a few frank conversations with head teachers who have said ‘you will be used as supply because we don’t have enough teachers anyway’.

“We just feel totally de-valued. Some people have been doing this job for 20, 30 years as a specialist and have built-up a real specialism around that support – and people feel like they’re just going to be back in the classroom.

“The majority of additional support for learning teachers haven’t actually taught in a classroom for a hell of a long time. To go back and competently teach in  a classroom, people wouldn’t have a clue.

“I don’t think schools have any idea how many people are on temporary contracts in the additional support for learning service. You’re going to have a third less staff to manage with increasing numbers with kids with additional support needs.”

One particular area of concern is the potential impact on bilingual support for beginner English language learners in schools.

Currently, the centralised English as an Additional Language (EAL) team works across the city, the teacher said, and can “see the scope across the city of where the needs are”.

They said: “For example when we had the Ukrainian families coming into the city, of which there were a lot, we were able to look at where we could put resources where they were needed for that amount of time and put in a strategic plan about how best to support.

“You can’t tell me there’s not going to be another group of refugees at some point in the future coming into Edinburgh, how is that going to be supported?

“Because there will be no team around those families. So again that pressure then goes onto the schools.”

An internal consultation with staff is underway and due to end on November 1.

If the proposals are taken forward, which is likely to depend on whether councillors approve a £4m cut to inclusion spending from 2026-27 mooted by officials, they could be ‘fully implemented’ by March to June 2025, according to the slideshow.

Meanwhile concerned parents have started a petition calling for the inclusion cuts to be scrapped has also gathered 5,147 signatures in just one week.

The petition states: “Despite the spin that this is merely restructuring, it is quite clear that this is a cost-cutting exercise for an already overstretched service.  The cuts will have a huge negative impact on ALL children’s education: disproportionately impacting both children with disabilities and those from minority ethnic backgrounds.”

It adds parents were “extremely disappointed with how this has been handled”.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

A private individual has stepped in to pay the cost of bringing Alex Salmond’s body back to Scotland from North Macedonia.

The Scottish Government said on Wednesday that the late former First Minister’s family has now made arrangements for the repatriation. Mr Salmond died suddenly on Saturday after speaking at a conference.

A government spokesperson said: “The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, made more complex when they have passed away overseas.

“Over the last few days the Scottish Government and UK Government have been engaging with Alex Salmond‘s family and working closely together in accordance with their wishes, to ensure the swift and dignified repatriation of the former First Minister to Scotland.

“Having explored a number of options, the family have now made arrangements for this to take place with the support of a private citizen.

“The Scottish Government continues to engage with Mr Salmond‘s family, and we stand ready to offer further advice and support, should it be required.”

The government had been in contact with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure consular support for Mr Salmond’s family.

At The Scottish Parliament a Book of Condolence has been placed in the main hall for any members of the public to sign. The First Minister, John Swinney, has now signed his own tribute to his former colleague.

A West Lothian school providing specialist education for children with complex needs has been praised for its innovative approach to teaching mathematics.  

A national study into how maths is taught in Scotland said the Beatlie School campus was showing the way to other ASN schools positive ways to engage an often-tricky subject. 

Staff and pupils were congratulated by councillors for the enthusiasm they displayed when they gave a presentation on the inspection to a meeting of the Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel this month. 

Beatlie provides specialist education for pupils aged 3 to 18 with severe and complex support and profound medical needs. It moved to a new purpose-built campus in Livingston a year ago.  

The maths study is the first opportunity for Education Scotland inspectors to visit the new campus.  Beatlie is one of 50 schools in the country which is being visited as part of the national study into the teaching of maths across all ages groups in Scotland. 

Head teacher Debbie Green said: “The inspection allowed the school to share its bespoke and innovative approaches to teaching and learning to engage our most severe and complex pupils in West Lothian.” 

In their presentation staff and pupils talked about the different ways they learn numeracy and maths related subjects, the use of hi-tech, and everyday teaching aids – a favourite of the youngsters is the iPad. 

There’s also specialist teaching aids such as the drive deck, a mechanical platform which pupils control and move through switch technology, which gives youngsters interactive experience as well as functional control. 

