Uplifting in more ways than one, an unexpected union in comedy, physiotherapy and values fuse for the Fringe. As part of a dynamic launch of their new ”‘Booby Physio” service, Edinburgh-based Taylor Physiotherapy and the Irish-founded PostureFitting are joining  forces with the all-female comedy show “Edinbra”, with a shared mission to empower and enlighten women and girls. 

For two nights only, the threesome unite in Edinburgh! Meet the original Booby Physio and former Ireland rugby international, Siobhán O’Donovan, over from Ireland, Taylor Physiotherapy’s founder Bill Taylor, Edinburgh’s first Booby Physio, Hélène Fyffe, and the Edinbra hosts, GP Dr Jeannie Jones and Rachel Morton-Young, on Sat 17 & Sun 18 August at 5.30pm, in the City Cafe’s Las Vegas Room.

The Launch – A Union of Shared Values

PostureFitting (aka Booby Physio) has found an ideal partner to bring its much-needed, unique 1:1 physiotherapy service to Edinburgh in the well-established Taylor Physiotherapy, who specialise in men & women’s health, musculoskeletal and workplace issues, and the performing arts – established in 1998 by renowned Bill Taylor. To further celebrate the launch, the physio pairing has bonded with Edinbra hosts, who, like kindred spirits, strive to uplift women with a dynamic and revolving line-up of both established and up-and-coming female talents.

“In an industry where women are, sadly, still often underrepresented on line-ups, Edinbra provides a vital platform for female voices in comedy”, explained one of the Edinbra producers, Dr Jeannie Jones. 

With their synergy of wellbeing and support, the Edinbra team are the fortunate firsts to experience Taylor Physiotherapy’s new PostureFitting service, joining forces to spread the news that finally there is a non-surgical answer to the physical, psychological, and social pain associated with breast weight, ill-fitting bras and poor postural awareness. 

Demand for PostureFitting

PostureFitting has taken Ireland by storm after the service was discussed by its founder, Siobhán, in a radio interview this year. 

One listener messaged, “At last, someone who understands! It is as if you knew exactly my (and hundreds of women’s) problem!”

Unlike retail bra-fitting, PostureFitting is a comprehensive physiotherapy consultation that educates, empowers and enlightens women and girls to optimally support their breast weight for the long-term, by and through positively influencing their alignment. 

Siobhán explains, “My mission is to spread the positivity of optimally supported breast weight to women and girls worldwide, and I am thrilled to partner with Taylor Physiotherapy to bring this service to the women and girls of Scotland”.

Siobhán and her PostureFitting Partners have helped hundreds of gals in Ireland and England (and globally with virtual consults) physically and emotionally, by helping them to understand the relationship between breast weight and gravity – an interdependency underrecognised and undervalued by both the lingerie and the healthcare industries. 

Busting(!) to support the health and wellbeing of women and girls in Edinburgh and beyond, this comedy and physio union is a Fringe triumph of genuine uplift.

A four-metre high sign promoting new housing next to a play park has sparked protests from residents who say it could distract drivers and put children at risk.

Taylor Wimpey has applied for retrospective planning permission for the hoarding on James Kerr Way, Dunbar.

However three objections have been lodged with East Lothian planners amid claims the sign could distract passing drivers and sited near to a playground.

The sign appears to have been removed ahead of a meeting next week,

A report due to go before the council’s planning committee next week said objectors had said: “The sign is on the corner planting of the playpark which is well used.

“Children are crossing the busy road which has no crossing place and thus driver distraction should be avoided.”

They also pointed out the sign was advertising housing which has been built half a kilometre away from the park and was on private land which they paid a factor to maintain.

They said: “The sign looks totally out of place being so distant to the building site; and the sign is not appropriate on land designated for recreation and detracts from the enjoyment of this space”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland apologised for the initial placing of the sign without planning consent but said they hoped to reinstall it once the application is approved,

They said: “Due to an expected high level of interest and demand for our Belhaven Way development, we commissioned directional signage to be installed to assist customers in finding our new show homes, which opened to the public on Saturday, 29 June 2024.

“Whilst it is our standard practice to secure planning consent before erecting these types of signs, there was an oversight which meant this sign was installed prior to planning permission being obtained, and we apologise for this.

“We are now working to resolve this matter with East Lothian Council’s planning department and we hope to secure planning consent to be able to reinstall the sign shortly.   Our show homes will continue to be available for customers to visit, and our opening times will remain as normal.”

Planning officers are recommending councillors grant the application for advertising consent saying the sign is of a ‘relatively small size and scale’and similar to others which have been allowed across the county.

The committee meets on August 20 to decide the application.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

POLICE UPDATE 12.30pm 15/8/24: We are pleased to confirm that Zulekha Ali, who was reported missing from the Drylaw area of Edinburgh, has been traced safe and well.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in an effort to trace a 35-year-old woman missing from the Drylaw area of Edinburgh.

Zulekha Ali was last seen around 6.30am on Thursday, 15 August, 2024 within Waverley train station.

Zulekha is described as Asian, of medium build and wearing a dark-coloured hooded top or jacket, black trousers, a maroon t-shirt, navy shoes, dark-rimmed glasses and carrying a black handbag.

Officers are extremely concerned for Zulekha’s wellbeing and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace her as soon as possible. Zulekha may have travelled to Glenrothes by train, arriving there around 7.50am on Thursday morning. She may have then travelled further north to the Dundee or Aberdeen areas.

Inspector Gavin McNeill said: “We are very concerned for Zulekha’s wellbeing and just want to know that she is safe. I urge anyone who has seen Zulekha or has any information or knowledge of her whereabouts to please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 0470 of 15 August, 2024.

A man has been jailed for non-recent sexual offences in West Lothian.

Michael Conway, 66, was sentenced to 14 years in jail at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Wednesday, 14 August, 2024.

He was previously found guilty of 14 serious sexual offences committed against two women and six girls over a number of decades. The children were aged between 4 and 14 when the abuse occurred.

He was also placed on the offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonny Wright said: “Conway is an abhorrent abuser who now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope his conviction and sentencing will offer some form of justice to those involved, who have shown incredible strength and courage throughout the reporting and court process.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling all forms of sexual crimes, when abuse happened, where it took place or who was involved.

“I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of such offences to contact us on 101. We will listen, we will investigate, and we will take prompt action to ensure that no-one else is at risk of harm.‎”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery which occurred in the Leith area of Edinburgh on Monday, 12 August, 2024.

Around 11pm a 38-year-old woman was walking through Leith Links, close to Duncan Place, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her rucksack, causing her to fall to the ground.

The suspect made off towards Restalrig Road and Link Gardens.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 40 years-old, 5ft 6in and of thin build. He was wearing a long sleeved top, trousers, a dark baseball cap and spoke with a Scottish accent.

The bag stolen is a black and green mountaineering style rucksack which contained clothing and a number of high value items.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Rea said: “Thankfully the victim was not injured during the robbery however it was still a very distressing experience.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area around 11pm on Monday night who saw a man matching the suspect’s description, or who may have private CCTV or dash-cam footage of significance, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2616 of Tuesday 13 August, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Award-winning Saltire Sky Theatre has returned to the Edinburgh Fringe with fresh versions of two hard-hitting and critically acclaimed shows about working class life in Scotland today.

MANikin and Bits ‘N’ Pieces both address tough issues from an authentic and distinctively Scottish perspective.

Bits ’N’ Pieces is about three friends – Tommy, Matty and Dougie – who are as close as brothers. When Matty is posted to Afghanistan with the RAF the boys want to him an unforgettable sendoff.

