Scotland’s favourite biscuit treats helped fuel an inspirational group of child abuse survivors to reach the top of the world.

Tunnock’s, based in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, sponsored survivors group Team Uprising on their mission to conquer Mount Everest.

The group, made up of survivors of childhood abuse by school teachers, supported by friends and family and local Sherpa guides, took on Everest in April and May to raise awareness and funds for the child protection charity NSPCC.

Tunnocks provided them with supplies of their famous Caramel Wafers and Logs to sustain them during the seven-week challenge.

The expedition has raised tens of thousands of pounds through the JustGiving page which they have set up here.

Any funds raised will be used to help improve the future for other children.

Expedition leader Giles Moffatt, 51, a survivor of physical abuse as a young boy at Edinburgh Academy, revealed that the Caramel Wafers and Logs, previously unknown in Nepal, had proved a hit with the team – and their Sherpas.
He said: “Tunnock’s very kindly helped out us with our expedition costs and provided us with their famous bars for what is a long and arduous trip.  

“I would estimate that the majority of our supply was commandeered by our team of Sherpas, who had never tried them before. Samir, our entrepreneurial camera man, has even asked if he could be the official importer for Nepal.”

Team member Andy Leslie, 37, who made it to the summit, said: “The opportunity to take a slightly frozen Caramel Wafer to the top of Everest was too good to miss, especially for a good cause like this.”

Kevin Hayes, Tunnock’s overseas sales manager, said the company was “proud to have sponsored Team Uprising on their fantastic journey in the Himalayas”.

He said: “When Giles and Andrew reached out and told us the story behind why they were embarking on this challenge and what they hoped to achieve by tackling Mount Everest as a group, we immediately wanted to show our support.

“The whole team were a real inspiration and Andrew and Giles’ infectious positive energy shone through from the very first video call when they told me what they were planning.

“It is awesome to know that when the legs were getting tired or when the fatigue was kicking in the team could pull a Caramel Wafer or Caramel Log out of their bag to give them a wee boost and keep them going on towards base camp or the summit.

“To have a picture of a Caramel Wafer being held aloft proudly at the summit of Everest is a thing of beauty, especially when you know the story behind it all.”

The survivors’ group was set up to create a support network for those who had experienced cruel and abusive behaviour at school.

They want to turn their negative childhood experiences into something positive by raising money for the NSPCC, to support services including Childline and educational programmes.

Tunnock’s make between 10 and 12 million biscuits and cakes every week including five million wafers and three million of their famous tea cakes, selling in more than 40 countries around the world.

Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, urged Jambos fans to give the new players time to settle into Tynecastle. Several were given game time on Saturday during the 2-1 defeat by Sky Bet League One side Leyton Orient at Tynecastle.

Musa Drammeh, Daniel Okegoke and Blair Spittal started and Yan Dhanda and Ryan Fulton were introduced after the break.

Naismith (pictured) said: “The first two or three months are about getting used to the surroundings and the pressure and everything about it, but that is one aspect of it which you want to pass quickly.”

Saturday, he added, was a good test, and he said: “I said before the game that they (Orient) would cause us problems in the way they played, which they did. That is good but you could tell the sharpness was not there and we could have scored more goals. It was about getting minutes.

“There were some good bits and some of the younger boys had an opportunity to stake a claim to make the squad for the season.”

Premiership cracks Spurs are in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Yes, they have given their Euro 2024 and Copa America players time off, but former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is still expected to fly north with a strong squad.

It’s the London club’s first official pre-season test but Spurs did play a closed-doors friendly against League One side Cambridge United on Saturday when big names including James Maddison, Timo Werner, and captain Son Heung-Min all played for sections of the game.

Hearts open their league campaign with a home joust against last season’s league runners-up, Rangers, at Tynecastle on Saturday, August 3 (12.30).

A reminder to fans. The kick-off against Spurs is at 7pm.

One of Scotland’s greatest novels, James Hogg’s classic “The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner” is to be celebrated with a series of events at this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival to mark the book’s 200th anniversary.

The 1824 gothic thriller, often cited as the original Scottish crime novel, will be celebrated in “Justified Sinner 200”, a series of six events to run during the festival next month.

This is an idea promoted by the new Book Festival Director Jenny Niven, and the multidisciplinary events will explore Hogg’s masterpiece through the worlds of AI, theatre, technology, music, philosophy and literature.

A bespoke tour of Edinburgh narrated by novelist Louise Welsh and featuring an original score by Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai, a pop up choir, a book club event featuring Sir Ian Rankin and a state-of-the-art app that transforms the streets of the capital into an interactive story are all included in the mix.

Niven said: “The Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner is a Scottish classic, a brilliant and deeply unsettling gothic novel that reads as vividly as if it was just written.

“There are so many things to reinvestigate from a 21st century perspective. It’s about moral absolutism, and the dangers of a fundamentalist ideology. It also describes these incredible tensions between a supposedly rational Enlightenment Scotland and one steeped in a supernatural past, and it’s full of outrage and paranoia.

“As a piece of fiction it is hugely progressive, playful and experimental, and so of course I wanted to work with writers and theatre makers whose own approach reflects exactly those things.

“I think we’ve really done this book justice on its 200th anniversary and it’s a great example of one of the many ways I’d like to take the Book Festival forward, creating a new story of Scottish creativity while celebrating our incredible heritage.”

Published in 1824, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner was a cutting satire on the Calvinist concept of predestination.

Set in the early 18th century, its anti-hero believes he is guaranteed salvation and is justified in killing those he believes are already damned by God.