In a report to committee the headteacher said that strengths identified that: “learning was based on interests, individualised and as a result, learners were very happy. The use of digital technology motivates children and helps engage with the learning process. 

“Real life contexts also form part of the teaching of how maths and numeracy are used every day.” 

The report added: “The inspection noted that very good relationships between staff and pupils meant that staff knew them well and how to motivate them to learn.  The skills of staff in supporting pupils to communicate was excellent.” 

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick told the meeting after the presentation: “A very high commendation to teaching staff, parents carers and children,.You’re all doing a marvellous job. Well done.” 

Councillor Moira McKee-Shemilt said: “I just want to say you have brightened up a dreich afternoon. One of the takeaways for me is just how happy the children are. So 100% well done.” 

 Chairing the meeting, Councillor Andrew McGuire echoed that and said: “Beatlie is a fantastic resource, and we are so proud of it, and everyone there so thank you so much.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Former Hibs defender and CIS League Cup winner Chris Hogg has taken temporary charge of football duties at Bristol City. 

Current manager Liam Manning is to take a period of absence from his role at Ashton Gate following the tragic death of his baby son. 

Little Theo John Manning was born recently, but has sadly passed away, and the club has said the thoughts of everyone at Ashton Gate and in the wider football world are with the Manning family. 

Hogg moved to Easter Road in 2005, from Ipswich Town under manager Tony Mowbray. He formed a defensive partnership with Rob Jones and in addition to winning the league cup he was voted club Player of the Year for the 2007/08 campaign, being moved up to captain after Jones’ exit in 2009 

A statement published on the Bristol City FC website reads: “Everyone at Bristol City Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam’s recently born son Theo John Manning. 

“We know that Bristol City’s supporters and the wider football family will share their condolences and deepest sympathy with Liam, his wife Fran and his son Isaac during this difficult period. 

“Liam will take a period of absence, and all football duties will be carried out by Chris Hogg. 

“We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time.” 

A partnership between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is streamlining how patients receive mental health support in Scotland. 

The Mental Health Pathway is a collaboration between the three services which ensures that people seeking urgent mental health support are directed to the most appropriate service for their needs. 

The NHS 24 Mental Health Hub is available 24/7 by calling 111 and selecting the Mental Health Option. 

The Mental Health Pathway ensures patients contacting 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns are now routinely referred to the Mental Health Hub. 

Dr. Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Medical Director, said: “It is imperative that anyone in mental health crisis or distress can quickly and easily connect with professionals who are experts in that field. Within office hours, patients seeking help with their mental health should contact their own GP.  

“However, during the out of hours period, such as evenings and weekends, it is common for patients to be unsure of where to access mental health support. Many will often reach out for help by dialling 999, which may not be the most appropriate care route for them.  

“The Mental Health Pathway was set up to streamline the process for anyone needing urgent assistance with their mental health, and aims to make all callers feel supported, understood, and cared for.  

“This project has led to a better experience for individuals experiencing mental illness or distress, but also has the added impact of reducing the deployment of frontline services in non-emergencies and easing the demand on emergency services.” 

The collaboration not only benefits patients but also allows police and ambulance staff to focus on their core roles. Police Scotland data shows officer hours were able to be redirected to core policing and 99% of their staff confirmed they felt confident making referrals and using the Mental Health Pathway following their training. 

Chief Superintendent Matt Paden, who leads Police Scotland’s Mental Health Taskforce, adds, 

“We support NHS 24’s message that those seeking help for mental health distress should contact their own GP during office hours and call 111 out of hours. 

“Where people call 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns, we’ve worked with health colleagues to give police staff the training, confidence and ability to refer them to the NHS’s Mental Health Hub to get the care and support they need from those best able to provide it. 

“Delivering better outcomes for people in mental health crisis while achieving whole system efficiencies, is a key element of delivering on policing’s vision for safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce. 

“The Mental Health Pathway can provide better outcomes for individuals and communities, better value to the public and enable officers to tackle threat, harm and risk and prevent crime.” 

Catherine Totten, Head of Service for Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said: “SAS supports people in mental health crisis and distress 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and we are committed to improving the outcomes and experience for these service users. 

“The Mental Health Pathway allows us to directly transfer non-emergency callers to mental health trained clinicians in the NHS 24 mental health hub, ensuring those in crisis receive the right care at the right time. 

 “It’s a welcome addition to existing services, such as local care pathways and the Mental Health Paramedic Response Units in Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, and we look forward to further developing this important resource with NHS 24 and Police Scotland.” 

Four Hibs Women players have been called up to the Scotland Under-23 squad for two upcoming international friendlies versus Belgium and Czechia this month. 

In-form forward pair Eilidh Adams and Kathleen McGovern have both been selected as part of Michael McArdle’s squad for the camp.  

Adams has netted on 14 occasions this season for Hibs in just 11 appearances while McGovern has also reached double digits, scoring 11 times in as many games. 

Winger Tegan Bowie has also been called up to represent McArdle’s side following her strong start to the new season.  

The 21-year-old has previously been called up to the Women’s ‘A’ Squad in the past and has been capped 20 times across the youth levels.  

Erin Clachers has made an impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign since joining Hibs on loan in the summer.  

The goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets in six outings so far this season for Grant Scott’s side to deservedly earn a call-up to the U23 squad. 

Bowie, Clachers and McGovern have all made one U23 appearance – versus Australia in September 2023 – while this is a first opportunity for Adams to be capped at this level. 

The young squad will start their camp in Belgium on Thursday 24 October, before hosting Czechia in Falkirk on Monday 28 October.  

The home fixture will be streamed live on the Scotland National Team official YouTube channel. 

Fixture Details 

Thursday 24 October – Belgium v Scotland, Tubize, Belgium, 3pm kick-off (BST) 

Monday 28 October – Scotland v Czechia, Falkirk Stadium, 3:30pm kick-off (BST) 

The Into Film Festival which begins at Edinburgh Zoo with a star-studded screening.

Edinburgh will play a starring role in this year’s Into Film Festival, the world’s largest film festival for young people. The 11th edition of the free educational event will launch on 8 November at Edinburgh Zoo with a special screening of the critically acclaimed animated film “Kensuke’s Kingdom” based on Michael Morpurgo’s book.

Young Scottish actor Aaron MacGregor, who voices the main character Michael in the film, will host the opening event in the capital.

The Into Film Festival, running from November 8-29, offers hundreds of free screenings and events across Scotland. The festival aims to provide students with a magical big screen experience while offering insights into the film industry.

While the zoo screening is the official start of the UK festival, Edinburgh cinemas and venues will also host events throughout November. The programme includes a wide range of films suitable for all ages, from animated features for younger pupils to thought-provoking documentaries for older students.

The charity explains that educational resources accompany all film titles, aligning with the curriculum and adding to the learning experience. The festival also includes special screenings for students with additional needs, ensuring that the event is accessible to as many young people as possible.

Local teachers are encouraged to take advantage of the unique opportunity which also includes the chance of learning to write reviews and submitting those for a writing competition.

Bookings for the festival are now live, with events allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Into Film Festival is supported by Cinema First and the UK film industry, with additional backing from the BFI using National Lottery funding. .

www.intofilm.org/festival

Festival programme highlights in Scotland include:

– Film screening of Kensuke’s Kingdom and Q & A with Aaron MacGregor – Edinburgh Zoo

– Film screening of Kensuke’s Kingdom and Q & A with directors, Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry – Tiree plus additional online industry workshop

– Film screening of Orkney-set The Outrun followed by a careers panel with  some of the Scottish based crew involved in the production – Glasgow

– A Scots language screening event featuring The Room on the Broom for younger pupils – Glasgow

– Screen Machine special screenings reaching some of the far-flung Orkney islands throughout the Festival – Orkney

– Screenings for younger pupils of Inside Out 2, screening for World Kindness Day; Despicable Me 4;Robot Dreams; The Garfield Movie and  The Wild Robot.