Denis Sulta? All night rave? Usher Hall? Too good to be true!

Immersing the audience in this final hurrah, the show becomes an assault on the senses featuring music from a resident live DJ, as it tracks the course of the night and all its implications…

The play tackles attitudes towards recreational drugs and the culture surrounding them.

Winner of the Best Scottish Production 2022 Bits ‘N’ Pieces reveals what it’s like to come of age in the height of Scotland’s drug-death crisis.

It takes an access-all-areas approach to working class life.

Saltire Sky collaborated with NHS support workers, and their partner charity Crew 2000, throughout the show’s development to ensure the script is accurate and prevent the spread of false information. 

A spokesperson from Crew 2000 said: “We know that records for drug-related harms and deaths among young people have increased over the last few years, especially among young men and people with adverse childhood experiences.

“Inequalities, stigma, and shame make it so much harder for people to access help early. We know early intervention to address inequality, evidence-based education and harm reduction without judgement are needed to change this, and we’re glad to see Bits ‘N’ Pieces highlighting their importance.”

MANikin is an equally powerful one-man show.

Set in the small town of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, it tells the story of Fraser Patterson as he wrestles with his mind and body in a struggle to play the bit-part role of The Big Guy.

Brutal playground initiation evolves into real-world tribulation in a society riddled with stigma and prejudice.

This is an unflinching portrait of a man’s struggle with obesity and body image that demonstrates how these issues arise, escalate and become life threatening.

The British Obesity Society will provide free information packs to all audience members.

These will include vital resources and information related to male obesity and offer guidance on how to being a personal health and wellness journey.

Nathan Scott Dunn, Creative Director of Saltire Sky Theatre, said: “Our goal with MANikin is to spark conversations and challenge perceptions about male obesity. We are incredibly indebted to British Obesity Society for supporting us.

“This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organisations to not only entertain but also educate and empower audiences.”

Jane DeVille-Almond, President of the British Obesity Society added: “We are excited to collaborate with Saltire Sky Theatre to bring attention to the important issue of male obesity.

“The arts have a profound ability to influence and inspire, and we believe this play will resonate deeply with many people.”

The play was nominated as Best Scottish Production 2023 (Scottish Theatre Awards).

Saltire Sky won a Broadway baby Bobby Award for their production 1902 and an Off West End Award in the ShortFest category 2022.

• Both shows have been substantially developed for the 2024 Fringe – so even if you have seen them before, provide a new and compelling experience.
• Tickets from https://www.edfringe.com/

Dave Reubens is very much dressed for the part. He arrives wearing a black T-shirt covered in white ghosts and ghouls, black denim three-quarter-length trousers, black trainers and black socks.

Yet an agreeable hour spent in the company of the Edinburgh-based man in black, whose Welsh twang derives from his upbringing in Cardiff, is far from the murkiness associated with the dark arts.

Reubens, 45, weaves his whimsical magic show around his great grandfather, who was from Burnley in Lancashire – where Reubens was born – and who belonged to a secretive society of magicians. Late-night games of cigar and brandy-influenced sessions of Russian roulette are conjured up as Reubens creates a historical backdrop for his own love of magic and the people who inhabit its world.

These include his 20th-century hero Melvin Burkhart, an American circus sideshow entertainer and amateur boxer known as “the human blockhead” for driving a large steel spike up his nose with a hammer, whose bizarre black-and-white image is projected onto an on-stage screen in a section called “anatomical wonders”.

This being freaky magic, Reubens is joined on stage by a succession of eager audience members to engage in a variety of tricks which range from deft displays of extrasensory perception to a couple of delightfully daft stunts involving, variously, a staple-gun being applied to his face and a nail tapped up his nose with a claw hammer. In one routine, labelled “speaking with the dead”, he is assisted by the bearded Phil from Philadelphia, an up-for-it sceptic who is encouraged to “caress” an urn in the quest for a connection with the afterlife and who is high-fived for his spirited efforts.

It’s still being honed but is well delivered by the congenial Reubens, a full-time magician, who has to contend with the sound of rock music bleeding through the walls on a couple of occasions. “The best you can do is make a bit of a joke about it. When you’re trying to do something spooky it doesn’t help,” he said sportingly later.

PBH’s Free fringe @ Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse
Until 25 Aug

Josh Pickering, Stellar Monarchs’ No 1, powered to 20 points, but the popular Aussie was unable to help the Edinburgh side skidding to a 50-40 defeat at arch rivals, Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers, in the Cab Direct Championship.

The 27-year-old (pictured) won six of his seven races including Heat One in which team-mate, Kye Thomson, came home second for a confidence-boosting 5-1 over Chris Harris and Jack Smith, but Tigers bounced back immediately.

James Pearson and Tom Spencer levelled with a 5-1 in the next race over Dayle Wood and Connor Coles, then ex-Berwick Bandits star, Leon Flint and Matic Ivacic took the next 5-1 to take Tigers clear at 11-7.

Monarchs narrowed the gap to 16-14 by winning Heat Five 4-2, but Jack Smith and Harris clicked in the next for a 5-1 scoreline to move Tigers 21-15 ahead and they never looked back.

A 5-1 in Heat Nine followed by a 4-2 in the next saw the home side 35-25 in front. Monarchs won Heat 11 4-2 but Tigers closed out the meeting by drawing Heats 12, 13 and 14 and winning the final race 4-2 with Harris edging Pickering into second place, the only defeat of the night for the Edinburgh star.

Glasgow: Chris Harris 10, Jack Smith 4, Leon Flint 9, Matic Ivacic 5, Anders Rowe 7, James Pearson 12, Tom Spencer 3.

Edinburgh: Josh Pickering 20, Kye Thomson 8, Lasse Fredriksen 5, Paco Castagna 4, rider replacement for Justin Sedgmen, Dayle Wood 0, Connor Coles 3

The success of the Netflix series Baby Reindeer and the furore that followed it brought Richard Gadd’s name to the attention of many.

It was a reminder that Gadd’s initial breakthrough came at the Edinburgh Fringe.

More specifically, Gadd first came to prominence through PBH’s Free Fringe, initially via 2013’s Cheese and Crack Whores and culminating in his comedy award winning 2016 show Monkey See Monkey Do. Gadd’s success was a manifestation of the PBH’s Fringe’s role as a nursery of talent and a clear illustration that the Free Fringe deserves to be taken seriously.

The Free Fringe is a significant part of the Edinburgh Fringe, in both scale and cultural contribution, but faces constant challenges. 

Despite such moments, PBH’s Free Fringe remains on a constant financial tightrope, threatening to tip into bankruptcy at any moment. Started by Peter Buckley Hill in 1996, it was inspired by a desire to reform the financial model of the Fringe, making use of the many unused spaces in the city. The deal is that the venues used will get trade from those attending the shows as payback. In this way, PBH’s Free Fringe supports local businesses, rather than the money going elsewhere via the big venues. Free Fringe venues range from regular spots (such as the Liquid Rooms, and Banshee Labyrinth – where Gadd performed in 2016) to spaces that may open up for a short time-and may then join the roster. In my experience this has meant some creative re-use of spaces; I’ve found myself in areas of the Old Town that I didn’t previously know existed!

PBH’s Free Fringe is now one of the largest players in the Fringe but its future is deeply uncertain. Speaking recently to Elise Harris, Peter Buckley Hill stated that the Free Fringe is “under attack” from elements of the paid Fringe “who want to see us dead”. He sees a number of other elements of the Fringe adopting aspects of the Free Fringe model but not being truly free, in that they charge performers a fee for the space they perform in.

The Fringe is, he believes, “full of profiteers…trying to make money off the performers”. He wants Fringe-goers to “distinguish between the true and genuine free fringe” and those with free admission to the public but “do not benefit the performers”. This model does lead to the constant financial tightrope. The financial situation is particularly severe post – Covid, as the Free Fringe received nothing from the Resilience Fund. In contrast, the big venues received substantial amounts. All PBH’s Free Fringe gets comes, as its CEO Luke Meredith puts it, “from the generosity of the general public”.

The Politics of the Free Fringe

I discussed the Free Fringe with Harun Musho’d and Chris O’Neill, hosts of The Political Breakfast. Cannily, this 9.30am show is the earliest starting in PBH’s Free Fringe programme (the Wee Blue Book), drawing in those keen to start their ‘fringeing’ early. On a wet Monday morning (following a thunderstorm), the show played to an impressively full house.

For Musho’d, it is the inherently political nature of the Free Fringe that inspires him. A number of PBH performers are certainly expressly political in their shows, such as Attila the Stockbroker (John Baine) and Kate Smurthwaite. At another level, PBH’s Free Fringe is, by its nature, a critique of a highly commercialised cultural sphere. Musho’d sees PBH’s Free Fringe as a necessary alternative to the paid Fringe, which he considers “exploitative”. PBH’s Free Fringe’s aim is to “stop exploitation of performers by someone”, agents, venues etc. Though he’s not directly involved in the running of PBH’s Free Fringe (“I’m not in the close circle”), Musho’d uses his position on the Board of Directors of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as a voice for the Free Fringe. In his ‘bucket speeches’ he passes on the Free Fringe message and why it needs urgent financial support.

One battle the Free Fringe is constantly fighting is retaining its best venues. Every year, some of the best are poached. This has long been part of the Fringe and was the source of a conflict between PBH’s Free Fringe and Laughing Horse’s The Free Festival. Laughing Horse have themselves now lost one of their key venues – Cabaret Voltaire on Blair Street. Just the Tonic is seen as leading the poaching at present. What is particularly irksome to those involved with PBH’s Free Fringe is the unproved suggestion that some of the big venues are using some of the money from the Resilience Fund to induce venues to jump from the free to paid Fringe. However, Musho’d and O’Neill don’t see the paid Fringe as one monolithic force, praising year-round venues such as The Stand and Monkey Barrel for giving performers a fair deal, not fleecing them.

Not only does PBH’s Free Fringe seek to make the Fringe more accessible for performers but also for the public. While the performers do ask for voluntary contributions at the end of their shows, it is on the basis of “pay what you can afford”. With Fringe shows at the big venues getting expensive, this model allows those on a limited budget to enjoy the Fringe. For Peter Buckley Hill himself, PBH’s Free Fringe is “a collective of performers working for each other and the benefit of the public”.

The Leith Hub

One criticism that could be made of PBH’s Free Fringe is that it has added to a geographic ‘centralisation’ of the Fringe. As Musho’d admitted, the Old Town has become “saturated” with Fringe venues; more so than in past decades. Most of the PBH’s Free Fringe venues are in and around the Cowgate. This adds to the sense of a city overrun with tourists and Fringe-goers, especially around the notorious South Bridge bottleneck. Even a venue such as Brewdog on Lothian Road is considered to be geographically marginal, though it does see good footfall. The need to spread the Fringe out over a wider area is a pressing one. Luke Meredith, CEO of the Free Fringe rejects the centralising charge, pointing out that the big venues have led this, while PBH’s Free Fringe has consistently made efforts to disperse further afield, including this year. As Meredith puts it, “Where are the outlying venues from the “big four”?”

O’Neill admits that generally “most venues outside the centre have struggled”. PBH’s Free Fringe shows often rely on people nipping into them, taking a chance. They are far less likely to walk 20 minutes or so to get to a venue. This year, PBH’s Free Fringe has made a significant effort to spread, with five venues in Leith and, Musho’d feels, things have started promisingly. Leith’s status as a self-contained community (and one of the most densely populated urban areas in Scotland) means that there are plenty of locals around, without a great need to entice people down from the city centre. Leith is also an established cultural venue.

As the manager of one of the new Free Fringe venues, the Satyr Bar on Leith Walk, outlined, many Fringe-goers stay in Leith. This again adds to the potential audience. He admitted that hosting Fringe shows had been a “learning experience”, but, especially at the weekend, the shows at the Satyr Bar had seen good numbers. He felt that PBH’s Free Fringe had potential to establish itself in Leith as there were several venues within a short distance. It was well worth fringe-goers making their way down Leith Walk. Musho’d himself performs at the Strathmore Bar and has enjoyed performing in such a vibrant area. He hopes that it will increasingly become “a hub for the Free Fringe”.

Bare bones

Musho’d embraces the communal aspect of PBH’s Free Fringe and the bare bones aspect. The Political Breakfast is for him “the epitome of the Fringe” in the rawness of its venue. It’s a very basic set up: the humid basement of an eatery with clanging noises coming from the kitchen. Audience involved in the show (today was a bit low energy, “people were mainly in listening mode”). More broadly, stand-up suits PBH’s Free Fringe because of its inherent simplicity. Some have argued that the Fringe is now dominated by stand-up comedy, with other art forms somewhat sidelined. Another Free Fringe performer Neil Davidson describes the Fringe as “an orgy of stand-up”. Musho’d admits that there is truth to this, but defends stand-up because of its “low barriers of entry”. It is, he argues, the “most democratic art form”. Musho’d though would like to see greater diversity within stand-up, “which is generally dominated by white men”.

In a number of ways, PBH’s Free Fringe manifests a stripped down cultural experience. Many Fringe-goers embrace this while others are more comfortable with the more polished venues of the paid Fringe, with their battalions of t-shirted staff. In contrast, whether PBH’s Free Fringe sinks or swims depends on getting their message out there and getting good numbers in the door. It also relies on people taking ‘a punt’ on shows. 

Eccentric but enjoyable efforts such as Neil Davidson’s The Thermos Museum (Satyr Bar, 15.40) are the type of shows that have that ‘only at the Fringe’ feel but add variety to it. At the other end of the spectrum, Mark Simmons’ More Jokes and Markus Birdman – We Are All in the Gutter, but Some of Us Are Looking at the Gutter demonstrates that established acts are delighted to be part of the Free Fringe More generally, PBH’s Free Fringe adds much to the richness of the Fringe. For how long will it continue to do so?

In 1989 an article appeared in The Guardian. Its title was ‘Shopping in the very worst possible taste.’

The journalist had visited a second hand shop in Sheffield’s Devonshire Street, in those days the home of cool record emporiums and fashionable wine bars. There he had discovered Hilda Flower, queen of her own domain – that domain being a four-storey building stuffed with clothes. From 1950s’ dresses to 60s’ kaftans, 70s’ punk and 80s’ post punk counterculture, the shop’s stock spanned the previous half century. Many items were priced at just 50p.

Hilda was Julie Flower’s Grandma, and this is her story.

The Patter House Snug stage is set with an assortment of mannequins, draped in what would now be termed ‘vintage wear.’ Each model bears a star-shaped cut out sign of the type once popular in street markets; ‘Quality’, ‘Bargain’, ‘Genuine’. (Pay attention to these, they change as the show progresses.) In the centre is an easel displaying that Guardian article. In the 70s and 80s the Sheffield music scene was thriving; Cockers Joe and Jarvis were born there, and it was also home to the Thompson Twins and Human League. Hits like You Can Leave Your Hat On provide a fitting soundtrack.

Then in bursts Julie, a woman who exudes happiness and joie de vivre. She’s a great storyteller, and she has a great story to tell.

Grandma’s shop didn’t have a sign outside its yellow painted door, the back room was stacked with bags full of clothes, the cellar with shoes of all sizes. Round the back lived 29 stray cats; all of the shop’s profits went to feeding them. Not for nothing did another journalist label Hilda ‘Cat Woman.’

The shop had become a Sheffield institution, selling to everyone from students (‘they’ll buy anything and pay anything!’) to punks, aspiring musicians and members of the trans community. Hilda welcomed them all, adjusting her prices to suit her clientele. One of her regulars
brought her dripping cakes. And on Saturday mornings Julie worked in the shop with grandma,

Julie recreates her 12 year old self perfectly. She’s a little bit innocent, full of enthusiasm (except when it comes to feeding those cats…) and adores her unconventional Grandma. This award-winning improviser switches between her past and present personas so well that the show is never confusing. And those two personas are equally charming; 35 years on Julie still has that 12 year old’s zest for life

For every single customer, Hilda could lay her hands on exactly what was needed. This was her gift; she knew how to make everyone feel special, how to find the clothes to boost their confidence and make them the stars of their own lives. Julie dons some of the outfits for us; in a leopard skin coat and shades she is indeed transformed, and much more glamorously than the average fashion model.

Another of Hilda’s skills lay in persuading people they’d got a bargain, regardless of the truth of the matter. She was a shopkeeper through and through, yet she was also a dyed-in-the-wool socialist. As Julie says, ‘people are complicated.’ To a recording of cheers and boos, Julie imagines a wrestling match between Hilda and another well-known shopkeeper’s daughter, one who at the time was seeking a third term in government. It’s handbags at dawn, and Julie wields them with unbridled energy. I’ll leave you to guess who wins.

Hilda never threw anything away. These days, Julie says, she’d no doubt be offered help for her hoarding habits, but back then she was
simply ‘different’, so much so that she was featured in another newspaper article about research into eccentrics (which proved that such people are happier and better able to cope with life than the rest of us.)

Using the effective medium of a fictional family history course to tell Hilda’s story, every week Julie reports on the progress of her investigations to the group members, each of whom she voices. There’s snobbish Sally, ancient Bernard, and Estelle, who’s terribly upset by the results of her DNA test – but even Sally, with her patronising comments on Julie’s working class background, is portrayed with kindness. She’s ridiculous rather than vicious, no offence is taken, and we all have a good laugh at her Hyacinth Bucket-style pretensions.

Julie’s fascinated by that Guardian article, which turned Hilda into a mini-celebrity and brought her a new class of clientele, one that she wasn’t instantly thrilled about. Seeking more information, Julie posts on social media; the responses flood in. Everyone has good memories of Grandma, or ‘Auntie Hilda’, as she was to one and all.

Julie also digs into Hilda’s past, and we soon realise that having a four-storey shop stuffed with purple jumpsuits and American tan tights was but one aspect of Grandma’s ‘difference.’ Denied the education she deserved (her Mum couldn’t afford the uniform), she’d ploughed
her own furrow, separated from her husband at a time when (unless you were a member of the aristocracy) to do so was scandalous, shacked up with an Irish comedian, and toured the 1960s’ working men’s clubs’ circuit with him. She’d put up with a lot of backchat, but she’d carried on regardless. Brave and forthright, Hilda had strong views on many things, from the neutering of cats (bad) to the proliferation of charity shops (worse – ‘they don’t pay rates!’) and the Tory party (unspeakable.)

Grandma’s Shop is a show full of memories, nostalgia and laughter, but there’s more to it than that. Julie shows us how clothes tell stories; all of those old frocks and jackets, the red stilettoes, even the ‘sturdy’ outsize bras, once belonged to somebody, were a part of their lives. The show commemorates the extraordinary life of an ‘ordinary’ person. The History degree Julie took at university was all about white men and big events, but

There are some excellent Fringe shows about some very bad things; food poverty, the state of the NHS, the pandemic…but once in a while we need a happy, quirky, story, one that shines its gentle light on someone a little bit different. Julie Flower: Grandma’s Shop is just that; you will leave bathed in the warm glow of humanity at its best.

Julie Flower: Grandma’s Shop is at Venue 24: Gilded Balloon Patter House (Snug), Chambers Street at 12.20 every day until 26th
August. Tickets here.

The PBH Free Fringe is a significant part of the Fringe; both in size and in the quality and variety of shows. 

Mark Simmons’ More Jokes. was an example of one aspect of the Free Fringe.  Simmons is established name, who is in the midst of a substantial nationwide tour. He could easily do extremely well on the paid Fringe. He was playing at one of the PBH Free Fringe’s best venues, the cavernous Liquid Rooms (just off Victoria Street), which has a proper professional setup. This includes staff guiding fringe-goers to the right place, and a spacious bar area which is an ideal spot to chill between shows. It’s now fully covered- a good idea given Edinburgh’s weather.

A few minutes before the start, the large audience had assembled and were ushered down into the Annexe, where about 300 people could be seated. There was not a seat to be had. The buzz was palpable. There was a welcoming feel right from the start, with Simmons greeting the audience members as they entered, putting everyone at ease. Those familiar with him knew there was no threat if they sat in the front row; his the audience interactions are gentle.

In his tenth year of performing at the Fringe, Simmons show took us through the evolution of his career and the way that his act has changed over time. He clearly got a bit of a lift from seeing such a packed audience at a Tuesday lunchtime. This was in contrast to his early years on the Fringe, playing to a handful of people. This is in some way the Fringe dream that keeps performance coming back year after year, hoping to make it. People such as Simmons and Richard Gadd show that this is still possible.

What we now have, in Simmons, is a very polished performer who immediately made the audience feel at ease. It was clear that they were in the hands of an adept performer. The quality of the material was consistently high; the jokes were beautifully crafted and the humour unforced. At times he deconstructed his jokes, demonstrating how small changes in wording  and delivery can radically affect the impact. This added to the sense of the performance as something everyone was involved in; a sense of inclusiveness. 

Online, Simmons is known for his quick responses when asking audience members questions (for instance about their hobbies). This took up up segment of the show. Many of the responses worked beautifully but, in his relaxed manner, even when they didn’t, Simmons was unflustered and drew the humour from the ‘awkward’ situation. Indeed, many of the highlights of the show derived from unplanned interactions.  

This is a show that I feel most people will enjoy; his humour has a warmth and inclusivity without being in any way mundane or safe. But, if you want to see his show, I’d recommend getting to the Liquid Rooms at least 25 minutes before, especially at the weekend. 

Mark Simmons – More Jokes is at:
Venue 276- PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse – Annexe, at 13.45, until 24 August.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company under the adept direction of Vicky Featherstone supplied a powerful interpretation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir, The Outrun, as précised by playwright Stef Smith.

This world premiere involves enhancing music and singing as well as effective compression of action to bring the story of isolation, loneliness, and resilience vividly to the stage.

The dramatization was imaginative and evocative, particularly of Orkney. The cast was first-rate but Isis Hainsworth as the principal woman was exceptional – the emotional involvement and expression of this superb actress was stunning.

Not an easy watch but well worth the effort.

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/the-outrun Until 24 August. Recommended.

Police officers investigating a serious assault in the Muirhouse area of the city have arrested a 52-year-old man. 

Officers were called to Muirhouse Park around 5.20am this morning Wednesday 14 August 2024. 

A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident and the street was cordoned off to facilitate the investigation. 

Officers say that their enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. and that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 15 August, 2024.

A police spokesman said: A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault on Muirhouse Park, Edinburgh around 5.20am on Wednesday, 14 August, 2024.

“A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident and there was no wider risk to the public.

“The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 15 August, 2024.”

A community’s fight to save woodlands it calls its ‘green lung’ will go before East Lothian Council’s planning committee next week.

Planning officers are recommending councillors approve plans for up to 145 homes for elderly residents at the site of a former hospital in Haddington.

The site was sold to the local authority by NHS Scotland after the services at Herdmanflat Hospital moved into the town’s new community hospital with the understanding it would be used for older people.

However wild flowers and woodlands on the site have become a popular spot for local families who last year launched a petition calling for the publicly used land to be saved.

A petition calling for a halt to the plans to build on the land was rejected by the council’s petitions committee in March this year.

The petition said: “To destroy it for the sake of a housing development is not just short-sighted, it is a betrayal of our community’s love and commitment to nature and this space.

“The Herdmanflat woodland holds a special place in the hearts of the community. It is a vital green lung in the heart of Haddington, providing a space for children to play, families to walk their dogs and people to simply connect with nature.

“It is a living reminder of the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.”

A report to next week’s planning committee says the plans for the site have been revised to take into consideration feedback from public consultations.

It proposed up to 145 housing units within existing hospital buildings and new blocks on the site as well as  “open spaces including, recreational woodland, central area of open space, pétanque pitches, community garden and orchard.”

A total of 38 objections have been lodged to the application however Haddington and District Community Council has, the report said, supported the development.

It said: “The community council is supportive of the development of the Herdmanflat site. They noted that changes were made following public feedback and that the final proposals are a sympathetic development, retaining much of the open ground.

“They also acknowledged the need for supported housing for the elderly and disabled people on a site that is close to the centre of Haddington and felt that this outweighs the changes that the development will bring to the site.”

Councillors will be asked to support officers recommendations to approve the application at a meeting on Tuesday, August 20.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Drivers and other staff including ticket assistants and controllers working for Edinburgh Trams are supportive of strike action following a ballot.

The issue centres on the lack of comfort breaks for drivers due to delays on the line, although The Edinburgh Reporter understands that additional facilities have been installed at Edinburgh Airport to save the staff around ten minutes walk into the building.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said members had “emphatically” backed strike action to “tackle head-on the unacceptable health and safety situation they face”.

She said: “They should not be in this situation because Edinburgh Trams should be implementing measures to ensure our members get their comfort breaks.

“We will back our tram membership all the way in the fight for decent workplace conditions.”

The union claims there is a shortfall of five to six minutes on tram routes between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven, which means drivers are often forced to make up the time.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams commented: “While we are disappointed the union has embarked on a course of action that threatens disruption for customers, we are committed to the wellbeing of colleagues and are doing everything we can to address their concerns.

“As part of this process, we are working closely with the Trams to Newhaven project team, The City of Edinburgh Council and colleagues to find a workable solution, including improving the effectiveness of road traffic signals that can have an impact on our timetable and turnaround times at the airport and Newhaven.”

It takes about two hours for one tram to make the return journey. A new timetable has added four minutes to each part of the route, and delays to a new system of signals have led to increased delays.

Unite claims that tram workers regularly go up to five hours without any refreshment or toilet breaks.

Lyn Turner, an industrial officer at the union, added: “Edinburgh’s tram workers are being forced into taking strike action.

“This is mismanagement plain and simple, and it is having unacceptable consequences for our members.

“Unite wants to resolve this through negotiation but we are running out of track before strike action takes place. If this happens, then Edinburgh Trams will be solely to blame for any disruption. Management has one more chance.”

The stage is set for Edinburgh to become the first local authority in Scotland to impose a visitor levy on overnight accommodation in the city from around July 2026.

The intention is that the monies will be used to create a “clean, green and safe city” with heritage and culture firmly at the centre following suggestions made during earlier public engagement.

The scheme will provide for measures which will: “sustain Edinburgh’s status as one of the world’s greatest cultural and heritage cities and to ensure that the impacts of a successful visitor economy are managed effectively and in support of the priorities as set out in the Council’s Business Plan.”

It is estimated that the tax could raise around £40 million or more each year, and the government has confirmed the monies can be used to leverage borrowing for either capital or revenue projects. The council plan for example to use around £5 million to borrow £70 million to spend on affordable housing. The council estimate that if the tax was already in place it could have raised £6 million this month alone.

Councillors will consider recommendations next week to impose a tax of 5% on the cost of overnight stays with a cap on the charge of seven nights. These plans also include an outline of what the funds raised will be spent on under an umbrella of a range of objectives which “must relate to developing, supporting or sustaining facilities or services which are substantially for
or used by persons visiting the scheme area for leisure or business purposes (or
both)”.

The proposal is for 50% of the funds raised to be spent on City Operations and Infrastructure, 35% to be spent on Culture Heritage and Events and 15% for Destination Management. Some of the spending will be determined by a participatory budgeting process similar to Leith Chooses when locals vote for their favoured projects.

Cllr Cammy Day, the Council Leader, said that it is possible the “new money” could be used to improve Princes Street, Leith Theatre or the Ross Bandstand, or another possibility (which he has mentioned previously) is the upgrading of Pilrig Park which would benefit both visitors and tourists alike.

Cllr Day said: “We want the city to benefit from this as well. There will be a pot of money – we still need to meet the criteria – but it will allow local people to see the real benefit from this. If we spent funds on a park it could be upgraded and might become a potential venue for festivals – and could be used year round by the local community.”

The council leader was clear that this money – which the council has been chasing since 2018 – will be very welcome. He said: “In the last decade we’ve seen about £3 to £4 million of unfunded pressures in Edinburgh alone at a time when reserves are sitting with government for a rainy day. Well the rainy day is well and truly happening in Edinburgh already. So we are looking at any opportunities for councils in Scotland to get tax raising powers and we’ve argued that for a long time. The SNP’s own manifesto said they would devolve powers to local government and all they’ve done is take powers off them which is why we need a change in government in Scotland.”

The cost of implementing the scheme will be around £650,000 and after that it is likely to cost the council around £970,000 to run. Accommodation providers will be allowed to retain 1.5% to reimburse them for collecting the tax on behalf of the council.

Councillors will meet on 22 August to consider the proposals. If passed then this scheme will be put out to public consultation on the day after the Scottish Government declare the commencement date.

https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/g7343/Public%20reports%20pack%2022nd-Aug-2024%2010.00%20Policy%20and%20Sustainability%20Committee.pdf?T=10

Householders may soon be able to save money on replacing faulty windows thanks to new planning rules in West Lothian. 

Local planning bosses will no longer demand “like for like” replacement for new double-glazed windows in the county’s ten conservation areas. 

The costs had discouraged many householders from installing new windows in historic properties under the old rules. 

But now they’ll be able to install modern, energy-efficient glazing if they wish – and can shop around for the best bargain. 

The council’s executive agreed to back also backed new guidance which ends the need to apply for planning permission. 

Linlithgow councillor Sally Pattle said it was an end to the “No you can’t” rules. 

For many people it will mean an end to massive bills  to install heat efficient windows, as well as the costs and complexity of applying for planning permission. 

Linlithgow councillors said they had received several complaints over costs of window replacement in the town – as well as in other conservation areas in Broxburn,  Uphall, Torphichen and Mid Calder. 

A report to the council’s Executive confirmed a lifting of the ban on materials  such as uPVC and metal in window replacement.  

It also removes the need to apply for planning permission to replace windows to the rear of buildings.  Permission will still be needed for changes to the front of buildings and separate consent in the case of listed buildings. 

Councillor Sally Pattle  said: “As somebody who represents a ward where there are a lot of historic and listed buildings this is something that comes into my mailbox a lot. The frustrations [which face people] around trying to mitigate heating costs as well as trying to get to net zero, as well as trying to preserve and cherish the historic buildings in which they reside.  

 Labour’s Kirsteen Sullivan said: “I think the planning system can be difficult for lay people to navigate. This is a common sense and pragmatic way to make the planning process easier. It’s a simple change that will make a huge difference for people.” 

The council’s own guidelines on window replacement had been relaxed and refreshed to reflect the national changes to planning policies, while still aiming to protect the ten conservation areas in West Lothian. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Edinburgh Council is to investigate the city’s  ‘grey spaces’ and how they can be re-purposed for community growing projects.

The small parcels of council-owned land, such as old playgrounds and vacant hard standing, could become central to a new plan to empower more people to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

A ‘right to grow’ policy being considered by the authority, if adopted, would create a simple process for community groups to secure free leases to cultivate unused green spaces and re-purpose ‘grey space’ with planters and raised beds.

Councillor Hal Osler, who tabled a motion calling for the policy to be explored last December, said it was important people were “closer to their food”.

She said access to growing space was important for communities but often came with too much red tape.

“They come with quite a lot of bureaucracy,” she said, “it’s actually really quite difficult for individuals to get through.”

A right to grow requires local authorities to “maintain a free, accessible map of all public land that is suitable for community cultivation or wildlife projects,” according to Incredible Edible which promotes the idea. “They would also need to make it straight-forward for community groups to secure free leases to cultivate the land, and allow those groups to bid for the land should the authority decide to sell it.”

Last September Hull City Council became the first UK local authority to adopt it and is now in the early stages of piloting.

In a report the council said there were “a number of actions already being progressed to develop and maintain food growing provision in the city,” adding and the adoption of a right to grow policy would “need to be carefully considered alongside all of this on-going work”.

Cllr Osler said: “We also have a rather weird way of thinking about land, we think of land and growing land as something which is green that you have to dig into. Well actually no you don’t, we have an awful lot of redundant space – grey space.

“I would include things like the bowling greens, I would include redundant hardstanding that’s littered all over our city that we haven’t utilised properly. We need to investigate those areas because quite a lot of those areas attract fly tipping, anti-social car parking and all sorts of other not great environments.

The Lib Dem councillor added: “It’s not just about growing food it’s about growing, for the terms of improving our insect population, improving our general well-being.”

Officials were given the go ahead to proceed with work on right to grow at the culture and communities committee on Thursday, August 8. The next steps will include a “mapping exercise” to identify “potential new sites for food growing, general availability of land across the city, gaps and opportunities in support,” a report said.

It’s anticipated detailed proposals on the scheme will not be ready until summer 2025 at the earliest.

Meanwhile the committee discussed a separate report on re-purposing old bowling greens handed back to the council by Edinburgh Leisure following declining use.

Early plans have been drawn up to use the spaces as allotments and community gardens with pavilions used as cafes and toilets.

However the total estimated cost of the projects at Victoria Park, St Margaret’s Park and Prestonfield Park bowling greens is up to £3 million.

Councillors called for less costly options to make the greens available for community use, at least while funding for a longer-term vision is identified, to be brought forward at a future meeting.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

POLICE UPDATE: We are pleased to confirm that Rebecca Clough, who was reported missing from the Liberton area of Edinburgh has been traced safe and well.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.

Police are appealing for help to trace a 42-year-old woman reported missing from the Liberton area of Edinburgh.

Rebecca Clough, known as Becca, was last seen in the Liberton area in the evening of Tuesday, 13 August, 2024.

Becca may be travelling towards the west of the country via car.

Becca is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, and has shoulder length red/purple hair. She was last seen wearing black cotton tracksuit bottoms and top. She occasionally wears glasses.

Sergeant Craig Darling said: “We are concerned for Becca’s welfare and appeal to anyone who believes they may have seen her to contact the police immediately”.

If anyone has information which may assist us to find Becca please call Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 0808 of 14 August.

Scotland’s youth fly fishing team came within one small fish of winning gold in the recent Home International event and you could be part of next year’s team which will cast a line at the Lake of Menteith near Stirling in 12 months time.

Heats for selection for 2025 are on Saturday, September 7 at Harelaw (fishing from 9am to 16.30pm) and the second on Sunday, October 13 at Lake of Menteith (9am to 16.30pm).

Forms can be downloaded from the Scottish Youth Fly Fishing website which is www.scotlandyouthflyfishing.co.uk. Entry is £70 which covers both heats.

This year, Scotland’s rising fly fishing stars defied soaring temperatures to put huge pressure on winners Ireland in the Home Internationals at Grafham Water near Huntingdon in England.

The 16-strong team, with four debutants, were last just two years ago, but they pushed a quality team all the way and several Irish anglers are due to cast in the world championships.

Ireland have now won the prestige event for four years in a row, a feat never achieved before, and James Litster, Scotland’s team manager, eagerly looks forward to next year.

Looking back, Litster said: “We were last and absolutely nowhere two years ago, but we won silver in Wales last year and we were so close this time.

“We are a team on the rise. Make no mistake, this was a massive achievement and Ireland actually believed we had won the competition due to the quality fish in our bags. Sadly, we fell just short.”

And he added: “What a turnaround this was for us from two years ago and it was achieved in really trying conditions.”

Scotland bosses actually called the youngsters off the water during training as the thermometer was reaching 34c.

On match day, there was, thankfully, a 10mph to 15mph wind providing some relief for competitors in the seven-hour event fished in a wind of between 10mph and 15mph.

The youngsters, aged between 12 and 18 and including one girl, Eilidh Craik from Errol, who fishes at Kinross, dug deep after two days of training to land 21 fish totalling 45lb 10oz. Ireland hooked into 24 fish for 48lb 4oz with England on 15 fish for 32lb 10oz and Wales with nine trout for 19lb 7oz.

Litster said: “What a performance this was. Our team stuck to the tactics, defied the conditions and did so, so well.”

They also made an impression off the water, piping the team into battle with tunes including Highland Cathedral.

Scotland last won the title in 2018 on Draycote Water in England and he said: “We’ll be doing everything we can to take gold next year.”

For the record, the team (pictured courtesy of the Scottish Youth Fly Fishing team management) was Rory Stewart (Kilmacolm), James Coull and Jake Gilchrist (both Dundee), Sam Harrison (Kinross), Eilidh Craik (Errol), Jake Humes (Assynt), Fergus Murray, Aaron Kennedy, Jamie Walker (all Stirling), James Miller (Glasgow), Ryan Taylor, Arran Thain, Kian Riley (all Aberdeen), Beck Lyon (Ayrshire), Ruaraidh Fowler (Doone), Dylan McRobert (Dumfries).

Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs and Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers have both been forced into changes for this Friday’s Championship Pairs at Oxford.

The Monarchs will still be without the injured Justin Sedgmen for the Cowley showpiece event, and his place is to be taken by club captain Paco Castagna (pictured against Poole this summer). Josh Pickering is their other rider.

Meanwhile Tigers, who are the holders of the trophy following success for Chris Harris and Benjamin Basso last year, will include new signing Anders Rowe alongside Harris.

Steve Worrall is now out of their team declaration as he recovers from illness.

Supporters are urged to purchase tickets in advance from https://oxfordspeedway.club/tickets/ .
 

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in Dalkeith.

Around 2.40pm on Monday, 12 August, 2024, a 79-year-old woman was crossing the road in the Tesco Car Park at Hardengreen when she was struck by a white car.

Emergency services attended and the injured woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment. Medical staff describe her condition as serious but stable.

Sergeant Jen Niven from Road Policing said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision and we are appealing for any potential witnesses to come forward.

“The car park would have been busy around the time and we would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who may have dash-cam footage, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1959 of Monday, 12 August, 2024.”

Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Scottish Government therefore has no alternative but to replicate the decision in Scotland and restrict payments to pensioners who receive eligible benefits.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Despite all efforts to review our financial position we have been left with no choice but to follow the UK Government and restrict payments to older people who receive relevant eligible benefits.

“This is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to our funding and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution. The reduction we are facing amounts to as much as 90% of the cost of Scotland’s replacement benefit, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

“Given the UK Government’s decision to restrict payments to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, and the implications for the Scottish Government detailed above, I have urged the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a benefits take-up campaign for Pension Credit and to move forward with plans for a social energy tariff.

“Both of these measures will provide some further protection to energy customers in greatest need.”

Eunice Olumide, MBE, is our very own supermodel and she will be back in town on Thursday to talk about the fashion industry.

She will outline the facts about sustainability, greenwashing, brands gone rogue, who is really in charge and what goes on backstage.

In typical straightforward style you can expect to hear the truth behind the fabulous dresses on the catwalk.

“She proves that you can engage and develop various elements of her career and protect the rights of others… one of the most famous activists in the modelling world” (Vogue).

Hibs fans like nothing more than seeing a youngster break through the ranks and cement a regular place in the first team. Particularly when it’s an attacking player with the ability to get supporters off their seats. 

Derek Riordan and Garry O’Connor springs to mind but incredibly it was more than 20-years ago when ‘Deek’ and ‘Gaz’ made their debuts. 

Older fans recall John Collins and Mickey Weir lighting up Easter Road and even older fans remember the likes of Peter Cormack, Peter Marinello and perhaps the greatest of them all, Joe Baker. 

And while it is far too early to add Rudi Molotnikov to that list of legends, the teenager has done enough during the club’s Premier Sports Cup group matches to provide some optimism amongst the faithful. 

The 18-year-old who has already represented Scotland at Under-17 and Under 19 levels played his part Hibs opening day victory over Elgin City then fulfilled a lifelong dream to score his first goal at Easter Road in a 5-1 victory over Queen’s Park. 

Speaking after that match Molotnikov said: “I just saw the ball drop to Josh Campbell and it was the perfect pass from him. I couldn’t have asked for any better. I’ve been thinking about that moment since I was young. And for it to happen with my family up in the stand was perfect. 

“I think the players who have come around me and made me feel part of this team, they’ve allowed me to express myself and be myself as a player.  

“The gaffer (David Gray) has made me feel like I’m at home, and that this is where he wants me to be. 

“There are a lot more games to come, hopefully. And I’ve got to keep proving to myself, and proving to him, that I should be starting each game. Hopefully I do. Then we’ll take it from there.” 

Head Coach David Gray also singled out his contribution to the cup campaign. “Rudi was excellent again.  He was great against Elgin City at the weekend and he is doing really well at the moment.  

“He needs to keep working hard, he is someone that has taken his opportunity in pre-season. He was around the First Team a lot last season and he has come back in great condition. He wants to push himself all the time, he needs to keep doing that and work on the areas that he can improve on, but we saw tonight the quality he has got. 

One man who knows about getting the fans on their feet is team mate Martin Boyle who also provided a ringing endorsement.  

“He’s come in, the gaffer has given him the opportunity and he’s grabbed it. He’s look sharp in training and has that finishing instinct. He loves to get at players, gets people off their seats and obviously we have to keep encouraging that. 

“He’s a young boy and will make mistakes. But he’s brave and at that age it’s great. Hopefully he can have a fantastic career. I would tell him to just listen to what the manager has to say, listen to the staff, keep your head down and work hard. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  

“When I was young and coming through, I probably gave the ball away 90 times in a game. Neil Lennon said just keep doing what you’re doing, getting on the ball and being as positive as you can – and everything will fall into place. He’s broken through way younger than I was and it’s fantastic to see the younger generation coming through; hopefully there’s more to follow.” 

Premium drinks store The Scottish Gantry has opened its third store in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End.

The new flagship store, located at 10b Queensferry Street, stocks a fantastic range of premium alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, showcasing the best of Scotland’s larder, whilst also venturing further afield, with an impressive range of fine wines and spirits from all over the world. 

The Scottish Gantry opened their first boutique drinks store in Stirling in 2011 and following steady growth opened their second store in Milngavie in 2020. 

The impressive West End space enables a unique customer experience and provides a highly personalised customer experience.  Key features of the new store in Edinburgh include over 750 product lines, a dedicated tasting area and a whisky vault, affectionately known as the Joe & Lynn Noble suite, that stocks an array of premium whisky products. 

The highly qualified and knowledgeable staff team encourage a “liquor to lips” philosophy, enabling customers to sample many of the products, that are steeped in both a rich history and quality, before purchasing.   

Kevin Moore, The Scottish Gantry proprietor, said: “We are so excited to open our anchor store on Queensferry Street in the heart of  Edinburgh’s West End.  It’s wonderful to be part of such a vibrant community and it is an ideal location for local people and visitors alike to sample the fantastic array of premium products we stock. 

“Our new store design is a welcoming and accessible space that ensures customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. We have a talented group of staff in this store and our other outlets, who are ready to provide you with exceptional customer service.”

www.thescottishgantry.com

The Edinburgh store is open 7  days a week 10am utill 9.00pm.

At the Broomhouse Street Party there was an authentic festival experience on offer with dancing, circus acts and rappers all adding to the fun.

There were around 1,600 people at the party organised by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, B Healthy Together, Community One Stop Shop, St David’s Carrick Knowe Church, and The BIG Project, with funding from the National Lottery. Staff served up 2,000 meals were served during the event.

Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Fringe and all the performers who came along, risked the weather, and put on a fantastic show for Broomhouse and the communities of Southwest Edinburgh. The Street Party always brings a bit of magic to the area, and this year was no exception. The feedback and comments have been extremely positive. 

“What this event does best is bring our communities together. For many, times are tough just now, so it was wonderful to see our values of being welcoming and supportive to all unfold with everyone sharing the experience as one.

“As a charity, we are led by the needs of those we support. With so many people together in one place, it provides a great opportunity to gather feedback on the worries, challenges, and our communities’ needs. This will inform our ongoing work, ensuring that Space continues to be people-led. 

“A huge thanks to our organising committee, volunteers, funders, and everyone else who made this all possible.” 

Acts included Fringe 360 All Stars, who displayed breaking, BMX skills, and gymnastics, all accompanied by live rapping. Think Circus Workshop had children spinning plates and learning to hula hoop, while Sze Lyson wowed everyone with his football skills. 

Japan’s Sushi Tap Show had people simultaneously laughing and being amazed at their feats; Malaki Frost had the crowds gasping, with sword swallowing and juggling daggers while balanced on a pole in the street.  

Music played a big part, too, with three different choirs. Broomhouse’s own The BIG Project Children’s Choir opened with a medley of their favourite songs. The Ukrainian Women and Children’s Choirs, returning for a second year, put in a fantastic performance. People got up and danced to the high-energy tunes, and the crowd was stunned at the quality of the singing. Another local act, Bachata Blues, had the audience dancing to their rhythmic Latin moves. 

An army of volunteers from locally based businesses, such as Aegon, BayWa r.e., Crisis Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Ooni, and Sainsbury’s Bank, kept the streets clean and ensured everyone had an excellent time. Photographer Robin Mair donated his time to capture the proceedings throughout the day. 

All photos Robin Mair

One of the bands taking part in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo visited residents at the Erskine Edinburgh home to play some uplifting music for them.

Members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards visited during the gruelling run of performances which take place on the Castle Esplanade each night.

Erskine Chief Executive Ian Cumming said: “We are delighted to once again welcome performers from the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo. Our residents look forward to their visit every year. Not all our residents can make it along to the main show in Edinburgh and this visit ensures that no one who wishes to see the Tattoo is left out. As always, the performance was spectacular and left everyone with a smile on their face.”

The 2024 Journeys show will run until 24 August with flypasts scheduled for 15 August and 23 August. This year’s lead service, the Royal Navy will take audiences on a journey through time, celebrating the tides of change.

The show includes Tattoo favourites, from the Massed Pipes and Drums to the emotive Lone Piper alongside the culture and vibrance of the international cast.

Tickets here.

Allanwater Homes has announced that its latest phase of properties come with a fully inclusive, higher specification as standard, which will save homebuyers significant expense.

The mix of three and four bedroom terraced, semi detached, and detached homes at Oaktree in Alloa,priced from £226,995, have integrated white goods, rainfall showers, vanity units in both the main bathrooms and en suites, external power sockets, and a cold water tap.

Additionally, as design dictates, all bedrooms are complete with fitted wardrobes for maximum storage space. UV panels are fitted to the roof of every property in this latest phase at Oaktree Gardens to lower the carbon footprint.

“Buyers here are getting so much more for their money at Oaktree Gardens,” said Development Sales Manager, Lynn McNair. “We are delighted to be building out another phase in what is one of our most popular ever locations. To be able to include this fantastic specification at no extra cost will really help those looking to move – our buyers know exactly what they’re getting in their new home.”

“This development is also conveniently close to various local shops and facilities, and for those who love the outdoors, they will find that Oaktree Gardens is surrounded by enchanting woodland paths and countryside walks. A peaceful and idyllic location, it’s ideal for bringing up a family,” added Lynn.

“It’s little wonder our previous phases here have been so in demand.”

Available now at Oaktree Gardens is the Arrochar three bedroom semi detached villa, an ideal starter home for growing families (£226,995), the thee bedroom Sidlaw, at £282,995, the four bedroom detached Ochil villa, complete with garage, at £287,995, and the stunning Fintry. Priced at £301,495, the Fintry is a four bedroom detached villa complete with an open plan designer kitchen by top manufacturer, Moores. This impressive home additionally offers on attractive dining area plus a sizable family space. Upstairs are four good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom has an en-suite and built-in wardrobe, whilst bedroom two also has a built-in wardrobe.

For additional customer piece of mind, each Allanwater Home has a full two years of aftercare, plus a 10 year Premier Warranty.

Constructed with the very latest materials and techniques, and with PV Solar Panels as standard, the properties at Oaktree Gardens offer buyers significant savings on running costs.

Situated off Dunlin Drive in Alloa, Oaktree Gardens offers a very central location within minutes of the town centre.

A new showhome is coming soon.

To contact Lynn, and find out more about Phase Nine of Oaktree Gardens, Alloa, call her on 07710304482, Thursday to Monday 11am to 5.30pm. 

Further details www.allanwater.co.uk

The Scottish Government claims that its intervention, in offering more funding for a new pay offer to be put to council workers, has averted strike action.

The government has confirmed it will mean cuts in other areas, but sufficient funds have been made available for a new pay offer of an average of 4.27% for all staff. All pay grades will receive an increase of at least 3.6%.

COSLA the local government body has recommended that its workers accept the offer it is making.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Cllr Katie Hagmann, said: “I am heartened today to hear that Unison, Unite and GMB have all agreed to take our latest strong offer to their membership for consideration and to suspend strike action while this is considered.

“Intense but constructive discussions between COSLA, Trade Unions and Scottish Government in recent weeks have resulted in additional Scottish Government funding. This has allowed us to make an improved offer without further risk to our vital council jobs and frontline services. This is a positive and welcome outcome, and I thank everyone involved for their valuable input.

“If accepted, this latest strong offer is worth an average of 4.27% across the whole workforce and would guarantee at least a 3.6% increase for all pay points. The offer directly reflects what trade unions have asked for with a greater increase for the lowest paid workers who would receive £1292 (or 5.63%). We are hopeful that this good offer, which is better than offers made to local government workers in the rest of the UK, will be accepted.

“We strongly urge all council employees who are eligible to vote to use this opportunity to accept the offer and secure a speedy settlement and pay uplift.” 

In response at least one of the unions has recommended rejecting the offer.

UNISON Scotland local government lead David O’Connor said:“UNISON has suspended recycling and street cleansing strikes while staff are consulted on Cosla’s latest offer.

​“UNISON’s view is that it’s still not enough. Council staff have seen the value of their pay reduced by 25% over the past 14 years and any pay deal needs to do more to reverse this.”

​“The union has been clear all along that the wage deal needs to work for everyone in local government. This pause will provide some breathing space for further dialogue.”

But The Scottish Government maintains that its intervention has led to the suspension of planned industrial action by council workers, including refuse collectors, this week.

Any strike action has been suspended by all three trade unions after The Scottish Government provided £77.5 million to fund an improved pay offer.

New funding from the government enabled the local authority organisation COSLA to make an offer to unions worth an overall value of 4.27%, with a rise of 5.63% being offered for the lowest paid workers.

Unite the union has also paused any strike action due to begin on 14 August, but it will now ball the members until 5 September.

The union says that this new offer represents a minimum cash increase of £1,292 for the lowest paid council workers, which is equivalent to 5.2 per cent for those earning around £25,000. The Scottish local government living wage will also increase by 5.63 per cent. 

Graham McNab, Unite’s lead negotiator for local government said: “Unite members across all of Scotland’s councils should be applauded for standing firm. They have remained resolute in an effort to secure a fairer and better pay offer.” 

“We believe that the new pay offer is credible. For the first time in years, it will mean all council workers receiving an above inflation increase.”

“Unite will now suspend the eight days of strike action so a ballot can take place on the new offer.” 

Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison said: “We value this vital workforce and I welcome the fact that members will now be able to consider this strong pay offer which was reached following a strategic intervention from the Scottish Government.

“It has paused the prospect of costly industrial action this week which would have impacted businesses and communities across Scotland.

“Our swift action to ensure this strong offer could be made has been taken against an extremely challenging financial landscape and – while fair – represents the absolute limit of affordability.

“In order to fund the offer, we will have to move money from elsewhere in the budget and reduce funding for other programmes. We are taking on significant, additional financial pressure and have been clear painful choices have had to be made to fund this pay deal.

“The offer will provide an above inflation pay increase for all and support the lowest paid. I am pleased it is now with the workforce for their close consideration and would urge members to strongly consider this significantly improved envelope.”

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said: “This offer is a significant improvement on what came before but our members will decide if it is acceptable.

“It is better than that offered to council staff in England and Wales, would mean every worker receives a rise higher than the Retail Price Index and, importantly, is weighted to ensure frontline workers gain most.

“As a gesture of goodwill, we will suspend action until our members can vote on the offer.

“It should never have got to this stage, however, and Scotland’s council leaders have again shown an absolute lack of urgency or sense of realism.

“For months, we have been forced to waste time discussing a series of low-ball offers when it was already clear the Scottish Government needed to be at the table.

“The obvious reluctance of some council leaders to approach ministers has only caused needless uncertainty and threatened disruption.

“That is no way to run a railroad or conduct serious pay negotiations.”