Hibs Women will host the first Edinburgh Derby of the season at Easter Road tonight. 

Hibs had picked up four wins from four to start the season prior to taking on league champions Celtic in Airdrie on Friday 30 August. 

While the winning streak came to an end, the girls still kept their impressive unbeaten run going with a 0-0 draw against Elena Sadiku’s side. 

The solid performance puts the Club in second-place – ahead of Celtic on goal difference and just two points behind Rangers.  

Hearts have also started the 2024/25 league season in good form – losing just once so far. 

That defeat was a narrow 2-1 away loss to Glasgow City and has been well-countered by four thrashings of Queen’s Park, Spartans, Dundee United and Motherwell. 

Hibs Head Coach Grant Scott insists his side’s “preparations remains the same” despite a “buzz” pulsating through the Hibs camp ahead of this week’s Capital Cup clash at Easter Road. 

“It’s nice to be here,” Scott told Hibs TV at the stadium. 

“I don’t know how many times I’ve managed here now, but it’s always a special occasion. 

“There is a few more fans than normal against your city rivals. I’m really looking forward to it now. 

“I think we are in a good place as a group. 

“We are happy with our start to the season. It’s another three points we are looking to secure. 

“We are fully focused on the performance on Friday night and we will see where that takes us.” 

With both Hibs impressing early on in the SWPL season, Scott admits he would like to see his side push on and challenge those at the top.  

“I think we have to aspire to catch the teams above from last year. We ran a few of them close in games last season. 

“We’ve had a favourable performance against on Friday past [versus Celtic]. Hearts did that last season by taking points from the Old Firm.” 

To challenge at the top, a reputation boost would never hurt an ambitious club looking upwards – something the Hibs boss hopes ‘spectacles’ like Friday night can bring to Hibs Women. 

“There is a lot of evolution happening in the game – especially across the last few years, in particular. And long may it continue. 

“Driving into the event this morning and hearing the advertisement on radio, the game is being well pushed by both clubs now. 

“It is a fixture that warrants it – male or female. We need to promote it as best we can and make it a spectacle when it comes to match day.” 

Hibs midfielder Linzi Taylor will potentially make her first Derby appearance in Hibs colours. 

“It’s exciting,” Taylor told Hibs TV. 

“Even in previous weeks we have had a buzz about us, but this gives us that extra buzz. 

“The changing room is buzzing. It should be a great day. 

“The pitch is immaculate and it should be a great night to play some good football. 

“It’s always an added incentive [to beat your rivals] but the main priority for us is the three points 

“We have got a confidence and a desire about the team – an ambition – that if we go and implement our game plan there is no reason we can’t take the three points on the night. 

“Hearts are a powerful team. They have got big players who are good on the ball. 

“They are a very confident footballing side. It’s more the work off the ball they may need to be more disciplined in. 

“You look at the stadium. The grass is perfect. 

“It’ll be a good viewing for anybody coming to watch. Get the ball down and play football. 

“Hearts are a good footballing side, but so are we.”  

The Capital Cup will kick off at 7.35pm. 

Thanks to the generous support of Baillie Gifford, match tickets are free.  

Both clubs will work with local community groups to ensure that the broadest cross-section of communities can get involved, fostering greater inclusion and diversity in Scotland’s national game. 

Tickets can be collected from the ticket office or booked online with the option to include a £1, £3, £5 or £10 donation – with the full amount being reinvested back into supporting the Hibernian Girls and Women’s Academy through the Hibernian Community Foundation. 

The game will be broadcast live online via the BBC website. 

It’s the end of a chastening summer. The West Highlands had its wettest summer on record and in the east of the country, although drier, there’s been many a cloudy, cool day. Even the success of the various festivals has been tinged with warnings about funding for the arts. At the Olympic Games, we seemed to be good at coming second.

But nowhere has the chastening been more hurtful then in the political summer season.  The Conservatives and the SNP suffered major defeats in the general election and Labour supporters have watched as their victory has turned into more hard times ahead.

The dolesome messages from Sir Keir Starmer about things getting worse before they get better and from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves about a £20billion black hole in the nations’ finances have been repeated here in Scotland by the first minister John Swinney and the finance secretary Shona Robison. She told The Scottish Parliament on its first day back from the summer break that she was forced to make £500 million of cuts (1% of the government budget) in public services this year.  She would also have to take the remaining £450 million from the Scot Wind Fund, money from the sale of off-shore wind licences which was supposed to be reserved for the transition to a low-carbon future.

She blamed “Westminster austerity” for the squeezed budget given to The Scottish government. But she has also, like Rachel Reeves, financed above-inflation pay deals with the public service unions. The Scottish Labour Party finds itself in the curious position of praising Rachel Reeves, but blaming Shona Robison for doing the same thing. The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats say both are irresponsible but they won’t say the pay deals were wrong and they would have preferred a winter of strikes.

The easiest thing for everyone to do is kick the SNP, especially when it’s down. Its party conference last weekend was a hang-dog affair.  The party has just seen its tartan army of MPs at Westminster cut from 48 to 9.  John Swinney told the half-empty hall that the SNP would return to winning ways. It just had to explain that independence was the answer to all the other problems – slow economic growth, poverty, poor public services.

A few days later he was in parliament outlining his Programme for Government.  He named four priorities: ending child poverty, growing the economy, fixing the NHS and the transition to net zero by 2045.  But instead of announcing big spending plans to achieve these ambitions, he tabled 14 new  legislative bills, some of which may have a marginal effect on the “programme” but others may not.  They include a bill to control rent rises and a carbon budget bill which replaces annual emissions targets, which are usually missed, with a “carbon budget”.   

There’s also a bill imposing a safety levy on building firms, to discourage the use of unsuitable cladding materials. This week’s final report into the Grenfell fire disaster in London reminded us of how little has been done in the seven years since then to replace these dangerous materials on 105 buildings in Scotland. Only £9m of the £100m allocated to the task has actually been spent.

I can’t help thinking that if Mr Swinney really wanted to make ending child poverty his number one priority, he could start by doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £50 a week. It would benefit 400,000 children. The cost would be  an extra £500m a year but he could raise that by cutting other budgets or targeting other benefits, as he is proposing to do on school meals and winter fuel payments.  Instead we only have more gesture politics.   

The SNP are not the only party with a post-summer depression. The Scottish Conservatives might have hung on to five seats in the general election but, like all Tories across Britain, they have seen their 14 years of economic experiments come crashing down.

There is a contest going on to replace Douglas Ross, who, bizarrely, announced he was resigning as leader during the election campaign. Party members will vote on the three names left on the ballot paper, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser and Meghan Gallacher, and the result will be announced at the end of this month. Let us hope that Scottish party members are wiser than their English counterparts who elected the mad scientist Liz Truss.     

So as we settle into autumn, there is plenty for our politicians to ponder. How, for instance can Labour get out of the straight jacket they made for themselves by promising “change” but saying they would keep all major taxes as they are ? How can the Tories find a new philosophy which doesn’t involve ruining the public services ?  How can the SNP stop making mistakes, like the council tax freeze, and get back to winning ways ?   Should the Greens and the Liberal Democrats block the SNP’s budget when it comes up for a vote in parliament ? 

And should the rest of us just watch in despair or should we learn to pay higher taxes for the public services we enjoy ? Because that is what the madness of the summer has really been about.

An Edinburgh restaurant, Ignite, has won the “Asian Restaurant of the Year – Edinburgh” category in the 2024 Asian Restaurant awards.

The restaurant has already won this award three times in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

The awards were announced at a dinner on Wednesday 4 September, at The Scottish Parliament.

Ignite, which celebrated its 20th year in business this year, has also had a number of other accolades. In 2023, the restaurant was also named “Indian Restaurant of the Year” in the Scotland Prestige Awards 2023/2024. These awards “recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.” It attracted an award from LUXlife magazine too, which named Ignite ‘Best Indian & Bengali Restaurant 2023 – Edinburgh’ in its Restaurant and Bar Awards.

In addition, Ignite was announced as a Tripadvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award Winner. This accolade is awarded to restaurants that “consistently deliver amazing experiences” and have earned positive reviews and ratings over the past year. Tripadvisor reported that Ignite was in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Ignite’s owner, Mohammed Khan said: “We’re thrilled to have won this prestigious award again.
“Ever since we opened our doors, back in 2004, we’ve aimed to create the very best Indian and Bengali dining experience for our customers. Their feedback tells us we’re doing a good job and it is an honour to be recognised by the industry as well, for our contribution to the Asian food scene in Edinburgh.

www.igniterestaurant.co.uk

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith have arrested a man as they continue to appeal for information.

Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.

Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.

A 39-year-old man has today, Friday, 6 September, 2024, been arrested in connection with her death and enquiries are ongoing.

Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.

He said: “Our thoughts are very much with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EXCLUSIVE

Edinburgh council employees have been overpaid salaries by a staggering £2.4 million The Edinburgh Reporter can reveal.

At a time when proposed budget cuts are set to cause havoc on vital services, £1.6 million remains outstanding and the situation has worsened over the last 12 months.

Over a five year period since April 2019, 1,533 staff – a mix of local government and learning and teaching staff – have received more wages into their bank account than they were entitled to.

The shocking figures up to March 2024 reveal overpayments totalled £2,424,000 – with the number of staff overpaid and financial loss to the local authority increasing year on year.

In the period April 2019 to March 2020, a total of 132 council employees received £227,000 in overpayments but in the year April 2023 to March 2024 that had more than trebled to £786,000 being overpaid to 611 staff.

In the last 12 months the overpayments have continued to grow – 625 staff received £788,000 more than they should have – and in that same period the council have only managed to recover £580,000 – of which £173,000 was from former employees who have left the council.

Between April 2022 and March 2023 – the worst period of overpayment – 456 staff were over compensated to the tune of £797,000, an average of £1,746 per person. Eighty learning and teaching staff received a total of £244,244, while 376 local government employees raked in an additional £551,373.

A Freedom of Information request revealed that just under 10% of the city council’s 19,355 payroll had received more money than provided for in their contracts. The statistics show that currently 1,872 staff are due £1,637,324 to the cash strapped council – 293 learning and teaching staff being overpaid £431,488 and local government employees wrongly receiving £1,205,875.

In June it was revealed that in a bid to plug a £110 million budget black hole, Edinburgh’s health and social care funding was to be slashed by £33 million, impacting on many of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Among the cuts was the closure of “The Works”, an employability programme which assisted individuals with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder into work and which was expected to save £430,000 – £358,000 less than the £788,000 overpaid to council staff in the last year.

The city’s education budget is to be reduced by £22.4 million, which includes a £4 million reduction of inclusion spending which supports children with additional support needs, while a £2 million cut to contract spending for external services, including the provision of “holiday hubs” for children with a disability, has caused uproar.

Another option to slash £12 million of education spending from 2025/26, 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.

The overpayment revelations will be an embarrassment for recently appointed city council chief executive Paul Lawrence, who said recently that one of his priorities was to empower middle and front line managers to “get the job done”.

Speaking on the challenge of maintaining services against budget cuts, he added: “You can only focus on the basics if front-line staff are empowered to fix them and I want to do a lot on that” while he promised not to sugar coat some “pretty unpalatable” options which were being considered.

The City of Edinburgh Council blamed the overpayments on a number of factors, including annualised contracts, staff turnover and a lack of timely reporting of payroll information. A spokesperson said a new HR/Payroll would help address the issue and that there had been targeted interventions where overpayment had increased.

Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “Our payroll salary and wage payments are around £620 million annually and on average 99.5% of our payments are accurate every month. However, it is important that any errors are addressed so reducing and seeking to recover all overpayments is a key focus for us.

“We’ve specifically brought measures in place to help us strengthen procedures and reduce overpayments, including detailed monitoring and increased training. This will be reinforced by the roll out of our new HR/Payroll system in October.”

Susan Dawkes returns to Edinburgh Napier University as Dean of School of Health and Social Care.

Previously Professor Dawkes was Professor in Cardiovascular Health before moving to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen where she led the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice as Dean.

Professor Dawkes said: “I am delighted to be returning to Edinburgh Napier University as the Dean of the School of Health and Social Care.

“The University has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and I am proud to join this community to provide leadership for the delivery of high-quality, contemporary programmes of education for health and social care professionals not just in Scotland but across the world.

“I will also lead the team to continue to conduct multidisciplinary research that is world class, impactful and truly makes a difference to people’s lives.”

During Professor Dawkes’s previous spell at ENU, where she began teaching nursing in 2004, she held senior leadership roles within the School, including as Head of Nursing and Head of Learning & Teaching. She is also an Honorary Research Consultant for the Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation teams at NHS Lothian.

ENU is the only Scottish university which offers training across all nursing disciplines and midwifery, making the School of Health and Social Care is one of the largest providers of healthcare education in the country.

Professor Nick Antonopoulos, the Vice Principal for Research and Innovation said: “I am delighted to welcome Susan back to Edinburgh Napier University.

“During her time at RGU she has delivered substantial improvements in student recruitment and experience, as well as research, and engagement.

“Susan has personally led the development of numerous regional partnerships in the field, has strong national visibility having been appointed as the Convenor of the Council of Deans of Health in Scotland, and as an expert professional has had a significant influence on national policy.”

With just a few weeks until their competitive season gets underway with a home fixture against Leinster on 20 September the Edinburgh Rugby team have been put through their paces by Army PTI’s.

Arthur Seat was the backdrop as soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s 2^nd Battalion (2 SCOTS) pushed the players to their physical limits.

A gruelling session under the supervision of Sgt John Fleming  included carrying heavy logs, dummies and jerry cans across tricky terrain.

Ben Vellacott, the Edinburgh scrum half, said: “We’re used to hard training and know we need to be at the top of our game, particularly when approaching a new season. Training with the SCOTS soldiers was the definition of intense and really pushed us to our limits mentally and physically. It was a great way to train differently, and I know we all benefited from it.”

 “Sgt Fleming said: “Our training is tough and acts as a reality check for even the fittest of people, but it provides invaluable insights into the discipline and resilience required at the highest-level of physical training. 

“It was a pleasure to deliver the session and they handled the pressure very well. We SCOTS wish them the best of luck in the new season.”

Mark Robertson, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Edinburgh Rugby added: “It was refreshing to see the players outside of their usual training comfort zones, being pushed to their physical limits by the SCOTS team. 

“These players are tough and resilient, but it’s always good to keep them on their toes and engage them in new activities to keep them up to their high standards. We have no doubt that this training with a difference will help boost our team’s fitness and morale as we approach the new season.”

Easy Living Homes have designed a new five bedroom detached home style, The Hunter which is exclusively available at Kings Meadow at Coaltown of Balgonie in Fife.

The out of town price of £465,000 has an open plan area downstairs with fully fitted kitchen/dining/sunroom, and a separate utility room, and WC. There are integrated appliances including a fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and NEFF oven. Upstairs there are five bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. Both the master, and the second bedroom, have an en-suite shower room, and there is a separate family bathroom. Along with a generously sized front and back garden, with paved driveway, the Hunter also has an integrated double garage.

Consisting of eighty eco-friendly properties, a mix of two, three, and four bedroom bungalows, together with three, four and five bedroom villas, Kings Meadow offers sustainable green living. It is a gas free development, served instead by an energy efficient, decentralised, ambient ground source heat energy system.

As part of its drive to help buyers lower their carbon footprints when buying new, the Hunter villa is complete with EV Charging Points as standard.

Sales Manager for Easy Living Developments, Karen Cameron, said: “Kings Meadow buyers can be the first to move into a stunning Hunter villa – a fabulous addition to our existing portfolio of modern housing, a well designed, well thought out, 21st Century Home, perfectly pitched for the way people live today. Its features aplenty include fitted wardrobes in all five bedrooms which we think will be welcomed by prospective buyers, always on the look-out for useable, instant storage space.

“Kings Meadow has been very well received by buyers from all over the area. We have a very wide ranging choice of properties here for every level of the market, including our signature bungalows. All properties represent excellent value for money, with our superb as standard specification.

“The fact that the entire development is served by the ambient ground source energy system ensures that Easy Living Homes are taking huge strides forward in providing sustainable housing developments which offer buyers competitive running costs.”

With a starting price of £199,000, the homes at Kings Meadows include many of the same, high specification, spacious detached bungalows and villas that have proved popular with buyers at their Castle Gait development. The homes include properties such as the Taylor three-bedroom detached bungalow, with fold and slide doors opening to the rear garden area, the Jonathan, a 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow with an open plan Lounge/dining/kitchen with fold and slide doors leading into the rear garden, and the Fern, another bungalow offering a spacious layout with a vaulted ceiling including a glazed apex wall in the open plan living area.

Easy Living Homes say this development offers “more space, more features, and a superior specification with beautiful solid wood finishes as standard, with a level of choice, across two to five bedrooms properties, that you would not normally expect to find in a newbuild development”.

Just a short drive from both Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, Coaltown of Balgonie enjoys easy access to the A92, M90 and East Neuk of Fife with commuter links to the capital. Numerous local amenities are in the village, including its own Primary School, Bowling Green & Club, Village Hall, Shop with an integrated Post Office facility and the Balgonie Arms Pub.

The first properties at Kings Meadow will be available for entry in September 2024.

Contact Easy Living Homes Selling Agents, First for Homes, on (01592) 752944. This highly experienced and award-winning team works with Easy Living Homes to provide a first-class service to all clients. The Glenrothes Head Office based Sales team are on 01592 770020.

www.easylivinghomes.co.uk

Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce (MELCC) are once again hosting their popular Business Expo.

The date is Thursday, September 26 and the venue is the National Mining Museum, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange EH22 4QN.

Karen Ritchie, the Chamber CEO, said this provides the perfect opportunity for local firms to showcase their opportunities, products and services.

Stands are available at £175 excluding VAT for members and £225 excluding VAT for non-members but the exhibition is free to attend and is open to all businesses, regardless of location.

Ritchie added: “If you want to work with local businesses for procurement, recruitment, business services, such as legal, accountancy or even stationery supplies, then the Midlothian & East Lothian Business Expo provides you with the opportunity to grow your network.

“There will be around 40-plus businesses exhibiting and we expect hundreds of delegates on the day, allowing you to meet and build relationships face-to-face.”

The event is from 10am to 4pm to visitors and 9am to 5pm for exhibitors and, throughout the day, there will be free business workshops to help support your business. One is on a quick way to expand your professional contacts and another features how to break deadlock in business negotiation.

For free attend book here https://www.melcc.org.uk/chamber-events/1150/

The book a stand space here https://www.melcc.org.uk/chamber-events/1154/

Meanwhile, a joint Chamber lunch is on Wednesday, September 11 at the Mercure, Livingston EH54 6QB (noon to 2pm) when Gerry Forristal, a B2B buyer behaviour and value articulation consultant is the main speaker. He will talk about cracking the buyer code and unveiling the keys to true and lasting customer engagement.

The cost if £32.50 excluding VAT for members and £40.83 excluding VAT for non-members. 

And booking is now open for a Chamber training session on emergency first aid to be held at Eskmills Business Park, Musselburgh, on Tuesday, November 26.

CONTACT Mia Gilchrist on 0131 603 5040

PICTURE: Speed networking in operation. Contributed by MELCC

Cramond and Barnton Community Council (CBCC) are holding a Special Meeting at Cramond Kirk Hall next Thursday 12 September at 7pm. 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss consider the developing plans for the remaining element of the Brighouse site with a view to agreeing, adjusting or rejecting the terms of a proposed response (see 2 below) which the CBCC is empowered to submit as a statutory consultee in the planning process. 

John Loudon, Chair of CBCC said: “The main issue for discussion on 12 September concerns the developing plans for the remaining site on the Brighouse Campus.  The CBCC has yet to submit its formal response to the PAN 1 exhibition which took place at the end of May and which was the subject of discussion at a CBCC meeting held on 22 June. 

“The purpose of the 12 September meeting is to discuss the terms of that proposed response which the CBCC is empowered to submit as a statutory consultee in the planning process. The response for discussion will re-affirm – and support – the significant numbers of residents of the community who have already signalled their overwhelming backing for what is proposed by AMA.  But it will also offer what it believes to be some suggestions for adjustments which it believes will further improve the amenity for the benefit of the community and without detriment to the viability of the development.”

Plans were displayed to the public at a manned exhibition that ran from 29 to 30 May 2024. Nearly 600 people returned comments through one means or another (most using the on-line form) to the organisers of the event.   These reflected overwhelming support for the development of this remaining part of the Campus.   There were very high levels of support for the sporting and recreational and sporting elements and for the shop, but far less support for the proposed Later Living accommodation and the Care Home.

Scottish rugby cap Scott Hastings has confirmed that it is his wife, Jenny, who has gone missing while swimming in Wardie Bay earlier in the week. He has confirmed that she is now presumed dead.

Following a news blackout since Tuesday when the swimmer was reported missing – leading to Coastguard and police responding in Ward Bay – nothing was heard until Thursday evening when the news broke.

In a statement from the Hastings family they said police were treating her disappearance as a “high risk missing persons case”.

“As many of you know Jenny struggled with her mental health for a number of years and ultimately she was unable to cope on this occasion.

“It appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her. She loved the water, but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety.

“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken. We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.” 

Jenny Hastings has struggled with mental health issues for many years, but during the pandemic the couple literally took to the streets around their home in North Edinburgh to gee people up with some physical activity.

The search has been stood down but Police Scotland said their search continued.

Edinburgh Leisure encourage you to get your pre-school child to become active from an early age by signing them up for Play & Try coached activities.

As the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.at the city’s largest sports and leisure provider.

Edinburgh Leisure is offering a taster week from 13^th – 19^th September where new and existing customers can come and try coached activities for under 5s for £3.00 per session.  Tailored for little ones, from babies to pre-schoolers, these fun and engaging sessions are all about having a blast while exploring the first steps into various sports.

Classes include Gym and Jump, Gym Nippers, Swim Baby, Swim Nippers, Swim Toddler, Pre-School Dry Dive Gym, Jump Into Sport, Football Mini Kickers and Kick Starters. Sessions will be offered at Ainslie Park, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Kirkliston and the Royal Commonwealth Pool and are suitable for babies and toddlers. 

For those that loved the taster sessions, parents can sign up their child/children for a coaching course at the venue on the same day, with the September fee waived.*

Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.

Book your spot today for £3.00 per session. 

Play and Try Sports Tasters for Under 5s – Edinburgh Leisure

Unions representing West Lothian council staff have accused senior officials of “perpetuating myths” around pay amid the growing financial crisis facing local government. 

They have written to the council’s Chief Executive in protest at posts which appeared on the council’s social media suggesting pay deals stoke financial problems. 

The Joint Trade Unions told the Local Democracy Reporting Service ‘paying a decent working wage is not the cause of the crisis.’ 

 Jane Ridgway, chair of the Joint Trade Unions, said: “West Lothian trade unions have responded angrily to learning about the council’s financial crisis and proposals to cut more jobs and services via a council Facebook post. 

 She added: “In a letter to the Council’s Chief Executive, Unison, GMB and Unite expressed anger that the council’s Facebook post continues to perpetuate the myth that paying public sector workers a decent wage is in part responsible for the financial crisis.  

Ms Ridgway told the LDRS: “The refusal of government to properly fund services isn’t the fault of the people who deliver them. It is the fault of the Scottish government who have starved local government of funds, refused to raise money themselves and prevented councils from raising their own revenue.   

 “The value of local government pay has fallen by 25% over the last 14 years and low pay in local government still proliferates.” 

The unions responded to a post on social media last week which highlighted the growing financial crisis the council is facing. 

The council said: “The update from the council’s Head of Finance and Property Services is part of the budget monitoring process and confirms that the continuing financial crisis facing councils is of a magnitude never experienced before.” 

The council statement which ignited union anger read: “All services areas will be affected and, although the council has a no compulsory redundancy position, the scale of the budget pressures facing the council will impact on staff numbers. Overall, the number of council staff will reduce over the next two years.” 

This latest update confirmed that the council has a substantial overspend this year (2024/25) of over £5.5 million which means that more savings are now required to allow the council to balance its budget. 

 Chief Executive Graham Hope said on the post: “The only option we have is to reduce some services and transform the way in which some services are provided.” 

And the head of Finance Patrick Welsh added: “Some of the most significant risks and uncertainties include the impact of inflation, annual constrained grant funding from the Scottish Government, pay award costs, policy changes by the government without adequate funding, and growing demographic demands.” 

Warnings from Westminster and Holyrood are already painting a grim financial scenario for West Lothian and other local authorities next year. 

 In Livingston councillors have been forced to agree to more than £100m of cuts in the last 15 years as services have been whittled to the bone and ring-fenced spending imposed by Holyrood has grown. 

The Westminster budget at the end of October will be followed by the Holyrood budget in mid-December but it will be the end of January before finance officers have finalised exactly how little room for manoeuvre West Lothian will have in the new financial year.  

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Hibs have launched a brand-new official Hibernian FC App across both Apple iOS and Android.

The new app has been developed alongside the recently launched Club website, with the same functionality available across both desktop and mobile allowing for greater usability and access. 

Through the Hibs App, supporters will be able to stay up to date with all Club news, videos, fixtures and more. 

It’ll also enhance supporters’ matchday experience through the use of the Opta integrated match centre. 

Fans can follow the action with text commentary, match stats, line-ups, live scores and post-match coverage too. 

They can also set up notifications on goals, subs, and much more, as well as alerts on topics like news and ticketing so that they don’t miss out any of the latest info. 

There are also links to access the e-ticketing website and the Club Store. 

A special competition is running right now, which is exclusive for supporters who download the app. 

Hibernian FC’s Head of Communications, Adam Tomlinson, commented: “This is another big step forward for the Club from both a digital and communications standpoint. 

“The Hibs App will provide supporters with greater access to match updates, club news, videos and much more. We wanted to create a platform where fans can access all club content as easily as possible. 

“I’d like to thank Urban Zoo for their support, once again, during the build process of the app. We will continue to work with them to improve our digital products, so the Hibs App can become an all-stop shop for Hibs fans.” 

Available immediately, the App can be download on the Apple Store and is also available for Android. 

Access can be gained via the club website. 

There was a close call this morning in Chalmers Close in the Old Town where a block of stone hit the ground – luckily not hitting anyone, but shocking to those nearby.

Simon Dessain, who walked through just ahead of the block falling from a height, said: “A huge block hit the ground just metres behind me after I passed. I am not clear if it fell from crane straps or was knocked off by the crane.”

The close just off the High Street runs from the High Street to Jeffrey Street passing by Trinity Apse.

American Airlines will operate a daily summer route from Edinburgh next year for the first time since before the pandemic.

The airline will reintroduce the Edinburgh to Philadelphia daily route from May to October using a Boeing 787-800 aircraft.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Airport, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming American Airlines back to Edinburgh as they reinstate their direct seasonal service to Philadelphia. This sees us reconnecting – and significantly surpassing – all of our pre-Covid transatlantic routes, demonstrating the significant demand North American demand for Edinburgh and Scotland

“Seeing that American Airlines tailfin back in the Scottish capital is something we are all looking forward to, and we know that reconnecting our two historic cities will generate excitement on both sides of the Atlantic.”

José Freig, Vice President International Operation for American Airlines said: “The customer demand for flights to and from Europe continues to be strong as travellers seek to explore cities full of culture and history. Edinburgh was a key dot on the map for American Airlines when we first launched our Scottish service back in 2015 and we are excited to return in summer 2025.

“With this route, our customers in Scotland will have access to one of our fastest growing U.S. hubs in Philadelphia, from where they can connect to explore new destinations the U.S and beyond has to offer.”

Concerns have been raised over the state of a popular West Lothian community centre, after images showed damage caused by winter weather. 

The Lanthorn in Livingston was scheduled to reopen at the start of this year, but the building was left roofless over the winter. 

It was the first council building to have crumbling RAAC roof planks discovered, in the spring of 2021. Others, including community halls and schools, followed soon after. 

Many of the buildings, in Livingston, Bathgate and elsewhere, have since been successfully repaired. The Lanthorn remains a building site. 

The re-opening has been dogged by delays and one local councillor said this week that user groups doubt whether the new November deadline will be met. 

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has seen photographs of the extensive damage caused over the winter months.  One shows the floor looking like a swimming pool. Another shows mould growing on walls and another of the interior gutted because of water damage. 

Despite the damage, councillors have been assured that the community centre will re-open before Christmas.  

The LDRS revealed in June that a firm awarded a £2m contract in October 2022 was scheduled to have finished the work by January. The firm was given an additional £450,000 to accelerate the works earlier this year before being removed from the project.  

The LDRS understands that one of the first jobs in the spring was to set up ten dehumidifiers as well as large space heaters to dry out the building after emergency roof repairs were made. This had to be done before full refurbishment could start.   

Councillors have called for the final bill on how much it will have cost to bring the Lanthorn back into the heart of the community it has served since 1978. 

After a meeting of the Livingston South Local Area Committee yesterday (Wednesday) Councillor Moira McKee Shemilt said people feared there is no guarantee that groups would be back in the building for Christmas. 

She asked the council’s Property Manager David Baird: “How much has been lost in the building of the Lanthorn. How much overspend has there been?” 

Mr Baird said:  “I don’t have the particular figures to hand but I’m quite happy to come back with the different bits and pieces on that. I’ll come back to members with the figures and financial situation for Lanthorn.” 

Councillor McKee Shemilt said: “Nobody anticipated that they would find RAAC in the roof and nobody anticipated what would happen with the contractors, and how they would leave things in the way that they did. 

 “I understand the particular issues around it but it would be good to know what the figures are about the overspend.” 

Mr Baird replied: “We’ll certainly get that clarified but, certainly, for the meeting I’m happy to confirm that we are now currently on programme as per the updates which were given to the steering group which I know you sit on, so there’s been no change.”   

Councillor McKee Shemilt  told the LDRS: “It’s now expected to be completed by the end of November, and I know that user groups (or what used to be user groups) are sceptical about this because the date has been pushed back so often.   

“Doubt exists as to when user groups might be able to re-access the building.” 

Roof planks were removed by a contractor hired to refurbish the building after crumbling concrete RAAC roof planks were discovered in 2021. The roofing was removed in the autumn, but the building was not made wind and watertight. 

So far, the council has spent £53 million on RAAC related remedial works on different buildings in the county. 

User groups in the Lanthorn were given temporary accommodation in council venues around Livingston when the building was first closed. 

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that repairs are planned to be complete in November.  

They added: “Works to replace the roof at the Lanthorn Community Education Centre have been ongoing for some time after significant structural issues were identified. The council has fully funded the project to remove and replace the existing roof deck at The Lanthorn Centre and Chapel Annexe.  

“The new contractor has provided a programme of works and estimated timescales for the project and based on this, the estimated completion date is late November 2024, which will then allow groups to remobilise and undertake the process to move back into the building.  

“The council has confirmed that it is anticipated that the cost of the remaining works will be accommodated within the overall budget available. Updates on progress will continue to be provided throughout the year.”  

Patrick Welsh, the council’s Head of Finance and Property Services said: “I’m sure everyone will agree the focus now needs to be on completing the project works and working together over the coming months to get the facility back open. This will allow user groups to move back in as smoothly as possible and allow the wider community to once again use this important community facility.” 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Buzzworks is branching out to Musselburgh where they will open a new place to go and eat on the High Street. And the company is now recruiting for staff – both front of house and in the kitchens.

The company which owns Scotts and Thirty Knots in South Queensferry and Herringbone in town says it offers an “aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland”.

Lido will offer continental café life in Musselburgh with food and drinks available all day. The new restaurant is designed by interior designer, Jim Hamilton, with space for around 120 people. The open kitchen features a custom made pizza oven imported from Italy, and there will be a semi private dining room.

Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the opening of Lido Musselburgh, our 21st venue, and we’re excited to bring the vibrant Lido experience to the town.

“Our vision is to create a welcoming space where people can come together to enjoy Lido’s signature blend of delicious food and drinks in a relaxed, stylish setting – all offering fantastic value for money.

“Musselburgh is a fantastic town with a strong sense of community, and we’re thrilled to offer a destination that everyone can enjoy and take pride in—whether it’s for a casual coffee, a family meal, or a special celebration with friends.

“We’re looking forward to opening this winter and joining the Musselburgh community. As we prepare, our goal is to become a welcoming spot in town with a menu and atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to meet our new neighbours and be a part of the local scene.”

Stellar Monarchs square-up to arch Scottish rivals Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) in a match which means a lot to both teams.

Monarchs are desperate to lift themselves off the foot of the Cab Direct Championship table while Tigers aim to keep their play-off ambitions alive.

Both teams have changes from their regular squad. Armadale specialists Kye Thomson and Justin Sedgmen both miss out through injury for Monarchs and the Thompson twins, Dan and Joe, guest.

Glasgow have former Berwick Bandits star, Leon Flint, away for the SGB2 under-21 event and he is replaced by Ben Barker while injured No 7 Jason Garrad is replaced by Max Perry.

Of course, this is the re-staging of the match abandoned in after seven races at Armadale with Monarchs nine points ahead.

Alex Harkess (pictured right), Monarchs’ team manager, urged his men to produce their best and said: “We have two guests and we will be depending on them doing as well as the riders they are replacing.

“Whether they do or not, time will tell, but the other five need to win races and score points and keep us in front. We don’t want to be chasing our tails.

“As it is our last match of the season it is crucial that we finish on a high and we’ve not had very many high points this season.”

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Joe Thompson, Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna (captain), Dan Thompson, Max James, Connor Coles.

GLASGOW ALLIED VEHICLES TIGERS: Chris Harris (captain), Jack Smith, Anders Rowe, James Pearson, Ben Barker, Matic Ivacic, Max Perry.

Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy have been given more than £3,000 of new equipment for their football teams to use. This results from a partnership between David Pollacchi, Managing Director of Lomax Sports, and Amazon Edinburgh.

The teams are now in possession of embroidered sportswear, footballs and cones which the academy will use in partnership with the school – which has also received two sets of 11 a side school football kits.

The Kevin Thomson Academy (KTA) offers football coaching across the city through classes, private and team sessions. The Academy is run Kevin Thomson, a former Scottish professional footballer who played for clubs including Hibs, Middlesborough and Rangers.

David Pollacchi has a proven track record of making a tangible difference within communities in Edinburgh and has been formally recognised by Sportscotland, Scottish Football Association and the City of Edinburgh for driving sporting initiatives to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of children within the city.

The kit was handed over at a recent event.

Ethan Smith from Amazon in Edinburgh said: “As an avid football fan, I’m so pleased Amazon has supported Firrhill High School and the Kevin Thomson Academy with these donations. It was a pleasure meeting pupils and members of the school and academy, and I hope this donation makes a lasting impact.” 

Kevin Thomson added: “We want to express our thanks to Ethan and the team at Amazon in Edinburgh for this donation. Football is our passion and with donations like this, we can continue to support young people across the city in developing their skills and keeping fit. Huge thanks to David Pollacchi for managing and facilitating the whole process end to end over a number of months. We look forward to our training with Firrhill High School.” 

Graham Hamilton, Headteacher at Firrhill High School, said: “Thank you to David Pollacchi and Kevin Thomson, generously supported by Amazon in Edinburgh, for this donation of equipment, which means so much to our pupils. It was great to meet David, Kevin and the team from Amazon and we look forward to the sessions run by the Kevin Thomson Academy and to many victories in these new strips.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 4 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.

Dr Carol Marsh, OBE, has been appointed Deacon of the Hammermen of Edinburgh. She is the first woman appointed to the post since the guild was incorporated in 1483.

Dr Marsh is an electronic engineer and an alumnus of now fewer than five Scottish universities – Edinburgh Napier, Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde, Glasgow and Edinburgh. She was also admitted to the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame last year and is described as a true pioneer in her field. She was awarded the OBE for her work in “Diversity and Inclusion in Electronic Engineering”.

It may sound like a pop group but the Incorporation of Hammermen of Edinburgh is a trade body with a long history, and Dr Marsh confirmed to us the Edinburgh organisation is now looking for new members. She herself found the Hammermen when looking for a body which would enhance her own career.

She said: “The requirement is to have a degree or relevant qualifications in your field and have been working in that for five years. And importantly you need to have a passion for Edinburgh. There are Hammermen all over Scotland but you have to have a love for our city. I became a member of the Deacon’s Committee but I didn’t realise that meant I would eventually become Deacon. I looked up the records and found that I would be the first female Deacon which is pretty extraordinary.” Carol is also the Vice President of the Institution of Engineers and Technology.

Carol continued: “Ten per cent of engineers are women and very few get to high positions because they end up leaving. That is one of the thing I want to do is increase the number of members. There are 5,000 engineers in Edinburgh and we only have 56 members so we are trying to promote membership.”

In 2024 there are now four Lady Deacons representing five trades – the Hammermen, the Baxters, the Bonnetmakers and Dyers and the Candlemakers.

The Hammermen was historically a trade guild for any Edinburgh artisan who worked with a hammer and with hand. This included blacksmiths, saddlers and clockmakers – and any prospective member must present a masterpiece to prove their skill. Now the body has a charitable arm

“The Incorporation embraced all those who worked on metal with a hammer. They included blacksmiths, farriers, saddlers, lorimers, armourers, cutlers, sword-slippers, girdle-makers, locksmiths, tinsmiths, whiteiron-men, brass-founders, coppersmiths and pewterers. Altogether there were about 20 different disciplines. Later, clock and watchmakers were added to the Incorporation. The goldsmiths and silversmiths were originally members until about 1490-92, when they formed their own separate incorporation.”

The Deacons are usually spotted at any civic event in the capital when a procession of those wearing gowns, both trades and academia is required – such as the Riding of the Marches which passes through Holyrood Park and ends on the Royal Mile at the Mercat Cross. This year the Hammermen will be wearing the still relatively new blue robes which were only obtained last year, and which was one of Carol’s key aims on taking office.

The Deacon said that her mission statement includes obtaining a chain of office, which Carol is currently investigating. (With members who are jewellers she believes this will be an easy fix.) Another job on the to do list is to obtain an updated coat of arms and write down a succession plan. She has also made the first two awards of tool tokens to students of Edinburgh College under their revived apprenticeship award scheme.

The Hammermen raise money through their annual membership fees and donations, which is another reason why they need more members. If you would like to join then contact the organisation through its website.

Celestia

Dr Marsh explained to us the work she does with Celestia. Their project centres around communication with satellites. She said: “The satellites we are talking to are called Low Earth orbit satellites. They are whizzing around the earth about 16 times a day to connect to the internet. But every satellite needs a parabolic dish – and at the moment there are 11,000 satellites growing to around 55,000 by 2030. So what we have done is replace the need for dishes with a pyramid shape installation which has the top chopped off. This has sensors all around it and it can communicate with up to 56 satellites at the same time. It is about four metres by four so half the size of any parabolic dishes. It can also sit on the top of the data centre getting rid of the need for miles of cable. We are the world leaders in that technology.”

Magdalen Chapel

The Hammermen used to own the Magdalen Chapel in Cowgate which they used as their convening hall and headquarters from 1547 until 1858. On the board outside the chapel is also described as the Headquarters of The Scottish Reformation Society.

There is a Deacon’s Chair in the chapel and it is a fascinating place to visit.If you want to organise a private tour then this can be arranged by contacting a member of the volunteer staff info@scottishreformationsociety.org or 07857 472 394.

The chair was made by Thomas Heron of Cowgate who charged £33 13 shillings for it in 1708. It has since been restored using Russian leather from the period which was salvaged from the wreck of the Metta Catharina which went down in 1786 off the coast of Cornwall.

Dr Marsh is Engineering Director at the Scottish satellite communications firm, Celestia, which has its base in Edinburgh. The company does not actually install satellites in space, but it is in charge of the ground control. The company announced an exciting development this year with its ground terminal. This is around 20 square metres and can be installed on city centre roof tops and connect to multiple satellites – some of which, for example, are responsible for taking broadband to more rural locations. The company said this new terminal without the need for reflector antennas will “bring global connectivity one step closer”.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac), one of Scotland’s Big Four independent law firms, has become the Official Legal Partner of Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) for the next three years. 

In the role, MFMac will provide legal advice to SWF on a range of matters.

Jenny Dickson, Chair of MFMac, said: “Over the past two years working with Scottish Women’s Football, we’ve come to understand the unique challenges female players face in the sport. 

“These experiences have deepened our commitment to women’s football in Scotland. We’re honoured to partner with SWF and look forward to actively contributing to further advancements for women across the country.” 

Scottish Women’s Football CEO, Aileen Campbell, said: “We’re delighted to welcome MFMac as our Official Legal Partner. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by female players, and having their legal expertise on board will be invaluable in addressing these issues.

“As women’s football continues to grow and attract more commercial interest, having the sectoral legal expertise of MFMac in our corner will be invaluable. We’re eager to see the positive impact of this partnership and are excited about the new opportunities it will bring for players, clubs, and the entire football community.”

The Scottish Conservative leadership contest continues with Baroness Ruth Davidson lending her support to candidate Russell Findlay.

The former party leader said she will vote for Findlay in the upcoming ballot adding her name to an ever-growing list.

Mr Findlay said that he now has more support than any other candidate.

Baroness Davidson, said: “Russell Findlay ticks all the right boxes. He became an MSP after a 30-year career working as a fearless and successful investigative journalist. That experience ensures he has the natural understanding of the concerns of mainstream voters which is an essential part of effective leadership.

“He speaks from the heart and has the strength of character necessary both to make the hard calls and to build, lead and motivate a winning team.

“Over the past weeks he has clearly demonstrated he has the ideas, deeply rooted in traditional Conservative values, which can provide that positive and uplifting vision for the future of our party and country.

“He has already won the support of every single sitting Scottish Conservative MP, 12 of his MSP colleagues from every corner of Scotland, and scores of councillors across the country.

“It’s plain that with that unrivalled level of support from the party’s elected representatives, and what I know from my own conversations with grassroots members to be wide backing amongst them, only Russell can truly unify the whole of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

“He’s done what anyone serious about leading a political party must do – got out and about across the country, meeting members in their own communities and putting in the hard graft to earn their votes.

“When my ballot drops through the letterbox, Russell Findlay will have my vote. I am urging all my fellow members of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party to vote for him too.”

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Russell Findlay MSP, said: “I’m thrilled to win Ruth’s support. I hugely admire the tenacity and grit she displayed to lift our party up, become the biggest opposition party in Scotland, and win over people who had never considered voting Conservative before.

“There is only one Ruth Davidson, but I’m determined to do what it takes to get our party back winning again.

“I’m not a career politician. I know how many people in the real world feel that Holyrood doesn’t represent them – and I’m putting forward common-sense Conservative policies to win those people over.

“I’m proud to have already gained the support of every Scottish Conservative MP, more MSPs than any other candidate, dozens of councillors and grassroots supporters across Scotland.

“If party members elect me, I’ll stand up for Conservative values of aspiration, opportunity, decency and the rule of law.”

Nine Hibs players will represent their nations during the September 2024 international break. 

Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller joined up with Graham Arnold’s Socceroos at the start of the week for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 

They will face Bahrain (Thursday 5 September, 11:10am UK time kick-off), and Indonesia (Tuesday 10 September, 1pm UK time kick-off). 

This is the start of Australia’s third round qualifying group. They progressed having topped Group I in the second round beating Palestine, Lebanon and Bangladesh home and away. 

Miller has a slight knock on his knee, so will be unavailable for the first game against Bahrain. However, he might be available for the Indonesia match. 

Boyle currently has 28 caps for Australia, whilst Miller has six. 

Kieron Bowie and Murray Johnson have both been called up to Scotland’s Under-21s squad. 

Bowie has caught the eye of many Hibs fans since his summer switch to Easter Road, whilst Johnson has impressed on loan at Airdrieonians.  

Scotland’s Under-21s will continue their Euro qualifying campaign, currently sitting second in their group behind Spain. 

They will face Spain (Friday 6 September, 7pm UK time kick-off) and Malta (Tuesday 10 September, 5.30pm UK time kick-off) this month. 

Bowie currently has nine caps for the young Scots, whilst Johnson is looking for his first. 

 Rudi Molotnikov and Rory Whittaker have also been selected by Scotland’s youth teams – being called up for the Under-19s. 

Molotnikov has been a regular for Neil MacFarlane’s side earning nine caps to date, whilst Whittaker is looking for his first cap at that level. 

Scotland’s Under-19s will face Azerbaijan (Wednesday 4 September, 6pm UK time kick-off), the Faroe Islands (Friday 6 September, 4pm UK time kick-off), and the Netherlands (Monday 9 September, 6pm UK time kick-off). 

Nathan Moriah-Welsh  has joined up with Guyana for the September international break. 

The Golden Jaguars face Suriname (Thursday 5 September, 9pm UK time kick-off) and Martinique (Monday 9 September, 9pm UK time kick-off) in the CONCAF Nations League. 

Alongside the two sides they face this month, Guyana will also face Costa Rica, Guadalupe, and Guatemala in their group. 

Moriah-Welsh has 16 caps for Guyana. 

Rocky Bushiri will spend the September international break with the DR Congo men’s team. 

They will face Guinea (Friday 6 September, 5pm UK time kick-off) and Ethiopia (Monday 9 September, 8pm UK time kick-off) in their African Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

The centre-back has two caps for DR Congo so far! 

Nohan Kenneh could also feature in African Cup of Nations qualifiers, but with the Liberia National Team. 

The defensive midfielder could face Togo (Friday 6 September, 5pm UK time kick-off) and Algeria (Tuesday 10 September, 5pm kick-off) as the ‘The Lone Stars’ look to qualify for the major tournament. 

He currently has 10 caps for Liberia. 

One of the world’s top jazz singers, Kurt Elling joins the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra at the Queen’s Hall on Sunday 29 September at 7:30pm.

An established friend of the SNJO, Chicago-born Elling has chosen music by some of the greatest and most popular songwriters and composers of the past seventy years for his latest visit to Scotland.

Big band classics by Duke Ellington and Count Basie and show tunes by Rodgers & Hart are represented, as are pop songs by the Police and Joe Jackson, whose 1982 transatlantic hit, Steppin’ Out gives this concert its name.

“Kurt Elling is a phenomenon,” says SNJO Artistic Director Tommy Smith. “Since 2012 he has collaborated with us on a series of captivating and diverse programmes. From honouring the legendary Frank Sinatra to crafting the seasonal spiritual experience of Spirit of Light and delving into profound philosophical themes in works such as Apparition Bridge and Syntopicon, Kurt’s artistic vision knows no bounds.”

Recognition for Elling’s talents has been plentiful. In the US he has won two Grammy Awards, having been nominated sixteen times, and he topped the prestigious Downbeat magazine Critics Poll on fourteen consecutive occasions from 2000 to 2013, subsequently adding to this success. He has also won three Prix du Jazz Vocal in France, two German Echo Awards, two Dutch Edison Awards and the International Jazz Artist of the Year title at the Jazz FM Awards.

“As well as putting his own stamp on established songs including, in these concerts, Come Fly with Me and You Are Too Beautiful, Kurt has written definitive lyrics for tunes by jazz masters including saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist-composer Carla Bley and the revolutionary bassist Jaco Pastorius,” says Smith. “We’re looking forward to delivering these with him in vibrant orchestral arrangements.”

For Smith, this latest collaboration with Elling is a particularly exciting way for the SNJO to open its 2024/25 season.

“Working with Kurt is always inspiring and his choice of material for these concerts is sure to stimulate our audiences and musicians alike. Steppin’ Out promises both the reassuringly familiar and, as jazz was once famously described, the sound of surprise.”

https://www.thequeenshall.net/book/220401

Every time Hidden Door Festival takes place, it moves to a new location – and the location for next year is just about the biggest yet – on Turnhouse Road.

In November Hidden Door will hold a venue launch party at The Paper Factory in Maybury Quarter, on a 15.5 acre site formerly occupied by Saica, a company which manufactured paper and cardboard. And then in spring 2025 the full blown Hidden Door Festival will take over the large site.

The festival which is staffed by volunteers offers a platform for new and emerging artists musicians and makers. In the past the festival has been held in Leith Theatre, Market Street Arches, The old Royal High School on Regent Road and in the former Scottish Widows building next to the Royal Commonwealth Pool. It is common that after a Hidden Door event the spotlight is shone on the building as a development prospect, and the festivals are all one-off opportunities to see inside buildings which may be demolished or otherwise be off limits.

The preview event with live music, visual art and performances will take place on 22 and 23 November when Hidden Door will show off the spaces which they plan to transform by spring. Details will be announced next month, but as is usual access on the Saturday during the day will be free.

There are warehouses, factory floors and offices. The location is next to the Edinburgh Gateway tram and rail station and so has excellent transport links.

Hazel Johnson, Festival Director of Hidden Door, said: “Every new venue we take on presents unique opportunities and challenges, and this vast space is no different. We can’t wait to start work transforming the towering buildings, acres of warehouses and – in true Hidden Door style – all the nooks and crannies into one of our most ambitious arts venues yet.

“In addition to the festival, The Paper Factory will provide a base for Hidden Door to work with artists on site specific performance and art, commission new work and take huge steps towards our sustainability goals with workshops, studios and more.

“Our Venue Launch Party in November will provide a sneak peek into what we have in store – we look forward to welcoming you to the Paper Factory!”

The property has been vacant since Saica moved to Livingston where they now have a purpose built factory. Summix Capital is a company of regeneration specialists which is developing proposals for the site which lies in a key position near the Crosswind Development and also other housing on Maybury Road. Hidden Door have access to the site and the buildings until the end of 2025.

Stuart Black, Development Director for Summix Capital, said: “We are proud to be part of Hidden Door’s story by making this unique space available to them and the creative community they have built.

“Our vision is for Maybury Quarter Edinburgh to be one of the most exciting and best-connected development sites in Scotland. We’re really excited to see what Hidden Door’s artists can do with the space this autumn and throughout 2025.”

Tickets are now available at hiddendoorarts.org/tickets

Hidden Door is supported by Creative Scotland’s Extended Project Fund.

Edinburgh-born climbing coach Rachel Carr had a ringside seat as Team GB’s Toby Roberts struck gold at the Paris Olympics

And even though Rachel, at 28, is young enough to have taken part herself especially having previously represented Great Britain and won various titles she wouldn’t have had it any other way in providing active support to Roberts, Hamish McArthur, Erin McNeice and Molly Thompson-Smith in the Le Bourget Climbing Arena.

“I think I am much better suited to coaching” says former Royal High School student Rachel who was one of four GB coaches in Paris and is currently head of a major performance centre in Sheffield.

“So, no regrets. To see what these athletes do in nine hour days I would have struggled, Also, they have so much natural talent.

“As a coach I brought a realisation of the things I couldn’t quite do, grips etc, and use those experiences to work out ways I can help others.

“Moving from Edinburgh to Sheffield wasn’t that drastic. I knew a lot of coaches and within six months I was promoted to head coach.”

Toby Roberts earned his gold medal when a main rival slipped within touching distance of finishing his climb.

“I’ve not been involved with Toby as much as one of the other coaches and his father but I have supported him between competitions for the past three years.

“Watching him win was bizarre – even he didn’t think he’d get gold – but the Olympic event itself was similar to world championships given the size of the arena.

“Next up are more of these world championship events with the season running until October and I’m look forward to those.”

Rachel is also optimistic that Paris success will mean an appropriate level of funding going towards the Lost Angeles Games..

“It isn’t so much Toby’s gold medal as the fact that GB were one of only a few teams to enter all four events that should help when submitting a new funding bid which will be required soon” she says.

Maybe by LA, too, some Scots will force their way into selection?

“There are certainly a few coming through” she says in a reference to the Ratho Centre where her Olympic journey started, aged eight.

One of those might be Andrew Goodall, a 19-year-old from Currie highlighted in these columns a few months ago and of whom Rachel says: “Speed climber, definitely up and coming at the minute.”

A national campaigner for homeowners hit by crumbling concrete has urged West Lothian council to use its own money to help the more than 300 private homeowners affected in the county. 

Wilson Chowdhrym of the UK RAAC Campaign Group told a meeting of the West Lothian Council’s Executive this week they should “step up” to help homeowners facing losing hefty bills for structural surveys and repairs. 

RAAC roofs have been identifed in council and privately owned homes in Bathgate, Linlithgow Broxburn and Craigshill in Livingston. 

The council has already raised the issues facing homeowners in its initial meetings with the Housing Minister Paul McLennan and his officials and plans to reiterate the need for national policies and help for homeowners . 

The Executive passed a motion from Labour urging greater cooperation and as well as assistance from the insurance and mortgage industries and also in structural surveys. 

It voted down an amendment from Conservative Angela Doran-Timson calling the council to urge Holyrood to give financial help to homeowners. 

Earlier Mr Chowdhry urged the council to use the Scheme of Assistance to help homeowners. 

He told the meeting: “The homeowners needed to know every possible solution is being considered. Homeowners deserve clear answers, real support and immediate action.” 

The Scheme of Assistance is a system of financial and non-financial help that local authorities can provide for private housing, which is in disrepair or below the tolerable standard, or needs to be adapted because a person is disabled.  It does not extend to roof replacement or repair. 

Mr Chowdhry was joined by some of the homeowners from Chestnut Grove who are currently in dispute with Almond Housing. 

A lengthy debate saw all sides of the chamber agree that more support should be given to the homeowners and there was general agreement that the Scottish Government should formulate a national response to the RAAC issue, not only for homeowners but across the school and health service estate. 

Officials have described the talks with Holyrood as constructive and ongoing and there are plans to meet with the Housing Minister again next month. Officials were encouraged that Mr McLennan had come to Livingston to meet senior councillors and housing staff. 

  Consensus at the meeting diverged on whether the Scottish Government should be specifically asked to offer financial help to homeowners.  

Councillor Doran-Timson had suggested adding this to a motion proposed by Labour group and council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick. He rejected the suggestion, highlighting the motion already said the motion urged the Scottish government: “ to explore any support which may be available to homeowners.” 

Councillor Willie Boyle referred to Deans South where homeowners had to campaign for almost 20 years for help after tenants were moved out.    

He agreed with Lib Dem Councillor Sally Pattle’s assertion that West Lothian Council had been at the forefront of tackling RAAC issues, but added: “It’s also been through the situation with Deans South. I would hate to think that we are going to put more people through the long drawn-out, absolutely cringeworthy situation that we put people in in Deans South, where homeowners were left isolated as homes around them were demolished.That was not a good reflection on West Lothian Council. Please don’t let this happen again. Let’s try and include everyone.” 

He added: “There is a national problem here that Westminster needs to step up and recognise.” 

 Councillor Damian Doran-Timson branded councillor Fitzpatrick’s refusal to accept the Conservative amendment as “churlish and ignorant towards homeowners”. 

He added: “I don’t see the point of not taking the amendment on board apart from the fact that it wasn’t a Labour idea, which we’ve known for the last seven years is that it doesn’t go through if it doesn’t have that stamp on it.” 

Labour’s councillor Tom Conn said: The issue of housing is devolved to the Scottish Government. If the Scottish Government wants to wash its hands of it then it should pass it back to Westminster.   There’s been no offer under any circumstance whatsoever. If the Scottish government isn’t getting any money it needs to the go the UK government.” 

 Councillor   Fitzpatrick defended his motion and said “there are no games being played here. If you read my motion the third paragraph makes it clear we request the government to explore any support. 

“We have already had a very constructive meeting with the Scottish minister. The concerns of homeowners were put to the minister. He has agreed to go away and consider all these concerns.  The amendment would seek to move the goalposts in a meeting with the minister.” 

The Labour motion was backed eight votes to five. 

Speaking after the meeting a council spokesperson said: “West Lothian Council has pro-actively raised the issues of homeowners with the Scottish Government and this will continue.  

“At this point, the Scottish Government has not confirmed any additional funding for council, RSLs or private homeowners.”  

“The council is taking all necessary steps to address the issues caused by RAAC within council homes and we continue to liaise with council tenants.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Citizens Rights Project is holding a Summit for Change on Monday 9 September at Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge.

Members of the group are coming together for a watch party “to come together in solidarity”.

The party will tune in to watch an event taking place in London where keynote speakers such as Pedro Serrano (the EU Ambassador to the UK) and Nick Thomas-Symonds (Minister for the Cabinet Office and Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations) will talk about the importance of EU citizens’ rights in the EU/UK future relationship.

Many EU citizens are expected to attend both the Edinburgh and London events to share their personal experiences. The aim is to secure commitments from different political parties from a panel of MPs who will react to the proposals set out in the group’s Manifesto for Change.

Blackburn could soon have its own Post Office again after a local shopkeeper proposed taking over a local community centre. 

Abdul Manan said he would look to open a Post Office branch in the former Trindleyknowe Centre on Bathgate Road which he plans to convert to a convenience store. 

If successful it would mean residents no longer having to go to Bathgate to access a Post Office. 

The town lost its sub post office in the Mill Centre in February 2020 as plans   were drawn up for the redevelopment of the failing shopping centre. 

While that work is now well under way locals have, for the last four years, had to make the three-mile trip into Bathgate to use the Post Office in North Bridge Street- or go further to West Calder. 

West Lothian Council’s Executive this week agreed the sale of the building to a local businessman for £110,000.  

In a report to the Executive   David Baird Property and Development Manager said the Post Office backed the idea “in principle”. 

The offer from Mr Manan for the council building – formerly used as the Blackburn Family centre: “was the highest offer to purchase received at the closing date and officers are satisfied that it represents full market value for the property,” the report added. 

 Mr Baird added: “Mr Manan currently leases commercial premises from the council in Hopefield Drive, Blackburn from where he operates a licensed convenience store business.  

“In addition to continuing with his existing business, Mr Manan proposes to purchase the former Trindleyknowe Centre and seek the necessary statutory consents to operate a further licensed convenience store from the property, which he proposes would include a post office counter.   

“Officers have discussed Mr. Manan’s proposals directly with the Post Office’s Network Provision Lead Officer, who confirmed that there is currently an opportunity within Blackburn to provide permanent post office facilities and that, subject to standard Post Office processes and statutory consents being secured, the former Trindleyknowe Centre property would, in principle, be suitable for that use.”  

The property was previously leased to Blackburn Family Centre Limited for use as a day centre.  The Family Centre went into liquidation in July last year, and their lease came to an end. The council has no operational use for the property, and it was formally declared surplus by the  Executive in October last year, at which time it was agreed that the property should be marketed for sale or lease. 

The Executive agreed  to the sale without comment. 

The offer is subject to Mr Manan securing planning permission for a change of use and also subject to him securing an alcohol licence from the Licensing Board. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter