A man has been arrested following the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh.

The incident took place at a petrol station on Stenhouse Road, around 7.25pm on Tuesday, 9th July, 2024.

The 32-year-old male officer was on foot when he was injured in an incident involving a stolen Mercedes GLE. He was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, and has since been discharged.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Gorgie Road area around 7.05pm that evening. A 16-year-old boy was a passenger within the vehicle at the time of the theft and managed to exit the vehicle a short time later. He was not injured in the incident.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with numerous charges, including attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, abduction, dangerous driving and other road traffic offences. He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 11 July, 2024.

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “This was a very serious incident and we are continuing to provide support to the officer and his family.

“I would like to thank members of the public for quickly coming to our colleague’s aid and for their assistance with our enquiries at the scene.

“We are aware that damage was done to several vehicles in the area during the incident and we would encourage any further witnesses, or anyone with information who have yet to speak with police, to please come forward.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 2997 of 9 July, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Castle Concerts got underway last Friday with Madness and continued on Tuesday with the boys who make up JLS. And there’s more to come this week:

10 July Manic/Suede

11 July The National

12 July Skippinish

13 July Paul Weller

Police in Edinburgh have seized a ‘large’ quantity of unspecified drugs and five ‘dangerous’ weapons. 

Officers from the North East Local Initiative Team used force to execute a warrant and enter a property on Tuesday morning (9^th July 2024) 

One male was arrested and officers say that their enquiries are ongoing. 

An Image from the scene issued by Police Scotland shows officers dressed in all black breaking down the door to the property. 

A Police spokesperson said: “The North East Local Initiative Team executed a warrant this morning, which resulted in a large quantity of drugs being seized along with 5 dangerous weapons. 
 
The drugs have an estimated street value of £13000. 
 
One male has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing. 

Government appointments

Kirsty McNeill the new MP for Midlothian is now Under-Secretary of State for Scotland working alongside Edinburgh South MP, Ian Murray, who is the Secretary of State for Scotland.

In addition the Carbon Trust is now looking for a new CEO as Chris Stark, FRSE, former chief executive of the Climate Change Committee and former Director of Energy and Climate Change in the Scottish Government from 2016 to 2018, has been appointed by Ed Miliband to head the new Mission Control for Clean Power.

This is intended to “turbo charge the UK to clean power” by 2030. Mission Control will bring together a top team of industry experts and officials to “troubleshoot, negotiate and clear the way for energy projects”.

Man arrested after crash on Stenhouse Road

A man was arrested following a crash involving the driver of a car and a pedestrian on Stenhouse Road near the Shell Garage at 7.30 last night.

A police spokesperson said: “Stenhouse Road is closed between Stenhouse Drive and Stenhouse Cottages following a crash around 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 9 involving a car and a pedestrian.

“Road users are advised to avoid the area.

“A man, the driver, has been arrested and enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Graffiti in the West End

Activities have carried out a graffiti attack on the Barclays office in Melville Crescent by throwing or spraying red paint at the Georgian building. Workmen were on site to clean the paint off – which they told us would take two days with the wastewater being siphoned off separately.

Negroni anyone?

A new kind of coffee bar is opening near the University next month formed from two Edinburgh companies – Electric Spirit Co and also Origin Coffee.

Electric Spirit Co. was founded in 2014 by distiller James Porteous in Leith, Edinburgh: first operating from the former James Dunbar lemonade factory, and now from a shared distiller on Coburg Street, overlooking the Water of Leith. 

Read more here.

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Leith’s own Dean Owens will be back in town next Monday.

Appearing at the Voodoo Rooms he will be joined by singer songwriter, Kirsten Adamson, and New Zealander, Matt Joe Gow, who will be in Scotland for the first tim, for an evening of Scottish and Americana singing and banter.

Dean will host the Roots in the Round series of shows with all artists on stage throughout, exchanging songs, stories and singing each other’s songs.

Matt Joe Gow grew up in the deep south of New Zealand in Dunedin – a town with bad weather and good music (and sister city of Edinburgh). Now living in Melbourne, he continues to impress with bringing his alt country tinged Americana to appearances from large festivals to
boutique gatherings, supporting Chris Isaak and Justin Townes Earle along the way.

Two time Music Victoria Award winner and 2023 New Zealand Country Music Honours winner, and
nominated for the prestigious Aotearoa Music Award for Best Country Artist (2024). He is excited to be visiting UK for the first time, with an appearance at Maverick Festival just before his Scottish trip.

Since spending summers soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville with her dad, the late Stuart Adamson, and singing on Big Country’s Driving To Damascus album, Kirsten has been steadily developing her own voice and songwriting, with indie folkers Aberfeldy, country rockers The Gillyflowers, Americana duo The Marriage, sold out UK tours and rave reviews for
her second album, Landing Place (produced by Dean Owens).

Dean Owens’ music is a unique blend of Scottish Roots and Americana with a touch of Desert
Noir (following his recent highly acclaimed collaborations with Latin Rock icons, Calexico).
Voted Artist of the Year 2021, 2022 and 2023 (Americana UK), Dean’s fans include Bob Harris
and authors Irvine Welsh and Ian Rankin (whose character Rebus has Dean’s music on his
playlist). Upcoming gigs include Cambridge Folk Festival with his band The Sinners.

East Lothian Counselling Network launches new accessible online platform.

After Mental Health Awareness Week, a group of mental health professionals in East Lothian is taking significant steps to simplify and make mental health support affordable and accessible.

The East Lothian Counselling Network has a new website, designed to provide an easier, more efficient way for residents across East Lothian to access high-quality mental health support. This online practitioner directory features a wide range of local therapists and counsellors, ensuring that adults, young people, and couples can easily find the right support tailored to their needs. Search buttons help clients target specific issues and filter the therapists who offer counselling for these.

“The new website marks a significant advancement in our mission to make mental health support more accessible,” said Cathie Hutchison and Valerie Smith at East Lothian Counselling Network. “We believe that by simplifying the process of finding a therapist we can help more individuals get the support they need in a timely manner.”

Founded in 2010, the East Lothian Counselling Network’s commitment to mental health accessibility is evident in their thoughtful approach to creating a platform that addresses the barriers many face when seeking therapy. The new website not only enhances the ease of access but also provides essential resources that empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey.

For more information about the East Lothian Counselling Network or to explore the new website, visit www.elcn.org.uk

Today was a day of firsts for many new MPs. It was the first time the new MPs had taken their seats in the chamber.

Just before he travelled to the NATO summit in Washington DC, the Prime Minister addressed the Commons for the first time in his new position after being sworn in.

Rishi Sunak the Conservative leader took his place on the opposition benches for the first time. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, an MP with 27-years of experience behind him, was voted back in as Speaker.

The Speaker warmly welcomed the new MPs to the House, Sir Edward Leigh to his new role as Father of the House and Diane Abbott to hers as Mother of the House. These are the two MPs with the longest continuous service in the House of Commons, and while the role is an unofficial one it is an historic one. The Father presided over the election of the Speaker who was then as is traditional, dragged to his chair.

Sir Lindsay said: “To say that I had the most unusual speakership in the last Parliament is an understatement, from ensuring that the House could function during the covid pandemic—new Members might want to google the Rees-Mogg conga—to adapting technology developed during covid to allow President Zelensky to be the first world leader to broadcast to MPs in this Chamber.

“It was, of course, an honour to represent this House at the lying in state of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to present the address to the new King in Westminster Hall, and to attend his coronation. Needless to say, in this role, you need staying power. I have already been Speaker during the tenure of three Prime Ministers, two monarchs—and one Jim Shannon!”

The Prime Minister said: “As in any new Parliament, we now have the opportunity and responsibility to put an end to a politics that has too often seemed self-serving and self-obsessed, and to replace the politics of performance with the politics of service, because service is a precondition for hope and trust, and the need to restore trust should weigh heavily on every Member here, new and returning alike. We all have a duty to show that politics can be a force for good, so whatever our political differences, it is time to turn the page, unite in a common endeavour of national renewal, and make this new Parliament a Parliament of service.”

Rishi Sunak apologised to those Conservatives who were no longer sitting behind him following the election. He said: “It is important that after 14 years in government, the Conservative party rebuilds, so we will now take up the crucial role of His Majesty’s official Opposition professionally, effectively and humbly. Restoring trust begins with remembering that being here is an opportunity to do what those we serve expect from us. In our case, that means holding the new Government to account.”

The final first was that the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, addressed the House of Commons on the first occasion, talking of the contrast between Sir Lindsay Hoyle and “the little man who was there before you, who besmirched the office so dreadfully in doing his best to overturn the biggest democratic result in the history of the country”. The former Speaker was John Bercow, Conservative MP for Buckingham, who served in the position for ten years until 2019.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested following a crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian in west Edinburgh earlier tonight Tuesday 9th July.

The collision took place around 7.30pm on Stenhouse Road. 

The street has been closed between Stenhouse Drive and Stenhouse Cottages to facilitate an investigation. 

Officers are advising road users to avoid the area. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Stenhouse Road is closed between Stenhouse Drive and Stenhouse Cottages following a crash that happened around 7.30pm on Tuesday, 9 July, involving a car and a pedestrian.  

“Road users are advised to avoid the area. 

“The car driver, a 27-year-old man, has been arrested and enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” 

More information to follow. 

Grange won the venerable Masterton Twenty:20 cricket trophy in its new finals day format when overcoming the challenge of first Heriot’s and then Carlton at Portgower Place.

Skipper Angus Brown led by example with a sparkling 110 as they chased down a Heriot’s total of 136-7, Jack Jarvis taking 3-22 with the ball.

In the final Carlton posted a notable 177-5 but Grange got home with seven balls to spare for the loss of six wickets, Jamie Crawley top scoring with 49.

Alec Davies’ photographs show Angus Brown receiving the trophy from Masterton Trophy committee chairman Ramsay Allan.

Also, the Grange squad including players who helped them through qualifying rounds proudly line-up with the trophy.

They are: Back Row, left to right: Liam Smith, Fin McCreath, Robbie McGlasham, Jack Jarvis, Charlie Peet, Ben Davidson and Jamie Crawley.

Front Row, left to right: Harris Carnegie (wicket keeper), Preston Mommsen, Tom Sole, Angus Brown, captain, Chris Greaves, Jasper Davidson and Fred Huddleston.

Grange now go forward to represent the East of Scotland in the national finals later this year.

Braid tennis club will have teams in each of the top four divisions of the VMH Solicitors ladies East Leagues next season including this 4th team squad who won Division 5b.

Runners-up just a point behind Braid 3 were Abercorn with Mortonhall 3, Corstophine, Joppa and Musselburgh 2nds taking minor places Pictured are Mhairi Reid, Jacqui Prentice, Vivienne Miller, Anne Nash, Catriona Aitken and Suzanne Valente.

Also played but missed the photo call – Hazel Thomson, Claire McDonald, Amanda Allan, Sugantha Ravindran, Erin Panglea and Anna Whiteley

The Prime Minister has appointed Kirsty McNeill MP for Midlothian as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to work with Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, in the Scotland Office.

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill, said: “It is an honour to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Government to rebuild Britain and which has Scotland at its beating heart.

“Teaming up with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray in a resurgent Scotland Office, I will work across our country and far beyond to build a brighter future for all.

“Now for action and my absolute priority in the role will be to deliver the change and renewal that Scotland needs – to drive economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.”

A construction business has been given the go ahead to move into a former church on the condition it keeps building materials indoors.

Midlothian planners have approved a change of use for Gorebridge United Free Church building into offices, a showroom and storage for local businessman Rory Joyce’s firm.

But they have insisted that any materials connected to the business cannot be left outside to “safeguard the amenity of neighbours”.

The former church, which was put up for sale last year, sits in the middle of a residential area in the town.

Planning officers said the new business, which will have between three to five members of staff, plans to use its base for office administration, training and delivery and storage of materials in connection with the business.

They said: “The proposal will provide a sustainable re-use of an existing building and will enable an expanding local business to remain within Gorebridge.

“The nature of the use and the scale of the building will ensure that there will be no detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.

“The site is located in a predominantly residential neighbourhood on a key approach into the centre of Gorebridge. To safeguard the amenity of neighbours and the character and amenity of the surrounding are it would be reasonable to attach conditions to the decision notice to control external waste storage and to ensure that no materials are stored externally.”

Mr Joyce who runs his family business in Gorebridge lost a planning battle to operate on a site at the town’s Ashbank previously despite taking it to appeal.

The new site received no objections and has been approved.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A former Wetherspoons pub which sparked protests from hundreds of punters when it closed is to be turned into a soft play centre for children.

The new House of Fun soft play venue will convert the ground floor of Madisons bar, in Dalkeith, into a large play area for children aged from 0-12.

The pub, which used to be operated by Wetherspoons as the Blacksmith’s Forge, saw the pub chain move out in 2021. It was briefly reopened as Madisons but closed its doors two years ago.

Now an application has been lodged by House of Fun soft play to open on the site seven days a week with space to accommodate up to 300 people at any time, including children, parents and staff.

The proposals would see a cafe area for families as well as a large soft play space and employ a team of 15 staff.

In their statement on the proposals House of Fun said: “We believe House of Fun will be a valuable addition to the area, offering a unique and enjoyable space for children to play and grow, while also providing job opportunities for local residents.”

When Wetherspoons announced plans not to renew its lease of the pub, which is owned by Lidl who have a store next door, in 2021 nearly 400 locals signed a petition calling on them to change their minds without success.

Planning officers noted that not a single objection had been lodged to the pub being reclassified as a soft play venue.

Granting planning permission for the change of use, officers said: “The proposed use will be a sustainable re-use of a prominent building within Dalkeith town centre and would safeguard an historic building facade.

“The new use would encourage footfall within the town centre and bring a new use to the town centre thereby enhancing the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Police have released images of a male that officers would like to speak to in connection with a robbery in the Leith area of Edinburgh.

The incident took place on Tuesday, 4 June, 2024 around 1:45pm on Brunswick Street

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

The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged approximately 17-18-years-old, 5ft 9 tall, slim build, pale skin, local Edinburgh accent and short ginger/brown hair. The male was wearing a black Nike hoody and Nike jogging bottoms.

Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1808 of 4 June, 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

The world’s oldest continuously registered fly fishing club, noted in the Guinness Book of Records, visited Glencorse for one of their annual outings this week.

Chairman George Wood confirmed that the Ellem Club was established in 1829 in Ellemford in Berwickshire by two Edinburgh businessmen and, over the years, it has developed through local businessmen.

Members had their own uniform and they would go fishing all day in their distinctive jacket in the Whiteadder River and then adjourn to a dinner.  

The club continued through the war and they have 40 active members and probably another 100 on their books.

Six outings are held every year and they have their own free-to-enter museum in Paxton Hall. Wood added: “Here we are today, on our third outing of the year, fishing at Glencorse, and the next outing is at Loch Leven in August.”

Members live in Cumbria – the angler attended the event in Midlothian – one from Peebles, others from Berwickshire and a few members live south of the Border.

He said: “You have to be introduced to the club and you pay a one-off payment of £100 if you are accepted. This is for life.

“We are at Glencorse as it is a good fishery and the owner, Bill Taylor, is well known to us as he used to have The Watch Reservoir in the Lammermuir Hills (near the Southern Upland Way). We tend to fish here (Glencorse) once a year and we also do Coldingham Loch (one of Scotland’s oldest fisheries) and the owner is with us today as a guest.

“We also do the Lake of Menteith and two reservoirs south of the Border.”

PICTURE: Ellem members prepare their boats for a day of fishing at Glencorse. Picture Nigel Duncan

A tapestry which honours the first women allowed to matriculate at a university in Britain – who became known as the Edinburgh Seven – has been unveiled at its new home in the city.

The colourful three-part artwork created by Dovecot Studios is now on public display at the Edinburgh Futures Institute – on the former Royal Infirmary site on Lauriston Place – as a tribute to the women who enrolled to study medicine in 1869.

Dovecot Studios commissioned the celebrated Scottish artist Christine Borland to design the tapestry, which took seven weavers at more than 4,000 hours to create, using more than 90,500 metres of yarn in bold hues of pink, blue and orange. The artwork’s organic shape is based on a cellular structure in motion, and can be shaped into sculptural forms.

Previously exhibited at the V&A in London, the piece is now on display for visitors to view on a central staircase of its long-term home at the newly-opened Edinburgh Futures Institute.

The magenta and cyan colours represent the dyes used in both the scientific staining of cells under a microscope and textiles in the 19th century. The tapestry contains linens, cotton and nylon yarns and was produced with traditional and modern techniques.

The Tapestry was funded by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown and the Dovecot Foundation and has been on display at the V&A London. Now it can be viewed from numerous angles above the central stairwell.

Patricia Erskine, Culture & Community Director for Edinburgh Futures Institute said: “The tapestry is a beautiful tribute to the Edinburgh Seven, who continue to inspire more than 150 years later. The placement of the tapestry in the old teaching hospital is a fitting homecoming for these women of science and reminds us all of the importance of inclusivity in learning.”

Christine Borland, artist, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with the Dovecot team to experiment at the boundaries of contemporary tapestry. The capacity of tapestry to interpret history with integrity and imagination makes it a fitting medium for the extraordinary story of the Edinburgh Seven.”

Dovecot Studios Director Celia Joicey said: “This extraordinary tapestry was created by all seven Dovecot Weavers during the pandemic. The innovative use of technique, structure, colour and texture reflects the skill of the weavers and represents the power of tapestry to communicate complex ideas.”

The Futures Institute – which has been set up to encourage ‘trailblazing’ across disciplines – is a fitting home for the work, with the institute’s emphasis on innovation capturing the spirit of the Edinburgh Seven.

The celebrated group, which included pioneering figures such as Sophia Jex-Blake and Edith Pechey, met with resistance during their time as students, most notably at the 1870 Surgeon’s Hall riot, when protestors attempted to block the women from sitting an exam. The campaign they fought to graduate and qualify as doctors at the University of Edinburgh was ultimately unsuccessful.

The women’s efforts attracted support from figures including Charles Darwin, and eventually led to the Medical Act of 1876, which legally permitted women to practice medicine.

Edinburgh resident, John Rowan, has had to obtain his hearing aids privately after waiting more than a year for his regular hearing aid check, despite The Scottish Government setting a waiting time target of 18 weeks.

Mr Rowan who recently turned 68 is married with no children. His hearing loss originated from contracting measles as a child – the legacy of contracting measles has now affected his hearing.

Despite being retired, Mr Rowan is heavily involved in the charity sector, and until recently, sat on the board of a Scottish wide charity and volunteering with several others.

In May 2023, Mr Rowan self-referred himself for a new hearing test and was added to the waiting list. Despite assurances his appointment would be in May 2024, he was not invited to an appointment. The further deterioration in his hearing has left him struggling to hear basic conversations.

Due to this, Mr Rowan took the decision to buy his own hearing aids privately.

Labour MSP for Lothian, Sarah Boyack, has been pursuing this issue on Mr Rowan’s behalf. However, the NHS confirmed to Ms Boyack in May 2024, that due to pressure there was no confirmation for when Mr Rowan would receive his appointment.

Only after Mr Rowan had paid out of pocket for his hearing aids did the NHS get back in touch to confirm an appointment for August 2024.

Mr Rowan said: “My hearing test was due in May, however, unfortunately it was pushed back with no date given to me for when I might be tested.

“Due to the ongoing delay, I had to resort to going private to ensure I got the hearing aids I desperately needed.

“My loss of hearing affects me in day-to-day life, as I struggle to listen to conversations which I need to hear in the roles that I do with the voluntary sector.

“I am incredibly concerned if more is not done to tackle these waiting times then my hearing will only deteriorate further.

“Mr Rowan’s case illustrates the dire state that the Scottish Government have left NHS Lothian in.

“These delays and missed targets dramatically affect patients’ lives.

“It is unacceptable that Mr Rowan is facing further deterioration of his hearing due to delays.

“The Scottish Government must address the crisis in NHS Lothian as an immediate priority.

“No one should be having to pay out of pocket simply to be able to hear conversations with friends and family.

“If they don’t I fear cases such as Mr Rowan’s will only become more common.”

Next month Edinburgh distillery Electric Spirit Co and B Corp speciality coffee roasters Origin Coffee will open the Electric x Origin Negroni Bar, which will be located at Origin’s coffee shop on South College Street.

The Electric x Origin Negroni Bar will be open late from 6pm until 11pm only in August, transforming the coffee shop into a new bar to the city just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the Fringe. 

The bar will offer Electric Spirit Co’s new Kegroni, bringing quality negronis-on-tap to Origin for one month only. The Kegroni combines Electric Spirit Co’s award-winning Achroous gin with aromatic Bitter Fusetti and Valentian Vermouth, making for an exceptional negroni to be enjoyed before after or in between performances.

Beers from local breweries will also be offered, as well as Origin’s world-class coffee programme and espresso soft-serve ice cream made in partnership with Oatly available throughout the month of festivities. 

Electric Spirit photography © James Porteous

Police in Wester Hailes have recovered three stolen motor bikes over the last week. 

The response officers have also charged two males in connection with the thefts. 

The males were apprehended attempting to break into commercial premises. 

Their enquiries are continuing in respect of further offences and persons involved. 

Officers believe that these bikes have been involved in anti-social behaviour over the past month in the local area. 

Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to help trace a 41-year-old man who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.  

John Ritchie was last seen leaving the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh around 1.30pm on Monday, 8 July, 2024. 

He is described as white, around 5ft. 10 inches in height, with dark hair and a dark brown beard. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded top, navy tracksuit trousers and red trainers.  

Officers have been checking relevant CCTV for any additional information on where John may have gone.  

Inspector Paul Begley said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for John’s welfare and are appealing to anyone who thinks they may have information regarding his whereabouts to please get in touch.  

“John is known to frequent Edinburgh city centre and we would urge members of the public to keep a look out for him and report any potential sightings to us.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101, quoting incident number 2954 of Monday, 8 July, 2024. 

The new UK Parliament will begin work today as members of both Houses return to Westminster following the general election last Thursday. 

Business begins at 2.30pm when members of both Houses will attend the Lords Chamber to hear a Royal Commission from the King to hold the new Parliament.

The House of Commons will then proceed to elect a Speaker, while members of the Lords begin to take an oath of allegiance or make a solemn affirmation to the Crown.

Business continues on Wednesday when the ‘Royal Approbation’ ceremony for the Commons Speaker-elect is expected to take place followed by oath taking by members of both Houses.

The State Opening of Parliament will take place on Wednesday 17 July. The King’s Speech, written by the government, will be read from the Throne in the House of Lords chamber. Members of both Houses then get straight down to work debating the contents of the speech over several days.

Our five Edinburgh MPs going to Westminster include Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat), and four Labour politicians – Scott Arthur, Tracy Gilbert, Chris Murray and Ian Murray who is also the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Scott and Chris travelled with Lumo, Tracy with LNER, Ian by plane with other members of the Cabinet and, mainly since she hasn’t tweeted about it, we are not sure how Christine travelled to London.

Big Noise Wester Hailes

If your children are in P3 to P5 at Sighthill Primary School then they could join Big Noise Wester Hailes at Clovenstone Primary School every day this summer – more information below. Big Noise is a method of teaching young children to play an instrument and then play in an orchestra – and most of all have some fun doing it.

Thistle Street shop closes

The lovely shop Covet which sold handbags and scarves and all sorts of accessories for 14 years has now closed on Thistle Street. Earlier in the year one of the co-founders, Blaise, stepped back and now the other co-founder, Anna Somerville – who is also an artist – has decided it is not possible to continue on her own. She will however continue to sell her art and her scarf and bag designs online.

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West End Fair

This month there is a fair set up in the grounds beside St John’s Church. It opens on 29 July and will be open 11am to 6pm every day until 25 August.

Drummond tennis club’s men’s 3rd team swept to victory in Division 8a of the VMH Solicitors East League with a 100 per cent record from their 10 matches.

To take the title the team, based in the New Town behind Scotland Street, overcame Queensferry 2nds, Braid 4ths, Murrayfield 2nds, Meadows City 4ths and Hatton 4ths.

Pictured, left to right, are: Simon Burgoyne, Job Sanderman, John Duncan, Jani Bala, Titus Petyt, Graham Thomson, captain, Pablo Glenn, Marcus Mackenzie, Ryan Doran and Miro Dragic. Missed photo call – Gustav Venter, Mark Heller, Mick McMenemy, Vlad Zirojevic, Marc Krautzberger, Calum Wright and Keaton Selbert.

Dalmeny Estate Golf Club lost their 100 per cent record this season when they were beaten on home soil by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Only secretary Willie Ruffle and Mark Cottle won, beating Gavin Skinner and Frank McGarry 3&2 and, in the top match, Graham Alston and Chris McPhee secured a creditable half against a low handicap team of Michael Wilson (scratch) and Sayed Ali (four).

The golfers teed off into a slight westerly wind but after nine holes it had died down, leaving a lovely evening for the match.

RESULTS (Dalmeny Estate Golf Club first): Graham Alston and Chris McPhee halved with Michael Wilson and Sayed Ali; Andy Allan and Ernie Hinks lost to Alan Thompson and Dougie Dalziel 2up; Ricky Simpson and Blair Henry lost to Chris Ball and Ronnie Young 4up; Ian Bell and Ian Souza lost to Alex Muir and Andrew Thompson 3&2; Willie Ruffle and Mark Cottle beat Gavin Skinner and Frank McGarvey 3&2.

The re-arranged match against Grangemouth Golf Club will now be at Dalmeny on Friday, July 19 (6pm).

PICTURE: Dalmeny Estate Golf Club in the summer sunshine. Picture by Dalmeny Estate

The 2024/25 1^st and 2^nd Round draws of the Sky Sports Cup were conducted this morning, live from Hampden Park. 

In the first round Boroughmuir Thistle are at home to Rossvale. 

In the second round Hibs Women face an away tie against Queens Park while Hearts are at home to Glasgow City.  

Boroughmuir Thistle OR Rossvale face Ayr United or Livingston and Partick Thistle will play Spartans. 

Joining the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) were Joelle Murray and Tracy Burns. Murray, a multiple winner of the SWPL Cup as Hibernian captain, conducted the 1^st Round draw while Burns, a winner of the first ever SWPL Cup with Kilmarnock, conducted the 2^nd Round draw. 

The full draws are as follows: 

The 1st Round of the Sky Sports Cup involves all eight SWPL 2 sides entering the competition. The draw was as follows:  Gartcairn v St Johnstone, Boroughmuir Thistle v Rossvale, Hamilton Academical v Kilmarnock and Ayr United v Livingston 

The 2nd Round of the Sky Sports Cup is when the 12 SWPL sides enter the competition, alongside the four winners from the 1^st Round. The draw was as follows: Aberdeen v Gartcairn OR St Johnstone, Queen’s Park v Hibernian, Heart of Midlothian v Glasgow City Montrose v Celtic, Dundee United v Rangers, Motherwell v Hamilton Academical OR Kilmarnock, Boroughmuir Thistle OR Rossvale v Ayr United OR Livingston and Partick Thistle v Spartans 

The 1st Round of the competition will be played on or before Sunday 1^st September and the 2^nd Round will be played on our before Sunday 29^th September. 

FAMILIES in search of a fun and fascinating day out that won’t cost the earth are being urged to hop on board the Borders Railway for a time travelling adventure this summer. 

As well as taking advantage of ScotRail’s popular Kids For A Quid offer rail day-trippers can enjoy free child places at five fascinating major attractions south of the Capital over the school summer holidays. 

Check out the unmissable new virtual reality experience taking visitors 2000 years back in time to Roman Iron Age Scotland at Trimontium, Museum or discover the Story of Coal right back to the Carboniferous period 360 million years ago at the National Mining Museum. 

Wander the halls of Sir Walter Scott’s extraordinary Abbotsview Estate near Tweedbank – and why not summon your courage to explore further at Witch Corner, a supernatural sculpture trail based on the Scottish legends and folklore which inspired the world famous 19^th century novelist, or stop by for a bite to eat at Ochiltree’s Café overlooking the house and gardens. 

Feast your eyes on 420 million years of Scottish history and culture immortalised in tapestry form by 1,000 stitchers at The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, featuring everything from Vikings, royalty, sport and innovation to religion, castles, abbeys and comedy. 

Or take a guided tour to experience the splendour of the Georgian Arniston House and estate near Gorebridge, home to the Dundas family since 1571 and brimming with history, art and architectural highlights.   

Those taking advantage of the offer must simply show their rail tickets on arrival at the attraction – one child gets free entry for each paying adult. 

ScotRail Tourism Manager, Alasdair Smart, said: “ScotRail is delighted to support the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to promote family-friendly local attractions along the Borders Railway.  

“Families looking for a great-value day out during the summer holidays can now combine ScotRail’s popular Kids for a Quid ticket promotion with free child entry to these attractions.  

“All the participating attractions are within easy reach of ScotRail stations on the Borders Railway, and families are reminded to keep hold their train ticket to claim free entry.” 

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the SSDA, said: “The long summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, so it’s brilliant to be able to offer such amazing value for money on the Borders Railway, with some of Scotland’s best attractions offering ‘Kids go free’ in addition to ScotRail’s ‘Kids for a Quid’ deal.  There’s never been a better time to take the family to the South of Scotland for a time-travelling experience! Whether you fancy channelling your inner Roman, wandering in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott, discovering Scotland’s coal mining history or the seat of the Dundas family in Midlothian, or marvelling at the exquisitely detailed Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy this summer.” 

Liz Young, Midlothian Tourism Forum, said: “Midlothian Tourism Forum is thrilled to be working collaboratively with the SSDA and Scotrail to promote Midlothian’s fantastic attractions to families visiting our region by public transport this summer. We believe this joined-up approach will be a great success in encouraging more people to explore Midlothian using sustainable travel options.” 

A spokesperson for Trimontium Museum, said: “The new VR experience at Trimontium Museum brings the past into the 21st century as families experience life two thousand years ago at the edge of the Roman Empire using the latest immersive technologies, right here in the Scottish Borders in 2024!” 

An asphalt plant operating in a rural areas has been given the go ahead to install two ‘welfare cabins’ for its workers.

The cabins, one of which will be a portable toilet and changing area, have been granted approval by East Lothian planners after they ruled they would be hidden in the woods and surrounding countryside location.

A report by officers said the small cabins, which measure around 3 metres high and are up to 6 metres long would be ‘well contained from public views”.

It said: “The proposed cabins seek to provide welfare facilities for employees at Gladsmuir Plant and thus have a direct operational requirement to be situated within the plant.

“Furthermore, the application site is bounded to the north by mature vegetation and due to the location and orientation of the site the proposed cabins would be well contained from public views.

“Therefore, by virtue of their form, size, design and positioning the proposed cabins would not be harmful to the character or appearance of the area or its countryside location.”

The planners report says the site was last used as a concrete batch plant but was granted planning permission in 2019 for an asphalt plant, office building, weighbridge and associated works adding that the permission has since been implemented.

No objections were lodged with the council to the proposals which were granted planning permission.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Edinburgh’s returning officer has backed calls for a review of the UK’s postal voting system after delays in the distribution of ballots meant some were unable to vote in last week’s election.

Paul Lawrence said the process of printing and posting out ballots “needs to be looked at” to ensure the system can cope when elections are called at short notice. 

However he claimed Edinburgh Council “did more than anybody else in the country in Scotland” to ensure people were able to exercise their democratic right after it emerged some had still not received their voting packs with less than a week to go until the polls opened. 

Among those affected was Flora Kelsey from Corstorphine, who told the Local Democracy Reporting Service she had been rendered unable to vote in what she said was likely to be the last election of her lifetime.

The 98-year-old attempted to vote at her local polling place but was turned away as emergency proxy votes are not available to those registered for a postal vote.

And she said due to her age she was unable to make it into the City Chambers where the council had established an emergency facility where anyone impacted could have their voting pack re-issued and cast ballots.

Mr Lawrence, the council’s newly-appointed chief executive, said while Ms Kelsey’s situation was “regrettable” the authority’s emergency actions had “provided replacement packs to hundreds of residents”.

He told the LDRS: “The honest thing I can say is I think we’ve done absolutely everything we can in Edinburgh to give everyone the chance to exercise their democratic right to vote, we did more than anybody else in the country in Scotland when we realised that the school holidays were upon us, that a number of people – particularly people that had registered after the election had been called – that it was going to be tight.

“We opened a facility when nobody else did, so I think we’ve done absolutely everything we could.”

He said there was “some kind of examination needed,” adding he agreed with the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (EMB) which last week backed a “major review of capacity and systems after the election”. 

Mr Lawrence said: “The system, particularly of print and distribution – and that’s not a criticism of either printers or the Royal Mail who I think did a  good job in the circumstances – needs to be looked at to try and make sure that where there are relatively short call elections that the system can cope. Like any other system, it needs to have enough resilience to cope with anything you can throw at it.”  

In Edinburgh there was a 40 per cent increase in the number of postal votes issued this year compared to the 2019 election, the council said.

First Minister John Swinney said the delays “led to people in Scotland who did everything they were meant to do in order to secure their right to vote in this General Election not being able to exercise that right”.

These included people “who had already-arranged holidays that they had to leave for before the delayed postal votes arrived, and people for whom the alternatives, including organising a replacement postal pack from their local authority, were unsuitable or unavailable,” Mr Swinney said.

He recognised returning officers had done “everything they can to try to get postal votes into the hands of those that need them, including setting up emergency facilities,” but added these were “not suitable for everyone”.

The question Mr Lawrence said the local authority had to ask itself was whether it had done “everything we can to enable people to exercise their democratic right to vote”. 

He said: “I think here in Edinburgh I can look anyone in the face and say we’ve worked hard early to make sure that’s possible. We spotted where there could be a problem and acted as soon as we possibly could.” 

By Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter

Mr Lawrence spoke to The Edinburgh Reporter at the count to explain his role and how the postal votes had been dealt with:

Road Policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash in West Lothian.

Around 2.35pm on Sunday, 7 July, 2024 officers were called to a report of a collision involving a grey Audi A1 and a blue VW Tiguan on the A704, just off the A71, in West Calder.

Emergency services attended and the two women, the driver and passenger of the Audi, were taken to Wishaw General Hospital.

The driver and passenger of the Hyundai were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The passenger, a 69-year-old woman, remains in a critical but stable condition.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who has not already spoken to officers and can assist with our investigation to get in touch

“We would also like to see any dashcam footage from the area, including any that captures both vehicles prior to the collision happening.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 1862 of 7 July, 2024.

Police in Livingston are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously assaulted in Clement Rise, Livingston.  

Around 6.20pm on Sunday, 7 July 2024, officers attended a report of a man being assaulted by two men and a woman in Clement Rise. Livingston.  

A 43-year-old man was found with serious injuries and was initially taken by ambulance to St John’s Hospital in Livingston but was later transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he is currently receiving medical treatment.  

Detective Inspector Lee Beaumont said: “This was a particularly violent attack which we are treating as attempted murder.  

“It is vital that we trace the persons responsible for this attack which we believe was targeted but are still unaware of why he was attacked.  

“One of the men is described as white, in his mid to late 40’s, medium to heavy build and was wearing dark bottoms and nothing on the top half of his body.  

“The other man is described as white, mid to late 30’s, medium build and was wearing dark coloured clothing.  

“The woman is described as white, mid 40’s, slim to medium build with brown/dark hair that was tied back. She was wearing grey coloured jogging bottoms and top.  

“We would like to speak to anyone that was in the area at the time of the attack and may have witnessed the assault or the suspects running off.  

“Can I also ask anyone who was driving in the area to check their dashcam footage as they may have captured something that could assist our enquiries.”    

Anyone with information should contact police at Livingston via 101 and quote incident number 2730 of 7 July 2024. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained. 

Councillors have agreed the closure of one of three remaining West Lothian council owned care homes first mooted a year ago.

Talks are underway with NHS Lothian for the Craigmair care home building in Craigshill to become part of a new care of the elderly hub for the county.

The plan will streamline services and see the closure of two hospital sites in Linlithgow and Armadale.

The council report confirmed that discussions have taken place with the NHS to explore opportunities for the NHS to lease the building and to utilise it for NHS purposes. These discussions will continue.

Craigmair sits adjacent to existing care facilities for the elderly at Maple Villa in Larch Grove. Plans announced last August  could see the creation of a single unit replacing  the existing hospital sites.

The IJB proposals will see Tippethill Hospital in Armadale and St Michael’s in Linlithgow, which has been shuttered for three years, close as community hospitals offering elderly care beds and dementia care.

These will now be concentrated around a single campus, including existing facilities at Maple Villa and  the redesigned Craigmair care home site.

Councillors who had voted to delay the hospital closure decision accepted the proposed option to provide complex dementia care on one site through the co-location of Tippethill’s Rosebery Ward with Maple Villa on a new Craigshill Care Campus. 

It will also provide frail elderly community hospital provision on the same site as Maple Villa in the Craigmair building, a care home  which will be converted.

The move comes as the Integration Joint Board (IJB) has to make savings of more than £13m in the next three years. 

Councillors on the IJB, which oversees social care services provided by NHS Lothian and West Lothian Council, initially voted against approval of the hospital closure proposals in June last year.

They were concerned that they did not have enough information on future provision to agree to the closure of two community hospital facilities – fearing a growing elderly population would see a resurgence of demand.

Health officials produced statistics to show that changes based around a Home First care  of the elderly model showed that hospital beds were needed on fewer occasions and that, in most cases, care of the elderly can be managed with the home setting.

A report to the Executive said: “Officers recommend that discussions with the NHS should continue over a potential lease of the premises, with a further report to be presented to a future meeting of the Council Executive should lease terms be agreed between officers and NHS colleagues.”

The report added that should no agreement be reached the building should be sold in accordance with surplus property rules.

Rather than keep unused buildings, West Lothian Council uses the proceeds from the sale or lease of unused properties to help to fund future investment in infrastructure projects, such as schools, parks, roads and care services for vulnerable people. The sale or lease of unused assets is therefore an important funding stream that allows us to continue to invest in other services.

A meeting of  the Council’s Executive also agreed to the demolition of a former nursery building in Broxburn.

Kirkhill nursery is no longer required, with modern, new nursery facilities having been built at Kirkhill Primary School.  Because of its location and age, officers recommended that the former Kirkhill nursery be demolished as there is no opportunity for commercial use or development. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter