Detectives are appealing for information following three theft by housebreakings which occurred in the Livingston area of West Lothian on Tuesday, 3 September, 2024.

The first break-in happened at some point between 4.45pm and 6.15pm at a property in Chuckethall Road in Deans.

The second incident took place between 6.30pm and 7.30pm at an address in Ballantyne Place, Eilburn.

The third housebreaking occurred at some point between 5.25pm and 7.45pm at a house in Queens Crescent.

On all three occasions the suspects forced entry to the property before stealing jewellery and other high-value items.

Detective Sergeant Keith Sinclair said: “Extensive enquiries into these housebreakings, which we believe to be linked, are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity to get in touch. 

“A dark grey Volkswagen Golf car was seen driving in the area at the time of each break-in and we would urge anyone who may have seen this vehicle, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 3031 of Tuesday, 3 September, 2024, Alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Edinburgh Trams has been shortlisted to win in three categories at the Global Light Rail Awards.

The company is shortlisted for the UK Operator of the Year at the Global Light Rail Awards, the Most Improved System and the Best Customer Initiative Award.

The final award is for the way that the tram company interacted with Taylor Swift fans who came to Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

To date the tram operator had its busiest day on 26 August 2023 when it carried more than 56,000 passengers in one day. Patronage increased by 92.1% from 2022 to 2023 when the new line to Newhaven opened and 9.183 million passengers used the tram in 2023.

The company says that the tram is now the “preferred travel choice” for anyone travelling to events at Murrayfield. It also says that with the line to Newhaven the passenger profile is younger with “evening services catering for people accessing the night time economy in Leith and the City Centre”.

Lea Harrison, Managing Director, Edinburgh Trams, said: “Coming so soon after success in another competition that saw us named as Team of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards, this recognition from colleagues in the light rail sector is something our entire team can be really proud of.

“We’ll be facing some stiff competition at the awards in October, but to be leading contenders in three different categories is a fantastic achievement in itself, and one that reflects the continued popularity of our network with both Edinburgh residents and the millions of visitors the city attracts every year.”

The winners of the Global Light Rail Awards will be announced at a gala event in London.

Scottish Water created a new garden space at Redhall School, for all the children who are educated there to enjoy.

The new garden has been landscaped following the completion of Scottish Water’s project to mitigate sewer flooding in the area.

During the works the utility company used the space in the Redhall grounds as a compound, and now it has been turned into a bright garden area. There are benches, planters and a large grassed area for the 72 students at the school to use. The garden was made possible by the generous support of Scottish Waters alliance partner George Leslie Ltd, who carried out this project on Scottish Water’s behalf. The school teaches children with complex additional support needs, and the new garden has been welcomed.

Charlotte Chiswick, Head Teacher of Redhall School said: “The area is going to mean a huge amount to the staff and pupils. For the staff to have a place like this to take a break with a colleague, will be wonderful. The pupils will be able to use the planters to grow their own vegetables and plants and make use of the space for outdoor games. It’s a great addition to the school.

“Scottish Water and George Leslie have demonstrated a commendable commitment to the community by not only improving the local infrastructure but also by enriching the educational resources available to Redhall School.” 

Isaac Hagan, Scottish Water’s Project Manager said: “The flooding project, which took about a year to complete was to build a flood retention wall and upgrade the sewer network to help several residents who have been affected by flooding.

“We had a good working relationship with the local school throughout this project, and it has been a deeply satisfying experience to be able to give something back to them following our work.

“This project shows the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations and communities work together with a shared vision.”

A former Burgh of Leith police inspector’s name has been included in the Scottish Police Memorial Trust roll of honour. 

Earlier today Wednesday 4 September 2024 Chief Constable Jo Farrell welcomed the family and friends of officers who died in service to an annual memorial service in their honour. 

The 20th Scottish Police Memorial Trust Service of Remembrance took place at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan,and a total of seven new names were added to the roll of honour Inspector Munro. 

The memorial stones, which are based on the grounds of Tulliallan, now bear 344 names of officers who passed away while on duty, dating back to 1812. 

This year’s additions to the wall represent former police services in Glasgow, Perth and Kinross-shire, Argyllshire, Dunfermline, and the Burgh of Leith in Edinburgh. 

During the ceremony, over £500, which was raised through the sale of Road Policing Challenge coins, was donated to the SPMT. 

Tribute was also paid to Reverend Dr Georgie Baxendale, following her passing in February this year. Dr Baxendale had previously led the memorial service each year since its inception. 

Chief Constable Farrell said: “This annual service of remembrance is a significant date in the policing calendar each year. It allows us to reflect on those who are no longer with us and the significant contributions they made – not only while in uniform, but in their everyday lives. 

“Those whose names are engraved on our memorial stones were not just a police officer. They were a beloved family member or friend, and it is important that we remember them here today, together. 

“We also reflect on the absence of our friend, Reverend Dr Georgie Baxendale, who continues to be missed by all of those associated with this service of remembrance. Georgie’s warmth and humour were always well received by everyone in attendance and she, like everyone named on the memorial, will be remembered fondly.” 

Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, , whose husband PC Lewis Fulton was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994, said: “The annual service of remembrance is an important and poignant event, for the loved ones of the officers we honour, and for the police family as a whole. 

“By adding the names of officers who have passed to our roll of honour and memorial stones, we are helping to ensure they will be remembered, and respected, for generations to come.” 

Those included this year are: 

Constable William McLimens (35) – Perthshire and Kinross-shire Constabulary (04/07/1939) 

Constable James Kirkland Hutchison (44) – Argyllshire Constabulary (12/08/1937) 

Constable Hugh MacKay (25) – City of Glasgow Police (16/10/1914) 

Constable Peter Gardiner (24) – Dunfermline City Police (01/03/1913) 

Inspector Donald Munro (59) – Leith Burgh Police (15/10/1896) 

Constable Joseph Little (29) – City of Glasgow Police (07/05/1871) 

Constable Alexander McLachlan (42) – City of Glasgow Police (31/08/1861) 

The funeral was held at St Giles’ on Tuesday of Euan MacDonald, MBE, who died recently aged 50.

The First Minister, John Swinney was in attendance along with family, friends and colleagues from Euan’s Guide which he founded with his sister.

Euan was diagnosed with MND at the age of 29, and used his knowledge of being a wheelchair user to devise a way of helping others.

The Green Group on The City of Edinburgh Council proposed an emergency motion at the full council meeting last week to recognise Mr MacDonald’s contribution, but it will be debated at a later date.

The motion recognised Euan’s contribution to championing inclusion of disabled people in public life by setting up Euan’s Guide which “became a global resource”. Green councillors want the council to become a contributor to the guide to list accessibility information about the buildings which it owns.

Angus Robertson MSP used his time during a business session in the Chamber at The Scottish Parliament to remember Euan on Tuesday. He said: “Presiding Officer, I will begin by mentioning today’s memorial service for Euan MacDonald, who died recently from motor neurone disease. Euan lived with MND for 20 years.

“In partnership with the University of Edinburgh, he established the Euan MacDonald Centre for motor neurone disease research and the voicebank study, which enables people to preserve their voice if they are at risk of losing it due to illness. Working with his sister, Kiki, he set up Euan’s Guide, which is used by disabled people to review, share and discover accessible places to visit. He was an inspiration, and I am sure that all members will extend their condolences to his family today.”

Bella Hardy, the inimitable voice of modern folk, is set to embark on a highly anticipated UK tour which includes a concert at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall on Sunday 24 November. 

Hardy, a singer-songwriter with a gift for storytelling, has earned a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist whose work continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped her. 

Fans can expect a show that spans her remarkable career, with new songs (two to be released this Autumn) sitting comfortably alongside classics from her extensive back catalogue.  

This is folk music for the modern age – rooted in tradition but unafraid to venture into new, uncharted, and very personal territory 

Speaking about the tour, Hardy who previously lived in Edinburgh for six years, loved it and made three albums whilst living there, said, “There’s something magical about performing live, where the songs can grow and change each night depending on the energy in the room. I’ll be performing a collection of songs very close to my heart, and there’s nothing like the energy of a live show to bring them to life.” 

For anyone who’s seen Bella live, it’s clear that she’s an artist who knows how to captivate an audience. Her voice – at once powerful and delicate – has a way of drawing listeners in, making each performance feel like a conversation between old friends. And with award winning guitarist Jenn Butterworth by her side for the first time, this tour promises to be something truly special. 

Hardy’s debut album Night Visiting (2007) established her reputation as a talented songwriter when her first original composition Three Black Feathers earned a BBC Folk Award nomination.  

