Police are appealing for help tracing a missing 15 year old: Jacob Vergunst who has been reported missing from the Broxburn area.

Jacob is described as a white male, 5’ 5” tall, slim build with brown hair.

He was last seen in Broxburn on Thursday 26 September. He has links to the Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Lanarkshire, Inverness and wider-Glasgow areas.

Inspector Richard Homewood of Livingston Police Station states: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Jacob and are therefore appealing for the assistance of the public to ensure he is found safe and well. Please get in contact with us if you have any information on the whereabouts of Jacob”.

If you see Jacob or have any information on his whereabouts please contact us on 101 and quote incident number: 3217 of 26 September 2024.

Poet, Michael Pedersen, is enthusiastic about his latest position as Edinburgh Makar. This will be the next chapter in his literary career which began when he was secretly penning verses in Scots as a schoolboy.

Pedersen recalled with a chuckle: “I remember hiding my poems in my golf bag at first, trying not to let friends find them. I just loved words.” And he wrote in Scots, so that even if someone did find them they would not be able to understand the words very easily.

His path to becoming the seventh Edinburgh Makar from the beginning of October has not been a completely straight line. In his teenage years at Portobello High School where he had supportive English teachers, he showed a certain zeal for creative writing which his teachers encouraged. His was the first year to study for Advanced Highers, and he used as much of the Creative writing portfolio part of the course as he could, since it was “something I enjoyed doing”. But he admits that he didn’t take making a career out of writing for granted. He knew he would always write, but he did not go on to study English at university.

He studied law at Durham to try and appease family concerns, and then took what his father called a “kamikaze career plan” – eventually quitting his job as a London lawyer to pursue poetry full-time. He had enjoyed the legal studies however saying that even then there was a literary angle. He said: “The old cases read like Chaucerian poetry, pretty indecipherable stuff. It takes a pickaxe to get through to the definition underneath it. And then the case names – like Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co – they all sounded like books. The advocacy was your sort of theatrical thespianic, sort of Shakespearean monologue. I tried to study law with a literary hook in it, and it worked. I really loved it.”

Neu!Reekie!

His risk paid off after collaborating with fellow poet, Kevin Williamson, to found Neu!Reekie! a production company which staged more than 200 live shows featuring arts of all genres. The duo also published anthologies of poems under the same name. Far from being centred only in Edinburgh the company spread its wings worldwide to Japan, Indonesia, the US and New Zealand. They hosted an arts festival of scale for Hull City of Culture, and set up twelve months of writing residencies in Northern Ireland.

Pedersen said: “We wanted to be the biggest literary night in Scotland, but appeal to all the music heads at the same time.” It was during this time he met Scott Hutchison, of Frightened Rabbit. When he wrote Oyster it was Hutchison who illustrated it. Following Scott’s death, Michael wrote his book Boy Friends exploring his grief at the sudden loss of his close friend.

Edinburgh Makar

He will take over the honorary role from current Makar, Hannah Lavery and, as Makar, Pedersen plans to use his platform to inspire the next generation of Scottish poets.

He said: “I want to work with a group of Scottish state schools to get more kids writing poetry. I want to make us “fess up” to writing poetry on a big public scale.”

One of the duties of the Makar is to write some verse about the winner of The Edinburgh Award. This year it is Mel Young, MBE, who is President and Founder of the Homeless World Cup, and co-founder of The Big Issue.

For Pedersen, living in the east of the city gives him an advantage with this particular commission. He explained that he lived round the corner from the Young family while growing up, and he really wanted to be friends with Young’s two sons who he thought were “super cool”. He used to knock on their door asking if the boys were coming out to play. Now he is busy organising to have a coffee or a beer with their father to write a poem about him.

The first City of Literature is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Edinburgh is 900. Pedersen also points out that the National Library is 100 years old next year “so maybe there’s a poem to be written about that”.

Michael is currently the Writer in Residence at University of Edinburgh and is halfway through his term there with events planned in October at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. On 8 October he will be in conversation with Bernardine Evaristo on 8 October. He explained that it is important to him that all tickets are free to students and the public. And on 25 October Edinburgh is hosting the UNESCO Cities of Literature World Conference. On the final day Pedersen will put on a “big show” with Holly McNish and Conor O’Brien the singer-songwriter and sole long-term member of the Irish band, The Villagers. Pedersen lauds the Irishman saying the band has been twice nominated for the Mercuries and has two Ivor Novello wins. The event will be a “literary chat show of a night. It’s going to be great.”

Council welcome

Culture Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “I would like to begin by thanking Hannah Lavery as our outgoing Edinburgh Makar for her generous contribution to the cultural life of Edinburgh residents. Hannah has been an enthusiastic and hardworking advocate for poetry and the written word, engaging with a diverse range of people in many different settings including community writing groups, cultural organisations, theatres and festivals, contemporary poets and dramatists and the Council’s Museums and Galleries team. I wish her all the very best for her future endeavours.

“At the same time, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Michael Pedersen into the role. Michael was a pupil at Portobello High School and is currently Writer in Residence at The University of Edinburgh. His work is honest, fearless and witty with a strong focus on mental health and friendship. I am looking forward to seeing Michael engage with our younger community members and to hearing his perspective on Edinburgh 900, as we celebrate 900 years of the city’s history over the next twelve months.”

The Edinburgh Makar is a civic post instituted in 2002 by the City of Edinburgh Council. The writer is selected and nominated by representatives of the Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish PEN, The Saltire Society, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust and the Council. Pedersen will be officially installed at a civic event on 1 October at the City Chambers before an invited audience.

A West Lothian crime writer has assured Celtic football fans that the name of one of his characters is not a joke at their expense.

Author Doug Sinclair, who grew up in Edinburgh and now lives in Armadale, features a PC Terry Munro in his acclaimed debut novel Blood Runs Deep, which was long-listed for the McIlvanney Prize for Scotland’s crime book of 2024.

It was only after the book was published that it was pointed out the name has connections to Scotland’s fiercest football rivalry.

The name Terry Munro has been used by Rangers fans since 2021 to mock rival Celtic fans as it sounds similar to “ten in a row”.

They even wrote a prank obituary to “Terry” after Celtic failed to achieve the holy grail of a record tenth league title in succession in season 2020/21.

Sinclair, 58, who appeared at the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in Stirling recently, said: “I had no idea about the significance of the name until someone asked me if it was a joke.

“I’m not a football fan so I didn’t have a clue. The name is a pure coincidence. I’m not a Rangers or a Celtic fan. I’m not even a football fan.”

The name is said to have first raised a laugh after an overconfident Celtic fan drunk on holiday abroad in 2017 asked a tattoo artist for the slogan “ten in a row” on his chest, only to wake up the following morning with the name Terry Munro inked on his body.

The name was later used by Rangers fans to mock their rivals after Steven Gerrard’s team pipped Celtic to the title and broke their nine-year-run in 2020/21.

Blood Runs Deep is the first in a series of thrillers starring DS Malkie McCulloch, the “brilliantly complex detective who will risk everything to protect the innocent”.