The book, a gothic novel, psychological mystery, satire and an early example of modern crime fiction, is now often voted one of the greatest Scottish novels ever.

It influenced writers from Robert Louis Stevenson in the late 19th century to contemporary crime writers including Sir Ian Rankin.

Justified Sinner 200 has been made possible thanks to funding by The Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, and support from Sir Ewan and Lady Brown.

The six events are Perambulations of a Justified Sinner (from 12 August), Extraordinary Trash: A Theatre Essay (18 August), Justified Sinner Book Club (19 August), New Myths (20 August), Cut Up the Justified Sinner (21 August) and a special Close Read event (23 August).

All festival events and booking details are listed here.

An Edinburgh man who led police on a high-speed chase and was caught with half a million pounds worth of heroin has been refused a place on the landlord register. 

Paul Macaulay was jailed in 2017 after pleading guilty to the supply of controlled drugs and dangerous driving – including driving the wrong way around a roundabout – which put road users at “significant risk”. 

The 37-year-old, who has over a dozen convictions going back to when he was 16, applied for landlord registration for two properties in Edinburgh. 

However police told the council’s licensing sub committee the applicant’s “clear links” to serious organised crime and “large-scale distribution of illegal drugs” was “not compatible with being a registered landlord”. 

Macaulay, who declared having no previous convictions on his application, was unable to attend the meeting on Monday, July 15 as he was still in prison serving out his seven-years-and-four-month sentence. 

Sergeant Grant Robertson from Police Scotland said on June 7, 2017 the force received information of a car being driven in west Edinburgh “with a quantity of drugs within”. 

Road police officers approached the car at a petrol station but Macaulay hit the accelerator and sparked a high-speed chase, driving across a pavement and grass verges before taking off along Calder Road and going the wrong way round a roundabout. 

The reckless driving, which Sgt Robertson said put other road users at “significant risk” and forced them to make “evasive manoeuvres”, saw him banned from holding a licence for six years. 

“The vehicle was eventually contained and the driver was identified as Paul Macaulay. A search of the vehicle identified several packages of diamorphine, which is heroin, cash and other items relating to drug supply,” Sgt Robertson said. 

“Various properties were thereafter searched… and other items relating to the supply of drugs were recovered.” 

The searches uncovered high purity heroin with an estimated street value of £520,000 and £15,000 in cash. 

Sgt Robertson said the perpetrator was “living beyond his means” – as a search of his home found paperwork detailing more than £77,000 worth of deals and debts. 

He added: “Paul Macaulay would not be a fit and proper landlord.” 

Councillors refused his landlord registration application. 

Lord Armstrong said at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2017 if Macaulay had been found guilty after a trial he would have jailed him for 11 years but the judge reduced his total sentence to seven years and four months following his guilty pleas. 

Defence solicitor advocate Stuart Carson said Macaulay had been working as a self-employed joiner and his partner was due to give birth later that month. 

He said he regretted his crimes “very much”. 

Chris Cadden who came off midway through the first half as a precaution in Hibs victory over Elgin City on Saturday is now awaiting the results of a scan. 

And Hibs Head Coach David Gary also provided an update on Elie Youan and Harry McKirdy who were both left out of the matchday squad on Saturday 

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Queens Park, Gray told Hibs TV: “Cadds came off early in the game which was disappointing, but we think he has caught that one early enough. 

“We don’t want to take any chances – especially at this stage of the season – so we will get that scanned just to make sure we know what we are dealing with. Once we get the results back we will put a plan in place, but he is positive about how he feels on that.” 

Harry McKirdy and Elie Youan (illness) were also left out of the matchday squad on Saturday, with Gray providing the latest update on the two forwards and their current progress. 

“McKirdy is getting there everyday. This one will come slightly too soon for him, but he is days away. He stepped it up in training today so I fully expect him to be available for the weekend. 

“Elie Youan is back in training this morning after his illness. He is feeling better, but we just need to see how his body reacts to training and monitor that. Apart from that, the rest of the boys are all fit and ready to go.” 

Legendary is a word which is overused, but in the case of Bob Dylan it is hardly enough to describe the greatest living songwriter.

Now the 83-year-old Dylan is bringing his latest tour to Edinburgh for two nights at Usher Hall on 5 and 6 November. The shows are produced in a partnership with Yondr which prohibits the use of video cameras or mobile phones, meaning the concerts live on in the audience’s memories alone.

This will be the first Edinburgh gig since 2009.

Click here for on sale dates and ticket links Tickets go on sale on Friday.

A pioneering Edinburgh brewery firm is set to move into Midlothian after outgrowing its current premises.

Vault City Brewing have been granted permission to make changes to an empty building at the Roslin Biotech Centre so they can move operations into it.

The firm which says it is the first brewery worldwide to use commercial Simonaitis wild yeast, becoming originators of modern sour beer, will carry out research and production at the site bringing an estimated 40 jobs to the area.

In their statement to Midlothian Council, the firm said the brewing style it uses has had a profound impact on the industry and Vault City is the only brewery using the method putting Scotland at the forefront of sour beer development across the world.

It said: “Due to their continued success, the applicant requires larger premises to expand their business in terms of production, research and development in this innovative and thriving sector.”

The building the brewery wants to move into is part of the biocampus at Midlothian Science Zone and has been vacant since it was built in 2002.

The applicants said: “The proposed development seeks to bring the building and site into use with minimal interventions required. The relocation of Vault City Brewing would bring significant economic benefits and inward investment to Midlothian.”

The groundfloor of the building will be used as a warehouse and laboratory space with brewing and packaging on the first floor. Offices will be created on the second floor with permission granted for new windows, outside stairs and solar panels.

Approving the change of use, planning officers said: “There is a long history of crossover between the brewing industry and scientific research.

“Heriot Watt University has developed an internationally recognised
Brewing and Distilling course that has enhanced Scotland’s reputation in those fields and encouraged scientific research.

“The applicant’s brewing business specialises in mixed fermentation, sour beer brewing and makes extensive use of facilities to develop the wild yeasts and bacteria strains that are essential for the sour beer brewing process.

“Whilst some of the research is carried out within the applicant’s own facilities a lack of space means that some functions need to be outsourced. Moving to the Biocampus site will enable the applicant to bring the laboratory processes in house.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The City of Edinburgh Council has issued 6,030 PCN fines in June in relation to the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which came into effect at the beginning of the month.

These were 5,756 Level 1 penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued which is a first time fine of £60, and 274 Level 2 penalties for repeat offenders which is set at £120. There were no fines at a higher level which goes up to £480 for someone who offends four or more times. Although the city centre became an LEZ in 2023 fines were not issued until this year.

This means that the council’s parking attendants issued charges totalling £345,360 for first level fines and £32,880 for second level fines.

Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Scott Arthur, said: “Whilst our objective is to ultimately see zero non-compliant vehicles enter our LEZ, I’m conscious that this is a process which will take time to fully materialise. I was encouraged to see the relatively low level of second contraventions in the figures alongside none for further levels. This shows clearly that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their transport habits accordingly.

“We’ve already seen that public attitudes towards LEZs are improving across Scotland, with a national poll earlier this year indicating that 60% of respondents were in favour of the zones, with just 21% opposed. This is clear evidence that people are seeing the many benefits of LEZs, and how they link in with our wider aims to make our city cleaner, greener and healthier for everyone.

“I’d also reiterate that any revenue that we generate from the LEZ will be reinvested into the running of the zone, with any surplus funds supporting the LEZ’s wider goals.

“These ambitious goals include achieving net zero, accommodating sustainable growth, cutting congestion, and improving air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city. Edinburgh is a city with big ideas for the future and the LEZ forms a key part of these.”

All fines are used to run the LEZ scheme or promote its objectives – to reduce harmful emissions from transport and encourage sustainable travel.

A map of the LEZ is available on the Council’s website along with a registration number checker to find out if a vehicle would comply with the requirements in the zone.

The University of Edinburgh has awarded an honorary degree to athlete and missionary Eric Liddell who won a gold medal at the 1924 Olympics in Paris – in the same hall where he first graduated.

The university recognised his success with a posthumous degree of doctor honoris cause from the University’s Moray House School of Education and Sport one hundred years after his sporting success and his graduation with a BSc in Pure Science. The university’s Chair of Sport, Professor Grant Jarvie nominated Liddell for the honour which highlights his contribution to sport ad to humanity even a century after his historic win.

Mr Liddell, called the ‘Flying Scotsman’, won the 400 metres at the 1924 summer games in a world record time of 47.6 seconds, and a bronze medal in the 200 metres. 

Mr Liddell was represented at the ceremony in the University’s McEwan Hall by his daughter, Patricia Liddell Russell, who accepted the award on his behalf. Mrs Russell, aged 88, travelled from her home in Ontario, Canada to attend the ceremony. 

Mr Liddell, dubbed the ‘Flying Scotsman’, won the 400 metres at the 1924 summer games in a world record time of 47.6 seconds, and a bronze medal in the 200 metres. 

He refused to take part in the 100-metre heats, which were held on a Sunday, in line with his Christian beliefs. The life of the principled Liddell helped to inspire the 1981 Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, which told the story of his and others’ Olympic triumphs. 

Mr Liddell enrolled for a BSc degree in Pure Science at the University of Edinburgh in 1920 and graduated four years later on 17 July 1924, just six days after winning gold, in the same hall where his honorary degree was conferred a century later. 

Following his athletic career, the father of three worked as a science teacher, and later served as a missionary around the world, most notably in China. He was held in a Japanese internment camp in 1943, where he died on 21 February 1945, aged 43. 

Addressing the graduation assembly, Professor Grant Jarvie said:“Eric Liddell is one of Scotland’s most celebrated athletes of all time. When inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame he topped the public vote as Scotland’s most popular sports person.  A century after his Olympic success and graduating from University of Edinburgh what Eric Liddell represents is the best of all of us and the promise and invitation of what we could do to help others. 

“As we look forward to another Olympic Games in Paris this summer, it is entirely deserved that we honour this remarkable person’s contribution to sport and humanity with this honorary degree today.”

Over the last two years developers have built more new homes in the West Lothian than at any time since records began in 2006. 

More than 1,100 homes have been built each year since 2022. In the last year it was 1,115. 

But despite this the council is still struggling to fund new social housing to attack the 10,000 plus waiting list, 

The council plans for development of 900 new builds a year when planning school rolls and other infrastructure. 

Councillors on the Education Executive heard an update on planning for projected school rolls, which are influenced by the levels of development. Extensions have been completed at Calderwood Primary and agreed for the West Calder High to meet growing school rolls coming from housing development. 

Two new high schools have been completed in Winchburgh with the potential for extension, but the primary school age group currently appears to be falling. 

The study revealed the building boom, alongside other population trends with falls in primary school rolls in some areas growth in others, and migration changes.    

In a report to the Education Executive Housing Andrew Cotton the senior education planning officer said: “2022/23 was a record year for housing completions in West Lothian with 1,211 new house completions being the largest number since records began in 2006.  

“Completions were reduced with the Covid-19 construction lockdown in 2020/21 but once the lockdown restrictions were lifted housing completions quickly returned to and then exceeded their previous levels.” 

He added: “One of the largest uncertainties is around the number of houses to be built in West Lothian. Forecast scenarios are presented for 900 house completions and full Local Development Plan scenarios. Any changes to the location and volume of new housing growth can significantly affect the forecasts.” 

The average house completion rate over the last 5 years was 958. In 2022/23 and 2023/24 the completion numbers exceeded this. The forecast is based on an assessment of which residential sites are most likely to come forward in the short to medium term. This takes into account sites where planning permission has been granted, legal agreements associated with consented sites and education constraints. 

The 900 house scenario  is one which is most closely related to recent average annual house building rates. This level corresponds well to the Minimum All Tenure Housing Land Requirement (MATHLR) set out in the new planning regulations, NPF4, for West Lothian on 9,850 new houses over 10 years.  

The forecast shows a picture of primary school rolls falling back slightly from the current rolls in the 900 forecast and a modest increase (to 15,500 pupils) in the LDP forecast.  

The secondary rolls increase faster in both of the forecasts. The additional capacity created at Winchburgh Academy and Sinclair Academy has recently been created in West Lothian but further investment in secondary capacity is required to deal with these forecast secondary roll increases in some areas.  

West Calder High School is set to be extended to 1,320 capacity by 2025. Winchburgh Academy and Sinclair Academy have both been designed with further extensions in mind and further demand can be managed through the West Livingston and Calderwood Core Development Area secondary capacity solution. 

Mr Cotton said: “On some sites there has been some emerging evidence that the children may be taking slightly longer to appear than in the past as housing developments in West Lothian are attracting more families with either younger children or those who are looking to start a family.  

“On other sites however, there is evidence that the expected children are appearing faster than previously with a particular focus on preschool and P1 age children in new build housing. “ 

NHS data is most reliable at the time when it is given to West Lothian Council. Those who register with another UK GP practice will be removed from the NHS data but children moving abroad may take longer to be removed from NHS records.  

The report also outlined that migration patterns can change rapidly.  “There is some evidence that a number of children from Eastern Europe have left West Lothian and this affected the roll at a number of schools. Continuing uncertainties around future migration policies form one of the most difficult assumptions to forecast.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

James Kelly (43) has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of 18 charges of violent and sexual crimes against women in the Edinburgh area.

He targeted six women over a six year period from 2014 to 2020. Some of the women were formerly in a relationship with Kelly whose name has been added to the sex offenders’ register, and who is now subject to a 25-year long non-harassment order

The crimes were multiple sexual offences, including six counts of rape. He also assaulted one victim to her severe injury by causing her to fall down a set of stairs.

He was previously found guilty of 18 charges following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, and returned for sentencing on Monday, 15 July, 2024.

Detective Inspector Eirlys Fraser said: “James Kelly subjected his victims to a shocking level of violence and sexual abuse. He is an extremely dangerous individual, who showed no remorse for his behaviour, but he is now paying the price for his despicable actions.

“I would like to commend the women for their strength in coming forward during this investigation and helping us build a compelling case against him. I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure and allows them to move on from this horrendous ordeal.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, you are not alone, and we would encourage you to report it to us. You will be listened to and supported throughout the entire process by officers and our partner agencies, and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra played music from Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone at Edinburgh Castle on Sunday evening in the final Castle Concert.

The orchestra was conducted by Justin Freer and they performed as the entire film was played on screen.

Sadly few fans had dressed up!

All photos by Brian Anderson

BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company, is set to resurface a section of the M8 ahead of Junction 3 westbound.

The work will take place over five nights between the hours of 20:30 and 06:00, starting on the night of Monday 15 July to Saturday 20 July 2024. No works will take place at the weekend.

For safety reasons, the M8 westbound will be closed at Junction 2. A signed diversion route will guide traffic via the M8 Junction 2 westbound offslip, M9 Junction 1 northbound offslip, A89 westbound, and A899 southbound. Drivers will then re-join the M8 at Junction 3 via the M8 Junction 3 westbound onslip.

This diversion will add an estimated eight minutes and 1.8 miles to affected journeys.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will improve ride quality and safety for motorists using this section of the M8.

“A carriageway closure is essential for safety, however we’ve scheduled the works overnight to minimise disruption.

“If you do need to travel during these works, please allow some extra time for your journey.”

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance.

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland.

Hibs Women started their pre-season preparations with a comprehensive victory over Boroughmuir Thistle at Meadowbank. 

Kathleen McGovern opened the scoring after she linked up well with fellow summer signing Ciara Grant to prod home from a well-worked free-kick. 

McGovern added a second a few minutes later then secured her hat trick shortly before halftime, prodding home once more at the back post from Tegan Bowie’s low cross. 

Following the second half restart, Erin Clachers and Linzi Taylor made their debut. 

Mya Christie extended the scoreline to 4-0 in the 65^th minute tapping home Ellis Notley’s low cross. 

Kirsty Morrison made sure to carry on the fine form by scoring our fifth soon after.  

A mistake by the goalkeeper gifted Kirsty Morrison a great chance and she poked the ball into the empty net from just yards out. 

Lia Tweedie headed home for Hibs sixth goal of the afternoon shortly before full-time to round off a well-deserved victory. 

The former Debenhams store at 109-112 Princes Street will be converted into a Zedwell Hotel.

This will be a first for the hotel brand in Scotland. The 116,500 square feet store will be transformed into a hotel with a view to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens with good transport links from outside the front door.

As the name suggests Zedwell is focused on sleeping in “cocoons” with noise reducing walls, floors and doors allowing guests a place to recharge during their visit.

Asif Aziz, Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital, said: “Opening our first hotel in Scotland is a significant step in our ambitious UK-wide expansion of our unique Zedwell hotel brand. Edinburgh’s rich history, cultural significance and strong tourism sector make it an ideal location for Zedwell. This project represents a fantastic addition to our committed pipeline of 22 hotels with over 7000 rooms that, together with our expanding residential and commercial portfolios, will see our AUM exceed £6bn.”

Kerr Young, Head of UK National Hotels Transactions, Capital Markets, JLL, added: “We are delighted to have advised on the sale of 109 Princes Street. Edinburgh remains the best performing hotel market in Europe and JLL are very excited to be facilitating the entry of a new hotel concept such as Zedwell to the market which will support the adaptive reuse of a strategically important property located in the heart of the city centre.”

The new Bangour village will be the most “connected” community in West Lothian when it’s completed. 

 Planners have demanded that the 1,000 homes in the village will have access to EV charging points, or the infrastructure to develop them. 

The approval of changes to house styles in the plans for the first 100 homes also revealed the plans to future-proof the huge new housing estate as the roll out of electric vehicles continues, and the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars looms in the next decade. 

The Development Management Committee approved the application by BDW Trading Ltd to grant an application for a substitution of house types and revised layout for 100 houses in the first phase of the Bangour Village development. 

Conditions attached to the proposal demand the developers come back to the council with specific proposals about building a network of EV charging points. 

The conditions seek assurances that where off-street parking is provided, one in every six residential units shall have an active ready to use electric vehicle charging point (7kw), located either in a garage or in close proximity to a dedicated car parking place within the driveway of the property and connected to the domestic electricity supply via a dedicated circuit.  

Conditions further demand: “For all other residential units with off street parking, passive provision (cabling and individual fuse boxes provided) shall be provided to enable easy conversion to an active charging point should demand manifest itself.”  

And: “For on-street parking, one in every six spaces shall have a fully connected, active and ready to use electric vehicle charging point (7kw).” 

Planners also demanded: “Electric vehicle parking spaces should be counted as part of the overall car parking provision and not in addition to it. 

“Details of who will be responsible for managing and maintaining charging infrastructure, including details of managing access to charging spaces and arrangements for paying for the electricity used during charging.” 

A report to the committee by planning officer Gillian Cyphus explained the reasons for the latest application.  

She said: “Some of the house type changes are as a result of a change in house builder. The majority of the layout changes are as a result of a reduction in the service strip requirements, meaning that houses and driveways are able to be brought forward, creating larger rear private gardens. Overall the total number of units on this part of the Bangour development will be reduced by two.”    

Councillors  agreed the proposals without comment. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The Queen of Edinburgh, as Shirley Manson is affectionately known by her fans, walked on to a ramped-up atmosphere across the well-trodden boards of the Usher Hall.

This homecoming performance was in full swing as they got into a crunching I Think I’m Paranoid. The audience is represented by hardcore devotees and a new generation of supporters who sing along to every word. Manson is a charismatic entertainer, with an enchanting Scottish voice who engages with the crowd like she is among close friends.

The electronic thump of The Men Who Rule The World delivers a potent message in times such as these. Milk and The Trick Is To Keep Breathing remain evocative, dark and trippy ballads from the 90s that still manage to sound fresh and relevant. Manson pays homage to Siouxsie and the Banshees with a memorable version of Cities of Dust.

As first singles go Vow continues to be a clarion call to everything Garbage stands for, there’s a certain Scottish anger mixed with killer hooks, distorted riffs and glorious harmonies that have more than survived the test of time.

Tonight Garbage reminds us why they were one of the great singles bands of the era with the likes of Stupid Girl, an update of 1960s pop and the big finish of I’m Only Happy When It Rains.

The four-piece must be one of the most creative and sonically innovative bands of the last 30 years with arguably the best living front-woman in the business, long may this Scottish monarch of rock reign. 

Castle Concerts brought the big names to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in the last week or so before the Tattoo takes up residence.

The weather was not always kind but the music from all artists beginning with Madness on 5 July and finishing with Paul Waller with JLS, Suede and Manic Street Preachers in between was top notch.

If you missed your chance this year then be sure to keep an eye on announcements here for next year’s shows and also dates in Glasgow. And see for yourself below what you missed…

A fight to save a village church where it is claimed notorious grave robbers Burke and Hare almost met their demise has been launched.

Newton Parish Church, in Midlothian, was visited by the body snatchers more than once and a bullet hole on a gravestone is, local legend says, thought to have been fired at them during one of their grisly trips.

Now the local community has launched a bid to buy the 18th century church after it was put on the market by the Church of Scotland.

The Friends of Old Newton Parish Church say the rich history of the small kirk should be kept in the community and treasured.

As well as being a regular target of Burke and Hare, who stole freshly buried bodies from graves to sell to Edinburgh surgeon Robert Knox who used them for research and teaching, the church yard is also a final resting place for war heroes.

Among the heroes is RAF flight engineer Sergeant Thomas Dunn, who died at the age of just 19 after the plane he was carrying out a bombing exercise on crashed at RAF Winthrope.

And the church has a unique link to the mining heritage of the surrounding area with a balcony built by miners after they petitioned for years to be allowed to attend service.

They were eventually allowed to attend but had to use a separate staircase they built which took them into a balcony which hid them from the congregation.

The Church of Scotland put the kirk on the market last week with offers over £98,000.

The news sparked a wave of action from the local community leading to the setting up of the group and calls for it to be withdrawn from sale to give them time to raise the money.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The old Newton Parish Church has so much heritage and meaning to the community that we want to be able to keep it as a facility for generations to come.

“We have a youth group who want to use it and there are plans to  carry on holding weddings and funerals at the church as well as local events, concerts and other entertainment.

“We are assured raising the funds is possible, we just need the Church of Scotland to give us the time to do it.”

A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: ”

“We can confirm that we have received an approach from the community regarding the sale of Newton Parish Church, but are unable to say more while the sale process continues.

“In 2021, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland called on each of its Presbytery areas to draw up mission plans for their areas.

“Under the mission plan agreed by Lothian Presbytery, Newton parish, which covers Danderhall, Shawfair and some neighbouring villages united with St John’s and Kings Park Church in Dalkeith to form Dalkeith: St John’s and Newton Parish Church.

“Newton Church held its final service in January 2023, but the new congregation continues to use the church hall in Danderhall as their base for activities and services in Newton parish with Sunday services held fortnightly at 9.30am, to which all are welcome.

“We understand fully the wide range of emotions involved in the closure of any of our buildings, but having fewer congregational buildings will reduce pressure on congregational finances, freeing up funds and general income for other Church missional activities and a more sustainable situation, allowing the Church and our congregations continue to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

This is the most up to date list of roadworks and events leading to road closures or diversions for traffic in Edinburgh for the next week or so.

If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

Any new works are marked in blue.

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Hibs have announced that QuinnBet have extended their long-term support of the club, renewing their partnership into 2027. 

QuinnBet’s refreshed brand logo will continue to be displayed across the Men’s First-Team travel wear, worn by the playing team and coaching staff for domestic and international travel, and also feature prominently at Easter Road. 

Hibs Commercial Director, Murray Milligen said: “QuinnBet have been long-term supporters of both the Club and Scottish football so we’re really pleased to continue our long-standing partnership. 

“We’ve enjoyed an extremely positive working relationship over the last few seasons and we’re looking forward to building our relationship over the next few years.” 

Niall McPartland, Head of Commercial and Sponsorship at QuinnBet, added: “It is a real privilege for us to continue our proud association with Hibernian FC as the 150th anniversary of the club approaches next year.   

“The partnership extension into 2027, cements our proud association with the club and our presence across Scottish football generally.  

“Our brands, QuinnBet and QuinnCasino, enjoy huge support across Scotland, the UK and Ireland.   

“We will continue to utilise the partnership to promote our brand in conjunction with Safer Gambling, which is integral to our business and which Hibernian FC is fully supportive of.  

“We would like to wish everyone at the club the very best for the season ahead.” 

The King’s Speech

As a new parliament has been formed the government will present their programme for government through the medium of the King’s Speech on Wednesday, at the State Opening of Parliament, which HRH King Charles will read out from his throne in the House of Lords.

Departments are working on more than 35 bills to deliver an ambitious parliamentary session that will be built on a bedrock of economic security, to enable growth that will improve the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.

Legislation will include a bill to enforce tough new spending rules, designed to ensure economic growth, while avoiding the chaos which left families with spiralling bills and wreaked misery on people’s lives.    

To ensure nobody can play fast and loose with the public finances ever again, this new bill will strengthen the role of the Office of Budget Responsibility, meaning significant fiscal announcements must be properly scrutinised and that taxpayers’ money is respected.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our work is urgent. There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term – and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the downpayment on that change. 

“From energy, to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbo charge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.

“The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at the King’s Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people.”

Stephen Flynn MP has confirmed the SNP will table an amendment to end the two child cap – if the Labour Party fails to include the measure in its programme for government.

In a letter today, the SNP Westminster Leader urged Anas Sarwar to instruct Labour MPs in Scotland to support the amendment. Stephen Flynn said the two child cap is “pushing thousands of Scottish children into poverty” and ending it is “the bare minimum” required.

The SNP said scrapping the cap is “the essential first step” but the Labour Party “must then take further bold action if it is to eradicate child poverty – including matching the SNP government’s Scottish Child Payment UK-wide by raising the child element of Universal Credit by £26.70 per child, per week across the UK”.

Mr Flynn said: “The two child cap is pushing thousands of Scottish children into poverty – and scrapping it is the bare minimum the Labour Party government must do if it is serious about tackling poverty.

“I urge Keir Starmer to include it in his programme for government this week but, if he fails, the SNP will lay an amendment to abolish it immediately. It is shameful and it must go now.”

Secretary of State for Scotland

Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South is now the Secretary of State for Scotland. The Edinburgh Reporter met him last week to talk about a range of matters, including VAT being imposed on school fees – a particular Edinburgh problem as a quarter of all pupils are educated at private schools here. Read what he said here.

And the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland was also in Queen Elizabeth House – Kirsty McNeill is the brand new MP for Midlothian and we will be chatting to her again soon.

Museum will tell previously untold Edinburgh story

The museum on Castlehill under the Tartan Weaving Mill will be reopened to the public with a new entrance if plans submitted to the council are approved. The B-listed building used to be a reservoir and the new layout will allow the story of its past as away of bringing fresh water into the city to be told. The building appears to be one storey at the top of Castlehill but it extends to five levels which are largely hidden from view.
The architects have provided a planning statement which explains that the sensitive alterations will ensure a sustainable future for the building as an important heritage asset and tourist attraction. The 19th century building replaced a smaller reservoir built on the site of a former chapel.

24/03192/LBC

https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SG53K1EWKRO00

Maid of the Forth has won an award

Maid of the Forth which carries passengers from The Hawes Pier out to Inchcolm Island has won a TripAdvisor award.

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Edinburgh University’s Traditional Artist in Residence, Fraser Fifield continues a productive spell, releasing his third album in the space of a year on Friday 23 August.

Second Sight is the third instalment in a trilogy that focuses on Fifield’s ultra-fluent and expressive playing on the low D whistle.

Each album has featured Fifield in a different trio. The first, Secret Path, saw him working with jazz musicians Paul Harrison on Wurlitzer piano and Tom Bancroft on drums. The second, One Great Circle was recorded with harp and violin partnership, Catriona McKay and Chris Stout.

For Second Sight, Fifield chose guitarist Graeme Stephen and Edinburgh-based Lebanese bassist Elie Afif to again showcase the low whistle as a relatively simple instrument capable of communicating sophisticated melodies and improvised expression.

While Fifield and Stephen have enjoyed a long musical partnership – they played their first, impromptu gig together as last-minute stand-ins for a radio broadcast from Aberdeen in 1996 – this was Fifield’s first meeting with Beirut-born Afif.

“Elie is equally proficient on acoustic and electric basses but I had a trio of whistle, guitar and bass guitar in mind for the album,” says Fifield. “I thought that would work best for the music I’d written and it was clear as soon as Elie began to play, from his ability to articulate intricate lines with feeling while gelling with Graeme and myself, that he’s a terrific player.”

With one exception, Lolanders, the music on Second Sight was written specially for the recording session. Lolanders dates from the successful Dutch-Scottish sextet of the same name that Fifield and Stephen formed for the Going Dutch touring project in 2019 with three top musicians from the Netherlands and Indo-Scottish tabla master Sodhi Deerhe.

“Most of the tunes on Second Sight are quite simple,” says Fifield. “I wanted to leave lots of space for all three of us to interact and knowing Graeme’s capabilities particularly, I was sure he would respond to a freer approach. He’s such a creative player and he and Elie really entered into the spirit of the session. On No Distance, for example, I’d written the melody you hear at the end and we improvised our way towards it, quite successfully, I think.”

In keeping with Fifield’s liking for capturing the music in the moment, Second Sight was recorded in one day. Stylistically it’s another departure, Fifield’s aim with all three trio albums being to take the low whistle out of its familiar territory.

“It’s somewhere between the desert blues of Tinariwen, especially with Graeme bringing a grungy edge to his playing, and a step or two beyond the Scottish tradition,” says Fifield. “The whole point of this trilogy was to be exploratory and see where the music goes through being open to other styles and influences.”

Having such a productive spell means that Fifield – unusually – has been able to submit two titles, Secret Path and One Big Circle, for the Scottish Album of the Year Award 2024, the winner of which will be announced on October 24.

“I’m not expecting to win at all, far from it, but it’s very satisfying to see two entries on the eligible albums list,” says Fifield. “There are so many albums released in Scotland these days that it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. If one of the albums made the shortlist, or even the longlist, that would be fantastic but I’ll be happy if people just check out my music on the SAY website.”

BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company, is set to resurface 0.65 kilometres of the M8 westbound carriageway and on-slip at Junction 5. 

To allow the works to be carried out safely, the westbound M8 will be closed from Junction 5 to Junction 6A from 20:30 until 06:00 each night from Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August and from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. 

During the works a clearly signed diversion route will be in place from M8 Junction 5 to Junction 6A, via the B7057, B7066 and A8. This diversion will add approximately five minutes and 0.3 miles to affected journeys. 

To allow sufficient cooling time for the material, the M8 Junction 5 westbound on-slip and lane 2 of the adjacent main carriageway will also be closed during the day on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July. The hard shoulder will be utilised to ensure two lanes remain open to traffic on the M8 at all times. 

During this daytime slip road closure, a diversion route for traffic wishing to join the M8 westbound will be in place, directing traffic to travel eastbound on the M8 to turn at Junction 4A and return westbound. This diversion will add approximately ten minutes and 9.0 miles to affected journeys. 

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. 

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These surfacing improvements will improve the road quality and safety for motorists using this section of the M8. 

“We’ve planned the works to take place at night to minimise disruption, however daytime slip road closures are required due to the depth of material being replaced, which needs time to cool. 

“If you need to join the M8 at this location on 30 or 31 July, our advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.” 

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance. 

All works are weather dependent and subject to postponement in the event of adverse conditions. 

Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at @trafficscotland. 

Hibs striker Dylan Vente made the ‘perfect start’ to the season with a hat-trick in the 5-0 victory over Elgin City in the Premier Sports Cup tie. 

Vente opened the scoring in the first half on eight minutes with a smart finish from close range before heading in Jordan Obita’s cross for his second. 

The Hibs striker completed his hat-trick in the second period with another instinctive striker’s finish inside the six-yard box. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Vente said: “Five nil is a good win for the team and three goals for myself, so it is a perfect start to the season for me. 

“Everyone fought for each other out there today, when you lose the ball everyone reacts quickly and that is important in games like this.  

“We reacted well today and it was good to build on a good pre-season. Now, the challenge is to kick on from here. 

“It is always good to score three goals. For me, it was a very good feeling. But we’ve got another game coming quickly on Tuesday.” 

“It has been a while since we’ve played at Easter Road, we’ve had holidays and pre-season in-between so it will be good to be back home and hopefully we can get another win.” 

Hibs return to action on Tuesday night against Queen’s Park at Easter Road. 

David Gray was delighted with his side’s performance in the comprehensive 5-0 victory over Elgin City at Borough Briggs yesterday. 

Dylan Vente grabbed the headlines with his hat-trick, with debutant Marvin Ekpiteta and Martin Boyle also on target. 

But Gray reserved special praise for 18-year-old Rudi Molotnikov. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray said: “I am delighted. It was a real professional performance from everyone. When you come up here, there is always the potential for it to be a tricky tie. 

“All the pressure and expectation is on us to come up and win, so I am delighted with the performance level and the attitude the players showed. 

“It was great that we scored a few goals and another clean sheet gives us a good foundation to build on. All in all, I am delighted with the whole day to be honest.” 

The Hibees had to work hard for their victory in what was a competitive tie, particularly in the first half. However, in the second 45 we showed our class and a ruthlessness in the final third. 

“It was a real competitive game – particularly in the first half.” Gray continued. 

“Elgin came out and had a go, so credit to them. Once we scored, we had a little sloppy period but once we got a foothold on the game and we started to do things that we had worked on; we were much better value. 

“In the second half when the subs came on, we still kept our intensity high which was great to see.” 

“To single anyone out today would be harsh, but I also think it would be difficult not to mention Rudi Molotnikov.  

“He has done really well in pre-season, he had a good opportunity to start the game and he showed what he has been doing in training. 

“He looked really bright and he affected the game of football which is what it is all about. 

“From another point of view, it was great to see Dylan Vente getting a hat-trick. You always want your striker scoring goals, so for him to score in the first competitive game of the season is great for him, hopefully he can take confidence from that and kick on now. 

“Defensively, I am delighted with the fact that we kept a clean sheet.  

All in all, it was a good team performance, a professional performance, now we just need to make sure we recover properly, get back down the road and get ready for Queen’s Park. 

“That’ll be another difficult test but we are looking forward to being back at Easter Road, that is for sure.” 

The Modfather Paul Weller kept the audience entertained at the Castle last night in spite of the rain which definitely did not stop play.

Saturday’s performance is the penultimate concert before the Tattoo takes over the Esplanade for the summer. Later today  The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert on Sunday 14 July 2024. A must-see for any Harry Potter fan.

More information about tickets here.

Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, has issued an injury update ahead of the Tynecastle club’s pre-season challenge against Premiership cracks Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

Fans are reminded that it is a 7pm kick-off at Gorgie and several squad players will not be risked, including Stephen Kingsley, Calem Nieuwenhof and newcomer James Penrice.

The head coach confirmed that goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who skippered the side in the first-half of Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to English League Two combine, Leyton Orient, before being substituted by Ryan Fulton, has returned to where he was before he left for the summer recess.

And Naismith said the 41-year-old former Scotland international he has worked really hard and is in a good place. He added: “Craig is working hard like the rest of the squad to get full fitness.”

Aussie midfielder Nieuwenhof has a hamstring issue, which is disappointing for the coaching staff, and Hearts are waiting to see the severity of the injury, but Naismith said: “He will be back in when he is ready.”

Goalkeeper Zander Clark and striker Lawrence Shankland, who were with Scotland squad in the Euros in Germany, were back in last week when Hearts were on pre-season training in Tenerife, and the coach said: “They did some testing and so they are back with us on Monday.”

Kenneth Vargas (picured against Hibs last season), who was in the Costa Rica squad in the Copa America, has time off and Naismith said that rest is important. Kingsley, he added, has tightness in a calf and Hearts don’t want to push him.

Finally, another of the latest recruits, Penrice, had an operation in the later part of last season and has been working hard on his fitness.

Hearts do not want to push him but Naismith said Penrice is eager to be involved and “looking fantastic”. He added: “We must make sure we are not pushing him too much.”

Hearts have accepted a bid from for defender Alex Cochrane and Midlands club Birmingham City, who play in Football League One, are understood to be the club involved.

Jambos head coach, Steven Naismith, believes the Jambos are getting a good deal for the 24-year-old who has become a fan favourite at Tynecastle.

Brighton-born Cochrane has now to agree terms but is expected to move bringing to an end a short but productive career for the Gorgie men.

The talented English left-back joined the Jambos for a six-figure sum on a permanent deal in 2022 from Brighton and Hove Albion after a loan spell and it is reported that a fee in excess of £1m has been agreed. That’s good business for the Jambos, according to Naismith.

Cochrane was not in the squad on Saturday and head coach Naismith confirmed to a media briefing minutes after the 2-1 defeat by English League Two outfit, Leyton Orient, that the club have accepted the bid and that things will probably move quite quickly in the next three or four days.

He added: “For us as a club it is an example of finding a talent. He is a good player and he also has a drive to want to go as high as he can in the game and maximise what he can do in the game.

“In the last three or four years he has worked very hard at that and he had a year left on his contract.

“It is a good deal for the club and it is one that Alex wants to take. Everybody comes out of it well in respect that we have progressed a player, we have made a profit on him and he is moving to a big club and one he wants to be at.”

He added: “That is the business side of football and that is the way it has got to be. You need to sit and weigh up what the benefit is. You need to produce players, you need to identify players to bring to the club to make better, and that is a good business model and something the club have not done well enough over the years.”

Cochrane has made 64 appearances for Hearts and scored two goals after playing 32 games on loan following two other loan spells, one of Union SG in Belgium and another to East Grinstead Town. He did not make any appearances for Brighton, his home town club.

His international career includes an outing for England under-16 and two for England under-21

Hearts are not going to rush in to the transfer market, according to the head coach who added: “We will look at the squad but we have players who can play there, Kingsley, Penrice, Kye Rowles can play there as well and so on. We have cover.

“Over the next month or so we will see where we are sitting as a squad and were everybody is at.”

Naismith said: “That is something that I identified last year. We do not want to be the club that has to panic and make a big bid we are not sure on. We are comfortable where we are sitting now.”