Since then, Bella has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold out Royal Albert Hall, and learnt the songs of Chinese farmers during her time as British Council Musician in Residence in Yunnan Province. She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company.  

She spent a year in Tennessee as a ranch hand, looking after horses, fiddle-singing in the diners, and immersing herself in the music culture of Nashville. And she’s released ten solo albums along the way.  

With the ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, her themes of displacement and home, lost and found love, heartache and joy, are delivered with her unique, disarming honesty, and, of course, the acclaimed crystalline voice that won her BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year. 

Tickets for the Bella Hardy tour are available now, with dates already selling out. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of the most captivating folk artists of our time as she brings her music to life on stage. 

Tickets: Sun 24th – Edinburgh Queen’s Hall https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/bella-hardy 

After a last minute entry, Birthlink 2 at Lochrin Buildings has been nominated as a finalist in the UK’s favourite Charity Shop of the Year Awards. The shop is one of only five in Scotland which are recognised, and the only one in Edinburgh.

Birthlink Thrift Shop 2 was originally bought to become the charity’s bookshop – and it has many bookshelves but now stocks a bit of everything.

The charity’s ethos is to create a place with community feeling where people can come for a chat or volunteer. A new pilot project is running linking employability schemes in Edinburgh helping people progress into work. Birthlink is particularly proud of the way it supports the diverse community.

Now the charity is looking for some support as their success will depend on a public vote. You can access the voting page here and here.

Birthlink was established in 1911 and owns and manages the Adoption Contact Register for Scotland which began in 1984.  All people aged 16 and over whose birth and/or adoption took place in Scotland can register, as well as birth mothers, birth fathers and any other birth relatives.

The charity also offer a search service where trained volunteer genealogists find the contacts people are looking for from public records. After matches are made on the register, or people are located, service users can choose to enter into a period of mediation to reunite with estranged family members if this is their mutual wish. The adoption contact register also gives siblings an opportunity to reunite if they were separated in childhood. The service extends to accessing original court papers relating to adoption on behalf of service users who may not be able to travel to the National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh to access these.

An Edinburgh care home has gained the Care Inspectorate’s seal of approval – just months after the team was awarded a national award.

Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, was rated “very good” during an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate in two key areas: residents’ wellbeing and the care team.

The ratings come just months after the home was crowned “Best for Nursing Care” in the Care Home Awards 2024, which recognise teams and individuals that epitomise excellence, innovation, dedication and outstanding contributions within the care sector.

Ensuring the home stood out from the competition and impressed the inspectors, was its Namaste care programme, which was introduced last year. The scheme aims to engage residents living with dementia via their senses and emotions through hand massage techniques and soft, relaxing music. As part of the home’s person-centered approach to care, it is estimated that more than 200 sessions are delivered to residents each month on average.

Inspectors praised the range of activities on offer at the home, as well as other resident-centered initiatives. For example, residents can also make wishes – both big and small – on the home’s Wishing Tree, enabling them to reminisce about past hobbies and interests, or take on new challenges. As part of the initiative, the Murrayside team have taken residents to the theatre, Edinburgh Zoo, and even to the Oriam Sports Performance Centre to meet members of the Scottish rugby squad.

The report highlighted the home’s warm atmosphere, and the high standards upheld by the whole team – from housekeeping and maintenance to chefs and nurses. In addition, Care Home Awards judges were impressed with the quality of the specialist dementia training delivered to all team members by the home’s Dementia Champion, Evelyn Heron. Evelyn, who was named Care UK’s Carer of the Year, is also the driving force behind several adjustments throughout the home to enable residents to lead fulfilling lives no matter their ability. This includes creating ‘destination points’ within the home to encourage residents to independently take up hobbies such as birdwatching and DIY.

A relative commented: “Our experience of Murrayside, from initial contact to my mother moving in, has been terrific. The home is of an exceptional standard, and all the staff are very caring and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for the residents or family.”

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding care, and we’re so happy that our commitment has been recognised – both by inspectors at the Care Inspectorate and judges at the Care Home Awards.

“Becoming one of the best dementia care homes in Scotland is one of our goals, and I couldn’t be prouder of how hard the whole team works to help us reach it. Every single individual here goes above and beyond to enable residents to lead fulfilling lives, so it’s truly amazing to see their commitment being recognised and rewarded.

“We’ll be celebrating this one with residents and families – in true Murrayside style!”

Murrayside care home, which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon, café and Namaste rooms.

To find out more about Murrayside contact Customer Relations Manager, Cliona Robertson email cliona.robertson@careuk.com www.careuk.com/murrayside

A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal crash on the M8 near junction 1. 

The crash happened around 9.10am on Monday, 18 December, 2023 involving a HGV and a car. 

The driver of the car, a 41-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A police spokesperson said that the man is due to appear at court at a later date. 

An Edinburgh company is primed for further growth after being named an official Octopus Energy Trusted Partner.

In a major boost for The Edinburgh Boiler Company, the energy giant has given the green light to the collaboration following a stringent vetting process as part of their new programme which kicks off later this month.

Octopus is being inundated with customers reaching out for low carbon technologies and is building an affiliate network to allow the company to refer those businesses it can’t help to trusted local installers across the UK. Verified partners must meet Octopus’ quality standards for both work and customer service, and EBC managing director Dougie Bell is delighted with the recognition and will be launching a recruitment drive in the coming weeks to meet the expected rise in demand.

He said: “Our core values align perfectly and there is no doubt this partnership bolsters our credibility across the industry.

“I’m confident it is going to lead to new leads, more installations and also more jobs and is going to play a key part in our next phase of growth.

“Octopus Energy is highly selective in choosing their trusted partners, with strict criteria that must be met to ensure quality and reliability. We’re proud to say that The Edinburgh Boiler Company has met those high standards, and it’s rewarding to see a company of Octopus’ stature recognise the value we bring to customers looking for renewable energy solutions.

“We’re coming together with the UK’s most innovative energy provider to deliver sustainable, energy-efficient solutions for homes across Edinburgh and beyond. Together, we’re stepping up our commitment to helping lower energy bills while contributing to a greener future.

“When two heavyweights in the renewable and energy sector come together, it’s not just a collaboration it’s a massive step in the right direction to delivering our Net Zero targets. We’re proud to be part of this partnership with Octopus Energy, creating a better, cleaner future for us all.”

The news of the partnership caps a successful few days for EBC, which has also secured membership to the Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS).
EPVS is a certification standard specifically designed to validate the processes used by installers of renewable energy systems, for EBC this means solar PV and battery storage systems.
The accreditation now shows that EBC adheres to a stringent set of standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the energy savings and performance calculations presented to customers.
Mr Bell said: “This certification validates that what we’re telling customers is true and accurate, and underlines our commitment to being the trusted local installer for Edinburgh, the Borders and central Scotland.”

Believed to be the UK’s first non-stop padel extravaganza, the annual Hatton Padethon raised more than £10,000 for charity Marie Curie. This was a gesture of support for the hospice which has assisted members of the club.

Highlights included a visit by ex world veterans champion Fermin Novillo who provided an exhibition while an East of Scotland team captained by Ross Murdoch defeated West counterparts.

The exercise, a repeat of last year’s successful venture, was again organised by Craig McBride.

Donations are still being accepted. Go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/padethon2024

• There are limited spaces available in two Malaga padel tours this October. Padethon players can enjoy 10% off and a 3 night trip from just £380. Email craig@getinpadel.com for further details.

“New boy” Hamish Mackenzie, an 88-year-old retired chartered accountant from the Grange, has returned with a silver medal from his first appearance at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Although a regular runner over half marathons and 10ks – he still goes for pre-breakfast jogs – Hamish had not thought about sprinting before. Then Marc Malone, who runs the Inside Out Fitness Training classes for all ages out of Carlton Cricket Club, spotted something special in the way his client strode out.

“That was in late January/early February” recalls Hamish, who adds: “next thing we were on our way to the Meadowbank track to see if I could participate in the World Masters (85-90 category) without disgracing myself!”

Far from disgracing himself Hamish was drafted to a four man GB| relay team which chased home Germany and finished ahead of India in the final.

GB’s time was 1m 15 secs – five seconds behind the winners.

Still Hamish, who used to captain the Watsonian rugby 4^th XV from centre three-quarter back in the day, wasn’t  totally satisfied as his competitive nature emerged.

“In the individual event contested by about 20 athletes I let myself get a bit spooked even though I had adjusted to the different technique demanded for sprinting compared to longer distances and maintained my stamina.

“I hadn’t run (in a lane) with people either side of me since I was at school and it got to me a bit on the day.