Sinclair told how he had longed to become a crime writer ever since he penned a murder mystery in primary school, but for nearly 50 years a crippling lack of confidence had prevented him from pursuing his dream.

He finally completed his first thriller thanks to support and encouragement from his Belgian wife Maaike.

Published to widespread acclaim, Blood Runs Deep was long-listed for the prestigious McIlvanney Prize alongside the latest works by the likes of Val McDermid and eventual winner Chris Brookmyre.

Sinclair has already published a follow up, “Last To Die”, and is now working on a third instalment.

Dundee Stars claimed the opening goal after seven minutes, Zachary Tsekos being set up by Alexander Tonge at the Fife Ice Arena.

But Fife Flyers hit back to win this Challenge Cup clash 4-1 thanks to two goals from Daniel Krenzelok in five, second-period minutes, plus singles from Drake Pilon and Phelix Martineau.

Elsewhere, Glasgow Clan skidded to a 3-1 defeat at home to Cardiff Devils in the Elite League.

The Welshmen scored two in the middle session through Cole Sanford and Josh MacDonald plus a power play strike in the third from Sanford before Mitchell Heard claimed a consolation for the home side 23 seconds from time, also on the power play.

PICTURE: Shane Owen who started in goal for Flyers against Dundee Stars. Picture from Fife Flyers Images 

Lawrence Shankland clenched his fists in celebration after bundling the ball home from close range to earn bottom club Hearts only their second point of the season in the William Hill Premiership.

His strike, his first so far this term, came in the 96^th minute of a frustrating game for the home side in which Hearts created a number of chances which they failed to convert against a resolute and determined Ross County side.

The men from Dingwall, without a win on the road in over a year, had edged ahead near the end of the first half with a sweet strike following a flowing move from inside their own half.

However, the 1-1 draw snapped a depressing run of eight straight defeats for the Gorgie combine and will help boost fragile confidence ahead of their midweek trip to Azerbaijan in the UEFA Europa Conference League against Belarus side Dinamo Minsk.

The Jambos still prop up the rest in the 12-strong table and are a point adrift at the bottom while Ross Country are in seventh spot, five points ahead of Saturday’s opposition.

Hearts’ interim head coach, Liam Fox, said the club were not celebrating earning a point in a home draw and he added: “The message I want to get across is that the players kept going right to the end and we can do better.”

He used Academy defender, Adam Forrester, against County after news that Gerald Taylor will be out for a long spell with a knee problem, and Fox felt the 19-year-old, who has impressed in the club’s B team, acquitted himself well.

Fox, in the immediate aftermath, said it was too early to say if there were any injuries to the squad ahead of their Euro trip and Don Cowie, Ross Country’s manager, was up-beat despite the late loss of two points.

The former Hearts midfielder said his men were working hard for each other, putting their bodies on the line and he added: “I am extremely proud of the group.”

He was also delighted with the quality of their goal on a breakaway after 35 minutes against the run of play. Belfast-born Ronan Hale, playing only his seventh game for the Scottish club after switching from Cliftonville in the summer, flicked the ball on to Connor Randall.

He was held up by a challenge from Hearts’ Man of the Match, Beni Baningime, but the ball broke back to the 26-year-old striker who showed great composure to cut inside before curving the ball with his right foot past driving Craig Gordon and into the net.

It was a real stunner for a Hearts side who had dominated possession and territory but the travelling fans celebrated wildly in a corner of the Roseburn stand.

County kept things tight as Hearts forced their rivals further and further back as the clock ticked on.

The home side had fashioned chances throughout the match. Substitute Barry McKay fired over from a good position, Shankland hit the bar during a period of intense pressure from the Men in Maroon, Shankland headed wide when he was found unmarked at the back post by a superb cross from the left from Stephen Kingsley, Alan Forrest forced a save, and Shankland was denied late-on when a left-foot shot was kicked to safety by Ross Laidlaw, the County goalkeeper.

That escape came seconds before the goal. It followed a corner on the left taken by former County player, Yan Dhanda, recruited by the Tynecastle team during the summer. The ball fell into a ruck of players, including Hearts’ goalkeeper Craig Gordon who had left his area to add to the pressure, and it was directed goalwards by a part of Shankland’s body.

The strike did not stop the boo boys in the crowd of 18,399, but Fox can take heart from the never-say-die attitude of his men.

Their Majesties the King and Queen visited The Scottish Parliament to celebrate with MSPs the quarter century of devolved government in Edinburgh.

Scottish soldiers at the anniversary event

Their Majesties The King and Queen left the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a Guard of Honour provided by the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and musical accompaniment from The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland to make their way to the entrance of Parliament.

Earlier the Crown of Scotland left Edinburgh Castle under escort from a Half Guard of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG) and a Half Guard of F CompanyScots Guards led by the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2^nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Escort to the Crown passed the War Memorial at the City Chambers, each Half Guard giving ‘Eyes Left.’

Soldiers from both the SCOTS DG and Scots Guards lined the route as the procession arrived at Parliament. As Their Majesties entered Parliament VIPs included Commander 51^st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, Brigadier Jody Davies MBE.

Throughout the day, Balaklava Company, 5^th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Scots Guards took up guard at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, respectively.

The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird is launching its annual winter coat exchange next week (Tuesday 1 October) to provide the local community with access to pre-loved coats for free during the colder months.

The independent store, located between Mango and WHSmith, is inviting local residents and businesses to donate good quality winter coats they no longer need, with men’s and children’s coats in highest demand.

Members of the local community will then be able to browse the collection of coats instore and pick up one up for themselves and their family, completely free of charge, with no questions asked.

The initiative builds on last year’s success, where more than 10,000 coats were donated and distributed across the region.

Sara Thomson, founder of The Leith Collective, said: “People often discard their old coats or leave them hidden at the back of a wardrobe when they are still in perfectly good condition and could provide someone else warmth over the winter months.

“A comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, but for families that have been continually stretched, it can be yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice, so we invite anyone who needs support to make use of the service this year.

“We’re also very grateful to everyone who donated last year, and hope people are able to support again this year, our only ask is that the coats donated are still in a good quality condition and that all personal belongings have been removed from the pockets.”

 Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with The Leith Collective and the hugely important initiatives Sara and the team run all year round to benefit our local community – and the winter coat exchange plays a huge part in this.

“Not only has it provided valuable support to those who need it most for three years running, it also offers shoppers the opportunity to make sustainable choices for pre-loved coats that they no longer need. I look forward to seeing the impact I’m sure it will have again this year.”

The Leith Collective showcases the work of more than 300 artists and makers from all over Scotland, brought together by a common aim to reuse, recycle, and reclaim. It resells items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill and all of its stores also host a range of creative workshops focused on sustainability.

For details on participating in this year’s coat exchange or The Leith Collective’s creative workshops, email Info@theleithcollective.com or visit www.leithcollective.co.uk

There will be a royal event on Saturday to mark a quarter century of The Scottish Parliament.

The First Minister, John Swinney, will join their Majesties The King and Queen at a ceremonial event at Holyrood to mark 25 years of devolution.

Since being reconvened in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has introduced equal marriage for all, passed major land reforms to ensure people have the right to roam, banned smoking in public spaces, abolished student fees, and enshrined children’s rights.

First Minister John Swinney will say: “In such a short space of time in the rich voyage of Scotland, as a vessel of enlightenment, invention and creativity, this Parliament has placed itself at the very heart of the Nation. All made possible by the service of Members of Parliament, working at the very heart of Scotland.”
First Minister John Swinney will say: “In such a short space of time in the rich voyage of Scotland, as a vessel of enlightenment, invention and creativity, this Parliament has placed itself at the very heart of the Nation. All made possible by the service of Members of Parliament, working at the very heart of Scotland.”

Karma Lake of Menteith has won the title of central Scotland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year in the recent Creative Oceanic Food Awards Scotland.

It is the latest in a string of awards for the sixteen bedroom hotel, acquired by the worldwide Karma Group in 2021, and which enjoys an idyllic location on the shores of the Lake of Menteith.

Celebrating and rewarding the very best in the Scottish Food industry, from artisan producers supplying top class ingredients, to chefs preparing delicious dishes in professional kitchens up and down the land, to those serving in hotels, restaurants, cafes and other venues, the Scottish Food Awards are now in their 10th year.

Under the guidance of local Head Chef, Joe Peden, who lived in the small Trossachs Village of Brig O’Turk from the age of ten, and previously worked for Karma Lake of Menteith in 2013 when the hotel was under its previous ownership, the food offering from the Hotel’s Lakeside Restaurant has gone from strength to strength, backed up by fantastic service from the Hotel’s front of house team.

Joe’s passion for his craft has seen him enjoy a varied career as a chef all over the country, but, as he explains, his love affair with food truly began at Karma Lake of Menteith where he worked his way up through the ranks for five years, leaving briefly to open up and lead the kitchen of the multi-million pound restaurant and music venue at St Luke’s in Glasgow.

Originally born in Brighton, Joe started working in the many local restaurants around the Trossachs area. His mum ran a successful farmers market home bakery for almost twenty years, whilst three of his siblings work in restaurants as either chefs or front of house management.

“Food, and the hospitality sector, is in my blood you could say,” said Joe. “We are all delighted to win this latest award, it’s very much a team one, not just for me, as everyone contributes to the current success we are enjoying as a stand alone dining destination.”

“We’re a handy port of call, so to speak, if you want to go out on the boat to Inchmahome Island, in the middle of the Lake, and visit the old priory which was once inhabited by Mary Queen of Scots.”

“You can enjoy a delicious meal in our Lakeside Restaurant before or after the  experience.”

Joe explained that he was busy planning a new Autumn Menu which he was confident both regular and new guests would enjoy.

“It’s a busy time, as after the Autumn push it’s onto the festive season,” he said. “A lot will be going on, as we have our “12 Days of Karma Christmas”, which offers fun dining and entertainment events, open to everyone, right across the twelve days.”

Joe also paid tribute to his suppliers, who, as he says “enable me to put the very best of Scotland, from land and sea, onto a plate.”

“We try to source local whenever we can, working with a range of artisan suppliers, such as butchers, Skinners of Kippen, and Old Leckie Farm Eggs, to come up with delicious and authentic dishes.”

Others esteemed suppliers, chosen by Karma Lake of Menteith to reflect a real level of excellence in food provenance, include Great Glen Venison, together with popular dairy range, Katy Rodgers.

General Manager of Karma Lake of Menteith, Adrian Willmers, said: “It’s always fantastic to be recognised in awards like this, especially ones that are voted for by our customers, as their opinions are the ones that matter most to us. We’re constantly striving to give them a fantastic Karma experience when they come here. Joe is an extremely talented chef that will go onto win many more awards. If you haven’t eaten with us yet, we would very much encourage you to do so as you’re in for a real treat.”

https://karmagroup.com/find-destination/karma-resorts/karma-lake-of-menteith/

The latest Edinburgh leg of “Business Fives”, a corporate charity football event, proved a spectacular success with £8,926 raised for various local and national good causes and came after organisers announced they had now passed the £1 million mark in overall donations.

In the latest instalment Steedman & Co. were top fundraisers, raising £2,040 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

They beat totals of £1,510 and £1,840 for Dales Marine Services and Multrees Investor Services who were fundraising for Andys Man Club and the Rock Trust respectively.

In the Champions League section the Incentive Games team regained their Edinburgh Summer title and a £350 donation, which is being put towards a GoFundMe campaign for a Molli suit for their colleague’s son.

A Molli suit is a jacket and trousers that uses electrical stimulation to help people with movement disorders and other disabilities.

Incentive Games’ victory came after a 1-0 final victory against Multrees Investor Services.

 Both teams, alongside semi-finalists Dales Marine Services and Dickson Minto,  qualified for the national final on Friday, 18 October in Glasgow.

Europa League winners, Principal & Prosper, not only claimed victory but also earned a £150 donation for Held in our Hearts, adding to the £650 they had already raised overcoming Blue Float Energy Nadara Partnership who made an impressive debut.

Principal & Prosper also secured a spot at the national final as Johnston Carmichael rounded out the qualifying teams by winning the ECL, adding £100 to their total of £160 for Alzheimer Scotland after overcoming Turner & Townsend in the final.

 Jamie MacLennan (Johnston Carmichael) was the tournament’s top goal-scorer, while Craig Rutherford (Incentive Games) claimed both the Golden Glove and Player of the Match awards for his standout performance in the final.

Kira Sutter from Edinburgh Trams earned the Ladies Player of the Tournament award for her “fantastic” play helping the team to the Quarter finals.

A special shoutout to ex-pro Marvin Bartley, who added an extra layer of excitement to the day by sharing stories from his career and presenting the awards.

On breaking the £1 million barrier in charitable donations John McClarey, founder and Managing Director, said: “When I set up Business Fives we made a company commitment to donate 10 per cent of our revenue to charity, and I’m really proud to still honour to that commitment.”

Initially a one-person operation, the company now employs a strong team travelling the country delivering innovative sports events annually through a unique business model. 

With most major cities in the UK serviced by the football, golf, touch rugby and esports events, the company now delivers around 100 events a year culminating in National Finals in Ireland, Scotland and England with further events in Wales and Holland.

The football events have involved 4,896 teams engaging in 14,133 matches scoring an astounding 68,492 goals. Each event has contributed to the remarkable £1,000,000 milestone, highlighting the synergy between business sports and charitable giving.

The feedback from supported charities has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant impact of the funds raised. The biggest event had 46 companies involved, and the most recent National Final was the highest fundraising event delivered by Business Fives with delivered with £27,844 distributed to various causes on the day.  

Other memorable milestones have included the first National Final at Lesser Hampden back in 2016 won by Doosan Babcock, an amazing golfing season finale in St Andrews, and reaching the £100,000 mark raised for charity in 2019.

