Police Scotland is warning that hundreds of men in the country are likely to fall victim to sextortion every year as social media channels are used to steal money from them online.

The scam is typically aimed at men between the ages of 18 and 44, who are targeted by Organised Crime Groups – usually based overseas – who seek to extort money from them by luring them to perform explicit sexual acts on social media. If they do so, the victim is then threatened that if they do not pay hundreds of pounds through money service bureaus, the footage will be posted online and sent to friends and family.

The warning was issued by Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne, who said, “This is a serious crime which can have catastrophic consequences for some of the victims. It is vital that victims are reassured that police will treat the report as serious and confidential, and that they will be supported as it is likely (given the nature of the crime) that they will be experiencing heightened feelings of shame, self-blame, fear and anxiety.”

“The sharing of indecent images is very concerning and increasingly indecent images, sent in the belief they would remain private, are being shared online.

“People need to understand they should only share pictures online that they are happy with their friends, family and others seeing. They also need to know how to keep their personal information private and to contact an adult if they feel threatened.

“Cyber-enabled extortion is a serious crime, and Police Scotland takes all reports seriously and investigates them thoroughly. Anyone who has any concerns about this type of criminal activity can report them to Police Scotland on 101, in an emergency always call 999.”

“Where a child or young person under 18 has been the victim of online child sexual abuse including ‘sextortion’, avenues to report concerns include parents / carers, guidance teachers, Police and Social work however, importantly when online they can connect to CEOP (www.ceop.police.uk) where they can make a report and have contact with a child protection advisor who can talk them through what they have experienced/are experiencing and help them to make a plan around their safety.”

Police have been working with partners agencies to tackle metal theft, road safety and road crime in the Edinburgh area.

Operation Scandium is a British Transport Police led initiative, which was set up to ensure that scrap metal dealers and those who trade in scrap metal were undertaking their responsibilities under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

Several days of action have been held since 2015.  On Monday, December 12, officers teamed up with partner agencies on Seafield Road to undertake vehicle checks in order to both educate traders on their responsibilities and hold them to account.

Agencies in attendance included British Transport Police, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, Edinburgh Council Licensing, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Busses and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

This activity resulted in sixty-four vehicles being stopped for various offences including some vehicles being found to not have insurance or MOTs completed, there were also failures to obtain Scrap Dealer Licence Report;

Three commercial vehicles were issued warnings as the drivers were found to be smoking.  Waste offences were also identified.

Sergeant Kos Papakyriakou from the Road Policing Unit at Fettes said:  “The tackling of metal theft is important for a number of reasons as it is not only illegal, it can also be detrimental to our environment.

“By undertaking this day of action we have been able to both educate traders on their responsibilities and hold them to account.  By working with our partner agencies, we’re able to not only give advice to the public, but also make our roads safer for everyone.

“Anyone wish to find out more about Operation Scandium can visit the Police Scotland website.”

Police have confirmed that the woman who sadly died following a collision on the A1 near Dunbar was Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair.

The 26-year-old was driving northbound around 7.50am on Friday 9th December when her black Kia Cerato was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit pick-up.

Meghan’s family have today issued the following statement through Police Scotland:

“We are absolutely devastated at the loss of Meghan. This tragedy has robbed everyone of a future with such a loving, caring, kind, beautiful and happy person who sparkled inside and out. The outpouring of love we have received has both been of great comfort to her family and friends, and a testament to just how many lives she enhanced.”

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision, or who has information about this, and has not yet spoken to officers is urged to contact 101.

The Hibernian Development Squad retained top spot in the SPFL Development League with a comprehensive 3-0 away victory over Partick Thistle yesterday at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.

Young striker Oli Shaw, who has already tasted first team action, was the hero with an impressive hat trick in front of watching Neil Lennon.

Shaw’s first came on 30 minutes with a simple tap in then nine minutes later he added a second with a half volley.

He also hit the post before wrapping things up near the end.

