A man has been jailed for more than nine years for violent and sexual offences against women in the Edinburgh and Midlothian areas.  

Jamie Wilson, 34, was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 27 June, 2024 of the offences between 2015 and 2022.  

He was sentenced on Friday, 30 August, at the same court to nine and a half years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Wilson now faces the consequences of a campaign of violent and sexual attacks on women spanning a significant period of time.  

“I commend the strength of the women involved in coming forward to report his offending and throughout the legal proceedings. I hope the conviction and sentencing will bring them justice as they continue to move forward with their lives.  

“Anyone who has been a victim of violent or sexual abuse is urged to report it to us, regardless of when it happened. We’re committed to fully investigating all reports and victims are supported throughout by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.” 

NHS Lothian is urging parents and carers to sign up for the flu vaccine for their children’s protection this winter.

The nasal flu vaccine, which the health board described as a “wee scoosh” up the nose, is quick and painless, yet it offers vital protection against the illness within 10 to 14 days.

The “wee scoosh” also helps stop the virus in its tracks and being spread between families and on to more vulnerable children and adults, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.

The flu vaccine is offered to all school-aged pupils, all children aged two to five-years-old not yet in school and children aged six months to two-years-old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu. Home-educated young people and young people not attending mainstream education are also eligible. 

Children aged from two to five are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.  

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme in Lothian, said it was crucial to be vaccinated every year.

He added: “The flu virus changes every year, that’s why it’s important to get an annual vaccination so that your child has the most up to date protection. 

“Getting your child vaccinated against flu can also protect them from other infections with bacteria that can follow flu and prevent them from getting sick and missing out on nursery, school or other activities. 

“Please look out for your child’s appointment letter by post or a consent form in their school bag. Be sure to complete and return the consent form to their school to ensure they get the vital protection this year’s flu vaccine offers.”

Appointment letters for children aged six months to two years at risk and those aged two to five-years-old not yet in school have been posted with details of where and when the vaccine will be given. 

Parents and carers should call the number on their child’s letter if their child has missed their appointment or needs to reschedule.  

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children.

Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in early September through to December 2024. 

Tony Blackburn,OBE, was the first voice of Radio 1, opening the very first show with the Controller of the BBC literally looming large over him.

Now he is taking a version of his radio show on the road and will be in Edinburgh at the Playhouse on next year. Since 2017 he has presented Sounds of the 60s on Radio 2.

The show on 18 June will feature live music and stories from the decade when Radio 1 began and which epitomises fashion and rock and roll.

Blackburn began his radio career on pirate radio station, Radio Caroline before joining the BBC. He holds many awards including two Gold Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Radio – the first person to receive two.

Tickets on-sale 9 September at 10am from ticketmaster.co.uk

Hibs Head Coach David Gray had mixed emotions after his side drew 1-1 with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. 

A late from Bruce Anderson denied Hibs all three points, in what was a physical battle in Ayrshire. 

Hibs led with a Joe Newell goal just after the restart and had the better of the 90-minutes but were unable to keep the clean sheet necessary for the win. 

When speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Gray gave his thoughts on the performance. 

“It’s a difficult one to take again. Losing the goal late on leaves us with a really disappointing taste. 

“For up to 90 minutes in the game we dealt with the physical threat that they had.  

“We knew coming here it would be that kind of game because they’ve had loads of success having done that in the past. We stood up to that physicality. 

“When we get ourselves in front there were a lot of positive performances.  

“Nectar gave us some steel and quality on the ball, and Kwon was excellent as well getting from box to box. There were positives within the performance. 

“You can see we’re lacking a bit in confidence, especially in certain players, because we’re not as free-flowing as we’d like to be. We need to be better on the ball. 

“The international break comes at a really good time for us. It gives us a chance to work with everyone and make them fitter and stronger, to get the squad where we want it to be. 

“As I said, we dealt with their physical threat well, which is something we didn’t do well in the last game, so from that point of view we were better. 

“But you can’t do that better for 90 minutes, that game was 96 minutes, so you have to do it for the full time. 

“If you’re not playing as well as you want to in possession, you know you need to be better and stronger defensively, and see the game out. 

“It was one moment switching off again and that makes this result hard to take to be honest.” 

Hundreds of Edinburgh residents have had their lives upended after construction defects were discovered in homes built by a developer which failed to properly install vital fire safety measures.

Robertson Partnership Homes took responsibility for the scandal and are carrying out repairs at 12 affected sites, understood to be mainly in the north and west of the city.

Problems were first discovered last year in both council and privately-owned new builds delivered by the Edinburgh-based housebuilder.

Further investigations have uncovered issues in 728 properties in total.

However the widespread presence of building errors, which differ at each development and are ‘low level’ according to the council, were not formally reported to the authority’s housing committee until earlier this week.

A senior official said some tenants have been forced to move out while remedial works take place and Roberston had “responded well to everything we’ve asked of them”. 

In a statement Roberson said it was “working closely with the council and its tenants to carry out repairs”. 

A report before councillors on Tuesday said “construction defects” had been identified within the Edinburgh Living portfolio, the local authority’s mid-market housing initiative, however it contained no details on what defects were found. 

Responding to further enquiries by the Local Democracy Reporting Service the council said they generally relate to roof and ventilation systems installed creating leaks, and firestopping installations, adding the later ‘has been prioritised during the repairs process’.

Critical for stopping the spread of fires in homes, firestopping installations  are designed to seal openings and gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings. Proper firestopping is essential for compliance with building codes and standards, ensuring a safer environment in residential and commercial structures.

Jane Meagher, Edinburgh housing committee convener, said it was “very disappointing to find any defects in recently completed buildings”.

She said: “I’d like to thank our many tenants affected for their patience and cooperation. Over the last year we’ve been checking for any problems that may exist in their homes. This has been an extensive investigation and while the defects found are low risk, we’re keen to see them addressed fully.

“Making sure our tenants are safe, looked after, and fully informed is our priority.

“We’re working with the contractor to ensure that they are put right. We have made strong progress to date with repairs, and we’re keen to see all remaining works completed as promptly as possible.”

The issue was briefly discussed at Tuesday’s meeting, where Cllr Pauline Flannery raised an eyebrow the mention of defects in the report.

Responding to her questions, head of development and regeneration David Cooper admitted there had been “a lot of disruption to people”. 

He said the repair works “are underway, have been underway for quite some time,” adding that in “some areas” tenants have had to move into in temporary accommodation to allow the repairs to progress

Mr Cooper said Robertson had “responded well to everything we’ve asked of them and is putting right the things that weren’t constructed properly in the first place” but added the council had “instigated legal proceedings” to ensure all issues were addressed and costs were met by the contractor. 

On its website Robertson says it has “delivered over 200 affordable homes for the Edinburgh Small Sites Housing Programme over a two year period” across seven separate sites across the north and west of the city. These include projects at Sighthill, West Pilton Grove, Clermiston and Wester Hailes.

A spokesperson for Robertson Partnership Homes said: “Working with our customer City of Edinburgh Council, some defects were identified across developments within the Edinburgh Living Portfolio.

“As a responsible contractor, we are working closely with the Council and its tenants to carry out repairs.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday 9 to Sunday 22 September and will promote a simple message: Be the Change. 

This campaign highlights that many non-Fairtrade farmers continue to earn below the poverty line, while Fairtrade means producers receive a fairer price, can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, and cover their farming costs. It creates healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities, with improved choice and better life chances through access to healthcare and education, and helps farmers respond to climate crises by investing in better farming practices.  

Shoppers in the UK continue to support Fairtrade, with 2023 retail sales of Fairtrade products generating around £28 million in Fairtrade Premium payments for producers to invest in business, community and projects of their choice, including healthcare, education and environmental initiatives.

If you want to hear directly from one of the farmers and how Fairtrade has benefited him and his community, come and hear Howard Msukwa, rice farmer from northern Malawi, speak at the Cornerstone Centre on Thursday 12 September at 12:30pm.  Tickets (free) are available here.

In other events happening across the city, in Balerno the Balerno Fairtrade Village Group will have a Fairtrade stall at the Farmers’ Market on 14 September, while The Mill Café will focus even more on Fairtrade ingredients, plus a “mystery item” in the Main Street is intended to remind shoppers to stick with Fairtrade way beyond Fairtrade Fortnight. 

In South Queensferry, the South Queensferry Fairtrade Group is having an afternoon tea (price: £10) to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Fairtrade Foundation.  It is on Saturday 21 September from 2:00pm – 4:00pm in Queensferry Parish Church.

