As the countdown to the final day of the nation’s old £1 coin looms, Livingston Designer Outlet is encouraging people in West Lothian to drop their remaining coins into its famous water feature with all funds being
donated to Barnardo’s Scotland.

The Outlet has been working in partnership with Scotland’s largest children’s charity for the last two years, having already donated more than £18,000 to support disadvantaged young people living in West Lothian. The money raised so far has meant that more than 250 children benefited from supportive care from Barnardo’s Scotland which assists families who have children with profound learning disabilities and high care needs.

Now the shopping centre is calling on local people to drop their remaining old £1 coins into its famous fountain before they go out of circulation on Monday, 16 October.

Karen Stewart, Centre Manager at Livingston Designer Outlet, said: “Over the last two years, we’ve been constantly amazed at how generous the people of West Lothian have been in showing support for our charity partner.  If any of our customers are looking for a good excuse in how to use up their old £1 coins before the 16th October, we’d urge them to support our fundraising drive for Barnardo’s Scotland and have a little fun in making a wish while they do it. We know how much of a positive impact the money will make.”

Through voluntary donations from the public and companies like Livingston Designer Outlet, Barnardo’s Scotland offers activities which help promote inclusion whilst developing physical, communication and social
skills and encourage confidence.

Councillor Maureen Child is Labour councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar.

Here she delves into her postbag and tells us what is going on over on the east side of the city.

Portobello Timebank members completed another fantastic clean up of Magdalene Glen last Saturday – a truly magnificent effort, and all very much appreciated! A lovely sunny day brought out a dozen people, of all ages and abilities, to pick up surface litter around the Asda footbridge, and to tackle weightier problems alongside Portobello Timebank members. On a previous recce Timebanker James Carver had discovered a trolley graveyard up near Fort Kinnaird, and 18 were recovered in various states of disrepair. A couple of recently fly-tipped mattresses were also dealt with.  As ever, a Council refuse cage was filled with rubbish accumulated since the Timebank group were last there in May.  Have you seen the photos on social media yet?

Also a massive thank you to the great 18 volunteers who spent a total of 74 hours on our Bellfield’s pre winter clear up at the weekend!

Portobello Timebank is having a coffee and cake morning on Saturday in Portobello Baptist Church,10am -12noon so come along and  find out how you can get involved and help them raise some funds and find out about the next fun clean up!  Tickets are £3 and accompanied children go free.  See you there?

Our dynamic Portobello beach volleyball duo is featured again this week; great role models for women and girls taking part in sport and training on our doorstep! Click here: http://www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/beach-volleyball-pair-bid-to-swap-portobello-for-gold-coast-1-4580833/amp

The Thistle’s Monday Tai Chi classes have been incredibly busy lately, so they recently added a fourth weekly session to the timetable. There is now a session on a Wednesday at 1.30pm.  If you’ve never tried it before, and want to give it a go, do pop in and speak to the friendly reception team at Queen’s Walk, Craigmillar.

David Calder’s local podcasts are always worth a listen, and this one no less than the others about enabling children to swim: https://www.buzzsprout.com/71622/568248-56-jump-in. David’s Porty Podcasts now number well over 50 and are great to listen to in archive too!

As the parent of two sons who went to Towerbank Primary School and the grandparent of five Towerbank pupils and ex-pupils, I am personally delighted to contribute a little to the ongoing development of the fantastic playground by buying a ticket for their lottery. Maybe you would like to do so as well?  Here’s the link: https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/towerbank-primary-school

This week I gave a big plug for the amazing ‘Alex and Charlie’ book for children which three of the six young authors from Young Edinburgh Action who presented so confidently at Portobello Book Festival over the weekend.  Watch me in action (if you  reallywant) from 52m48secs

https://edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/293990

In my view, Youth Action shows us all how to do politics for real and make a tangible difference in people’s lives; by participating and making a sustainable change in policy, culture and attitudes.  Our representative democratic structures, like Councils and Parliaments are important, but it can also seem like ‘all talk and no action’. These youngsters show how participatory democracy can be done well. So, please do take note and learn from how they do politics!

On this topic, I just got a lovely note of thanks for this from Christina McMellon who chaired two Sunday sessions I went to in Portobello Book Festival. Christina says:   “On behalf of the Young Edinburgh Action team (staff and young people) I’d really like to thank you for your contribution at the Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday. We were cheering you on as we watched the live stream.  You reflected the project and our views about young people’s participation perfectly.” She also says the young people also got a big buzz out of presenting their work to Portobello Book Festival.  This was all such a fabulous learning experience – for us all!

On the ongoing  complaints about the occupation of caravans and mobile homes at foot of Kings Road, I had a walk about down there this week – in the rain – and met one of the local residents who desperately wants something done about them.  I will ask –  again –  if the Council would put up notices encouraging people to have some consideration and not to camp there overnight in their caravans and mobile homes.  It is causing some grief to immediate neighbours.

This week, I visited residents in the sheltered housing in Hope Lane, first thing in the morning, and saw demonstrated in practice how difficult they find crossing the busy Hope Lane to get to the new path and beyond.  There are a number of things that have to be sorted around the new school as it beds in, and some of these are being flushed out through a road safety audit.  Once that audit is complete (very soon, I hope!) and the recommendations for changes clear, work will be done to sort out the issues these residents have.  I am also well aware that the flashing lights on the 20mph signs on Milton Road are not working as they should, while the one on Hope Lane works fine!  Apparently they were connected to the wrong electricity supply and that really does need to be sorted too!  It is in hand.

On Tuesday evening, Ian Bienowski, network performance manager for Lothian Buses plc came to Craigmillar Community Council (CCC) to answer questions about the re-routing of the No 21.   Since the changes in the Spring, instead of going via Peffermill Road, the No 21 goes straight to the new Royal Infirmary along the dedicated bus lane through Greendykes. Understandably, Craigmillar residents to the west of the Greendykes Road junction are upset and angry that they must now take two buses to get to the RIE and Savacentre and they are not as well served as before. This route change was to make sure the buses are more reliable, by avoiding congestion both at Craigmillar crossroads and the junction near Savacentre.  All four Local Portobello/Craigmillar Councillors were at the Community Council Meeting.  Last Spring these changes imposed on us with no notice at all, with no opportunity to protest about it.  We – and CCC – are assured of a much better dialogue in future.

Have a great weekend when it comes!

Best wishes

Maureen

Councillor Maureen Child | Labour Elected Member | Portobello/Craigmillar (Ward 17) | The City of Edinburgh Council | City Chambers | High Street | Edinburgh | EH1 1YJ | Tel 0131 529 3268 | Mobile 07718 666 481 |  Twitter @MaureenChild1 | Facebook Maureen Child for Portobello/Craigmillar

Police  have charged a 15-year-old boy in connection with a wilful fire-raising which took place around 8.20pm on Saturday 23rd September at Paradykes Primary School in Loanhead.

A shed containing specialist play equipment estimated at a value of approximately £10,000 was destroyed after deliberately being set on fire. The 15-year-old will now be reported to the Children’s Reporter.

Inspector John Dryden of Penicuik Police Station said, “Starting fires deliberately can not only cause damage to property but also poses a risk to life or serious injury.

“It was fortunate on this occasion that no one was injured as a result of the fire, however, children who rely on the specialist equipment have been deprived of these resources.

“Reckless acts such as this will not be tolerated and I urge members of the community to contact Police if they know or suspect anyone to be involved in such activity”.

Six Scottish sides took part in the prestigious Algarve Walking Football Cup which was held at Brown’s Sports and Leisure Club in Vilamoura on 6/7 October.

Walking Football has seen a surge in popularity in recent years with teams and projects developing in settings from football clubs, local authorities, community groups, sports clubs and in healthcare settings.

The sport is aimed at keeping people aged over 50 involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or for other reason, they are not able to play the traditional game.

Though based on association football, the key difference in the rules, from standard football, is that if a player runs then they concede a free kick to the other side. This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles, is aimed both at avoiding injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who are physically disadvantaged.

Walking Football also has the potential to improve people’s lives. Benefits include increased physical activity, improved mental health and wellbeing, access to additional sources of support and the opportunity to form new friendships for those living in isolation.

Carnoustie Panmure fared best, winning the Final Classification Place after finishing 5th in the tournament which was won by local side Olhao A who defeated hosts Browns in the final.

Tullibody Reds finished in 6th place, just above Hearts 56 in 7th.

Tweedvale from Peebles finished in 14th place with Hearts 98 in 15th and Tullibody Blues in 19th.

Paul Yates from Chesterton Crusaders A was named the tournament Most Valuable Player and 78 year-old Paul Simpson from Mansfield Reds won the Forever Young award.

The full list of results for the Scottish teams follows.

Carnoustie Panmure

Carnoustie Panmure 2-1 Browns

Carnoustie Panmure 4-0 Mansfield Reds

Carnoustie Panmure 1-0 Chesterton Crusaders A

Carnoustie Panmure 0-0 Tullibody Reds

Carnoustie Panmure 5-1 Tweedvale

Carnoustie Panmure 0-0 Derby County (Lost 3-2 on penalties)

Carnoustie Panmure 1-1 Hearts 56 (Won 2-1 on penalties)

Carnoustie Panmure 1-0 Tullibody Reds

Tullibody Reds

Tullibody Reds 0-0 Chesterton Crusaders A

Tullibody Reds 2-1 Mansfield Reds

Tullibody Reds 0-1 Browns WF

Tullibody Reds 0-0 Carnoustie Panmure

Tullibody Reds 0-0 Canterbury City (Won 2-1 on penalties)

Tullibody Reds 1-0 Chesterton Crusaders A

Tullibody Reds 0-0 Olhao B (Lost 1-2 on penalties)

Tullibody Reds 0-1 Carnoustie Panmure

Hearts 56

Hearts 56 1-2 Olhao A

Hearts 56 4-1 Stamerton stalkers Navy

Hearts 56 1-1 Canterbury City

Hearts 56 5-1 Tavira B

Hearts 56 0-0 Mansfield Yellow (Won 3-1 on penalties)

Hearts 56 0-0 Chesterton Crusaders A(Won 1-0 on penalties)

Hearts 56 0-2 Olhao A

Hearts 56 0-0 Browns (Lost 0-2 on penalties)

Hearts 56 1-1 Carnoustie Panmure (Lost 2-1 on penalties)

Hearts 56 1-1 Chesterton Crusaders B

Tweedvale

Tweedvale 0-2 Derby County

Tweedvale 1-2 Stamerton Stalkers Black

Tweedvale 1-3 Olhao B

Tweedvale 0-1 Hearts 98

Tweedvale 2-1 Tullibody Blue

Tweedvale 1-5 Carnoustie Panmure

Tweedvale 0-1 Chesterton Crusaders A

Tweedvale 2-0 Hearts 98

Tweedvale 0-1 Stamerton Stalkers Black

Hearts 98

Hearts 98 0-0 Olhao B

Hearts 98 0-2 Stamerton Stalkers Black

Hearts 98 2-2 Derby County

Hearts 98 1-0 Tweedvale

Hearts 98 0-0 Mansfield Yellows (Won 3-1 on penalties)

Hearts 98 0-2 Olhao A

Hearts 98 0-1 Canterbury City

Hearts 98 0-2 Tweedvale

Hearts 98 1-0 Tavira

Tullibody Blues

Tullibody Blues 0-2 Chesterton Crusaders B

Tullibody Blues 0-0 Mansfield Seniors Yellow

Tullibody Blues 0-0 Tavira

Tullibody Blues 0-3 West Lancs

Tullibody Blues 1-2 Tweedvale

Tullibody Blues 0-0 Stamerton Stalkers (Lost 1-2 on penalties)

Tullibody Blues 1-1 Tavira (Won 2-1 on penalties)

Photo courtesy of Brown’s

Emily Dark is the youngest player ever to be called up by the current Scotland senior women’s coach.

If the Tayside-based player gets the nod to play against Ireland later this month then she will be two months into her 17th year.

And she will then eclipse the previous youngest who was her Dundee Wanderers team-mate Charlotte Watson who was three months short of her 18th birthday when she was capped for the first time.

Dark is one of five newcomers named by coach Gordon Shepherd, a fellow Dundonian, in the squad for three matches at Banbridge against Ireland from October 22 to 25.

The others are Laura Swanson, Aussie-born Danie McMurray, who qualifies by relatives, Rachael Mack and Lorna Cruickshank

The teams met back in August at RABO EuroHockey Championships 2017 in Amsterdam, battling out a close 0-0 draw.

But Glasgow-based Shepherd and his Irish counterpart have agreed not to field full-strength line-ups.

They want to give fringe players a chance with a long-term view looking towards the Commonwealth Games next year.

Shepherd said: “I have decided to use these games to give players who were not selected this summer for the World League semi-final and European Championships an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the squad that will be selected for warm weather training in January.

“The January camp will be the selection phase for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.”

He added: “There are potentially five new caps and I am looking forward to seeing them in this environment.

“Emily will be the youngest player that I have given a cap to. She is an exciting prospect and has progressed massively this year.”

SQUAD: Lucy Camlin, Emily Newlands (Watsonians), Danie McMurray, Kareena Cuthbert and Becky Ward (Western Wildcats), Karin Belch, Katie Robertson, Sarah Jamieson (Grove Menzieshill), Bex Condie (University of Birmingham), Laura Swanson (Edinburgh University), Kate Holmes (Clifton Robinsons HC), Emily Dark, Charlotte Watson (Dundee Wanderers), Fiona Bruce (Wimbledon), Rachael Mack (Leicester), Lucy Lanigan (Clydesdale Western), Millie Brown, Fiona Burnet (Clydesdale Western), Lorna Cruickshank (Durham University)

Next Monday Musselburgh Racecourse will end its Flat racing season with an afternoon meeting featuring some great horses and riders.

The seven race card has potential winnings of £75,000 on offer and Joe Fanning is in pole position to grab the Edinburgh Gin Jockey and Trainers Championship with 17 wins, nine ahead of second placed Connor Beasley, while leading trainer Keith Dalgleish has a four point lead over nearest challenger Mark Johnston.

Racing gets underway at 2.20pm with the £5000 British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes over five furlongs, with feature race the £20,000 Breeders Backing Racing EBF Flying Scotsman Condition Stakes off at 3.55pm.

Musselburgh has staged 17 fixtures over the Flat season, including an extra meeting last Monday sanctioned by the British Horseracing Association after several Scottish meetings had been abandoned due to bad weather.

At Monday’s meeting (9 October) Mabs Cross extended her winning streak to four when landing the feature race, the Listed £30,000 EBF Musselburgh Fillies’ Sprint Stakes, when jockey Paul Mulrennan appeared late on the scene to beat favourite Clem Fandango by three-quarters of a length.

Sophie P followed up her previous win at Musselburgh in fillies company in the Isn’t It Wiser To Bet At racinguk.com Handicap over 7 furlongs and Ayrshire trainer Mike Smith said she could be back on Monday for an East Lothian hat-trick. The Keith Dalgleish-trained Han Solo Berger took the opening juvenile contest while Let Right Be Done sprung a 18/1 upset in division one of the seven furlong handicap.

Musselburgh’s Flat season has featured more than £1.2 million in prize money and highlights included the first running of the £100,000 Queens Cup, a stayers handicap run over 1m 6f. The ever popular Stobo Castle Ladies Day enjoyed its 12^thconsecutive capacity sell-out while the Edinburgh Cup meeting attracted its largest ever crowd to date with 6300 racegoers flocking to Musselburgh to watch the £80,000 Edinburgh Gin’s Edinburgh Cup which was won by trainer Mark Johnston for the fourth time.

After a short break, Musselburgh is back in action with the opening fixture of its 2017-18 National Hunt season on Wednesday 8 November 2017. For further information on all National Hunt fixtures and to book tickets for Monday or other meetings visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Loganlea trout fishery have confirmed they will be staying open in November.

And bosses will allow fishing by any method for the entire month.

Fishing is however only from the bank and the price will be £25.

However, anglers can keep what they catch and there is no limit.

You can fish from 9am until it is dark.

Catch and release permits will still be available for those who wish to fly fish.

Meanwhile, Loganlea is currently open from 9am to 6.30pm and permits are available until 2.30pm.

Bruno’s American Diner on Lothian Road has changed hands. Christie & Co sold the restaurant within two months.

The new owners Luigi Aseni already owns Boteco de Brasil, a Brazilian themed bar and grill with outlets in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The restaurant will be rebranded as Picollino and will serve ‘authentic Italian food’

Tony Spence, Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Edinburgh office who handled the sale comments, “Lothian Road in Edinburgh does not offer many options for authentic Italian dining and the introduction of Picollino will work well in this area of Edinburgh; which is always busy with locals and tourists.

“Currently, the market is very strong in Edinburgh. Investors are now willing to consider leaseholds because they understand that there are now limited opportunities for freeholds in the market. Depending on location and current goodwill, buyers are currently offering high premiums for the right business.”

The property was sold off of an asking price of £60,000.

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This free annual celebration of film and education comes to Edinburgh next month.

Booking is now open for club leaders and teachers to book places for free cinema screenings. There are 3,000 films at over 600 venues across the UK.

There will be guest speakers from the film industry and there will be lots of handouts for schools and clubs to take away and continue the learning.

The line-up with places still available includes the following (but this is not a comprehensive list so it gives you some idea of how many opportunities there are for clubs and organisations to see FREE films!)

Loads more information here. 

Goodbye Christopher Robin at Odeon Edinburgh Lothian Road on 9 November 2017

Zootropolis at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 10 November 2017

War for the Planet of the Apes at Odeon Edinburgh Lothian Road on 10 November 2017

Careers talk with Axis Animation at The Cameo on 13 November 2017

Goosebumps at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 14 November 2017

Hidden Figures at Odeon Edinburgh Lothian Road on 14 November 2017

The Eagle Huntress at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 14 November 2017

Cars 3 (3D) at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 15 November 2017

Rogue One at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 15 November 2017

Trolls at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 15 November 2017

Guardians of The Galaxy Volume 2 att Odeon Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird on 15 November 2017

Murder on the Orient Express at Odeon Edinburgh Lothian Road on 16 November 2017

The Red Turtle at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 16 November 2017

The Edge of Seventeen with Stan Godek at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 16 November 2017

Dhanak (Rainbow) at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 16 November

Screening and Talk of An Inconvenient Truth at Vue Edinburgh Ocean on 16 November 2017 (Also at Odeon Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird on 24 November)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Long Haul at Due Edinburgh Ocean on 17 November 2017

Victoria & Abdul at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 17 November 2017

Despicable Me at Vue Edinburgh Omni on 17 November 2017

Step at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 21 November 2017

Lady Macbeth at Cineworld on 21 November 2017

Get Out with BBFC at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 22 November

Landfill Harmonic at Edinburgh Zoo on 22 November 2017

I, Daniel Blake with a talk with screenwriter Paul Laverty at The Cameo Edinburgh on 22 November 2017

Cleo at Edinburgh Filmhouse on 23 November 2017

Full details of how to book here

Into Film Festival – interview with Sam Wilson (Festival Director) from Into Film on Vimeo.

The recent Girly Get Together hosted by Grant Stott at Prestonfield House raised £75,000 for a fund which supports children in hospital and their families.

The event was a complete sell out with dinner included and games including a mystery box lucky dip. One winner got the marshmallows while others got designer bags and accessories.

There were topless butlers keeping the food and wine flowing while selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a diamond worth £5,700.

Roisin Doyle, Events Fundraiser at ECHC, said: “It was a brilliant night with a record number of 35 tables sold and we sold out of tickets in January which shows how popular it’s become.

“The first game was the mystery boxes, which involved four of the women coming up on stage and each taking a box. The woman who ended up with the marshmallows took it in really great

spirit whilst you couldn’t wipe the beaming smiles off the others.

“The second involved us selling 200 LED butterflies for £20 each and then one lucky woman won a diamond which was kindly donated by Hamilton and Inches. As you can imagine, this was very popular, and there was a stampede across the room as soon as it was announced.”

Jim Kerr, lead singer of rock band Simple Minds donated memorabilia which was auctioned during the night.

Each table had stunning floral centrepieces donated thanks to Flowers by Maxwell while local band The Flavours provided music.

Roisin continued: ““We’re all absolutely delighted to raise such an amazing amount of money which will make the experience of being in hospital so much more positive for children and young people through the grants that ECHC fund.”

“It was a really wild night for the ladies and seems to just get better year on year. We can’t wait for next year’s now.”

Proving that sometimes the public can sway what the council does, there are many changes in the new layout for Silverknowes Roundabout.

The roundabout will be closed off from 23 October to 5 November to conduct the work. The number 29 bus will be diverted during that period. Information on planned bus diversions is here.

The council came up with a layout which gave rise to much adverse comment, but it appears that the new layout is more acceptable to its former critics.

The changes made to the roundabout are intended to help make it safer and more user-friendly for those travelling on two wheels, as well as pedestrians.

Following discussions between Council officers and representatives of cycling groups, a number of new features are currently being installed at the roundabout in north west Edinburgh as part of ongoing carriageway resurfacing works.

The changes include:

– a reduction down to one lane on and off the roundabout from Silverknowes Parkway by introducing footway build-outs

– the creation of a dedicated cycle track on the north side of the roundabout, to the rear of the existing footpath and behind the bus terminus

– the pedestrian refuge island in Lauriston Farm Avenue to be changed to a zebra crossing on a raised table with a  footway build out on the south side to improve sightlines

– the introduction of hatching markings on the centre of the roundabout to reduce the running lane to five metres.

In light of experience with this project, the Council’s Street Design Guidance will be amended, clarifying that the type of cycle lane originally planned in this project which would have followed the perimeter of the roundabout within the carriageway is not recommended for use in Edinburgh. (No doubt this will be interesting news for those working on possible changes to the roundabout at Picardy Place.)

Transport Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “I’m very pleased that through working together with cycling groups to address their concerns, we’ve been able to achieve this positive outcome. Coupled with the new road surface, which will make it smoother and safer for all road users, these alterations to Silverknowes roundabout will help make it much more accessible for bicycles and pedestrians.”

Local councillor Kevin Lang told The Edinburgh Reporter last night that he was glad that the new scheme is more acceptable.

He said : “I am pleased to see that Council officials have listened to the serious concerns which were expressed and have now agreed a revised plan for the roundabout. Nevertheless, there remain serious questions over how the original flawed design was agreed and very nearly built.

“This roundabout is a key junction in north west Edinburgh. The priority must now be to complete this works as quickly as possible so the disruption to the community is kept to a minimum.”

Councillor Lang first raised this project as ‘a complete and utter shambles’ at a full council meeting.

Councillor Lang had questioned the way the council had dealt with the changes to the road layout which were supposed to be carried out in early September.

He laid a formal question before the full council meeting of 21 September asking why local councillors had not been advised or given full details of the works.

Martin McDonnell of Spokes said: “Spokes greatly welcomes the Council’s new policy to incorporate cycle and pedestrian facilities in resurfacing projects, thus providing new facilities at relatively little cost.  The Silverknowes case shows the value and importance of the Council consulting on the details of such projects.”

Graeme Hart, proprietor of Hart’s Cyclery, said: “I contacted the Council as I was concerned that the resurfacing of the roundabout needed to be done in a cycle-friendly way.  I was pleased to host a meeting with Council officers, along with Spokes, and delighted with the outcome and with the open-minded approach of the Council officers.”

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock has secured an adjournment debate at Westminster on Thursday afternoon.

This comes after the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which published a report on the UK Government’s record to date. The report condemned the effects of government policies as a human catastrophe.

Deidre Brock MP will today demand urgent action from the UK Government to tackle their ‘shameful’ failures on disabled rights.

The UN provided over 80 recommendations for improvements in a report last August but the UK Government failed to act.

Deidre said:- “That a rich nation like this neglects its international obligations on disability rights is utterly appalling.

“The UK Government’s record on disability rights should shame any government – but not this one it seems. Their obsession with austerity is impoverishing people, stripping away their rights and their ability to live full, dignified and independent lives.

“It’s policy choices to pull support that makes people more vulnerable and more isolated, it’s not the normal state of affairs. Society is disabling people and it has to change.

“There is no sign of it ending yet though.  Two of the three disability premiums that were in Employment Support Allowance are missing from Universal Credit so severely disabled people will lose £78.35 per week from their income – that’s about £340 per month.  Research done by the Citizens Advice Bureau in East Lothian showed that disabled recipients of Universal Credit will lose up to one fifth of their income.

“The UK Government must now commit to getting round the table with disabled organisations. They must act to tackle their failures and to build the fair society that they seem intent on destroying.”

It appears to Deidre that things are getting worse and worse for people with disabilities, and she thought she should speak up.  She’s hoping that the Minister will respond with some indication that there is positive action on the way.

The full report is here.

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Dundee Stars, beaten back-to-back by Edinburgh Capitals last weekend, have turned to a former Fife Flyers star to help drag the team off the bottom of the Elite League.

Justin Fox is expected to join the Tayside team next week after completing paperwork.

And Stars coach Omar Pacha believes the 30-year-old forward from Whitby, Ontario, can be a major force for the team.

Pacha revealed that there were a number of options on the table but Fox was considered the best bet, partly because he knows the British game so well.

Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe will give Matt Bissonnette his debut against Fife Flyers in the Challenge Cup on Saturday in Northern Ireland.

Bissonnette has left Manchester Storm and Keefe admits he was a player he admired from previous clashes.

He said: “Once we found out that Matt was available, there was no hesitation in approaching him to come to Belfast.

“Our fans will enjoy watching Matt as he will bring size to our team as well as creativity.”

Bissonnette joined Manchester Storm for a second season during the summer and made ten appearances, scoring two and assisting in another couple.

At Braehead, Clan boss John Tripp has named Finnish forward Ville Hämäläinen as the club’s new captain.

The 36-year-old was once drafted by National Hockey League side Calgary Flames.

And he arrived in Scotland after extensive experience in European hockey, including games in the Champions Cup.

The move will allow former Fife Flyers star Brendan Brooks to now concentrate on his player assistant coaching role.

Craig Peacock will be joined by Brooks and Ryan Potulny as associate captains.

Premiership Knockout Cup, Final, second-leg: Belle Vue Aces 20, Wolverhampton Wolves 16 (meeting abandoned after Heat 6, rain)

Belle Vue: Kenneth Bjerre 2, Steve Worrall 3, rider replacement for Max Fricke, Rohan Tungate 6, Craig Cook 4, Dan Bewley 2, Jack Smith 3

Wolverhampton: Scott Nicholls 1, Richard Lawson 4, Erik Riss 2, rider replacement for Jacob Thorssell, Sam Masters 4, Mark Riss 2, Nathan Graves 3.

The second-leg of the Premiership Knockout Cup Final will be re-staged on Monday (October 16) after the meeting at Belle Vue Aces in Manchester was abandoned after six races.

Belle Vue were leading 20-16 at the stoppage with Wolverhampton having won the first-leg 50-40.

Several Glasgow Tigers and Edinburgh Monarchs riders were involved in both teams.

Tigers Dan Bewley and Jack Smith were in the Belle Vue squad with Glasgow team-mate Richard Lawson in for Wolves along with Monarchs trio Erik and Mark Riss and Sam Masters.

Edinburgh College apprentice Stefano La Greca has been named Paint Apprentice of the Year at the national Bodyshop Magazine Awards 2017.

Stefano, a vehicle painting apprentice at the college, received a specially customised spray gun, inscribed with his name.

Stefano, who works for DSL Autos, qualified for the final after competing against fellow apprentices from across the UK at an event in London.

He said: “The whole thing is pretty surreal. When I compared myself to who I was up against for the award I wasn’t feeling very confident.

“I had nothing to lose so I just relaxed and enjoyed myself. When I saw my name and picture come up on the screen I couldn’t believe it.

“Huge thanks to my employers and to all the lecturers at Edinburgh College. Having their support throughout the competition helped.”

Jim McCann, an automotive engineering lecturer at the college, said: “Stefano is an extremely enthusiastic student who is always keen to help others.

“He has displayed his talents throughout his time on the course with the college and with his employer.”

Police are appealing for the public’s help after a 15-year-old boy was seriously assaulted in the Oxgangs area.

The incident happened around 9.30pm on Monday 9th October on Oxgangs Road North. The 15-year-old victim sustained a serious facial injury following a verbal altercation with a man outside the Chip Inn.

The boy was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and released following treatment.Officers are now appealing for witnesses and are eager to trace the suspect who was accompanied by two women.

The suspect is described as of East Asian appearance, possibly Chinese, 20-25-years-old, medium build, 5ft 7ins tall with black hair. He was wearing glasses, a black bomber jacket and dark coloured trousers and shoes.

The first woman is described as of East Asian appearance, possibly Chinese, 20-25-years-old and of slim build. She had long brown hair, was wearing a long beige coat and black trainers. The second woman is described as of East Asian appearance, possibly Chinese, 20-25-years-old and of slim build. She had long dark hair and was wearing a black coat with a light coloured top underneath, dark trousers and white trainers.

Detective Constable Emma Wilkinson of Corstorphine CID said, “This was a vicious attack that resulted in the victim sustaining a serious injury.

“We are keen to trace the man and ask that anyone with information contacts police.“The road was busy with passing traffic and pedestrians and we ask anyone who witnessed the assault, or who knows who is responsible, to come forward to police.”

Those with information are asked to contact officers at Corstorphine CID on 101, quoting incident number 4064 of 9 October, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are investigating following a suspicious incident in Mill Road, Bathgate.The incident happened around 7.50am on Wednesday, October 11, when a 51-year-old woman was sitting within her blue Peugeot 206.

A man approached the vehicle and attempted to pull the woman from the driver’s seat. This attempt was unsuccessful and the man subsequently ran off in the direction of Cochrane Street.

The woman sustained a minor arm injury, however this did not require hospital treatment.

Police are now investigating and appealing for witnesses.

The suspect is described as a white man with a slim build.  He is believed to be around 5ft 6” – 5ft 7” in height, in his thirties with dark hair that has been shaved.

He is believed to have been wearing a dark coloured hooded top and dark coloured bottoms at the time of the attack.  He also speaks with a foreign accent.

Officers are still establishing the full circumstances of the incident, which they consider to be either an attempted assault or an attempt to steal the woman’s car.

Detective Constable Lynn Myles of Livingston CID said:  “This was a frightening attack which has left the victim very upset.

“We are eager to trace the man responsible as soon as possible and are appealing to the public for information.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Mill Road area on the morning of Wednesday, October 11, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with police immediately.”

Rally for Europe will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday to urge the UK Government to think again on Brexit.

This is a call to Scotland’s cities to sign up to an Open Declaration to show leadership against what they regard as potential damage from the move.

Speeches will be delivered outside the City Chambers at 2pm by Tommy Sheppard MP, Ian Murray MP, Patrick Harvie MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP and Susannah Rae of Perth for Europe.

The hope by the organisers is that the rally will demonstrate the case for remaining in the EU which they say 62% of those in Scotland voted for.

This is part of a network of 12 rallies across the UK taking place on Saturday, the number of rallies mirroring the number of European Parliamentary constituencies.

The City of Edinburgh Council decided on 2 October to adopt a motion regretting the outcome of the EU Referendum and agreed to call upon the UK Government to avoid the worst of the damage by pursuing continued membership of the Single Market and Customs Union. The Conservative group did not support the motion, but all other groups did.

Scotland’s cities Open to Europe Declaration.

We suggest that Scotland’s cities make a public declaration that they will do the following:

• Support immigration powers being devolved to Scotland.
• Provide welcome and advice services to EU nationals.
• Work with key employers (finance, legal services, universities, NHS) to help recruitment and retention.
• Organise events, for example with the Young European Movement, to welcome new students to Scotland in September.
• Campaign for fully-equal future status of EU nationals.
•  Work to resist barriers to travel with the EU to promote tourism to our cities and remain attractive hubs for airlines.
• Champion high environmental and consumer protections going forward, aligned with and in support of EU standards, for health and well-being of our citizens, workers and visitors.
• Keep dynamic channels of engagement and influence open with cities across Europe and with the EU institutions.

Christmas is just around the corner and Charlotte Garvie and Joanne Bayliss want to help you with the effort of dressing your hotel, office, business or home so that you are all ready for the festive season.

They have just opened the doors on Christmas Decorators Edinburgh and they can help you find your huge Christmas tree or light up the outside of your office or house.

They can also create winter wonderland themed events, which could include your wedding.

Charlotte Garvie, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to bring The Christmas Decorators Edinburgh to Edinburgh.  We have a passion for creating magical installations which create long lasting memories for families, and for businesses with their clients.

Working in event management for more than 15 years I understand the importance of planning and project management to get the most out of an idea and budget and really bring something to life.  My business partner Joanne has spent 30 years working in Sales and Marketing creating bespoke campaigns for businesses designed to increase their revenue. With our combined skill set and our love of all things Christmas we’re creating some stunning results for our clients.”

For more information on The Christmas Decorators Edinburgh, visit www.thechristmasdecorators.co.uk or call 0131 608 0150

The Economy Secretary Keith Brown was in Fife earlier today speaking to Fife Chamber of Commerce, when he said that the Queensferry Crossing is already benefitting business.

Mr Brown went to the newly renovated North Queensferry Hotel which overlooks the new bridge. The hotel is recruiting over 100 new members of staff at the moment.

The Minister explained that the new higher speed limits will be introduced  on the bridge and linked roads soon, and the Forth Road Bridge will become a dedicated Public Transport Corridor all within the next few weeks.

Mr Brown said that this will lead to future investment in the area and asked for the Chamber’s views on how the Scottish Government can support those opportunities in Fife and Dundee to the north.

Mr Brown said: “This was a fitting location for this meeting – a new development which has created over 100 jobs primarily due to the construction of the impressive new Queensferry Crossing. I believe it will be the first of many new investments in the local and wider economy thanks to improved connectivity and a more resilient infrastructure.

“Recently the Queensferry Crossing experienced winds gusting at over 50 mph. In these conditions the FRB would have closed to high-sided vehicles, however the wind-shielding in place meant that that new structure remained open to all vehicles. Creating a more resilient transport network is crucial to hauliers and Scotland’s economy.

“However while we are taking action to improve the opportunities for the Fife economy, we know that the continued uncertainty caused by Brexit is concerning local business. We have published a paper today looking at what’s at stake for business across Scotland. It’s clear that the impact will be great – affecting recruitment, profits and hampering business growth.

“It was a topic that was discussed at my meeting with the Fife Chamber of Commerce this morning. We must continue to listen to the voices of business as the Brexit process develops, to ensure Scotland’s economy remains strong.”

Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to Fife today and we are pleased that we were able to have a full and productive discussion with him about so many different issues that are important to businesses in Fife.  This aspect of the Chamber’s work is not necessarily well known but it is very significant for us because it gives our members the opportunity to speak directly to the most senior people in government and tell them what support they need to create the jobs and the wealth that Fife depends on.”

Commenting on the opening of the new DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh – Queensferry Crossing, General Manager, Stuart Douglas said: “The opening is a huge boost for the local economy. The owners have invested a massive £15 million and this is reflected in the facilities and services that the hotel now offers. This is great news for the local area  and the new Queensferry Hotel now employs over 100 local people, in both full and part-time positions. That number will swell in the coming months as we look to recruit local people to bolster the permanent team over the busy festive period. I also anticipate that further permanent positions will be created in the coming 12 to 18 months as the business grows.”

James Grady has named his squad for the Victory Shield later this month where Scotland will play Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Two Hearts’ players, Harry Stones and Connor Smith are included.

The tournament is steeped in history, originating in 1925 before being revived in 1946 with England previously participating.

Scotland have experienced success at the tournament having won the trophy 17 times.

The competition has acted as a starting point for many established international players.

Darren Fletcher was a member of the Scotland team in 1999 that won the Victory Shield at Peterborough (1-0) against England.

Hull City goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher also played their part in the tournament in their youth.

The last time Scotland lifted the trophy was four years ago.

Scotland go into the tournament having won an international tournament in the summer when Scotland beat England, Qatar and Uruguay, scoring 11 goals without reply.

Scotland finished third last year.

Fixtures

Monday 23 October: Scotland v Wales, kick-off 1pm, Seaview Stadium

Wednesday 25 October: Northern Ireland v Scotland, kick-off 1pm, Seaview Stadium

Friday 27 October: Republic of Ireland v Scotland, kick-off 1pm, Clandeboye Park

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers

Jack Newman (Sunderland)

Harry Stones (Hearts)

Defenders

Kane Patterson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Harris O’Connor (Rangers) PS

Kyle McClelland (Rangers) PS

Liam Morrison (Celtic) PS

Liam Miller (Sunderland)

Finn Ecrepoint (Ayr United) PS

Midfielders

Ben Cameron (St Mirren)

Dylan Forrest (Celtic)

Jensen Weir (Wigan Athletic)

Ciaran Dickson (Rangers) PS

Connor Barron (Aberdeen) PS

Reece McAlear (Motherwell) PS

Connor Smith (Hearts) PS

Forwards

Karamoko Dembele (Celtic)

Cole Stars (Motherwell)

Andrew Winter (Hamilton)

Michael Sparkes (Celtic)

Kai Kennedy (Rangers)

PS- Denotes Performance School players

Police are appealing for the public’s help as part of their efforts to trace the family of a man who died in Midlothian.

The body was found in a wooded area on the Bush Estate in Roslin on 9th December 2016.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police inquiries have established that the man was known as Eduardo or Edvardhs Silda (pictured), aged 27.

Mr Silda is described as being around 5ft 3ins tall, of stocky build, and is believed to have originally been from either Spain or Portugal.

When he died, Mr Silda was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a black t-shirt, a blue and white cardigan and black trainers.

He had three lighters, cigarette papers and a Ventolin inhaler in his possession.

Mr Silda is known to have spent time in Hull in May 2016, Sussex in August 2016 and London in October 2016.

He is believed to have travelled through Wolverhampton in late November or early December of 2016.

Detective Sergeant Ian Campbell of Police Scotland’s Lothians & Scottish Borders Division said:

“Since Mr Silda’s death we’ve been conducting enquiries across the UK and liaising with our colleagues in international agencies as part of our efforts to trace his family.

“We’re now appealing for the public’s help to identify Mr Silda’s next of kin and would urge anyone who recognises him, or has any information which may be relevant to our enquiries, to contact us.”

Anyone with information who is calling from the UK can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0686 of 9th December 2016.

Anyone outside the UK with information can contact Police Scotland on +44 (0)1786 289070.

Information on how to contact us can also be found in the ‘Contact Us’ section of our website.

Later today the local branch of Friends at the End holds a meeting at the Scottish Arts Club.

Where: Scottish Arts Club, 24 Rutland Square, Edinburgh

When: Wednesday, 11 October, 3pm-4pm

What: Friends at the End, a campaign organisation calling for a change in the law regarding end of life choices, is inviting the public to learn more about its work and to hear experiences and ideas from guests.

Who: The event is free to attend, and open to all

Article by Gordon Munro – Published first in The Leither.

Football fans could complete that question a million times over. A new anthology of poetry, Mind the Time, does the same for a good cause and to good effect. The Football Memories project has does ground breaking work creatively tackling dementia and, with the help of the guys behind the excellent Nutmeg football quarterly, has produced a book deserving attention from football fans, poetry buffs and Leither readers alike.

The aim of the Football Memories project is to improve the lives of people who suffer from dementia (over 90,000 in Scotland alone), sufficient to fill Hampden almost twice, quite a crowd and a chilling statistic. What does the project do you ask? Well here’s one woman’s testimony from the foreword of the anthology. “I come along with a confused man and leave with my husband.” That’s a result by any measure. Fulfilling the project’s remit to offer hope not only for those who suffer but also those closest to them.

The editor of the anthology is Jim Mackintosh who is St. Johnstone’s poet in residence; we could do with more poets and fewer agents in the modern game, so well done the Saints. Those writing range from Jackie Kay, who contributes Here’s the Pitch, about the first black player to play professional football in England, to dyslexic Celtic fan Tony O’Donnell, inspired by the project to write poetry for the first time since school. In between the covers you’ll find enough content to keep you occupied home and away plus brilliant design by Ayr United fan Ally Palmer.

Billy Hunter, former manager and player, ambassador for the project and a poet in his own right offers words about Dave Mackay and Pat Stanton, true characters of the game and worth the £10 admission price alone. Asif Khan, director of the Scottish Poetry Library, told me that at the launch of the anthology Billy stopped reading, emotion getting the better of him, until the crowd pulled him through.

For me this emotion and empathy is exemplified by the poem Once I had a Secret Love by Celtic fan Marie-Therese Taylor. It describes the day her dad took her to Patrick Thistle v Rangers to see ‘Slim Jim’ play. ‘My hero played for the other team in Govan blue.’ A secret love indeed! A great photograph illustrates this piece. Baxter with the ball under his shirt after a 3-0 victory over Celtic under the watchful eye of referee ‘Tiny’ Wharton, resplendent in referee’s blazer as they leave the pitch. A great example of the love and care heaped on the Mind the Time anthology.

Another is a selection of football limericks sent in to Off the Ball after Mackintosh’s appearance on the show. How do poems about Ralphie Milne, Dennis Law, Billy Bremner, Scotland’s women’s team or The arrival of George Best at Easter Road, 1979 sound? The best however comes from the shop floor itself.

Michael White tells the story of Bill, a quiet man. Sitting in one of the reminiscence sessions he is cajoled into taking part by one of the helpers. “Come on Bill you like football don’t you?”

Joining the group he and his pal start rattling off scores, line-ups and legendary names. His pal turns to the facilitator and says, “Bill was a grand player, I saw him play for Celtic.” Researching further Michael discovers that ‘Bill’ is William Corbett of Celtic, Preston, Leicester, Dunfermline and Scotland. He was man of the match against England at Wembley in 1942 playing against Tommy Lawton and part of a back line that included Shankly and Busby. The reminiscence sessions took him back to ‘when we were young’ but also brought him back for a wee while to the man he used to be. A worthwhile outcome that’s impossible to measure, except by those closest as the testimony of the woman quoted earlier shows.

There are now 150 Football Memories groups in Scotland. One, open to supporters of every club, meets once a month at Easter Road stadium. Convened by Hibs Historical Trust, under the enthusiastic eye of club historian Tom Wright, meetings are on the first Monday of each month from 11.00-12.30. No need to book, just turn up and ask at reception, you will find that refreshments and fellow fans are provided. Dementia is devastating for both sufferers and those closest to them, if evoking fond and maybe not so fond memories of football can help lighten that burden then the project is doing more than fulfilling its aims it’s performing a public service

Terry Eagleton, riffing off Marx called football ‘the opium of the people’, it affects people in many different ways, even Marxist cultural theorists. This season the poetry is on the page as well as on the park and in both instances it’s for the people’s entertainment. Purchase the book. Go and see The People’s Game with fellow fans and discuss… As Jim Mackintosh would have it: Open the curtains and inhale the birdsong, it’s game day. 

Info: Mind the Time: an Anthology of Poetry to support Football Memories Scotland is available from mybooksource.com (£10) and visit www.footballmemories.org.uk for much more info.

The artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng helps the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to launch the 2018 Fringe Schools Poster Competition.

Schoolchildren from across Scotland are invited to submit artistic impressions of the Fringe with any kind of art. Three winning entries will then be used as the official poster next year. The competition is supported by Virgin Money and runs until 9 March 2018.

Launching the 2018 competition, Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng said:

“I am thrilled to act as champion artist for the 2018 Fringe Schools Poster Competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for students across Scotland to engage in design and expression. The competition encourages imaginative minds to action their creativity and ideas, using any artform that appeals to them. I’m really looking forward to seeing the diverse, inventive and original works that Scotland’s schoolchildren produce, reflecting their impressions of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said:

“The Fringe Schools Poster Competition is a fantastic opportunity for the Fringe to engage with schools across Scotland, encouraging children to express themselves creatively and helping them develop as individuals and successful learners. Every year the quality and variety of entries we receive is astounding, demonstrating the exceptional talents of Scotland’s schoolchildren and providing an insight into their unique perceptions of the Fringe.

“Following the relaunch of the competition for 2017, there was a remarkable increase in the number of schools participating, with more than half of schools entering the competition for the first time. We hope to see a huge response from schools across Scotland again in 2018, and I look forward to being inspired by the designs submitted.”

This year’s competition will be judged in three different age categories, Primary 1 – 3, Primary 4 –7, and Senior 1 – 6. One overall winner will be selected in each age category, alongside 14 regional winners. Winning designs will feature in an exhibition, alongside 150 other shortlisted entries, that will take place at Dynamic Earth between June and August 2018.

Postal entries for the Fringe Schools Poster Competition should be sent to: Schools Poster Competition, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS no later than 17:00 Friday 09 March 2018.

Online entries can be submitted by visiting www.edfringe.com/poster

The competition is open to all Primary 1 to Senior 6 pupils at schools in Scotland. Full details of the competition along with the entry pack, prize information and learning resources can be downloaded at www.edfringe.com/poster.

The prizes for the top three artists and their schools are:

Pupils – £150 (cash) and £150 arts and culture voucher

Schools – £250 (cash) and £250 arts and culture voucher

This film is all about this year’s competition

The Museum of Edinburgh now has a Costume Gallery tucked away in the back of the building showing off items from the city’s large collection of clothing and accessories.

The gallery space currently has a display of four World War 1 and World War 2 dresses and a few items of children’s clothing and accessories, with objects which have never been seen by the public before.

Visitors will be able to find out how the two World Wars affected the way people dressed, and hear the costumes brought to life in audio stories accessible by scanning a QR code on a smartphone. Each of the recordings is spoken as though the dress itself (or its owner) is speaking to you.

Here is one of the audio files you can access when you visit the Museum :

A selection of replica wartime clothing for dressing up will allow visitors to be a pilot, an evacuee or a smart lady of the New Town.

Museums Galleries Edinburgh has over 8,000 pieces of costume spanning the 18^th to 21^st centuries, but has had no space to showcase pieces from this collection until now. While small, the new costume gallery will rotate its displays and will in the future feature pieces of 18^th century costume, working clothing and Victorian style.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to Lucie Whitmore an intern with the Museum of Edinburgh about the display :

New wartime fashion exhibition at Museum of Edinburgh from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.

Whether or not you live and work in the West End it is likely that you occasionally pass through this area on a bike, in a car and sometimes on foot.  It is a busy thoroughfare and an area for car parking especially during the week.

At the moment Melville Crescent, halfway along Melville Street, is a vast area given over largely to traffic, and offering little comfort to pedestrians who have a huge distance to cross, sometimes between vehicles.

Is there any difference in the new designs which have now been whittled down to a possible three out of an initial thirteen and which were displayed at a public engagement event on Saturday?

A stated aim of the ‘reimagining’ is to ‘improve the public realm and increase opportunities for recreation’. Largely what is envisaged in the three designs we saw is more room for cars, some room for segregated cycle lanes, and a little room for some green space with some places to sit.

Another aim is to ‘make a place that contributes to the quality of life for all sections of the local community’.

One of the first plans for the area when Melville Street was first built incorporated a garden around the centre where the statue now stands.

Option F which appears to have been discounted now, would make an open space around the centre of the street, creating a ’roundabout’ for road users and an inviting space both day and night. It could be an open civic space with public realm rather than a cordoned off garden, and might be an attractive space for office workers and residents to enjoy the outdoors.

The options for street furniture which were on display were all quite attractive and would very much improve the space, turning it into a public area. Some raised planters had integrated seats and would offer some greenery in the street.

It is a welcome thought that the council is considering options about what they can do to improve the area, and some of this is bound up with the proposed City Centre West to East Cycle Link (CCWEL).

This new route will take cyclists along a route designed for the less confident, and aims to segregate them from traffic wherever possible. Given that the speed limit is now 20mph, traffic will have to be made to slow down on a wide street which only invites higher speeds.

Part of the design for all three options on display on Saturday was a raised table which it was claimed would reduce vehicle speeds.

Outline plans for the new cycle route were approved in December 2016 and although the council website claims that the detailed design would take place in early 2017, there is little sign of a complete layout as yet, but we concede that this consultation is part of that process.

There are those who think that on street parking is a key consideration.  Conservative Councillor Joanna Mowat said : “The work to make a feature out of Melville Crescent as part of the city centre east west link (CCEWL) is an opportunity to create a new space for the communities of the West End – for both residents and workers.

“It is important to remember that the area is home to both residents and businesses and that their needs must not be subsumed to those passing through.  This means that parking must be accommodated throughout the wider CCEWL plans.”

Sustrans applauded the new cycle route in December last year. They said : “We are keen to support the City of Edinburgh Council in a project which, when implemented, should provide major benefits for Edinburgh as a whole, and bring renewed vibrancy to neighbourhoods along the route. We believe this project would be a strong contender for the competitive grant funding round as part of the Community Links funding programme. Indeed, we view this project as a step change for the City of Edinburgh – one that acknowledges and emphasises the substantial benefits the scheme can bring to the city via efficient, healthy, active, transport.”

Cllr Karen Doran, Transport Vice Convener and City Centre Ward councillor, said: “At the public exhibition at the weekend it was great to see how many people had come along to share their thoughts and ideas on how we can reimagine Melville Crescent. This will form a key part of the new City Centre West to East Link, which will help make it far easier to walk and cycle into and across Edinburgh’s city centre. Look out for our public consultation opening on the Consultations Hub very soon – tell us your views and help us make Melville Crescent as people-friendly as possible for future generations to enjoy.”

SOMETHING NEW

Whilst reading around this story, we discovered something new to us.

Apparently Edinburgh has a Public Realm Strategy. Who knew? We knew that GEHL Architects were engaged at some expense a while back to talk about pavement cafés on Princes Street, but we were blissfully unaware of any overall strategy affecting the city – till now. Helpfully there is a definition.

Public Realm is defined as “Those parts of the city where people can gain unrestricted access for the purpose of passing through, meeting, visiting and enjoying. It is where we come together as a community not merely a place for functional movement.”

Anyway a swift search on the council website and sure enough we do have a policy document dating from December 2009. Proclaiming grandly that “The public realm acts as a stage upon which the life of the city is played out. It is the glue that binds together the city’s diverse areas.” this document aims to give a kind of coordination to any future developments.

This is a 20 page document worth reading. It is perhaps worth reminding the council from time to time of the existence of such a document especially when it decides to do things which directly affect the public realm.

The strategic vision alone states : “Edinburgh recognises the the public realm forms an integral part of the public face of the city. Edinburgh will develop and maintain a high quality public realm to complement  the outstanding built and natural qualities of this unique capital city.”

You can keep up to date with developments at Melville Crescent on the council’s consultation hub here.

Premiership Knockout Cup Final, first-leg: Wolverhampton Wolves 50, Belle Vue Aces 40

Edinburgh Monarchs star Ricky Wells top scored as Wolverhampton Wolves earned a ten-point lead in the first-leg of the Premiership Knockout Cup Final.

The American ace won his first four races before coming third in his next and last in his final heat in the 50-40 win at Monmore Green.

Nick Morris of Berwick Bandits was next best with ten points while stand-in skipper Sam Masters, who also captains Edinburgh in the Championship, scored eight, the same as former British champion Scott Nicholls.

Edinburgh’s Mark Riss scored seven while Glasgow Tigers’ rising star Dan Bewley collected six points for Belle Vue and ex-Edinburgh skipper Craig Cook scored ten points for the visitors.

Belle Vue were staring down a barrel with they entered the final head 49-35 behind but Cook and Kenneth Bjerre won the final heat for a 5-1 which could prove vital in the second-leg which is in Manchester on Wednesday night.

Spending on childcare will double to £840m a year by 2021-22 in a bid to transform the life chances of children in Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest in a near doubling of entitlement to 1140 hours – around 30 hours a week – of free early learning and childcare from August 2020.

The move will ensure high-quality learning and care is available for all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds and is expected to save parents around £350 per child, per month.

The First Minister said: “Currently we deliver around 16 hours of early education and childcare a week, that’s already an expansion.

“But some parents still struggle to find and fund the childcare they need to allow them to work. We are going to change that.

“By 2020, we will deliver 30 hours a week for every three and four-year-old and eligible two-year-olds.

“It will give children the best start in life. It will free parents to find work and, each month, it will save families around £350 per child on the costs of childcare.”

Glasgow Tigers and Peterborough Panthers go head-to-head on Sunday and Tuesday in the two legs of their Knockout Cup semi-final.

The first-leg will be held at Peterborough on Sunday at 5pm with the return at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Tigers have also confirmed they will entertain Workington Comets on Friday, October 20 at 7.30pm in their re-arranged Championship fixture.

And the Championship Riders’ Individual event is at Ashfield on Saturday (7pm).