After the game, Development Squad Coach Grant Murray told the club website:“Obviously result wise, it’s a very important result coming here, where Partick have been doing very well in the league. They were sitting in second place, so there was an added incentive to go out and win the game.

“I don’t think we started as well as we wanted to. Partick were doing okay in the first fifteen minutes, but once we got to grips with that, I thought we were well in control and scored three good goals.”

“It should give them a lot of belief going forward. They are top of the league for a reason – they’ve been working hard, winning games of football, doing the right things, scoring goals, keeping clean sheets.

“To achieve all this, needs hard work and strong performances, and we got that today.”

“I think it shows that right from front, to the back, we’re willing to work hard for each other.

“Any mistakes we did make today, we were there to mop it up; put our heads on the line and block tackles. Sometimes games are won and lost at each end, but we certainly merited the win.

“Oli deserved his hat-trick – his work rate was fantastic. All round, I think it was a very hard working team performance.”

Hibernian starting line-up: P. Martin; Porteous, Waugh, Crane; Donaldson, S. Martin, I. Murray (F. Murray, 83), Mackie; Gullan (Smith, 89); Shaw (Watson, 89), Allan

The Scottish SPCA has rescued a badger stuck down what looked like a mine ventilation shaft or old well in Bonnyrigg, thanks to an observant member of the public.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted by John Stevenson on Saturday who was walking his dog when they came across the badger who couldn’t climb back out the hole.

Inspector Stephanie McCrossan said, “Mr Stevenson had tried to make a ramp with lots of branches to enable the badger to free herself, but the drop was too steep so we eventually got a ladder to reach her.

“I was able to catch her very easily and she managed to survive her ordeal unscathed. Due to her being so fit and healthy I was able to release her straight back into the wild, where she can roam freely.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photo by Scottish SPCA

Scotland will host Switzerland, Serbia and Montenegro in their UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round in March as they aim to reach their fourth consecutive finals.

The team were among the top seeds for the draw based on their qualifying results and are also ranked sixth in all of Europe thanks to recent impressive results.

Scotland topped their qualification group in September, beating Malta, Wales and reigning under-17 champions Portugal.

The venues will be confirmed in due course with this year’s Elite Round taking on added significance as it acts as a Qualifying Round for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in India in October 2017.

Scotland Under-19s will take on Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary having reached the Elite Round stage for the fifth successive year.

In qualifying, the team overcame Andorra and Liechtenstein and they will be aiming to make their first finals appearance since 2006, when the team reached the semi-finals.

The qualifying rounds for the 2017/18 competition were also drawn. Scotland Under-17s will play Denmark, Estonia and Andorra in October with the Under-19s playing Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Armenia in November.

2016/17 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round

Group 4: Scotland, Switzerland, Serbia, Montenegro

Dates: 17, 19, 22 March 2016 (Scotland)

2016/17 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round

Group 6: Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Scotland

Dates: 22, 24, 27 March 2016 (Czech Republic)

2017/18 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifying Round

Group 7: Czech Republic, Scotland, Luxembourg (hosts), Armenia

Dates: 22, 25, 28 October (Luxembourg)

2017/18 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualifying Round

Group 3: Scotland, Denmark, Estonia, Andorra

Dates: 8, 11, 14 November 2016 (Estonia)

Police are appealing for information to help trace a man reported missing from the North of the city.

Michael Brown was last seen at around 4pm on Tuesday 13th December, leaving his address in Crewe Road Gardens has not been seen or heard from since.

Concern is now growing for the 38-year-old’s welfare and anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation is asked to come forward.

Michael is described as being white, 5ft 10ins tall with a slim build and short dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a green overcoat, maroon hat, white hooded top, blue jeans, white trainers and carrying a blue sleeping bag and a black bag.

Inspector Graeme Dignan said:”Michael is known to frequent central Edinburgh and we are currently conducting inquiries within this area as part of our ongoing efforts to locate him.

“Anyone who knows his current whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately.

“I would also urge Michael to get in touch with family, friends, or with police, to let us know he is safe.”

Anyone with information can contact officers on 101.”

In February the National Youth Theatre is coming to Edinburgh to hold auditions for those who want to join.

If you have acting aspirations then you might know that Helen Mirren and Daniel Craig are both alumni of NYT, so you would be in good company.

Last year four young aspiring actors joined the company following an arduous selection process from an initial list of 4,380 applicants.

Daisy Lewis, star of ITV’s Downton Abbey, has paid tribute to NYT for supporting her in her early career development: “We create Olympic storytellers in this country and the National Youth Theatre is Team GB. It was where I grew up, where I learned how to be an actor, but more importantly how to be a member of a diverse society where I was judged solely on merit. I would not be who I am or have had the career I love without the NYT. Even if you don’t think you’re going to be an actor you should audition because it’s an amazing experience.”

After a successful audition at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh for NYT’s Intake Acting Course, applicants aged 14-17 will gain a space on NYT’s Junior Acting Course; successful applicants aged 18-25 will join NYT’s three week Senior Acting Course or a four week Epic Stages Course.

Intake courses take place in August. Acting Auditions consist of three hour group workshops and an individual performance of a prepared speech. Speeches should be from a published play, learned by heart.

The NYT membership that participants receive on completion will allow them the opportunity to showcase their acting abilities through the NYT’s productions, locally, nationally and internationally.

As part of membership participants can also be considered to be part of the NYT REP Training Company, a group of members who train with the NYT full time for a year, fully funded, as a free performance training initiative.

Audition dates are now on sale and can be purchased here, Masterclass course dates can be purchased here. Applicants need to apply by 6 February. Auditions cost £46 and the NYT operate a bursary fund for those suffering from financial hardship. This year they have given away a record £140,000 worth of bursaries.

More information on Backstage and Masterclass courses and how to join can be found on the National Youth Theatre’s website atwww.nyt.org.uk and you can follow the organisation on Twitter @NYTofGB

Alan Cumming has written another book about his extraordinary life. It is called You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams and it is on sale now. The difference with this one is that it has lots of photos! Anyone who follows him on Instagram or Twitter knows that he is the master of the selfie.

A magical concoction of the mischievous, tender, whimsical, and debauched real-life adventures, told in his own words and pictures. Alan Cumming is a genuine quadruple threat—an internationally acclaimed, award-winning star of stage, television, and film, as well as a New York Times best-selling author whose real-life vivacity, wit, and charm shine through every page of his third book. In forty-five picture essays, he recounts his real-life adventures (and often, misadventures), illustrated by his own photographs.

You can buy the book here.

Amy Gallacher has signed for Hibernian Ladies from Forfar Farmington.

The Scotland U19 international picked up the Supporters Player of the Year award at Forfar, who were relegated from the SWPL last season.

The 17-year-old has now signed up for the 17/18 season with Chris Roberts’ side, who will be looking to build on a successful campaign and challenge for the league title following last season’s double cup victory.

Amy told the club website: “I am delighted to have joined Hibernian. It’s a step up but one I am really looking forward to.

“Hibernian is the best place to be to develop my game. Everyone has been very welcoming so far and I am looking forward to settling in here.”

Head Coach Roberts said: “We are very excited to have Amy signed up for the new season.

“For us she is one of the most exciting prospects in the Scottish game at the moment. She has three seasons of game time already and she’ll relish the opportunity to learn and progress here.

“She is an attack minded player and will add to the options we already have at our disposal.”

On Monday, Big Hearts Community Trust hosted its Annual General Meeting at Tynecastle Stadium, with the official charity of Heart of Midlothian, revealing that the charity has never been in a stronger position to support families in need across Edinburgh.

Heart of Midlothian supporters, Big Hearts’ volunteers, other charity leaders and representatives of the Scottish Government were in attendance to hear Big Hearts General Manager, Caryn Kerr, explain the key highlights of 2016 for the charity and the plans for the next 12 months.

The key highlights were:

• Establishment and growth of the Kinship Care Programme which has seen unprecedented numbers of families engaged and strong outcomes for families receiving a range of direct and in-direct support, depending on their needs.

• Growth and management of the Football Memories Programme – two groups now running at capacity, with a waiting list of new participants. New team of Big Hearts volunteers recruited and trained to support this increase in activity.

• Launch of the Big Hearts Supporter Movement and Volunteer Programme – over 1,100 Supporters signed up with over 80% expressing an interest in volunteering. Over 100 volunteers over course of 2016.

It was revealed that with support from a 100% grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Big Hearts will engage with independent consultants to review its work to date and to help determine a process as to how we “identify need” in future. This will mean continuing to develop and expand existing programmes as well as looking at where the new strands of support for families in need will be established.

During the AGM, it was also revealed that Jim Panton has stepped down as Chairman and from the Big Hearts’ board, with existing Trustee and SAMH Chief Executive, Billy Watson appointed in his place.

Big Hearts General Manager Caryn Kerr said:

“It has been a fantastic 2016 for Big Hearts. We’ve engaged with more families in need than ever before and have received some great feedback across the last 12 months. The challenge for us now is to identify a clear model which we can use to identify need and this is key as we look to offer a new strand of support in 2017.”

More info can be found: www.bighearts.org.uk

A 66-year-old woman has been charged with the theft of five remembrance wreaths from Prestonfield War Memorial in Edinburgh last month.

A police spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh charged a 66-year-old woman in connection with the theft of five wreaths from Prestonfield War Memorial.

“The theft was reported on November 20 and four wreaths have been since recovered and returned.

“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A police investigation is underway after a man was stabbed in the Muscle Asylum Gym on King Street in Bathgate  around 1.45pm this afternoon

Forensic officers attended the scene which was cordoned off.

A police spokeswoman said: “The incident happened around 1.45pm on Tuesday, December 13.

“A 26-year-old man has sustained a serious injury. He was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service at the scene and has now been taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

FREE Grassmarket pop-up play tells the real story of how Scroggie inspired the Scrooge character as part of The Christmas Festival Weekend

As part of the Greater Grassmarket BID’s Festive Weekend this coming weekend 17-18 December 2016 there will be regular family-friendly performances of ‘The Grassmarket Christmas Character’s’ – a reactivated history tour performed by Theatre Techno.

The show will tell the tale of Charles Dickens’ visit to the Grassmarket in 1841 where, after confusing ‘Meal Man’ with ‘Mean Man’ on Ebenezer Scroggie’s gravestone, he created the character Scrooge and wrote the infamous ‘A Christmas Carol’.

 The 20-minute-long show will feature former Grassmarket residents Half-Hangit Maggie Dickson, Margaret Hare, wife of notorious murderer William Hare, and Scroggie himself who will re-enact what life would have been like in the Grassmarket.

As part of the stage show visitors will also be taken on a short walk through the Grassmarket finishing at Scroggie’s former home where the adults can enjoy a free glass of mulled wine. Performances take place on the hour from 1pm – 4pm, lasting 20 minutes each and are FREE to all visitors.

The Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District’s (BID) Christmas Festival Weekend runs on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December with free shows, carol singing, live music, Christmas street theatre and penny farthing rides in addition to the Santa Bus experience from 12pm – 5pm each day.

Norrie Stewart, Grassmarket BID Project Manager, says: “Charles Dicken’s infamous story ‘A Christmas Carol’ is one that is loved by many. However, I’m sure a lot of people don’t realise that the character Scrooge was based on someone from Edinburgh’s Grassmarket! We’re sure our visitors are going to love hearing how Scrooge was really quite misunderstood, as told by some of the Grassmarket’s more notorious characters.

“We’re bringing a traditional Old Town Christmas experience to Edinburgh with family-entertainment being the focus. Our Christmas Festival Weekend has it all, from Santa and carol singing to live music and family entertainment, to ensure visitors get into the Christmas spirit.”

The Grassmarket Christmas Character’s performance show runs on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December with performances at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. The Festival Weekend runs from 12pm – 5pm, with the Greater Grassmarket Saturday Market running alongside the event from 10am on 17th December.

www.greatergrassmarket.co.uk

BREWING giant Heineken is partnering local charities to provide Christmas lunches for socially isolated people in Edinburgh and West Lothian as part of a campaign entitled #BrewingGood Cheer.

Members of five local charities along with their volunteers will be treated to festive meals and entertainment at four pubs.

The campaign shows the pivotal role pubs play in nurturing community spirit and bringing people together.
Graham Smith from Royal Voluntary Service, who are involved in the lunch at the Riccarton Inn, Lanark Road, Currie, on Wednesday, 14 December, said: “Promoting social activities plays a big part in our work with older people. Our many lunch clubs and social groups, supported by volunteers, bring people together in varied and active ways, therefore, the #BrewingGood Cheer project aligns perfectly.

“Also our dedicated volunteers visit older people at home to provide companionship and support. We are really looking forward to co-hosting the Christmas lunch at the Riccarton Inn.”

The other lunches are on Thursday 15 December at the Fork and Field, Bank Street, Mid Calder, involving Craigshill Good Neighbour Network; Monday 19 December at The Cross Tavern, East Main Street, Whitburn, with Answer Project & The Mood Project and Wednesday 21 December at Tanners Lounge Bar, Lanark Road, Juniper Green, with the Pilton Equalities Project.

Edinburgh Capitals face a basement double-header when they square-up to Dundee Stars this weekend.

They host the Tayside team on Saturday (6pm) before travelling to Tayside for the return on Sunday (6.30pm).

Capitals prop up the ten-strong Elite League with 15 points from 18 games but have two games in hand over second-bottom Dundee who have 17 points.

What’s more, Dundee – currently playing three imports short and minus a Great Britain under-20 player – are on duty at third-placed Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday while Capitals have a clear week to prepare.

Stars have lost their last three games and are not expected to spring a surprise at Ice Sheffield but Capitals are buoyed by their come-from-behind success at home to flagging Fife Flyers on Sunday.

They also fought hard at Braehead Clan on Saturday, losing 3-2 but battling back from an early shock in going 3-0 down inside the first six minutes.

Former St Louis Blues draft pick Ian Schultz hit a glory treble as bottom-of-the-table Edinburgh Capitals skated to a 6-3 win at Murrayfield over arch rivals Fife Flyers.

The Kirkcaldy club were 2-0 ahead thanks to goals from Seb Thinel after 28 seconds and Russ Moyer after nearly three minutes.

Schultz opened his and Capitals’ account after six minutes but Carlo Finucci made it 3-1 two minutes later.
Capitals bounced back again through Matt Tipoff with 28 seconds left of the opening session and then they hit Fife hard with four unanswered goals, two in each period.

Jacob johnston slotted home after 22 minutes to level at 3-3 and Schultz on the power play put the home side ahead for the first time four minutes after that.

Karel Hromas on the power play and Schultz also when Fife were a man short made it 6-3 after 41 minutes and 55 minutes.

by Gordon Lindhurst MSP

This week in the Scottish Parliament I will be leading a debate on Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, an issue that has come in to sharp focus over the last few years.

The UNESCO status that the old and new towns have had since 1995 is a source of great pride for our city. And we are in good company; the Great Barrier Reef in Australia; Machu Picchu in Peru and Petra in Jordan are some of the other examples. A report earlier this year concluded that 96% of respondents felt the city’s heritage is beneficial, while the Site brings in between £1.2 and £1.4 billion to the economy.

But reports recently have indicated that there are threats to that status. Debate has been rife around a number of different development proposals, from what to do with the old Royal High School on Calton Hill to the re-energised St James’ centre. Whilst Edinburgh needs to develop and re-build itself where it needs a new lease of life, or to grow where there are opportunities to do so, our built heritage should always be respected and
developed appropriately.

It is not just planning that affects the status of the World Heritage Site however. Edinburgh World Heritage recently surveyed 202 buildings in the city centre, finding that 72% of them were in need of some sort of repair.

Crumbling tenement buildings can do as much harm to the UNESCO status as new developments and it is the responsibility of everyone who has something to do with the old and new towns to play their part.

It is perhaps also not a coincidence that there is a lack of understanding about the World Heritage Site. A recent survey of almost 600 people, conducted to inform the World Heritage Site Management Plan, concluded that whilst “the awareness of the city centre’s World Heritage site status was rated highly, respondents were mostly unaware of what it meant and what the benefits were”. (City of Edinburgh Council).

These various factors tell me that we need to step back and think about the future of our city and its built heritage. Members Business debates in the Scottish Parliament allow MSPs the opportunity to raise issues of local importance that would not otherwise have been debated at length in Holyrood. We have reached a crossroads with Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site status, where we need a re-invigorated approach to ensure its maintenance for generations to come. I hope that by bringing the debate to the national level at the Scottish Parliament I can raise the profile of the issue, get people talking about it and understand more fully what needs to be done in the years ahead to preserve Edinburgh as the “Venice of the North.”

Last weekend Chris Spirit who is Scotrail’s answer to Santa Claus gave out chocolate coins and Christmas cheer on the Inverness to Edinburgh train.

But he also selected three passengers to make their dreams and wishes come true.

Joe and James from Inverness got an X Box and Jemima from  Edinburgh and Mary from Livingston both got iPads!

Scotrail created #XmasonBoard to help passengers have festive feelings during the lead up to Christmas. If you follow @MyScotRail or the hashtag #XmasonBoard then you might find out where they are this week!

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road collision on the B9080 which happened around 4.20 p.m. yesterday on the Kirkliston to Winchburgh road.

A Volvo S40 was travelling west when it was involved in a collision with a Honda CRV, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

As a result, the 48-year-old male driver of the Volvo sustained a number of injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The 72-year-old female driver of the Honda sustained a hip injury and was also taken to hospital before later being discharged.

Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this collision are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Fraser Wood from the Road Policing Unit at Fettes said: “We are still working to establish what exactly happened to result in this collision and any other motorists who were on the B9080 at the time and witnessed this incident should contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to our ongoing inquiries is also urged to get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after five kittens were abandoned on a verge of road in the Bathgate hills.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on 4 December (Sunday) after the kittens were found huddled together at the base of a tree by a member of public who came across them whilst walking his dog.

The kittens are now being hand reared at the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Lothian.

Inspector Jenni Surgeon said, “The kittens were terrified, but fortunately they are now safe and sound thanks to a vigilant dog walker.

“We are now searching for the person who cruelly abandoned these defenceless kitties at such a cold time of the year.

“This isn’t the first time kittens have been abandoned at the Bathgate hills, there was a similar incident in April 2015, but there is every chance this is unrelated.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photograph by Scottish SPCA

Go for lunch at The White House on Niddrie Mains Road, and take your friends with you. As you will see the menu is wide and varied, and the prices delicious!

The White House Kitchen 70 Niddrie Mains Road, EH16 4BG

t 0131 468 1934 to book

The Scottish Government has confirmed today that it has donated £250,000 of humanitarian aid to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Yemen Crisis Appeal.

DEC is an amalgamation of 13 leading UK agencies who raise money to deal with humanitarian crises in poorer countries.

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said:

“Since March 2015, Yemen has been engulfed in a state of civil war that has aggravated an already dire humanitarian crisis brought on by years of poverty, poor governance, conflict and ongoing instability.

“Almost 19 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid due to the conflict, which has caused forced displacement, severe economic decline, and the collapse of basic services and institutions.

“The Scottish government will do all we can to help Yemen’s most vulnerable people in their hour of need, and I hope that today’s announcement of £250,000 funding for the Disasters Emergency Committee Yemen Crisis Appeal will allow us to reach the worst affected areas of the country.”

If you wish to donate to DEC then this is the link for the Yemen Crisis Appeal http://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/yemen-crisis-appeal

Hibs will be represented in the inaugural ‘Sportego Celtic eSports League’, which officially launched today.

Eight teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland will compete in the league to win the Sportego Community Cup, with Hibs represented by Graham McIntyre.

eSports is concerned with ‘electronic sports’. It consists of competitive gameplay between players usually via a video game.

The Celtic eSports league matches the top gamers from the UK and Ireland with professional football clubs in a Community Cup which will last for one week starting December 12, with a full league competition starting in January 2017.

Greig Mailer, Head of Marketing & Commercial Operations said, “This is an exciting new venture for Hibernian FC. It’s our first step into the world of eSports, which is a market with a lot of potential.

“For many of our fans this will be a novel idea, to have someone represent the club in the world of video games but for us it will open up a new way to promote the club.

“There will be sponsor opportunities and we can also engage with a new, younger audience who might not attend games or watch on TV.

“We wish Graham McIntyre, our gamer, good luck for the inaugural event and look forward to seeing him compete online in the Hibernian colours.”

Geoff Wilson from the Celtic eSports League said: “We are delighted to have Hibernian FC onboard for the inaugural competition as one of two Scottish based clubs.

“eSports is growing at a phenomenal rate world-wide and the clubs’ involvement demonstrates their proactive and innovative approach to growing the brand of their clubs online.   The Sportego Celtic eSports League is an exciting new concept and we hope to attract new fans for not only the league but all the clubs involved.”

Fans can follow all the matches at https://www.twitch.tv/sportego  and keep up-to-date will all the latest development @Celtic_ESports

A police investigation is underway after a number of paintball guns were stolen during a break-in at Skirmish Paintball at Crow Wood in the west of Edinburgh.

Equipment valued at £20,000 including Tippmann .68 calibre paintball guns stolen, along with 14 guns of other types were stolen from a container on Saturday.

Four airsoft guns were also taken, along with a generator and a large quantity of paintballs.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating following a break-in and theft from a business premises in the west of the city.

“Inquiries are ongoing to trace the items and identify those responsible.

“Anyone with information is asked to come forward.”

The Transport Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomed the first of the new Hitachi electric trains to Scotland yesterday.

There will eventually be 70 of these and they will be used from autumn 2017 on the Edinburgh to Queen Street service. In two years’ time there will be more than 40 per cent extra seats on the line at peak times. The new trains promise more power points at seats, better WiFi and improved accessibility.

Scotrail is investing almost half a billion pounds in new trains and this is being supported by investment of £1.5 billion in track infrastructure in the central belt, Aberdeen-Inverness and the Highland Main Line.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “I am delighted that the new trains will shortly begin testing in Scotland and note the hard work in such a short space of time that has gone into their design and construction.

“The Scottish Government has committed £5 billion to upgrade rail travel in Scotland and I will continue to push for better standards and facilities for passengers to be delivered.  I have no doubt that once they go into service the extra space and seats will transform the experience of users and help to continue to build upon the success of ScotRail services across the country.”

These have not been the most comfortable times for Scotrail which is run by Dutch company Abellio. Customers have been very vocal about its shortcomings over recent weeks and months with complaints about the number of trains which have been late or cancelled on the increase.

The company’s Managing Director Dominic Booth is keen to keep the public on side. He said: “Our team at the ScotRail Alliance is currently focused on improving the railway for passengers during one of the most intense periods of investment and modernisation ever undertaken on Scotland’s railway. It is inevitable during this time that there will be some disruption and we ask for people’s patience as we work through these ambitious plans.

“However, next year we will take delivery of new trains that are being designed, built and delivered in record time. Since we took over the franchise, we have added 25,000 seats a day to the Scottish network and by 2019, that number will be 100,000. We expect the £475 million investment in new and refurbished trains to provide a significantly better experience for passengers.”

Earlier today Miles Briggs MSP for Lothians joined the party leader and MSP for Central Edinburgh, Ruth Davidson, as she launched the new mental health policy. This demands a step change in support for those suffering from mental ill health.

What they would like to see is that mental health is treated in the same manner as physical health, and they would like another £300 million to deal with it. A recent report showed that a fifth of those with mental health issues were not seen within the 18 week treatment time target.

You can read the whole policy document here:

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Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:

“For too long there’s been a failure to recognise mental health issues as being just as urgent and debilitating as physical injuries.

“As we stated in our manifesto in May, there needs to be a step change in the amount of support we currently offer to those suffering from mental ill health.

“That is why we are calling for an extra £300 million to be spent over the course of this parliament on improving services, and ensuring that no one has to wait too long to receive treatment.

“With the Scottish Government’s 10-year mental health strategy due to be published next year, we hope these ideas will help inform the debate about how we achieve the most effective strategy possible.

“We need a vibrant and far reaching debate on these issues to ensure that Scots have access to the best possible mental health services that we can provide.”

Scottish Conservative mental health spokesman Miles Briggs said:

“Since May we have been speaking to a wide range of mental health organisations and charities to discuss what would be the best way to improve services in Scotland.

“Their views have helped us shape our new strategy, and we believe that these measures could make a significant difference to those suffering from mental ill health.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to improve capacity and staffing across the health service and address the unacceptable waiting times for treatment.

“We now hope that SNP ministers will listen to these proposals and consider them ahead of the publication of the new mental health strategy next year.”

Barbara Dickson OBE is someone who needs little introduction. A singer with a great back catalogue she is coming to The Queen’s Hall on 27 February 2017 as part of her 21 date UK tour.

She will be performing new material and some of the oldies to keep you happy! (what’s your favourite?)

She became the biggest selling female album artist of all time with 6 platinum, 11 gold and 7 silver albums.

As an actress, she has appeared in the award winning theatre productions, ‘John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert’, ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Spend, Spend, Spend’. She was the original Mrs Johnstone and Willy Russell’s muse.

A new 5 track EP will be released with new material as the tour begins.

Tickets available here.

The Erskine Stewart Melville School junior choir entertained The Merchant Company of Edinburgh’s elderly beneficiaries at their annual Christmas coffee morning last week.

Back row left to right: Pat Denzler, Master of the Merchant Company of Edinburgh and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh the Rt Hon Donald Wilson.

Front row, left to right: Erin Lothian aged 8, Helen Close and Arthur Le Suer aged 8

12 year-old Megan Reid hit the big red button to light up the Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens tonight as part of the Light Up A Life appeal by the city’s St Columba’s Hospice.

The 40ft tree now shines brightly with lights symbolising the dedications made by people from all over the UK, remembering loved ones who have died at St Columba’s Hospice.

The Hospice’s Light Up A Life appeal runs each winter and the money raised is used to provide extra special care for patients and families throughout the festive season. Money raised is spent on providing mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas lunches and more festive treats for patients and families.

Megan Reid switched on the lights on the Tree of Remembrance with Sir Tom Farmer at an event in Charlotte Square Gardens.

Megan has been a keen fundraiser for the Hospice after her grandfather and great grandmother died at the Hospice.

In September 2015, Megan and her mother walked from their home in Prestonpans to the Hospice, which was 11 miles from where Megan’s grandfather was born to where he died.

Donations can still be made towards the Light Up A Life appeal online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk/lightupalife or by calling 0131 551 1381.

Photos by Neil Hanna Photography