“Fortunately the essence of the World Masters is friendship and fellow competitors were assuring me this was quite a normal reaction for someone who hadn’t sprinted against others before.

“I was the new boy!”

Over 8000 athletes aged between 35 and 100+ descended on Gothenburg but coach Marc Malone, having intended to accompany Hamish, had to pull out after injuring an elbow in the European over-40’s long jump championship in Albania shortly beforehand.

Marc is already encouraging his star prodigy to set sights on the European Championships next year.

“I maybe felt like an amateur among professionals – a lot of the competitors knew so much about times, records etc – but the camaraderie and international friendship makes me want to do more.

“It wasn’t so much a case of running against people as running with them and the Swedish people could not have been more hospitable.

“The Euros are scheduled for Madeira which sounds a very nice place to visit” adds Hamish who still plays golf at the Murrayfield club having represented the Edinburgh University team earlier in his sporting career.

Although athletes are self selected for the World Masters Hamish had to join the local Edinburgh Veterans Club and affiliate to the Scottish and British Masters organisations.

That, he says, is a further benefit from an experience which might have been a long time coming but one he is determined to keep enjoying.

“After all, I’ve got to keep myself fit” says this inspirational figure who will be 89 years young next May!

Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has returned for its ninth consecutive year, giving sports clubs in Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

Previous recipients include Musselburgh Windsor girls’ football.

The deadline for applications for assistance from the fund is Sunday, 6 October 2024.

One applicant will be selected to receive £2,500 of funding, two applicants will each receive £1,000 of funding, while several other applicants will each receive £500 of funding. Applications can be made at this link: https://www.aldi.co.uk/scottishsportfund.

The Aldi Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation in Scotland that meets the application criteria. All applications will be considered by the Aldi judging panel and entrants will be notified of the outcome of their funding application within four to six weeks from the region’s deadline. See the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund FAQs and Terms & Conditions for more information.

Introduced in 2016, the aim is to motivate and encourage individuals of all ages and skill levels to participate in physical activities within their  communities.

Committed to improving community access to sports across the country, the fund offers sports clubs across Scotland the opportunity to secure essential funding. With a range of funding tiers available, one club per region will benefit from a £2,500 funding boost.

Since the fund’s launch almost 600 clubs in Scotland have benefitted from a funding uplift of more than £400,000. 

Besides Musselburgh Windsor girls others to benefit in 2023, having met specified criteria, were Forth Valley Visually Impaired Bowlers, Sutherland Squash Club, Breadalbane Canoe Club and Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club. This supplementary funding assisted the clubs in financing training sessions and acquiring new equipment.

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director, said:”Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much-needed equipment and resources.  

“We remain committed to supporting sports clubs across Scotland to help continue the fantastic work they do in their local communities. Every year, we are blown away by the volume of applications we receive, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming even more in 2024. I encourage all sports clubs across Edinburgh and the Lothians to apply and take advantage of this excellent funding opportunity.”

The Centre, Livingston will host an Autumn/Winter style event on Saturday, 14 September, from 12-4pm with local stylist and colour expert, Leigh Maybury.

Shoppers will be able to get top tips on key trends this season and be in with a chance of winning a £50 Gift Card to treat themselves.

The free event follows on from the success of Leigh’s first Spring/Summer event in May this year where visitors travelled from around the country for style tips and a colour analysis to find out which shades compliment them the most, and ones to avoid, when it comes to shopping for clothes, accessories and make up.

Leigh, a former Director at the jewellery company, Sella & Dot, qualified at the London College of Style and trained in the art of colour, before launching her own company, Life with Style in 2016. Her aim is to give people the confidence to get out of their comfort zone and try something new, not just on special occasions, but every day.

The event, which will be located near M&S, will give visitors to the shopping mall the chance to get an insight into style trends including animal prints and how to incorporate the season’s key colours, like red and chocolate brown with good neutrals to help build an easy to wear Autumn/Winter capsule wardrobe.

There will also be mini colour analysis sessions on a first come, first service basis, with limited spaces available, and a live ‘Style Talk’ at 1pm and 3pm on dopamine dressing and how to wear bright colours that give you a natural boost and make you feel happy.

Six lucky shoppers will also be in with a chance of winning a £50 Gift Card each to spend on a new outfit on the day.

Leigh said: “I’m delighted to be back at The Centre, Livingston on the 14^th September to share my top Autumn/Winter style tips and trends with shoppers.

“Whether it’s an event you are going to or looking for advice on everyday wear, I’ll be able to help you to find exactly what you are looking for in the wide mix of fantastic shops which will make you look and feel great throughout the season.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are really looking forward to having the expert stylist Leigh Maybury back into the shopping centre this month.

“Our last style event was such a big hit with shoppers who travelled far and wide to get advice on new trends and colours which is why we wanted to host another one which focused on Autumn/Winter key trends, and this time give shoppers the chanced to win a Gift Card too.”

Nine council nurseries could close by the end of June next year, it has been warned, because of falling rolls and fewer children in West Lothian. 

Councillors heard that fewer parents are choosing council venues as more private nurseries have opened. 

The council’s Education Executive has agreed to start a public consultation on the future of nine nurseries across the county before a final decision is made in March. 

The SNP said the minority Labour-led administration had ignored the drift away from council venues and  fuelled the “ unrest” among parents, children and nursery staff. 

Answering a questions from executive chair Councillor Andrew McGuire, Greg Welsh, Head of Education (Primary, Early Years and Resources) told councillors: “ In 2019 250 children were placed in partner provider [ private] settings. 

“We have seen an incremental increase year on year and, as of August 2024, there are now 833 children placed in partner provider settings through parental choice, so the council’s share of parental voice has dropped from above 90% down to 79% of parents and carers choosing council settings.” 

The number of private providers has risen from 12 in 2019 to 32 this year. 

Councillor McGuire asked: “If we were to experience a baby boom would these decisions be able to be overturned and could we add in capacity. In the short term what will happen to the buildings.” 

Mr Welsh said that if there was a decision to close in any of these settings those with schools would be handed over as additional space to the school to use.  Standalone settings could be declared surplus to requirement. 

= He added: “Although there are no roll projections per se because nurseries don’t have catchment areas unlike primary schools, what we have taken cognisance of is the approved ten-year school roll forecasts and counted them back.  Re-establishment of early clearing provision is something that can be undertaken.” 

The meeting heard that the placement process for early learning and childcare is “highly complex with a variety of options in term times and the number of days.” 

 Responding to questions from a number of councillors as to why the proposals had not gone to earlier scrutiny  by councillors Mr Welsh explained that it was a question of delivering adequate consultation periods for parents and carers before decisions have to be made next Spring ahead of the proposed August  2025 term. 

Councillor Moira McKee Shemilt, who raised the amendment said the timing  “does smack of ill-planning and last minute.” 

 A report to the Executive said:  “The anticipated revenue savings will deliver the agreed £1.34 million revenue saving, from a reduction in Early Learning and Childcare staff (ELC practitioners, pupil support workers, ELC Area Managers and management time allocated in school budgets).  

“In addition, for the three standalone nursery schools, property costs such as repairs, maintenance, compliance testing, utility costs, FM and cleaning costs. The total number of children accessing Early Learning and Childcare in the third term of session 2023/4, when eligibility is at its highest, was 4265. The current oversupply of places was therefore 2017.”  

The report added: “It is therefore possible to reduce physical capacity, whilst still retaining confidence that every child in West Lothian will be able to access 1140 hours at an establishment a reasonable distance from their home, and still maintaining an appropriate level of flexibility and choice and models of provision.” 

An amendment raised by the SNP did not reject the consultation processes for any of the nine nurseries but sought more flexibility “ to ensure that all voice are heard and considered.” 

The amendment added: “Forewarning of a drift from council to private provision was communicated by parents and carers through earlier consultation. The council did not heed these warnings and this neglect has led to current unrest and upset.” 

 The council motion to start the consultation was passed by nine votes to five. There were four abstentions. 

The proposal is to commence statutory consultation on the closure of ELC provision at Bathgate West Nursery School; Deans North Nursery Class; Fauldhouse Nursery Class, Glenvue Nursery School; Ladywell Nursery School; Linlithgow Bridge Nursery Class; Our Lady’s Nursery Class, Stoneyburn; St Anthony’s Nursery class, Armadale; and St Joseph’s Nursery Class, Whitburn.  

That consultation will get under way next week- with public meetings at all of the nurseries taking place in the weeks starting 23 and 30 September. The formal consultation ends in November- with a presentation of proposals to Education Scotland. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Today is Merchant Navy Day, an official day of remembrance established in 2000.

