Plans for Edinburgh Council to officially adopt a position that sex work is ‘not a valid form of work’ have been described as “dangerous” by a union warning it will lead to further harm.

As the Scottish Government seeks to implement its ‘Equally Safe’ strategy, local authorities have been asked to have a ‘clear position statement in place that recognises commercial sexual exploitation as a form of violence against women and girls’. 

Last week city councillors were set to debate the controversial move, which wouldn’t result in any immediate changes but could influence how strip clubs are regulated in future and other policy decision-making.

However a report containing the one-page statement was pulled from the policy and sustainability committee at the last minute to give members more time to consider the impact. It is due to be tabled again in October.

Since taking power at the City Chambers in 2022 the Labour administration has made two failed attempts to end the operation of the city’s ‘sexual entertainment venues’ (SEVs) by setting the maximum number of venues at zero, and has supported this new position being adopted.

If approved it would be the official view of the council that sex work, which includes “escorting, camming, sugar daddying/sugar mummying, online videos and galleries, peep shows, and live sex shows”, is not a “valid form of work and / or a civil right, which should be legalised and regulated”.

But Sex Workers’ Union, who defeated the council in court over its first bid to ban strip clubs, said it was “an inherently dangerous position for the council to dictate that all sex work is exploitation and violence”.

And it criticised the authority for not directly engaging with sex workers or pro-decriminalisation organisations about the plans before putting them in front of councillors.

“It not only removes sex workers ability to decide for themselves where they have and have not experienced violence, but removes our ability to access workers’ rights, which would enable us to fight against any exploitation in our workplaces,” a spokesperson for the union said.

Deputy council leader Mandy Watt said: “Job fairs, careers advice at school, job centres. It’s not a valid form of work because none of those are entry routes to that type of work – and rightly so.

“Therefore their [SWU’s] argument that it’s just a job like any other, it’s not.

“There’s already been a lot of consultation and research done by experts that is contained within the report.

“A large part of it is around societal attitudes and around the growth in accessing unsuitable material in schools; young people accessing pornography and stuff that leads to sexism, misogyny and objectification.”

Cllr Watt said SEV licensing has to be reviewed annually anyway, and it would be up to the regulatory committee to decide any changes. “We would invite the Equally Safe team to have input to the committee and they would say this is our position on it,” she added.

The report to councillors said there was “overwhelming support” for the position statement from “professionals across agencies, services, organisations and specialisms in Edinburgh”.

It said this “demonstrates the widespread recognition of the harms of the sex industry in all its various forms, and its impacts on individuals, families, communities and society”.

The aim of implementing it is to “further embed the Equally Safe strategy across Edinburgh and to improve service response to the needs of people affected by commercial exploitation”.

The report admitted the council had been through “considerable turmoil” from the two attempts to set a ‘nil cap’ on SEVs, and the current policy which allows the existing three lap dancing bars to stay open ‘is incongruent with the proposed position statement, which can lead to reputational risk for the council’.

It added: “Although not enforceable, the proposed position statement directly opposes both the licensing of SEVs as well as the legitimate existence of saunas in Edinburgh, thus contradicting existing policies in this area.”

SWU called on councillors to reject it.

“Both national and international evidence, including from various UN working groups and bodies, demonstrates that further criminalising sex workers or their clients creates conditions where sex workers are more likely to be exploited and experience violence,” the union said.

“If Edinburgh City Council is to make a policy decision that directly impacts sex workers, it not only needs to consult those workers, but make an evidence led decision – instead of one informed by the councillors’ subjective morals.

“Sex workers don’t need councillors to “save” us, we need access to human rights, as well as the labour rights and legal protections that all workers are due, so we can enforce safe working conditions through collective worker power and trade union representation.

“We are sex workers and we will continue to oppose the Equally Safe strategy, because it is not safe for us.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Claims visitors to a holiday let in North Berwick were behind the disappearance of more than 50 parcels delivered to the building in 10 months were branded ‘incredible’ at a meeting this week.

East Lothian’s licensing chiefs heard a neighbour of the flat had said he believed guests were ‘stealing’ the parcels saying his family had lost more than 20 deliveries and others were affected.

But agent for the holiday let owner Ross Armstrong, from STL Solutions, pointed out Police Scotland had no record of any complaint of theft from the building and said an investigation carried out by the owner found no-one else saying they had missing packages.

Speaking on behalf of flat owner Jeremy Sparks, Mr Armstrong told a meeting of the council’s licensing sub committee: “Nobody was forthcoming in saying that any item had gone missing so while I would never go as far as to say the objector is being disingenuous, clearly they are labouring under a misconception.

“I personally find it incredible that someone would book an Airbnb, subject themselves to an ID check, pay a deposit, pay a substantial sum on a nightly rate to simply gain access to a building in the hopes they might be able to steal items that may or may not be present in common areas.

” If thefts were taking place on an opportunistic basis, again I would find it incredible that more than 50 items would go missing from the building without Police Scotland becoming, in some way, involved.

“The applicant’s position is that there is no evidence and nothing to link it to their property.”

The licensing subcommittee was told that the holiday let was one of six flats in the building with a communal stairwell.

It received an objection to an application for a licence to operate the short term let from neighbour Richard Montgomery who said his family had been subject to noise issues, incidents involving ‘vicious’ dogs staying in the property and missing parcels.

He said: “We believe some guests have been stealing our valuable delivered parcels. We as a family have lost over 20 items.

“In the last ten months the number of missing items has increased with each of the six apartments (over 50 items).”

The committee was told by its legal adviser that in regard to the theft allegations police had no record of any allegations adding “there is no actual proof as to who, if anyone, is responsible for the disappearance of any item of mail and in particular that it was at any time a resident of this particular flat.”

Committee members heard Mr Sparks had installed a noise monitoring system in the flat which alerted him and his local management team when there was a disturbance allowing them to respond quickly.

He acknowledged there had been an incident regarding a guest staying with dogs who were described as ‘yappy’ but said it was dealt with quickly and a pet ban was now in place for people staying at the flat.

He added neighbours in the building were sent hampers from Marks & Spencer as an apology for any disturbance.

Councillor Lachlan Bruce said the actions of the applicant in installing a noise monitor and addressing issues raised showed he took complaints seriously.

He said: “This is what we want to see in licensees in East Lothian and I am quite happy to grant the licence.”

The committee was told by its legal adviser that in regard to the theft allegations police had no record of any allegations adding “there is no actual proof as to who, if anyone, is responsible for the disappearance of any item of mail and in particular that it was at any time a resident of this particular flat.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Hibs will host Scotland in their crucial EURO 2025 Semi-Final Playoff second leg.  

The match takes place on Tuesday 29 October, with a 7.35pm kick-off at Easter Road.  

Full fixture details, including tickets and hospitality information will be released in due course.  

On route to the play-offs, Scotland Women’s topped group B2 after an unbeaten qualification campaign.  

They are now four games away from securing a spot at EURO 2025, with the winner of the play-off semi-final facing either Finland or Montenegro.  

The first leg takes place on Friday 25 October in Budapest. 

Hearts have drawn Belarus side Dinamo Minsk away in the Conference League along with Copenhagen (A), who put out Kilmarnock, German combine Heidenheim (H), Omonoia (H), one of the most successful football clubs in Cyprus, Cercle Bruges (A) from Belgium and they are at Tynecastle to face Petrocub from Hincesti in Moldova who have a capacity of 1,100 in their home stadium.

Each side faces six different teams with three home and three away games as opposed to eight in the other two Euro competitions, the Champions League and Europa League.

The top eight in the league qualify automatically for the knockout stages while the teams finishing in ninth to 24^th place will compete in a two-leg play-off to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition.

Christian Karembeu, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid and the World Cup with France in 1998, was involved and Hearts were in pot four alongside Cercle Brugge, Dublin-based Shamrock Rovers, The New Saints (TNS), who made Welsh football history by securing a place in the Europa Conference League group, Swiss combine Lugano and Mlada Boleslav from the Czech First League.

Some other facts from the draw and Shamrock Rovers were among the first teams out of the hat and they will travel to London to face big-spending Chelsea who will also face Gent (H) from Belgium, German combine Heidenheim (A), Astana from Kazakhstan (A), Greek side Panathinaikos (A) who play in Athens, and Noah (H) from Armenia.

The New Saints travel to Italy to play Fiorentina who played Hearts in a previous tournament.

In the Europa League, Rangers will play both Manchester United and Tottenham, managed by ex-Celtic boss, Ange Postecoglou.

The Ibrox men entertain Spurs, travel to Old Trafford in Manchester, face Lyon at home, Olympiakos, based in Piraeus near Athens, away, Belgian side Union SG at Ibrox, go to Sweden to play Malo, they are at home against FCSB from Bucharest in Romania and also travel to France to play Nice.

A West Lothian home-owner has been left furious after being ordered to rip out a fence she spent thousands of pounds installing to protect her garden. 

Dawn Gardner appealed after a retrospective application for the fence was rejected and spent more than £680 preparing an appeal. 

Councillors rejected that appeal after around 10 minutes of confused discussion at the Local Review Body, which had planning officials looking uncertain at what was happening. 

Dawn said she couldn’t believe the way the meeting was conducted and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I want to raise a complaint on how the committee handled the meeting. It was shameful.  

“My husband was watching the meeting. He didn’t even know the fence had been declined.” 

Dawn added: “They took six or seven minutes to discuss my appeal and the reason it was objected to was because one councillor didn’t like the look of the fence. That is not a valid reason.  

“You’re being asked to pay £600 for an appeal and it is not even going to be entertained, within six minutes is going to be dismissed, your appeal will not get taken into account.” 

Dawn put up the fence after becoming tired of picking up dog mess as well as her family seeing the anti- social behaviour on the ground alongside her Eliburn home.  

 She told the LDRS that while the dog mess was bad enough, worse was having drunks urinating against the garden wall just feet from her back door. 

Having put up the fence however, she found that her application was refused by a planning officer, and so appealed to the Local Review Body to have that refusal overturned, providing a detailed statement and photographs. 

At the planning meeting there was confusion over details such as the height of the fence, and whether the length was 60ft or 60m – and even planning officers seemed uncertain at rambling remarks and questions from councillors.    

“It’s a massive let down.,” Dawn said. “From all that West Lothian Council asked us to do and what they did in return. There was nobody there to speak for us, nobody there to read my appeal.  There was nobody there to represent us so our voices weren’t heard.” 

She now plans to appeal to the Scottish Government and has written to her MP to complain about the way the meeting was handled. 

Dawn said: “If they [councillors] had walked around the estate, they would have seen that others have put fences like this up on their gable ends. I have not done anything wrong.” 

Dawn had fenced off ground – around 200 sq m off land – because she was fed up with it being used by people letting their dogs mess, and by others using it as a shortcut alongside her back door and across her driveway. The house lies on a direct footpath route to Livingston North railway station. 

She and her husband Sacha have to maintain the land – it is not maintained by a factor. The previous owner of the house had to pay for the removal of diseased trees from the site which bounds the curving slope of Waverley Crescent as it climbs from the entrance road to the estate. 

Neighbours living across the road had no objection to the fence – one even wrote supporting it – but the local Eliburn Community Council objected, as did a neighbour from the other side of the estate around Waverley Crescent. 

Dawn had also raised fears about security around her property and was angry that councillors had dismissed her concerns 

 “They’re more worried about the colour of the fence. How many councillors would like to have people stand at the top of their garden and look down into their homes? “ 

Few homes on the estate have the open space designed around them when they were first built. Many have installed boundary fences, large and small and many more have grown hedges, shrubbery and tall trees along their boundaries.  

Dawn said: “No one has been challenged. The estate is almost 30 years old but the world isn’t the same as it was 30 years ago. We don’t live the same as we did 30 years ago.” 

Planning officers said security and dog fouling were not relevant planning issues, but the visual amenity of the area was. 

 A report to the LRB said: “The land in this case is owned by the applicants which is common for areas of landscaping such as these to belong to the house owner. However, these areas do not form part of the curtilage and are designed to be an area of public landscaping to benefit the estate as a whole. 

“Amenity landscaping such as this is purposefully included within residential areas to contribute positively to the visual amenity of an area and prevent fences from being hard up against the pavement resulting in a more open and green appearance to housing areas.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

East Lothians’ newest service station has been launched  on the site of a former racetrack.

Macmerry Services, which is just off the A1, is only the third in Scotland to open in partnership with the Co-op which has a store on the site.

The service station has been built on land which was previously used for go-kart racing and outdoor activities.

Thrill-seekers paradise Raceland closed its doors six years ago and the land was taken on by Euro Garage Ltd (EG On The Move).

Following the closure of the go kart track it became a target for fly-tippers and fire bugs before the main building was demolished.

Work on the site, which is also expected to add a McDonald’s drive thru, retail units, a builders yard and two trade warehouses, began last year.

The petrol station and Co-op are now open for business with the 24-hour service station including four electric vehicle charging points; 10 fuel pumps at the front plus six HGV and four AdBlue pumps.

The food service offer at the roadside service station also includes a Starbucks drive-through; Subway and Greggs.

A soft plastic recycle unit is available in store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yoghurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches .

David Macleod, Co-op store manager said: “The whole team is delighted to be part of the launch of a state-of-the art roadside services and brand new Co-op store.

Zuber Issa, EG On The Move, CEO added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Co-op to roll out their new convenience store formats.

“This partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail service.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

World boxing champion Josh Taylor was officially presented with the Freedom of East Lothian at a ceremony last night – three years after it was originally awarded to him.

The Tartan Tornado, who was born and raised in Prestonpans in the county, won Commonwealth Gold in Glasgow in 2014, a year before turning professional.

In May 2021, he became the first British fighter to become an undisputed light-welterweight world champion in the ‘four belt era’ by simultaneously holding world titles from all four bodies: World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, World Boxing Organisation and the International Boxing Federation.

East Lothian councillors voted the following month to make Josh a Freeman of the county however due to Covid restrictions and the boxer’s training and fighting commitments, they were unable to hold a civic ceremony until last night.

East Lothian Provost John McMillan presented the award and praised Josh for reaching his goals through hard work and dedication.

He was joined at the ceremony by the wife and daughter of the late council leader Willie Innes, who passed away a few months after the decision in November 2021.

Councillor McMillan told those attending that it was Councillor Innes who fought for funding to ensure he was able to follow his dream.

He said: “Councillor Willie Innes recognised your potential as you were coming through the amateur ranks and was keen to make sure that you were able to develop your talents and compete on bigger and better stages.

“He worked with council officers to identify financial support for you, Josh, and other East Lothian athletes who were preparing to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 home Commonwealth Games.

“H was so proud when he saw you achieve Gold in Glasgow and again when you became World Champion.”

Councillor McMillan added: “I hope that this honour will be as much a source of pride for you as your Olympic and Commonwealth medals.

“Every step you have taken in your sporting career, your achievements in the ring and on the world boxing stage, have brought you to this moment and we
are proud that you’re here to share it with us and to be recognised by the county that is home to you.”

The Freedom of East Lothian is awarded as a mark of respect, although historically it once offered certain rights to the ‘freeman’.

Josh received the award watched by proud parents Jamie and Diane as well as his wife Danielle and sister Finch.

He thanked Councillor Innes and East Lothian Council for their support in helping him reach the top of the sport.

He said: “It was great of East Lothian Council to get behind me so early on in my career.

“Almost until I turned professional, they supported me. It is a huge thank you and it goes a long distance and has definitely played its part in me being able to continue the journey to get to where I got to.

“Without that, I would not have reached it.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

With a name like Multiply this creative firm is duty bound to grow – and it is announcing a recruitment drive and new board members.

Founders David Bradley-Bird, Kate Fenton & Mark Fowlestone have added three members to the leadership team Emma Strain (Group Account Director), Graeme Clark (Creative Director) and James King (Ideation Director).

The company has also made a number of senior promotions including Marketing Society Future Leader – Kate Newton (Strategy Director), Mandy Hamilton (Design Lead) and Adam Copeland (Integrated Creative Lead). 

The company is an independent creative agency supporting a range of clients such as Heinz Beanz Muzeum  and Sleepeezee.

Mark Fowlestone of Multiply said: “We’re almost 21 years old but vibrancy is still in our hearts. An all-new leadership team and great new recruits takes us forward with a new air of desire and ambition – the marketing & media landscape has changed enormously in recent years, and it’s vital we embrace this.
Our ethos is all about “Multiplying Brand Possibilities” and our expanding collective of creative and strategic minds have an unlimited creative canvas here to tackle our clients’ challenges. Our experience and insight give us a simplicity of thought and the power to drive change. We’re proud to be an independent creative agency but more so to be thoroughly independently minded.”

Homelessness charity Social Bite is asking people to take part in the 40 day 100-mile challenge which begins on 1 September.

Anyone can take part and the miles can be racked up skipping, swimming, walking or running – whatever suits. Someone has set themselves the task of completing a route which will mark out the words Social Bite on a Strava map.

This is the second year the challenge has taken place to raise funds for Social Bite who provide housing, jobs and food for those affected by homelessness.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, said: “The 100 Mile Challenge is a great way for people to get involved in helping us raise crucial funds in a fun way which suits them, and can easily fit into their schedule.

“We always love seeing the ways people decide to get involved and encourage them to get creative with how they do their 100 miles. Be it solo, a group of friends, or colleagues, we can’t wait to see how you approach this challenge, and remember to share your progress on social media so we can join you on your journey!”

Challengers can earn rewards for hitting fundraising targets, from t-shirts and tote bags to shout-outs and spotlights from the charity as a big thank you for their efforts.

Social Bite encourages participants to share their journey through social media, email updates, and on their fundraising pages.

Sign up now to get involved: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/100milechallenge

Drumtassie Coarse Fishery near Blackridge is closed and bosses are unsure when it will re-open. A burst water pipe on the road is understood to have caused the damage which has also flooded the recently built canal designed for pole fishing.

Chanelle Maver, the fishery manager, hopes to re-open in a week but said: “A water pipe has burst and ripped up the road into the fishery and, unfortunately, the new canal has been flooded.”

Ms Maver added: “Scottish Water are going to do their best to get this sorted out as soon as possible but I have not got an exact day when we will be open as it is not safe for anyone to be fishing.”

The coarse fishing pond is less than a mile away from the popular trout fishery which is not affected. However, the new brown trout pond is adjacent to the coarse fishery and also uses the same car park.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Bank Fishing Team are holding a fund-raiser at Burnhouse Lochan Fishery near Bonnybridge on Saturday, October 5, to raise cash towards the international at Ellerdine Lakes near Telford later this year.

Scotland won gold at New Haylie near Largs last Autumn and the Tartan team is determined to hold onto the silverware.

PICTURE: Chanelle Maver at the fishery before the canal was built. Picture Nigel Duncan

John Donaldson from East Lothian is in the team and he confirmed that there are prizes for the winner and three two runners-up plus spot prizes.

Burnhouse owner, Maisy May, is hosting a lunch, and they are pretty spectacular, and 24 places are available at £40 each. A £20 deposit secures a place.

Those interested should contact Burnhouse or any members of the team. Contact numbers are Burnhosue 07889 603160 or John Donaldson on 0770 442 6751.  

Meanwhile, Barry McEwan (Port Seton), who represented Scotland in the world championships last year, hooked into 12 fish for 245cm to win round nine of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League.

James Ogilvie, the club secretary, from Haddington was runner-up with eight fish for 199cm with Neil Anderson (North Berwick) third on nine fish for 196cm.

Graham Meadows (St Boswells) was fourth with seven fish and Chris Empson (Dunbar) fifth on five fish with Alan Brown, the club chairman from West Barns, sixth with two fish.

McEwan won the heaviest bag prize with Empson, also a Scotland international, taking the longest fish prize with a specimen of 34cm.

The final round is in two weeks at a venue to be decided. See the club’s Facebook page for details.

A Scottish racecourse is bringing a touch of Munich to Musselburgh in hosting its first Oktoberfest Raceday.

Bavarian beer steins will clink to the tunes of one of the UK’s top oompah bands at the raceday on Saturday 14 September, which also features seven top Flat races, including the Musselburgh Gold Cup.

Taking its lead from the famous Munich Oktoberfest, now in its 189^th year and which runs from September into October, a Bavarian marquee will be the focal point for the East Lothian track’s festivities.

Stein holding and keg rolling competitions are planned and Oktoberfest themed street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.

The Jager Maestros – a German Oompah Band – features seven of the country’s finest brass players and will get the afternoon underway with a mesmerising journey through Oktoberfest songs and games. A past sell-out act at the Edinburgh Fringe, they are in demand at Oktoberfests throughout Europe and have been a hit with audiences across the UK.

The feature race of the day is the £20,000 Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first contest provisionally timed for 4.10pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “Oktoberfest is a phenomenon and anyone who has been fortunate to visit Munich or other events will know how much fun they are.

“We wanted to introduce a taste of Munich to Musselburgh and our own Oktoberfest promises to be a brilliant afternoon and evening out as we finish off our summer season. We are encouraging racegoers to don their finest lederhosen – but it is not essential!”

Gates open on 14 September at 1.30pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Provisional first and last race times are 4:10pm and 7.20pm respectively. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Hibs fans received some much-needed positive team news ahead of the trip to Rugby Park this weekend. 

Hibs travel to Ayrshire this Sunday (1 September) to play Kilmarnock, with both teams looking for their first win of the league campaign. 

And those fans travelling through for the game could see Junior Hoilett make his debut for the Club after he returned to full training this weekend, alongside Elie Youan who is also making his way back to full fitness. 

Speaking to Hibs TV on Thursday afternoon, Head Coach Gray said that the mood in the camp has been a positive one and has been impressed with the standard in training. 

“It has been a good week, we have had a lot of bodies back in training. We have the bit between in our teeth and the standard in training has been great because of the competition we have got for places. 

“We have boys coming back, boys getting fitter and stronger, and from an injury point of view everyone is back in training which is great.” 

Gray provided an update on both Elie Youan and Junior Hoilett who returned to full training this week and could be involved this Sunday. 

“Elie and Junior both come back in which is great. They have been out for a while, so naturally, when they come back into the group the standard goes up.  

“They are desperate to show what they can do and are excited to get back out there. 

“They are two very good trainers as well, Junior has a load of experience and adds real quality to training and Elie has some great physical attributes and a great desire to be the best he can be at all times. 

“We will have to wait and see how they go, they have had a couple of days with the squad.  

“We will see how they react to training after a big session today with the group. It might be a bit soon for them this weekend, but at the same time we will just take it day by day between now and Sunday.” 

Stellar Monarchs face Cab Direct Championship pace-setters, Poole Pirates, at Armadale on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm) and draft in guest riders Troy Batchelor and Drew Kemp to cover for the absence of crocked Justin Sedgmen and Kye Thomson.

Monarchs go into the clash with some hope have defeated Wessex Marine-sponsored Poole in the Knockout Cup early in the season before going out of the competition on aggregate, and they have also performed well down at Poole.

Pirates, however, will be determined to win to cement top spot in the table which ensures they can choose their opponents in the play-off semi-finals.

Poole use experienced Paul Starke in place of injured recent signing Vinnie Foord at No 7, otherwise the visitors are at full strength with a top-class heat leader trio of Richard Lawson, Ben Cook and Tom Brennan.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “When Poole came early in the season we were eight points up after four races. We didn’t keep that up, but we still kept ahead and won the match.

“I am no less hopeful of beating Poole than I was against Scunthorpe last week, because the bottom line is I don’t know what we are going to do.”

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Drew Kemp, Lasse Fredriksen, Paco Castagna (Capt.), Troy Batchelor, Max James, Connor Coles.

WESSEX MARINE PIRATES: Richard Lawson, Sam Hagon, Ben Cook (Capt), Zach Cook, Tom Brennan, Tobias Thomsen, Paul S tarke.

Glasgow boss Cami Brown has told his team to deliver three “cup final” performances and the Allied Vehicles Tigers face Redcar Bears in the Cab Direct Championship at Ashfield on Friday (7.30). 

Brown’s side need to win their remaining three fixtures against the Bears, Edinburgh and Oxford and take the aggregate bonus points to have any chance of making the play-offs. 

Brown said: “We’ve got a lot to do but, while it is mathematically possible, we have to fight for everything. We have three cup finals left so we need three huge performances and see where that takes us.”

The loss of Lee Complin and Steve Worrall were, he said, huge blows, but Brown added: “We are still in with a shout of salvaging something positive for the fans. 

“Redcar are a very good side. They’ve had their own problems but they have two great riders in Charles Wright and Danny King who both love Ashfield. That makes them a real threat.”

Business Gateway West Lothian is holding a second “Connections and Conversations” free event on Thursday, 5 September at Whitburn Partnership Centre, from 5-7pm, to highlight the support available to help local people with start up businesses.

The “Simplifying the Business Start Up Process” event, which follows on from the success of the first one in February this year, will include presentations from a team of Business Gateway West Lothian advisers, covering everything from planning and financial advice to marketing and HR support.

Various local businesses who have received valuable support in their start up journey will also be attending to share their personal stories in a panel discussion followed by a Q&A, including Paul Stark who founded Livingston-based Sustainable Sport in March.

The company provides expert consultancy support to help organisations within the sports industry achieve their long-term goals whilst minimising their environmental impact.

The support he received included guidance on the different types of legal structures for his businesses, allowing him to select the most appropriate option and also advice on how to source start up funding to assist with initial capital expenditure costs, allowing him to get off to a great start, efficiently and professionally. 

Paul said: “Business Gateway was instrumental in helping me set up my business. From supplying information and templates, to providing access to funding, they were with me every step of the way. 

“I’m delighted to say that due to the solid foundations that were put in place with the support of the Business Gateway team, Sustainable Sport is now going from strength to strength.”

Claire McGurk, founder of Canine Bodywork Clinic, which provides canine hydrotherapy and clinical massage services will also be talking about the support she has received for her Livingston-based business, which launched in January this year.

This includes help completing a business plan, with detailed financial projections, assistance with funding applications, advice when deciding on the structure of the company, and guidance and signposting on planning consents. 

The support enabled Claire to secure the appropriate funding to support the start up of the business, establish a clear and realistic set of financial projections, and create a strategy to help the business achieve its first three year’s objectives.

Claire said: “Without the expert help and advice from Business Gateway, the business plan for the clinic would not be as robust as it is. The financial projections for my first three years were a huge help for me to set my longer-term goals.  

Help and support through achieving funding for the business was also a huge boost on getting the business off the ground. The support has been incredible, and I am genuinely so grateful.” 

Former teacher, Susan Grieve and pupil support worker Ben Fazakerley, who founded Positive Outcomes LP this month, will also be sharing the story of their start up journey, which began in March this year.

The company, which specialises in offering afterschool care, holiday day care, respite, tutoring, and support for home-schooling to families with children with ASN, is based in Mid Calder Institute Hall Monday to Thursday and on Friday’s at The Polbeth Hub.

Susan said: “We have had an excellent experience with Business Gateway West Lothian. 

“Our adviser Jordan McDonald gave us the confidence and encouragement to push forward with our business. We were given expert advice and support throughout our whole journey. 

“Jordan helped us to start creating our business plan and was fundamental in getting us some funding which helped us greatly with start up costs. 

“We have received a first-class service and are still receiving support from Jordan, even after our business has successfully started up.”

There will also be opportunities for all attendees to network at the event.

Linzi Winton, Team Leader at Business Gateway West Lothian, said: “We are really looking forward to another ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event on the 5^th September, aimed at anyone who is thinking about starting a business or at the early stages and could benefit from a helping hand.

“It will be a great opportunity for attendees to hear from our guest speakers who will be sharing their start up journeys and the support they’ve received from our advisers, who will also be at the event to highlight the fantastic free resources available at Business Gateway West Lothian to help get your new venture off to a great start.”

Frustrated Steven Naismith reflected on the narrow defeat by Viktoria Plzen at Tynecastle and admitted: “We lacked quality.”

Hearts’ head coach also said that his men “huffed and puffed” but did not really put pressure on their opponents from Czechia.

The Jambos also lost what Naismith called “another cheap goal”, something which has dogged the squad so far this term.

Plzen now look forward to glamour ties in the Europa League, and a clash with Manchester United was mentioned as a prime draw by their management team.

Hearts await their fate in the Conference League draw which is set to happen at 13.30 UK time on Friday.

Reflecting, Naismith felt Plzen defended well and showed why they have competed at a high level in previous seasons, but the head coach still believes that Hearts have missed a great chance to make an impact and play some of the big names in European football.

Boos rang out around Tynecastle at the final whistle which will be disappointing for the squad and the coaching staff who now prepare for a key William Hill Premiership clash with newly-promoted Dundee United on Sunday (15.00).

Failure to win that game, which is at Tynecastle, will further heighten the pressure on Naismith who has still not guided his men to a win this season.

Naismith told the media: “We lacked quality to win the tie. We got the crowd involved early but we did not really put that pressure into real chances and that was the disappointing part. We huffed and puffed without really causing them any problems.

“We had a couple of chances in the second half, but it was all about nearly. The quality was lacking.”

He added: “You can see why Plzen are consistently in Europe they defended their box really well and made the right passes as the right time to score the goal and that is probably the biggest difference on the night.

“In the first half we were in the final third and had bodies forward but made the wrong pass or the wrong cross. Plzen are an experienced European team and I am sure they will cause loads of problems.”

Looking back over the last year, Naismith said his guys have shown they have the quality but bringing that consistently and in big moments when you need it is missing.

The former Scotland international does not think there is anything you can pin point about what is wrong. New recruits,he said, are still bedding in but he stressed that too many players are by-passing the opportunity to stake a claim to stay in the team on a regular basis.

However, he argued that there was a positive, Hearts are in Europe until Christmas and that is, he declared, a success, but, for now, the backroom team will assess the bumps and bruises from the Europe tie when they come in on Friday morning and then concentrate on Dundee United.

Will Lawrence Shankland, the club’s main striker, play? He sat out Thursday’s tie and his fitness has to be assessed as Naismith revealed the injury was in an “awkward place” in his knee and there is discomfort when the 29-year-old player kicks the ball or makes a tackle.

He said: “Every result which does not go your way then the next game becomes more important and I think we need to bring a tempo and an attacking threat which was not there tonight. We need to make sure we put on a good performance.”

Last night was far from being a good performance and the killer blow followed a lose pass which was picked up in midfield and the move ended when Lukas Cerv calmly stroked the ball home from the edge of the penalty box after 76 minutes with the home defence struggling.

The visitors also won the first-leg 1-0 thanks to an own goal in the final seconds from Daniel Okegoke who was an unused substitute at Tynecastle.

Ironically, the only goal on this occasion came after a short period of pressure from the home side in which a long-range shot from Gerald Taylor and a shot on the rebound from Stephen Kingsley tested the visiting defence.

Daniel Vasulin had several chances earlier to open the scoring for Plzen, but Craig Gordon produced a quality stop, spreading himself to divert the goal-bound shot, and Taylor put in a last-gasp tackle to deny the tall striker, but Hearts, frankly, didn’t threaten enough and a number of balls were floated into the box allowing goalkeeper Marian Tvdon to collect with ease.

The statistics so far this term make grim reading for Jambos fans. Three pre-season defeats, 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient, 5-1 at Tynecastle to Spurs, and 3-0 on the road at Fleetwood, a 0-0 draw with Rangers in the league in Gorgie followed by a 3-1 reverse at Dundee and a 3-1 defeat Motherwell, two defeats in Europe, both by 1-0, and a 2-0 defeat at Falkirk in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup at the first hurdle.

There is a demand, said Naismith, when you pull on a jersey for the Men in Maroon and he added: “We are not hitting it.” That is why victory over Dundee United is so vital on Sunday to stop the rot.

PICTURE: A big flag was displayed in the Gorgie Road end at Tynecastle against Plzen. Picture Nigel Duncan

Drivers in Edinburgh were wrongly fined more than 1,000 times for using a bus lane earlier this summer, a councillor has said.

The council has been urged to quash up to £110k in charges handed out over May and June when traffic restrictions were “not legitimately in place”.

A short bus lane, operating at peak times, was introduced on Lanark Road west-bound between Spylaw Bank Road and the Gillespie Crossroads in a bid to improve the reliability of services.

A traffic order which allows the authority to enforce the regulations expired on May 20 but was not replaced until June 17.

And new figures show that despite this gap motorists continued to be fined in the intervening four weeks – 1,087 times.

Depending on the number of drivers who paid within 14 days – which cuts the charge from £100 to £50 – it’s estimated between £55k and £110k could have been collected erroneously.

Conservatives councillor Jason Rust, who requested the data from officials, said: “It is not appropriate at all if residents have been fined during a period when the regulations were not legitimately in place.

“I do not see how the council can countenance residents and visitors being unfairly fined in this way. These fines should be quashed now.”

As of earlier this month, £124,130 had been collected in fines since May when a camera set up to catch anyone flouting the rules was switched on.

It comes as the council prepares to trial’7-7-7′ bus lanes operating bus lanes from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week on some city roads from early next year.

Cllr Rust said there was a “complete lack of evidence basis for the proposed new 7-7-7 on Lanark Road”. 

He added: “It seems that there are issues to sort out with the existing enforcement before the council ploughs ahead.”

Edinburgh Council have been contacted for comment.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Hibs have strongly condemned a racist message sent to Elie Youan on social media. 

The message is currently being investigated and the club say that individual who sent the message will have action taken against them. 

This afternoon the club issued the following statement: “ Everyone at Hibernian FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Elie Youan has received on social media. 

“The Club has launched an investigation into the message on Instagram and will take the strongest possible action against the individual in question. 

“The Club condemns this abhorrent action in the strongest possible way.  

“Racism and any kind of discrimination have no place at Hibernian FC, in football, or society as a whole. 

“Elie has the full support of everyone at Hibernian FC. There is no room for racism.” 

Many Hibs fans have since taken to social media to condemn the poster and offer their support to the player and the club’s response. 

Catherine Smith, KC, has been appointed Advocate General for Scotland.

His Majesty King Charles has also confirmed he will confer a peerage of the United Kingdom for Life on Ms Smith who is daughter of the late Labour MP, John Smith, and Baroness Smith.

The Advocate General is the UK Government’s Law Officer. With her team of around 40 lawyers she will make up the Scottish legal team advising the government on matters relating to Scotland. The team have offices in Edinburgh and in Dover House in London.

It will be an action-packed September for the Scotland Women’s rugby team. The team will play Wales and Fijiana at Hive Stadium next month.

Players Chloe Rollie, Rhona Lloyd and Eva Donaldson visited the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to meet a few of the animals and promote a ticket give away.

Chloe, Rhona and Eva took time out from their training schedule to pay the animals a visit. During the visit the international athletes popped in to see the penguins and learnt of the giraffes’ and meerkats’ superpower-like abilities to see danger and prey from afar. The players were also keen to understand more about the wildlife conservation charity’s work to protect animals in Scotland and around the world.

Both located in the west of the city – Hive Stadium within Murrayfield Stadium campus (the women’s team home ground) and Edinburgh Zoo are visitor attractions. For a chance to win tickets to either of the upcoming women’s games visit Edinburgh Zoo’s social media channels.

Both of Scotland women’s games are offering an Under 12s go free ticket initiative whereby under 12s can come to either game for free when accompanied by a full paying adult. T&C and booking fees apply.

The fixtures take place on Friday 6 September, 7.35pm kick off and Saturday 14 September 4.35pm kick off.

Edinburgh’s councillors have been reminded to keep their webcams on and be respectful to each other during debates. 

Council members and officers have had the option to join meetings remotely since the start of the pandemic in 2020, but concerns have been raised about some not being fully present during the decision-making process. 

New guidance states councillors are “encouraged to have their device cameras switched on and be clearly seen when they are addressing the meeting”. 

Speaking as it was agreed at a meeting in the City Chambers, Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I just took particular notice of the vote immediately before this item and three colleagues voted without having their cameras on.

“Of course technical problems can arise, of course people may not feel well enough or have other reasons for not having their camera on. But we would hope we want to see more of each other, officers and elected members as we take forward this city.”

Jo Mowat, Conservative city councillor, added: “I think the very least we can expect is the courtesy of cameras on when people are addressing the meeting and when they are taking part in a vote to ensure that the officers who are counting the vote can be very clear about who has done what.” 

She added: “If you are in a council committee meeting you should be physically present . . . whether online or in the room, because you are taking part in a committee meeting and representing your constituents by doing that.”

Cllr Mowat said prior to the introduction of virtual meetings the procedure was that councillors would stand in for each other if for any reason one was unable to attend. 

“The point was if you are in that meeting you should be taking part and able to take part. 

“I am slightly uncomfortable about saying there’s lots of reasons why people should be in a meeting but not actually really being present and concentrating on that meeting.” 

However the SNP’s Kate Campbell took issue with “individual members being called out for not appearing on camera for voting”. 

She said: “I think we should all strive to be present as much as we can and to be available. But we also want this council to be more accessible. 

“There may be very good reasons, there could be physical health reasons, caring responsibilities, mental health reasons why people feel they cannot put their camera at that point in time and I think we should be very mindful of that and not use this as an opportunity to call each other out.” 

The guidance adds political groups would have “opposing and disparate views and opinions on a wide range of subjects” giving rise to “passionate exchanges of views as part of debate at committee meetings,” but stresses that “anything you say or do is done so respectfully”. 

The updated document was approved unanimously by councillors at a full council meeting on Thursday, August 29. 

A report said: “The Guide is presented for use by multiple audiences. Firstly, for existing elected members as an aide memoire on how the democratic decision-making process operates. 

“Secondly, it will be used for new and prospective councillors as part of their induction programme to enable them to understand, at an early point, how committees and the decision-making process works. 

“Thirdly, the Guide is intended to aid understanding by members of the public and anyone else not immersed in how the Council operates and makes its decisions.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Police investigating a robbery in Robert Burns Drive have arrested a 19-year-old male. 

The incident took place around 10pm on Tuesday 27 August. 

Following the incident, detectives issued an appeal for witnesses which was widely shared. 

The teenager is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow Friday 30 August. 

A police spokesperson said: “19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a robbery in Edinburgh. 

“The incident happened in the Robert Burns Drive area around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August. 

“The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 30 August.” 

East Lothian Foodbank has become the fifth most used foodbank in Scotland with demand rising by 99 per cent over the last three years.

A report presented to East Lothian Council this week revealed that more than one in five children in the county now live in relative poverty with 393 households in temporary accommodation including 150 children and more than 1900 pensioners claiming pension credit.

The increase in the use of foodbanks was described as ‘abhorrent’ by Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies who said the county suffered from vast inequality between people with ‘massive houses and endless income’ and those who were homeless.

She said: “The level of welfare in the UK at the moment is abhorrent. It is not giving people enough to live on and we have now come to accept the use of a foodbank is something that is normal in people lives. It shouldn’t be.

“If someone isn’t working or is in a low paid job it shouldn’t be something that is used to make up the shortfall while employers get massive profits. That is again abhorrent and needs to be tackled on a national level.”

Councillors approved a new East Lothian Poverty Plan to tackle the issue across the county over the next four years which included as key areas ensuring people can access jobs with fair wages and the benefits they are entitled to with claims millions of pounds are not claimed each year.

It also included the pledge that poverty is everbody’s concern.

Council leader Norman Hampshire said the increase in poverty across East Lothian had been impacted by the cost of living crisis.

He said: “All of us as councillors will come across families who are suffering in poverty.

“The best way to solve someone living in poverty is to get them into a job that provides them with a fair wage to live a normal life or ensure they have access to benefits that are at a level that let them live a normal life.”

During the meeting tributes were paid to East Lothian campaigner Sean Crawford who was instrumental in the new plan which was described as ‘his legacy’.

Haddington dad Sean, who died earlier this year at the age of 37, co-founded the Working for Change collective and was involved with a number of organisations committed to making a difference in people’s lives.

And as officers presented a report on their new East Lothian Poverty Plan his commitment to the issue was remembered by elected members.

Councillor Lyn Jardine said: “Sean was a driving force behind the Working for Change collective. One thing he was very clear of was that unless you have had some experience of poverty yourself or someone close to you you might not necessarily have it on your radar.”

And East Lothian Provost John McMillan described Sean as a “big guy with a big heart who will be sadly missed.”

Council policy officer Lucy Higginson told the meeting: “This poverty plan is a part of Sean’s legacy and he was really instrumental in having difficult conversations and encouraging people to make their voices heard.”

Councillor Menzies added: “Sean is sadly missed and will be missed for a long time to come. His work with Change and in other areas has brought this issue to the fore and he was always encouraging us to be brave and have the conversations no-one wants to have.

“I will take up that mantle on his behalf and encourage everyone of us to take that mantle on his behalf.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The renovation of the Grade A listed King’s Theatre is progressing. The project is now more than half way to completion.

Most of the demolition is complete and many new features are taking shape. On the Tollcross skyline the extended fly tower is now visible with external rendering applied to match an existing elevation on Tarvit Street.

This extra 4.5 metres of height will create more space in which to “fly” more scenery in and out of the audience’s sight. This alone will ensure the King’s can accommodate more productions of a greater variety than it has in the past.

The King’s still requires more funding from the public and there is more information on how to donate here.

Honorary Patron Brian Cox has narrated the latest fly through video showing what will be different in the newly refurbished building. Bars will be redesigned and the Cruickshank Room will become part of the Dress Circle Bar. The actor takes viewers from the level entrance to the upper floors of the Old Lady of Leven Street – all fully accessible with a new lift.

A national wealth management firm has broadened its influence in Scotland by acquiring a business headquartered in Glasgow.

Tweed Wealth Management (TWM) has taken over Capital Wealth Consultants (CWC) that will see the former grow to more than 28 staff across four locations.

It also reunites close friends, Chris Tweed, co-founder of Tweed Wealth Management, and Ross Penman, founder and director of Capital Wealth Consultants, who met in 2007 prior to founding their businesses while working for another Glasgow-based advice firm.

The pair have grown a great friendship both in and outside of the workplace, with Chris being Ross’ best man at his wedding in 2011.

Now they are looking forward to building a productive business relationship that will see Tweed Wealth Management enhance its offering within key sectors such as sport professionals via the acquisition.

Chris said: “This acquisition represents a major step in our mission to expand our footprint and, with the addition of Ross’ extensive sector experience, will further enhance our already thriving speciality of providing bespoke relationship-led advice to sports professionals UK wide.

“Capital Wealth Consultants’ strong reputation in the private client space will complement our existing extensive footprint within International Rugby. CWC’s location in Glasgow also paves the way for further planned expansion into Glasgow and the west of Scotland.”

Founded in 2012 as Penman Wealth Management Ltd, CWC was established as a boutique private client firm looking after £80m assets for families across the UK.

Ross, 43, is looking forward to using his considerable experience in this space to help further shape and develop the existing highly praised and award-winning Private Client offering within Tweed Wealth Management, with his focus on sports and working with legal professionals.

He said: “Chris and I met each other around 17 years ago and we just clicked; so when Chris came to me with this idea it made a hard decision a lot easier, not least with the trust that we have in each other. I wouldn’t have considered this with anyone else.

“While I will continue to work day-to-day with my clients, I will also have the support of a much larger team at Tweed Wealth Management.

“I am looking forward to working with the young, thriving team that has an award-winning proposition to back up its exceptional growth story within Scotland over the last 10 years.”

Prior to CWC, TWM’s most recent acquisition was of the wealth management arm of renowned law firm Macleod & MacCallum, based in Inverness.

That move built on its growing presence in the Highlands, building on its prior purchase of John Home Wealth Management.

It has also strengthened its Edinburgh headquarters over the years, through the acquisition of Melville Wealth Management, Stevenson-Hamilton Wealth Management and Jamieson Wealth Management.

This has led to the Edinburgh-based company growing significantly, with Glasgow representing the next logical location to expand into, aligning with the firm’s ambitious nationwide growth strategy by aiming to partner with, and acquire, top advisory firms across the UK.

Chris added: “We are committed to positioning Tweed Wealth Management as a truly national brand, providing unrivalled service and expertise for all our clients.”

Tweed Wealth Management is known for its pioneering approach, including the implementation of new technologies and services to improve client interactions and operational efficiency.

The firm is one of the largest privately-owned and funded wealth management companies in Scotland, offering unparalleled insights into effective wealth strategies.

Tweed Wealth Management launched the Tweed Academy in 2014, a programme designed to help talented individuals to develop careers in the financial services.

The firm has also recently been crowned the Best Financial Advice Firm in Scotland and Northern Ireland and Best Financial Advice Firm to work for in the UK 2024 at the Professional Adviser awards.

https://tweedwealth.co.uk/

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson is taking up the biggest public-facing position on the council as the new Transport and Environment (TEC) Convener.

His appointment was approved by 34 votes to 29, (almost without opposition but not quite) at today’s full Council meeting. He succeeds Cllr Scott Arthur who intimated his resignation two weeks ago following his recent election to Westminster.

This remit covers the city’s roads, footpaths and potholes, bin collection and cleansing, and is the one which affects most people most directly, and as a result most people have something to say about the Convener, whoever that it.

First elected in 2022 as Labour councillor for Pentland Hills Ward, Cllr Jenkinson accepts that he is responsible for his own fate. He was election agent for Cllr Scott Arthur who is now the MP for Edinburgh South West and this also led to the Convenership vacancy. 

Stephen may be a relatively new councillor but he has been an active member of the Labour party for years and during that time he has been an activist and helped many get elected. He explained that he thought in 2022 that it was time to step up.

Cllr Ricky Henderson was retiring – “and there was an opportunity there”.

He said: “I’ve always been there in the background, and in the sense, 2022 was my opportunity to step forward and I would say that this role was my opportunity. I’m the Chief Whip on the Labour Group, and I suppose this is my opportunity to step a little bit from out of the shadows to actually take a senior role in the administration and help help take TEC forward. It is exciting.”

Edinburgh born and bred, Stephen went to Boroughmuir High School and lives in south Edinburgh. He joined RBS more than 30 years ago straight from school, and is now a senior IT specialist. His day job is programming and developing the bank’s mainframe computer systems which he admits “sounds incredibly dull” but he said: “I’m fortunate because I’ve always loved my work.”

PROFESSIONALISM

He told The Edinburgh Reporter he is excited about the job and will continue the professional attitude which Scott had fostered.

He said: “I think I bring a set of values to the role – I am a very strategically minded person who works well under pressure. I work well as part of a team and my professional experience lends well to the political environment. I think I probably bring a work ethic and a kind of determination to actually do a good job. You’ve got to want to do it and have the confidence to do it – I’m quite confident and I have a vision for what I want to deliver. I think all those things are important.

“I am pro growth, pro development and pro business. One of the things that holds us back is the bureaucracy and the length of time it takes us to deliver key infrastructure projects. I would lobby for the levers to increase the pace of delivery.

“I think Scott has brought a level of professionalism to the role of TEC Convener and has taken a bit of the heat out of a difficult and challenging role. I see myself as someone who rather than saying they will work cross-party will actually prove it can be done. It’s a political reality that if we want to deliver for Edinburgh, we have to do that with consensus, not only political, but also with the community. You have to take people with you. I believe that Scott did an excellent job in changing that committee so that it functions in a professional way. I will develop that to make TEC the committee that everybody wants to be involved in because we can actually get stuff done.”

The transport brief sits within Scottish Government legislative framework, and one of the criticisms of changing anything on the roads and streets in Scottish cities is the amount of time it takes. Cllr Jenkinson is clear there is room for improvement, and hopes that he will use his career experience to deal with the issues.

He said: “One of the things that through my professional career I’ve been successful at is increasing the pace at which to deliver things. So whilst there’s legislative, you know, reasons why things take as long as they take, I think that there are opportunities to increase the pace at which we actually, deliver infrastructure projects.”

The new Convener says he is the kind of person who hits the ground running, and he will with a media briefing next week and a TEC committee meeting on 12 September. The papers will be available here next week.

ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTED

There was an alternative suggestion as previously suggested. The Leader of the SNP group, Cllr Simita Kumar, suggested Cllr Kayleigh O’Neill as Transport Convener by way of verbal amendment.

Cllr O’Neill, who is a member of the Green group, began her career with Euan’s Guide which is a movement to inform disabled people of accessibility to buildings and tourist destinations, and is already a member of the Transport Committee. She is a wheelchair user and Cllr Arthur mentioned during the debate that she always contributes to TEC “as a valued member”.

In other appointments agreed by Council today, Councillor Margaret Graham has been appointed to as Vice-Convener of the Education, Children and Families Committee and Gareth Barwell as the Executive Director of Place (Interim).

The award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman headlines the first in a series of concerts curated by saxophonist Helena Kay at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh next month.

Chichester-born Rahman, who won the Ivor Novello Impact Award in 2021 and the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act in 2012, has become a much-respected figure on the UK and European jazz scenes. Her powerful performances marry her classical training with studies in jazz with the revered JoAnne Brackeen at Berklee College of Music in Boston and her strong engagement with her Bengali heritage.

Rahman will play solo piano before being joined in a series of duets with Kay in a concert on 19 September that will be opened by the Glasgow-based Ghanaian guitarist Nathan Somevi’s trio.

For Kay, who has included a number of “inspirational” musicians including saxophonists Laura Macdonald and Tommy Smith and violinist Seonaid Aitken in the concert series, sharing the Queen’s Hall stage with Zoe Rahman is exciting for two reasons.

The two women have worked together before, when Kay joined the octet that recorded Rahman’s 2023 album, Colour of Sound. Having first met Rahman as a teenager, however, Kay says that the sixteen-year-old Helena wouldn’t believe this turn of events.

“My mum is also a big fan of Zoe’s and she made sure we both went to meet Zoe after a concert she played with Courtney Pine,” says Kay. “It was so inspiring for me to meet Zoe at that stage in my musical life.”

The Queen’s Hall is also a source of inspiration for Kay.

“I’ve played there quite a few times with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and I’m always aware that I’m following in illustrious footsteps,” says the saxophonist. “The brilliant composer and pianist Carla Bley and saxophone legend Sonny Rollins are just two of the people I admire who have appeared in the venue. So to play there with some of my heroes is really special.”

Kay first came to public notice in winning the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year title in 2015. The Peter Whittingham Jazz Prize followed the year after that and having graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Kay went on to become a City Music Foundation Artist and won the Drake YolanDa Award in 2023.

The concert on 19th September is the first of five due to take place over the coming year under the Jazz Thursdays banner and Rahman and Kay have rehearsed in preparation for their debut as a duo.

“Zoe is such a brilliant duo partner,” says Kay. “It’s almost like playing in her octet. She puts so much energy and passion into her playing and her flow of ideas is amazing. It really makes you want to play.”

Tickets here.

Edinburgh-based tech support firm, Off Canvas, has been acquired by web and software development specialist Hybrid Anchor in a deal which is expected to create 40 jobs in the next three years.

The move comes as the Coatbridge company marks its third year in business, with a variety of key roles in the capital and also in Glasgow.

Hybrid Anchor is a global company, hiring at home and overseas from its base in North Lanarkshire, with many of the new jobs earmarked for Scotland as well as Manchester.

Details of the acquisition, which aims to address the strain put on resources in the industry by balancing project execution and help desk support, remain undisclosed.

Set up by Phil Holt in the centre of Edinburgh in September 2020, Off Canvas provides day-to-day support for its clients by specialising in PHP-based content management systems.

A prominent client base includes the likes of Colleges Scotland, the collective voice of the college sector in Scotland, agricultural co-operative United Farmers Ltd and Forest Carbon, the UK’s leading developer of woodland carbon capture projects audited under the government’s Woodland Carbon Code.

The acquisition has seen a 100 per cent client retention, and Glasgow entrepreneur and Hybrid Anchor managing director John Loudon insists it will prove a gamechanger for the digital agency sector.

“I am delighted to conclude the acquisition which allows Hybrid Anchor to further enhance its core competencies in software, mobile applications and website development while offering specialised support services through Off Canvas,” said Mr Loudon.

“Our model is so strong we will be able to not only retain the current staff but recruit as well, with our three-year plan involving creating around 40 jobs.

“By dedicating resources solely to ongoing support, we will eliminate the frantic scramble of firefighting and prioritise efficient issue resolution, ensuring client satisfaction. Off Canvas stands out in the agency landscape for its unique focus on ongoing, reliable and responsive customer support, and we are retaining its independence and strong brand identity.

Hybrid Anchor’s varied client base includes publishing giants DC Thomson, Danish interior designers BoConcept Scotland and Glasgow pharmaceutical supply company Teleta.

“We are a consultancy-led agency putting strategy and digital at the forefront of what we do. We will now continue our focus on web software, web development and mobile application development,” said Mr Loudon.

“I am optimistic about the trajectory of our business over the next few years and with this cornerstone now in place, I expect to grow quickly and several staff are expected to be based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

“It’s a pivotal step forward in our strategic plan, and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities it brings. Decoupling our support contracts and taking full advantage of having an entire company focused on support will allow us to remain agile and working at the pace and quality our clients have grown accustomed to.”

Mr Holt said: “Off Canvas is a unique business model that really helps clients get the best possible ongoing support for their website and web applications. With John’s energy and ideas further elevating the concept I created, I fully expect the business to reach the next level under his guidance.”

Taylor Swift’s three record-breaking Edinburgh shows cost taxpayers almost £40k after the council had to pay for extra toilets and security, it has been revealed.

The pop icon’s Eras Tour landed in the capital this summer to play Scotland’s biggest ever stadium concerts – but one city councillor is less than impressed after probing how much the local authority spent on ensuring the event ran smoothly.

The Greens’ Dan Heap said: “Multi-million pound organisations arranging concerts for billionaire entertainers should be footing their own costs.”

He requested figures on any costs incurred and found the council spent: £16,934 on security measures; £3,650 on lighting; £2,985 on temporary toilets; £678 on ‘radios’; £642 on CCTV; £400 on signage; and £1,434.36 on ‘intelligent traffic signals’.

Council staff also worked 1,044 hours of overtime, which based on the real living wage amounts to at least £12,528.

Taken altogether it adds up to £39,251.36.

Organisers did however foot a £21,913 bill for additional waste and cleansing, while Scottish Rugby, which hosted the concerts at Murrayfield, met some other costs.

Cllr Heap said: “For the Council to be providing free services worth almost £40k when services are being cut is outrageous.”

He said a new council policy on recouping costs from event organisers comes into force in October “and could not come a moment too soon”.

He added: “They may wish to reconsider now that millionaires and billionaires are walking away with, effectively, £40k of free public cash in their pockets.

“With Oasis coming to Edinburgh next year, we need to ensure that the city is fairly compensated for the costs it incurs helping to make these events a success.”

Edinburgh Council and representatives for Taylor Swift were contacted for comment.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Police apprehended two teenagers who were subsequently charged with the theft of a Vespa scooter following an incident in the west of Edinburgh last night Wednesday 28 August 2024. 

Three males were seen driving the Vespa dangerously in the Calder Road area. 

The males abandoned the vehicle and made off on foot causing motorists to swerve. 

After a short chase two of the males were caught and one escaped. 

The Vespa was returned to its rightful owner

The new Lunasecret studio in Morningside is a transformation of a 30 year-old business.

Karin MacKenzie has taught Callanetics to her women clients at the studio for three decades, and now she has devised a new exercise programme based on a fusion of barre work and bodyweight exercises. Movement is inspired by the music, and the new classes will be run in addition to the Callanetics classes.

Callanetics was an exercise method begun in the 1980s by Callan Pinckney and uses tiny precise movements to target muscles. Now Karin, formerly a professional dancer, will combine her background in teaching exercise with her love of classical ballet and contemporary dance with each class having a relaxing meditation at the end.

Karin MacKenzie, owner and founder of the studio said: “Teaching Callanetics for 30 years has been a profound part of my life. My love for various styles of music and dance always simmered beneath the surface, leading me back to my roots in classical ballet and contemporary dance.

“Recently I’ve seen the age-range of my clients grow, and see younger generations celebrate Callanetics, Barre, and attend my range of classes. I knew I wanted to add something new to my studio’s portfolio, and that I could create something that has never been done before. Lunasecret allows me to truly express my authentic self, combining my own interpretation of music and favourite choreography, and modernise my classes and studio’s offering at the same time.

“Whenever I hear a new song, I instantly start to imagine the movements and exercises, and see the studio come to life in front of me. It’s how I imagine a chef approaches a new dish. The music builds the basis of the dish, and the movements are my ingredients.

“When these movements and targeted toning are done enough times in sequence, it instantly becomes a deep and transformative workout.

“There are 13 major muscle groups, and I use hundreds of movements to target each of these in a fun and effective way. I can’t wait to welcome women of Edinburgh to experience my new classes, and hope they’ll fall in love with it as much I have.”

The Morningside studio on Craiglea Drive has classes running from 09:00 to 19:30 every day, with prices ranging from £14 (single class pass) to £200 (for an unlimited monthly pass) and the popular ‘BodyBlitz’ – a course of 10 classes promising to help you drop a dress size in a safe and natural way – priced at £130.

Lunasecret, formerly known as Edinburgh Callanetics, is a unique callanetics studio based in the heart of Edinburgh providing online and in-person classes for women. The fast-paced and energising form of exercise is different and original, rewarding the hard work that gets put into it. With classes culminating in relaxing meditation, Lunasecret has developed in the last three decades into a safe space for women to focus on their well-being and mental health.

Karin Mackenzie is a master callanetics teacher and the founder of Lunasecret with 30 years of teaching experience, having trained in all things fitness inspired by Lotte Berk and certified by Esther Fairfax. Karin has recently combined her passions of callanetics and dance to rebrand Edinburgh Callanetics to create Luna’s Secret. The studio is still based at the same studio on Craiglea Drive in Edinburgh.

For more information or to book today, please visithttps://www.lunasecretbykarin.com/