• For older students, highlights include: 
• Back to Black
• The Fall Guy
• A Quiet Place: Part One and Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes. 
• Documentaries include: To The End
• Is There Anybody Out There?
• Food Inc. 2
• All That Breathes
• Wilding 
• Copa 71  
• Other popular classic films will be played at some venues including: The Lavender Hill Mob and Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger.

Edinburgh MagicFest takes place at the end of December, promising to wow audiences and brighten the darkest days and evenings of the year with some sparkling magic.

The programme, which will feature shows with tricks linked to the city and its 900th birthday, runs from 17 to 30 December.

The trio are Winner of The European Magic Championships and The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, Dr Will Houston, Magician, psychologist and writer, Professor Richard Wiseman, and Edinburgh-based magician scientist, Kevin Quantum. They will be joined by the Art of Illusion, Chris De Rosa and Michelle Ferguson. The hula hoop artist Daiquiri Dusk will also mesmerise audiences.

Professor Wiseman will present Edinburgh’s History of Magic talking about a surprising part of Auld Reekie’s past.

This year the performances will take place in Church Hill Theatre and also in the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.

Organiser and co-founder of MagicFest Kevin Quantum said: “This is our 15th MagicFest and it’ll blow you away, with some of the finest magicians around, including some of the Magic Circle’s finest.
“As ever it will be a brilliant way to brighten up December and bring an extra sense of joy and wonder to the festive season.
“As I was raised in Fife I’m especially delighted that we are going outside Edinburgh for the first time and presenting our Christmas Special at the Carnegie Hall – where I was always loved being in the audience for the Christmas shows as a boy.”

there will be an exhibition of mind-bending photographic illusions created by young people from Edinburgh Young Carers. This is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Edinburgh 900 Civic Fund and Kiran’s Trust.

Kate Still, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, said: “National Lottery players can take pride in knowing that their contributions have helped people across Scotland lead more fulfilling and connected lives.”

Highlights include:

• Christmas Special: A riotous full evening show on the big stage with new, unfiltered magic and spectacular stage illusions designed to blow your mind.
• Edinburgh Magic: Kevin Quantumunlocks hidden Edinburgh and presents the magic that’s fooled the greatest minds associated with the city, from Harry Houdini to King Charles. Objects float before your eyes, money multiplies, time stands still.
• The Secret Room: Intimate performances from some of Edinburgh’s finest mystery entertainers, in an elegant townhouse full of surprises. Featuring world-class card magician Lewis Barlow, astounding sleight-of-hand artist Tim Licata and captivating magician and mind-reader Lorenzo.
• Dan Bastianelli, Deception: Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, award-winning magician Dan Bastianelli brings his close-up magic experience to MagicFest.
• Lorenzo, Oracle: Do You Want to See the Future?: A jaw-dropping thought-reading experience that has audiences grinning, scratching their heads and wondering if they have glimpsed their personal future. A premonition party.
• Tim Licata. Close-Up & Personal: A tale of magic, the mafia and delightful deception.  
  Blending tricks and illusions with colourful storytelling as Chicago-born sleight-of-hand artist Tim Licata reveals his personal journey into the conjuror’s craft.  
• Tricky Ricky, The After Christmas, Christmas Show: Laugh your Christmas socks off with Scotland’s “Children’s Entertainer of the year” Tricky Ricky in this funny, punny magic show.
• Will Houstoun and Richard Wiseman, Magic 101: A workshop: Psychologist Richard Wiseman and sleight of hand expert Will Houstoun introduce you to the world of magic. Learn amazing tricks, explore psychology and performance skills, and discover how to astonish and entertain your friends and family. For ages 11+, family groups welcome, participants under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Dr Houstoun’s Conjuring: Discover the truth about incredible magicians of days gone by and share the doctor’s fascination with the history of magic.
• Richard Wiseman, The Invention of Magic: Celebrating magic and with illusions crafted by an unknown master, this show explores the invention of the impossible. Peek into the secret world of magic and witness the world’s greatest card trick.
• Magic Bros, Tinsel and Tricks: Step into a world of wonder with a captivating magic show presented by young, up-and-coming magicians, Logan Ford and Jamie Leonard who first appeared as part of the 2022 MagicFest Future Magicians initiative.
• Virtual Magic School: Learn to read minds, make objects appear and disappear, and other mysterious skills with a special eight-part virtual magic course from Kevin Quantum. 

www.magicfest.co.uk Phone 0131 226 0006 Booking lines are open till 21st December, Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm. During the holidays, email boxoffice@magicfest.co.uk

Detectives in West Lothian are appealing for information after two men tried to steal a dog from a man in Whitburn.

