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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The turnout for the election was 60 per cent.

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

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

“Thank you to every member who voted for me.

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

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

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

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

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

“Who think politicians are all the same.

“If you feel that way, I get it.

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

“That’s going to change.

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

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

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

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

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

“And we are determined to deliver it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.RHSPT.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edinburgh Diwali returns for its tenth year to celebrate the Indian festival of lights on 3 November 2024.

Festivities will include a colourful and multicultural parade through Edinburgh city centre, as well as performances and fireworks display in Princes Street Gardens to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil.

Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights and is now celebrated internationally by 1.5 billion people to ward off the darkness and welcome the light. Originally hailing from India, Diwali is marked across globe with large public events in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America. 

Edinburgh Diwali, a registered Scottish charity, started in 2015 as an initiative by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Indian diaspora from the city, and has gone on to become Scotland’s largest public Diwali event.

The Indian celebration is one of Edinburgh’s most popular community led events, attracting around 10,000 spectators to the parade and performances in Princes Street Gardens. 

Last year’s festivities included performances from Dance Ihayami, Bollyfeat, Classsical Confluence and Dance@Studio21 with a presentation of Indian, Scottish, and fusion dance; plus music from the Stockbridge and Glencorse Pipe Bands as part of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and a headline performance from Kaykay & Co, the London based British Asian fusion band led by Kaykay Chouhan. This year’s Diwali celebration promises to be equally spectacular, with the full programme to be revealed closer to the event. 

Edinburgh Diwali 2024 will take place 13:00 – 19:00 on Sunday 3rd November. The event is open to all with free entry, encouraging everyone to participate in this family-friendly festive celebration of light. 

 edinburghdiwali.co.uk or facebook.com/edinburgh.diwali

Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy after two teenagers were injured in a disturbance last night Wednesday 25 September 2024. 

Officers were called to reports of disturbance on Newtoft Street, Gilmerton, at around 9.45pm. 

The street was cordoned off by officers and buses diverted. 

Paramedics also rushed to the scene, and two teenage boys, aged 17 and 18, were rushed to hospital for treatment. 

Officers said that a report will be submitted to the relevant authorities. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called to a report of a disturbance on Newtoft Street, Edinburgh, around 9.45pm on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024. 

“Emergency services attended and two males, aged 17 and 18, were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment. 

“A 14-year-old male was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.  

“A report will be submitted to the relevant authorities.” 

Hibs have confirmed the ticket details for the upcoming William Hill Premiership match with Rangers this weekend. 

The match will take place at Ibrox Stadium; 12pm kick-off on Sunday 29 September. 

The Club have been given an allocation of 932 tickets in the Govan West Corner. Due to the tight turnaround on receiving these tickets, the sale dates are as follows: 

Sale Dates 

5pm, Thursday 26 September – Tickets will go on sale to Hibs First Members only. 

8pm, Thursday 26 September – Tickets will go on sale to Hibernian FC Season Ticket Holders. 

10am, Friday 27 September – All remaining tickets will go on General Sale. 

Ticket prices are as follows: Adults – £36, Over 65s – £28, 16-17 years – £28 and Under 16s – £16 

Wheelchair Tickets are priced at: Adults – £22, Over 65s – £17, 16-17 years – £17 and Under 16s – £11 

Ambulant prices are as per the above price classes with a complimentary Personal Assistant if in receipt of Higher/Enhanced DLA/PIP.   

Please contact tickets@hibernianfc.co.uk to purchase tickets. 

Please note, Hibs can allocate up to eight ambulant/PA tickets for this fixture and these will be sold and allocated to Hibs First Members. 

Wheelchair ticket prices are above with a complimentary Personal Assistant.   

Please contact tickets@hibernianfc.co.uk to purchase tickets.  

Please note, Hibs have received seven pairs of wheelchair/PA tickets for this fixture.                                                                                                        

Tickets for this fixture will be print-at-home PDF’s which will be fulfilled direct by Hibernian FC. 

Once a supporter purchases a ticket online, we will manually email them PDF tickets for their order. Please note, there may be a slight delay in ticket delivery given the manual admin work involved. 

The designated singing section will be housed in GW2, Rows A-D36-50 

Hibs First Members 1 ticket per client reference number, season ticket holders 1 ticket per client reference number. 

The closure of a museum dedicated to Edinburgh’s working class history has been described as “the final cut for the Old Town” as a campaign to keep it open gathers pace.

Council officials have proposed closing the People’s Story for seven months due to an “urgent” need to cut costs, amid a projected £26.7m overspend by the authority this year.

However it’s emerged the Royal Mile attraction is already shut to the public “due to staffing pressures and a need to manage expenditure,” despite the controversial move not being approved by councillors.

Local resident Jim Slaven, coordinator of Edinburgh Detours, a not-for-profit organisation which organises guided tours about the city’s social history, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he was shocked to find it had already closed and said: “It’s a disgrace to find it’s going to be closed for several months at least, without any consultation.

“We try and commemorate that immigrant working class history. The stuff in the museum is a vital part of that.”

Mr Slaven said he’s heard from “artists, writers, trade unionists, local residents and historians” in the last 24 hours since the plan emerged.

“People are really outraged,” he added, “this is the final cut for the Old Town,all the social spaces and community centres in the Old Town are gone.

“They’ve turned the city centre into a citadel for the rich and now they’re trying to write us out of the history of the city as well.”

Upon visiting the Canongate on Thursday, September 26, the LDRS witnessed a number of people attempting to access the museum but finding it had been shut.

Closure of the People’s Story until April and reduced opening hours of the Queensferry Museum could save around £205,000, officials estimated. However this is less than one per cent of the forecasted in-year budget deficit.

The council said “urgent action” was necessary to “reduce frontline service expenditure”  before the end of the financial year in March. 

Val Walker, convener of the culture and communities committee, which will debate the proposal next week, said the council’s support for the city’s cultural venues “continues to be fantastic”.

She said: “It’s important to us that we keep our venues as accessible as possible for residents and visitors.

“The People’s Story Museum is currently closed due to staffing pressures and a need to manage expenditure. The report . . . proposes a temporary closure while these issues are addressed.

“The proposals are intended to reflect public demand across our museum and gallery venues and keep the most visited venues open seven days a week.

“The proposed seasonal operation model for People’s Story is to close during the autumn and winter months, reopening in April 2025, in which time a more consistent operating model can be implemented.”

But one of the convener’s Labour Group colleagues said the idea was left furious at the idea.

Councillor Katrina Faccenda said: “It is absolutely astounding that in one of the world’s premier tourist cities we are closing municipal museums and it underlines the failure of our tourism policy to drive income back towards local services.

“The People’s Story was opened in 1984 by Edinburgh’s first Labour administration to create a collection which reflected the working class history of Edinburgh and our proud story of protest and organising for the rights of people at home and around the world, its location in the Canongate is an important reminder that Edinburgh’s Old Town until a few decades ago was home to thousands of working people, often living in poor housing conditions, but their story and their community is equally important to those remembered in our castles and palaces.”

While Mr Slaven asked: “Who is the city for?”

“Edinburgh is one of the wealthiest cities and one of the wealthiest states on the planet. This is a vital piece of the city’s history, the social, industrial – the history of communities and they’ve just closed the doors on it.”

He added: “We recognise there are financial pressures on the council, we could have discussion about why that is and what the solutions might be but I think this should be seen as an opportunity.

“We need to look at the People’s Story which has been disinvested in, we need to get stakeholders round the table and to open the People’s Story better than it was before.”

The city’s museums and galleries account for £467,000 of the estimated overspend, having spent more on employee costs and generated less income than was expected in 2024-25.

 A report said the service has struggled to make money in recent years due to reduced income from the Scott Monument, where visitor access has been scaled-back due to suicide attempts, and the Nelson Monument, which has only just re-opened for the first time since the pandemic. 

As a result of a recruitment freeze by the service there have been “instances of reactive museum closures as staffing levels have dipped below the minimum required to maintain a full service,” the report added. “This has been exacerbated by sickness absence and annual leave.

 “To contain the budget deficit by March 2025, officers are recommending that changes are made to the opening hours of two Museums: People’s Story and Queensferry Museum.”

Officials have assessed alternative options, including keeping all attractions open but only opening five days a week, reduced from six. However they say as staff are contracted according to the council’s terms and conditions and work to fixed rotas and contracted days these changes “would take approximately four months to enact”.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

West Lothian’s Voluntary Sector Gateway has vowed to work with council to find solutions for the 38 community centres and village halls potentially facing closure. 

Alan McCloskey, the CEO of the Gateway, which speaks for the voluntary sector in the county, told councillors that a meeting would take place this week with the Joint Forum of Community Councils to look at a way ahead for the centres. 

While it is acknowledged that there may be some centres which are capable of striking out on their own with full time management committees taking control of centres through the Community Asset Transfer process, there are many more facing uncertainty. 

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

Mr McCloskey told a meeting of the Economy, Community Empowerment and wealth Building PDSP that earlier sight of the proposals before June would have been useful in terms of looking at alternatives.  

He added that after meeting with the Joint Forum: “we want to have constructive dialogue with the council on what the options would be. We want to come back to the council with some alternative options.” 

In his report to the PDSP the CEO said: “There is growing community concern about the implications of the council`s Community Centre and Partnership Centre review. Many of the centres are run by Management Committees run by volunteers and they are the lifeblood of community and social cohesion. There is real concern that these centres will close in the coming months.  

“They face the impossible task of taking on the running costs of operating these facilities with limited knowledge of how to do so and no money. Many groups have indicated they will simply be unable to take on these roles.  

“A lot of the groups run multi-purpose events and host groups that meet regularly, for example art groups, activity classes, Girl Guides etc. 

“These groups are often the life-blood of communities and without anywhere to go, many individuals and groups will be left isolated and disconnected.  

“There is no central management committee structure, so VSGWL has met with reps from the Joint Forum of Community Council to discuss running a publicity campaign to explore other options.” 

When committees first had sight of the proposals in June anxiety was quickly stoked. 

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service in July, Avril Finlayson from the management committee of Addiewell community centre echoed concerns voiced across the county that volunteers would not be in a position to take on full time running of centres as commercial operations. And many communities could not afford the other options proposed by the council. 

At this month’s PDSP Councillor Andrew Miller said the proposals would seem to be attractive to one or two  centres  but not the majority and he asked: “Does the council have other options to achieve projected savings?”. 

Chairing the meeting Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan (pictured) said: “To be honest that may be beyond the remit of this PDSP.  I don’t think we’d have appropriate officers here to discuss it.” 

 Head of Economic development Craig McCorriston told the meeting: “It’s not a matter that would be under consideration for this PDSP. it would be considered elsewhere within the council at another PDSP and by the Executive.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The family of a luxury hotel owner have revealed their shock at realising it had been serving alcohol without a valid licence for years following his death.

Giles Weaver, who owned Greywalls Hotel, in East Lothian, with his wife Ros, died in February 2020 – just weeks before the first Covid lockdown saw huge restrictions on the hospitality industry.

But it took until this month for licensing chiefs and his family to realise his name remained on the premises licence, making selling alcohol on the site against the law.

At a meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board earlier today Mr Weaver’s son-in-law Dr Dominic Hoar (CORR) said he had been ‘appalled’ by the discovery.

And he fought back emotion as he recalled the traumatic time surrounding his father-in-law’s death and the impact on his family.

He told the board Mr Weaver’s daughter Flora was executor for her father following his death but had not transferred the licence, which was in her father’s name, or informed the board of his passing as an oversight.

Dr Hoar said: “As an executor, she was also a grieving daughter trying to arrange her father’s funeral and support a grieving mother who was, at the time, being forced by Covid into isolation.”

“The hotel was clearly going to have to shut so I can understand Flora’s oversight.”

Dr Hoar, a solicitor advocate,  said while he and his wife Jo were partners on Greywall LLP which owns the hotel it had been run for a number of years by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) who oversaw its management including ensuring it held the correct licences.

He said quarterly meetings were held with ICMI for updates on the hotel in which he had been assured the licences were in place but said it appeared no one realised Mr Weaver was still the named premises licence holder.

He added it may be because Mr Weaver was occasionally referred to as Christopher, a first name only close family knew, that confusion had been created.

Dr Hoar told the board: “I would like to apologise unreservedly for this oversight. I am personally appalled this happened.”

The board heard its licensing standards officer visited Greywalls, which sits on the edge of Muirfield Golf Course, Gullane, earlier this month and advised that it did not have a valid premises licence.

Alcohol sales were immediately stopped by the general manager and Dr Hoar said he has been working with ICMI and staff to ensure full training and understanding of the licence requirement are understood by everyone at the premises moving forward adding he would be “extremely vigilant”.

Dr Hoar appeared before the board to request several occasional licences to allow it to sell alcohol again while it arranges a new permanent premises licence.

Board chairman Councillor Lachlan Bruce thanked him for his apology and ‘clear and open’ explanation for the oversight regarding the licence.

He said: “People are human and mistakes happen and being willing to say ‘we got it wrong’ is something the board encourages and appreciates, Clearly this was a difficult time.”

The board unanimously approved the occasional licences.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Officers at Howdenhall Police Station are appealing for the assistance of the public as part of ongoing efforts to trace 33-year-old Katie Murphy who is currently missing from the central Edinburgh area.  

Katie was last seen at Princes Street around 1130 hours on Monday 23rd September 2024. 

There are concerns for Katie’s welfare and officers are keen to trace her as soon as possible. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting Incident 2161 of 22/09/2024  

A “island” village’s campaign for improved safer footpaths has been thrown a lifeline by neighbours who want to see a ‘missing link’ opened between the two communities. 

East Whitburn residents joined villagers from Stoneyburn and members of local walking groups at a meeting to discuss how best to press for building of the final few yards of a footpath to link their communities. 

A survey in East Whitburn showed more than 500 people regularly use the Foulshiels footpath and supported its completion to Hens Nest Road.  

Stoneyburn has fought for years for improved footpath access in and around the village. It’s a problem shared by those in East Whitburn. 

The main road connecting the two villages is the narrow and winding B-road, Hens Nest Road. It is only an eight-minute drive, but a risky hour-long walk. 

Frustratingly there’s only a few hundred yards gap between Hen’s Nest Road and the footpath built by the Scottish Woodland Trust through Foulshiels Wood to Stoneyburn. 

Walking that route would take around 15 to 20 minutes. 

While most of the pathway has been finished it stops within sight of Hens Nest Road. You could almost throw a stone from the farm gate to the road. 

Since the pathway was built many more villagers from Stoneyburn have been using the Foulshiels path for daily exercise, but to get to East Whitburn you still need to walk, or cycle Hens Nest Road. 

 At a meeting held by the Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision Group last week members of a local walking group told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that their regular walks have to start with a bus journey to get out of Stoneyburn to access the existing paths network in the rest of the county.  

Stacey Johnstone who runs a local community group, Bash Community Buzz, from East Whitburn who attended the Stoneyburn meeting to offer support for the work said: “Money is not an issue. The Woodlands Trust wants the path built to East Whitburn.  It would connect to all other pathways up to Whitburn and beyond.” 

Stacey told the LDRS: “The numbers we have seen increase using the path have been phenomenal. We walk the path every day and we knew a certain number of people, but we are seeing more and more new faces. Even people coming from Blackburn and Whitburn to walk in the area.” 

Sandy Edgar who leads the campaign in Stoneyburn has made a video to show to the council to highlight the local support for the project. He told the LDRS: “It really is the case that if you build it, people will come. People will use it.” 

Many parents are keen to see the pathway finished because it would complete a safe cycling route for  Stoneyburn children who attend Whitburn Academy or St Kentigern’s in Blackburn. 

The council has been in negotiations with landowners, but agreement has yet to be reached and villagers fear that stalemate will see the Missing Link plan whither and disappear as other planned pathways in West Lothian prosper. 

Villagers in both communities are determined that doesn’t happen. 

Safe routes for cycling, walking and wheeling are a priority for the council’s Active Travel Plan set to be agreed as a blueprint for developing a path network for the next five years. 

Core to the Active TravelPlan is encouraging people away from short car journeys and towards   a more active lifestyle.  

Stacey and fellow East Whitburn campaigner Gwen Kempik who also attended the Stoneyburn meeting, and others occasionally walk Hens Nest Road, but do so reluctantly. 

It’s a B-road but people speed. It has blind bends and is dense with roadside growth. There’s also additional traffic at the moment with new housing being built on the road. 

“It’s a nightmare… it’s dangerous,” said Gwen. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Five men have been arrested following the discovery of a cannabis cultivation in West Calder estimated to be worth £1.2million.

The large cultivation was found within premises at Polbeth Industrial Estate, Polbeth, around 10.20am on Wednesday, 25 September, 2024.

The men, aged 36, 29, 26, 22 and 20, were arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences.

They are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court today, Thursday, 26 September, 2024. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Police Constable Michael Fairbanks said: “Drugs cause misery in our communities and we will use all resources at our disposal to disrupt the drugs trade in Scotland.

“Information provided by the public is vital in helping us continue to do this.

“This significant recovery underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We would continue to urge anyone with information or concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Drugs worth an estimated £165,000 have been recovered after the search of a house in Edinburgh.

Officers searched the property on Ratcliffe Terrace in the city during the morning of Wednesday, 25 September and recovered cannabis and cocaine.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the recovery.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 26 September.

Sergeant Mark Walker said: “Police Scotland is committed to removing illegal substances from our communities and we will take all measures to disrupt those involved in the drug trade.

“This arrest underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Recoveries such as this rely on information from people who do not tolerate the scourge of drugs in their neighbourhoods.

“Anyone with concerns about drugs in their community can contact us via 101, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

This vinyl 180-gram release pre-empted the nationwide cinema release this weekend of Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping which finds McCartney and his 1970s band making a live album in the studio.

Fifty years later, the material was recorded just four years after the split of The Beatles, you sense Paul McCartney still developing his personality away from the band. The album is a dirt behind the fingernails rock n’ roll record, particularly on the likes of Jet. The loose organic strut of Soily, written as early as 1971, is an early stand-out with a knock-out vocal.

It might not be the most familiar McCartney number but the infectious, hooky riff and playing by Denny Laine and Jimmy McCulloch make this essential listening. This is the sound of a band locked into a grove and loving every moment. It’s a far superior cut to the one included on the 1976 live album Wings Over America which lacks the same sense of edge and urgency. Scottish guitarist McCulloch was an essential player in Wings during the period, his death in 1979 at only 26 was a tragedy but his authentic rock n’ roll playing all over the album, is something of a tribute to his memory.

Maybe I’m Amazed is another case in point, a sublime ballad in its own right is only added to by his bluesy, economic lead playing. There are some magical moments with McCartney alone at the piano on Let’s Love, written for Peggy Lee and rarities such as All Of You and a solo I’ll Give You A Ring. While some might argue the versions of Live and Let Die and Band On The Run are superior; that doesn’t ring true.

Another peak moment is a run of Let It Be, The Long & Winding Road and Lady Madonna. You can feel the sense of whimsey as McCartney offers an “aye, that’s right” at the end”. You half expect one of his Beatles bandmates to jump in with an irreverent response. The loose nature and raw delivery are what make this set work.

Paul McCartney & Wings One Hand Clapping is released in Edinburgh from Friday – the vinyl version of the album is out now.

Scotland’s butterflies are in danger of disappearing without urgent action, it has been claimed, after an annual count this summer returned the lowest numbers on record.

Participants in this year’s Big Butterfly Count spotted just five of the colourful insects on average, one fewer than last year and the lowest in the event’s 14-year history.

Butterfly Conservation, which organises the survey each summer, has declared a national “Butterfly Emergency” due to the “hugely concerning decline”.

The wildlife conservation charity has also written to the Government asking them to declare a “Nature Emergency” and ban butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides “before it’s too late”.

In Scotland, there were 22,818 butterflies spotted in total, down more than 5000 or almost 20% compared with 2023.

Of the 17 butterflies and day flying moths included in the count north of the Border, 12 (71%) showed a reduction in numbers compared with 2023.

Species including the Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Scotch Argus all had their worst year in the history of the Big Butterfly Count.

The Green-veined White had its second worst year, while the Holly Blue, which had its best ever summer in Scotland in 2023, was down by 42%.

Peacock butterfly numbers fell a staggering 94%, after the species had its best summer since 2018 last year.

The Ringlet was found to be the most abundant butterfly in Scotland, ahead of the Small White and Meadow Brown.

It was one of only five species to show an increase on last year (+123%), along with Meadow Brown (+28%), Speckled Wood (+67%), Common Blue (+75%) and Six-spot Burnet (+34%).

The Ringlet appeared to do well this summer, however, experts say even it suffered a poor summer. 

The Ringlet has only a short flight period which is usually in its latter stages before the snapshot survey starts. This year it is thought to have emerged later due to the wet spring and cold summer, to coincide exactly with the count and present in larger numbers as a result. 

Over the course of the whole summer it would also appear to have fared worse than usual.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Our butterflies are in trouble. They are in decline and while it’s brilliant that so many people get out there and help us count them we can’t just keep counting while they dwindle away. We need to take some action whether that is as individuals or our governments.

“Often Scotland bucks the trend and does better than down south, but there is nothing in the results this year to suggest that. The average number of butterflies seen per count in Scotland was only five, which is the lowest it’s been since the count started.  

“Unfortunately even the species that increased didn’t necessarily have a good summer.

“People saw lots of Ringlets in the Big Butterfly Count in Scotland. It is number one in this year’s chart but sadly that doesn’t mean that it had a good summer.

“We are confident that the Ringlet actually had a poor summer and the reason why people saw lots of them was that the timing of the count happened to coincide with the peak emergence of the species, as a result of the cooler summer and Ringlet emergence being delayed.”

Across the UK, more than 85,000 people took part in the Big Butterfly Count from 12 July – 4 August, submitting 143,241 counts.

Just over 935,000 butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded, down almost 600,000 — equivalent to more than a third of the 2023 total.

For the first time in the citizen science programme’s history, over 9000 counts were logged as seeing zero butterflies.

A third of the species recorded had their worst year on record, and no species had their best.

In Scotland a total of 5,620 counts were submitted by 3,587 people.

Dr Fox said: “Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too.

“Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.”

Butterfly Conservation is writing an open letter to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, calling for the Government to act now by declaring a “Nature Emergency” and banning toxic neonicotinoid pesticides “once and for all, with no exceptions, before it is too late.”

Dr Fox said: “When used on farmland, these chemicals make their way into the wild plants growing at field edges, resulting in adult butterflies and moths drinking contaminated nectar and caterpillars feeding on contaminated plants.

“Many European countries have already banned these chemicals, it’s time for the UK to follow suit and put the natural world first.

“If we don’t act now to address the long-term drivers of butterfly decline, we will face extinction events never before seen in our lifetime.”

He added: “If every single person who helped with the count this summer in Scotland signs our letter to the Government, we could prevent the very real and pressing threat of species becoming extinct in our lifetime.”

To sign Butterfly Conservation’s letter to the Government asking them to declare a “Nature Emergency” and ban butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides visit: https://butterfly-conservation.org/emergency

Signing closes on Sunday 13 October 2024.

* BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT RESULTS in SCOTLAND 2024

Scotland totals:

This week Police Scotland officers have been working with The City of Edinburgh Council and other partners for the annual ‘Young Drivers’ event in Edinburgh.  

During the event officers provide road safety education to young people in an attempt to challenge attitudes towards dangerous driving and decision making whilst within a vehicle or on a bike.  

All secondary schools within the Edinburgh Council Local Authority were welcomed and officers spoke to thousand pupils.  

The overall aim of the intervention is to engage directly with young people with a view to:  

• Reduce the number of young drivers involved in fatal and serious collisions.  

• Improve the hazard perception of young drivers and influence future behaviour. 

• Raise awareness of the consequences of inappropriate behaviour.  

• Encourage individual skill development and further driver training.  

Police Scotland also welcomed Laura from Spinal Injuries Scotland who spoke to pupils about her own experiences being involved in a car accident at a young age.  

Pupils took part in several workshops and simulators which allowed them to consider factors which may impair and impact their driving ability.  

A spokesperson said: “Thank you to all partners and attendees for joining us in shaping a safer future for our young drivers.” 

Residents of Colinton/Fairmilehead will choose a new councillor next month to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

A Formal Notice of Election has been published explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. Nominations open on Friday 27 September.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton/Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.
Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

• The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024
• to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024
• and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.

The coalition of the four community councils which cover the areas along the Trams to Newhaven extension from Picardy Place to Newhaven have release their analysis of the Road Safety Audit Report (RSA) and The CIty of Edinburgh Council’s and the contractor’s  response. 

A spokesperson for the coalition said: “Although the Report – produced by independent auditors – is dated November 2023, it has only just been posted on the Trams to Newhaven project website after several informal and two FOI requests.

“We believe that the Report makes disturbing reading. The independent auditors had identified 145 recommendations to address concerns for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, but in less than 50 cases have actions been taken or agreed to address these concerns. In the remaining nearly 100 cases apart from some monitoring  of the issues raised by the auditors, neither the Council nor SFN will be undertaking any action.

“We will be making representations to the Council when the Trams to Newhaven project is next considered by the Transport and Environment Committee. 

“We have long argued that there needs to be greater transparency, focus and resources regarding the remaining work to be undertaken on the project. This delayed report demonstrates the importance of such transparency and the need for urgent action to reduce the risks to the public. “

Community Councils Together for Trams (CCTT) is a coalition of the four community councils on the tram extension route:

• Leith Central Community Council
• Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council
• Leith Links Community Council
• New Town & Broughton Community Council  

New Town & Broughton Community Council say on their website: “The RSA makes 145 recommendations to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Of these recommendations, 91 were carried over from the Stage 2 RSA conducted in 2021 which examined the project’s detailed designs.

“In response to the RSA’s recommendations, SFN and CEC have agreed to undertake remedial work on only 44 of the recommendations. In a further 5 cases, it was reported that the recommended work had been already completed by the time that this report was approved in November 2023. This leaves just less than 100 recommendations for which the Council intends to take no action (apart from some monitoring) nor require the Contractor to take any action.”

The CCTT Briefing Note on Stage 3 Road Safety Audit for TTN is below:

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Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell addressed the matter of gender self-identification during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board in Edinburgh today Thursday, 26 September 2024. 

Ms Farrell insisted that male rapists cannot demand to be called a woman and to her knowledge, this has never happened. 

She also reiterated her commitment and support for the LGBTQI+ community. 

She said: “It is important to acknowledge that gender self-identification has been amongst the most emotive and arguably divisive areas of public policy and practice in recent memory. 

“Neither the Scottish or UK Parliaments have been able to set out a codified approach in legislation to the legal status, rights or duties pertaining to the concept of gender recognition in a way that reconciles with the Equality Act 2010. 

“It is within this context that Police Scotland and other public bodies have determined policy and practice in a way that achieves what we consider to be a legal and appropriate balance of rights and duties. 

“Policing needs to consider this in terms of the many situations and scenarios within which we encounter people and this is not restricted to criminal investigations. 

“However, I recognise that the focus of debate as it relates to gender self-identification is in the area of serious sexual offences. 

“DCC Speirs wrote to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee this week to explain our approach with particular reference to sexual crime and I wanted to add to that today by providing clarification on my expectations as Chief Constable around our operational practice. 

“The purpose of policing in Scotland is to improve safety and wellbeing. Police Scotland take a victim centred approach to investigating crime. Improving the experiences of victims is at the heart of everything we do. 

“Being an organisation that effectively supports victims is central to the long-term vision I am setting out to the board, for the SPA’s endorsement today.   

“This also reflects the central emphasis that I have given to supporting victims of crime since I took up my role as Chief Constable nearly a year ago. 

“We have a critical role to play in preventing violence and safeguarding women and girls. Our aim is to support the development of a society and culture where women and girls live free from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment. 

“I have been struck by the commentary from some quarters that Police Scotland under my leadership, in supporting policies that seek to respect the rights and dignity of transgender and other minority groups, is perpetuating a policy that is misogynistic. This is inaccurate. 

“I have spent my entire career of more than 30 years in policing facing and challenging misogyny while supporting the rights and progression of women. I will continue to do so. 

“I want to offer a strong reassurance today – our police officers and staff are trained to investigate crime in a way that focuses on a victim centred, trauma informed approach and which mitigates risk. We will continue to do this every day. 

“Let me also make clear my commitment and support for the LGBTQI+ community. 

“Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies universally. 

“Everyone must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. 

“I stated in May that it was a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland. 

“That remains my position – and as I said at the time, I am dedicated to building a service that all communities can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals. 

“In relation to sexual offending, our operational practice and decision making is sound but I have put myself in the position of our Custody sergeants and others on the operational frontline and I can see the benefit of clarifying our position today to ensure that our people continue to get this right. 

“I also understand the desire for clarity as it relates to sexual crime, a priority for policing in Scotland. To be clear – a male rapist cannot demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim – this would not happen. To my knowledge, this has never happened. 

“You can be assured that a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male. 

“By way of further reassurance, as it relates to serious sexual offending, Police Scotland obtain DNA samples from individuals accused of serious sexual assaults and from this sample a DNA profile will be obtained that will determine the person’s biological sex. This profile, and biological sex, is retained on the Scottish DNA Database and is available to be searched against crime scene samples to aid historic and future investigations. 

“I would only emphasise that the discussion around decision making on the operational frontline remains hypothetical – to my knowledge, we have never faced this scenario. 

“With regards to recording practice, Police Scotland’s procedures on the identification and recording of sex and gender is evidence-led and is in keeping with our values of policing with integrity, fairness and respect, and upholding human rights. 

“I note that the Chair’s report refers to the UK Government’s February 2024 commission of an independent review and best practice development around data collection issues – we strongly welcome that work and look forward to seeing its outcome in the months ahead. 

“In 2023, Police Scotland, through the Chief Data Office, conducted an analysis of Data collection and Data standards and our subsequent use of data as it relates to Sex & Gender. 

“This analysis was set against relevant pieces of legislation including the Data Protection Act, the Public Sector Equality Act as well as the Human Rights and Gender Recognition Act. 

“The report came at a time of continued public debate, it made a number of observations and continues to be considered within Police Scotland. To that end ACC Catriona Paton is reviewing the detail contained within the analytical report and will bring this through Police Scotland governance for further consideration. 

“Let me finish by being absolutely clear – a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male. 

“The organisation I lead is wholly committed to tackling violence against women and girls and to supporting survivors and victims effectively. 

“We will do this while upholding our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights. 

“Our commitment here is unequivocal and also central to our long-term vision for policing. 

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to respond to the issues raised recently Chair.” 

Scotland and Carlton bowler Alasdair Evans has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 35-year-old made his debut in 2009 in an ODI against Canada in Aberdeen and went on to win 116 caps for Scotland. He sits eighth in the list of all-time wicket takers for Scotland men with 154 in all competitions, with his best figures of 6-30 against Kenya in 2013.

The pace-ace was part of the Scotland bowling attack at three World Cups, including the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup in India and the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup in Oman and UAE.

Ally, who had a spell with Derbyshire, starred in the famous win over England at The Grange in 2018, taking two wickets including visiting skipper Eoin Morgan.

 His final Scotland appearance was against Sri Lanka last June at the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

“I remember when I made my debut in Aberdeen, I got a phone call one night from the Head Coach Pete Steindl to join as cover as there’d been lots of injuries in the squad,” Ally told the Cricket Scotland website.

“I had never really thought growing up that I could be an international cricketer, so when that first call came, I thought it was a joke! Then the day before the game Richie Berrington rolled his ankle, and that was me playing. It was the best way for me – not time to think about it, I could just go out and try to enjoy it. It was a complete whirlwind.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of such a great squad that’s helped to move the game forward in Scotland, to a stage where going to World Cups is the norm. To see the team now compete and win games at these events makes me incredibly proud, as we’ve raised the expectation levels. To be involved with that core group of players for so many years has truly been a special time in my life, and I am honoured to have been a part of it.

“The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand stands out as one of my most memorable highlights. To be in that environment and play against some of the best players in the world, in front of some incredible crowds was fantastic. There was no place to hide.

“The depth of the Scotland squad now is now exciting to see, and there’s so much to be look forward to with what they can achieve. It’s a really close-knit group, and I wish them every success moving forward.

“I have been so lucky to work alongside some amazing people throughout my journey, including teammates, coaches and staff, without whose support I would not have been able to have the most amazing fifteen years. I want to thank every single one of them for the time and energy they have dedicated, not only to Scottish cricket, but also to help support me, to allow me to make the most unforgettable memories.”

Doug Watson, Scotland Head Coach, said: “Ally is a fantastic man, and always played for the badge on the front of the Scotland shirt, and not the name on the back. He is a fine example to all young up and coming Scottish bowlers with his dedication and hard work. He was always among the first to put up his hand and serve the team, and during an outstanding career he’s served Scotland with distinction.

“He’ll be missed in the changing room, especially his humour, his drive, and honesty. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Ally during the time I’ve been in charge of the national team, and I wish him every success for the future.”

Police Scotland has announced that there will be a continued police presence in the Bankton area of Livingston following the unexplained death of a man. 

Around 2am this morning Thursday, 26 September, 2024, officers were called to a report of a concern for a man in Bankton Lane, Livingston. 

Emergency services attended and a man was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Officers remain in attendance and Bankton Lane, Bankton Glade and the surrounding footpaths are closed.  

A Police spokesperson said: “We would ask people to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. 

“There is no risk to the wider public.  

“The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing. 

“We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers.” 

The number of police officers and staff violently assaulted in the line of duty has risen this year – with an average of 20 a day coming under attack, according to figures released by Police Scotland.

The national force say there were 1,811 assaults on its officers and staff between April-June, up 67 on the same period last year.

More than one in four of those assaults left an officer or police staff member injured.

The number of assaults represents an increase of 3.8% on the previous year, but remained roughly in line (-0.3%) with the five year average.

A total of 58 officers required hospital treatment as a result of being assaulted during the three month period, which was a decrease of 14 from the previous year.

The latest Police Scotland quarterly performance report shows Dumfries and Galloway emerged as a hotspot with 68 assaults on officers and staff. Assaults increased by 20 compared with the previous year and 22.6 above the five-year mean.

For every 1,000 incidents cops attended in Dumfries and Galloway 12 officers were assaulted – “the highest amongst any division”.

The main hotspots in the region were in Dumfries and Stranraer.

In Dumfries the greatest rise was in assaults within Dumfries and Galloway “V” Division, increasing by 21. Six of the offenders were aged 18 or under, including one female who committed nine assaults on police over three incidents.

The report states: “May saw Dumfries & Galloway Division above their monthly control limits, and May accounted for 59% of the total assaults in Quarter 1, recording a total of 40 assaults against officers/staff.

“Dumfries area command has seen the greatest rise in assaults within the Division during Quarter 1.”

In comparison, for every 1,000 incidents cops attended in Edinburgh, there were 6.9 assaults on officers. In the Lothians and Scottish Borders the figure was 5.9. However, both of these figures are up on the previous year.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “We send a clear and consistent message from police leaders that assaults on police officers and members of police staff are absolutely unacceptable, it is not part of any job to be assaulted and it is important that we report assaults.

“There has been a year on year increase of reported assaults against officers and staff in 2023-24. It is something that we keep under close review, to ensure we are doing all we can to support our people. Overall, assaults remain below the five year average and lower compared to previous years.
 
“Crucially, the injury rate has seen a consistent decline and the reporting rate has increased, suggesting not only has there been a long-term reduction in assaults, but that we’re also building a culture where people are more likely to report.
 
“This allows us to build a more accurate picture of what officers and staff are experiencing, which means we can identify trends and target areas to improve safety.”

HNH, a firm of corporate finance advisers, has boosted its expanding team in Scotland by appointing William Lawrence as assistant manager to support deal execution at its Edinburgh base.

It has another appointment in the pipeline to be announced in January, which will bring the city team to seven.

Twenty-seven-year-old Mr Lawrence (pictured), has spent has spent most of the past four years working for KPMG in Copenhagen, focused on the software, healthcare and industrials sectors.

His arrival comes as the company delivered a positive update on the sector with expectations that up to four more deals will be completed this calendar year.

That will double the tally of deals for the financial year as partner Neal Allen says there are indications of a growing appetite for transactions.

“Fifty per cent of what we are seeing is tech, so Will’s knowledge will add greatly to our offering,” he said.

Growth areas include cybersecurity, software as a service and AI.

HNH enjoyed a record year last year, completing 10 deals ranging from £2 million to £60m in a range of sectors from food and drink to business services.

Clients advised included logistics firm Bullet Express, IFA company Carbon Financial, software business Dayshape and the manufacturer and supplier of windows and doors, Sidey Solutions.

In the current year the firm advised on the transition of bakery and confectionery ingredients supplier R&W Scott to employee ownership, the sale of QEMS to Adler & Allen and the acquisition of Livingston-based CB Technology by Elite Electronic Systems of Northern Ireland.