Moredun Summer Fun Day on Wednesday

Bethany Christian Trust is holding a summer fun day in Moredun on Wednesday. There are free activities – and children in P4 to P7 can sign up for the summer club which takes place next week.

Oxgangs Care

What a lovely idea – Edinburgh charity Oxgangs Care has hand knitted blankets for use in the neo-natal unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The organisation also runs a day care and befriending service for older people in the EH10 and EH13 areas.

And they are always looking for volunteers to help out. A spokesperson said: “We are always looking to recruit new Volunteers at Oxgangs Care and we’d love to hear from you if you’re interested. At present our available volunteering roles are for the Befriending Service. As an Oxgangs Care Volunteer you would be provided with induction training, 1:1 support throughout your volunteering journey, opportunities to gain new skills and experience and most importantly you’d be making a meaningful difference.

“All we ask for is around one hour of your time per week, for a minimum period of six months. To apply now, please contact volunteering@oxgangscare.org or give our Volunteer Coordinator a call on 07482 799710. We’re open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.”

Fringe choice

I Ran With The Gang is coming home to the Fringe. Líam Rudden’s Edinburgh story about Alan Longmuir the Bay City Roller will be on at Prestonfield in August.

The show returns with the blessing of Eileen Longmuir, Alan’s wife, who says, “I am delighted I Ran With The Gang is returning to keep Alan’s memory alive. He loved being a part of the I Ran With The Gang family and liked nothing better than sitting at back, watching the fans reaction as his story unfolded, chuckling to himself that they hadn’t noticed him.”

Read more here.

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Election updates

Follow our General Election coverage on our YouTube channel here where we have interviewed as many candidates as possible.

If you are a candidate and would like to meet for an interview then pick a location as close to the city centre as possible and get in touch – soon!

Today’s featured photo is from Friday’s celebration at Leith Victoria Swim Centre which is now 125 years old.

Read more here.

The last Edinburgh tennis player to feature in a main singles draw at Wimbledon has backed successor, Jacob Fearnley, to take the occasion in his stride when he lines up for an SW19 debut against Spanish qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas in the men’s event on Tuesday.

And Suzi Mair, who played in the women’s singles in 1984 and who, coincidentally, has connections to the same Colinton club as Wimbledon wildcard Jacob insists that not even the prospect of facing seven times champion Novak Djokovic should both win their first round ties will faze him.

“Jacob did play doubles at Wimbledon last year so things won’t be quite the shock to his system. Nevertheless my advice to him take the whole experience in and embrace it.

“Preparing for Wimbledon is a bit like preparing for a wedding. You plan for months even years and then – suddenly – it is over in a flash. Gone.

“Whatever court he plays on the British fans will turn out in their numbers to lend support. He should draw on that and enjoy it.

“I really wish I could have had my time again because I didn’t make the most of it probably because I was too young (16) to take it all in.”

If Jacob, 22, finds himself lining up against Djokovic that would mean another parallel with Suzi.

“I played an American girl called Amy Holton” she says “and actually had a set point but the prize would have been a meeting with Martina Navratilova and being a British player against the top seed that would have been on Centre Court and maybe a bit overwhelming.

“At 16-years-old I just wouldn’t have been ready for that.”

The implication is that Suzi felt she may have backed off, albeit subconsciously, but contrast that with a  memory she has of a Jacob practice session.

“A few years ago Jacob was practicing at Colinton tennis club and as he came off court I told him that Jack Draper (now British No 1) had drawn Djokovic in the first round of Wimbledon.

“Whereas I was apprehensive about the prospect of playing Navratilova Jacob is of a different mindset largely because of how Andy Murray has shown in the intervening years that anything is possible for Scottish players now.

“Jacob replied: ‘good for Jack. This will be the best time to play Djokovic on grass – in the first round.”

Jacob Fearnley has flown under the radar in the sense that he has spent five years at Texas Christian University having honed his skills at the Merchiston Castle tennis academy returning last month to notch a sensational win at a Nottingham grass court tournament won the previous year by … Andy Murray.

SuzI added: “The really was huge and don’t under-estimate the standard Jacob has been playing at in the States where the pressure (to produce) is huge.”

Whisper it. There are other reasons to be optimistic that as Andy Murray prepares to bow out Scottish tennis could soon have a new superstar, one door opening as another closes and all that!

Drill down into the modest and unassuming Jacob Fearnley’s junior record and you find that in 2018, in Spain’s International de Sanxenxo tournament, he won a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 final against Carlos Alcatraz. Check out the Youtube video.

Yes, that Carlos Alcatraz, defending Wimbledon champion.

Not only that but Jacob also has a junior win on his c.v. against Italian Jannik Sinner, current world No 1.

Little wonder that the great Roger Federer, as part of his policy of encouraging juniors, four times invited Jacob to be his practice partner at the All England Club.

Last word to Suzi Mair:

“All the time I have known Jacob he has worked so hard. He really WANTS to succeed and importantly when he is on court he LOVES every second there. That’s important.

“And if he does get to play Djokovic he will relish that.”

Firrhill High School footballers have enjoyed a season to remember winning both the Edinburgh under-13 A League and also the League Cup.

Captained by Connor Henderson with Aaron Wood his vice captain, Firrhill boasted an impressive league record of 13 wins and two draws from their 16 matches.

That left them two points clear of Craigmount HS  at the end of the competition with a goal difference of + 53 (80 goals for, 27 against).

Coached by parents Keith Leslie and Mark Hughes,it was the first time the Firrhill boys had taken the shield outright having shared the accolade honours with Boroughmuir High School in 2009.

In the League Cup there was a semi-final win over Royal High (5-0) before Portobello were edged out 3-2 in the final, also at Meggetland.

Firrhill’s football is administered by PE teacher Ross Monaghan, who said: “The team are certainly well placed to continue their success in the under-14 A league next season.

“They are very together as a team and I personally have never had a team so committed to working for each other.

“Another key factor in the success has been the two parent coaches who have shown tremendous commitment in giving up time to help out every weekend.”