All Edinburgh libraries will be mounting displays concerning Fairtrade throughout Fairtrade Fortnight, and you can take these resources at the end of the period, or find more for your school here or faithgroup or community here.

If you want more information on Fairtrade year-round you can follow or contact the Edinburgh Fairtrade City Steering Group here 

A West Lothian author waited for more than 50 years to write his first novel – now it is in line to win Scotland’s most prestigious prizes for crime fiction this month.

Doug Sinclair, 58, has been longlisted for this year’s McIlvanney Prize for the best Scottish crime book of the year and is also on the shortlist for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, for his novel Blood Runs Deep.

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

Doug, from Armadale, West Lothian, told how he had longed to become a crime writer ever since he penned a murder mystery in primary school that had his teacher and classmates gripped.

For nearly 50 years, a crippling lack of confidence caused by undiagnosed neurodivergence, prevented him from pursuing his dream, however.

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

It has not only been published to widespread acclaim, but could potentially scoop a unique double this month.

Blood Runs Deep is one of the five titles shortlisted for the debut prize to be awarded on the opening night of the Bloody Scotland international crime writing festival in Stirling on Friday 13th.
 
It also sits alongside the latest works by the likes of Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Charles Cumming and Doug Johnstone on the longlist for the McIlvanney Prize to be handed out on the same night.

Doug, an IT support worker for a bank, said: “The spark was always there. In primary school I wrote a murder mystery that the teacher thought was so good she bound it in vinyl and made me read it out to the rest of the year.

“Everyone else wrote half a page and mine ran to five pages, with a beginning, a middle and an end. There was a murder but no gory details. I’d have only been about 10 or 11 years old.

“I also remember reading an advert in the paper saying ‘you too could be a writer’, and standing in the backyard of our tenement thinking, ‘could I be one of those amazing people who write books?’

“So there were early signs, but to finally be published 50 years on and for my book to be on these prize lists alongside those names, I honestly can’t believe it.”

Doug grew up in Edinburgh and later lived in London and Belgium before returning to Scotland with Maaike 23 years ago. It was Maaike who encouraged him to seek the help that has transformed his life and led to him signing a three book deal with publishers Storm.

He said: “My entire life, for various reasons, my neuro divergences, as they call them now, have been fairly low level but they have been chronic, chipping away and eroding me.

“I spent my entire childhood, adolescence, and right up to middle age believing in my heart that I was worthless. I was convinced that even if I could write I didn’t deserve success or recognition. That’s just how I felt.

“I started writing a book ten years ago. I wrote 70,000 words and then gave up on it because I believed nobody would want to read it.

“My amazing now-wife Maaike made me get help. We found out that I could have been prescribed medication decades ago and had a completely different life.”

During this time, Doug attended festivals like Bloody Scotland, and sought advice from established authors including Caro Ramsay, the author of the acclaimed Anderson and Costello thrillers, who also offered support.

He wrote Blood Runs Deep, then later returned to the book he had earlier abandoned, which has now become the second part in the series, “Last To Die”. Now he’s working on a third part.

Doug said: “It took six or seven years to build the self belief to actually finish Blood Runs Deep, and get it out there.

“It will be labelled a police procedural, but I wanted to write about people who get damaged by the awful things society does to us, and that includes police officers. How the best of us can be pushed to do awful things by the worst of circumstances and how it impacts on the victims, the police who investigate these awful crimes and the perpetrators.

“It was Caro who said ‘it’s all about emotional intelligence’ and I never forgot that phrase.”

The McIlvanney Prize recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing and is dedicated to the late William McIlvanney, the novelist, short story writer and poet regarded as “the father of Tartan Noir”.

The longlist was selected by an “academy” of booksellers, librarians, bloggers and broadcasters and the winner will receive a Glencairn Crystal Decanter, £1,000 and nationwide promotion in Waterstones.

Doug added: “I was well known as someone who had no confidence or belief in myself. I always said I would write a book and when I did, and it was published, so many people were so chuffed for me.

“A lot of people have come back and said ‘see, I told you you could write’, ‘it’s a good read’, and that sort of thing.

“I think I’m finally accepting that I can write. I would love to become a full-time crime writer.

“I’ve just reached number five and number ten in two categories on Amazon, which is amazing. I’ve not hit number one yet but I believe it’s going to come.”

SEPTEMBER

Our Five things you need to know today article will come back after the planned rest during August… slowly. As it can be quite a labour intensive article to produce we plan to write a weekly roundup of news on a Monday for now. This month is a particularly busy one with a lot going on behind the scenes.

We have recently invested in The Edinburgh Reporter website and hope you have noticed the difference. For everyone it should now be quicker to load – and we believe it is easier to navigate. We have turned off some of the Google ads to make these less intrusive. This work continues to improve the user experience.

Of course the reduction in income will have to be boosted in other ways. Please do support us by buying a scone for the production team here. It helps us keep going and prevents us having to introduce any paywall. Support local independent journalism and buy a monthly newspaper or book your business advertising with us. Click on the image below.

Businesses can send us their news here – or book advertising here.

And if you are organising a community, local or charity event then please let us know below:

THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT RESUMES

Parliament resumes this week. Chamber business begins with the usual time for reflection on Tuesday at 2 pm and includes First Minister’s Questions (with British Sign Language – BSL – interpreting) at 12 noon on Thursday. Business will also include:

Tuesday 3 September 2024

Community cohesion (Ministerial statement)
Scottish Government pre-budget fiscal update (Ministerial statement)
Gender identity healthcare for young people – update and new national standards(Ministerial statement)
Clyde and Hebrides ferries – provision, service and harbours update (Ministerial statement)
Mobile phones and behaviour and relationships in school (Ministerial statement)

Wednesday 4 September 2024

Programme for Government 2024-25 (First Minister’s statement)
Programme for Government 2024-25 (Scottish Government debate)

Tackling the misuse of off-road vehicles (Members’ business)

Thursday 5 September 2024

Programme for Government – eradicating child poverty (Scottish Government debate)

Details will be published in the Business Bulletin. 

Committee business will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but all business is subject to change at short notice.     

You can watch meetings live on SPTV. The transcript of what is said will be available in the Official Report and the videos will be available in the SPTV archive.

The Scottish Government will lay down its Programme for Government with “plans to deliver a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland despite difficult financial challenges”.

The First Minister is to outline his first programme since taking office, laying out how the Scottish Government will focus on improving the lives of the people of Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Against a challenging financial backdrop this year’s Programme for Government will set out clear actions to deliver real change for the people of Scotland.

“The Prime Minister was clear last week that the UK Budget, to be delivered in October, will be painful, and the reality is that the UK’s finances will inevitably affect the funding available to us here in Scotland. Their decisions mean tough decisions ahead for Scotland.

“Yet despite this the Scottish Government will continue to prioritise action to eradicate child poverty, to grasp the opportunities of delivering net zero and to grow the economy by investing in public services and infrastructure. While we will work with the UK Government wherever we can, we will continue to urge them to drop the damaging cuts and set new spending rules that support investment.

“The Scottish Government already has a strong track record of improving lives in challenging circumstances. We have delivered an expansion of funded childcare, record investment in the NHS, renewable energy development, and the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, which are strong foundations for this year’s Programme for Government.

“Even when faced with unprecedented budgetary constraints, our aim will be to improve people’s lives by focusing on clear priorities that make the biggest difference.”

AT THE CITY CHAMBERS THIS WEEK

There are not many committee meetings open to the public this week, but probably the most important is the Education Committee on Tuesday. The council’s education convener says she is facing making cuts of up to £40 million in the next three years to the education budget amid “the devastation in local government funding”. The council sets its budget in February each year, but there will be constant discussion at committees until then.

Monday, 2 September, 2024

NO MEETINGS

Tuesday, 3 September, 2024

• 10.00 am Education, Children and Families Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
• 2.00 pm Edinburgh Partnership – Microsoft Teams

Wednesday, 4 September, 2024

• 10.00 am Development Management Sub-Committee – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

Thursday, 5 September, 2024

NO MEETINGS

Friday, 6 September, 2024

10.00 am Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee – Virtual Meeting – via Microsoft Teams

HIDDEN DOOR HAVE BIG NEWS

The team at Hidden Door Festival have secured a “huge new venue” and all will be revealed soon. If you would like to be among the first to know then you have to join the Friends of Hidden Door scheme today.