A 40-year-old man was walking in an alleyway in the Rigghouse View area of the town around 6.40pm on Tuesday, 15 October, when two men assaulted him and attempted to steal his dog before running off left onto Pokemmet Road.

The man received treatment at his home by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The two men are described as being around 20-years-old, both speaking with Scottish accents and were wearing all dark clothing.

Detective Constable Lynn Myles, of Livingston CID, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim so it is vital that we establish exactly what happened and trace the two men responsible.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.

“If you think you can help, please contact us via 101 quoting incident number 2916 of 15 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Lothian withdraws four services

Lothian has announced that it has withdrawn four bus services from Captain’s Road and Lasswade Road following instances of antisocial behaviour.

The company has advised that they adopt a zero tolerance approach to all instances of antisocial behaviour.

Tickets for Celtic Connections go on sale today

Yes it is a Glasgow thing but there are many reasons why you might want to book tickets for Celtic Connections. (Last year the great Paul Buchanan was given a standing ovation before he had even sung one note at the Concert Hall.)

There will be 1,200 musicians and artists performing many different kinds of music including Americana, indie, jazz and blues, at around 25 venues from 16 January to 2 February. Peat and Diesel will play at the Emirates Arena in the east end, the first band ever to play there.

And the fabulous Grit Orchestra – who had the whole audience at Edinburgh Playhouse on their feet on the last night of the Edinburgh International Festival – will play at the Royal Concert Hall on 18 January.

Tickets on sale here on 16 October.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “As a forward-thinking festival which always looks to embrace new opportunities and spaces for performance, we’re very excited to be staging a pilot music event in the Emirates Arena, creating a new experience for audiences and extending our reach into the east end of the city.

“In the last 20 years traditional music has entered the mainstream, it’s embraced in our pubs and biggest venues, and we will once again drive the genre’s appeal, profile and potential forward in our 2025 artistic commissions. 

“If you think Glasgow in January isn’t the place to be – you just haven’t ever been to Celtic Connections.”

Push the Boat Out

Push The Boat Out will be going ahead next month (22-24 November) in several venues in Edinburgh including Pleasance, Dance Base, The Scottish Storytelling Centre and Dovecot Studios. Wait for more news after a press conference on Thursday of this week. The festival was to be held at Summerhall, but has been moved to other venues to allow it to proceed.

A spokesperson said: “We give poetry a new platform by creating an environment where all variations of this vital art form are encouraged to grow, evolve and even collide as we bend boundaries across artistic forms. We explore fresh, inventive ways to bring poetry and audiences together by challenging perceptions of what poetry is, how and where it can be enjoyed and who it is for.”

The Comet

Tom Duffin is usually up late capturing photos of the moon – but on Monday evening he caught the comet trailing across the city sky. And this is the last time it will be visible as it will now disappear for around 80,000 years.

He said: “Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS showed itself over Princes Street. It only comes around every 80,000 years so I was glad to catch it at a distance of approximately 71 million kms.”

Tom Duffin

Commons remembers the late Alex Salmond

On Monday the House of Commons used parliamentary procedure to allow some discussion of the late Alex Salmond who died on Saturday, aged 69.

There are some interesting recollections gathered here by some of those who knew him well.

The last contribution was from Torcuil Crichton the newly elected Labour MP who said: “…that great communication skill, and that ability to forgive, if not forget, and to have political opponents but not political enemies, was one of his great legacies to his party, to all of us in this Chamber and to Scotland.”

Read the contributions in full here.

It is expected that The Scottish Government will make an announcement on Wednesday about the repatriation of Mr Salmond’s body to Scotland.