Back row, left to right – Mark Hughes (coach), Callum Morrison, Al Turner, Calum McGregor, Connor Henderson, Robert Finlayson, Brodie Reid, Alex Leslie, Xavier Padilla, Keith Leslie (coach).

Front –  Angus Findlay, Max Hughes, Howie Gall, Sam Stewart, Rudy Gray, Finlay Murray, Kami Mahmood, Aaron Wood.

Police are appealing for information after two teenage girls, aged 14 and 15, were sexually assaulted in the Cramond Beach area of Edinburgh on the evening of Saturday, 29 June, 2024.

The incident, which is understood to have involved two male youths, took place on a bench near to Silverknowes Beach Car Park between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.

Enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “The Cramond Beach area would have been busy around the time the incident is reported to have taken place and we are appealing for anyone with information which could help our investigation to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed two male youths in the company of two teenage girls at a bench near to Silverknowes Beach Car Park, or anything else which could be of significance.

“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause concern in the local community, and we will have additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3438 of Saturday, 29 June, 2024.”

Almost 100 pupils displayed their athletic ability as the Edinburgh Secondary Schools Track and Field competition returned for the first time in seven years.

The S1-S3 competitors ran in either the 100m or 600m races, while everyone participated in the shot putt and long jump at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
Edinburgh Academy secured the most points in the S1 category, while the combined team of St George’s and Merchiston Castle won the S2/S3 event.
Other high schools taking part were Firrhill, Broughton, James Gillespie’s, Portobello, Drummond, George Heriot’s, Queensferry, Erskine Stewart’s Melville, Currie and Wester Hailes.

Members from the Eric Liddell Community were on hand to present the medals, as well as prizes for the 12 pupils who displayed the values of compassion, integrity and passion cherished by Liddell, the 1924 Olympic 400m champion and Christian missionary.

Organiser Grant Sheldon, of the Edinburgh Junior Athletics Development Group at Edinburgh Leisure, paid tribute to the 96 competitors.
He said: “The overriding feeling was that it was a good start of something that has to continue into future years. The schools want to build on that and get the rest of the Edinburgh schools involved too.”

Dame Prue Leith CBE, known for her expertise as a cookery expert, will step down from her position as Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (QMU) later this year.

She has been the University’s Chancellor since her installation in July 2017, and will preside over her last graduation ceremonies, in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, on 1 and 2 July, before officially concluding her term as Chancellor of QMU at the end of this calendar year.

Known for her appearances as a judge in the Channel 4 TV series, ‘The Great British Bake-off’ and BBC 2 culinary show ‘Great British Menu’, Prue Leith has become a household name in recent years, with numerous appearances on foodie programmes and other TV shows. Her most recent TV programme, ‘Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen’ on ITV, was filmed in her own kitchen where she, and husband John Playfair, celebrate food, friendship and fun with easy-to-cook recipes for every occasion.

Aside from her wealth of experience as a TV presenter and contributor, it was Prue’s impressive track record as an entrepreneur, restauranteur, cook and writer, which made her an excellent fit for Queen Margaret University.

In her position as Chancellor, she has not only taken part in graduation ceremonies and many other events, she has been a passionate supporter of QMU students. She has always taken time to meet and talk to students, often providing them with a great insight into her career successes and challenges, and encouraging and advising them on their own career paths. She has been particularly active in supporting the University’s entrepreneurial opportunities for students. More widely, she always takes a keen interest in QMU’s work in cultivating entrepreneurialism on campus, and in its ambitions to support businesses and economic development through the creation of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, which is currently being constructed on land around the campus.

With a history in food and nutrition dating back to 1875, Queen Margaret University continues to have a strong focus on food education and commercialisation. Prue’s wealth of experience as a food entrepreneur ensured her knowledge and experience was of great benefit to students and the University. Having successfully built a business from scratch in the 1960s which grew to become Leith’s Good Food, the party and event caterer, Prue opened Leith’s, her famous Michelin starred restaurant, in 1969.

In 1975, she founded Leith’s School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks. The group, employing 500 people, reached a turnover of £15m in 1993. She went on to sell her empire in the mid 1990’s.

She has also held numerous public appointments, and was appointed an OBE in 1989, CBE in 2010, and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting and charity.

Prue has always spoken up for the issues that she believes in, and she doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. She is a campaigner for assisted dying, having witnessed her brother’s unnecessary suffering in hospital at the end of his life. She believes that more work needs to be done to improve end of life care and to provide choice for those who are dying.

She shone a light on this sensitive topic in 2023 when she and her son, former Conservative MP Danny Kruger, explored the issue in a Channel 4 TV programme ‘Prue and Danny’s Death Road Trip’. The investigation and conversation involved a trip across Canada, where assisted dying is legal. Both Danny, who has opposing views to his mother and is against assisted dying, and Prue spoke to doctors and others affected by the service. Once the one-hour special was aired, Prue was praised for her sensitive handling of this important and often divisive subject.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “It has been a great privilege to have Dame Prue Leith as our Chancellor. She had a hard act to follow, taking over the role from our Founding Chancellor, Sir Tom Farmer in 2017, and she has been a true asset to the University. She has shown incredible dedication to our students, always making herself available to meet and discuss developments with staff and students, and supporting University events.

“Prue’s career and background resonates deeply with the values and ethos of Queen Margaret University, as well as with our specialist areas in health and rehabilitation; the creative and cultural industries; education; and sustainable business. She has been particularly supportive of our recent and significant developments in teacher education – always keen to learn about our work in developing the next generation of teachers in home economics, primary education, religious studies and business. And her insights and experience into business development have been invaluable, and have helped support our culture of entrepreneurship.

“However, it is Prue’s high energy, positive attitude and zest for life which have really inspired our students and staff. She sets a great example to the QMU community – bringing positivity to everything she does, making the most of every opportunity, speaking out to make a difference to people’s lives, and always developing and learning in order to be the best version of herself. Her boundless energy is infectious, and she has a star quality and magic about her which makes people believe that anything is possible. What more could you ask of a university chancellor?”

Dame Prue Leith will continue her role as Chancellor of the University until December 2024.

Scott Speakman is a first time winner of the men’s championship at Duddingston Golf Club after beating Gary Thomson 2 and 1 in the final.