Benefits of being a friend include:

• being the first to hear about our new venue
• early access to exclusive events
• regular newsletters with advance announcements
• 10% discount on tickets with priority booking
• the opportunity to donate to a cause you love
• flexibility to pay monthly or annually
• 25% Gift Aid boost for UK taxpayers on their contribution
• a special ‘Friends of Hidden Door’ pin badge

Adult Education – new venue

The Adult Education Centre at South Bridge Resource Centre is now closed as it is being taken over and developed as a hub for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. One of the replacement venues will be the Nelson Hall on Bernard Terrace just up from Summerhall.

The venue is fully accessible and has a lift to the upper floor. Book classes by phoning 0131 556 7978 or click here for more information on chair yoga or painting, Latin Dance therapy or singing for fun. Click on the image below for more details.

A second business run by “bagel queen” Larah Bross has collapsed and been put into liquidation in the space of 12 months – but she has already launched a new enterprise.

Hot Mama Bagels Ltd filed for insolvency on 5 August – less than a year after Bross Bagels Ltd crashed with debts close to £1 million.

Hot Mama Bagels had been trading in the former Bross Bagels shops in Portobello, Stockbridge and Brunstfield after the phoenix company bought the assets of the distressed sandwich chain for just £18,000.

All the units have now closed and the firm’s catering equipment, furniture and other assets have been listed for auction by asset recovery specialist Sweeney Kincaid.

Accountancy firm Anderson Anderson Brown (ABB) have been appointed as official liquidators of Hot Mama Bagels Ltd but the scale of the debt and number of creditors is currently unknown.

Ms Bross, who said she was stepping away from her latest business because of “a significant toll on my mental health” has already formed a new enterprise and is listed at Companies House as a director and majority shareholder of World Wide Hole Limited.

Also listed as directors of the new business are chef and food industry consultant Jeff Kipp, and Declan Penfold, another food and hospitality consultant who is claimed to work with “global businesses, brands and influencers with taste”.

The official liquidators of Bross Bagels Ltd, Interpath Advisory, are still to lodge the findings of their official report in to the company’s collapse, which left behind debts of around £635,000 due to HM Revenue & Customs in unpaid taxes, National Insurance and VAT. Student loan deductions taken from staff wages also remained unpaid.

An estimated £280,000 is believed to be due to unsecured creditors and small suppliers, while crowdfunders who stumped up £150,000 in two rounds of fundraising will received nothing in return.

Following news of the Hot Mam Bagels failure, a finance expert told The Edinburgh Reporter: “Phoenix companies don’t have a great success rate when the purchasers are the original owners unfortunately, as they fail to make the required changes and run up debts again. The Insolvency Service may well be interested in the circumstances, especially if there are fiscal debts involved again.”

Ms Bross, who appeared at various Foodies Festivals cookery demonstrations around the UK during the summer, and was pictured with celebrities including Peter Andre and Gemma Collins, issued an update on 25 July to crowdfunders who donated up to £1,000 each and who have been left high and dry.

She said: “Despite my resilience and determination, I have reached a point where continuing in this manner is no longer feasible. Prioritising my well-being and that of my loved ones has become imperative, and as difficult as it is, I believe stepping back from operations is the best course of action.

“I want to assure you that the Bross brand will live on. While I cannot promise a return on your investment with  Bross Bagels at this moment, I remain committed to finding a way to make it up to you in the future. I am dedicated to exploring all possible avenues to ensure that your faith in Bross  Bagels is ultimately rewarded.”

A spokesperson for AAB said: “Judith Howson and David McGinness of AAB Business Advisory & Tax LLP were recently appointed Joint Interim Liquidators of Hot Mama Bagels Ltd on 5th August 2024. The initial investigation is ongoing.”

The Edinburgh Reporter made repeated attempts to obtain comment from Ms Bross but were unsuccessful.

All offenders under the age of 18 who were in Young Offenders’ Institution (YOI) Polmont have been moved into secure care, according to The Scottish Government.

No offenders under 18 will be admitted to the institution since new regulations which came into effect at the end of August. The government is putting funding of up to £7 million forward to cover the costs of such placements. A further £500,000 has been offered to secure accommodation providers to prepare for the movement of children, “ensuring their wellbeing and safety is the top priority”.

This move is part of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and also to Keep the Promise, the 2024 Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act’s provisions. This aims to improve the experience for children in the care and justice systems – no matter if they are the victims or the offenders.

Any child under 18 can now ask to be referred to the Children’s Reporter.

Several children have died by suicide at YOI Polmont – including a 17-year-old boy in July this year, and a 16 year-old boy, William Brown, who died in 2018. This took place within months of the death by suicide of Katie Allan, leading to a Fatal Accident Inquiry earlier this year.

The 17 year-old died after the government pledged it would pass the necessary legislation to end the incarceration of 16 and 17 year-olds in young offenders’ institutions back in March 2022. The chief inspector of prisons in Scotland, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben, has said that this practice was a breach of the children’s human rights. In summer this year the BBC reported there were nine 16 to 17 year-olds held in custody in Polmont.

Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “We have been moving at pace since the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent in June to implement this reform and ensure no under 18s will be detained in a Young Offenders Institution from now on, moving to suitable settings such as secure care.

“This move will ensure children in conflict with the law are placed in safe suitable accommodation which will ensure their wellbeing and rehabilitation is at the heart of their care, while also keeping communities safe.

“I value and appreciate the work the providers will undertake to make the young people feel settled. Implementing this reform has been an enormous collaborative effort. I am very grateful to the secure accommodation providers, the Scottish Prison Service, Social Work Scotland, Crown Office, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service and the Care Inspectorate. The success of their combined effort demonstrates our commitment to ‘Keep the Promise’, further protect children’s rights and keep communities safe.”

Picture this. It’s just before 5pm at Tynecastle. The jubilant Dundee United players strode over to the Roseburn Stand to celebrate with their fans, standing arms aloft and singing “It’s a Beautiful Day”.

They were ecstatic after earning three points from a narrow, 1-0 win over Hearts courtesy of a goal after 75 minutes.

Contrast that with the Men in Maroon. Captain Lawrence Shankland lead the downcast team, their faces spoke volumes, around the ground with empty spaces in the stands where fans had retreated swiftly in the final minutes after Ross Graham’s goal had gone in.

Such is the fine line between success and failure in William Hill Premiership football.

Some fans, to their credit, stayed to applaud their heroes even in advertsity. Steven Naismith’s side had dominated possession in the first 45 minutes and enjoyed slices of the play in the second but, critically, they failed to convert them into chances.

The Tannadice team, newly promoted from the tier below, took theirs, albeit a tad scrappy in the final execution, but there was no question that a square ball to the edge of the penalty box from Craig Sibbald found Will Ferry who back-heeled the ball into the path of Graham.

Craig Halkett was between him and goalkeeper Craig Gordon who was, perhaps, unsighted, and the ball slipped home into the empty net leaving the home side 14 minutes plus injury time to salvage something.

They tried but, as happened throughout the match, the quality in the final third was missing. No end product with too many moves petering out at the edge of the box and Dundee United moved onto eight points from their four matches to take over in third spot in the 12-strong table.

Hearts must rue the missed opportunities in the earlier part of the game played before more than 18,000 fans leaving the Jambos, remember their were third by a street at the end of last season, languishing in second bottom spot in the table with one point from their four matches.

Yes, it is early in the season but, worryingly, Hearts a goal difference of minus five and teams at the top are inching away. If Hearts want European football next term then they must address this.

Incidentally, Kilmarnock, who have also recently played in Europe, are bottom also on one point, but the Rugby Park men have a goal difference of minus nine.

Defiant Naismith (pictured), who recently signed an extension to his contract at Gorgie, told BBC Sport Scotland that he had endured adversity in his playing career and added: “I will always fight.”

The former Scotland international, who has added substantially to the squad in the summer recess, said: “I will be the first to say I could not turn it around. We have got a good squad. These moments are tough.

“You need to have a grit and determination to get that first result and then you build from there.”

He also argued that Hearts need to find a level of consistency and the seasoned professionals in the dressing-room need to pull the younger players with them.

Everybody is going to play a part in turning this disappointing start to the season around, according to the head coach, but the stark fact is that Hearts have lost six games in a row despite earning a point in a no-score draw with Rangers in their opening game which fired optimism after an encouraging display.

That result came on the back of expectation with last season’s third place finish.

Those joyful days seem far away now with some noisy fans already calling for a change of leadership. Others back the manager to get it right, eventually.

Brace yourself Hearts fans. Next up after the international break are pace-setting Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday, September 14 (15.00).  

A late penalty at Rugby Park denied Hibs their first league victory of the season this afternoon. 

Hibs head coach David Gray made one change to his starting XI with deadline day signing Nectar Triantis makes his first start after re-joining on loan from English Championship side Sunderland! 

Joe Bursik started in goal with a back four of Lewis Miller, Marvin Ekpiteta, Warren O’Hora, and Jordan Obita in-front of him. 

Triantis started in the ‘number six’ role with Joe Newell and Hyeokkyo Kwon in front of him in the middle of midfield. 

Martin Boyle started wide right, Rudi Molotnikov wide left, and Mykola Kuharevich lead the line up-front. 

Kieron Bowie was listed amongst the substitutes, but Elie Youan and Junior Hoilett don’t make the matchday squad as they continue to return from injury, whilst the game arrived too soon for deadline day signing Jack Iredale. 

A minute’s silence was held ahead of kick off in memory of former Hibs player Sol Bamba and the players wore black armbands. 

Corrie Ndaba was fortunate not to see a straight red card  for a late challenge on Lewis Miller but the referee decided yellow was sufficient. VAR had a quick look but agreed with the ref. 

The hosts should have taken the lead in the 16^th minute when Danny Armstrong’s corner was flicked on at the front post and found Kyle Vassell with an open goal but he made a mess of it and the ball ended up in Bursik’s grateful hands. 

Armstrong then tried his luck from just outside the area but his effort went wide although it was almost redirected by Bruce Anderson sliding in at the back post. 

Hibs first real chance arrived on the half-hour mark when Kieran O’Hara produced a superb save from Kwon’s powerful volley. 

Hibs then started to create a few chances and won a free-kick on the edge of the area but Boyle tried to fire the ball under the wall and the danger was cleared. 

Then just before the break Kuharevich almost scored what would have undoubtedly been a contender for the goal of the season with a sensational half-volley with the outside of his boot from the halfway line, but his audacious effort was tipped over the bar by O’Hara. 

Hibs took the lead shortly after the restart when Newell’s short corner was returned to him and his angled cross/shot deceived the keeper and ended up in the net to the delight of the large travelling support. 

On the hour mark Nicky Cadden has replaced Molotnikov then Ekpiteta went close with a header from Kwon’s cross. 

Kuharevich was shown a yellow card for an off the ball incident then the big Ukranian required treatment for a shoulder knock. 

Hibs almost grabbed a second and it would also have been a contender for goal of the season. Triantis collected the ball in midfield, beat three defenders and rattled the crossbar. 

Then at the other end Vassell held off a challenge from Miller but his effort rebounded off the post and was cleared. 

Bowie and Chris Cadden replaced Boyle and Kuharevich in the 72^nd minute. 

Nicky Cadden’s powerful cross was turned round the post by O’Hara but the resultant corner came to nothing. 

Then in the 90^th minute Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Obita on Anderson who tucked the resultant spot-kick away to level the score. 

After the final whistle Gray told BBC Sportsound: “We know where we need to improve but there were much more positives today, that’s for sure.

“My frustration is that we weren’t able to see it out. For 99% of the game, I thought it was a very good performance away from home.

“The break comes at a really good time. We have a lot of new signings who all need time to gel together.

“Some of the players are a little bit low on confidence, this break gives us time to work on those areas where we know we can improve.”

Kilmarnock: O’Hara, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Ndaba, Armstrong, Watson, Polworth, Kennedy, Vassell, Anderson. 

Substitutes: McCrorie, Burroughs, Deas, McKenzie, Mackay-Steven, Murray, Cameron, Wales, Bainbridge. 

Hibs: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O’Hora, Obita, Newell, Kwon, Triantis, Molotnikov, Kuharevich, Boyle. 

Substitutes: Smith, Levitt, C Cadden, McKirdy, N Cadden, Bowie, Moriah-Welsh, Campbell, Bushiri. 

Oasis fan Harris McLeod (16) from Drumbrae was delighted last night when his older brother Daniel secured him a ticket for the Scottish Gas Murrayfield gig on 8 August 2025.

He said “It’s brilliant to get a ticket. I really didn’t think would ever get a chance to see them.

“Even better that the stadium is just a half an hour walk from my house.”

His older sister Cassie was not so lucky. She said: ”I have been kicked off the site about three times and i’m now just under 200,000th in the queue”.

Were you lucky to get a ticket? Tell us about your experience.

Edinburgh professional cyclist Sean Flynn, 22, has been named in the Team dsm-firmenich PostNL line-up for the Lloyd’s Bank Tour of Britain which gets underway from Kelso next Tuesday, 3 September.

The first stage will also end in Kelso before heading south and ending in Suffolk five days later.

Sean is joined in an eight strong line-up by Kelso’s Oscar Onley, 21, who has been receiving rave reviews.

Much attention will also be focused on Tom Pidcock who retained his Olympic cross-country mountain biking title in Paris.

Pidcock will be competing for INEOS Grenadiers.

Stage One will take in a 181.9 kilometre (113.1 mile) route starting and finishing in Kelso, passing through Coldstream, Gordon, Melrose, Denholm, Jedburgh and St Boswells, with more than 2,300 metres of ascent.

Riders will be presented ahead of the race from 9.30am and the first jersey presentations take place following the conclusion of the first stage at approximately 3.04pm.

Follow Sean on Twitter here.

University of Edinburgh swimmer Stephen Clegg has captured the first gold medal of the Paris Paralympic Games by a Scot and in a world record time.

Stephen romped home to win the 100 metres backstroke S12 final in 59.02 secs, emulating his sister, Libby, who is a multi Paralympic medallist – two golds and three silvers from three Games as an athlete – while brother James, also visually impaired, stood on the podium to collect swimming bronze at the London Games.

Stephen said: “I’m speechless to be honest. Not long ago this was one of my weaker events and now I’m a world record holder.

“My coaches, my team, I’m particularly fortunate to be part of an incredible programme in Edinburgh.”

While it was triumph for Stephen Clegg another Edinburgh athlete’s Paralympic adventure came to an end today.

Boccia star Patrick Wilson lost out in the quarter finals to Poland’s Damien Iskrzycki but had already made his mark by progressing to the knock-out stages.

Meanwhile, a third Lothians competitor, Nathan McQueen, will contest the final 16 of the men’s open compound archery event later on Sunday.

UPDATE: Archer Nathan McQueen lost in the quarter final today to USA’s Matt Stutzman.

Russell Findlay MSP announced today that he has won the support of all five Scottish Conservative MPs and two former Secretaries of State for Scotland.

Former Secretaries of State for Scotland, Lord Forsyth and David Mundell MP, have announced they are backing Findlay as well as current Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, John Lamont MP.

Findlay now has the support of all five Scottish Conservative MPs including Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie and Dumfries and Galloway MP John Cooper.

Writing in today’s Mail on Sunday, Lord Forsyth said Findlay demonstrates “courage, competence, conviction and compassion” and “he offers the Tories a new way forward focussed on the real day to day concerns of every voter”.

Findlay has also won the support of 12 MSPs including Edinburgh MSPs Miles Briggs and Sue Webber, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart, Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle, North East MSPs Tess White and Douglas Lumsden, Scottish Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton, Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell, Ayrshire MSP Sharon Dowey, West of Scotland MSP Pam Gosal, and Glasgow MSPs Annie Wells and Sandesh Gulhane.

Findlay has the backing of Dumfries & Galloway Council leader Gail Macgregor, South Ayrshire Council leader Martin Dowey.

He also recently won the support of Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party donors, Alasdair Locke, Alan Massie and Robert Kilgour.

David Mundell, former Secretary of Scotland for Scotland and current MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, said: “I’m backing Russell Findlay to get our party winning again across Scotland.

“We need someone who can stand up to John Swinney at First Minister’s Questions and reach out to voters who may have backed Labour or Reform or didn’t vote at the recent General Election.

“Russell has the life experience to be an effective leader and deliver the right kind of change that our party needs to succeed again.

“He would keep the party united and bring people together, just as he has in this contest by securing the support of our MPs, MSPs, councillors and grassroots supporters.”

John Lamont, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Scottish Borders MP, said: “I’ve decided to support Russell Findlay to lead our party because he’s got the broad appeal to deliver election success.

“I was Ruth Davidson’s campaign manager in 2011 and I recognise a lot of the same strengths in Russell as she had. He’s positive, determined and he connects with people.

“Russell is not a career politician, that’s his great strength. But since becoming an MSP, he’s already achieved a lot by pushing the SNP to act and holding them to account on several justice issues.

“Russell can earn the trust of people across Scotland that our party must win over.”

Former Hibs player Sol Bamba has died aged 39. 

The powerful defender overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but died on Saturday in Turkey, where he was working for Adanaspor, after being admitted to hospital. 

Turkish side Adanaspor broke the news in a statement released on X which read:  “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.’ 

Tributes have been paid from throughout the football world including from ex team mate and current Hibs player Junior Hoilett who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro. Love Always.” 

Hundreds of Hibs fans have also paid tribute to Bamba on social media. 

Bamba joined Hibs from Dunfermline in 2008 under manager Mixu Paatelainen and made was sent off on his debut against Dundee United. 

In total he played 80 times for the club, scoring four goals and was a popular player amongst the supporters. 

After leaving Hibs he played for a number of teams including Leicester City, Leeds, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough. 

Since retiring in 2022, Bamba made the move into coaching, becoming an assistant manager for his former club Cardiff before joining Turkish side Adanaspor. 

The 39-year-old had been working as the club’s technical director since the summer until his untimely passing. 

Bamba’s wife Chloe made an emotional statement on social media. 

“For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism,” she wrote. 

“Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August. 

“These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. 

“Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that. 

“It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”    

Bamba first met wife Chloe when he was playing for Leicester in 2011 and the couple soon married. 

They have three children called Roonea, Lily and Amy. 

The Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba won 46 international caps for Ivory Coast 

Cardiff City, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”. 

Leeds United, where Bamba played between 2015 and 2016, said he was “one of the nicest people in football”. 

A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing. 

“Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game. 

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.” 

Grange are the 2024 Cricket Scotland T20 champions after a successful finals day hosted by Stirling County.

In the final Grange’s total of 134-5 featuring 43 from Chris Greaves supported by Finlay McCreath (35) proved too much for Falkland who were restricted to 116-6 with Robbie McGlasham and Jasper Davidson taking two wickets apiece.

Earlier Grange had overcome Forfarshire at the penultimate stage.

After finishing on 112 the Capital side got home with nine runs to spare.

Grange used the same 11 players in both ties – Angus Brown, captain, Liam Smith, Chris Greaves, Finlay McCreath, Jasper Davidson, Ben Davidson, Callum Swanson, Campbell Swanson, Charlie Peet, Robbie McGlasham and Louis Bennet.

The rod tip dipped. I struck and the fish darted away underneath our boat drifting off Eyemouth. It streaked away so I tightened the clutch to halt the charge. An angler to my right snagged my line so I tightened the clutch a touch further to allow him to release it.

Sadly, the tension was gone. The fish had broken the rig body of 40lb and all I had left was a swivel.

A nano-second later, to my left, another angler shouted: “I’ve hooked a bird.”

Skipper Ronnie Marshall stayed calm, delivering instructions: “Reel in, keep it coming and get it on board.”

The gannet was carefully lifted onto the deck. The sizeable bird, naturally, tried to defend itself. Ronnie dodged the beak as he held it down and he asked another angler to grab the gannet’s neck.

Seconds later the bird was free and it flew away. So was my fish.

I persevered for four fruitless hours with mackerel, mussel and worm baits, but to no avail. Cod, plentiful in May and June, and Ronnie tells a story of a group of young people, novices in fact, who plundered several hundred in two hours off The Hirst, a rocky peak rising to within six fathoms of the surface at low tide. Almost all were small and were returned. Good sport, however, and the kids loved it.

My expectation of hooking into cod at this time of year was low. They are semi-migratory and some move to colder Scandinavian waters in the summer, while smaller specimens stay around the shores of Britain.

A pollock or link or even wrasse would have been good. Sadly, the cod, even the small ones, and other species, on this day, had decided not to feed on my bait. Three cod were hooked elsewhere on the boat, but they were small.

Most of the other anglers on Sagittarius out of Eyemouth were busy, however. We bobbed up and down in the stiff breeze around under blue skies with the sun blazing while they targeted mackerel. They certainly came out to play, in shoals. While I sat watching my rod tip in vain, they were gleefully reeling in the fish after fish.

Buckets on deck soon became full and I decided to sidestep other species and join them for the final two hours of the six-hour charter. It  proved to be good sport. Four feathers on, lowered over the side with a 150 gram weight. The feathers sank, slowly, as I tried to find the depth the fish were sitting it.

Nothing for the first two casts. I hit bottom, nothing, half way up and a tug. The first mackerel, sizeable. Next cast I decided to go deep and then retrieve slowly again. As the feathers reached the top section of the water bang. Three jumped on.

Same tactic next cast. Lower deep and then retrieve slowly. Two this time.

My bucket quickly became full and I am now sorted for winter fishing bait. My neighbours were also happy as they were in receipt of the unrequired extras.

Aquamarine Charters run regular, half-day, full-day and evening trips from Eyemouth. Mackerel fishing is undoubtedly great fun and a tremendous way to encourage youngsters into fishing. Mackerel have health benefits as they are packed with oils and Omega-3 and they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and good fats. Indeed, the American Heart Association recommend eating at least two servings of fatty fish, like mackerel, every week.

Skipper Ronnie confirmed that July and August are prime months for mackerel fishing. You don’t need much in the way of equipment, rod, reel and feathers. Drop a few feathers in and, normally, you are in business.

The skipper knows where they are and moves around the sea to productive spots. He also exits an area when seals are spotted, and they were, several of them.

Sagittarius provides an ideal platform. It is a Blyth Workboat 33 catamaran, ten metres long and almost five metres wide, which has excellent sea keeping abilities.

The large deck area, which has seating, makes it relatively easy to move around, for sorting kit and gutting fish on a table at the stern. It also has a toilet.

All equipment can be hired and there are a small selection of hooks, weights and lures onboard to buy. Bring your own bait.

The type of fish caught depends on the season. Pollock, cod, ling, mackerel, wrasse and possibly wolf fish are in the water. Yes, I was disappointed not to hook cod or any other species this time but I’ll try again however I am unlikely to get such good weather as Autumn heads into winter.

PICTURE: a fine catch by one happy angler on board a charter. Contributed.

A relative newcomer to the city’s coffee scene, Little Havana in Leith is an outstanding example of warm and engaging customer service – and excellent coffee.

This compact takeaway and coffee supplier near the foot of the walk is an offshoot of the tobacco store next door, The Pipe Shop, established in 1957.

For proprietor Steven MacKenzie, it was the deep knowledge of the area that meant the business was well-placed to diversify. While he concedes that rum and whiskey might seem the natural path, Steven feels that coffee fits the zeitgeist much better. Frankly he admits, dealing with drunk punters was not something he wanted. Coffee has a different vibe. So far he’s enjoyed “good feedback and footfall” and feels the business is evolving nicely.

It’s a family business with Steven’s wife Ruth and daughter also working in the shop. They have a good number of regulars, but Little Havana is equally welcoming to new customers. While I was there, they had visitors from Germany and Cumbria, as well as a pair involved in the Foodies Festival. With them all, Steven went beyond the typical small talk and made genuine connections.

Little Havana has built up mutually supportive relationships with other businesses in the area. In particular, he points people in the direction of Kvasa Bakery across the street (“the guys there really deserve to do well; they work very long hours”) and Remedy up the road (“best breakfasts in town”).

He feels that there is “a gap in the market” for places such as Little Havana; offering something a bit different from the chains and from the specialty places, such as Artisan Roast, just a few metres down the road. He sees Little Havana as primarily a coffee supplier, offering an extensive range of beans.

They presently have about 30 coffees but hopes to expand that to 50, extending the range of countries represented: “our place isn’t a homage to any particular type of bean or region”. For espresso-based drinks they usually offer a fairly dark roasted Brazilian blend.

This is a bit different to the lighter roasts prioritised by the speciality places. A darker style is something more familiar to those from southern Europe; not a bad idea given the number of Spanish and Italian people in Leith, even post-Brexit.

For Steven, it’s all a learning experience, with the business evolving organically as he meets new customers and engages with new suppliers. He’s also planning to extend the range of teas available. “I feel that with the amount of good cafes around here and places like Pekoe Tea, this area can become a tea and coffee centre”.

A joiner by trade, Steven has done the interior himself, aiming to produce something “basic and clean”. The large front windows allow the sun to stream in, giving the place an airy uncluttered, almost minimalist feel.

On a bench outside you can watch the trams trundle past and cyclists zigzagging down the walk. On a July morning, it was warm enough even for iced coffee, creating a bit of a “continental feel”. For Steven, the trams coming to Leith have been a boost to business, including his: “it’s helping to bring people to Leith”. The area is noticeably changing, such as the pub next door; from a spit and sawdust place to one with a noticeably “hipster clientele”. Yet, Steven believes, Leith retains its distinct character – he’s proud to stock the local magazine, The Leither.

One aspect of coffee he’s focusing on is decaf, aware that too much caffeine isn’t ideal: “working here I enjoy drinking coffee a bit too much”. The samples of decaf I tried were very flavoursome, not the bland beans I’ve often tried. Another aspect Little Havana tries to emphasise is sustainability, trying to reduce the amount of plastic used and giving discounts to those who bring along containers for their beans and their own coffee cups.

Above all, the place manifests a passion for coffee and a desire to constantly expand their knowledge of beans and brewing methods. The next stage of the business will be to recruit an experienced barista: “I’d like to give them a lot of autonomy about the beans and blends we use”.

Already, Little Havana has shown great promise and is an example of the way in which the very best places serve great coffee but also act as vibrant communal hubs.

Little Havana Coffee Store
94 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5HB

It has been quite the journey – more than five years in the making with a global pandemic to navigate along the way. 

But I am, finally, eagerly anticipating the re-opening of the expanded North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) venue. Sited in the new MacMillan Hub, in North Edinburgh’s new MacMillan Square, the Hub is the bricks and mortar manifestation of a long-term and positive partnership between our community owned venue (NEA). The City of Edinburgh Council’s Library and Early Years services and Capital City Partnership’s Skills Hub are also a part of it.

We believe this new building is the first of its kind in Scotland co-locating a community owned venue, third sector services, and council provision, all working together for the benefit of local residents. NEA, and the MacMillan Hub will provide first class creative, learning, enterprise and meeting spaces. These will accommodate a wide ranging programme of events and activities, a social enterprise café, community garden, public library, dedicated skills hub, early learning and childcare centre for 185 children and social housing.

AMBITIOUS PROJECT

As NEA enters into this new, community owned, chapter we are extremely grateful to the very many supporters of our ambitious capital project. Three quarters of our capital costs are in place, with plans for the remainder in train. This is no mean feat for a local organisation who faced closure 15 years ago! Our plans to be fit for purpose for the next generation of North Edinburgh residents have been realised. 

When open the ‘new’ NEA will house a 96 seat theatre, a 72 seat café, six artist studios, five multi-use studios, a music studio, two wood workshops, four offices, a hot desk mezzanine, third floor greenhouse, and our half acre community garden.

NEA will be, once again, the place for local residents to meet, relax, learn, get creative, and support one another. Our third of this amazing building is in the ownership of the people that use it, for the long term. 

NEA is a Charity run by a dedicated team working with freelance artists, valued volunteers, and partner organisations. The body is overseen and supported by a Board of Directors, the majority of whom, like myself, live locally.  

We look forward to seeing you at NEA in the autumn.

For further information, to become a member, or sign up to our newsletter, go to  www.northedinburgharts.co.uk 

Lesley Hinds is Chair of the NEA Board.

The Old Edinburgh Club reminds us of the notable dates in September through the centuries.

1st In 714, St Giles, patron saint of Edinburgh, died. And in 1558, a Protestant demonstration broke up the annual St Giles’ Day procession through the streets of Edinburgh, seized the saint’s statue, and ritually drowned it in the nearby Nor’ Loch.

2nd In 1561, Mary, Queen of Scots, made her formal entry into Edinburgh after her return to Scotland 2 weeks before. And in 1724, Maggie Dickson was hanged for the crime of concealment of a pregnancy. However, she did not actually die and revived on her way to burial, she survived and became known as “Half Hangit” Maggie.

Also in 1887, The Scotsman reported that the broken and stormy weather affected Edinburgh since the downpour was so sharp and sudden as to cause flooding more or less serious in many parts of the city. The houses in Greenside experienced the most serious effects of the storm. A number of small houses lie there at the foot of two steep hills – Greenside on the south and the Calton Hill on the east – and at this spot, owing to the converging of the two streams of rain, and to the surface drains becoming choked and ultimately covered to the depth of a few inches by the large quantity of earth washed down from the Calton Hill, the rain rapidly accumulated, and at length rushed down the stairs leading to the underground houses. Iin half an hour, even after the rainfall had ceased, the floors were deluged to a depth of from six inches to nearly two feet. All together houses containing eight families were flooded and all the people affected were poor and could ill afford to sustain the damage caused to their belongings.

4th In 1611, the council ordered the burgh treasurer to plan the construction of a school for Mr Patrik Henrysoun, master of the song school. And in 1808, Edinburgh-based John Home, Scottish playwright, historian and kirk minister, died. Among his most famous works is Douglas, a verse tragedy which enjoyed such a successful run in his native Edinburgh that it was transferred south to Covent Garden. Also in 1964, the Forth Road Bridge was opened by the Queen. At 6,156 feet long and a centre span of 3300 feet, it was the longest in Europe at that time.

5th In 1513, preparations for battle against the English were made and the provost, bailies, and council ordered all combatants to rejoin the King’s army and all inhabitants due to bear arms to present themselves in order to ensure King James IV’s victory and safe return. Of course there was no victory – you can read an article about the Flodden Campaign free online in the Book of the Old Edinburgh

And in 1750, poet Robert Fergusson was born in Edinburgh.

7th In 1736, John Porteous was lynched by a mob in Edinburgh. People protesting the execution of smuggler Andrew Wilson the previous April were fired upon by troops commanded by Captain of the City Guard, John Porteous. He was sentenced to death but was reprieved following an appeal. A furious crowd stormed the jail where Porteous was held and dragged him to the Grassmarket, where he was hanged. And in 1782, Susan Edmonstone Ferrier, Scottish novelist (Scotland’s “Jane Austen”), was born in Edinburgh. Also in 1842, Queen Victoria visited Edinburgh for the first time.

8th In 1519, the Lords of Council sent letters under the Royal Seal to the provost and baillies directing that all four-pence coins (called placks) should be accepted by the general public regardless of the metal of which they were made. Further, searchers were to be appointed to find and destroy all false placks. And in 1675, the council granted a salary of £20 sterling to Mr James Sunderland who was to conduct instruction in the history of plants as part of the University’s Natural Philosophy course.

9th In 1758, painter Alexander Naysmyth was born in Edinburgh.

10th In 1547, the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh was fought between Scottish and English forces. The battle, which was fought close to Musselburgh, was fought as part of the ‘rough wooing’ in which England’s King Henry VIII tried to demand a marriage between his son Edward and the young Mary Queen of Scots. And in 1883, Mr Henry Irving and the London Lyceum Company opened the Lyceum Theatre.

11th In 1851, a report was unanimously approved by the Council embodying certain regulations for the protection of East Princes Street Gardens.

12th In 1423, a document of indenture was drawn up between Dean John of Leith (former Abbot of Holyrood) and the officers of the burgh making over the Canons’ Mills and their associated revenues to the city for a period of five years. And in 1848, Scottish horticulturist William McNab, curator of The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, died. McNab was passionate about plants and was responsible for the re-emergence of Edinburgh’s Botanic Garden into one of the world’s greatest gardens, after it had been neglected for decades. Under his curatorship, more than 4,000 plant species were transferred from the Garden’s site on Leith Walk (which had become very polluted) through to Inverleith, site of the current gardens. The Garden was founded in 1670, originally to house medicinal plants.

13th In 1753, the foundation stone of the Royal Exchange (now the City Chambers) was laid by George Drummond, Grand Master of the Freemasons. A triumphal arch was constructed along with viewing stands for the magistrates and officers of the Lodge as well as for other spectators.

14th In 1128, on the Feast of the Holy Cross (Hali Rude), against the wishes of his chaplain and the tradition of his family, King David I rode out to go hunting where a huge stag unhorsed him. His survival inspired him to invite the Augustinian canons to Scotland and provide them with a monastery of the Holy Rood as well as extensive lands. And in 1507, Edinburgh merchants were granted the exclusive privilege of running a printing press. Also in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Charles Edward Stuart, occupied Edinburgh.

15th In 1595, Bailie John MacMorran was killed by Willaim Sinclair, a protesting scholar at the High School, when he tried to overcome the student’s barricade. The students had rioted when they had been refused a holiday by MacMorran. And in 1897, the new North Bridge opened.

17th In 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) occupied Edinburgh and took up residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

18th In 1643, historian Gilbert Burnet was born in Edinburgh. His first book, A History of the Reformation of the Church of England, was published in 1679.

21st In 1745, the Battle of Prestonpans took place where the Jacobite army of just over 3,000 under Bonnie Prince Charlie heavily defeated the Hanoverian Royal forces led by Sir John Cope.

22nd In 1497, the King (James IV) proclaimed measures to prevent imminent danger of infection of the community by syphilis (known as grandgore). This involved removing all those infected to Incholm Island in the Forth. And in 1896, Czar Nikolai Aleksandrovich of Russia and Czarina Alexandra of Hesse disembarked at Leith en route to Balmoral to visit her grandmother, Queen Victoria.

24th In 1959, the top coat of tanny grit was put over the wires of the Mound electric blanket.

26th In 1357, a Council held in Edinburgh confirmed the obligation of the three estates to provide a ransom for King David II. And in 1506, the provost and council ruled that no pigs should be kept within the burgh under pain of slaughter and confiscation. Also in 1857, the extensive cabinet and upholstery works of Mr R. Sandeman, situated at Greenside, were entirely destroyed by fire. The premises, consisting of four flats, and a wood yard, were situated at the north-west corner of the Calton Hill, and behind Blenheim Place. In addition to Sandeman’s property at Nos 8–9 Greenside St, 13 other tenements were destroyed and 60 families displaced – it was the worst fire in Edinburgh since 1824. Finally in 1950, the Sun over Edinburgh turned blue.

27th In 1509, Thomas Johnston and John Brown were contracted to clean the High Street from Castlehill on both sides to the top of Leith Wynd on the north and St Mary’s Wynd on the south. And in 1940, a bomb fell near Holyroodhouse.

28th In 1660, the council granted ‘liberty and tolerance’ to William Woodcok, a former officer in Leith, to set up and operate a hackney coach service between Leith and Edinburgh.

29th In 1940, more bombs fell near Holyroodhouse.

30th In 2017, the Queensferry Crossing was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen.

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

Blair Spittal was buzzing when he put pen to paper for ambitious Hearts on a three-year deal, and he continues to bed into the side with competition for places now on a real high.

Making sure he is on the team sheet regularly is top of his personal agenda and, to do that, he believes he must be on his game, contributing in every training session, so he catches the eye of the coaching team.

That, he feels, is the key to being successful with Hearts, but the 28-year-old, Erskine-born midfielder was under no illusions when he moved across country to Gorgie from Motherwell after 73 appearances and 15 goals.

You must, he said, be ready to grasp the chance when it comes as expectations are high for the Men in Maroon and he is acutely aware that Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, is determined to build on last year’s achievements, two cup semi-finals and third place by a distance in the league.

You need to deal with those expectations, according to Spittal, but becoming a regular starter is what the former Queen’s Park, Dundee United, Partick Thistle and Ross County player is focused on and he is also determined to play his part in helping his new employers go the distance in major competitions at home and abroad.

The European experience, meaning two matches plus travel every week, will test the resilience, strength and quality of the squad and could result in a turnover in players, opening the door for some, but that comes with the territory of aiming high in domestic and European competitions.

The player said: “It has been really good (being here). It has taken some time to get used to, but I am enjoying it so far. Now, I’m looking for the right opportunity to get some minutes (on the pitch.”

Hearts were a winning team last season and Spittal admitted: “I’ve had to be a wee bit patient and, at the same time, take each day to learn what I can about my new team-mates.

“I have played a number of positions and I have been versatile (in the past), but it is about learning a certain style of football (here).”

He firmly believes that he will complete the style transition and make his mark, but Spittal admitted: “You can see the quality they have in the squad.”

The talented player arrived in mid-June after a productive season at Fir Park, 13 goals in all competitions and second in assists in the Premiership with 11, and he said: “In the position I play in you are judged by numbers. Last season was a really good one for myself and I am looking to carry that on. Coming here, it is a massive club and it has been a smooth transition so far. I have no complaints.”

Picture: Blair Spittal faces the media at The Oriam. Picture Nigel Duncan

A Culinary Gem in Leith: Discovering ASKR

Leith, with its burgeoning food scene, has long been a go-to for discerning diners, but few places encapsulate the essence of fine dining like ASKR. Tucked away on Constitution Street but equally accessible on the tram line, this intimate 26-seat restaurant offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Helmed by the talented Chef Dan Ashmore, ASKR stands out not only for its coal-fired cooking but also for its commitment to using local produce and inventive techniques that transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Meet the Chef: Dan Ashmore’s Journey

Dan Ashmore’s culinary journey is nothing short of impressive. Beginning his career at just 15, Dan has honed his skills in some of the UK’s most prestigious kitchens. From his early days at the Michelin-starred Fischers at Baslow Hall to his time at the acclaimed The Square in London, and later at Edinburgh’s Number One and The Pompadour by Galvin, Dan’s experience is extensive. His leadership at these establishments earned him accolades, including 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate. After a stint as Executive Chef for Scotland at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, Dan returned to Edinburgh, joining the Dean Banks Group, where he continues to push culinary boundaries at ASKR.

A Cosy and Stylish Escape

Walking into ASKR, you’re immediately struck by its charm. The compact space is tastefully decorated with an impressive artwork in the bar area. Despite arriving at ASKR drenched from a sudden downpour, the warmth of the welcome from Rich, the front-of-house manager, quickly brightened my spirits. Rich, who previously ran the much-loved Field before the pandemic, brings a wealth of experience and a personal touch that makes you feel instantly at home.

ASKR’s philosophy revolves around sustainability and zero waste, evident in their creative use of fermentation. The bar is adorned with Kilner jars filled with house-made concoctions like rose syrups and strawberry top syrups, which are used in both cocktails and dishes. It’s this attention to detail and commitment to reducing waste that sets ASKR apart.

The Menu: A Journey Through Flavour

ASKR’s menu is thoughtfully divided into four sections: bar snacks and sharing plates, traditional starters, mains, and desserts. We began our evening with a couple of cocktails that perfectly showcased the restaurant’s ingenuity. The Sunshine on Leith is a refreshing take on a negroni, infused with Limoncello, while the Discarded Pineapple sour uses pineapple trimmings to create a tangy, waste-not-want-not drink. These were accompanied by flatbreads cooked over coals, served with a smoky aubergine baba ganoush that was so delicious, we found ourselves wishing for more bread to soak up every last bit.

The oysters were a revelation—one poached in its own juices over coals and served with a vibrant English wasabi butter, while the other was served natural with a zesty lime and jalapeño granita. The presentation alone was enough to impress, and judging by my dining companion’s reaction, the taste matched the aesthetics.

For starters, I opted for the Beetroot with Katy Rodgers Crème Fraîche. This dish is a work of art, with beetroot cooked overnight over coals, then dehydrated to intensify its flavours, served with ribbons of beetroot, blackened apple purée, and crème fraîche. A dramatic pour of Granny Smith consommé over the dish added a touch of theatre, making it as visually stunning as it was delicious. My companion chose the Beef Tartare with Soy Egg—a dish that balances textures and flavours beautifully, proving that raw beef can be both delicate and rich.

Mains and Desserts: A Symphony of Flavours

The main courses continued the theme of excellence. I selected the Guinea Fowl with Plum Sauce, which was perfectly cooked and served with barbecued spring cabbage and broccoli purée. My companion’s Day-Boat Caught Fish—a robust cod paired with Parmesan gnocchi, Shetland mussels, globe artichoke, olives, and beurre blanc—was equally satisfying. Each dish was served on crockery that was as much a work of art as the food itself.

Desserts were a fitting finale. I had the Tonka Crème Brûlée with a quenelle of cinnamon ice cream—an indulgent yet balanced dessert that wasn’t too sweet. My companion’s Chocolate Crémeux with almond praline and orange was a decadent treat that perfectly rounded off the meal.

Instead of selecting one bottle of wine, we trusted Rich to pair each dish with individual wines from Liberty Wines, who ASKR works with exclusively to supply their wines. His selections were impeccable, each wine complementing the flavours of the food beautifully.

The Verdict: A Must-Visit Destination

Located just a few steps from The Shore tram stop, ASKR specialises in coal-fired cooking, delivering a menu that showcases the finest local meat, seafood, and produce. The restaurant recently expanded its offerings with a new à la carte menu, alongside its celebrated tasting menu, giving diners more flexibility and choice.

ASKR offers one of the best value-tasting menus in town, with a six-course midweek menu available Tuesday to Thursday for just £45. Quote “tasting45” when booking to take advantage of this offer. It’s open five days a week, serving both lunch and dinner.  If oysters are your thing, you can even drop into ASKR and indulge in a handful of oysters sitting at the bar while you enjoy any of their delectable wines, served by the glass or bottle.

With its cosy atmosphere, innovative menu, and dedication to sustainability, new menu options, ASKR is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination. If you’re looking to explore Leith, the culinary neighbourhood of Edinburgh and a chance to experience some of Edinburgh’s best food, ASKR should be at the top of your dining list this autumn.

https://www.askr.co.uk/

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace 66-year-old Karen Ross, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Karen was last seen around 9.30am on Saturday, 31 August, 2024 in the Balcarres Street area.

She is described as being around 5ft 6in tall, of medium build, with shoulder-length grey hair, and wears glasses.

When last seen, Karen was wearing a navy blue shirt, black trousers and black trainers.

Concerns are growing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen Karen to come forward.

Anyone with information on where Karen may be is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 2964 of 31 August.

Local member Gavin Thomson scooped the £400 prize for winning Mayfield Bowling Club’s 150^th anniversary tournament and is pictured receiving the trophy from past president, Ian Miller.

A further £600 was distributed between competitors in women’s and junior events.

The Mayfield club, in Cobden Road on Edinburgh’s south side, was founded in 1874 by residents of the newly built surrounding houses. The first work on the green started on 25 August 1874 hence a celebratory “Birthday Bash” took place on Saturday 24 August with a toast at midnight.

Other festivities included a home and away match against the Bainfield club who are celebrating their 100^th birthday.

Over the years the club have produced Scottish internationalists in R Ogilvie (1932), Alexander McEwan (1938 and ’39), and Walter Cossar (1962) as well as Scottish singles champion Andrew Binnie (1972) and Lorraine Ross (East of Scotland ladies champion, 1993).

The club’s ladies section was formed in 1957 and a highlight of the subsequent period was providing training facilities for the Fijian bowls squad who contested the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

President Scott Kearsley, said: “Currently we have over 90 bowling members ranging from 13-90+ years of age. In addition we have a Social membership of around 40 who attend events such as live acts, quizzes, bingo, pool and darts.

“Local residents association called “The Waverley Feuars” hold their AGM at the bowling club as well as social events such as quizzes and ceilidhs.”

A more recent innovation has been a link up with Edinburgh Thistle Football Club. The bowling club sponsor the jerseys of the footballers who, in return, use bar facilities post match.

Looking ahead Mr Kearsley said an emphasis had been placed on youth recruitment including from the 28^th Blackford Scout Troop. Who use the green occasionally.

“We look forward to a bright future. Following recruitment campaigns we have attracted 39 new members in the last 18 months and hope to further expand with particular emphasis on our Youth and Junior sections. To that end we have reduced our entry age to eight years old from March 2025.

“Also in 2025 we hope to complete the fund raising to install a defibrillator on the outside wall of the club to allow access for the entire community.”

There will be changes to the services on Lothian Buses implemented from 8 September.

The bus operator says that these moves will improve reliability and capacity on certain routes.

A review will be conducted of the bus stops on Princes Street west bound which will affect Lothian Country and East Coast Buses to stepped up boarding times and ease congestion.

The highlights of the changes to services are:

32 – revised route to include Heriot-Watt’s halls of residence. Stops will include West Lodge, Curriehill Station instead of Riccarton Mains Road.

33 – revised service and additional bus added to improve reliability in addition to extra journeys during the weekday peak and the early evening.

15 – This will now operate with additional journeys to Easter Bush on weekdays.

45 – Later journeys will be included on weekdays and Saturdays. On Saturdays there will now be a bus every 30 minutes.

More information on the Lothian website where maps show the bus stops affected by changes on Princes Street. Otherwise passengers are advised to call into a TravelHub or call 0131 555 6363.

Anyone living in Edinburgh and the Lothians is encouraged to take part in a month-long physical challenge in September in honour of Scottish athlete Eric Liddell.

The Flying Scots Challenge will encourage individuals or teams to either walk or run 400m or 1km per day in September or complete 100km during the month.

The event is part of a series of initiatives and activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Liddell’s Olympic Gold medal win at the 1924 Paris Olympics and honouring the legacy of the athlete and missionary who became known as “the flying Scot”.

Anna Beauchamp, Fundraising Relationships Officer for organisers The Eric Liddell Community, said: “As part of our Eric Liddell 100 programme, we wanted to create an exciting challenge open to all throughout the month of September.

“Eric was an inspiration to everyone he ever met and continues to inspire future generations.

“The Flying Scots Challenge encourages people to draw upon this inspiration, while also helping to raise money for The Eric Liddell 100, so we can continue celebrating and securing his legacy for years to come.”

Liddell, a devout Christian, famously withdrew from the 100m sprint event at the 1924 Olympics in Paris because the heats were held on a Sunday.

He earned worldwide fame when he won gold for Great Britain in the men’s 400m, an extraordinary victory immortalised in the 1981 Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire.

Fairtrade Fortnight takes place this year from 9 to 22 September and promotes a simple message: Be the Change.

Fairtrade represents more than two million farmers and workers across the world, producing many of the UK’s most well-loved products. But too many farmers still struggle with unsustainably low prices and are unable to use trade as a route out of poverty. Many of the major challenges in global supply chains – including child labour, gender-based exploitation and deforestation – are exacerbated by poverty. And unless farmers earn a fair price that enables them to care for their families, farms and futures, these systemic problems will remain. 

A fair price changes everything. It means farmers and workers able to invest in stronger and more sustainable businesses, their families able to afford food and clothing, and their communities able to build schools and health facilities. Climate change makes fair prices even more urgent. 

Achieving higher prices is also connected to another key issue for farmers and workers: power. The unfair distribution of power in supply chains, which often denies producers the right to make their voices heard or to influence the terms on which they trade, is also seen in other key areas of decision-making, from the design of policies affecting their access to international markets, to the delivery of promised climate funding from wealthy countries. Ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard in all these key areas is crucial to supporting the resilience of their livelihoods and creating a fairer system.

Edinburgh has held Fairtrade City status since 2004 and The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, supports the Fairtrade movement. He said: “A fair price is critical both to help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change, and to support their contribution to a more environmentally sustainable global food and trade system. We need to Be the Change and buy Fairtrade.”

Stellar Monarchs remain at the foot of the Cab Direct Championship table but they pushed pace-setting Poole Pirates.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, admitted his squad were “out of it” after the first third of the match, but his men battled back to be only two behind at Heat 13.

Richard Lawson gated and, with a fantastic burst off the second bend, Tom Brennan rocketed past Troy Batchelor and Josh Pickering to restore a six-point lead for the visitors. Zach Cook then won Heat 14 to clinch the win for Poole and Monarchs fans only had four races wins to celebrate.

Guests Drew Kemp and Batchelor managed one win each, but it wasn’t enough and Josh Pickering top scored for Monarchs with 14 points.

Edinburgh Monarchs (43): Josh Pickering 14+1, Drew Kemp 7+0, Lasse Fredriksen 4+3, Paco Castagna 9+0, Troy Batchelor 6+0, Max James 0+0, Connor Coles 3+1

Wesses Marine Poole Pirates (47): Richard Lawson 11+0, Sam Hagon 0+0, Ben Cook 8+0, Zach Cook 5+1, Tom Brennan 12+1, Tobias Thomsen 5+0, Paul Starke 6+2

Meanwhile, along the M8, Glasgow still have a chance of reaching the Cab Direct Championship play-offs after overcoming Redcar 48-42 at Ashfield.

Tigers’ victory was secured by a last heat 5-1 from Chris Harris and Leon Flint and that ensured the Bears cannot finish in the top four and keeps the defending champions’ hopes alive of catching Workington for the last play-off slot.

However, with Glasgow, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, missed out on the aggregate point and it means they may well require a maximum haul of points from their remaining two matches.

Captain Harris raced to a paid maximum (13+2) against the Bears and was well supported by Flint with 12 and reserve James Pearson with 11+1. Charles Wright scored 13+1 for the visitors with Jason Edwards on 10+1.

Glasgow boss Cami Brown said: “It’s still a tall order to reach the play-offs, but I’m proud of the fighting spirit from all the boys.

“Redcar are no mugs and they still had a chance of reaching the top four. They also have a great top two in Charles Wright and Danny King, but Jason Edwards and Jake Mulford also really rode well for them.”

He added: “We really gave it a go and all the boys got stuck in to get the result. We wanted the bonus and that’s a big blow to miss out on it.”  

PICTURE: Alex Harkess (blue jacket) in the pits at Armadale. Picture by Nigel Duncan