Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club’s Sweden-based Jo Stevenson was on brilliant form when completing the 2024 Dragon’s Back Race, a six day ultra event.

Regarded by many as the world’s toughest mountain race it covers 380 km and 16,400m of ascent on the route from Conway Castle in the north to Cardiff Castle in South Wales.

Jo finished seventh woman and runner-up in her women 45 age category.

Overall she was 47th after a cumulative 72 hours and 43 seconds of effort.

A new skate park, pump track and cafe in Dunbar have been approved despite claims the town’s most famous son would be left ‘birling in his grave’ by the plans.

East Lothian Council backed the proposals for open land at Hallhill, in Dunbar, after hearing from supporters, including young people, about the need for new facilities.

The plans, which were brought forward by Dunbar Community Development and Heritage Trust (DCDHT), who own the land, also include a basketball pitch and changing rooms.

They received 55 objections as well as 20 letters of support and went before the council’s planning committee today.

Objectors raised concerns about the impact on local wildlife and the surrounding woods as well as the safety of children, describing the site as a “secluded area where young people congregate to drink, take drugs and make fires etc”.

One objector told the committee John Muir, the famed naturalist who is known as the founder of America’s national parks and has a trail through the county named after him, would be “birling in his grave” at the plans for the open space.

And a representative of West Barns Community Council said a recent local plan consultation with the public found overwhelming support for keep the land as open space saying it was one of the “last places for deer to safely graze”.

However supporter said the new facilities would provide young people with something to do as well as offering multi-generational activities to families and had the “ability to inspire and improve the lives of the whole community by providing much needed community space”.

Local councillor Donna Collins, who has worked as children’s entertainer Gladys Chucklebutty for decades, said the skate park would help deal with antisocial behaviour claims in the area.

She said: “I have been a kids entertainer for 30 years and there is a lot of support from the kids I have spoken to in Dunbar for this facility.

“It is a well known fact that when you have a physical presence in an area you knock antisocial behaviour on the head.”

The committee unanimously backed the plans for the new skate park and additional facilities at Hallhill.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Dougie Donnelly has interviewed Billy Connolly, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney as well as countless sporting stars. The background tales are all there to be enjoyed in the venerable television presenter’s newly published autobiography entitled “My Life in Sport – Recorded Highlights”.

Laughs are never far away but behind the showbizzy veneer – his route into broadcasting came by way of the music scene in his native Glasgow- lies a deep thinker who is passionate about where sporting values stand today.

“I worry that I am not as absolutely captivated by sport as I used to be he says” in response to a question about his assessment of where Scottish sport currently lies as someone with a real depth of front line knowledge to draw upon.

“Maybe it’s an age thing (he’s now 71-years-old) but where are the Scots in football and in rugby, for example?

“Every team seems to be full of ordinary overseas players.

“I understand why rugby, for example, looks to South Africa for players in order to be more competitive. But I regret we don’t seem to be producing more young Scots players.”

Donnelly returns to that theme when discussing television, the medium by which he earned a living for the bulk of his career.

“Football is club TV nowadays.

“I had it drummed into me by the BBC who aways said “it NOT about you.

“But look at the recent Manchester City – Arsenal game with SIX pundits all trying to be more controversial than the other.

“Similarly you have ex-players put together according to their former clubs; (Kris) Boyd and (Chris) Sutton ex-Rangers and Celtic or (Gary) Neville and (Jamie) Carragher who are ex-Manchester United and ex-Liverpool.”

Sure, football means a lot to him but it is reassuring to hear someone with such a high sporting profile in Scotland fly a flag for less glamorous sports.

“The Commonwealth Games will be coming back to Glasgow, hopefully successfully in a new, reduced, format, but I really hope they continue to include bowls.

“The Commonwealth Games has always been the bowlers pinnacle and it would be very sad if that disappeared.”

At the other end of the scale are the vast sums invested in golf and boxing by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and it is clear in the book that Dougie Donnelly has had to work his way through this as a self confessed “traditionalist” who desperately wants golf’s internal struggles to be resolved.

“At the back of the mind is the question of whether we should be enabling but on the other hand why is it men’s golf that seems to be taking all the stick?”

Acknowledgement comes too, though, that there is an antidote to the moneyball and it is to be found far from the major arenas.

“I have four grandsons and one of them is playing rugby at 8-years-old for Boroughmuir minis and scoring lots of tries. It’s great to hear of kids getting enjoyment from sport.”

Family is one of the reasons Dougie put pen to paper having been encouraged by a potential “ghost” writer to tell it in his own words.

“I wasn’t sure – I’m not a journalist – but the finished product has given me even more satisfaction.

“I’ve told my story partly to show my grandsons that I did do something interesting and they have become increasingly intrigued.

“But also I was so lucky to be around in a golden age of Scottish sport – (Allan) Wells, (Stephen) Hendry, two rugby grand slams etc, etc and felt I wanted to pass on what it was like.”

An engaging read for Scottish sports enthusiasts (could maybe have done with less television presenter politics!?) but doubtful if it can get anywhere near the audience Dougie recalls for a cricket broadcast he fronted when Scotland hosted India a few years ago.

Inviting co-presenter Sunil Gavaskar of Test match fame to say how many were likely to be watching/listening on the sub-continent he was told “only the 40 million.”

“Only the 40 million! And to think we used to think a million for Sportscene was good” was a dumb-struck Dougie’s reply!

“Dougie Donnelly My Life in Sport – Recorded Highlights” is out now published by McNidder & Grace with foreword by Billy Connolly.

Only the most in need will get help from a Scottish Welfare Fund, West Lothian Council have agreed, despite fears it could impact child poverty locally. 

Councillors were told a proposal to delay bringing in the tighter controls over the fund would have cost the council £19,000 a month. 

And despite acknowledging that more who are struggling could face hardship, councillors did not back a call to delay imposing the controls while more research into the impact was carried out.  

The council is already facing more than £100,000 in overspend on administering the two Scottish Government funds. 

The Scottish Welfare Fund has been administered by councils since 2013. The fund consists of two grants: Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants. Crisis Grants (CG) meet short term financial emergencies and Community Care Grants (CCG) provide furniture for homes to help applicants set up or maintain their home. 

Grant applications have climbed steadily since Holyrood introduced the funds. Administration costs had risen with demand, but the reimbursement remains static, and the fund has not risen since lockdown. 

The Scottish Government last updated the budget in 2020/21 to £40m. and the fund has always been outstripped by demand. The council has steadily tightened the purse strings to ensure that only the most acute cases receive funding. 

A report to the Executive said: “Reducing levels of funding and increased demand have led to an anticipated overspend for 2024/25 of £144,000. 

 “Between 2021/22 and 2023/24, the council has committed an additional £2.316m to the programme funding of which £2.242m was spent.  

“In addition, the annual administration budget from SG of £171,000 on average does not fully cover the cost of administering the scheme with the council supplementing the costs year on year.”  

Anti-Poverty Service Manager Nahid Hanif told the meeting West Lothian planned to move the strictest category introduced by the Scottish Government, dubbed ‘High Most Compelling’ which” can be used when budgets are under significant threat and the council is at risk of running out of funds prior to the end of the financial year.” 

The council’s own assessment forms acknowledge that: “Moving to the ‘High Most Compelling’ criteria could impact local child poverty figures and impact on the council’s ability to meet the outcomes of the Tackling Poverty Strategy. Fewer people will be eligible and as a consequence poverty and inequality will increase and become further entrenched for those currently experiencing poverty.” 

Glasgow and Edinburgh councils have already moved to use strictest category a while several other councils around Scotland, including Aberdeen and Stirling are also considering following suit. 

Ms Nahid said that if West Lothian did not adopt the stricter measure the local fund would face a £144,000 overspend by the end of the financial year. 

Moving a motion to accept the proposal Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said, “It grinds against us all.” 

The report to the Executive detailed: “The change in priority level will still provide the most vulnerable with funds to heat their home, purchase food and have somewhere to rest. Each case will be assessed on its own merit and in line with all other relevant qualifying conditions.  

“However, to meet the High Most Compelling criteria, only those applicants with significant vulnerabilities and those whose safety and well-being would be at risk without a grant will qualify.  

“This means that although the fund will remain open to everyone to apply, the stricter criteria will reduce the support available and may result in applicants with less vulnerabilities not being awarded at all.”  

SNP group depute leader Councillor Pauline Stafford said in an amendment: “It’s clear that the Scottish Welfare Fund is no longer functioning sustainably as it was intended: to meet one-off needs rather than being used in relation to on-going need or increasing household debt. 

“The increase in volume of repeat applications means this is no longer just a safety net but people are looking for it to plug the holes where they are unable to meet their household’s basic needs of heating, eating and sleeping. The sticking plaster is no longer big enough.” 

 She criticised  the Labour Government in Westminster for continuing with the same “penny pinching policies of the previous government.” 

The amendment called for a month’s delay before any decision “until a full review of the possible impact on applicants’ living standards has been reported back. This should include information on the wider impacts seen within local authorities who have already moved to HMCP level including impact on tenancy sustainment, increase in food bank use and increase in household destitution levels.” 

The Executive heard that delaying a decision could add £19,000 a month to the bill. 

Councillor Fitzpatrick told the meeting: “Mitigation actions are in place”. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

A wave of optimism amongst the Hibs supporters following a hectic transfer window has turned to despair after the news that big money signing Kieron Bowie had suffered a serious injury playing for Scotland Under 21s. 

The talented 21-year-old striker put pen to paper on a four-year deal from English Premier League side Fulham much to the delight of the Hibs fans. 

Bowie had several options on the table but chose Hibs and almost made a scoring debut after coming off the bench against Celtic at Easter Road, but his powerful effort rebounded off the bar. 

His first goal came against Dundee at Easter Road and looked to have secured the three points but a late equaliser from former Hibs player Simon Murray spoiled the celebrations. 

Despite that, Bowie has already done enough to impress not only the Hibs faithful but also Scotland U21 manager Scott Gemmill. 

He started twice in five days for the Scotland Under-21s, playing 56 minutes of a 2-1 loss to Spain at Tynecastle before he was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue during the first half of Scotland’s 5-0 victory over Malta.  

Initially it was thought that he could be out for up to six weeks, but further scans revealed that Bowie had suffered a serious hamstring injury and will be out for at least four months. 

Hibs Head Coach, David Gray broke the news: “First of all, I am gutted for Kieron. I know how hard he worked to come back from his previous injury and how desperate he’s been to impress after joining us, which is something he’s certainly done. 

“Given his injury history we were conscious of managing his minutes at the start of the season, despite the temptation to play him more because of the positive start he made.  

“With that in mind, it makes it even more frustrating that he has picked up a significant injury during this period.  

“Now it’s up to us to rally around him, support him with his recovery and make sure he has everything he needs to come back stronger, which I’m sure he will.” 

Gray wasted no time in signing a replacement, experienced forward Dwight Gayle on a one-year deal running until the summer of 2025. 

Gayle has had an illustrious career to date, with over 300 senior appearances and spending seven campaigns in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United. 

The striker – who has an eye for goal – has two promotions under his belt and has scored over 100 goals – the majority of which have come in the English Premier League and Championship. 

Police have released an image of a male they believe may be able to assist their enquiries into a fire-raising incident which occurred at Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh on the evening of 19 September 2024 at around 8:45pm. 

Officers believe that the male shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would ask him or any members of the public who recognise him to contact police. 

Detective Constable Russell Muir said “I would urge the male pictured or anyone who has information relating to him to contact police.” 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3795 of 19 September 2024.  

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously. 

Kick boxing twins Freya and Arran Drever have enjoyed double delight at the WAKO World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The 12-year-old sibling sensations, who train at the Wolfpack Martial Arts Club, Granton, struck individual gold and silver respectively for Team GB in girls and boys categories.

Additionally the twins, who attend Broughton HS, won a team silver in the case of Freya while Arran picked up a team bronze.

Mum Hollie says: “My husband, Cameron, and I wanted the twins to do something sporty just before COVID and it turned out the Martial Arts club was virtually on our doorstep.

“They took to kickboxing straightaway but there is still an element of shock for me at the way they have progressed after only competing for a couple of years.

“There were 40 plus countries in Budapest so to perform as they did was quite an achievement.”

In some ways the success was predictable as Freya had previously excelled at British and European level while Arran is said to have been inspired by his sister’s exploits.

The Wolfpack club are paying tribute to both twins – and their other global representatives.

On Freya the club said:  “From battling through injuries and unsure if you would even be able to compete, Freya has shown amazing resilience.”

As for Arran, the club say: “To say that your improvement over the last season has been phenomenal would be putting it lightly. What confidence you have built, and it’s definitely starting to show on the mats. To medal at such a high level at your first championships is fantastic. “

Next year the prodigies of coach Kevin Baldwin will be aiming to maintain success at European Championships but that doesn’t come cheaply and mum Hollie reckons it has cost around £15,000 for the twins to compete so far.

Hollie is a physiotherapy assistant in the NHS while Cameron works in childcare. Sponsorship is more than welcome, she says.

Other Wolfpack members excelled in Budapest.

• Aidan Lennon proved a double world champion as well as winning an individual and team bronze.
• Ciaran Lennon brought back a silver medal.
• Eilidh Moorehead and Maisie Ross also represented the club and Team GB with distinction.

Some East of Scotland Cricket Association batting prizes were handed out during an interval in the annual East v West encounter held this year at Carlton CC.

East President Kashif Hussein, a member of the East X1, did the honours and is pictured with Championship winner Siddhanth Ponnen (Edinburgh South), Vignesh Devaraj of Musselburgh who won the Division One prize and Division Seven’s Rohit Bhanushali (Edinburgh Accies 3rds).

Malcolm Donaldson, who was fondly known as Dr Gruffalo, has died aged 75. Married to author Julia Donaldson he joined in the literary fun at weekends and holidays bringing her stories to life.

He was the guitar playing enthusiastic singer at book festivals and zshows. The eminent doctor spent large parts of his time in children’s wards, all countered by the fun of being on the road.

Alison Ruane, MD of Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “We will remember Malcolm for his kindness, warmth and extraordinary commitment to children – as part of Julia’s world of storytelling, but also as a widely respected paediatrician, academic and teacher. He had many friends at Macmillan Children’s Books, those fortunate to spend time with him participating in the shows he and Julia staged, singing along with his guitar as he entertained children in Julia’s signing queues, or talking about the delightful business of books over lunch.

“Malcolm was hugely supportive of the children’s publishing industry and made many friends among the authors and illustrators he met over the years. He always went above and beyond for Julia and for her team, particularly during her tenure as Children’s Laureate (2011-2013) when he accompanied her on a tour of libraries from John O’Groats to Land’s End. He’d always take the cast photo after one of their performances and never failed to thank everyone who helped to make the event a success. Malcolm will be deeply missed and our heartfelt sympathies are with Julia and her family at this difficult time.”

Read more here.

Commercial cleaning specialist Perfect Clean is targeting further success after landing two significant TR19® kitchen cleaning contracts.

The firm has strengthened its long-standing association with the Edinburgh hospitality sector with its appointment as the new cleaning services provider for The Raeburn Hotel and restaurant in Stockbridge.

It has also agreed a deal with Scottish Borders Council to clean kitchen ventilation systems in over 60 locations within the local authority area, including primary and secondary schools.

The TR19® Grease specification is a set of rigorous requirements issued by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) to focus on fire risk management of grease accumulation within kitchen extraction systems.

The agreements will enable the company, which operates across Scotland and the north of England from its Edinburgh base, to use its dedicated TR19® Grease technicians to ensure the clients’ ventilation systems are compliant with stringent health and safety regulations.

“Understanding the importance of proper extract and duct cleaning is essential for restaurant owners who want to run safe premises,” said Perfect Clean Health and Safety Manager Rafal Piskorski.

“The risk of fire caused by the build-up of grease in the ventilation systems cannot be underestimated. Our clients are well aware of this, which is why they work closely with us, demonstrating their commitment to both the health of their guests and safety of their staff.

“The TR19® guidelines have been the gold standard when it comes to ductwork cleaning and we are proud of the standard of service we consistently provide to a growing client base.”

Lukasz Poplawski, Perfect Clean Sales and Marketing Manager (pictured), added: “Venues like The Raeburn Stockbridge in Edinburgh are a showcase of our city and set the highest standards for restaurant hygiene and we are delighted to have partnered with them.

“We expanded the business earlier this year to provide a comprehensive TR19® Grease service and look forward to further engagement in both the private and public sectors.

“Having previously supplied TR19® Grease services to a number of local authorities, we have built a strong reputation in this area and are delighted to be working with Scottish Borders Council. By adhering to the BESA standards and obtaining the TR19® certification, clients can ensure they are upholding the highest levels of cleanliness and safety, thereby fostering a safe dining environment.”

Perfect Clean is currently providing the TR19® commercial kitchen services to The Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh, Falkirk Council on a multi-year basis, and has recently completed a similar contract for East Dunbartonshire Council.

Hibs youngster Jacob MacIntyre has joined Kelty Hearts on loan until 1 January, 2025. 

The 18-year-old midfielder will join up with Michael Tidser’s side, who currently sit fourth in Scottish League One. 

Jacob has impressed in the Hibs youth ranks since the age of nine, being part of the side that won the CAS Elite Under-18s League, and competed in the UEFA Youth League beating the likes of Molde and Nantes before going toe-to-toe with German giants Borussia Dortmund. 

The talented youngster has been training with the Hibs First Team squad regularly and made his senior debut for the Club earlier this year (March 2024) in a 3-0 win over Livingston.  

He will now continue his development with Kelty Hearts, and could make his debut against his older brother Oscar when they face Queen of the South this weekend. 

Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay commented: “This is Jacob’s first loan move away from Hibs and will provide him with a number of new experiences, which will aid his development. 

“As a young player he will now face of the physical demands of men’s football week in, week out, and grow personally being introduced into a new environment and dressing room. 

“I’d like to thank Kelty Hearts for the smooth loan process, and we will be closely monitoring Jacob’s progression over the next three months.” 

Three care homes in Edinburgh have partnered with a local food bank to launch a new drop-off point for food bank items.

To celebrate this year’s Harvest Festival, residents and team members at Care UK’s Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge, and Murrayside encourage the local community to donate their extra, unused or unwanted non-perishable food items to three of Edinburgh’s new food bank drop-off-points – located in each of the care home’s receptions.

Traditionally Harvest Festival celebrates the time when crops have been gathered from fields and people can reflect and show gratitude for the food that they have. It dates back to when people relied on local crops for food and famers would give thanks for a good harvest.

At Cairdean House donations will be made to Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, Lauder Lodge will be supporting Edinburgh North East Foodbank, and at Murrayside all items collected will be shared with Edinburgh Food Bank.

The foodbank drop-off points in each home will be open until Thursday 31 October.

At Murrayside, as part of the celebrations, the home will also be hosting a Harvest Festival church service, and residents will be visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Kat Barnwell, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “We are always looking for ways to give back and support our community and local charities, which is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre and launching our first ever foodbank drop-off point.”

Anees Riaz, Home Manager at Lauder Lodge, said: “In these challenging times, we know many people may be struggling, and with Christmas fast approaching, it’s more important than ever to support foodbanks which provide a vital lifeline for many members of our local community.”

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, added: “We’d encourage those who have unwanted or unused items to come and visit one of our homes and support us to help those in need.”

careuk.com/ edinburgh

This month’s paper is full of literary news. Edinburgh was chosen as the first City of Literature 20 years ago and later this month will host the UNESCO Cities of Literature network conference.

In the last two decades the network has grown to include more than 50 cities representing six continents and 30 countries, and all are part of a wider Creative Cities Network. 

The conference will mark the achievements of the past two decades and also plan for the next two. 

At the time the conference was announced in 2022, then Director of City of Literature Trust Ali Bowden, said: “At the very heart of Edinburgh’s City of Literature status is the idea of international collaboration and sharing. We are very much looking forward to welcoming representatives from literary cities around the world to Edinburgh, to show off our beautiful city, our literary heritage and thriving contemporary literary scene. We want to share ideas, celebrate the achievements of cities across the network and inspire newly designated cities. We want to spark ideas for new cross-artform collaborations and new international projects to support writers and readers across the Creative Cities Network.”

As well as that there is an update on our story of the council overpaying staff and then failing (so far) to recover around £1.6 million from current and former members of staff.

You can read our paper in digital form here – but please do consider supporting us and pick up a paper at your local stockist.

And you can have your own copy sent straight to the front door of your home or office. Sign up here.

Edinburgh Sports Club’s Colin Cruickshank is pictured with the team trophy after captaining Scotland over-70s to the Home International Racketball title at the Newlands club, Glasgow.

The Scottish over-70s won all three matches – against England, Wales and Jersey.

Edinburgh were well represented in the other categories with Watsonian pair Chris Gray and Chris Green leading the over-40s and over-50s respectively while Rod Robinson (Waverley) was at the heart of the over-60s line-up.

A growing software quality engineering firm has appointed a new chairman just months after an eight-figure investment.

2i Testing has hired renowned software and IT sector leader, David Cotterell, to oversee its ambitious growth strategy.

The 300-strong firm, with offices in Edinburgh and London, says the impressive appointment is a key milestone for Rockpool Investments, which provided the capital backing in April this year.

Dave Kelly, CEO of 2i, said: “To attract someone with David’s experience and impressive track record for success demonstrates our ambitions. We are determined to become the ‘go-to’ name in the UK quality engineering sector

“David’s insight and leadership will play a critical role in guiding our plans in this pivotal phase for our business.

“Bringing in such a major figure so quickly after the investment by Rockpool means we are ideally positioned to become market leaders while continuing to focus on reducing risk, raising quality and seeking to reduce costs for clients.”

David Cotterell brings more than 35 years’ experience in IT software and services and has held multiple C-level roles with global quality engineering (QE) organisations and has been involved in more than a dozen M&A transactions.

David Cotterell said: “The global outsourced quality assurance industry is worth in excess of $40 billion a year and 2i is well positioned to capitalise on this. The recent investment from Rockpool Investments gives us a key advantage.”

“Having worked for more than a decade with private equity specialists, I’ve seen firsthand the impact such backing can have on a great business model – and 2i is set for a major step up.”

2i Testing specialises in supporting businesses and organisations with the delivery of large, complex digital projects, including major software rollouts and upgrades. It provides testing and quality assurance support to clients including the Home Office, Virgin Money, Abrdn and the Scottish Government’s Social Security Directorate.

David Cotterell added: “The QE and IT sectors are consolidating, with smaller companies joining larger platforms to make a bigger impact.

“2i can handle large, complex clients, which many smaller suppliers cannot deliver on. Our goal now is to grow by winning further strategic clients and delivering top-quality solutions at scale.

“This is a fantastic new opportunity for me; the business has created a solid foundation, and I see huge potential for us to add tangible value.”

An important pillar of the planned growth will be developing 2i as a “pure play” QE provider. This means that the company will continue to focus solely on quality engineering, ensuring the highest level of expertise and service in this area.

Expansion will also be underpinned by an ambitious “buy and build” strategy, drawing on the company’s investment to acquire complementary companies and strengthen 2i Testing’s position in the market.

Harnessing AI will also be essential to the firm’s rapid growth and the near-term strategic plans include introducing innovative AI-powered solutions to its services. These advancements will help clients better manage the risks and costs associated with implementing large-scale technology changes.

2i is a recognised leader in helping organisations in both the private and public sectors safely implement major IT programs and has already experienced rapid organic growth in recent years.

https://2itesting.com/

Whether Jacob Fearnley, 23, achieves the same giddy heights in tennis as compatriot Andy Murray remains to be seen.

But he is certainly acquiring the “Great Man’s” ability to throw in a bit of drama on the way to a winner’s circle.

Fresh from requiring seven match points to clinch a Challenger title in Rennes a fortnight ago the former Colinton junior passed up four match points – two on his serve and two in the previous game – before beating Harold Mayot 6-3, 7-6 to clinch his fourth Challenger in Orleans on Monday.

Fearnley will have learned a lot about himself though; particularly the way he re-grouped to save a couple of break points at 5-6 and take the match into a tie break where he came from behind to win 7-5.

Also, the final was played amidst near bedlam at times as the home crowd got behind their man amidst choruses of “La Marseilles” which Mayot, seeded five to Fearnley’s eight, did nothing to discourage.

At the end of the day Fearnley marches on towards a top 100 ranking and possible direct entry to January’s Australian Open and having appeared rattled towards the end of the second set when his trusty forehand deserted him he had the composure to keep faith in his abilities.

It was, however, a relieved looking Fearnley who was quick to embrace his team afterwards with Mayot gracious in defeat.

Remember, too, this was a tournament in which former top 10 players Denis Shapovalov and Richard Gasquet were eliminated in the early stages. This further demonstrates the level which Jacob Fearnley has reached.

Team to tackle 23-mile trek along Fife coastal path

A city wealth management firm is set to walk 23 miles from Elie to St Andrews along the picturesque Fife coastal path in a day to raise money for charity.

The challenge, taking place on the 27th of September, will see Tweed Wealth Management embark on the scenic but demanding journey to raise vital funds for the St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, which backs hundreds of carefully selected projects that make a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives.

Chris Tweed, Founder of Tweed Wealth Management, said: “Our annual charity challenge is a cornerstone of our company culture. It not only allows us to contribute to important causes but also strengthens the bonds within our team as we work together towards a common goal.

“This challenge is about more than just the miles we’ll cover; it’s about coming together as a team and community to support a foundation that changes lives. Knowing the difference we can make gives us all the motivation to get our trainers on.”

The St James’s Place Charitable Foundation is the charitable arm of the wealth management firm St. James’s Place, and supports disadvantaged children, hospices, mental health initiatives, and cancer support charities across the UK and abroad.

Tweed Wealth Management has a longstanding tradition of supporting the foundation through its annual charity challenge which is a broader commitment to giving back to the community.

In previous years, the team has undertaken feats, including a hike to the summit of Beinn Alligin, and cycling around the island of Arran, raising substantial funds in the process. This year’s walk is expected to be equally successful, with the team aiming to surpass previous fundraising efforts.

Chris Tweed added: “The St James’s Place Charitable Foundation does such vital work, and being able to contribute to that in our own way is something I’m very proud of. The trek will be challenging, but it’s a challenge we’re ready to meet head-on.

“We encourage others to support our efforts and join us in making a difference.”

As the team prepares for the upcoming challenge, they are reaching out to clients, partners, and the wider community for support, aiming to raise as much as possible for the foundation.

To donate to Tweed Wealth Managements charity challenge, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tweed-wealth-management-1721047509467

UPDATE – Man reported missing has been found safe and well.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace Craig Brown, 40, who has been reported missing from Kirkcaldy.

Craig was last seen in the Beveridge Road area around 11pm on Sunday, 29 September.

He is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and a beard and tattoos on both arms. He was last known to be wearing a dark zip-up top, dark tracksuit bottoms and trainers. It is thought that he may have travelled to the Edinburgh area.

Acting Sergeant Marta Godos-McQueen said: “This is out of character for Craig to be missing and we’re urgently trying to trace him.

“I’m appealing to anyone who has information on his whereabouts or thinks they may have seen him, to please get in touch.

“Craig, if you see this appeal, please contact your family or police so we can make sure you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference number 1189 of 30 September.

Hibs have confirmed that the dates of three William Hill Premiership fixtures have been changed. 

Following Aberdeen’s progression in the Premier Sports Cup, Hibs game with them on Saturday 2 November, 2024 has been re-arranged. 

David Gray’s men will now face The Dons at Easter Road on Tuesday 26 November, 2024, with the game kicking off at 7.45pm. 

As Hibs would’ve had a free weekend on 2/3 November, the club requested that their home midweek tie against Dundee United was brought forward. 

The match was due to be played on Wednesday 4 December, 2024, but will now take place on Sunday 3 November, 2024; 3pm kick-off at Easter Road. 

Finally, the fixture away to Dundee on Saturday 23 November has been selected for live broadcast on Premier Sports.  

As a result of this, the match will now kick-off at 5.45pm. 

Ticket information for all three matches will be confirmed in due course. 

Full details: 

Sunday 3 November, 2024 

Hibernian vs Dundee United 

Easter Road Stadium, 3pm kick-off 

Saturday 23 November, 2024 

Dundee v Hibernian 

The Scot Foam Stadium, 5.45pm kick-off, Live on Premier Sports 

Tuesday 26 November, 2024 

Hibernian vs Aberdeen 

Easter Road Stadium, 7.45pm kick-off 

Scotland’s sea fishing bosses are looking for a new junior shore angling team manager after Lindsay Wilson and Douglas Barclay decided to step down.

Mike Horn, president of the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA), praised the duo for their contribution and said: “For the many years, they have managed the junior team and looked after our young anglers.

“Lindsay and Douglas have done everything from collecting the juniors for practice sessions, coaching, arranging mini buses for the Home Nations and, especially, fund raising which has been never ending. They are a hard act for anyone to follow.

“So, the role of junior manager, applicants will have to demonstrate a willingness to work with under-16’s and the position requires a commitment to train as a qualified coach and then attend the ongoing CPD as required. This is essential to cover child protection, equity and equality.”

Applicants will need to demonstrate the angling ability/experience required to coach at this level and understand that the role is a lot more than just fishing, with involvement in selection, development, procedures and guidance. Fundraising is critical as is interaction with parents around travel and health.

Applications should be made in writing to SFSA, 5 Viewforth Gardens. Kirkcaldy. Fife. KY1 3DG. 

PICTURE: Fishing on Kirkcaldy Beach during the Iain Reid Memorial Match. Picture Nigel Duncan

FOCUS: Mike Horn fishing on Kirkcaldy Beach during a match. Picture Nigel Duncan

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault which occurred between 12.30pm and 1pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2024 near Lochend Butterfly Way and Albion Road, Edinburgh. 

Officers are appealing for the man in the picture to contact them as he could have vital information which could assist their enquiries. 
 
They are also asking anyone who recognises the man in the image to get in touch with any information they may have. 
 
Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting incident number 1684 of the 31 July. Alternatively, an anonymous call can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The Old Edinburgh Club looks back over the years at the significant dates in Edinburgh’s history.

1st October In 1560, the Dean of Guild accounts recorded the sale of the jewels of the Collegiate Kirk of St Giles for well over £850. And in 1568, the Bannatyne Manuscript, the most extensive collection of early Scottish poetry in existence, was published by George Bannatyne, an Edinburgh merchant. Also in 1763, the contract to construct the North Bridge was signed. Finally in 1788, Deacon William Brodie was executed for theft.

2 October In 1854, sociologist and town planner Patrick Geddes was born; he was responsible for transforming sections of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which had become slum areas; although the idea of slum clearance by knocking down houses was a popular one, Geddes preferred to work with existing buildings where possible, believing that knocking down poor housing simply transferred the problem to another, often worse, area.

3 October In 1477, King James III ordered the provost, bailies, and council to make use of the open spaces in the burgh for regular markets and fairs: hay & straw in the Cowgate between Forrester’s and Peebles Wynds; the fish market on both sides of the High Street from Blackfriars Wynd to the Netherbow; the salt market in Niddrie’s Wynd; the chapman’s stalls between the Tolbooth and the Tron; hatmakers and shoemakers from Dalrymple’s Yard to the Greyfriars; capons and chickens at the Mercat Cross; grain and corn between the Tolbooth and Libberton’s Wynd; all metalwork in the Friday market in front of Greyfriars; and butter, cheese, & wool at the Over Bow. And in 1505, the council took action to prevent any outbreaks of plague, ordering that whenever a person fell sick in the burgh, the master or mistress of the house should bring the sickness to the attention of the bailies within 12 hours, under pain of branding and banishing. Also in 1706, the last Scottish Parliament was held before the Union with Westminster.

4 October In 1989, a gas explosion rocked the heart of the city on Guthrie Street causing the deaths of two people.

5 October In 1785, a balloon flight by the Italian aeronaut Vincenzo Lunardi took place from Heriot’s School, Edinburgh, to Ceres in Fife.

6 October In 1508, in a charter under the great seal, King James IV gave the provost, bailies, and council power to rent or feu the common muir (grassland) and common myre (rough land) to increase the public purse; he also granted the same lands for the construction of houses and the making of parks and pleasure grounds on them.

7 October In 1796, Thomas Reid, a joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, died. And in 1940, eleven people were injured by bombs around Marchmont.

8 October In 1518, the provost, bailies, and council ordered the inhabitants of the burgh to wash and clean the street as far as the centre of the roadway in front of their houses or booths as well as the vennels in the High Street and the Cowgate from all kinds of rubbish and filth by Monday evenings under pain of a fine of eight shillings.

9 October In 1506, King James IV ratified the Charter incorporating the Surgeons and Barbers. And in 1867, at around midday a fire broke out in the ground floor of the premises of fireworks maker Thomas Hammond, a blaze that would ultimately claim the lives of five people – mostly children, with a further nine badly injured; it was reported that Mr Hammond had been in his shop filling one of his rockets with powder, when a spark from an unknown cause ignited the small missile in his hand and within minutes, the whole shop was ablaze since the shop was packed to the gunnels with fireworks and other combustibles. Also in 1900, Alastair George Bell Sim, CBE, Scottish character actor, was born in Edinburgh. Finally in 1909, a Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) demonstration attracted thousands of suffragettes to the streets; the procession began at Bruntsfield and ended at Waverley Market via Lothian Road and Princes Street.

10 October In 1802, the Edinburgh Review was first published “to erect a higher standard of merit, and secure a bolder and purer taste in literature, and to apply philosophical principles and the maxims of truth and humanity to politics”. And in 1900, Alastair George Bell Sim, Scottish character actor, was born in Edinburgh at 94 Lothian Road; he set up a school of drama & speech training in Edinburgh which was attended by his future wife.

11 October In 1511, King James IV’s “Great Michael” was launched from Newhaven Harbour. And in 1593, whilst riding to a meeting concerning the laws of Scotland, King James VI met the excommunicated (catholic) Lords.

12 October In 1907, 20,000 people gathered at the Fit o’ the Walk for the unveiling of the statue of Queen Victoria designed by John Stevenson Rhind.

13 October In 1713, painter Allan Ramsay was born in Edinburgh; among Ramsay’s best-known works are portraits of David Hume, King George III, and a portrait of the Duke of Argyll. And in 1801, the ratification of the proclamation of peace between Britain and France saw the Edinburgh Volunteers on parade in the meadows and then marching down to Princes Street; the city was full of spectators.

14 October In 1512, the provost, baillies, and council took steps to counteract the contagious disease described as ‘pestilence’, which had recently broken out; if anyone in the burgh fell ill, the responsible adult was required to report the illness under pain of banishment & the burning of their property and whatever other physical punishment deemed appropriate.

15 October In 1475, the Wrights (carpenters and joiners) and Stonemasons were granted their Seal of Cause and the use of the aisle and chapel of St John the Baptist in St Giles’ College Kirk to enable them to offer daily divine service. And in 1880, Dr Marie Stopes, founder of the first modern birth control clinic, was born in Edinburgh; however her legacy has some less salubrious aspects as the article illustrates. https://cmfblog.org.uk/2019/05/07/marie-stopes-history-erases-ugly-facts-to-create-a-mythical-feminist-hero/?fbclid=IwAR2YcMwtdfWcgnpHUCS2OK7LXd1dHjPw-W1LCEAfYc3jZpzEqU_Qi9Aklwo Also in 1902, Edinburgh’s Balmoral (originally the North British Station) Hotel opened its doors for the first time.

16 October In 1430, King James II of Scotland was born at Holyrood Palace to James I and Joan Beaufort. And in 1774, Scots poet Robert Fergusson died aged 24; Robert Burns privately commissioned and paid for a memorial headstone of his own design, which was erected in 1787; the stone was restored in April 1850 by the poet Robert Gilfillan; in the later nineteenth century, Robert Louis Stevenson intended to renovate the stone, but died before he could do so; the epitaph that Stevenson planned to add to the stone is recorded on a plaque added to the grave by the Saltire Society on the Society’s 50th anniversary in 1995. Also in 1939, The first raid of World War II on the Forth took place in which the City of Edinburgh Fighter Squadron (No 603) shot down the first enemy aircraft over Britain since 1918 after an attack on the Rosyth naval base on the Firth of Forth. Finally in 1940, more bombs were dropped onto Edinburgh this time targeting the railway and the palace.

17 October In 1548, the French troops in Edinburgh started a fight in Edinburgh over a culverin sent for repair and several Scots were killed on the Royal Mile; D’Essé organised a night raid on Haddington to increase their popularity among their potential Scottish supporters; the raid was repulsed but while the French were away from Edinburgh the townsfolk killed some of their wounded. And in 1720, Margaret Hall, also known as Ailie, was murdered by her husband Nicol Muschet of Boghall (sometimes Muschat or Mushet); Muschet’s or Maggie’s Cairn is a memorial to her near its original spot in Holyrood Park.

19 October In 1687, Scotland’s first public hire sedan chairs became available in Edinburgh; the new fleet of six hire sedans were plain black with a covered roof and were an alternative form of transport to the horse and carriage. There were two sedan chair shelters, one in Riddles Court in the upper town and one in Tweedale Court for the lower town, which still exists (on the right-hand side coming though the archway). Edinburgh’s sedan chairs were unique in that the seat was at 45 degrees to the poles so when going up and down a close or the High Street itself you were always sitting straight up. And in 1954, Kenneth Campbell Stott, Scottish stage, television, and film actor, was born in Edinburgh.

21 October In 1920, Edinburgh and Leith merged into one metropolitan area.

22 October In 1589, King James VI began his sea journey to Norway, sailing from Leith around ten o’clock at night. And in 1861, the foundation stones of both the main Post Office and the National Museum of Scotland were laid by Prince Albert in his last public engagement before his death.

23 October In 1706, a mob attacked the house of Sir Patrick Johnston, a strenuous promoter of the Treaty of Union; he escaped but the increasing mob rambled through the streets threatening destruction to the promoters of the Union; the riot was eventually quelled but not until the army was called out.

24 October In 1694, Alexander Monteith  petitioned the council for a gift of bodies for medical dissection from among those who died in the Correction House and foundling babies who died upon the breast which the council duly granted. And in 1796, artist David Roberts was born at Duncan’s Land in Stockbridge, then a village near Edinburgh.

25 October In 1809, the Jubilee of the accession of King George III was celebrated with a series of ceremonies which included laying the foundations of King George III’s Bastion and Military Works to protect the docks, harbour, and the town of Leith.

26 October In 1660, captains and colours were allotted to the Town Companies; citizens aged between 16 and 60 were required to provide sufficient arms and gather when called by beat of drum; the companies had to patrol the streets at night, watch for robberies at burials & public celebrations, and parade at the Riding of Parliament. And in 1779, Henry Thomas Cockburn of Bonaly, Lord Cockburn, Scottish lawyer, judge, and literary figure was born.

29 October In 1624, Janet Hunter and John Gilmour were both forbidden to continue repairing their houses with straw and thatch since it was against the Act of Parliament issued against the use of thatch in roofing. And in 1740, James Boswell, author of Samuel Johnson’s biography, was born in Blair’s Land on the east side of Parliament Close behind St Giles’ Cathedral. Also in 1923, Calton Jail saw its last hanging.

30 October In 1815, the first Edinburgh Musical Festival began; it lasted until 5 November. And in 1886, the Edinburgh International Exhibition ended. Also in 1960, the first kidney transplant in the United Kingdom was performed by Sir Michael Woodruff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

31 October In 1739, James Craig, the Scottish architect who designed the layout of the first Edinburgh New Town, was born.

Compiled by Jerry Ozaniec, Membership Secretary of the Old Edinburgh Club, membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk 

Greig Davie has enjoyed a tremendous run in the last 12 months and he bids to continue that when he contests the Champion of Champions final at the Lake of Menteith near Stirling on Friday.

Last weekend, the 46-year-old regained the Kingdom Fly Fishing title by comfortably defeating 23 other anglers at Eden Springs near Cupar.

The former youth international, who has represented Scotland on three occasions as a senior international, bagged 22 fish for 43lb 6oz with Scott Mudie (Kirkcaldy), the competition organiser, second with 30lb 12oz and Darren McPherson Sen (Methil) third on 28lb 4oz.

And the result capped a glory treble having won the first heat in the competition at Ballo near Glenrothes and also the second at Eden Springs.

The champion, who won the coveted, Fife-based event in 2022 and was runner-up last year, admitted he has enjoyed a run of form but added: “I’ve been lucky.”

Davie revealed that he only entered the first heat this year at the last minute when a place became available and he knew who he would be fishing with.

Also, Ballo is a syndicate water and he is a member so he knows the lake well and he plumped for buzzers to match the hatch.

The Leslie-based fisherman was formerly a member at Eden Springs and he used egg worm and black diawl bach to good effect in the final. In the heat, he used egg worm and buzzer and dry flies at times when conditions suited.

Records show that the self-employed electrician was a runner-up in the Kingdom event last year when it was held at now closed Stenhouse near Burntisland and he agreed: “It’s a remarkable run, but I don’t know about next year, I may step aside.”

It has been a busy spell for Davie as only 24-hours before the Kingdom event he fished the Lake of Menteith in the Albacats A team which was second in the Scottish Club Championship. His team, which also included Stevie Welsh (Dalbeattie) and Jim McKinlay (East Kilbride) caught 24 fish between them – Davie seven, Welsh eight and McKinlay nine – for 52lb 15.5oz. The winning team was RAF Fish Hawks who had 26 fish for 57lb 7.9oz.

Davie has been fishing for around 30 years and competed in this year’s National also at the Lake of Menteith. He was close to qualifying for a place in next year’s Scotland team.

Looking ahead, the Fifer was runner-up in the Champion of Champions behind Keith Logan from East Lothian 12 months ago. Logan had 12 fish for 28lb and Davie 13 fish but for 25lb 11.6oz and he would love to go one better this time.

PICTURE: Simon Kidd, sales and marketing manager for sponsors Snowbee, presents Albacats A (Davie, Welsh and McKinlay) with their medals for coming second in the Scottish Club Championship. Contributed by Tom MacTaggart of the organisers, the Scottish Anglers National Association, Competition Clubs (SANACC).

Residents in an East Lothian village have reacted with anger over plans to replace a traditional cottage with a large house which will block their views of historic hills.

Plans to demolish Briar Cottage, which sits on the edge of Gullane Golf Club, and replace it with a home more ‘in keeping’ with modern houses which have been built on the street, have alarmed residents living behind the one way street.

They fear the cottage, which is in a dilapidated state, will be replaced with a much larger home, similar to one next door which replaced another cottage a decade ago.

And they say the higher building are blocking their views across the golf course to the Lammermuir Hills.

One resident said: “After Aros Cottage was replaced with a huge house we have been watching the cottage next door fall into disrepair with concern, and now plans have been lodged to tear it down and build a new home, our fears have proved correct.

“These cottages were part of Gullane’s history but are being replaced with expensive big houses which we would never expect to be allowed in a conservation area.

“When you buy in a conservation village you expect things to stay they same. We don’t expect our views to be blocked out by large new development.”

Plans for a new house on the site of the cottage say they will “demolish an existing dilapidated cottage and replace it with a new house of traditional form that is better suited to the size and its presentation onto Templar Place”.

It adds that the cottage was once a “a simple country cottage” before neighbouring homes were built around it adding “the new house has been designed to sit comfortably into the surrounding houses by tying in with the
ridge and eaves heights”,

On social media opinions were split over the new house with a number of residents remembering the cottage from their own childhood and criticising the newer neighbouring properties.

One said: “A lovely little cottage spoiled by an enormous house built next door which is not in keeping with the surrounding houses.”

While another added: “What’s wrong with a tasteful renovation that retains the beauty of this charming little property.”

And a third said: “Should not be allowed to demolish another building with history to put money in pockets of those and such.”

However some support for the new proposals was also added with one person saying: “It’s a pretty ugly building compared to many in the village so why not replace it with something more attractive, like the one next door. A beautiful new property with a huge amount of character”.

Plans for demolition and the new house are on East Lothian planning portal.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Officers remain in the Bankton Lane area of Livingston following the death of a man on Thursday, 26 September, 2024.

Around 2am officers were called to a report of a man found injured on Bankton Lane. Emergency services attended however the 50-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bankton Lane, Bankton Glade and the surrounding footpaths remain closed whilst further enquiries are carried out. We would ask people to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Following a post-mortem examination, his death is being treated as unexplained. Enquiries are ongoing to establish if there has been any criminality surrounding the circumstances.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance said: “It is vital we get the correct answers for the man’s family and officers are continuing to carry out thorough enquiries to do this.

“The family continue to be supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with concerns or questions is encouraged to approach these officers.

“We are also asking that anyone who saw or heard something unusual between midnight and 2am in the Bankton Lane area to contact us as soon as possible.

“If you have private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage which might have captured anything, we ask that you check this to assist in our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0278 of 26 September.

Edinburgh Council will look to bill Oasis for all costs it incurs from the band’s hotly anticipated return to the capital next year, after nearly £40k was spent supporting Taylor Swift’s concerts this summer and not recovered from organisers.

Council leader Cammy Day said taxpayers ‘should not bear the costs’ of the city hosting large-scale events, regardless of the wider boost to the local economy.

He said it was “fantastic” the capital attracted major events like the Oasis tour, but the council faced a £30m black hole whilst organisers enjoyed “huge profits”.

A new policy applying 100 per cent cost recovery to commercial events will come into force on Tuesday, October 1. This will allow the council to claw back all funds spent on toilets, lighting, street cleaning and other services which facilitate concerts and sports matches.

It comes after Taylor Swift left the local authority nearly £40k out of pocket this summer.

Figures released last month showed for the Eras Tour’s three nights at Murrayfield in June, the council spent: £16,934 on security measures; £3,650 on lighting; £2,985 on temporary toilets; £678 on ‘radios’; £642 on CCTV; £400 on signage; and £1,434.36 on ‘intelligent traffic signals’. Council staff also worked 1,044 hours of overtime, which based on the real living wage amounts to at least £12,528.

Organisers did however foot a £21,913 bill for additional waste and cleansing, while Scottish Rugby, which hosted the concerts at Murrayfield, met some other costs.

Greens city councillor Dan Heap, who requested the figures, said “billionaire entertainers” should meet their own costs and added the revised charging model “could not come a moment too soon”.

However online some argued as these numbers were dwarfed by the boost to the city’s economy, which research by Hellotickets reported was £77m, the expenditure on additional services was justified.

Speaking at a full council meeting last week, Councillor Day said: “I don’t think the taxpayer in Edinburgh should bear the costs of that. Of course, these concerts bring tens of millions of pounds to the city and it’s hugely successful and we want that to continue, but the impact shouldn’t be on our residents.”

Culture and communities convener Val Walker said: “It is fantastic that our city attracts major events such as the Oasis tour.

“What is the council leader’s view on the additional pressures on the city during the festival, the busiest time of the year, when it’s estimated that the population of the city doubles? And should we be able to recoup all the additional costs that fall on the council?”

Cllr Day replied: “Of course it’s great that we’ve seen fantastic acts like Taylor Swift and the many other acts that came here in the last year

“As the lowest funded council in Scotland facing a budget deficit as I touched on earlier of over £30m, whilst some event organisers across the country are making huge profits.

“I think they should cover the costs of these events, not the council. The Taylor Swift event along incurred costs of around £29,000 of resources and staff time.”

The council leader told the LDRS: “As Scotland’s Capital we host of a number of world class festivals and international events every year, and we have a responsibility and duty of care to our residents and those visiting to ensure their safety and that the facilities they need are available.

“Which is why, on 1 October 2024, a new council policy will come into force that will look to recoup costs from event organisers.

“The additional costs to the city of hosting international events and world class concerts also highlight our need for a visitor levy, which we plan to introduce as early as Summer 2026.

“The levy will generate millions of pounds in additional revenue to sustain and develop our incredible city – just as so many other major destinations already do so successfully – and will help us to support and enhance our events. As an example, a 5% levy on overnight stays in Edinburgh would raise over £6 million in August alone.”

Councillor Heap said: “I am pleased that the figures I was able to get out of the council that showed that it provided a wasteful £40,000 subsidy to a billionaire entertainer’s concert at Murrayfield has been influential and the Administration supports full cost recovery from large events.

“Large events need and should, where appropriate, receive the logistical and organisation support from Council to ensure the smooth and safe running of the event, but they do not need a subsidy from the council’s hard-pressed finances. Greens will be forcing this issue to a Council vote in the near future.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Author Jen Stout, who wrote Night Train to Odesa, has raised again the need to revive the public interest journalism institute.

The author and investigative journalist was speaking at the Wigtown Book Festival at the weekend. She said that there is an urgent need to reverse the decline in Scottish journalism and this is one way to do it. Pointing out that not one Scottish newspaper has a staff correspondent covering Ukraine, she said the institute would support the next generation of skilled independent journalists.

Ms Stout said: “Scotland’s newspapers are some of the oldest, and were once among the most prestigious, in the world.
“But there are few foreign correspondents left. None of our newspapers have a staff correspondent covering Ukraine – a major war in Europe! – or a foreign correspondent on the staff at all.
“In an age rife with disinformation and lies, we desperately need this expertise and connection – a correspondent can’t be replaced by rehashed agency copy.
“The foreign sections of our newspapers – or what’s left of them – are starting to sound and look identical and impersonal. Imagine if there was a Scottish public interest journalism institute – supporting local, international and specialist journalism, but also acting as an advocate for the kind of strong, trusted reporting every citizen needs.
“I was lucky to have work commissioned often by the excellent Sunday Post while in Ukraine – and David Pratt’s coverage in other Scottish papers is obviously brilliant – but the fact remains that it’s freelancers doing this work, where once newspapers could send their own reporters off to cover big global stories.

“These days getting started in a journalism career is hugely expensive. People have to accept unpaid internships, half-funded opportunities plus the growing expectation that they have not just a degree but a postgraduate journalism qualification. That takes tens of thousands of pounds.

“A Public Interest Journalism Working Group was established in 2021 but there has been little progress, and it now falls to Culture Secretary Angus Robertson to push matters forward.
“This not just about how we understand foreign affairs and how we tackle misinformation, but about basic democracy functioning in Scotland.
“Hopefully MSPs and ministers understand that though journalists can be a pain in the arse for them, a news vacuum full of disinformation and conspiracy would be much worse.”

Ms Stout also spoke at the Scottish Beacon’s Indie News Week’s event when Richard Leonard, the former Scottish Labour leader, appealed to The Scottish Government to revive the idea.

Adrian Turpin, Wigtown Book Festival Artistic Director, said: “During my own career as a newspaper journalist in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK I witnessed an alarming decline in the number of specialist reporters and correspondents.
“Specialists like Jen Stout are vital if we are going to have a media that upholds democracy and freedom by bring us well-researched stories and by holding the powerful to account.
“And here at the festival some of the most compelling and popular events we hold each year are led by respected journalists who have spent decades getting to understand their beat – whether that’s as journalists covering war, overseas events, politics, the environment, health, economics or any of the other forces that affect our world.
“It’s of enormous importance that we find a way to ensure that high-quality journalism can flourish and guarantee that future generations have access to expert, independent journalism.”

The owner of a short term holiday let in Midlothian wants to turn it back into a home after saying changes to tax laws will wipe out its profits from next year.

Laura Chambers has applied for permission to change Bilston Gardens, on the outskirts of Bilston, back into a residential house five years after it was converted into a holiday let.

In her application she says changes due to be introduced next year will mean it is no longer a viable business.

She says she wants to “revert the property back to a dwellinghouse from a short term let due to the abolishment of the Furnished Holiday Let tax
regime which eliminates the profit margin of the business as of April 2025.”

The UK Government announced plans during its spring budget to abolish the tax relief surrounding holiday lets next year.

It means income and gains from a furnished holiday let will form part of its owners UK or overseas property business and be treated in line with all other property income and gains.

Currently owners of the short term let properties receive some tax relief and benefits which will be scrapped.

The UK Government says the changes will “promotes fairness and aligns the tax rules for furnished holiday lettings with those for other property businesses”.

Since the Scottish Government introduced changes to short term holiday let legislation which requires them to be licensed local authorities have been inundated with applications for a change of use from residential homes to holiday lets from operators who did not need it before.

The application to turn the Bilston house back to a home is currently being considered by planning officers and can be viewed on the Midlothian Council planning portal.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Hibs Sky Sports Cup campaign kicked off in fantastic fashion as the team secured a convincing victory over Queen’s Park. 

Kathleen McGovern was the standout on the scoresheet, scoring her second Hibs hat-trick. Eilidh Adams also notched a brace, with further strikes from Linzi Taylor and Lauren Doran-Barr. 

Grant Scott was “delighted” with his side’s performance. 

“We’ve [reached the next round] in a nice way,” Scott told Hibs TV. 

 “We’ve scored some nice goals today and I’m delighted with the performance.  

“We suspected that Queen’s Park would try to keep it tight to stay in the game for as long as they could. 

“I felt it took us a long time to create those opportunities but we encouraged the players to keep playing and keep moving the ball. 

“I think we controlled that predominantly in the second half – we were maybe a bit frantic in the first. But the players took it all on board and dominated the game start to finish really. 

Hibs are back in home comforts next weekend, hosting Montrose in a return to league action, and Scott is excited to be back in front of the Hibs faithful in EH7. 

“It will be nice to be back home. We’ve been away for a few weeks now. 

“To be back in front of our own fans on our own pitch all feels a little bit more comfortable. 

“It’s another tough challenge. I have a lot of respect for Montrose and the squad Craig Feroz has built up there.” 

Doran-Barr was “buzzing” with the perfect birthday present.  

“I’m just happy to get minutes in the legs,” LDB told Hibs TV after the team booked their spot in the quarter-finals. 

“I’m obviously happy to contribute to the team but most importantly we are through to the next round. 

“A good team performance all round, so I’m happy.” 

Recovering from an injury has staggered Doran-Barr’s return to action this season. 

Four substitute appearances preceded starts from the off last weekend and at Ochilview, but now it appears LDB is getting back to full fitness. 

“I think for me it’s just about getting back up to speed and get that match sharpness.  

“Coming into the start of the season it’s been tough carrying a bit of an injury. 

“I was a little bit behind where the girls were but I’m feeling sharper every week. 

“It’s good to be back on the pitch and hopefully I can keep picking up more minutes.”  

The draw for the last 16 will take place live on Sky Sports on Tuesday 1 October. 

David Bowie was a fan of the cult Scottish sketch show Absolutely, and even had videos sent to him when he was on tour.

Jack Docherty, 62, co-wrote and starred in the Channel 4 show, which ran from 1989 to 1993 and included the popular Stoneybridge sketches.

Docherty said he became a huge Bowie fan growing up in Edinburgh in the 1970s and later got the chance to interview his musical hero when he hosted his own chat show on Channel 5 in the 1990s.

Speaking on BBC Scotland series The Big Scottish Book Club, he admitted he thought Bowie was just being kind when he said he was a fan.

He recalled how the pair had later “hung out and shared a packet of cigarettes and chatted”.

But he only discovered Bowie, who died aged 69 in 2016, truly was an Absolutely fan after fellow comic David Baddiel attended his stage show “David Bowie and Me” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year.

He said: “Growing up in Edinburgh in the seventies, he [Bowie] brought danger and possibility and colour into a very drab black and white world.

“[Hanging out with him for a couple of hours afterwards], it was amazing because I just kept thinking ‘he’s not leaving’. Maybe he was waiting for his car or maybe he was just so connected to everything and everyone he found it hard to let go wherever he was.

“So we just hung out and shared a packet of cigarettes and chatted.

“He did say when I met him, ‘oh yeah Jack, I’m a big fan’.

“I thought ‘well he’s just being nice’, but David Baddiel came to see my show and he said ‘oh no, he used to get sent comedy videos when he was on tour’ — Mary Whitehouse Experience, our show Absolutely — so he did love British comedy.”

Docherty, now best known as Scot Squad chief Cameron Miekelson, also tells The Big Scottish Book Club how he was studying law at Aberdeen University when he took the opportunity to become a TV star instead.

He and school friends Moray Hunter, Gordon Kennedy and Pete Baikie first performed at the 1980 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but had intended it to be a one-off, he said.

The group, who were then known as The Bodgers, would all go on to star in Absolutely.

Docherty said: “We thought we’ll just do it once but then we got the bug and producers would come and see us and say ‘do you want to work in television?’

“We suddenly went “well, yeah, ok – I was going to be a lawyer but no”.

“I remember sitting in the library going through a case about the common ownership of tenement drainpipes.

“I just thought, “hang on, I’ll become a wandering minstrel instead” so I stuck with that.”