Clare Macrae successfully defended the ladies title against previous winner Gillian Chalmers while John Shepherd added the seniors title to a Championship gained a few years ago.

First time winners were Ben Kelly (juniors) and Jason Coughlan (B section).

Left to right – Ben, John, Scott, Clare and Jason.

Hibs Women have announced the signing of goalkeeper Erin Clachers on a season-long loan from Glasgow City

The 25-year-old joins Hibernian having made nearly a century of appearances for the Petershill side, winning the Scottish Cup, as well as an impressive 5 SWPL titles during her decade-long stay with the Club.

She has also played a handful of times in the Champions League, most notably coming on as a substitute against Wolfsburg in the Quarterfinals of the 2019/20 competition.

She will wear the number 1 shirt for Hibernian. 

On arriving at Hibernian, Clachers was delighted to join us for the upcoming season: “I’m happy to be joining Hibernian for the upcoming season.

It’s a great chance for me to gain more experience and continue developing as a goalkeeper. I look forward to contributing to the team this season and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”

Grant Scott was also excited to welcome our new goalkeeper: “We are delighted to have Erin join us for the season.

Her experience at a young age and skill set as a goalkeeper will be a great asset to our squad. I look forward to working with her again and integrating her into our team throughout pre-season.”

David Gray has praised his players’ performance and application against Edinburgh City after a full-on first week back to pre-season training. 

His Hibs side ran out 5-0 winners at Meadowbank thanks to goals from Chris Cadden, Dylan Levitt, Harry McKirdy, Reuben McAllister, and Josh Campbell. 

Each members of Gray’s squad got 45 minutes under their belts against the William Hill League Two side before completing a series of runs and a gym session. 

When speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray explained how pleased he’s been with his players’ efforts. 

“It was a very positive performance. It’s been a tough week for the players, so for them to perform the way they did makes me really pleased. 

“They got 45 minutes into their legs after a tough week, a clean sheet, and won the game, which is important. 

“It’s been a fantastic week, I must say. The application from the players and the response they’ve given myself and the staff has been great. 

“They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them and the most important thing is we’ve got through this week safely, put a lot of load into their legs, and they showed their quality today.  

“They’ve got through the mental challenge too, when it has been tough, to keep going, which is really positive.”  

“Supporters would’ve noticed there were a number of First Team players missing from the starting XI, and our Head Coach explained their absence. 

“They’re on a cycle slightly behind because they were on international duty or arrived slightly later as planned. They were at HTC training earlier today and have been doing the same sessions the other players had at the start of the week. 

“Hopefully by Monday, when we go to Holland, we will all be back together again. I’m really pleased with where everyone is and their testing results. We’re in a real good place and I’m positive we can take it forward.” 

There were seven Academy players involved against Edinburgh City this afternoon, and Gray is open to giving young players opportunities when they deserve. 

“I think it’s important to involve the young players. I know a lot of the young players because I’ve been at the Club such a long time, and they always have an opportunity to impress every single day. 

“When they’re training with us, they need to step up to that standard and they did that today, which I’m really pleased with. 

“They need to keep pushing forward, and if they’re good enough, they will always have a chance of playing.” 

From Sunday Waverley Bridge will no longer be a pedestrian priority street, as set out in the council’s Future Streets policy, when airport buses begin using it again as a terminus.

A bus gate was put in place on 24 June allowing both Lothian and McGill’s to run their airport services from Waverley Bridge as they did before 2020 when the bridge was stopped up at Princes Street. At that point a taxi rank was retained on the bridge and commercial vehicles continued to access Waverley Mall, but pedestrians enjoyed a quieter space where buskers gathered.

The move has come about as a result of the bus stop at South St David Street closing during the development of the former Jenners’ store into a hotel and retail units. Transport Convener Scott Arthur has confirmed that bus operators know that it is expected that buses will move back to South St David Street after the two year closure.

Footpaths at the north and south entrances to Princes Street Gardens will be widened and traffic from Princes Street will be prevented from a right turn onto Waverley Bridge.

These are the rules around the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (which is produced in full below):

• No Waiting Loading Unloading
  South St David Street from its junction with St Andrew Square to its junction with Princes Street on both sides.
  Rose Street (between South St David Street and Hanover Street) from the east side of its westerly junction with Rose Street North Lane to its junction with South St David Street (approx. 110m) on both sides.
  Rose Street South Lane (between South St David Street and Hanover Street)  from its eastmost junction with Rose Street southbound for approximately 25 metres.
• Road Closure
  Rose Street South Lane (between South St David Street and Hanover Street)  from its eastmost junction with Rose Street southbound for approximately 25 metres. Diversion via West entrance to Rose Street South Lane.
• Buses, Cycle and Taxi Only
  Buses, Cycles and Taxis only permitted to travel in the southbound direction of South St David Street from its junction with Rose Street to its junction with Princes Street
• Bus Only
  Buses permitted to exit Waverley Bridge onto Princes Street in a northbound direction. (Exit Only).
• Banned Turn
  Right turn manoeuvre prohibited from Waverley Bridge into Princes Street. Left Turn From Waverley Bridge into Princes Street Permitted to Buses Only.
  Left turn manoeuvre prohibited from Meuse Lane into South St David Street for all traffic except Buses Cycles and Taxis.

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Armando Iannucci, CBE, was in Edinburgh last week signing the Fellows roll book of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

The Glasgow born creator of political TV shows including The Thick of It, I’m Alan Partridge and Veep, was elected as an Honorary Fellow earlier this year for his work as a world-renowned writer and satirist.

Mr Iannucci said: “I was delighted to be elected an Honorary Fellow of the RSE, and I hope it spurs me on to put more effort into making connections with people in areas that I have always been interested in and intrigued by.

“My ultimate aim is to make people laugh, but if in the course of that I am also illuminating the subject for them, then I think that is what satire can do usefully. That’s the thing about comedy, if it works, people remember. By laughing they have clearly lodged the information and it has had an effect.”

Mona Siddiqui, OBE, FRSE, vice president of International at the RSE, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Armando Iannucci to the Fellowship of the RSE. Our goal is to make knowledge useful and through his writing, humour, and creativity, Armando embodies the aims of the RSE, appealing to a wide international audience.”

If you are brave enough to take a barefoot walk over red-hot wood embers measuring around 800 degrees then you can also raise money for PoppyScotland in return.

No tricks, no special effects. Just you and the fire. A firewalk presents a significant mental challenge, involving freeing yourself from the limits of your fear.

Poppyscotland, Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, is hosting a firewalk fundraiser in Edinburgh on 8 November, the Friday before Remembrance weekend.

Plunged in natural darkness, with musical entertainment and space for your supporters to watch, participants will challenge themselves in a show of appreciation for Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

For those who may be worried, PoppyScotland say don’t be. The event is delivered by a leading company which specialises in running such events and they say it is completely safe. The event is designed to give participants a significant sense of achievement and is a symbolic opportunity to show solidarity with those who risk their lives, or have given their lives.

Registration for the event is £20 with a minimum requested sponsorship of £120. Participants can sign up via Poppyscotland’s website:  Firewalk 2024 | Poppyscotland.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “This is an exciting addition to Poppyscotland’s fundraising events calendar. It will give the opportunity for those taking part to really challenge themselves in a supportive and safe environment.
“Firewalks are popular across the UK, and we are excited to be bringing one to the heart of Edinburgh. As this event will be held on the eve of Remembrance weekend, it provides the perfect opportunity for supporters of Scotland’s Armed Forces community to show solidarity with the many sacrifices made by Scotland’s military personnel, and to raise vital funds for our life-changing welfare support.”

Detectives are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in West Lothian.

Around 8.45pm on Friday, 28 June, 2024 a 59-year-old man was assaulted by three unknown men in Almondell Country Park in West Calder. The men attempted to take a backpack however were not successful.

The men left in the direction of East Calder.

Emergency services attended and the injured man was taken to St John’s Hospital for treatment.

The three men are described as having local accents with two around 5ft 9ins tall and one around 6ft 1ins tall. One of the males was wearing a dark tracksuit and one was wearing a grey tracksuit. They were fishing before the incident took place.

Detective Constable Francis Sinnet said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who witnessed the assault or saw the suspects in the park to get in touch.

“If you can help, please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3833 of 28 June. Or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

David Gray’s tenure in charge of Hibs began with a comfortable 5-0 friendly win against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium thanks to goals from Chris Cadden, Dylan Levitt, Harry McKirdy, Reuben McAllister and Josh Campbell all on target. 

Gray listed a first half team and a second half team against neighbours City. 

New signing Josef Bursik started in goals, the back four consisted of Oscar MacIntyre, Riley Harbottle, Nohan Kenneh and Kanayo Megwa, Joe Newell took the armband and lined-up in midfield alongside Cadden, Levitt and Luke Amos, whilst McKirdy and Dylan Vente were in attack. 

In front of a crowd of around 2,000 Hibs took the lead in the 15^th minute when Cadden capitalised on a mistake in the City defence. 

Seven minutes later Cadden turned provider when he split the City defence to find Dylan Vente on the left of the box and the Welshman finished clinically from eight yards. 

Moments later McKirdy added a third with a spectacular first-time effort from 30 yards for his first goal for the Club. 

He almost doubled his tally just before the break but was denied by a fine save. 

For the second half Max Boruc took over between the posts, Rory Whittaker, Lewis Miller, Joseph McGrath and Jordan Obita made up the back line, Jake Doyle-Hayes, McAllister, Campbell and Jair Tavares were in midfield, with Rudi Molotnikov and Josh Landers the front two. 

Shortly after the restart Campbell slipped McAllister through and he added a fourth goal with a composed finish. 

Landers had the ball in City’s net again on 61 minutes but his effort was ruled offside.. 
 
A fifth goal arrived two minutes later when Campbell swept home  following Landers knock down. 
 
Hibs continued to press and Obita and McGrath both struck the woodwork for us whilst Whittaker and Molotnikov were each denied by good stops from the goalkeeper.  
 
The squad travel to Netherlands for a pre-season training camp next week. 
 
Edinburgh City: Weir, Gormley, Mitchell, Robertson, McArthur, Lynch, Stokes, Scally, Jarvis, Young. Substitutes: Berveridge, McKinstray, Pitt, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist. 
 
Hibernian FC First Half: Bursik, Levitt, Vente, Newell, Cadden, Amos, McKirdy, Kenneh, Harbottle, Megwa, MacIntyre. 
 
Hibernian FC Second Half: Boruc, Miller, Doyle-Hayes, Obita, Jair, Campbell, Molotnikov, McAllister, Whittaker, Landers, McGrath. 
 
Unused Substitute: Calder 

I Ran With The Gang, the 2014-2018 smash-hit Toronto and Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show telling the story of the original Bay City Roller, Alan Longmuir, is returning home to Edinburgh, and to The Fringe at Prestonfield on 24 August.

Written and directed by award-winning playwright Líam Rudden and featuring the hit songs Bye Bye Baby, Summerlove Sensation, Shang-a-Lang! and more, this brand-new production is a moving tribute to Alan Longmuir, who sadly passed away in 2018.

I Ran With The Gang tells Alan’s story, from growing up listening to Elvis as a kid, to completing his apprenticeship as a plumber and forming the band that would go on to become the global sensation known as the Bay City Rollers. The piece tells of Alan’s life before he became famous, through the hysteria of Rollermania and of how he returned to life as a ‘plumber from Edinburgh’ when the screaming stopped.

Actor and singer Michael Karl-Lewis will play the Young Alan Longmuir.

Popular actor Lee Fanning will play The Narrator.

Edinburgh actor and singer Ross Jamieson will play The Roller.

The show returns with the blessing of Eileen Longmuir, Alan’s wife, who says, “I am delighted I Ran With The Gang is returning to keep Alan’s memory alive. He loved being a part of the I Ran With The Gang family and liked nothing better than sitting at back, watching the fans reaction as his story unfolded, chuckling to himself that they hadn’t noticed him.”

Karl-Lewis said: “I am absolutely honoured to be playing Alan Longmuir in I Ran With The Gang. Despite being a global sensation, Alan remained a brilliant, genuine man with a huge heart. I have loved reading his autobiography and it is going to be a blast stepping into his shoes.”

Fanning added: “There can be few people not familiar with the music of the Bay City Rollers, a band that without Alan, would never have existed. It’s exciting to be able to tell his story and keep his legacy alive both on stage as The Narrator and off stage as co-producer.”

Ross said: “When I was offered I Ran With The Gang, I was as ecstatic as a 70’s teenybopper seeing the Bay City Rollers for the first time. I know how much this group means to people, and looking forward to giving the fans exactly what they want. As I come from a similar upbringing to Les, originally being from an Edinburgh council estate, there will be no dodgy Scottish accents. Les and Alan left us well before their time, but their energy and music live on.”

LISTINGS
I Ran With The Gang: A Tribute To Original Bay City Roller, Alan Longmuir
The Fringe At Prestonfield, Prestonfield House Hotel, Priestfield Road.
24 August 2024
7.30pm
Tickets £25 + bf on sale now from https://www.fringeatprestonfield.co.uk/i-ran-with-the-gang/

Hibs Women have confirmed the signing of midfielder Ciara Grant from Heart of Midlothian on a one-year deal.

The experienced Irish playmaker has played in Scotland since 2022 for both Hearts and Rangers, helping the Glasgow Club to their first SWPL title in the 2021/22 season.

An energetic midfielder – Grant promises to become a real fans favourite at Meadowbank next season.

On the international stage, Ciara has also racked up an impressive number of senior caps for the Republic of Ireland and was part of the squad that travelled to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Ciara is also a qualified doctor, picking up a degree in medicine from University College Dublin in 2017.

Grant will wear the number 6 jersey for Hibernian.

On her move to the Club, Ciara said: “I am thrilled to join Hibernian and start this new chapter in my career. Hibernian has a rich history and I am eager to contribute to their success moving forward.

I can’t wait to get started and give my all for the Club and its passionate supporters.”

Grant Scott also commented on Ciara’s signing: “We are delighted to welcome Ciara to the Club.

Her experience and skill set will be a great asset to our squad. Ciara’s leadership on and off the pitch will be invaluable for the season ahead. We look forward to seeing her make an impact on the team.”

Euan Hyslop is a local businessman who is also a councillor in the area, and he thinks it is the fact that he is a local man that will get him elected in Edinburgh West.

He believes that voters are ready for change and that it is only the SNP who can offer that – particularly in the west of the city where the Liberal Democrats have such a “vice grip on politics”.

He said: “I know a lot of people, and I think a lot of people are going to be excited to feel that they could actually have an option on the ballot paper for somebody who is very into politics is very much rooted in the community.

“And that person not only understands the challenges that we face here in West Edinburgh, because of listening to people, but also because their lived experience very much reflects the lived experience of people across the communities of West Edinburgh.”

Buying alcohol for children could leave you facing a fine or jail time.

That’s the stark message of a campaign running across this summer in collaboration with retailers, alcohol companies and Police Scotland.

Evaluations of the previous “It’ll Cost You!” campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with 18 detections being made during the course of last year’s campaign.

It is an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18. This is known as proxy purchase and can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

This year’s campaign will run from 1 July to 12 August across Scotland.

Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Proxy purchasing is not an easy crime to detect and retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol. The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the “It’ll Cost You!” message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people. We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Siobhain Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “I welcome the return of a campaign that successfully illustrates the value of strong collaboration and regular engagement between partners, which help to deliver shared aims to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Edinburgh Green Westminster candidates will be hosting their own Climate Café at the Climate Festival on Saturday.

Amanda Grimm, Simon Jay, and Jo Phillips will be available to speak to anyone attending the festival about climate solutions and many other issues relating to the General Election

Amanda Grimm, Scottish Green candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “This election really should have been the climate election – time is drastically running out to make the changes we know we need to make to prevent the worst effects of climate change and protect jobs, homes and nature through a just transition.

“But we have seen time and time again that the other parties are simply not willing to engage with voters about the biggest threat facing our future. I’m glad that the Scottish Greens haven’t been deterred by the apathy shown by other parties and I’ll be joining fellow candidates to talk to Edinburgh residents who know that the climate emergency can’t be ignored any longer.”

Candidates will be available throughout the festival, supported by local volunteers, and hot drinks will be provided.

The Edinburgh Climate Festival will take place in the Meadows on Saturday 29 June 2024 from 12-8 pm. More information here.

The Festival, now in its eighth year, is a free, family-friendly and community-led marketplace event with workshops, performances and more. 

The Festival aims to celebrate and inspire community climate action. Entry is free and open to all. There will be activities for all age groups from storytelling and arts and crafts, to free Yoga classes and upcycling activities. 

All candidates standing in Edinburgh constituencies are listed here.

Two Edinburgh-based anglers are competing for Team Scotland in the two-day European Championship for coarse fishing on the Prinses Margriet Kannal near Spannenburg in The Netherlands.

Dave Corcoran from Davidson’s Mains and James Dornom (pictured) from Currie are in the five-strong squad which also includes Dave McAuley (Wishaw), Colin Hart (Coatbridge) and James Woodrow (Cumbernauld).

Gus Brindle, chairman of the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling, is running the bank along with Derek Brady and Josh Trueman and Dunfermline-based Brindle said the squad had practiced well for the prestige event over five days.

The peg draw, he added, would be crucial and competitors had to be aware of sizeable barges who regularly use the canal, some up to 100ft long, when they were introducing bait to the water.

Day One was windy at the start

The science centre Dynamic Earth will celebrate 25 years on Tuesday 2 July by offering visitors a 25% discount on tickets.

Her Majesty The Queen opened the £34 million attraction in 1999 as the first Millennium project in the UK, and since then the building with its distinctive tented roof has become a staple attraction for locals and visitors.

Dynamic Earth welcomes around 300,000 visitors each year to see the state of the art planetarium and immersive science galleries. School pupils also visit Dynamic Earth taking part in one of the 400 conferences and other science related events held each year.

The building was designed by architect Sir Michael Hopkins and the site was formerly home to the Scottish and Newcastle Brewery who gifted the land for the purpose of creating a new science centre. The Millennium Commission was a key founding funder donating £15 million towards the creation of Dynamic Earth. The City of Edinburgh Council, local enterprise agencies and generous donors also contributed significant finance.

Recently relaunched, the planetarium has become very popular and has one of the highest resolution, 360-degree screens in Europe. Introduced by Dynamic Earth’s expert astronomers, the spectacular short films take the audience to the outer reaches of space, take a deep dive to the bottom of the ocean and even give the audience a thrilling moon landing.

Mark Bishop, CEO of Dynamic Earth, commented: “Dynamic Earth exists to bring the fascination and delight of science into people’s eyes. I fondly remember first visiting the centre with my young family way back in 2004. The plasticine model my daughter created after being inspired by her visit sits proudly on my desk.

“In addition to showcasing the wonders of the world, we are also highlighting the perils human activity is placing on our fragile planet. We are increasingly seeing visitors take away from their Dynamic Earth experience a powerful wish to play their part to protect Earth. We are here to promote understanding and empathy that leads to action. Every visitor is a potential problem-solver of the future for the greatest issue of the age, climate change”.

“Our 25th anniversary gives us a chance to celebrate what has been achieved through the collective effort of our staff and many supporters. It’s also an opportunity to look to the future. We are keen to become a key visitor hub for Holyrood Park, to further increase our Scotland-wide educational outreach activity and to become a key Edinburgh Festival venue.

“However, our response to the climate emergency is going to be the defining theme of what we do. We will always bring alive the fun of earth science and increasingly we want to encourage every visitor to play their part in protecting the tiny, pale blue dot that is our only home, planet Earth.”

It’s been a busy week for Hibs with several comings and goings ahead of the 2024/25 season. 

 Goalkeeper Josef Bursik has arrived on loan from Club Brugge, while central defenders Warren O’Hora and Marvin Ekpiteta have both signed three-year deals. 

Youngsters Murray Johnston, Murray Aiken and Kyle McClelland have left on loan. 

Meanwhile fans’ favourite Martin Boyle who was quoted earlier this month as saying that he would like to play in the Australian leagues before his career comes to a close, remains very much in head coach David Gray’s plans. 

Boyle still has one more year on his contract at Hibs and his former team-mate Gray said: “Martin is someone who is extremely effective in this league and a massive part of what I would like to do moving forwards. 

“It was a straightforward conversation along those lines for me to be able to tell him, ‘this is where I am, this is what I think of you, and I need you to be the type of player I know you can be. 

“He’s craving a little bit more responsibility within the group, not just on the pitch because he’s delivered on many occasions for Hibs over the years but every single day at the training ground.

“He’s a senior player now and younger ones will look up to him and rightly so, and he’ll continue doing what he has done which is take this club forward.” 

There has also been much speculation on the future of Elie Youan who has attracted attention from teams in France and Italy. 

But Sporting director Malky Mackay revealed that although there have been calls no firm bids have been made. 

When asked to clarify the situation he said:  “There haven’t been any viable offers yet. We’ve taken a variety of calls about him, but nobody has actually put in an official bid. 

“So he’s our player at the moment, he’s an asset to the football club and he continues to be until such times as we receive an offer that both he and we feel is the correct one for him to leave the club.” 

On Friday there was a celebration at Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre which is now 125 years old.

To celebrate a bake-off was organised by staff at the pool and customers were invited to enter a competition to find Leith’s finest. The baking competition was won by Kerry Teakle the PR Officer at Edinburgh Leisure with her tried and tested Almond, Orange and Whisky cake.

Local businesses Hobz Bakery, Krema Bakehouse, The Babyfaced Baker and The Pastry Section supported a Vintage Tea event by providing sweet treats for the many who attended from Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities to enjoy after their aqua and yoga classes.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes support 12,500 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active – people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty.

In 2018, partnering with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Refugee and Migration Team, they created the Relocated People Access Programme (RPAP) to support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to be active in support of their health and wellbeing.

The programme was used to help the Ukrainians who arrived in Edinburgh in 2022, supporting the city to welcome and care for significantly increased numbers of refugees, for whom the programme was hugely beneficial. Today, it continues supporting the lives of people seeking refuge in Edinburgh. Maryna from Ukraine told us she was so grateful for the free Edinburgh Leisure card she received on arrival.

Christine who attends classes at the centre six days a week (and goes to Meadowbank on Sundays) has been coming to Leith since she was wee.

Scott Quin is a former Paralympian swimmer who won silver medal in Rio in 2016 and a Bronze in Tokyo in 2021 in the SB14 100m Breaststroke. He is now a swim coach at Leith Victoria although he used to train at Warrender Baths and The Royal Commonwealth Pool. Scott was supported by sport scotland and Scottish Swimming during his 12 year long career.

Edinburgh Leisure offered him the opportunity to join the Swim Teacher Training Programme for his next career pathway, where he could progress from being a full-time athlete and move into the ‘real working world’ but where he could still combine a career which involved swimming. 

The Swim Teacher Training programme, a structured 13-week training programme, ticked a lot of boxes for Scott – as not only did he receive training but also a salary, and on completing the programme, offered a job. 

Scott said: “I was struggling to accept that my competitive swim career was coming to an end and mentally, it was taking its toll on me. When you go from being a competitive athlete, training nine times a week, travelling all the time to competitions for so many years, it’s hard when you have that routine taken away from you.  So, that’s why the course really appealed to me, as it was structured, and I knew what I was doing each week.”

These dates in July are important for a variety of historical reasons, all related to people, places and events in Edinburgh.

The list is compiled by Jerry Ozaniec of The Old Edinburgh Club.

• Compiled by Jerry Ozaniec, Membership Secretary of the Old Edinburgh Club, membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk 
• www.oldedinburghclub.org.uk
• https://www.facebook.com/OldEdinburghClub
• https://X.com/OldEdinClub
• https://www.instagram.com/theoldedinburghclub/

At 10.30 on Saturday 29 June The Royal Scots Regimental Association will lay wreaths and conduct a memorial service at Lauriston Castle, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima and the Regiment’s role in one of the defining battles of the Second World War.

Regimental records show that between 4 April and 22 June 1944 1st Battalion The Royal Scots lost a total of 89 men – their names will be read out during the ceremony. A further 200 were wounded, many seriously, in the intense fighting around Kohima.

The Battle of Kohima was one of the most bitterly fought battles of the Second World War and a pivotal moment in the war against Japan in the Far East. The success of the British 2nd Division (including theRoyal Scots) and the Indian 5th Division ensured the safety of British India and turned the tide against Japanese forces in South East Asia.

The Royal Scots contingent will form up in the Lauriston Castle car park at 10.30 and will march the short distance to the Royal Scots Memorial Garden behind a piper and their Association Standards. All others are welcome to congregate at the Garden. The service will commence at 10.50 and will be conducted by Reverend Ian May, the Padre of The Royal Scots Regimental Association. The wreath laying will be led by Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

Malcolm Warrack, son of Lt Col Morren Warrack who fought at Kohima with the regiment, said: “A group of Royal Scots Veterans felt very strongly about the lack of some form of local memorial specifically for their fellow soldiers who did not come back from the Burma Campaign and Kohima in particular. George Rogers, Ian Henderson and Morren Warrack co-ordinated the preparation and creation of this Memorial Garden in the 1990s. They spoke often about the “Forgotten Army” in the Far East so it is particularly fitting that 80 years later on 29th June we remember them.”

Brigadier Lowder added: “The Royal Scots feel very strongly that we should mark the battle of Kohima which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Some Royal Scots who took part in crucial battles to delay the German advance to Dunkirk in May 1940 subsequently found themselves in the Far East where the war continued for a further 3 months after victory in Europe was declared in May 1945. Many made the ultimate sacrifice; we will remember them.”

Josh Pickering powered to 15 points as Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs secured the aggregate bonus point in a 50-39 defeat at Scunthorpe Scorpions in the Cab Direct Championship.

Monarchs bosses felt an 11 point defeat on the night was a respectable outcome as the side trailed by 18 after eight heats.

The Armadale men dug in and Pickering and fellow heat-leader Justin Sedgmen secured the bonus point in Heat 13. Scunthorpe move into second place in the nine-strong table with the win, two points behind leaders Oxford with both clubs having completed eight matches.

Pickering said: “It was always going to be tough as Scunthorpe are dialled in around their home track. The meeting did not start well, but the result was there in the end.”

The popular Aussie felt every rider played a part and rivalries are set to be renewed when the sides meet in the BSN Series semi-finals later this season.

Scunthorpe Scorpions 50: Howarth 11+3, Palm Toft R/R, Lambert 14, Mountain 6+2, Allen 9, Ablitt 5+1, Harrison 5

Stellar Monarchs 39: Pickering 15+1, Thomson 4+1, Fredriksen 2, Castagna 7, Sedgmen 8+1, James 1+1, Coles 2

PICTURE: Josh Pickering and his pit crew at Armadale. Picture by Nigel Duncan

Glasgow Tigers team manager, Cami Brown, praised his side for their performance in the 58-32 demolition of Plymouth Gladiators in the Cab Direct Championship at Ashfield. 

The Allied Vehicles Tigers made it three wins in a row as Glasgow dominated the meeting after a tense start to move up the nine-strong table. 

Brown said: “We needed another big show from the boys and they delivered. After the two wins over Berwick last weekend, I told the boys I still wanted more from them and I’m confident this side has got the ability to push on now.”

Steve Worrall produced his first paid maximum for the Tigers alongside another unbeaten display from Chris Harris. 

James Pearson also delivered his best-ever performance with paid 11 as did Leon Flint with paid nine while Jack Smith impressed again with seven. 

Brown added: “Some of the lads are getting more belief and they showed that. I knew they would be a tough nut and they proved that in the early stages, but I was especially delighted with the attitude and aggression when we needed it most.

“We now have a bit of a break until July 19 here at Ashfield. It’s frustrating because I feel we need some momentum.”

GLASGOW 58: Chris Harris 14+1, Steve Worrall 14+1, James Pearson 8+3, Leon Flint 8+1, Jack Smith 7, Paul Starke 4, Ace Pijper 3+2.
PLYMOUTH 32: Dan Thompson 10+1, Ben Barker 8, Tate Zischke 5+1, Jacob Hook 4+1, Alfie Bowtell 3, Joe Thompson 1+1, Kyle Newman 1.

PICTURE: Heat one courtesy of Glasgow Allied Vehicles Tigers and taken by Taylor Lanning

Scotland’s local authorities are facing an unprecedented financial crisis, councillors heard this week. 

The council’s finance chief said the circumstances were “stark” and  “severe changes” would have to be made to services provided in West Lothian. 

The future will “look very different”, warned Patrick Welsh after speaking to councillors on the Audit Committee. 

West Lothian council’s latest Budget update issued this week confirmed that more savings measures will have to be agreed if the funding being given to councils remains significantly less than is needed. 

The council is required – by law – to approve a balanced revenue budget each year. 

Insufficient Scottish Government funding combined with increasing costs means the council has a budget gap of £16.6million for 2024/25, and a gap of £38 million from 2024/25 to 2027/28.  

By 2028 the council will have had to make budget cuts of almost £200 million, starting in 2007.   

The vast majority of the council’s budget is provided by the Scottish Government – over 80% with Council Tax making up less than 19% of the council’s budget. The Council Tax freeze – announced by the Scottish Government earlier this year – resulted in a further £1.4million of budget savings required in West Lothian in 2024/25, as it was not fully funded by the Government. 

The council is facing significant cost pressures due to the increasing costs associated with growing demands and inflation, especially across key areas. 

The biggest cost pressures are in these services:- 

• Homelessness 
• Residential school placements 
• Increasing social care costs due to increasing elderly population 
• Fleet & vehicle costs 
• School transport costs (Additional Support Needs, medical and mainstream transport) 

 There is great uncertainty and risk around future funding across local government. Current public spending plans are widely acknowledged to result in cuts to unprotected budgets with the Institute of Fiscal Studies believing that a reasonable estimate is that local government budgets face cuts of between 1.9% and 3.5% per year. 

 Patrick Welsh, the council’s Interim Head of Finance and Property Services said: “The situation is stark and it is important to be very upfront and honest with local residents.  

“Unless something drastic changes and we are given a significant increase in funding, more severe changes to services will have to be made. Having made £0.2 billion of savings already, the options available to councils are now becoming increasingly difficult choices. 

“To put it bluntly, it may be the case that some services that we are all accustomed to a council providing, are no longer provided, at all, or, at best, will look and operate very different in future. All councils in Scotland are facing this appalling situation. 

“The growing financial crisis facing councils is of a magnitude never experienced before. Interventions, such as the Verity House Agreement, have not supported local discretion and flexibility with ringfencing of resources is continuing.” 

He added: “It is important to recognise that, based on these circumstances, it is not an option for the council to continue to deliver all existing services as they are currently provided.” 

“The council must make savings and/or agree to additional sources of income to enable us to set a balanced budget. 

“As well as the legal duty placed on the council, it is important to understand that savings in some areas of service delivery are necessary to ensure the council can continue to meet the costs and deliver the most critical services the community depends on – such as education and social care – where annual cost increases are simply not matched by annual grant funding increases. 

“We need to focus on delivering critical services and reduce spending in other areas, which will be extremely difficult for us and the communities we serve. If we don’t, and we don’t reduce spending in some areas, we will not be able to deliver the most critical services – such as education and social care. 

“It is in this increasingly challenging financial context, that the council has agreed for officers to undertake a review of the council’s operating model to ensure it aligns with agreed priorities and statutory obligations, whilst identifying savings. It has further been agreed that additional saving measures for the remaining years of the revenue budget strategy should be subject to public consultation and that a consultation with the public will take place in Spring 2025 on council priorities and identified saving options”. 

Council officers are considering options to balance the budget gap and identify additional budget savings for 2025/26 to 2027/28.  Scottish Government funding for West Lothian will become clear at the end of this year ahead of new budget decisions in the opening months of 2025. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The leader of Edinburgh Council has indicated he intends to press on with efforts to sign a controversial ‘friendship arrangement’ with a Taiwanese city after the decision was hastily removed from a meeting’s agenda.

Cammy Day said he would be “happy to support” a five-year partnership with Kaohsiung despite opposition from the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport and the city’s Chinese Consulate.

Speaking earlier this week, he explained a report on the proposal was withdrawn from the order of business for Thursday’s full council session “having taken on board the views of the business community and other partners”.

But at the meeting Cllr Day said the decision was taken by the chief executive due the report’s “political nature,” potentially breaching strict rules around what elected members can discuss in the immediate pre-election period.

The council’s new chief executive Paul Lawrence told members: “The intention is for [the report] to return, I think it needs further discussion with all political parties.”

Upon being challenged on the subject by the SNP opposition group, Cllr Day said: “It’s a relationship that’s been building up for many years, there’s been no friendship agreement signed as of yet.

“The chief executive took a decision given the comments earlier with the political nature and lead up to elections that it would be taken off the agenda for this meeting and I’m confident that after further discussion with our partners across the city that report will be brought forward to council in the next month or two, and I’ll be happy to support that.”

The report – which is not currently publicly available to view but has been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service – admitted the proposed arrangement “does pose potential risks for the city’s relationship with China, but that these risks are difficult to quantify with confidence”.

It said organisations including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce warned the move could result in sanctions on the city and reduced trade, tourism and student numbers.

Meanwhile China’s representative in Edinburgh told councillors he had “grave concerns” about a “sister city agreement between Edinburgh and cities from Taiwan”.

In a letter sent earlier this month consul general Zhang Biao said the Chinese government “firmly opposes” countries that have diplomatic ties with China to conduct official exchanges with Taiwan “in any form”.

Mr Biao said the council signing such an arrangement “will hurt the feeling of the Chinese people and bring about serious consequences to our bilateral relations,” adding: “Surely Edinburgh would benefit little but lose a lot from such action.”

A draft version of the friendship arrangement said it would be built on a “principle of mutual benefit” and seek to “strengthen commercial and innovation cooperation, enrich the cultural and artistic life of both cities”.

Cllr Day has spearheaded efforts to strengthen relations between Edinburgh and Taiwan, visiting Kaohsiung and Taipei on a Taiwanese government-funded trip last year.

Last August he secured agreement from councillors to “work towards a memorandum of understanding between Taiwan and the appropriate city partners”.

The Chinese Consul General requested a meeting with Scottish Government minister Angus Robertson, which took place on 12 June.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Any decision on the friendship agreement between the City of Edinburgh and the city of Kaohsiung would be for the council to make, given local authorities are independent of the Scottish Government”.

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Vulnerable residents in East Lothian are being targeted by a fake community health worker who claims to be helping them with medical alert equipment.

East Lothian Council has issued a warning to people about the scammer who has been making phone calls to homes as well as advice on what to do if targeted.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We have received reports of some local residents receiving cold call phone calls from a person claiming to be a ‘Community Health Worker’.

“The caller has advised that the resident requires a medical pendant or medical alert device, and that they may be entitled to a free device or at a low cost.

These calls are not from representatives of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

The Partnership/East Lothian Council does not operate such a scheme and would not approach individuals in this manner.”

They added if anyone needs medical alert devices or community alarms they will be referred by the health and social care team or can self refer.

The spokesperson said: “Health and social care staff will always identify themselves and their role. And financial details will never be requested. Options to check identity can be provided.”

The council issued advice for residents including being wary of cold callers at the door and on the phone and not being afraid to say ‘no thanks’ and close the door, hang up and to never agree to pay for goods or services on the spot from an unsolicited trader.

It added people should always verify the identity of the caller by phoning the company number listed on an official website or phone director and can use local authority government-approved Trusted Trader schemes  found here https://www.tsscot.co.uk/consume…/approved-trader-schemes/

And it said: “There’s no reason to let anyone enter your home against your wishes – never be afraid to shut the door on a cold caller.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter