Double yellow lines next to a health centre have been given the go ahead after concerns were raised about ambulances getting to it.

Midlothian Councillors were told that cars parked on a corner of Imrie Place, in Penicuik, were causing a problem for the centre and waste collection vehicles who sometime could not reach the end of the street.

A report to cabinet this week said visibility at the corner was  “impeded by the intruding bulk of the Lidl store” and asked for the go ahead to put the double yellow lines along 23 metres of the road.

Only one objection was lodged over the plans with the protester saying the council had created the problem by allowing the supermarket store to be built on the ‘residential’ street in the first place.

The objector said: “Imrie Place is a totally residential street. As residents we are unfortunate to have the doctors surgery at the end of the street – putting up with non mobile staff using the street as a car park Monday-Friday.

“Midlothian Council created the current parking nightmare when they provided consent for a 200 seater restaurant that has a five car parking area.

“Whilst I agree the corner narrows the road significantly especially when idiot
drivers believe they can wrap their car around the corner, this situation again
created by Midlothian Council when Lidl’s was allowed to build.”

“Double yellow lines will not prevent patrons of the restaurant, or anyone else for that matter, parking on the restricted area at night and at the weekend when no parking enforcement is around. All that you are doing is taking parking spaces away from residents.”

Councillor Connor McManus moved the motion to approve the restrictions telling the meeting: “This road provides access to the doctors surgery so if people park on this corner an ambulance might not be able to get along there.

“I note the objector who says there are no issues on Imrie Place, well that’s fine then there will be no issues if we put yellow lines in.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Dianne Alexander and plans approved.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The Eric Liddell 100 has announced the launch of its new ‘Eric Liddell Awards’ which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner and will celebrate some of the outstanding individuals contributing to Scotland’s athletics and sports.   

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.   

To form the awards, the charity has partnered with five organisations to honour some of Scotland’s most outstanding individuals in athletics and sports, who have demonstrated the charity’s core values: passion, compassion, and integrity.  

 Throughout this year Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Disability Sport and The Eric Liddell Community, have awarded 100 individuals with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards’ with each winner presented with a unique Eric Liddell 100 pin badge and a certificate. Each partner will also nominate one individual to be celebrated further at the Eric Liddell 100 Awards in November.   

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are so proud to announce the launch of this incredible awards ceremony as part of the Eric Liddell 100, and are honoured to be able to create a platform for outstanding individuals across Scotland to be recognised for their achievements in athletics, sports and community work. These nominees can beathletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or community members who have displayed one or more of our core values of passion, compassion and integrity.   

“We very much look forward to honouring the incredible nominees in November. This is the first year of the awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell through this incredible initiative.”   

Colin Hutchison, CEO of Scottish Athletics, said: “We are thrilled to take part in the very first Eric Liddell Awards in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest athletes and his legacy. It is important to us to highlight the wonderful achievements of our members, and this is truly an amazing way to do so. Eric Liddell’s contribution to Scottish athletics is extremely admirable and his passion for the sport and compassion towards everyone he met is something we want to continue honouring through our involvement with Eric Liddell 100.”   

Hosted by Scottish icon Sally Magnusson – broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their incredible achievements.   

During a service of centenary celebration and remembrance in June 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, praised the Eric Liddell 100 and stated: “The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, iconic figures, The Flying Scotsman Eric Liddell. The 2024 Olympics in Paris are taking place 100 years after Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold and Bronze medals at the 1924 Games, which also took place in Paris.  

“As the 2024 Olympics return to Paris, we all have an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and be inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Those involved in The Eric Liddell 100 carefully considered suitable values for this initiative, values that Eric Liddell lived by and demonstrated daily; passion, compassion, and integrity.”  

For more information on The Eric Liddell Awards and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/  

The percentage of unemployed people in West Lothian is almost half the UK average for the second year running. 

The figure, just over 3,000, remains similar to last year – at a time when wages across the county have seen a surge, councillors heard this week. 

Business support staff also revealed that inflation which had fallen below 2% this year will climb back to 2.5% by Christmas. 

Craig McCorriston, the head of economic development also told the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) that the council’s business promotion website was being improved after its launch last year. 

A report to the PDSP said: “Claimant count for West Lothian is 3,325, at 2.5% for July 2024, which is slightly lower than the Scottish rate (2.9%), yet materially lower than the UK rate (4.2%).  

“The rate for July is now below the level seen around January 2020. Compared to the national picture, West Lothian’s claimant rate has remained stable, just slightly lower than this time last year (2.7% July 2023).” 

West Lothian uses the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Claimant count which is a slightly more reliable measure of unemployment than the Office for National Statistics’ general estimate of unemployment rate which is based on a large sample of individuals surveyed every month in the UK Labour Force Survey. 

It added: “Inflation is expected to rise to around 2.5% by the end of 2024. This is mainly due to increasing energy prices, with additional risks from geopolitical factors.” 

Local firms report that wage growth, driven by continued competition for skills and wider cost-of-living pressures, has remained strong.  

The report compiled by the Business Development Unit also highlighted the surge in wages in the spring. 

“Wages are up 6.4% for the first quarter of this year. However, there are tentative signs that the UK jobs market is cooling. Jobs on offer in the UK dropped 26,000 to 898,000 vacancies between February and April.” 

The council hosted a jobs fair in May which was supported by 25 local firms. Mr McCorristion said: “There was a good range of new job opportunities for those seeking employment, or local people looking to improve on their current job.  

The Invest in West Lothian website has been expanded since its launch last year and had over 6,000 visitors in the first three months of the year.  

Councillor Peter Heggie asked: “What kind of follow up do we get from those who visit the site. Do we ask those who visit the site if there’s anything missing. I suppose it’s just to make sure that we are making the most of the contact. What kind of timescales do we have to get back to people?” 

 Linzi Winton, the Business Gateway Team Leader: said: “We don’t capture feedback directly but that is something we are going to improve on. We follow up through inquiry forms and through customer feedback. If you complete an inquiry form, it would be checked by our team, and we’d be back the same day or next working day.” 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

A petition calling for a recycling centre in East Lothian to be reopened has been rejected.

More than 2,000 people signed the petition calling on the council to open the Macmerry centre, which has been mothballed since October 2023.

The council took the decision to keep it closed this year as part of its budget cuts – saving around £75,000.

Local Conservative MSP Craig Hoy launched the petition, calling for the decision to be reversed. He said residents had reported more incidents of fly-tipping and faced almost twice the length of journey to take rubbish to the remaining centres.

And presenting his case to the council’s petitions committee, he said: “I launched this petiton not off my own back but because people came to me to directly share their concerns.”

Mr Hoy said his petition, which gathered 2,168 signatures, gathered a third of its support from the Haddington area, where council headquarters are based. With around 22 per cent from the Tranent and Macmerry area.

And he urged the committee to take the decision back to full council to overturn it.

However council leader Norman Hampshire (Labour)accused the former councillor who stepped down after being elected to the Scottish Parliament of bringing the petition for ‘political purposes’ asking where they money would come from to reopen the centre.

Mr Hoy told the meeting that the Conservative councillors had offered alternative solutions to the budget which would have freed up money for Macmerry.

He said: “There was the option to restructure the planning service with a saving of £200,000, there was also a proposal from the Conservative group to streamline management saving another £100,000.

“I greatly respect the work of everyone who works for the council but I think if you ask residents struggling to get to the recycling centres whether they would opt for Macmerry reopening or keeping two middle managers they would opt for greater access to recycling.”

The council currently has three  centres in the county at North Berwick, Dunbar and Wallyford.

Councillor Hampshire told the meeting that he was on record as saying the county needs another recycling site but said: “The reason we can’t proceed with that is the financial situation.

“The Conservative group did propose alternatives to our budget which would have allowed Macmerry to open but they were proposing taking £1million from Enjoy Leisure. That would have resulted in the closure of two swimming pools.

“Do you think people in Haddington, Tranent and North Berwick would be happy if their swimming pool closed so Macmerry could remain open? I don’t think so, you have to get real.

“I cannot support this petition, I think it has been purely done for political purposes rather than community benefit.”

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, Conservative, raised a point of order on the council leader’s comments saying “there has been no evidence that this petition is political”.

Councillor John McMillan , Labour, told the meeting he was sorry when he heard about Macmerry being mothballed saying: “Although I was disappointed I think it was the right decision. There has been inconvenience, but purely inconvenience.”

The petition was rejected by three votes to one with Councillor Findlay supporter it and councillors McMillan, Hampshire and Lee-Anne Menzie rejecting it.

Police have released images of two men who may be able to assist with enquiries into an assault in Edinburgh that occurred on Gracemount Drive around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August, 2024.

A 53-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The first man is described as white, around 30-years-old, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, black zip up hoodie and black Adidas trainers with white sole and stripes. He spoke with a local Scottish accent and has potential links to Bonnyrigg.

The second man is described as white, aged between 30 and 45-years-old, of heavy build and short brown hair. He was wearing a red/orange hooded top with white draw strings, blue jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Richmond of Edinburgh CID said: “I would urge the men pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police as soon as possible.

“You can contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference number 4231 of 27 August, 2024 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Telling the stories of the first female American Airlines captain, of a quick-thinking town mayor, of the mother of a New York firefighter and of a local news reporter, as well as those of their friends and neighbours in Gander, Newfoundland, Come From Away is beautifully powerful piece of theatre that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the unthinkable.

At Edinburgh Playhouse

Continue reading here.

 

West Lothian’s high streets continue to be “go-to” destinations for local people despite fears towns such as Bathgate are seeing businesses desert them. 

Trading difficulties and anti-social behaviour have sparked fears among community groups and local councillors in recent months. But a study shows town centres in rude health compared to many other Scottish high streets.  

Shop fronts in the five traditional burghs have an occupancy rate of more than 91 per cent – higher than the average Scottish high street. 

A review by council retail advisers found small, independent businesses are still a prominent feature in all centres.  

Livingston North councillor Andrew Miller pointed out that the street of shops in Deans was all occupied by takeaway food businesses.  “Do we have information on what the current mix is in the five burghs?” 

Stewart Ness of the council’s Town Centre Management team told the meeting of the Economy Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel that he and colleagues conduct quarterly surveys of occupancy in the traditional high streets as well as recording the types of businesses occupying stores. 

The five burghs; Armadale. Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow and Whitburn, all remain “vibrant” with occupancy of commercial property of 91.6 per cent for 2023/24. Occupancy has averaged 90% every year since 2017. 

Mr Ness said: “To give these numbers context. The average Scottish vacancy rate across this period is about 15% so West Lothian high streets have and continue to perform very well when benchmarked against the national average.” 

In his report to the panel, Mr Ness added: “Consumer habits have changed, and service providers that can’t trade online, like personal services and food and drink, will continue to increase presence in our town centres.  

“This has led to a perceived concern amongst the public around a lack of choice and/or concentration of certain types of businesses.”  

He added: “Change is constant and with the continued growth of online and other ‘non-bricks and mortar’ shopping, our traditional high streets are no longer a destination for retail only.” 

Pop up shops which offer short term trading are a potential answer for the hard to let units in all towns.  Council officers are working to identify sites and consider approaches as to how to encourage permanent or temporary uses.   

Chairing the meeting, Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan said: “I’m really pleased to see that there’s work to consider how we can bring stalled sites back into productive use, particularly pop-up shops which can showcase businesses that were maybe set up online during the pandemic and that are unsure about making transition and test the market. I look forward to seeing how work progresses.” 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

To mark ten years of support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, last week 25 Kirkliston Rainbows, aged 4-7, helped Girlguiding host a birthday party to celebrate the milestone. 

1st Kirkliston Rainbows were joined by representatives from Girlguiding and People’s Postcode Lottery in Edinburgh to say thank you for the £15 million that has been raised by players of the lottery throughout the valued relationship. 

Since 2014, funding from players has supported Girlguiding to do more for girls and young women across the United Kingdom.  

This includes listening to girls and promoting their voice, particularly through their support of the charity’s flagship research, the annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey.  

This vital funding from players also means Girlguiding can take its work into more communities, offering adventure and empowerment to the girls and young women who need the programme the most.  

They’ve allowed Girlguiding to improve the quality of their activities, helped to build partnerships with other organisations, grow their income and better influence decision makers with matters that are important to girls. 

The celebratory event was joined by Scottish Influencer of the Year, Laura Young (Less Waste Laura). Known for the #BanDisposableVapes campaign, Laura helped the girls make environmentally friendly ‘thank you’ cards for People’s Postcode Lottery – also supporting the Rainbows in working towards earning their ‘Be Well’ badge. 

Laura Young (Lesswastelaura), said:“Celebrating with the 1st Kirkliston Rainbows unit was an absolute joy and incredibly rewarding! It was inspiring to see young girls learning new skills, building confidence, and having fun together – something I got to experience myself when I was in Girlguiding. 

 “Embracing sustainability to create beautiful cards from recycled materials added a special touch, showing the girls how creativity and environmental awareness can go hand in hand.  

“It was a joy to see their excitement and pride in making something meaningful, while also learning the importance of caring for our planet. Truly a memorable and fun experience!” 

“The rest of the fun packed event consisted of party games and welcome songs, a special celebration birthday cake, and gifting People’s Postcode Lottery with the perfect present in true Girlguiding style – a giant thank you badge. 

Ava, Rainbow, aged 6, said:“l had the best time at the Birthday party and l got a cupcake which was yummy. Rainbows’ day is my favourite day of the week. We do lots of fun things and play games like the washing machine game.” 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:“We are so proud and delighted that players have raised an incredible £15 million to support the work of Girlguiding, funding that has helped offer such an important safe and welcoming space for thousands of girls and young women over the last ten years. 

“It was so special to receive our very own Girlguiding badge to mark this incredible milestone in our longstanding partnership.” 

Angela Salt, CEO of Girlguiding, said:“We are so appreciative for the support that People’s Postcode Lottery has shown us over these last ten years. Thanks to their invaluable partnership, we are able to keep growing and evolving our girl-led programme.  

“Charities like ours rely on funding from generous trusts like People’s Postcode Lottery, and we want to say a huge thank you as they continue to champion our mission to help girls know they can do anything.” 

Lindsey Devin, Girlguiding unit leader and Edinburgh county commissioner, said:“I was delighted to have guests from People’s Postcode Lottery along to our very busy Rainbow unit here in Kirkliston. 

“For funders to see firsthand what we do in our units each week, the fun we have and hear about the experiences we give our young members, thanks to their generosity, is key to our relationship. Guiding is built on friendship and Kirkliston Rainbows thank People’s Postcode Lottery for their friendship.“ 

Police in Wester Hailes have seized an off road bike and apprehended a 25-year-old man. 

Around 8pm last night Tuesday 17 September 2024 officers spotted two men on the bike in Dumbryden Gardens. 

The men abandoned the vehicle and ran off but one man was caught nearby after a foot chase. 

He has since been charged with road traffic offences. 

A Police spokesperson posted on social media: “Excellent stop by Team 5 Response, Wester Hailes on patrol when they saw two males riding off-road bikes.  

“On seeing police, one male dropped the bike and ran off.  

“After foot chase, a 25 year old male was apprehended and charged with various traffic offences.  

“Bike seized.” 

An alternative proposal has been made to develop the arts venue at Summerhall in a sustainable way. The proposal was lodged at the closing date set by the selling agents at noon on Wednesday.

The sale of the sprawling venue was announced in May this year by the trust which owns it, Isle of Man-based Oesselmann Estates Limited. Since then, it was revealed that a three year lease is to be entered into with Summerhall Arts and a crowdfunding campaign was set up.

Now, one of the ideas on the table has been put forward by local architects, Fraser/Livingstone, who hope that this will be successful and will avoid “years and years of uncertainty”.

The Summerhall Arts Proposal “looks to reorganise the creative uses of the building more effectively and release the two unloved Brutalist buildings” into a hotel and student accommodation. Their plans would also allow the current tenants to remain on site if they wish to stay.

Malcolm Fraser a partner in the firm is quite clear that the proposal is not an actual monetary offer, but it is an idea which he firmly believes will attract funding and investment. And it does involve the CEO of Summerhall Arts, Sam Gough, whose involvement would hopefully “coalesce around an arts-led future for the site – but with glamorous renewal to support it financially”.

Fraser/Livingstone Architects have explained in the bid that: “Both of these will be high-end, with the hotel aiming to attract a guest of the Taylor-Swift-at-Murrayfield variety – understanding that the higher end will cross-subsidise the arts best, while all new hotel and student users will gain value from, and add value to, Summerhall’s principal arts use.”

This they hope will enshrine the legacy of Robert McDowell who had the vision to buy and develop the former Dick Vet into an arts venue, it will enshrine the Summerhall Arts Hub, develop a hotel which will support the arts hub and “add to the diversity and glamour of the site”.

The seven storey Brutalist building would be stripped back to its frame and transformed into a hotel with a rooftop “party hat” bar and restaurant – with views to Arthur’s Seat and the Forth.

A spokesperson for selling agents, Cuthbert White said: “We are pleased with the number of interested parties and numbers of proposals which we are sifting through, and I anticipate that there will be a second round of bidding shortly which we will be communicating with the parties. All of the bids received recognise the importance of Summerhall as an Arts and Entertainment hub and the vibrancy that will offer to a mixed use re-development, both complimenting each other and I hope that the proposed sale will act as a catalyst to providing Summerhall with a sustainable and exciting future that Edinburgh can be proud of.”

In summary the proposal would yield these distinct parts Summerhall Arts, Summerhall Crafts and The Summerhall Arts Hotel.

• Summerhall Arts: the lead user on the site – its core and value:
• 6442 sqm of galleries, studios, tech spaces, cafes and theatres and halls, in the main building, Dissection
  Room wing and rear Stables and rooms above the Brewery;
• including the Library and Galleries, Demonstration Room and Anatomy Room theatres and Café
• Summerhall Crafts: 1,175 sqm for current users including Pickering’s Distillery, Barney’s Brewery and the Old Dick Bar, in locations as existing
• The Summerhall Arts Hotel: 4,170 sqm overall including:
• opportunity for 80 rooms, ranging between 18-29 sqm, or larger rooms with fewer numbers
• 183 sqm rooftop bar with 313 sqm terrace, both with fabulous views across the site and the city beyond
• 865 sqm ground floor dining and lobby, welcome and link into the central courtyard
  The former Hope Park Church: at the very north-west corner, with its own main entrance possible from Hope Park Terrace. Principal possible uses, both complementary to the site in general:
• the Demarco Archive, currently in the front building; or
• a separate Wedding, Conference and general Event Space, operated by the Hotel
  The Student Wing: 1795 sqm overall incorporating 36 rooms, with external terrace overlooking Arthur’s Seat

Full details of the proposal are below:

Council inspectors have been accused of ‘wading through women’s used sanitary products’ to see if families in East Lothian qualify for a bigger waste bin. 

Residents say they have faced ‘degrading’ and ‘humiliating’ situations as they struggled with hygiene waste after the local authority moved its fortnightly household bin collections to three weekly. 

A petition signed by more than 2,700 people called for the reinstatement of the two weekly service and claimed it discriminated against the most vulnerable in society, large families and the disabled. 

A meeting of the council’s petitions committee heard claims of council waste inspectors resorting to humiliating trawls through residents’ refuge. 

Kate King, who started the petition, told the meeting that a yellow bag service provided for absorbent hygiene products (AHP) left some people feeling embarrassed and humiliated as it alerted neighbours to the presence of an incontinent family member or need for extra collections. 

And she said some people who had contacted her had talked about council workers going through their bins when they requested a larger one to cope with additional waste when they did not want to use the yellow bags or know about them. 

She said: “The yellow bag service is not promoted on the website or in the collection calendar. Many people do not want it because they do not want everyone to know there is an infirm person at home. 

“And we need to stop council waste workers wading through women’s used sanitary products to see if they qualify for a bigger bin.” 

The AHP service is not publicised by the council but does provide those who sign up with yellow bags which are collected kerbside every two weeks and can be used for nappies, sanitary products and incontinence pads. 

The committee was told it was not promoted because of concern it would be misused. 

Ms King added that in some cases neighbour, particularly in flats, had fallen out over people using their bins as their own filled up with some resorting to putting padlocks on their waste bins. 

She urged the committee to return to fortnightly collections however Tom Reid, the council’s head of infrastructure, said it would mean bringing in extra staff and vehicles with an estimated cost of £400,000 as well as losing the £500,000 saving the council is making with the reduced service. 

Mr Reid told the committee the change was made to encourage more recycling by residents and meet national and local standards. 

He said: “If you recycle as much as you can then the standard household waste bin is enough. The green bin should be the last resort for waste.” 

Mr Reid added that the AHP service was not a statutory requirement for the council and recycling advisers visited homes requesting larger bins to “assist” them. 

He said: “The household green bins should be the last resort for waste material. We do checks to make sure people are getting it correct.” 

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies told the committee she had pushed for the three weekly bin service, even advocating for a monthly collection but was told by Mr Reid it was ‘ridiculous. 

She said: “I think the council is doing the right thing for the right reason. Our household is busy at the moment, and we don’t struggle. I recycle and we have two green recycling boxes, three blue recycling boxes and two white recycling bags.” 

However, Councillor Jeremy Findlay told the meeting he had experienced the issues first hand after a visit by young family members who used nappies saying the green bin had smelled terrible. 

The committee rejected the petition with councillors John McMillan, Norman Hampshire and Menzies voting against it with Councillor Findlay supporting it. 

It also asked officers to look at ensuring carer groups were aware of the AHP service so they could identify people who may need it. 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

A low traffic neighbourhood project which has left an Edinburgh community divided should be made permanent, council officials have concluded.

Over the past 18 months various methods have been trialled in Corstorphine in an attempt to stop vehicles taking short-cuts through residential streets, improve safety around schools and encourage more walking and cycling.

But the introduction of traffic restrictions, bollards and planters, and a ‘bus gate’ camera which fines drivers who flout the rules – and has been cut down by vandals three times – have proved hugely controversial in the area.

Last week anti-low traffic campaigners urged councillors to scrap the measures, saying they were “not working, not wanted and not democratic”.

Despite the pushback, transport officials have recommended making the scheme permanent. A final decision will be made by councillors on Tuesday, September 24.

However they have proposed reducing operation hours of the bus gate, which restricts general traffic from entering St John’s Road from Manse Road at certain times on weekdays, from 8-10am and 2.45-6.30pm currently to 8-9.30am and 2-4pm.

The council said this would “re-align bus gate times to school streets operating times”. 

It said concerns about levels of “intrusive non-residential through traffic” in Corstorphine had been raised “for many years” which led to the LTN being trialled. 

Critics of the £800,000 scheme say it has been a failure – pointing to a 6.5 per cent increase in traffic.

But officials highlighted a 9.2 per cent fall in traffic on streets surrounding Corstorphine Primary School, which they said was a key aim of the project.

Over the 18-month period more than 556 complaints were made, with some objectors submitting more than one response, a report said.

Market research in the report suggested half of Corstorphinites supported the project and 24 per cent opposed. However, the figures have been disputed by some locals who believe the data was ‘skewed’.

Respondents were “particularly in favour of wider footways, seating, planters, new community street spaces, the artistic interventions at the school entrances and changes that make crossing the road easier”. 

In 117 objections concerns were raised about a “negative impact on local businesses” as a result of the LTN. The council said its research indicated there were “similar levels of overall spend and also indicates that local residents are more likely to visit local businesses”.

It added: “There has been both positive and negative submissions from businesses on the impact.”

The report said: “The most common themes for objections were that the project has generally caused traffic to use other streets and that this is associated with more congestion, pollution, longer journey times, road safety concerns and has reduced access by car for local people.

“On Corstorphine High Street there has been a small increase in traffic but also significant footway widening which overall is considered to have improved general conditions for people walking and wheeling.

“Saughton Road North has also seen a traffic increase, however during the bus gate periods, around two thirds of this traffic is in a southerly direction. This is unlikely to be due to the project which has only introduced traffic restrictions in a northerly direction.”

The report said traffic speeds had “generally fallen” with the most significant reduction on Dovecot Road “where average recorded speeds have reduced by 4.3mph following the introduction of physical traffic calming measures.

“It appears the that the traffic reduction measures around Corstorphine Primary School have been most effective in assisting cycling and scooting whilst potentially also encouraging more park and stride and less driving.”

It said a reduction the number of vehicles “in key parts of the project area” was a “positive step toward climate change goals”.

However, it said it was “hard” to establish the degree to which increases in traffic on surrounding roads “are attributable to the project compared to the wider background levels of increasing traffic”.

“Small improvements in air quality align with the Council’s Air Quality objectives. The market research finding of significant resident support and appreciation for the placemaking changes and associated biodiversity gains through planters and the pocket park are good step forward toward council commitments in these areas.

“Increased perceptions of the streets as safer, more pleasant and having more locations to relax in may lead to increased health and wellbeing outcomes.

“Continued concerns about levels of, and noise from, traffic may continue to be detrimental.”

Addressing a meeting of the council’s transport committee last week, Peter Roberts who leads the Accessible Corstorphine for Everyone (ACE) group said: “The LTN has not made Corstorphine safer, it has made it more dangerous and less accessible.

Mr Roberts said the 68 per cent reduction in traffic using Manse Road recorded during hours when the bus gate was operational “has been more than offset by increases on nearby streets”.

Accusing the council of “sampling bias” when presenting the survey results, he added: “Some councillors and officials are claiming support from a survey of pedestrians only, no motorists, housebound residents, businesses, carers etcetera were allowed to take part.” 

Kirsten Olverman, from Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents, which has its head office on St John’s Road, said the low traffic neighbourhood meant a journey that previously took 10 minutes “is increasingly likely to be twice that time when trying to avoid the LTN or the bus gate”.

Warwick Campbell, who lives in the LTN at Oswald Terrace, added: “The LTN has already cost £800k and people don’t even want it. It has caused nothing but division, pain and anger within the community.”

Mr Roberts, who has lived in the area for 32 years, told councillors his group “stand ready to be constructive, if you are prepared to take a step back and acknowledge things haven’t worked”.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

The George Street pedestrianisation plan could be altered to remove trees and car chargers, with cheaper materials used for resurfacing, amid rising costs. 

The ambitious but controversial project is set to see most traffic removed to make way for a central cycleway, wider pavements and other pedestrian improvements to the historic New Town street.

In the last year its estimated price tag has risen to £40m – up £7m in the last year. With millions in funding yet to be secured, council chiefs have started drawing up cost-cutting ideas.

A new report set out a range of ‘value engineering options’ and said removing trees could save around £150k.

Planting trees on George Street has proved a contentious subject in the capital, as those arguing they help combat the effects of climate change have clashed with heritage bodies defending the street’s original design. A compromise to have eight at either end of the thoroughfare was eventually agreed.

Other proposals to bring the cost down include building the cycleway, benches and planters with cheaper materials. Replacing granite setts with asphalt on the central cycling zone, where vehicles will be treated as “guests”, could bring the cost down by around £1.3m, according to the report.

A further £595k saving by removing of electric vehicle charging points led a councillor to query why they were included in the first place, as the options were discussed at the transport committee on Thursday, September 12.

Marie-Clair Munro, Conservative, said: “Can you explain why you propose to spend £595,000 . . . installing car charging points, in an area from which you intend to remove the vast majority of vehicles?”

Project manager Jamie Robertson said as the council urged businesses to electrify their fleet it was felt the plan should “provide facilities for that”.

Fellow project manager Marie Davis admitted it did “seem like an obvious one to take out at this point,” adding: “It’s always something that can be added in as a later addition.”

Additional work needs to be undertaken to determine the potential impact of the savings, the report continued, alongside “dialogue” with heritage bodies to evaluate how any changes could affect the area’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Cllr Danny Aston, SNP, asked “why aren’t we already looking” to use a different material to setts which “can be problematic for cycling over”.

Mr Robertson said the redesign had to be “really high quality”.

He said: “The materials at the moment, and we’re only mid-stage through the technical design, have been specced to respond to that high-quality nature, but at the end of this design stage we will be providing options around how could we reduce costs. Certainly, materials will be one of those elements within it that we will explore.”

Meanwhile councillors gave the green light to investigate options for removing parking from George Street ahead of works commencing in early 2027, according to the latest timescale estimate.

William Duncan, chair of the George Street Association, which represents businesses and organisation based in the street, told councillors this request by officials had come “as a very unwelcome surprise to many of us”.

He said while it had been “long accepted” the redevelopment would involve the removal of car parking and restricted access, it was believed this would be “after the completion of the works, not before”.

Conservative group leader Iain Whyte said there was “no justification” given to back up the move, or any indication of “why that might be a good idea” and how much parking income would be lost.

“So where did this really come from?” he asked. “And if it’s a pre plan for something we’re going to do, should we not have asked the businesses first?”

Interim director of place Gareth Barwell said: “We have a target as a council of a 30 per cent reduction in car kilometres. It is a matter of fact we’ve spent a lot of time engaging with businesses.

“I would argue that the mandate of the approved City Mobility Plan gives us this direction, but I would apologise if it’s caused any concern to the businesses.”

He added: “It’s literally to ask members ‘is this something we want to look forward to do’. It’s a message I’ve heard from members of this committee that we can’t just do transport strategy through public realm schemes. We have to do it through other means.”

Cllr Whyte said: “I think back to various things that have been done as temporary measures in the interim. Some of those were to do with Covid and were put in four years ago to allow people to socially distance. We’ve got a lot of them still, and they’re looking increasingly ugly as time goes on.”

The revamp’s design stage is expected to run until late 2026, with more detailed value engineering options set to go before councillors for a decision next year. 

A funding shortfall of around £14m still looms over the project, which could grow even larger if costs rise again.

While a £23.7m cut to the Scottish Government’s active travel budget means less grant funding will be available to plug the gap.

Chairing his first committee, newly-appointed transport convener Stephen Jenkinson, Labour, said: “One of the main funding sources for the project is the Scottish government and if they are reducing the amount of money that is available to invest in these kind of projects we have to be mindful of that.”

Lib Dem group leader Kevin Lang questioned whether it was “right” to use £40m “on one street, irrespective of how good this scheme looks, feels and the difference it would make”.

He said: “I do think we can put a flag in the sand and recognise the very significant issues which there are around the costs of this, the affordability and also the impact of spending money on this could have on a range of other active travel projects.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Police Scotland has released an image of a male whom officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault and robbery which took place on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 at around 11.30pm on Ferry Gait Drive, Edinburgh.

Officers believe the man in the image could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the man himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.

The male (pictured) is described as aged in his 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height, was seen to be wearing a suit, goggles over his eyes and a blue baseball cap with an ‘LA’ logo.

Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3947 of 7 July, 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

People in South Queensferry live in fear and dread of “boy racers” who congregate at the car park near Hawes Brae.

The drivers of both cars and motorbikes race up and down in the car park. They also drive on the two way stretch of Newhalls Road, and these meet-ups have become more frequent during the summer months.

Local MSP Alex Cole Hamilton will act as Chair at a public meeting on Wednesday at 7pm at South Queensferry Community Centre in School Lane. It is expected that representatives of Police Scotland and the council will also attend.

LOCAL RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT

Local residents talked to The Edinburgh Reporter ahead of the meeting to discuss their experiences and hopes for a solution.

Andy Scott, a local resident, said: “It disrupts our evenings. It usually starts around about seven or eight, and can continue till the early hours of the morning. It’s got worse in the summer. As the bright nights came in people started playing football in the street, even with cars going by and balls going into gardens and into local restaurants. Again, they just don’t seem to care – they leave a lot of mess.

“Whenever a police car comes along, they are good as gold, and we get silence for as long as the police are there, but as soon as the car goes away, it all starts off again. The police are stretched. We understand that and it’s very difficult for them to allocate a lot of resources here. They say they can’t use unmarked cars, which would be a lot more effective.

“One solution would be speed bumps in the road here and in the car park, which we think will make a difference. But it won’t stop them, the noise, the anti-social behaviour, and the only solution that we can see that would have a noticeable effect is to close the car park after 10 o’clock, say, and open it again at 6am.”

Another resident David Duncan said that one solution already tried was to install CCTV, but that was less than useful. He said: “Regrettably, we had a camera – CCTV – which was not readily accessible by the police. So in other words, it’s not really doing what we asked for.”

Anne Purcell who lives nearby said: “We see the same cars all the time. We hear them all the time. And it’s got to the point where I dread the evening’s coming, partly because I don’t know what’s coming, but I anticipate it’s going to be really unpleasant.”

Alex Cole Hamilton, MSP, said: “It’s a rare thing to bring about a public meeting like this. But because of the anger and frustration in the local community who have been bedevilled by this anti social car racing for years, we’ve reached a tipping point. I stand with the residents and don’t think the council or the police understand the measure of that frustration.

“Tonight will be an opportunity for residents to air their concerns and for the police and the council to lay out a pathway to a solution. And we will keep meeting like this until the problem is fixed.”

QUEENSFERRY & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Terry Airlie, Secretary of Queensferry & District Community Council, said: “We’ve had a number of Microsoft team calls. We’ve had on site visits. Council officials have come up with a design for speed restrictive measures, which the Community Council fully support, along with our ongoing and continuing police presence, both from local community policing and from the transport police’s police section as well. We’re fully supportive of that.

“Closing the car park would have an impact on local businesses, apart from the practicalities of how to close the car park and the ongoing costs. It is probably a non-starter.

“I am not convinced of the merits of a public meeting at this moment in time. While this kicked off with the residents of Newhalls Road and Hawes Brae area, there are other areas of the town which are certainly affected. My concern is that we apparently have an agreed solution for the ongoing issues but we could be opening up a can of worms.There are other areas in Queensferry where traffic calming measures have been awaited for a number of years now. As is always the case it is down to finance.”

Earlier in the summer Police Scotland used a drone to try and survey what is going on in the town in the evenings.

The public meeting is on 18 September 2024 at Queensferry Community Centre on School Lane at 7pm.

The largest outdoor public fireworks event in Scotland this year will be held at the Royal Highland Centre. 

Organisers expect to welcome around 15,000 people to the professional show on 3 November. 

GC Live and local pyrotechnics experts, 21CC Group, promise a family friendly show.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will perform along with the street theatre and LED drummers’ troupe Spark! and there will be fairground rides, food and drink, a bonfire and a laser show.

Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said:  “At GC Live we are committed to creating events which are both enjoyable and safe for all attendees. An organised and large-scale fireworks events such as Fawkes Festival, held under strict safety regulations, offers a very secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the fireworks event. 

“With professional oversight, designated viewing areas, clear signs throughout the site, crowd management strategies and compliance with established guidelines, Fawkes Festival will ensure that the excitement of fireworks can be enjoyed responsibly and safely.”

Bori Sallaiova, Event Manager at the Royal Highland Centre said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Royal Highland Centre this November for Fawkes Festival.

“At the Royal Highland Centre we are committed to the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we are excited to host Fawkes Festival which will be conducted under strict safety protocols and expert supervision, reducing the risks associated with private fireworks use. GC Live will ensure that guests can experience the excitement of a fireworks display in a secure setting.”

For more information on the Fawkes Festival and to book tickets, go to: www.fawkesfestival.com

The event is sponsored by housebuilders Taylor Wimpey.

Gordon Macdonald MSP has encouraged anyone in Edinburgh who has not already applied for pension credit to do so by 22 September to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.  

In the UK, 37% of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Government cut the universal provision of the payment.

The qualifying week is 16 – 22 September 2024 for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however Mr Macdonald said that 800,000 pensioners in Scotland are now set to lose out.

He said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.

“As a result, 67,555 across Edinburgh will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.

“The SNP are clear;  this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across the city worse off.

“If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”

Edinburgh sides Hutchison Vale and Edinburgh Caledonia both suffered defeats at the weekend. 

In the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship Stirling University beat bottom-placed team Hutchison Vale and in the Barclays Scottish Women’s League One, a red card for Rachel Ashe late in the first half didn’t prevent St Mirren earning a hard-fought 4-1 away win against Edinburgh Caledonia at Meadowbank to climb to the top of the table. 

Elsewhere two first-half goals from Stenhousemuir was enough to inflict a first defeat of the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship season on Inverness Caledonian Thistle, sending East Fife clear at the top of Scotland’s third tier of women’s football. 

Stenny skipper Jude Connolly was in the right place to knock in an Eva Ralston cross to put her side ahead before striker Praise Adebo doubled the advantage after Caley Thistle keeper Jen Horrocks had done well to block a strike from Elisha Duff.  

Stenny had their own keeper Rosie Alexander to thank for a string of second-half saves that kept the home side at bay. 

Earlier East Fife had won 3-0 against Forfar Farmington at Station Park, with goals from Anderson, Skivington and Guppy to maintain the Methil side’s good early season form. 

Glasgow Women also experienced their first defeat of the season, as Dryburgh Athletic returned to Dundee with a 3-2 victory, with goals from Laing, Brady and Irvine. 

The Renfrewshire derby ended with a 4-0 victory to Renfrew Ladies over Morton. n the later game, Falkirk dominated at home with a 9-0 victory over Westdyke at the Falkirk stadium.  

In League One Inverurie Locos dropped their first points of the season after a sensational second half comeback by Kilwinning saw them rescue a point for their long trip back to Ayrshire.  

Molly Bradley completed her hat trick deep into injury time, adding to an earlier strike by Caitlin Martin on the hour mark. 

Earlier, Airdrie Ladies beat Dunipace 4-2 and Queen of the South claimed a 4-1 victory at Giffnock.  

Kyha McGurk scored nine goals for Armadale Thistle in a comfortable 12-0 victory away to Dundee West. 

An experienced care home nurse with more than 43 years of service is back at work after a hip replacement – and she was nursed back to health by her own colleagues.

Eileen Crawford, 64, who currently works as the Charge Nurse at luxury care home, Cramond Residence, underwent the treatment earlier this year after years of arthritic pain.

Upon hearing about her need for surgery, her colleagues and managers immediately offered to help her with her post-operative care, including a stay at the home.

Following the operation, they provided her with a week-long inclusive stay, involving intensive physiotherapy and wound care, before Eileen then went home to continue her recuperation.

Eileen, who has worked at Cramond Residence for three years said: “I’m incredibly grateful that during my recovery process, I was being treated by my friends and colleagues at Cramond Residence.

“As soon as the team learned about my surgery, they instantly offered me support including transport to and from the hospital as well as post-operative physiotherapy care.

“I’ve seen many patients previously go through these procedures; I was quite anxious about my recovery. However, knowing that I would be receiving this care instantly put my mind at ease, as I knew from working with my colleagues just how professional they are in providing care.”

“Thanks to colleagues who looked after me following my hip replacement“

Eileen was discharged from the Spire Hospital two days after the procedure and transferred to Cramond, where she received five days of intensive physiotherapy and wound care.

The team offered her a tailored plan, ensuring that her recovery was comfortable and well-supported by familiar staff.

She returned home with improved mobility, and following a period of rest has successfully returned to work.

Eileen added: “Cramond Residence made what could have been a daunting recovery process so much easier. Their support allowed me to get back on my feet and return to work much sooner than I expected.

“The care I received was exceptional. From the moment they picked me up from the hospital, I felt completely supported and in good hands, I really can’t thank them enough”.

Ross Bijak, General Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Eileen does a great job looking after the community here. I’m so glad we were able to pay that back and support her when she needed it.

“It’s brilliant to have her back and to know the team here played a role in her swift recovery.”

Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

 

Protests took place on Tuesday morning at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre – Saying No to Arms Dealers.

Local employer Leonardo is taking part in the event being held in the building run by EICC on behalf of the council which owns it today and tomorrow.

The protesters, some of whom represented the group Revolutionary Socialism Edinburgh – a Marxist organisation with branches around Britain – say that the firm supplies laser targeting hardware for military use.

The SPIE conference – Sensors + Imaging exhibition 2024 – is a free to attend event. SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics.

A spokesperson said that Leonardo make the laser targeting system for the F35 which is one of the types of planes being used to bomb Gaza. Around 40,000 people have been killed and 90,000 injured in the bombardment.

https://twitter.com/EdinReporter/status/1836085721905418625

The Brunton Theatre Trust has warned it is months away from running out of funds after its council grant was cut by £200,000 a year.

The group was forced to move out of its main theatre in Musselburgh 18 months ago after crumbling concrete, known as RAAC, was found in the roof.

And at a council meeting this week, theatre bosses warned uncertainty over the building and their reduced grant meant their future was in “severe jeopardy’.

The trust has been dipping into reserves to continue its performance and education events at venues including Haddington Corn Exchange, Loretto School Theatre and Northesk Church.

Richard Butt, from the trust, told the meeting of audit and governance committee, said: ” Looking at the accounts in the next financial year within a month we will be breaching our reserves policy assuming the cut in funding from the council continues and so we are having serious discussions as to whether we can sign off the accounts as a going concern because essentially we will breach our reserves policy and use up all our reserves in the following financial year.

We are doing this without knowing if or when we will be able to move operations back into the Brunton.”

He said had the grant from the council not been cut the Trust could have continued, while still needing to use some reserves ‘for a number of years’.

And fellow trust member Michael Stitt told the committee: “We urgently need the funding reinstated and we urgently need transparency around where we are with RAAC. 

“It has now been 18 months,  there is huge frustration from the trust and there is great frustration within the community as well and if there are two key messages to take away it is that we really cannot go on like this both from a funding perspective and transparency perspective”

East Lothian Council, identified the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the theatre building as well as two secondary schools during a review early last year.

At its February budget it agreed to reduce its annual grant to the theatre trust by £200,000.

Tom Reid, the council’s head of infrastructure, said the schools affected by RAAC had taken priority but work was being carried out into possible solutions for the theatre as well.

He said: “Obviously it has been an incredibly challenging period for the trust and they have my sympathy. Our team, along with external consultants, have been working flat out to respond to the RAAC. The two high schools diverted some of our resources and capacity based on the fact it was statutory and education had be prevalent.

“Since then we have been working on the Brunton. We still aren’t in a position to give clarity on the options appraisal but the hope is to bring it to council in October.”

And he warned any work approved would not mean a quick return to the venue.

He said: “Whatever the fix option for the Brunton is it is not going to be a short term fix to enable the trust to return to the Brunton.”

Council leader Norman Hampshire told the committee that whatever solution was decided for the Brunton Theatre it was going to be a ‘multi-million pound’ solution which would need external funding.

He said: “We all want to see the arts continue in East Lothian and we think the Brunton does a great job for us however the financial challenges we face mean it is going to be difficult.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A by election will be called in the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward on 14 November 2024 to replace Labour councillor Scott Arthur who has resigned.

Dr Arthur was elected as MP for Edinburgh South West, and had always intended to step down from the council to concentrate on Westminster.

The two other elected members in the three member ward are Jason Rust, Scottish Conservatives and Marco Biagi, a former SNP Minister who was elected to the council for the first time in 2022.

The turnout at the last election in 2022 – the second time Scott Arthur was elected, was 59%, and Labour won a third of the first preference share. Seven parties put up candidates then, although it is not yet clear yes exactly who will stand this time.

FORMAL PROCESS

On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward. The ward, which also covers Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston has a current electorate of 19,226.

On Thursday 26 September the formal Notice of Election will be published and the Election Timetable, Election Notices and Nomination Papers will all be accessible from the City of Edinburgh Council website.

The Returning Officer, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Paul Lawrence said: “Following his election as Member of Parliament for the Edinburgh South West constituency in the UK Parliament, Dr Scott Arthur has formally resigned as a member of the City of Edinburgh Council and I wish him well in the future.

“Voters in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward now have a chance to make their voices heard again to elect a councillor to take his place to represent them on the city of Edinburgh Council.”

Candidates will be confirmed when nominations close at 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

If you are standing as a candidate then please get in touch with us as we would like to conduct interviews in person with every candidate.

These are the candidates we know about so far:

Scottish Conservatives are fielding the same candidate as they did in 2022, Neil Cuthbert.

Edinburgh Greens have a new candidate, Daniel Milligan.

David Henry is the Independent Candidate.

Sheila Gilmore is standing for Scottish Labour

In 2022 Louise Spence stood for election for the LibDems.

In May 2022 these candidates stood in Ward 8:

Ward 8 – Colinton/ Fairmilehead

• Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott
• Scottish National Party (SNP) – BIAGI, Marco
• Scottish Conservative and Unionist – CUTHBERT, Neil
• Scottish Family Party: Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life – LUCAS, Richard Crewe
• Scottish Green Party – MCCABE, Helen
• Scottish Conservative and Unionist – RUST, Jason
• Scottish Liberal Democrats – SPENCE, Louise Watson

Seven years of community funding success at the heart of event

Invaluable insights into one of Scotland’s most successful community benefits programmes are being offered to public sector bodies, which are being urged to sign up to attend.

The event will provide insight into the impressive successes delivered through the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF), which has delivered £910,000 worth of funding in seven years with an additional £1.1m in match funding.

Lesley Anderson, Regional Director for SPA, Scotland’s largest free-to-join procurement organisation said: “This is a unique opportunity for public sector organisations to gain deep insights into the transformative impact of community benefits across Scotland and the importance of investing in communities.”

Joining SPA at the September 24 event in Livingston, West Lothian, will be experts from LHC, Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC), South Ayrshire Council, Hawthorn Housing Cooperative and South Lanarkshire Council.

Lesley Anderson, added: “Those who attend will hear directly from industry experts and public sector organisations who have successfully implemented community-led projects. That will provide invaluable lessons on best practices and innovation while offering insight into the mechanisms and processes that have led to success.

“We’ve got a fantastic range of workshops and presentations from those at the forefront of community development all geared towards offering a clearer understanding of community benefits.

“One of those is SCDC, who are experts in community engagement and actively works with our partners, hosting workshops, training sessions, and offering vital consultancy services as well as playing a crucial role in informing government policy on community development.

“This is going to be a fantastic celebration of achievements and will provide brilliant insight into why community benefits are vital as well as showcasing the impacts of magnitude they can have.”

The sessions will form part of the SPA AGM and will reflect on the achievements of its Community Benefit Fund over the past seven years but also provide a holistic view of the journey from implementing community benefits to now.

Since 2017, the CBF has played a significant role in community support, providing over £2 million in grants and match funding to 102 community groups and charities. These efforts have positively impacted the lives of at least 27,931 people, generating over £5.1 million in social value.

A variety of organisations will share insights into their projects and explore how they’ve achieved success alongside their future ambitions. Attendees will also hear from SCDC who will lead a workshop on community-led impact research and participatory budgeting.

David Allan, Deputy Director from SCDC said: “SCDC are delighted to see the work that SPA are doing around community benefits.

“It is vitally important for public sector organisations to understand the real needs and issues within communities and to be able to engage with local residents about how these needs should be addressed and how money should be allocated.

“Community-led action research and participatory budgeting are becoming much more widely used and can be extremely valuable in helping this to happen.”

SPA is part of the LHC Procurement Group, which has been supporting public sector organisations with technical procurement for close to 60 years.

The AGM will highlight key initiatives in product development and community impact. Shona Snow, Director of Product Innovation at LHC, will discuss the role of product innovation and future project opportunities.

George Stevens, LHC’s Director of Communities, will introduce the transition from the Rebate Programme to the Community Benefit Fund and outline LHC’s Social Value Strategy to enhance the impact of its work.

1st Step Development Ventures will showcase successful community-led projects, while representatives from South Ayrshire Council, Hawthorn Housing Cooperative, and South Lanarkshire Council will share stories of tackling local issues with LHC support.

Attendees will also receive updates on SPA’s performance for 2023/24, upcoming initiatives, and a preview of the organisation’s strategic direction.

SPA works with over 134 public sector organisations, offering effective frameworks for the procurement of goods and services for the construction, refurbishment, and maintenance of social housing and public buildings.

SPA is currently managing 626 active projects valued at £1.1 billion, while also benefiting more than 260 suppliers delivering works and services to public sector partners.

Additionally, partners can access a range of free, value-added services, including expert technical, procurement, and social value advisory support.

Register here

https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/

A mental health organisation in West Lothian expects to receive a huge demand for its grants. 

West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway will receive £470,000 from Holywood to fund community work and well-being projects. 

Previously the organisation has seen enormous demand, receiving 68 applications seeking over £1.4m from last year’s £470,000 award. 

Alan McCloskey the CEO of the Gateway told councillors this week: “We expect the fund to be heavily oversubscribed, as it has in the past.”  

A report to the council’s economy, eommunity empowerment and wealth building policy development and scrutiny panel said applications for the latest funding round would be open from 30 September to 31 Oct.  

Mr McCloskey added: “Charities, social enterprises, community and voluntary groups, parent councils, and other third sector organisations will be eligible to apply for activity covering 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026. As in previous years, an independent funding assessment panel will meet to consider applications.” 

“The panel will meet in late Autumn to consider applications with decisions advised to all applicants in December.” 

Two officers from the council’s Mental Health Directorate had recently visited the Gateway and two projects receiving support, he added. 

Demand for mental health service has soared since the pandemic the national fund has remained static, year to year, awarding £15m to volunteers across Scotland. 

Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Edinburgh Trams driver, Jade Holden, and Ticketing Services Assistant, Tony Wallace, have been praised by colleagues for helping to entertain the Swifties.

This is the name given to fans of Taylor Swift who were Edinburgh Trams customers during what proved to be the busiest weekend on Edinburgh’s tramway.

While the entire team pulled out all the stops to ensure hundreds of thousands of “Swifties” enjoyed trouble-free travel to a series of concerts at Murrayfield, the two employees went the extra mile to get everyone into the spirit of the occasion.

Leading from the front, they donned pink cowboy hats and encouraged Taylor Swift fans to join in impromptu renditions of the star’s hits. Footage of Tony dancing to “Shake it Off” went viral.

Sue Bucher, HR Manager at Edinburgh Trams, explained: “To dance in front of thousands of dedicated Swifties took plenty of courage, but his efforts certainly proved a hit with customers and on social media.
“It was also brave of both Tony and Jade to agree to be featured so heavily on X, Facebook. Instagram and especially TikTok which, helped us reach new audiences whilst boosting our following across the popular platforms.”

In recognition of their dedication and enthusiasm, they’ve now been presented with “You are Tramtastic” Awards from the tram operator after being nominated for the accolade by colleagues.

Tony and Jade will both receive gift vouchers worth £250 as well as a certificate recognising their efforts.
“These valued members of the team offer a shining example of the passion of everyone at Edinburgh Trams when it comes to providing the best possible service to customers and a warm welcome to the millions of people who visit our city every year,” Sue added.
A wider campaign to promote the benefits of tram travel during Taylor Swift’s stop in Edinburgh as part of her record-breaking Eras Tour has also put the operator in the frame for further recognition at the Global Light Rail Awards.
The winner in the Best Customer Initiative category will be announced next month when Edinburgh Trams is also hoping to be named UK Operator of the Year and Most Improved System.

Alex Cole Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, addressed the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton on Tuesday reminding the party of their successes this year.

Mr Cole Hamilton said: “Conference, there was a time when I would set my alarm for 5am. It was the winter of 2014. The strain of coalition had seen off so many of our activists that each morning I would need to get three bundles of leaflets out before I packed my kids off to school.

The cold of it, the grind of it. The frosted gates, and the restless dogs.

To go out each morning in the weeks it took us to deliver the constituency and all the while have that sinking feeling that we were going to lose.

Delivering those leaflets in the cold and in the dark, brought to mind the words of Rudyard Kipling penned over a century ago.

“to watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build’ them up with worn-out tools”.

Conference, the night of the 7th May 2015 was the worst in our party’s history. We lost most of our MPs and the staff who supported them.

But as bad as that night was, it was eclipsed just a few weeks later by the loss of Charles Kennedy.

Charles was my mentor and he was my friend.

He always listened to the evidence, made arguments based on reason, paid heed to those with whom he disagreed, and responded with respect.

His passing left a hole in the firmament of British politics and a yawning gulf in our party.  

So fast forward, to that glorious July morning this summer, and I‘m sitting on the BBC sofa as Scottish leader on the finest night in our party’s history.

And then I get a text. The last seat to declare will come in for us.

Conference, it felt like poetry, that the final act of this General Election should see Charles Kennedy’s seat returned to the Liberal Democrat fold.

It means that Liberal Democrats now, once again represent both ends of the iconic and spectacular West Highland Way. From Fort William to Milngavie, from Angus MacDonald MP to Susan Murray MP, we are taking down the acid yellow wall of the SNP.

They now join Alistair Carmichael and Christine Jardine, both winning over 50% in their seats.

There were 5-figure majorities for the mighty Jamie Stone in the Far North and Wendy Chamberlain in Fife – the award-winning Wendy Chamberlain, recognised at the recent Holyrood Scottish Political Awards as the Best Scot at Westminster.

And what a wonderful four days we’ve had – basking in the warm Brighton sunshine, and in the afterglow of that General Election.

72 Lib Dem MPs, amazing, the best result for Liberals in Britain in more than a hundred years. And what about our Ed Davey eh?

– falling off a paddle board,

– learning circus skills with my daughter Darcy and me,

– the water slides and the teacup rides,

It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it,

In Scotland we call this style of campaigning the ‘Willie Rennie method’.

When he was our Scottish Leader, stunts and cheerful seriousness were Willie’s trademark.

But you know what they say about working with animals. Once at a community farm, unbeknown to Willie during a TV interview, over his shoulder a pair of amorous pigs were…visibly…embracing…

That photo op had international cut through.

Conference, Willie Rennie learned to walk, so that Ed Davey could fly.

And fly he did! Ed – you have taken our party to new heights, getting us the cut through we needed to be heard.

And by showing us your life and values as a carer for your family, you rightly earned a place in the hearts of a watching nation. Thank you Ed.

Conference, our success was not confined to England.

I promised you that there would be more liberals than nationalists in this new Parliament.

I said that together we would defeat the SNP and become the third largest party; that liberal voices would once again be heard at the very front of the House of Commons.

Well conference, we did that and then some. We’ve tripled our number of Scottish MPs. We beat the Conservatives into fourth place.

And when viewed from space we now represent more territorial land mass than the even Scottish Labour Party. It’s enough to make you pine for the feudal system. Land reform jokes – niche.

Conference, I was so proud to set out our liberal vision for Scotland in this campaign.

• To fix our health service, with fast access to GPs, dentists and world-class mental health services.
• To lift up Scottish education and fight for our carers.
• To get our economy growing.
• To put a stop to Scotland’s government-owned water company dumping sewage in our rivers.

Conference, it’s the reason so many people switched their vote to us.

And to those of you who did so, perhaps for the first time, or if you’ve come back to us, I say this. We will not let you down. We will repay your trust in full.

Conference, ten years ago tomorrow, the Scottish people voted to stay in our family of nations. But for the past decade the Scottish National Party has picked at the scab of their defeat.

Since that vote, our democracy has been stifled.

There has been a muscle memory to our politics, where each election has simply boiled down to people casting their vote as a means of forcing a second referendum or preventing one.

It has been the sum total of public debate. That dynamic has finally fallen away. It was so liberating to be fighting this General Election based on who we are, instead of who we are not. For the first time in so long, issues that mattered to the people held sway in the campaign with the constitution barely a footnote, and I was glad of it.

For once we could lay out a liberal vision for Scotland that didn’t have to be wrapped in a flag.

Conference, at the next Scottish Parliament election there will be 16-year-olds casting their ballots for the first time who have only ever known SNP rule.

Only ever known the grievance, the division, the political self-interest.

Yet all the while our schools have slipped down the international rankings.

Climate targets have been missed.

The waits for mental health treatment feel like a lifetime.

No wonder people feel like everything is broken…

In power for too long. Breaking rules. Taking people for granted. Sound familiar?

What was true for the Conservative Government at this last election is equally true of the SNP Government in Scotland for the next.

And conference they deserve the same fate. It’s time we were rid of them.

Conference, Scottish ministerial disinterest has harmed every part of Scotland, but that is particularly true for our rural communities.

We will fight to get those areas the fair deal they deserve.

They are engines of the Scottish economy, for farming, forestry, food and drink, and so much more.

So why are they always stuck at the back of the queue?

30 years to make the deadly A9 safer between Perth and Inverness.

Broadband speeds that belong in the 1990s.

Mothers in labour travelling 100 miles to hospital.

And the worst fuel poverty anywhere in the United Kingdom.

That’s not a fair deal. Not when you live in a part of the country that is the powerhouse for a renewables revolution that will move us to net zero and guarantee energy security.

To be shivering in the shadow of wind turbines, unable to heat your home. That’s not a fair deal.

It’s why the community benefit rules need to be modernised. It’s only right that local people feel the full benefit too.

And I’m not talking about planters for the high street or a minor refurbishment to the village hall.

Because it’s time to reimagine community benefit. I’m talking about:

• Local energy bill discount schemes

• Affordable housing

• New GP surgeries

• Training to upskill local workers and the promise of good jobs

Of course, we need the right developments in the right places, but I say the bounty of the renewables revolution must flow through those communities.

There’s an opportunity to build a rich legacy, but the SNP are already showing they can’t be trusted with that.

Just three years ago the Scottish Government auctioned our prime seabed to energy companies who will build offshore windfarms upon it.

Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney, all made a name for themselves by fighting Margaret Thatcher.

Chief among those criticisms was her spending oil and gas revenues – of failing to create a sovereign wealth fund for the oil beneath the Scottish seabed.

Indeed the very foundations of the modern SNP are built upon the idea that this revenue should have been invested and earmarked for Scotland for the long-term, like Norway did. “It’s Scotland’s oil” they said.

Only now they’ve gone and done exactly the same thing.

They sold the seabed in one go, and the money will soon be gone.

Well conference, it’s Scotland’s wind and the SNP have blown it.

Conference, our Scottish Parliament should be a place where the priorities of the people always come first.

It’s celebrating turning 25 years old.

Just remember what liberals have delivered for Scotland.

Free personal care, eye tests, dental checks, bus passes and the smoking ban. That was us.

Freedom of information and fair votes for local government. That was us too.

And I want to tell you about what I believe needs to happen next.

My father-in-law slipped away from us six years ago, on a day not unlike this one.

He succumbed to a kind of liver cancer that was mercifully painless and took him very swiftly after diagnosis. We’d managed to get him home from hospital and when it was clear the end was coming, Gill and her siblings moved back into the house to support their parents through the final week of his life.

I would go out there whenever I could, it wasn’t a chore, it was lovely. They had created a bubble around him filled with love and light and laughter. We took turns to spend precious time with him. There was such unexpected joy in those days and then one morning he was gone. It was a very gentle passing.

If I could choose the manner of my own death, it would certainly be that.

But we don’t get to choose. All too many people are denied a good death and depart this world in pain and in distress.

Endings matter, in stories and in life, and I want to know that if I am dying in agony, beyond the reach of palliative care or I know that moment is coming, then I’ll have the right to say ‘this far and no further’ and leave this world in dignity.

We have human rights designed to protect and safeguard every aspect of our life, save one and that is our departure from it. That’s why I support the Assisted Dying for Terminally ill Adults Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament.

I am proud that there is a Liberal Democrat at the helm of this legislation. Our MSP Liam McArthur was trusted by campaigners to get this right and achieve this change. It will be a free vote. No Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP will be asked to act against their conscience.

I know that not everyone in this hall will be persuaded. I understand that – but our plurality as a movement sets us apart from all other parties.

We come together at conferences like these to discuss big and sometimes divisive issues, but always in a friendly and constructive way. Friends, we may have one election in the rear-view mirror, but in Scotland we are fast accelerating towards another. It might even happen this coming spring.

The upcoming Holyrood elections may be the most consequential in the history of devolution.

Because in Scotland, things are changing.

We can close the book on this divisive period in our politics.

We’ve won more Liberal Democrat MPs. We must now focus on winning more Liberal Democrat Members of the Scottish Parliament and lifting our vote in every corner of the country.

We can achieve that – but Conference, we will need your help.

We have fought tooth and nail to keep that liberal flame alive. Friends, we finally have the opportunity to fan those flames into a roaring furnace.

Carloads and trainloads of us travelled south to the by-election victories that set us on our way for all that we achieved this summer.

Well conference, it will soon be time for you to travel north.

So come help us. Help us to deliver the selfless Lib Dem representation everyone in Scotland needs.

Because that is what we’re all about. It’s about helping your neighbours. It’s about showing up with a sturdy pair of trainers and a cake tin ready to knock doors.

It’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder and fighting for the values and the liberal future we all believe in.

Conference, I look around this hall and I see such evidence of the resilience of this party.

Of members and activists who together have been through the fire of electoral annihilation, who have completed the hard yards of renewal and who have emerged, blinking into the light of a new politics.

I am so proud to know you and to have walked that path with you.

With worn out tools we have stooped to build up the broken thing we gave our lives to, but that work is not complete.

The next stop on that journey of Liberal revival is Scotland.”

Police Scotland is engaging with students across the country to promote a range of crime prevention and personal safety advice during Freshers Weeks. 

To minimise the risk of students being the victim of crime, or becoming involved in criminal activity, police will be attending various Freshers events taking place in the coming weeks to provide useful information and guidance on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe wherever they go. 

Policing teams throughout Scotland will also be promoting student safety advice on their social media channels over the next month. 

Chief Inspector Michelle Grant from Police Scotland’s Policing Together Division said: “Students make up a large part of populations in towns and cities across the country and make a positive contribution to our society. It is important they feel safe and supported during their studies. 

“We have been engaging with numerous further and higher education establishments in the run-up to freshers weeks beginning and we’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with students. 

“Over the coming weeks, we will be offering advice on how to stay safe while on nights out, protecting your accommodation and personal belongings and staying safe online. 

“We’ll also be discussing how to identify and report domestic abuse, as, for many, the next few years could be when they enter into relationships for the first time in their lives. 

“Our advice on staying safe is relevant, whether you’re in your first or last year of your studies so please consider this when you are at home, in college or university, or out enjoying the night-time economy.” 

All of Police Scotland’s crime prevention and personal safety advice can be found by visiting www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information. 

A former Edinburgh councillor looking to make a comeback is facing calls to hand back a £16,000 ‘golden goodbye’ she received on the condition she wouldn’t run for the council again in future.

Sheila Gilmore has been selected as Labour’s candidate for November’s Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election to replace Scott Arthur — 17 years after she left the City Chambers.

It comes after Mr Arthur resigned as a councillor to focus on his new role as Edinburgh South West MP.

No stranger to politics herself, Ms Gilmore served as MP for Edinburgh East from 2010 to 2015.

She was also a city councillor for 16 years until 2007, when she accepted a payout offered by the then-Scottish Executive as part of a scheme aimed at encouraging long-serving councillors to retire and make way for fresh candidates ahead of the introduction of proportional representation for council elections.

It was agreed anyone in receipt of a severance payment could not stand to be a councillor in Scotland ever again — but MSPs scrapped the lifetime ban in 2020.

Following the announcement of her candidacy on Sunday, September 15, Conservative councillor for Colinton/Fairmilehead Jason Rust called on Ms Gilmore to return the £16k to the public purse.

“It will seem odd to the taxpayer that a politician can receive a golden goodbye with conditions attached, but then be permitted to stand again, even if in a completely different part of the city,” he said.

“While regulations about standing may have subsequently changed, I trust that if the Labour candidate received a substantial severance payment that she will consider her position in advance of the by-election, at this time of hard pressed public finances.”

A Scottish Labour spokesperson responded saying “all relevant rules and laws” had been followed.

They said: “After inflicting 14 years of chaos, scandal and sleaze on our country, the Tories’ desperate attacks on other parties have no credibility.

“Sheila Gilmore would be a fantastic champion for the people of Colinton, Oxgangs and Fairmilehead.”

Simita Kumar, SNP group leader on Edinburgh Council, said Ms Gilmore had received a “huge sum from the public purse”. 

She added: “Regardless of any change to the law, this payment was made on the basis that Ms Gilmore would not stand again as a councillor.

“As she is standing in the forthcoming by-election, the only principled thing to do is to repay the full amount immediately.”

More than one-third of Scotland’s councillors applied for similar payouts between £10k and £20k, depending on their length of service, which ended up costing the taxpayer around £7m in total.

The Single Transferable Vote (STV) system replaced smaller, single member wards with multi-member wards. As a result Labour – which had 500 of the country’s 1,222 councillors on 33 per cent of the vote in 2003 – has been less dominant in Scottish local authorities.

The severance scheme offered members elected pre-2003 £1,000 for each year’s service, up to a maximum of 30 years, recognising the “long-service given by many councillors, during which time they have not been eligible to join an occupational pension scheme,” a Scottish Executive Finance and Central Services Department note from 2006 stated.

It acknowledged there were “fundamental changes to local government being introduced . . . which will affect the role of councillor.

“The change to multi-member wards means that each councillor will be one of three or four councillors serving a much larger ward. The scheme therefore recognises that many serving councillors who started their career serving their own ward may not wish to take part in the new working arrangements that will be introduced.”

Those who stood again were not eligible for payouts, even if not re-elected.

Originally any councillor who received a payment was “precluded from standing for election as a councillor in Scotland in the future” but were free to seek election to Holyrood and Westminster.

Despite her ‘golden goodbye’ Ms Gilmore was selected as Labour’s Morningside candidate for the 2017 local elections, but had to quit the race after being made aware the severance agreement meant she couldn’t run.

At the time she said at the time she “genuinely didn’t know about the ban,” adding she didn’t “recall being told it was a forever thing”.

She added she wouldn’t have put her name forward if she’d known the details. It was reported she offered to pay back the £16k to enable her to stand again, but was told this was not possible.

The disqualification was removed in 2020 after former Labour MSP Neil Findlay successfully tabled an amendment in the Scottish Parliament, as he argued 13 years had passed and those who wanted to commit to public service “should not prevent them from doing so”.

He said this would end “what is in effect a lifetime ban on one group of people whose only offence is to have served their community.”

Greens MSP Mark Ruskell pointed out a “number of councillors decided to stay on and to fight for election to new multi-member wards didn’t take their severance money at that point”.

He said: “This was a particular moment where were reforming local democracy with people who had been there for many decades and provided great service.

“Their electoral wards they had served in for many years were being abolished and therefore they had a choice to make about whether they stepped away from that system or indeed fought elections under a completely new system.”

Ms Gilmore told the LDRS: “I thought it was a slightly draconican rule in the first place when I realised it had no end point.

“There’s all sorts of things you can be disqualified for, but actually work out your disqualification. For example if somebody’s bankrupt, but if their bankrupcy is dealt with and their free from that it’s open to them to stand again.

“This was unusual and seemed to have no end point at all – I don’t think that was intended.”

Responding to calls to return the money, she said: “After such a long time I’m not sure enturely how relevant that is. In some ways it was intended to be a reflection of the fact at that time councillors didn’t have any pension provision.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Four teenagers have been charged in connection with wilful fire-raising in Musselburgh.

Officers were made aware of the fire within two derelict buildings at Edenhall Hospital on Edenhall Road around 6.40pm on Sunday, 20 May, 2024.

Following enquiries three male youths, aged 15, 15 and 16 and a female youth, aged 14 have been charged in connection and a report will be sent to the relevant authority.

Detective Constable Calum Cross said: “I’d like to assure locals this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to tackling this kind of behaviour and take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.”

Eleven Edinburgh boxers have punched above their weight by raising nearly £3,000 for a local children’s charity.

The mixed gender group from Lochend Boxing Club, aged 26 to 60, completed a hike up the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland, in just over nine hours.

The 19-mile walk climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country.

Following the club’s hike up Ben Nevis last year, Saturday’s mammoth fundraising effort was led by local mum Ciara O’Connor, whose son attends The Yard.  

The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with    Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.  The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training. 

Ciara said: “I’ve been boxing since I moved to Edinburgh just over 10 years ago and, from my very first visit, found Lochend Boxing Club so supportive and welcoming. It’s a club for everyone, enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and from all walks of life. They work around their members, adjusting training where required and making it work for you. I even boxed when I was pregnant and formed many great friendships through the club.

“The Yard, in some ways, is the same. It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental space and has made a huge difference to my son and our family, so we wanted to give back as a club.  The training has been a huge commitment, with some very early morning training walks in all weather across the Pentlands, various Munros and the West Highland Way. However, everyone has rallied around and supported us. Their response is a testament to the values of the club, that constant support and encouragement.

“ I’m very grateful to everyone who donated and know the money will make a huge difference to The Yard, and the many other families who have come to rely on their kindness.”

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, added: “We love nothing more than receiving positive feedback from our families, so when they choose to support our charity through fundraising, it’s really special, and we’re exceptionally grateful.  The Yard is all about community, support and enjoying life’s adventures and Ciara and her fellow boxers encapsulate these values.  Thanks again for supporting us, Lochend Boxing Club!”

• To donate to Ciara and the club’s campaign, please visit  https://www.justgiving.com/page/ciara-oconnor-1723449713057

For more information about The Yard, visit https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/