The day is a way to commemorate more than 44,000 civilian seafarers who lost their lives keeping the UK and allied nations supplied during wars and conflicts.

In 2015 the Raise the Red Ensign campaign was started as a way to raise awareness among the public of seafarers and the Merchant Navy and how we impact lives on a daily basis, transporting over 95% of the UK’s goods.

During the Covid pandemic seafarers kept working ensuring food, medical equipment, vaccines and fuel were delivered. Others were stuck at home, but seafarers remained at work. Some served for months over their contacts, unable to go home, unable to get off the ship for even a walk and unable to access medical treatment. 

This year the Edinburgh & Forth Branch of the Merchant Navy Association held a service at the Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial in Leith. Retired and serving seafarers attended the service as well as the Rt Hon Lord Provost and representatives from marine organisations based in the capital.

This is the first time the service has been held in Edinburgh and there will be more in years to come.

Arsenii Opryshko, a Ukrainian refugee from Kharkiv has won the men’s singles for 2024 at Craigmillar Park Tennis Club.

The tennis player who came to Scotland nearly two years ago with his mum and dad, Olga and Vadym.

At 15-years-old Arsenii is believed to be the youngest winner of the trophy after beating Ali Colver, 6-2, 6-0 in the final.

The Opryshko family arrived in this country under The Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme with Arsenii already recognised as a top tennis talent who had access to special coaching before the family’s life was turned upside down.

They were holidaying in Egypt when the Russian invasion took place and with air space closed down were unable to return home.

After temporary refuge in Germany ended when it was determined they had travelled from a safe country, Egypt, residency was refused but the family heard of the Scottish Government’s scheme and a host was identified.

Initially, Arsenii played at the Hatton Club Kirknewton, but has moved to Craigmillar Park where club official Aly Finlay says: “This is Arsenii’s second full season at the club. He’s settled in really well – he’s a real character, incredibly talented tennis player and well liked by the membership. He’s a regular at match practices and features for our 1^st teams in both doubles and singles.”

Arsenii also won the men’s doubles in partnership with Sean Wattegendera.

There was a teenage singles double as Hanna Augustynska took the ladies crown for the third time, beating younger sister Natalia, also an accomplished junior in her age-group, 6-2, 6-1 in the final.

Hanna and Natalia later teamed up to win the ladies doubles with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Alice Miller and Jane Wright.

Beaten men’s doubles finalists were Ali Colver and Matthew Hamill.

Shortly after arrival in Scotland Arsenii started making his mark in junior tennis tournaments assisted by Edinburgh Leisure who noted at the time

“Arsenii was a pupil at Gymnasium Number 13, a secondary school in Kharkiv. He holds a national ranking in his chosen sport of tennis and as a talented tennis player undertook three hours of tennis coaching per day.”

Scotland host Australia at the Grange club, Edinburgh, in three Twenty:20 cricket matches on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week.

From across the world comes a warning to the visitors to tread warily against the 13^th ranked nation in the crash, bang, wallop version of the game.

Noting how the Scottish team have progressed since he represented those same Saltires as a permitted overseas player, including against English county opposition in 2007 and 2010, George Bailey, now an Australian chairman of selectors, singles out home captain Richie Berrington as an example.

Interviewed for the cricket.com.au website the man who was also a highly successful professional with the Grange club, says of one of the last links between his time as a Saltire and the present day:

“He (Berrington) was raw then – really talented, but you could see him going through the process of learning how to harness that and put that into a game.

“He was a great competitor and always had a really strong belief. I think now his consistency in his performance and the trust he has in his game is really evident.”

It is the third time Scotland will have faced Australia at home in official international matches and after referencing the fact Australia won ODI’s comfortably in 2009 and 2013, Bailey says: “I think they (Scotland) have grown.

“Now when you look at that Scottish team, a lot of the guys have played some franchise cricket and it just  looks to me like a team that’s got a lot more belief.

“That’s one of the real strengths of some of the franchise tournaments, that it continues to give exposure to some of the Associate members and the players within their teams.

“They have probably played against a lot more international cricketers now and had some really good exposure. They’ve got some individuals that can match it with the best in the world.”

Scotland now employ contracted professionals with Bailey, an all rounder in the broadest sense in that he also won the Grange tennis championship during his stint in Edinburgh, insists that has made a difference as shown by a one day victory over England in 2018.

“It was a bit different playing the counties – they were all fully professional, whereas we would travel down on a Sunday and play all around the UK, then you’d jump back in the car and head back because most of the guys were heading off to work Monday morning” says George, adding:

“Some of those games where you play down in Southampton or somewhere like that, it was into the car and then drive all through the night, and guys were heading into work the next morning. 

“It felt like Scotland got themselves into positions to win a few games. Sometimes it was almost just that knowledge of how you finish a game off, how you win it, and them feeling like they were good enough to win the game. 

“There were some close games that went the other way.

“But I just loved it – and loved their enthusiasm.”

George was once asked by this correspondent what he’d have to do to make an Australian side on returning from his club stint in Scotland to his native Tasmania.

The reply is still easily recalled:

“Score a century every week of the season – then go back the next year and do it all again!”

George Bailey, Test cricketer, never had to go to such extremes to have his talent recognised and he generously attributes the necessary improvement in his game to responsibilities placed on both the club pro turning out overseas and the international marquee signing permitted under the rules of both the Friends Provident Trophy and the Pro 40 competition.

“That was probably more responsibility than what I had in the Tasmanian one-day team at that stage so that onus if you’re chasing down a total, you’ve got to be the guy that that takes it a bit deeper and get into the innings. 

“You’ve got to learn to self-manage a little bit as well. There’s no one there telling you that you need to go to the gym or go for a run, so you’ve got to self-coach a bit. You’ve got to jump in with other guys, have extra hits, and just have that onus on yourself. 

“I found that really appealing and beneficial.”

A major search has been launched following reports of concern for a woman in the water at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh. 

Emergency services were alerted around 2.45pm this afternoon. 

It is understood from locals that the woman was a member of a swimming club and was reported missing following a head count.

Police officers and members of HM Coastguard attended the scene off Lower Granton Road and a search and rescue helicopter was also dispatched. 

The RNLI’s inshore lifeboats from Kinghorn and South Queensferry are also supporting the search. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a woman in the water near Wardie Bay, Lower Granton Road, Edinburgh around 3.05pm on Tuesday, 3 September, 2024.

“Emergency services are in attendance.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is coordinating the search for a woman in the water at Wardie Bay, Edinburgh. 

“A report of concern was raised at about 2.45pm on 3 September.  

“The RNLI’s inshore lifeboats from Kinghorn and South Queensferry are supporting, as well as nearby vessels. Police Scotland has been alerted.” 

All photos Alan Simpson

Edinburgh parents of children with disabilities have criticised “underhand” council cuts they fear could lead to them losing vital support during school holidays.

Plans have been drawn up to slash up to £22.4m from the city’s education budget, while the department’s services are expected to overspend by £6m in the current year.

It comes as the council wrestles with a £110m deficit projected in the next five years, driven in part by increasing pressure on social care and homelessness services.

Local authority chiefs have presented the “least worst options” to councillors ahead of February’s budget, and warned some teaching posts and school staff would likely be axed as a result.

They include a £4m reduction to inclusion spending, which supports children with additional support needs (ASN) and tighter caps on how much schools can spend on printing and stationery, which it’s estimated could save £1m a year.

A £2m cut to contract spending for external services, which include the provision of ‘holiday hubs’ for children with a disability, is the proposal which has caused the most alarm.

Education services director Amanda Hatton said using a £900k budget this supported 120 families for two days in 2021 and now supported 420 families over four weeks, telling councillors it was no longer “sustainable”.

She said: “We have got real challenges in continuing to deliver what is being delivered so far.

“None of us are suggesting we look at holiday hubs lightly, but they’re not statutory provision. Other authorities don’t do them in the way we do and my fear is that they’re not sustainable in their current form.”

She said the council would work with families on how the delivery model for holiday hubs is redesigned from next year.

“That might mean we have to organise them differently, it might mean that some children that currently get a hub don’t,” she said.

However parents of ASN pupils, who have previously hit out at changes to the provision of after school clubs and school support bases, fear the “lifeline” holiday hubs could be lost.

Caroline Samson,  whose seven-year-old son Robbie has Autism and ADHD, said a troubling report on future education cuts “signalled they were looking to save the £900k and scrap holiday hubs”. 

She said: “That would have a massive impact, I myself have a disability, I am a single mum so I have very little respite. During the holidays my child is out of routine, his behaviour goes off the Richter scale and without the four weeks holiday hub I would break.

“I think there’s been a lot of miscommunication, I think there’s been a lot of misinformation, and they haven’t communicated with the families that it will directly affect. We feel it was all very underhand.

“Our children are not coping in mainstream [education] and they are looking to cut the one provision that helps them to flourish.”

Fellow mum Stephanie Spencer, whose autistic 11-year-old attends a special school in the city, said families like hers often rely on holiday hubs “because they have no other options”. 

She explained: “They are often excluded from mainstream providers. 

“The special needs sector often have nowhere else to go or are often told they’re unable to make adjustments. 

“If this cut goes ahead there would be a severe impact and we would assess that statutory interventions would be needed, families would go into crisis, families would go into poverty, they would lose their jobs.

“The city does have to make cuts to their provisions – that’s an absolute certainty – but the most vulnerable is not the area to cut.”

Jane Geddes, speaking on behalf of 60 families who have formed the Protect Edinburgh Services for Disabled Children group, urged councillors to “keep this lifeline” and enhance it by providing transport for users as the cuts were discussed at the education committee on Tuesday, 3 September.

Some councillors said they would be unlikely to be able to stomach any reduction in the service.

The SNP’s Euan Hyslop said funding pressures “should not be balanced off the back of society’s most vulnerable groups”.

Cllr Lewis Younie added his Lib Dem group “don’t see how this savings proposal should be something we vote for in February”. 

Other options to slash £12m education spending from 2025/26, and rising to £22.4 from the following year, is to reduce the number of children in more expensive care placements outside of the city, and limiting the number of funded nursery placements in private settings while selling additional hours in council-run nurseries to generate income. 

Furthermore £300k a year could be saved by reducing the council’s Quality Improvement Service, a team focused on supporting schools to improve their practices and outcomes, from 14 people to 12 by “not filling vacant positions that open up naturally”. 

The report also says the level of business support in schools – staff who help with budget management, financial planning and human resources – is currently “generous” and it could be reviewed to save £900k. 

And an additional £8.2m cut, which was already presented to councillors earlier this year but got postponed after emergency funding was identified, is likely to hit transition teachers, pupil support for P1 and P2 classes and devolved school management (DSM) funds, which is money given directly to head teachers to spend on anything from wages for additional staff to stationary and classroom supplies.

Allan Crosbie, president of the Educational Institute of Scotland union, said there had already been a “huge number of cuts to ASN and learning support teachers, EIL teachers, speech and language therapists, child psychologists”.

He said EIS research showed on average Scotland’s teachers were working 11 hours over their contracted 35 every week.

“That 11 hours of sacrifice is coming at a huge cost in terms of our well-being,” he said.

“If loads of cuts go ahead that ill well-being amongst teachers will just get worse.”

Education, Children and Families Convener Joan Griffiths said: “I understand that parents may have concerns over any changes to the Holiday Hub.

“I wish to reassure parents and carers that we will undertake a review of provision in partnership with them and come forward with proposals for service delivery. This work has already begun, and as we heard at Committee today, meetings with parent groups are arranged for later this month and will be ongoing as they work with us to identify different ways of delivering the service.

“The provision of the hubs has expanded in recent years, and unfortunately the growth is no longer sustainable nor equitable for the council. We want to work with families to consider how we can make savings in the future whilst still provide support for those who are most in need. We want to consider models from other local authorities most of whom no longer deliver hubs in the way we do and learn from their practice elsewhere. Any proposed changes will be considered as part of the Council’s budget setting in February.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

During the new club rugby season north Edinburgh’s Broughton club will stage a number of events to mark its centenary.

First up will be a “President’s Day” lunch scheduled for 12 October – almost exactly 100 years to the day when Broughton kicked off against the long defunct United Colleges.

President this year is Kevin Mcarthur although among Broughton’s claims to fame is that they are believed to be in a rare breed who have had TWO women serve as overall club president.

These are the pioneering Rebecca Glendenning (née Long) and more recently, Steph Fleming.

Mark Brown, who is producing a book on the club’s history, said: “In 2003 Rebecca became our first female president in 89 years and the club takes pride in the way we have embraced the women’s game. It signals inclusivity and the women bring a lot to what is now essentially a player run club.

“Things have changed to the point where we find rugby teams are much more transient; players tend to come along because their friends have told them it is a good place to be involved rather than through any structured pathway.”

Many who have played at Broughton’s home ground of Wardie will be familiar with a notorious sloping pitch.

Mark explains: “Our slope is to do with drainage issues from when Nissan huts occupied the ground commandeered by the Royal Navy during the second world war.”

If that remains a talking point then older members recall with pride, too, a Broughton team of talents including Eric Donaldson, Neil Fisher, David McIntosh, Dougie Gallagher, Jimmy Calder and Gordon Hockaday, among others, who enjoyed a halcyon period largely before league rugby was introduced in 1973.

Latterly, Broughton have been particularly well served by Duncan Nicolson, a prop forward who many felt could have gained much more exalted status.

One promotion came in 2004-05 when Division Five (East) was won 24 hours before a fixture against the touring Swedish national side!

Broughton has welcomed many international stars thanks to their ‘hottest ticket in town’ pre-international lunch towards the end of the amateur era with speakers such as British Lions John Taylor and Gerald Davies from Wales happy to give their services for free along with Ireland’s Des O’Brien.

Irishman Syd Millar, a British Lions player, coach and manager, once spoke at the annual Broughton club dinner.

All these events could not have happened without a stalwart backroom team and Mark Brown pays tribute to the likes of Sandy Scott who ran the clubhouse bar for over 30 years, Tom Richardson, Hwyl Williams, Gordon McMillan, club secretary for 34 years and Olive Lyall, an SRU “Volunteer of the Month” award winner.

“What today’s players are unlikely to understand is that these officials would often run up to five teams each weekend using only a pay phone and postcards notifying selection unlike the internet world of today” says Mark.

• Broughton are holding a centenary dinner on Saturday 2 November at the Village Hotel, Crewe Toll with guest speakers John Beattie (ex Scotland/double British Lion) and Sandra Colamartino (the first Scottish women’s team captain).
• For details see https://docs.google.com/…/1rf74IUkcXtjdCICD…/viewform…

Hibs have agreed a new partnership with leading sports management company Destination Sport Travel. 

Destination Sport Travel work on behalf of 40+ sports organisations including clubs, governing bodies and federations. 

The business has supported the Scottish Football Association with its travel requirements over the past six months and also has developed several long-term partnerships with numerous English Premier League clubs. 

The multi-year partnership will see Destination Sport Travel handle business travel for Hibernian FC, alongside team travel requirements such as training camps, overseas friendlies and potential European competition. 

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with Destination Sport Travel,” said Murray Milligen, Commercial Director at Hibernian FC. 

“Off-the-field efficiencies play an important role in every elite sporting environment, so to be able to leverage the expertise of Destination’s travel operations team is a huge benefit for us as a Club.” 

Destination Sport Travel Managing Director, Rob Slawson added: “We’re pleased to announce Hibernian FC as our latest client.  

“As a specialist sports travel management company, our business has been built to provide best-in-class service to sports organisations, so we look forward to supporting the club with its business travel and team travel requirements moving forward.” 

Drivers are being warned to expect overnight road closures and parking restrictions in Pathhead when the A68 trunk road through the Midlothian town is resurfaced this autumn.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland will carry out the works over 16 nights, commencing on 16 September and concluding on the night of 4 October. No work will take place on the nights of Saturday 21, Saturday 28 or Sunday 29 September.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public, the A68 through Pathhead will be closed between 19:30 and 06:00 each night of these works with a signed diversion in place between Millerhill Junction on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass and the A68 at Fala Dam, via the A720, A7, B6367 and B6458. This diversion will add an estimated 6.7 miles and 11 minutes to affected journeys.

Overnight parking restrictions will also be in place between 19:30 and 06:00, localised in three separate phases:

• 16-19 September – No parking south of 129 Main Street
• 20-25 September – No parking between 33 and 129 Main Street
• 26-27 September – No parking north of 33 Main Street
• 30 September to 4 October – No restrictions

Parking zones will be clearly marked.

Local businesses will remain open as usual. Pedestrian access across the town will be maintained.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “As well as resurfacing the A68 through Pathhead, we’ll be replacing ironworks including manhole covers, utility access covers and drainage grates, resulting in a smoother, safer new road surface.

“We understand that road closures are disruptive, therefore we’ve planned these works to take place overnight when traffic flows are lower.

“We’ll also do what we can to mitigate noise disruption to local residents, including completing the noisiest operations by 11pm each night.

“We’re working with key stakeholders to ensure that the works are planned with the needs of the local community in mind. Letters about the works will be sent to local residents and businesses over the coming weeks.

“We thank the local community for their patience while these essential improvements are completed.”

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions.

Live traffic information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot or on X at @trafficscotland.

Nearly 30 new Special Constables took their Oath of Office last weekend, marking the beginning of their volunteer policing careers.

In total, 27 new recruits from all over the country took part in the ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Saturday 31 August.

The Special Constables range in age from 18 to 56 and were welcomed into the service by Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond and Justice of the Peace, Gillian Thomson.

Following the Oath of Office Ceremony, ACC Bond said: “Becoming a volunteer police officer demonstrates a willingness and desire to make a positive impact within your local community and I am delighted to have witnessed this group of Special Constables take their first steps within their new role.

“Our Special Constables make a vital contribution to policing, while also balancing the responsibilities of full-time jobs, families, and other commitments.

“I look forward to seeing how these new Special Constables work alongside our existing volunteer police officers and full-time colleagues to make communities across the country safer.”

Volunteer Special Constables make a vital contribution to policing in Scotland. They play a vital role in supporting full-time police colleagues when responding to crime, policing major events, and providing a visible and reassuring presence to the public they serve.

Within the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, Special Constables are deployed as part of a specialist initiative team, which sees them tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour, drug misuse, disorder and carry out vehicle checks on busy roads.

Special Constable Alistair Cameron was recently awarded the King’s Police Medal for his dedication to serving communities over the past 27 years.

Alistair is one of 25 Special Constables deployed throughout the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division who support full-time colleagues in tackling crime, offering reassurance to the public and bringing criminals to justice.

Police Scotland has released CCTV images of a man they believe may have information which could assist them with an ongoing investigation into culpable and reckless behaviour at a game between Celtic and Rangers on Saturday, 11 May, 2024. 

Thousands of supporters from throughout Scotland attended this fixture. 

During the match several smoke pyrotechnic devices were ignited within the Celtic Park stadium. 

The man who police believe may be able to assist them, is described as being white, slim build, he was seen to have no top on and was wearing a green and white scarf round his neck and black shorts.  

Constable Daniel Brady: “We are keen to talk to the man in the image as we believe he may have information which could assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us. 

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0933 of 11 May, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.” 

Hibs new purple and green striped third kit has already proved popular with the supporters and hundreds of replica shirts can been seen on match days at Easter Road. 

The strip which was inspired by the popular 1994 design made its debut in the Women’s victory over Partick Thistle on 11 August then the men wore it against Celtic in the league cup tie at Parkhead a week later.

No-one knows for certain the link between Hibs and the colour but the players first wore a purple shirt in a European Cup Winners Cup tie against Sporting Club de Portugal, better known as Sporting Lisbon on 13 September 1972.  

The first leg was played at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon the jersey worn for the game was an exact replica of the home shirt except instead of green, the top was coloured purple with white sleeves, much to the surprise of the small band of travelling supporters in the huge 100,000 crowd.  

The reason for choosing purple was never explained although the rumour at the time was that it was Chairman Tom Hart’s wife Sheila’s favourite colour.  

The Portuguese side scored twice but a wonderful goal from Arthur Duncan gave Eddie Turnbull confidence for the return leg.  

That confidence was more than justified because two weeks later in front of 26,000 fans at Easter Road, and playing in an all green top for the occasion, Hibs ran riot and defeated Sporting 6-1 with a Jimmy O’Rourke hat trick, a double from Alan Gordon and an own goal.  

Five years later in 1977 Hibs became the first Scottish club to sign a shirt sponsorship deal.  

Sportswear company “Bukta’s” name was displayed on the jerseys, but TV companies refused to show games where these tops were worn as it was considered to be free advertising.  

In response the club produced a purple away shirt with white sleeves with green and yellow trimmings on them.  

These shirts were worn in a 3-1 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead and a 1-0 victory over Ayr United at Easter Road but when a game against Rangers was due to be filmed, a potential colour clash meant that we changed to a yellow top and white shorts.  

In January 1978 Hibs were drawn to play East Fife in the Scottish Cup at home. The game that was due to have been broadcast was postponed so the cameras turned up at Easter Road at the last minute.  

Despite a frantic search, the purple strips could not be found but the kit man was able to produce a pre-Bukta set of green and white tops.  

So with permission of the long-suffering company Hibs ran out 4-0 winners against a team which ironically wore strips with ‘Cannon Valves’ on the front under a less publicised agreement.   

Since then many of Hibs “away” strips have included the colour purple with a variety of sponsors including McBean Protective Clothing, Calor Gas, Carlsberg, Crabbies,  Marathonbet,  Hibernian Community Foundation, Thank You NHS and Bevvy. 

The Forth Green Freeport is set to bring in £90m less for Edinburgh Council than was previously estimated, new figures show, as councillors insist it’s still “well worth investing in”.

The ‘special economic zone’ along the Forth Estuary officially came into place earlier this summer, offering tax breaks and lower business tariffs, and promising tens of thousands of “high quality” jobs in offshore wind and other renewable energy technologies.

Last week councillors agreed to release Edinburgh’s contribution of just under £345k, unlocking an initial £24.5m investment in the the deregulated ports at Leith, Burntisland, Grangemouth and Rosyth.

Some of this seed capital is set to help create a new turbine laydown and logistics facility at the Port of Leith, where Forth Ports – which is leading the public-private partnership with councils in Edinburgh, Falkirk and Fife and other businesses – is working to deliver Scotland’s ‘largest renewable energy hub’ on a 175-acre site.

But critics of freeports say they only create ‘tax havens’ for companies who relocate existing jobs rather than creating new investment.

And now it’s emerged the benefits to the city have been downgraded since an outline business case was presented to councillors last October.

Updated figures show Edinburgh Council is estimated to receive £107m from non-domestic rates over 25 years. This is down from £197m less than a year ago. 

The number of jobs expected to be created across the entire freeport has also dropped, from 50,000 to 34,500 – while the council’s contribution rose from £80,000 to £344,970.

SNP councillor Kate Campbell, who called on the council to reject the funding request, said: “There’s been a very big shift in terms of the expectation of what we as a council would expect in terms of funding and also what it will deliver.

“We do not believe we should be putting forward the £350k to support the freeport.”

However Labour council leader Cammy Day defended the project, hailing it as a “huge opportunity” to build and to provide more investment into the city.

He said: “Our role of course will be to oversee the invested agreements and that they comply with the agreed investment principles. And if not we will firmly apply the penalties that we are able to.

“The full business case will unlock over twenty four-and-a-half million pound of seed capital from the UK and Scottish Governments and create a potential large-scale creative hub and a first aid studio complex in the Leith area.

“The initial contribution . . . is less than 0.5 per cent of the council’s projected income and of course it will be replenished when the income starts coming in from the non-domestic rates.

“It’s a minor outlay for a substantial transformation of the north of the city and the Forth estuary.”

As well as getting a slice of the seed capital funding, businesses operating in the freeport can benefit from various tax incentives including:

• 100% non-domestic rate relief for five years
• 100% Enhanced Capital Allowances for the first year of qualifying expenditure
• No employer National Insurance contributions on salaries up to £25,000 for new hires in the first three years
• Land and building transaction tax relief
• Customs incentives
• Suspension of import VAT on goods entering the Green Freeport
• Simplified planning regimes

During a debate on the Forth Green Freeport’s full business case, which has been signed off the UK and Scottish Governments, Greens councillor Alex Staniforth described it as a “bad idea and a bad investment”.

He said: “These things have never worked as well as administrations have hoped they would when similar projects have been done in the UK and elsewhere,” while fellow Edinburgh Green Ben Parker branded it “greenwashing”.

Conservative group leader Iain Whte said it was “well worth investing in”.

He said: “£350k for at least £107m return directly to the council to spend in Edinburgh in non-domestic rates revenues retained by the council. That’s 0.3 per cent of the money that we put up front as a short-term investment to allow it to happen and cover a small gap.

“£7.9bn of private and public investment, £8.1bn of gross value add and £34.5k jobs, high quality jobs at that.

“If you want to build wind turbines, if you want to change oil production to green hydrogen that will take some up front cost. But it’s all about changing our economy and our energy industry and capacity.”

While the business case won support from a majority of the chamber as Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem councillors voted to endorse it and approve the council’s contribution, Labour backbencher Katrina Faccenda said she could not support her group’s position.

“Unfortunately I will not be able to vote for this with the administration,” she said, telling colleagues the report “didn’t go any way to convincing me that it wasn’t going to be a deregulated zone in the most negative aspects of that”.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Fife Flyers swap the phoney war to actuality this weekend with a double-header in the Challenge Cup, the first major of the season.

On Saturday, Glasgow Clan visit Kirkcaldy and almost 24-hours later Belfast Giants arrive at the Rosslyn Street rink.

Saturday’s game faces-off at 19.15 and the Sunday start time is 17.15.

Fife, who, for the record, are the oldest professional ice hockey team in Britain, go into the games boosted by their victory over a quality touring side. They edged the University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres 2-0 at Kirkcaldy and Flyers’ coach Tom Coolin (pictured) was delighted with the performance.

It came despite a flu bug in the dressing-room and the absence of highly-rated Martin Latal.

So, it’s Saturday night at Rosslyn Street in the Challenge Cup and games against this pair are normally worth watching.  

One of Edinburgh’s most loved charities will benefit from a Superheroes Family Race Day at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) will fittingly take centre stage at the race day on Sunday 15 September when Superheroes including Batman, Spiderman, Captain America and Bumblebee will visit the East Lothian course.

The family favourites will welcome children to Musselburgh’s Clip Clop kids zone and there will be prizes for the best dressed superhero or character. Free kids funfair rides, face painting and a disco are all to be found in the Clip Clop zone.

There will be bucket collection at the entrances and exits on behalf of ECHC and the racecourse will donate £1 for every child that dresses up as superhero, and oncourse promotions celebrating the work done by the charity.

A group of children from the hospital will also be given special access to the race day and enjoy a one-on-one meeting with the Superheroes.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Racing isn’t just for grown-ups – our Superheroes Family Raceday will have something for all ages and is guaranteed to tire out those wee legs.

“This year, we are thrilled to partner with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, who give seriously ill children and their families the extra support they need when facing a life-changing hospital visit. On the day, Musselburgh Racecourse will donate £1 for every child that dresses up as a Superhero, so it’s time to grab your capes and get involved.”

Fiona Brian, fundraiser at ECHC, said: “What better way to spend a Sunday than hanging out with all your favourite superheroes? We’re so grateful to Musselburgh Racecourse for supporting seriously ill children with this very special raceday.

“ECHC works tirelessly to help our very own superheroes – the children and families fighting their toughest battles every day at Edinburgh’s children’s hospital. Partnering with wonderful supporters like Musselburgh Racecourse means we can continue to bring more than medicine to all those who need us. Together, we can make a difference to so many young lives.”

With racing prize money of almost £60,000 spread over seven Flat races, the first race starts at 2.10pm and the last race at 5.35pm (provisionally) with gates open at noon on 15 September.

All children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult and once inside the course all entertainments are free. A saving of £5 on admission tickets is available for a limited period.

To find out more information and to book tickets please visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

While the work continues at The King’s, Capital Theatres continue to attract some big stars and shows to Edinburgh, using the Festival Theatre and The Studio.

Here is the listing of what is on from now until early next year with links for more information and tickets, although you may also read the brochure below:

Rebus: A Game Called Malice 

Tue 10 to Sat 14 Sep 
Festival Theatre 

Theatre 

A thrilling new Inspector John Rebus story, written by Sir Ian Rankin and Simon Reade. A splendid dinner party in an Edinburgh stately home concludes with a murder mystery game created by the hostess. A murder needs to be solved. But the guests have secrets of their own, threatened by the very game they are playing.  

Rebus: A Game Called Malice (capitaltheatres.com) 

CBeebies Panto: Beauty & The Beast 
Sat 21 to Sun 22 Sep 
Festival Theatre  

Family 
A host of CBeebies stars including Justin Fletcher, Maddie Moate and Dodge, stage a unique telling of a classic story. Festive fun for all the family! Recorded for television. 
CBeebies Panto: Beauty & The Beast (capitaltheatres.com) 

A Chorus Line 
Tue 24 to Sat 26 Sep 
Festival Theatre  

Musical Theatre 
The musical masterpiece that revolutionised Broadway, with creator Michael Bennett using real-life testimonies from late-night recording sessions with dancers. Celebrate the lives of theatre’s unsung heroes, as they tell searing stories of ambition, shattered hopes, and what it really costs to follow your dreams. 
A Chorus Line (capitaltheatres.com) 

A Dame of Two Halves 
Tue 24 & Wed 25 Sep 
The Studio  

Comedy 
A rip-roaring, two-man, thirteen-character comedy adventure from TikTok stars Them is Brothers. 

A Dame of Two Halves (capitaltheatres.com) 

Rambert: Peaky Blinders 
Tue 1 to Sat 5 Oct  
Festival Theatre  

Dance 
Rambert’s thrilling stage adaptation The Redemption of Thomas Shelby captures the Peaky story, with stunning performances from Rambert’s dancers and an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band. 

Peaky Blinders (capitaltheatres.com) 

Love the Sinner 
Tue 1 Oct  
The Studio 

Theatre 

A beautifully produced fusion of performance poetry, visual theatre and live electronic music that reflects on the meaning of being a human today.  

Love the Sinner (capitaltheatres.com) 

Anna Hibiscus’ Song 

Thu 3 to Sat 5 Oct 
The Studio 

Family 

Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, this theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s much loved children’s book will have you beaming from ear to ear. 

Anna Hibiscus (capitaltheatres.com) 

Dr Louise Newson: Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate 
Mon 7 Oct 
Festival Theatre 

Talk 

Dr Louise Newson, the leading medical expert on menopause and hormones, embarks on her inaugural UK theatre tour accompanied by Dublin-based comedian Anne Gildea. Her new show aims to educate and challenge misconceptions about menopause and advocate for better healthcare for women. 

Dr Louise Newson (capitaltheatres.com) 

Blue Man Group – Bluevolution World Tour 
Wed 9 to Sun 13 Oct  

Festival Theatre 

Music 
Blue Man Group’s Bluevolution World Tour showcases classic Blue Man favourites in a music extravaganza from explosive paint drumming, comedy antics and unforgettable audience interaction. 
Blue Man Group (capitaltheatres.com) 

Dementia the Musical 

Sat 12 Oct  

The Studio 

Musical Theatre 
Dementia the Musical is a funny and moving production based on the inspiring stories of three leading Dementia rights activists in Scotland. 

Dementia the Musical (capitaltheatres.com) 

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells 
Mon 14 Oct  

Festival Theatre 

Music 

Originally released on 25th May 1973, the Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Celebration tour features an expansive live group, arranged by Mike Oldfield’s long-term collaborator Robin A Smith.    

Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells (capitaltheatres.com) 

Carrie Hope Fletcher – Love Letters 
Tue 15 Oct 
Festival Theatre  

Music 
Love Letters sees actress, author, vlogger and award-winning West End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher explore all forms of love; from romantic to maternal, unrequited to obsessive, showcased through a composition of stunning musical theatre classics. 

Carrie Hope Fletcher (capitaltheatres.com) 

Treasure Island 

Tue 15 Oct 
The Studio 

Theatre 

A new version of a classic story told like never before, bursting with sea shanties, treasures, and a sumptuous amount of adventure. This swash-buckling, fun-packed show invites you to embark on a global journey from the coasts of Scotland the edge of the world and beyond.    

Treasure Island (capitaltheatres.com) 

Ocean Film Festival 2024 
Wed 16 Oct 
Festival Theatre 

Film screening 

Brought to you by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK & Ireland tour, this selection of short films combines breathtaking marine life and wild seafaring voyages in a cinematic celebration of our oceans. 
Ocean Film Festival (capitaltheatres.com) 
 

Qudus Onikeku | The QDance Co – Re:INCARNATION 
Fri 18 & Sat 19 Oct 
Festival Theatre  

Dance 
Ten young dancers and two musicians perform the cycle of life with explosive energy, marked by the urban chaos of the Nigerian city of Lagos. Paying homage to the wealth and profusion of Nigerian music, the show draws on Afrobeats, born
of an explosive cocktail of jazz, soul, funk, and traditional African music. Presented by Dance Consortium. 

Qudus Onikeku (capitaltheatres.com) 

Ed Gamble 

Sun 20 Oct 
Festival Theatre 

Comedy 

Ed Gamble, Taskmaster champion and co-host of hit podcast Off Menu, brings his new show to Edinburgh. 

Ed Gamble (capitaltheatres.com) 

Murder on the Orient Express 
Tue 22 to Sat 26 Oct 
Festival Theatre 

Theatre 
One of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery. 
Murder on the Orient Express (capitaltheatres.com) 

That Feeling When 
Fri 25 & Sat 26 Oct  

The Studio 

Community 

A dance theatre production with live music, by Lyra Young Company, exploring the seasons as a guide to the cycle of teen-hood. 

That Feeling When (capitaltheatres.com) 

Edinburgh Gang Show 2024 
Tue 29 Oct to Sat 2 Nov 
Festival Theatre 

Community 

Over 250 young people from Southeast Scotland Scouts and Girlguiding Edinburgh will dazzle you with their energetic, show-stopping musical items and hilarious comedy sketches.    
Gang Show (capitaltheatres.com) 

I Am Rhythm, Spirit of Africa 
Fri 1 Nov 
The Studio 

Dance 
A heartwarming and humorous journey exploring South Africa’s past, present and future, interwoven with signature music and dance styles.  
I Am Rhythm, Spirit of Africa (capitaltheatres.com) 

The Horne Section’s Hit Show 

Mon 4 Nov 
Festival Theatre  

Comedy 
Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, the six-headed comedy band includes five outstanding musicians and one non-musical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about. 

The Horne Section (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Opera: Don Pasquale 

Fri 8, Sun 10 & Sat 16 Nov 
Festival Theatre 

Opera 

This highly successful production of Donizetti’s quick-witted comedy has entertained audiences in Miami, Genoa, Vancouver and Toronto. 

Don Pasquale (capitaltheatres.com) 

Innovations Contemporary Dance Platform 

Fri 8 & Sat 9 Nov 
The Studio 

Dance 

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, Innovations Platform presents a mixed bill of new work from UK and International companies in an exciting evening of dance. 

Innovations (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Opera: Albert Herring 

Wed 13 Nov 
Festival Theatre 

Opera 

This charming operatic comedy from Britten, one of the UK’s best 20^th century composers, is full of quirky, lovable characters in this production filled with 1990s nostalgia. 

Albert Herring (capitaltheatres.com) 

Cinderella Pantomime 

Sat 23 Nov to Tue 31 Dec 

Festival Theatre  

Family 
Join returning panto favourites Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for a new magical pantomime for all the family. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Edinburgh audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming. 
Cinderella (capitaltheatres.com) 

The Gift 

Sat 14 to Tue 31 Dec 
The Studio 

Family 

A mountain of discarded wrapping. A lonely child with an active imagination. This gift of a show returns to the Studio by popular demand and celebrates the art of play, taking ordinary objects making them extraordinary and magical. 

The Gift (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker 
Wed 8 to Sat 18 Jan 2025  
Festival Theatre 

Dance 

Follow Clara on a journey through the worlds of her imagination, as she drifts off to sleep on Christmas Eve. She meets the dashing Nutcracker Prince, takes on the larger-than-life Rat King, sees snowflakes dance in the Land of Ice and Snow, and is whisked into the luscious Land of Sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy! 
The Nutcracker (capitaltheatres.com) 

Mary Poppins 

Wed 22 Jan to Sat 15 Feb 2025  
Festival Theatre 

Musical theatre 
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical returns to Edinburgh. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny features dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.  

Mary Poppins (capitaltheatres.com)  

(NEW) Theatre Re: Moments 

Tue 28 & Wed 29 Jan 2025 
The Studio 

Drama 

TED Talk meets Theatrical Performance with original live music. 

Theatre Re: Moments (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) The Velveteen Rabbit 

Sat 1 Feb 2025 
The Studio 

Drama 

Toys come to life through the magic of storytelling, music, and dance. A toy rabbit and a boy embark on an adventure about growing up and the meaning of love. 

The Velveteen Rabbit (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2024 

Sat 22 Feb 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Screening 

Enjoy epic adventre films celebrating mountains and wild places! 

BANFF Mountain Film Festival RED (capitaltheatres.com) 
BANFF Mountain Film Festival BLUE (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Lost in Music 

Sun 23 Feb 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Music 

Embark on an electrifying journey through the sensational 70s with iconic hits. 

Lost in Music (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Opera: The Makropulos Affair 

Thu 27 Feb 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Opera 

This co-production of Janáček’s mature masterpiece returns to Scottish Opera in its first full staging since 1993. 

The Makropulos Affair (capitaltheatres.com) 

Bohemians – Priscilla Queen of the Desert 

Wed 12 to Sat 15 Mar 2025  

Festival Theatre 

Community 
After a sell-out 2024 production, the Bohemians are returning to the Festival Theatre. Packed full of pop anthems, including ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’, this show is sure to dazzle with all of your dancefloor favourites.    

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Northern Ballet: Hansel & Gretel 

Sun 23 Mar 2025  

Festival Theatre 

Family 
Come on an enchanting adventure in Norther Ballet’s brand-new children’s ballet. 

Hansel & Gretel (capitaltheatres.com) 

Ghost Stories 

Wed 26 to Sat 29 Mar 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Drama 
Enter a world full of thrilling and epic turns, where the ultimate love-letter to horror is imagined live on stage. A fully sensory and electrifying encounter, Ghost Stories is one of London’s best reviewed plays of all time and will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Ghost Stories (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Nessie 

Fri 28 to Sat 5 Apr 2025 

The Studio 

Musical 

Nessie is a captivating Scottish musical that celebrates bravery, the strength of friendship and the courage to follow one’s own heart. 

Nessie (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Alas! Poor Yorick. 

Tue 8 Apr 2025 

The Studio 

Drama 
Using every trick in their theatre playbook, existential clowns take on the famous Hamlet graveyard scene. 

Alas! Poor Yorick. (capitaltheatres.com) 

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 
Tue 8 to Sat 12 Apr 2025  
Festival Theatre 

Dance 
Matthew Bourne’s audacious, rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago.  It has now become the most successful dance theatre production of all time, creating new audiences and inspiring generations of young dancers. 

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (capitaltheatres.com) 

Calamity Jane 

Tue 15 to Sat 19 Apr 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Musical 
Based on the much loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher.  

Calamity Jane (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) 

Tue 22 to Sat 26 Apr 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Drama 
Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaption where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance. Theis multi-award-winning production features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. 

Pride & Prejudice *sort of (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Ballet: The Crucible 
Thu 1 to Sat 3 May 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Dance 

Scottish Ballet’s iconic adaptation of Arthur Miller’s famous play about the Salem witch trials. 
The Crucible (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) In Other Words 
Fri 2 & Sat 3 May 2025 
The Studio 

Drama 

A deeply moving love story about Alzheimer’s disease and the transformative effect of music. 
In Other Words (capitaltheatres.com) 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe 

Tue 13 to Sat 17 May 2025  
Festival Theatre 

Theatre 
The nation’s favourite novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe come to life on stage in this spectacular production which is guaranteed to delight all ages. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.   
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (capitaltheatres.com) 

The Australian Bee Gees Show 
Sun 18 May 2025 
The Studio 

Music 

For one night only be part of the magic that celebrates one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. 
The Australian Bee Gees Show (capitaltheatres.com) 

Ultimate Classic Rock Show 
Sun 25 May  
Festival Theatre 

Music 
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! 
Ultimate Classic Rock Show (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Opera: The Merry Widow 

Thu 29 May, Sun 1, Thu 5 & Sat 7 Jun 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Opera 

Director John Savournin brings his joyful touch to Lehár’s waltz-filled charmer. 

The Merry Widow (capitaltheatres.com) 

Scottish Opera: Trial by Jury & A Matter of Misconduct! 

Fri 30 May & Fri 6 Jun 2025 
Festival Theatre 

Opera 

An unmissable night of classic Gilbert & Sullivan comedy and new writing. 

Trial by Jury & A Matter of Misconduct (capitaltheatres.com) 

Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet 

Tue 10 to Sat 14 Jun 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Dance 
Written by guitar smashing rock legend Pete Townshend, orchestrated by Rachel Fuller and with costumes by iconic British fashion house Paul Smith, this new version of Quadrophenia brings together some of the UK’s finest creative talent from the worlds of music, theatre, film and dance. Prepare to be blown away as the power of dance brings a whole dimension to the raw energy and emotion of one of the UK’s most iconic rock albums.  

Quadrophenia (capitaltheatres.com) 

(NEW) Anton & Giovanni: Together Again 
Sat 12 Jul 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Dance 
The nation’s favourite dance double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are Together Again in 2025 for more Ballroom and Latin fun and entertainment.  

Anton & Giovanni: Together Again (capitaltheatres.com) 

War Horse 

Thu 2 to Sat 11 Oct 2025 

Festival Theatre 

Drama 
The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of War Horse returns to Edinburgh in an all new UK and Ireland tour. War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. 

War Horse (capitaltheatres.com)