John McClarey added: “It was just over a year ago we surpassed the £500k milestone in May 2023 and to now have reached £1 million is something myself and the team are hugely proud of.  Our clients continue to go above and beyond with new and innovative fundraising ideas and our clients have demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in their communities.

“Our future goals are being re-evaluated and we truly hope to one day reach the £10 million milestone. We have global ambitions to expand the reach and impact of our brand beyond the borders of the UK and have already started to do this in Ireland, Amsterdam, and further into Europe.”

This October, New York-inspired cocktail bar Manahatta is set to bring a taste of the Big Apple to Edinburgh. The bar on Rose Street will make its Scottish debut, offering guests the New York vibe right in the heart of the city.

Jaakko Eino Kalevi will embark on a UK solo tour which includes a show at Edinburgh’s Cabaret Voltaire on Friday 25 October.

Last November he released his wildest album yet, Chaos Magic.  

The album features a number of exciting collaborations including the French actress and singer Alma Jodorowsky – granddaughter of filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky – on “Palace In My Head” and “L’Horizon”, who happened to be in Athens when Jaakko was recording the record.

Other collaborations include Jimi Tenor, Faux Real, Yu-Ching Huang and John Moods, as well as artwork by Flaminia Veronesi and illustrations by Vilunki 3000.

Before his music career took off Jaakko used to work as a tram driver in Helsinki, Finland and his self-titled 2015 album was shortlisted for the sixth Nordic Music Prize.

Tickets here.

On 17 October 2024 at 7pm at St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum everyone is invited to remember the legendary poet, Robert Fergusson.

This event will be a night filled with poetry readings, musical performances, and discussions about Fergusson’s impact on Scottish literature.

Join special guests, Scottish writer and broadcaster Billy Kay, authors Andrew O’Hagan and James Robertson and musician Kirsteen McCue with Professor Rhona Brown to celebrate Robert Fergusson on the 250th anniversary of his death.

Click here for the Eventbrite page to book tickets.

Irvine Welsh has turned a conversation he overheard on a bus in Edinburgh into an electro-pop dance track.

The Trainspotting author, 65, said “How no” was based on a loud exchange between two females on the top deck of a number eight Lothian Bus, which runs between West Granton and the city’s Royal Infirmary.

He worked with Italian electronic duo Stereocalypse on the 4 min 24 sec track which has been released on Milan-based dance and electronics label, Stolen Goods Records.

Welsh, who provides the vocals, revealed his involvement when he was asked his favourite song during a book event.

He said: “My favourite song? I have to say I’ve actually got a song out now, a single that I did with these friends from Venice, who are Italian disco producers, so I’ve got a song called ‘How No’.

“It’s basically just two lassies on the number eight bus in Edinburgh, talking.

“I just heard these two mental lassies kind of shouting at each other on the number 8 bus so I just did their conversation verbatim basically.

“I would have taped them if I could have but I didn’t (have a tape recorder) so I had to imitate them and I made it into a disco single. So that’s my favourite song right now.”

Welsh has previously told how he originally wanted to be a musician before he became an author. He played in bedroom bands — “the band below garage bands because nobody had a garage” — but recordings he sent to record companies went unanswered.

He collaborated with Primal Scream in 1997 on a track called “The Big Man and the Scream Team Meet the Barmy Army Uptown”.

And in 2022 he even co-founded his own record label, Jack Said What, based in Brighton.

He met Stereocalypse after their manager played him their version of Small Town Boy by Bronski Beat and asked if he would like to do something with him.

The lyrics to “How No” came to him as he listened to one of the females on the bus recounting to her friend a clash with her boyfriend. They include the lines “You dare to look into my eyes” and “Shut your mouth, you’re out of luck” as well as references to “radges”.

Welsh is currently promoting Resolution, the latest in his Crime series of novels, which has been adapted for TV starring Dougray Scott.

Gerald Taylor will be missing for some time with a knee injury after making eight appearances for Hearts since arriving on loan during the summer.

Interim boss Liam Fox awaits confirmation of the injury after scans on the 23-year-old.

Fox told a media briefing that it was disappointing news for the player and the club and added: “He’s got a real issue with his knee. We don’t know the exact timescale but it will be a long period of time.”

The boss stressed that the Costa Rica international will get all the support he needs in his recovery.

PICTURE: Gerald Taylor (left) and Cammy Devlin in training. Picture Nigel Duncan

Barnton Park men made a spirited defence of the Padel Tennis Scottish Cup at the David Lloyd Club, Shawfair, losing out to West of Scotland in the final.

Scott Duncan, Andy Burgess, Dexter Conrad, Luke McFarlane and David Holmes represented Barnton Park, and defeated Edinburgh Sports Club in the semi-final..

Barnton Park took an early lead thanks to Scott Duncan and Luke McFarlane before David Holmes and Dexter Conrad doubled Barnton’s lead with a 6-4 6-4 win over Eduardo Alonso Fernandez and Antonio Fernandez-Llebrez Martin. 

Edinburgh Sports Club women also reached the final but lost out to defending champions West of Scotland playing at David Lloyd Shawfair.

A 19th century village church could be turned into a family retreat and conference centre.

Plans for Glencorse Church, in Milton Bridge, which is a Category A listed building, have been lodged with Midlothian Council by its new owner.

The design proposal says the intention is to create a “high-quality, unique accommodation offer with flexible conference facilities”

It includes seven bedrooms to provide accommodation for up to 14 people and could be used for corporate away days, meetings, private dinners or for larger families to come together.

The application adds: “The applicant is committed to preserving the building’s special architectural and historic interest by keeping the works minimal and sensitive.”

Glencorse Church was put on the market by the Church of Scotland two years ago for offers over £325,000.

Designed in 1883 by renowned Scottish architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, it features a saddle-back tower which he added a few years later and is believed to the the earliest example of one by him.

Sir Robert’s other work include the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, University of Edinburgh and the Central Hotel at Glasgow Central Station.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Edinburgh’s struggling health and social care service is set to get its third boss in less than two years, as questions are raised over a payout made to a former chief executive who councillors were told had resigned.

Chief of Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) Pat Togher is leaving the £180k-a-year job after just 12 months to take up the same role in Glasgow where he has worked previously.

In his short tenure he presided over a £60m cut to vital services for the most vulnerable provided through the partnership between NHS Lothian and Edinburgh Council. Action taken to reduce the budget deficit has included slashing care packages and closing care homes.

Mr Togher was brought in on the back of a troubling spell for the organisation. His predecessor, Judith Proctor, stepped down just weeks after the Care Inspectorate gave its damning verdict on the quality of care services in the capital she was responsible for overseeing.

Announcing the sudden departure in May last year, ex-council CEO Andrew Kerr said Ms Proctor would be “leaving her role,” leading councillors to understand she had resigned.

However it has now emerged there was an “arrangement done” which saw the outgoing boss handed a £22,500 payout from the council.

A councillor said there had been “no indication” there would be “anything other than a worked notice and a resignation”.

The ‘loss of office payment’ was revealed in the council’s audited accounts for 2023-24 presented to councillors on Thursday, September 26.

The LDRS previously requested details of any severance payment to Ms Proctor via a freedom of information request. However this was refused and the council said it could “neither confirm nor deny” if any money had changed hands, suggesting there was a confidentiality clause in her contract preventing the release of any details about a settlement.

Conservative group leader Iain Whyte said: “I’m not aware of that being directly discussed with group leaders or others.

“Does the council leader know anything about that, did he sign that off? When someone chooses to leave in other roles, they just leave, they resign. Can he explain why this payment was made?”

Council leader Cammy Day responded: “I am only aware from discussions with the former chief executive that there was an arrangement done.

“I think it is a staffing matter so it will be inappropriate for me to comment on that, but I’m happy to take that up with the executive director of corporate services and come back to Councillor Whyte.”

Afterwards, Cllr Whyte told the Local Democracy Reporting Service as the salary and costs of the chief officer role were split 50/50 between the council and NHS Lothian it could be presumed a further £22,500 was paid to Ms Proctor by the health board.

He said: “Whilst the chief officer left following a poor inspection report of the services there was no indication from the then chief executive that there would be anything other than a worked notice and a resignation.

“Indeed elected members were just told she was ‘leaving her role’.  I’m sure many members of the public would be surprised at what they would consider to be a pay off for failure when they would get nothing if they resigned from their job.”

In July Ms Proctor was appointed as the interim chief officer for Health and Social Care Moray.

EHSCP was engulfed in a separate pay-related controversy last year after an interim head of adult social care services was appointed with a £160k salary for six months of part-time work. Councillors described this as “indefensible” as the annual full time equivalent worked out at £403k – making it the highest-paid public sector role in Scotland. Others said the comparison was “inappropriate” as it was the “going rate” for senior officials hired externally

However, Alan Adams, who was given the job, left it after less than a month for “a number of both professional and personal reasons”.

Speaking at Thursday’s council meeting, SNP councillor Vicky Nicolson again criticised Mr Adam’s salary which she said “wasn’t even the chief officer role” and came “at a time when we’re attempting to cut our cloth while attempting to protect our most vulnerable citizens”.

She said: “With Pat Togher’s forthcoming resignation, can the council leader assure the people of Edinburgh that the process of recruiting and potentially temporarily filling the post of chief officer will be entirely transparent and provide good value for the residents of Edinburgh?”

Councillor Day said: “It’s unfortunate that Pat’s moving on, I think Pat has transformed the work of the EIJB and is hugely respected across all political parties.

“I have had a discussion with the chief executive who is meeting with the new chief executive of NHS Lothian to look at the best way forward and whether there is somebody within the current ranks to step into that post or whether we should go to advert or look to an alternative.”

Commenting, Mr Togher said: “I want to extend my thanks to all my colleagues at the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership for the considerable work they have undertaken in my time as chief officer to improve health and social care across the city.

“In my time as chief officer it has been my pleasure to visit and speak our nurses, carers, social workers, OTs and all colleagues who work on the frontline. I know that the partnership here has what it takes to continue to improve people’s lives and provide the vital services Edinburgh needs into the future.”

Welcoming Mr Togher to his new role, Councillor Chris Cunningham, chair of the Glasgow Integration Joint Board, said: “Pat’s experience, knowledge and adaptability means he is well placed to take on this demanding role.

“He is also very attuned to the many complex issues and budgetary constraints which health and social care partnerships are faced with.

“Pat’s heart belongs to Glasgow and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”

A council spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on matters relating to individual colleagues.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Edinburgh author Mairi Kidd this week launched her new novel, The Specimens, at a packed event held at The Saltire Society in the capital’s Old Town, where Burke & Hare’s victims lost their lives two centuries ago. 

The novel, released by Edinburgh’s own Black & White Publishing, is set in 1820s Edinburgh, a city of incredible medical discovery, and violent mob mayhem. 

When brutally battered Helen finds her abusive husband dead in the corner of their bedroom, she flees the city to her father’s farm, where her estranged children have been sent for safety.  

Helen’s father has nothing to spare, and so Helen must take her bruised and beaten body to the fields to help with the harvest.  

Round the fire one night, she meets the charming Irishman William Burke. With William by her side, ‘Nelly’ finds she can face life again, and soon the couple have set up home in the heart of the Old Town. 

Susan is a new bride, excited to take up her place as mistress of a fine house and wife of the upcoming anatomist Robert Knox, who looks set to become one of the foremost men in the city. But when the new couple return from their honeymoon, Susan discovers her husband has a very different home planned for her.  

There’s nothing so coarse as locks or keys, but nonetheless Susan is a prisoner, under the control of a man she has increasingly come to fear. 

Helen, too, is in a bind.  She and William have moved to a lodging house owned by William’s friend William Hare and his partner Margaret, and Helen is afraid of both of them.  

And all across the Old Town, people have begun disappearing into the dark of the closes, never to be seen again. 

The awful crimes of Burke and Hare have captivated attention for almost two hundred years, but the lives of the women caught up in the killings have been neglected. The Specimens reimagines the story through the lives of Helen and Susan, and of three of the victims, Abigail, Effy and Elizabeth. 

This is the story of Britain’s most infamous anatomy murderers and Scotland’s worst ever serial killers, as you have never read it before

Police have seized two e-scooters from 15-year-old youths, these were being ridden in an anti-social manner.  

Around 10.30am this morning Friday 27 September officers on patrol on Prestonpans High Street spotted the scooters. 

The youths were charged with various Road Traffic Offences and are being reported to the appropriate authorities. 

Officers have now issued a reminder on the legal requirements regarding the use of such vehicles. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Parents are reminded of the legal requirements regarding the use of e-scooters. 

“Unregistered electric scooters and non-compliant electric bikes shout not be used on public paths or roads. They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.  

“They are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, meaning they must be insured and drivers must have a valid driving licence.  

“Anyone purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike should be aware of the law and the implications of using one in a public place.” 

A bid by West Lothian council to have community centre volunteers take over ownership of buildings is leaving workers ‘exhausted’ and putting people off using the spaces, it has been claimed. 

Management committees of community centres have been asked to consider taking on ownership of buildings to save £1m. Other options include taking a full repairing and insuring lease or accepting all charges being billed from the council. 

The council says the current model where it pays for the buildings but the management committee keeps any profits made is unsustainable. 

But one community centre worker said this week she “was exhausted” by the process and said the plans were actually damaging centres already by deterring groups from committing to make bookings.  

An SNP demand for a delay to the January deadline for the potential transfer of community centres to volunteers was narrowly defeated in the council chambers this week.  

Pauline Stafford, the SNP group depute leader branded the plan as “a hard-nosed fire sale.” 

Councillor Stafford said: “I think our communities are being gas-lit by this approach.” 

She said local people had “witnessed what looked like a hard-nosed fire sale of some of the county’s most valued community assets.  

“Assets which this council was entrusted to be the custodian of, not the owner of. We’ve got 36 of our most valued community centres now under threat.” 

Outside the council chambers there’s general concession that, politically, the council’s plans could have been better handled. 

There’s also the belief that those most affected could have had earlier notice of what the council’s options were. 

Staffers also feel they could have been engaged at an earlier point to identify other potential ways of cutting costs.   

 While some community centres may be “ready to roll” with becoming independent of the council many more, and especially the smaller village halls, are not. 

 SNP leader Janet Campbell said plans “were being rushed through” and added: “Our communities feel torn apart by the actions of this administration and this is unforgivable.” 

Her motion said: “Community Asset Transfer is designed to address local priorities and needs; increase active inclusion; build on the assets of local communities to reduce poverty and to enable inclusive growth.  

“The time-scale set out by the council does not enable any of this to happen and is actually contrary to the spirit of Community Empowerment.”  

The motion called on the council to extend the time-scale for local organisations to make any decision, and to provide support for the communities and carry out consultation with a view to forming a group of stakeholders and to report back to the council on the advice and information provided to these community groups and the support which has been offered to enable asset transfer. 

One community centre staffer told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Do you know the council is putting on workshops on how to run community centres. You couldn’t make this up. If it is that easy, why are they not running the community centres to a profit?  

“It is all just a box ticking exercise by the council, so they can say they have done everything they can to make this madness work and it is the management committees who aren’t stepping up to take over the running of the centres. We will get the blame if the centre shuts down.  

 “Why can’t they put all this planning and organising into running the community centres, efficiently, professionally and profitably to benefit each community?  

“At the moment because of all the uncertainty the community centres are having difficulties in getting long term lets and clubs setting up. So even if we agree to take over the community centre, we are starting from zero, not with a thriving going concern.  

“I am exhausted with it all. I feel the whole situation has been drawn out. If a management committee needs more time, they should be able to get it. For the rest of the committees, it should stay the same timeline.” 

At the council meeting independent councillor Andrew McGuire responded to the SNP motion by saying: “What’s on the table is nothing more than consultation.” 

And raising an amendment Labour group and council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “No community will be left without a proper meeting place, and we have given that assurance and on this basis. I would point you to the success of the community asset transfer at Low Port Centre. 

“The whole rationale of this process is to keep community centres open and not to close them, but to look at better ways they can be run and managed.” 

The SNP group had earlier pointed to how few – only three- Community Asset Transfers had taken place in the county since the Community Empowerment Act legislation was first introduced in 2015. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Liam Fox was a Hearts supporter as a young boy so just imagine what his thoughts will be when he strides out of the tunnel at packed Tynecastle just before 3pm on Saturday to take charge of the Men in Maroon, an interim job he is “privileged and honoured” to do.

The 40-year-old B Team coach has stepped into the breach after the sacking of head coach Steven Naismith, Gordon Forrest and Frankie McAvoy, and he stressed that he does not intend to reinvent the wheel.

Expect changes, little ones, as the former Dundee United manager and Cowdenbeath head coach aims to snap a disastrous run of eight straight defeats, and he explained that it had been a busy difficult week following the exits of the management trio, but he added: “Football and the way it is, we will just have to get back to work because we have a really important fixture on Saturday.”

He was at Paisley last Saturday to watch as the Jambos skidded to a 2-1 defeat and felt that the squad had a really good first-half, but the second-half was a difficult game, but he said that any game in the Scottish Premiership League (SPL) is a tough game as you come up against top managers and top players and teams that cause you problems. Everybody was disappointed that the team returned ton Edinburgh with nothing.

Fox revealed that he has spoken to the ex-head coach who was very supportive, indicative of how Naismith is as a human being, he said, and Fox has concentrated on tidying up “wee bits and pieces” in Hearts play this week at Riccarton.

The former midfielder, who has played for Crusaders (Northern Ireland) on loan (ten games), Inverness Caley Thistle (26), Livingston (185) and Raith Rovers (55), explained that the mood in the squad was down on Monday as the management team “were really good human beings” and they knew they had a really big week coming up and hopefully, start winning games of football.

There were, he said, two ways he can approach the Ross County clash in the William Hill Premiership. He said: “We can be nervous, I want us to be looking forward to it as it is a huge week for this football club, exciting times if are a player, coach or interim manager.”

He alluded to the County clash followed by Hearts in Europe, travelling to Azerbaijan on Tuesday for Thursday’s game with Belarus-based, Dinamo Minsk, and then on to Pittodrie to face high-flying Aberdeen, a club on level points with Celtic ahead of the skirmishes this weekend.

The former Cowdenbeath and Dundee United boss said: “It is a great opportunity to get us back going again. Don Cowie is bringing his team down here and they are well-organised and have quality, so it is the start of a massive week but it is one where we are looking forward to the challenges.”

Looking back at the weekend dismissal, Fox said he was “more than happy to step up” and he added: “You do not become a bad player over a number of weeks, a number of days, there is no doubt that football has a funny way, lose a couple of games and the confidence goes down.

“They have to realise that they are still good players, very, very good players, and sometimes you just need a wee rub of the green, sometimes just a wee moment, and we are hoping that tomorrow (Saturday) is the day we get back on track.”  

Fox said life is about how you react to adversity and bounce back and hope makes the world go round. He said: “One, I am not reinventing the wheel, two there will be small tweaks here and there, but a lot of the hours and the work that Steven, Frankie and Gordon put into this team, there were a lot of good things going on. We are hoping that a few wee changes will make a difference.

“There is a very good squad there, I’ve not had the time to reinvent the wheel even if I had wanted to, which I don’t, small wee bits of things. I need to put my personality on it and things I believe in and that’s what I hope came make a difference.”

Fox spent a short time during the media briefing to reflect on the cut-throat football management industry and said: “Every manager and his coaching staff need time and sometimes you do not get that. If you step into this industry you have to accept that is the way it is.

“You are lucky if you get 18 months, that is just the nature of it, everybody wants success today and when you step in you are aware of what the consequences could be.”

The Edinburgh-born coach said there is always a wee thing in the back of your head to test yourself by becoming a manager, but added: “The timelines are so short and the game so ruthless that you can see why a lot of people are happy being assistant managers and coaches. That is a possibly a wee bit safer.

“I have gone on record as saying that, at some point in the future, I would like to have another shot of it (being a manager), but I am in absolutely no rush because of the things we have discussed.”

PICTURE: Liam Fox speaks to the media at The Oriam ahead of Saturday’s key clash with Ross County. Picture Nigel Duncan

A waste recycling firm which operated for three years without planning permission next to a residential street has won its appeal to carry on.

Enviroworx upgraded its facilities at the industrial estate off Engine Road, Loanhead, in Midlothian, with new operating buildings relocating to another part of the site.

But when they applied for retrospective planning permission for the changes they faced opposition from local residents who said the increased business it had generated was too close to a safe route to school.

Midlothian councillors refused to grant planning permission in March this year after it was claimed traffic from the industrial estate was parking on pavements, blocking residents from using the paths and sparking concern about safety.

However Scottish Ministers have overturned the decision after a Scottish Government Reporter ruled the operations on the site were not contributing to parking problems on the road and was suitable for the area.

And granting permission for the company to continue they said: “The Enviroworx recycling business has been operating for several years, albeit at a lower level of throughput, and a search of accident statistics has shown that there have been no reportable road traffic accidents in and around the site
or on Engine Road over the last five years.

“Although active travel has been raised as a concern, a safe route for school children to access Loanhead Primary School and St Margaret’s Roman Catholic Primary School is clearly signposted to avoid the busier part of Engine Road and involves little extra distance.”

They pointed out that Enviroworx had space on the site for lorries to park which would ease pressures on the road.

At their meeting in March councillors were told by planning officers that the site had been used as an industrial area for 150 years and if the waste facility was refused permission, its space could revert to the scrap yard which previously operated on it.

The council received 26 individual objections which raised concerns over the impact of traffic in and out of the site, the centre being in close proximity to schools and  a call for it to be moved to a more industrial location away from housing.

Enviroworx who are operating the waste processing site had pointed out it is not a new facility but a relocation of their operations on the site to a more efficient area.

The Reporter approved the firm’s new facilities however introduced a condition refusing permission for shipping containers on the site to be used by small business or other traders, after saying the firm had not provided enough information about the plans to allow them to give it the go ahead.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds’ 18th studio album is their first in five years following 2019’s Ghosteen.

The title track references Jubilee Street from the band’s 2013 album Push The Sky Away, Cave manages to take a tale of horror and turn it into one of sublime beauty and redemption, picking up where that song left off.

With Cave, we are never too far from another violent story often from the Bible. It’s during Frogs that he references Kris Kristofferson’s Sunday Morning Coming Down, he sings of that same low-down and empty place where a spiritual conversation has space to move.

At the same time, Cave captures a great truth through simple lines such as “woke up this morning with the blues” on Joy by the end of the track he asks for “mercy”, and with that comes a sense of energy and a swirling release.  The day has not ended as it began. 

Nick Cave remains a collection of ideas; essential for any rock star. He still looks and sounds like a vampire with his silk-black hair slicked back into his skull. The elegantly tailored clothes and tall frame make him stand out in the arena rock circuit. It’s clear the divine faith he has wrested with all his life has grown deeper, a vampire with a deep longing for God is an interesting proposition.

On Conversion, Cave summons an epic blast of colourful energy while singing of being “touched by the flame”. The brittle Cinnamon Horses leans towards late-period Leonard Cohen, he creates a gothic sweep of cinematic imagery featuring horses, castle ruins and a dozen white vampires under a strawberry moon.

The recent single Long Dark Night begins like a classic country-tinged confessional and is inspired by 16th-century mystic St John of the Cross and his poem The Dark Night of the Soul, as Cave suggested it is “one of the greatest and most powerful poems of conversion ever written”. O Wow O Wow (How Wonderful She Is) includes the voice of the late Anita Lane, a former love, lifelong friend and member of the Bad Seeds. It’s a poignant tribute just before the album’s closer As The Waters Cover The Sea, a gospel hymn that can’t fail to impact the listener. In the face of so much loss, Cave is at peace with the struggle.

Russell Findlay has been elected by party members as the new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

The West Scotland MSP secured 2,565 votes in the party’s leadership election, to finish ahead of fellow candidates Murdo Fraser on 1,187 votes and Meghan Gallacher on 403 votes.

He replaces Douglas Ross, who announced his intention to stand down – once a replacement had been elected – in June.

The turnout for the election was 60 per cent.

In a speech to the media and party members after the result was announced in Edinburgh, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP said:

“Thank you to everyone who put their faith in me.

“Thank you to every member who voted for me.

“Thank you to every supporter who worked hard for my campaign.

“And thank you to my fellow candidates, Meghan and Murdo, who I greatly respect and value.

“Now, everyone in our party must come together as one united team. Let’s start the hard work right now – today – to win back public trust. I want to deliver a message directly to people across Scotland who don’t feel anyone represents them.

“Who are scunnered by the divisive policies and fringe obsessions of the Scottish Parliament.

“Who feel let down and failed by politicians of every party – including ours.

“Who think politicians are all the same.

“If you feel that way, I get it.

“But I am not the same. I’m not a career politician. understand your frustration and your sense that nobody really represents your views or speaks up for you.

“That’s going to change.

“Under my leadership the Scottish Conservatives are going to change. We will work hard to earn your trust by doing things differently.

“We will be a voice for decent, mainstream Scotland and for the values of hard work, self-reliance and fairness for taxpayers.

“We’ll spend all our time and energy on your concerns, your hopes and your needs.

“We know you don’t expect miracles from politicians.

“We know you just want some common sense, for a change.

“And we are determined to deliver it.”

Jackie Baillie, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, said: “Rearranging the deckchairs will do nothing to stop the Tories’ downward slide after 14 years of letting Scotland down.

“The Tories still owe Scots an apology for gambling with families’ savings, crashing the economy and sending bills soaring while putting party before country.”

“The 2024 election made it clear that voters want change not a return to the rotten Tory government of the past.

“Scottish Labour will return government to the service of working people and deliver the change that Scotland needs.”

The former Chief Executive at The Scottish Ensemble has been appointed to lead the creative direction for the new cultural hub planned for the former Royal High School building on Regent Road.

The National Centre for Music has named its Creative Director as Jenny Jamison.

Ms Jamison, former Chief Executive of internationally renowned string ensemble Scottish Ensemble, has taken the role to steer the concept and offering at the National Centre for Music, now that planning permission has been granted.

In addition to multiple roles at Scottish Ensemble, Jenny has also supported soloist Nicola Benedetti on her work in music education, and worked with the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland. She held one of three Scottish Fellowships for emerging global arts leaders with the International Society for the Performing Arts from 2017-20 and served as Interim Chair of the Association of British Orchestras, and Chair of New Opera in Scotland Events.

An experienced leader in the arts and a passionate amateur musician herself, Jenny is the perfect choice to lead the creative development of the National Centre for Music. She said: “Having the opportunity to work on a project that will celebrate and nurture Scotland’s incredible music sector is a huge privilege. We have such an important chance to create a hub where different musical genres can rub shoulders on a daily basis, and where musicians have space to develop new ideas and collaborations. I am looking forward to ensuring the awe-inspiring setting of the former Royal High School, and the special spaces within it, inspire audiences and artists alike and create a wonderful new intimate venue for Scotland.”

Plans are now well underway for the re-development of the Thomas Hamilton building on Calton Hill, with the announcement of a construction partner imminent.

Grant MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Royal High School Preservation Trust, said: “With her exceptional experience and deep passion for the arts in Scotland, Jenny is the ideal person to shape and guide our vision for the new National Centre for Music. Restoring the Royal High School building to its former glory is a huge undertaking and we need a strong team to help us ensure we create a vibrant cultural hub for the people of Edinburgh and the wider world, while celebrating the rich heritage of the building. Having Jenny as part of our team is a wonderful addition and we can’t wait to start implementing her ideas.”

www.RHSPT.org

Hibs Head Coach David Gray looked ahead to this weekend’s William Hill Premiership game against Rangers. 

And he insists that his players need to believe they can get something from the game. 

Hibs have the opportunity on Sunday to end their six-year hoodoo at Ibrox, in what is Rangers’ first league game back at their home stadium. 

Gray is more than aware of the atmosphere his players will face on Sunday, but has urged them to be brave with and without the ball. 

“The big thing is the word ‘belief’. The players need to believe they can get something. If you don’t believe you can do that, then you’re already 1-0 down in my mind. 

“The atmosphere will be great at Ibrox, but we need to deal with that. The players will be made aware of that, but they must see it as an opportunity to test themselves.” 

Rangers have been in good form domestically of late, and marked their return to Ibrox with an emphatic win over Dundee. Our Head Coach gave his thoughts on how they’ve been performing this season. 

“Rangers have been getting better all the time. They have a big game in Europe before they play us, but we will build from their last result at home. 

“We need to look at ourselves and build on our performances. We need to take the positives from our last three games, and we’ve been getting better all the time, you could see that in the St Johnstone game. 

“We need to build on that and take it into the Rangers game.” 

New specially trained police “digi” sniffer dogs have helped collar a criminal in possession of child sex abuse material, and also searched out a murder victim’s phone.

Police Scotland’s pack of Digital Forensic Dogs – Digital Dogs – are now fully operational.

And they are notching a “daily” string of successes including unearthing an air tag relating to a domestic stalking crime in Edinburgh.

The four-legged sleuths have also discovered a USB device in Aberdeen which contained child sex abuse material.and a murder victim’s phone in Glasgow.

The latest canine crime fighting recruits are specially trained to detect digital gadgets such as smartphones, laptops and tiny SIM cards being deliberately hidden to avoid detection by police.

Police chiefs have unleashed the pooch detectives to help sniff out digital clues and lead to more convictions for criminals involved in cyber crime and online child abuse.

The dogs have been deployed operationally following intensive training and include Zen, a rescue Springer Spaniel and Xena, a Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross.

They also include Max, a Sprocker gifted by the previous owners who wanted him to have an active home; Pip, a Malinois/Australian Shepherd Cross, gifted by a member of the public; and Willow, a Labrador.

They have been working with three specialist handlers and are deployed on a national basis covering all of Scotland.

Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland’s Digital Forensic Dogs are now fully deployed and working well with the teams.

“The dogs have proven to be highly successful, consistently performing well and achieving results almost daily by locating digital devices.

“Some examples include a Digital Dog uncovering a USB device in the Aberdeen area which was found to contain child sexual abuse material, in the Edinburgh area an air tag for a domestic stalking crime and in Glasgow a murder victim’s phone.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn has said it is now very common for digital devices to be used in criminal activity and concealed by criminals to hide incriminating evidence.

He said: “People and businesses are spending more and more time online and criminals will use any means available to them to exploit vulnerabilities and any method at their disposal. Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them.

“Searches by humans can be limited and the dogs will provide an additional capability which make finding hidden devices easier.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities will ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, even in the digital world.”

The Digital Evidence Detection Dogs search capability is an additional resource and complementary to Police Scotland’s existing canine resources including those dogs that can currently search for drugs, explosives, cash, firearms, human remains and blood.

New specially trained police “digi” sniffer dogs have helped collar a man with child sex abuse material and searched out a murder victim’s phone, it can be revealed. 

Police Scotland’s pack of Digital Forensic Dogs — Digital Dogs — are now fully operational. 
 
And they are notching a “daily” string of successes including discovering a USB device in Aberdeen which contained child sex abuse material. 
 
The four-legged sleuths have also unearthed an air tag relating to a domestic stalking crime in Edinburgh and a murder victim’s phone in Glasgow. 
 
The latest canine crime fighting recruits are specially trained to detect digital gadgets such as smartphones, laptops and tiny SIM cards being deliberately secreted to avoid detection by cops. 
 
Police chiefs have unleashed the pooch detectives to help sniff out digital clues and lead to more convictions for criminals involved in cyber crime and online child abuse. 
 
The dogs have been deployed operationally following intensive training and include Zen, a rescue Springer Spaniel and Xena, a Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross. 
 
They also include Max, a Sprocker gifted by the previous owners who wanted him to have an active home; Pip, a Malinois/Australian Shepherd Cross, gifted by a member of the public; and Willow, a Labrador. 
 
They have been working with three specialist handlers and are deployed on a national basis covering all of Scotland. 
 
Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland’s Digital Forensic Dogs are now fully deployed and working well with the teams. 
 
“The dogs have proven to be highly successful, consistently performing well and achieving results almost daily by locating digital devices. 
 
“Some examples include a Digital Dog uncovering a USB device in the Aberdeen area which was found to contain child sexual abuse material, in the Edinburgh area an air tag for a domestic stalking crime and in Glasgow a murder victim’s phone.” 
 
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn has said it is now very common for digital devices to be used in criminal activity and concealed by criminals to hide incriminating evidence. 
 
He said: “People and businesses are spending more and more time online and criminals will use any means available to them to exploit vulnerabilities and any method at their disposal. Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them. 
 
“Searches by humans can be limited and the dogs will provide an additional capability which make finding hidden devices easier. 
 
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities will ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, even in the digital world.” 
 
The Digital Evidence Detection Dogs search capability is an additional resource and complementary to Police Scotland’s existing canine resources including those dogs that can currently search for drugs, explosives, cash, firearms, human remains and blood. 

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra begins a new year with a fresh group of young musicians playing two concerts in the Edinburgh and Lothians area.

The St Bride’s Centre in Orwell Terrace on Sunday 6 October and Queen Margaret Hall in Linlithgow on Saturday 2 November are the venues where the concerts will take place.

Founded in 2002 to provide a free educational opportunity for promising young jazz players, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra has gone on to nurture some of the biggest talents in Scottish jazz today.

“I wanted to give young musicians the chance to play orchestral jazz as a way of developing the skills necessary to play jazz in any environment,” said Smith, whose own saxophone talents are recognised around the world.

In a big band, Smith said, there’s a “camaraderie” where the musicians encourage each other to improvise and take chances.

“Standing up to play your first solo can be quite daunting,” says Smith. “But if you don’t do it, you’re never going to play jazz and we try to create a situation where the musicians can relax and feel good about themselves and what they play. Then they can go on to work on ideas and progress.”

With three albums released to enthusiastic media responses internationally, the orchestra has a body of work and a history of performances that set a standard for new arrivals to work towards.

“Seeing previous members going on to win awards and create an impression around the world with their recording careers can be a real fillip for the musicians who follow in their footsteps,” said Smith. “The youth orchestra can also be a stepping stone to the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. We play the same music, the same arrangements, as the SNJO so it’s good preparation for anyone making the step up.”

The concerts in St Bride’s and in Linlithgow will feature big-band music by Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Astor Piazzolla, Jaco Pastorius, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. There will also be a chance to hear the orchestra’s promising singer, Laura Oghagbon, who has already made a strong impression on audiences.

The concerts begin at 2pm at St Bride’s and 7.30pm in Linlithgow