Cameron Rose has found his political home in Reform UK for this election.

Mr Rose was a Conservative councillor in this part of Edinburgh for 15 years.

He said that he has lived in the constituency for more than three decades and knows all the local issues well.

He was previously a policeman and is now attracted by the “common sense policies” of the party.

He said: “Our economy has been burdened by the highest taxation in a generation, over regulation, high energy prices and crippling restrictions on personal freedoms. Labour offers more of the same. And the Greens seem to have become anti-science denying the biological reality of male and female (and they are not the only ones to do so!)

“The ‘cancel culture’ of recent years has had a chilling effect; sadly it has often been government and official bodies which have played fast and loose with truth in silencing views other than those they want to impose. I have experienced that in our local council in the attempts to silence whistle-blowers. I want to value and guarantee freedom of expression and individual liberty.”

He said that net zero is ruinously expensive, and there is no evidence for it, and there are other ways to reduce energy costs and with it the cost of living burden on families.

A new political party launched in Edinburgh is urging voters to back ‘people not politicians’ ahead of the general election this week.

After starting up less than two months ago, Edinburgh People is fielding five candidates – one in each of the city’s five constituencies.

Founder and leader Marc Wilkinson – who himself is standing in Edinburgh South-West – described the party as a “people-led movement”.

He said: “The key objective is to represent the interests of the people of Edinburgh first and foremost and to provide them with a voice – but more importantly than that a voice that is listened to.

“Our strategy to achieve that aim is to do it without relying on career politicians . . . who are free to vote without being whipped by their party and free to vote and represent their members from their party from their local area.”

However due to getting “such little notice” about Thursday’s poll, Edinburgh People’s hopefuls will appear on the ballot paper as independents. “It takes two to four months to register a new political party with the electoral commission,” he explained. “So the party’s name will not appear on the ballot paper. The important thing for everyone to remember is our names.”

Until five weeks ago the idea for a new party was a “theoretical construct of mine,” Mr Wilkinson said. “But since Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the snap election we’ve mobilised at an incredible pace.

“Truth be told it hinged on a crowd-funder that was started on Tuesday the 4th of June, and literally on Thursday the 6th we secured £4,500 in funding.

“The following day was the deadline for submitting our nominations to the council, so at 3.30 the following day, we were in the City Chambers and we paid our two-and-a-half thousand pounds, that’s the cost of five candidates to stand. That money was only received the day before. Divine intervention of whatever it may be was making it happen.”

He added Edinburgh People was founded on “very democratic” principles with a “one member, one vote” system. “The members propose policy, if ten per cent of the members support the policy it goes to a vote and we require a two-thirds majority for policies to become party policy.

“At the moment we have voted on some [policies] – one of them includes women’s rights. That policy is to protect safe spaces for women, whether it be in toilets and changing rooms, to not changing the definition of the word woman.

“The objective right now is to really inspire hundreds, if not thousands of people from Edinburgh to join the party because our first bi-annual general meeting is going to be in September where we’re going to have a lot more members and we’ll have a lot more policies being put forward.”

Since launching, he said, “hundreds” of “politically homeless” ex members of other parties have been in touch with him about getting involved.

‘Stepping stone to something more realistic’

Recognising the odds are stacked against his efforts to get candidates sent to Westminster under a first past the post system, Mr Wilkinson admitted this election is “basically a marketing campaign”.

And his sights are set on the next Scottish election where proportional representation will increase his chances of success.

“What we are doing right now is the first stepping stone to something that is far more realistic,” he said. “It is completely unrealistic for Edinburgh People to really have an MP sitting at Westminster.”

Eventually he wants to see a ‘people party’ set up for each of Scotland’s eight regional constituencies.

“In the Lothians region in 2021 the Green Party secured around about 12 per cent of the vote,” he said. “So through the proportional representation system the Greens secured two MSPs from Lothians. Our target is to achieve six per cent of the vote in all eight regions, at which point each of the regional people parties will secure one MSP each, which would actually be one more than what the Greens secured in 2021 which allowed them to become a junior partner in a coalition government.”

Edinburgh People’s Edinburgh East and Musselburgh candidate Jane Gould said she has never been involved in politics before but is “fed up” with the current system.

“I’ve had issues and I’ve tried contacting my own politicians and filling out surveys and petitions and so forth and you just never seem to get a proper answer or make any difference to anything.

“Myself and four others decided to throw our hat in the ring last minute. None of us have come from a political background but we really bought  into the whole theory of this which is never elect career politicians again, elect people. We’re just ordinary people.

“What we won’t be is just people who have been in a political job all their life and have no real experience of life. We are people who have lived in the community, we’ve done jobs, we’ve been parents, we’ve taken part of things, run businesses.

“My personal opinion is there’s far too much corporate money and corporate influence that comes into politics and that’s really what’s disrupting the system – we want to tackle that as an issue.”

All candidates standing in Edinburgh South-West are:

• Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott
• Scottish National Party (SNP) – CHERRY, Joanna
• Reform UK – HARPER, Ian
• Scottish Greens – HEAP, Dan
• Scottish Family Party – LUCAS, Richard Crewe
• Scottish Conservative and Unionist – WEBBER, Sue
• Independent – WILKINSON, Marc Richard
• Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILSON, Bruce Roy

All candidates standing in Edinburgh East and Musselburgh are: 

• Scottish Liberal Democrats – DUNDAS, Charles
• Independent – GOULD, Jane Mackenzie
• Scottish Greens – GRIMM, Amanda Faye
• Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MUNRO, Marie-Clair
• Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Chris
• Scottish National Party (SNP) – SHEPPARD, Tommy
• Reform UK – WINTON, Derek Steven

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Holiday guests at a seaside flat in North Berwick have been described as “thoroughly irritating” and “frightening” by neighbours in the block.

The owners of the three bedroom property, known as Apartment Sula Bassana, appealed to Scottish Ministers after East Lothian Council refused to allow them to keep operating.

But while they argued that the use of the property had not changed after they turned it into a short term let, the Scottish Government Reporter heard claims by neighbours of disturbances, confrontations and a lack of security.

One neighbour, speaking on behalf of seven other residents, said on one occasion the cleaners sent in when guests had left  had thrown the keys to their van at a resident who returned from work to find it in their space.

And they said although the property is advertised as accommodating six guests a group of eight American golfers had turned up and tried to park their 10-seater minibus in the flat’s sole car park space until they were ‘disuadded’.

They added: “People arrive at all times of day and night and are prone to wakening residents when they don’t understand how to get into the property.

“It can be thoroughly irritating, indeed frightening, to be treated this way by strangers.”

The Reporter rejected the appeal against the council’s decision not to issue a certificate of lawfulness for the holiday let, which would mean it did not need planning permission.

And he acknowledged that guests in short term lets could behave badly towards neighbours.

He said: “Guests in a short-term let have little immediate incentive to get on with their neighbours, other than their own good manners.

“They will often be on holiday, and in relaxed mood, while residents may be working or otherwise following their everyday routine.

“Permanent residents tend to have greater incentive to maintain reciprocal good relations with neighbours.

“The different attitudes and routines of guests and residents can compound
disturbance to neighbours from a short-term let, particularly when let properties can accommodate larger groups.”

Agents for the applicant said the flat, which can accommodate six people tended to be used by families, golfers and walkers and a notice was displayed asking them to be considerate of neighbours and banning any parties.

They said: “North Berwick is not a preferred destination for guests seeking a party atmosphere.”

The Reporter concluded: “, I find that the authority’s reason for refusal is well-founded and conclude that the certificate should not be granted.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Legendary status for two players at Kilspindie Golf Club was reinforced in the annual championship.

Bob Humble won the men’s title for the 22^nd time and even such an achievement over five decades was surpassed by lady champion Lynne Fortune winning for the 24^th time!

Pictured in the blue polo shirt is Robert Alexander Gray (men’s B) while in the mauve polo shirt is Brian Thomson (men’s senior champion).

Far right is Lettie Mackinnon (ladies handicap champion) while junior champion is Ava Paterson is centre. Lynne and Bob are to the left of the group having won by a single hole in both instances, in Bob’s case over 36 holes.

The final infant school in Scotland closed its doors as the school holidays got under way last week.  

Dechmont infant school which taught children up to P3 will be mothballed for the 2024/25 school with its adjoining nursery class. All children will attend primary in Broxburn.   

Dechmont is West Lothian’s smallest and there would be no pupils joining come August.  

A new primary school will be built nearby as part of the redevelopment of the Bangour  hospital site- scheduled to open in 2027.- with more than 1,000 new homes.  

Earlier this year some parents had expressed anger at the plan, claiming that the council has taken no account of those who do not drive. However only the community council continued to express reservations during the consultation meetings.   

At a meeting of the Education Executive last week LIb Dem councillor Sally Pattle joked about chaining herself to the school railings in protest saying: “ I just feel it’s incumbent to speak up for the final infant school in Scotland.  

“I really would like it to be marked in some way that we had the last infant school in Scotland, here in West Lothian. I think it’s really sad. It is a sad day.”  

In March Councilor Pattle had echoed praise of school inspectors for the ways both the infant school and nursery provided a positive and nurturing culture  before the children moved on to Kirkhill Primary in Broxburn.  

From August all classes from P1 to P7 will attend Kirkhill being bussed from the village to Broxburn with the youngest pupils being met by staff.  

 Education officer Andrew Sneddon told the meeting: “At present, there are seven children in attendance at Dechmont Infant School, none in the P1 stage, one in the P2 stage and 6 in the P3 stage.  

“By the end of the application process on 31 December 2023, there were no applications for the P1 stage at Dechmont Infant School. No pupil is expected to continue in attendance at any other stage.   

“No first choice applications were received for Dechmont Infant School Nursery Class, and no children will continue in attendance. By the start of school session 2024/25, therefore, the roll for Dechmont Infant School and Dechmont Infant School Nursery Class will both be zero.”  

The mothballing process has to be reviewed each year. Councillors were given assurance that the school building would still be available for use by community groups in the village. The mothballing decision is not being made for financial reasons but for educational ones, councillors were told.  

Local ward member Councillor Tony Boyle said he sympathised with Councillor Pattle’s feelings but added, that at the consultation meetings,:  “It was clear from the low turnout from parents that they were quite comfortable with it. There wasn’t a great hullabaloo about it.”   

Chair of the Education Executive Andrew McGuire said the decision had to be viewed in the context of the new school opening in the village in three years time.  

He told the meeting: “I attended one of the consultation events. There’s a fair amount of excitement in the village about a new school coming along the line. I think we have to bear this decision back to that. We’ ll have a new primary school soon in the village.” 

The Mortonhall boys team of Thomas Easton (who unfortunately missed the photo call), Gregor Logie, Wilson Tervit, Jude Cowan, Hamish Coffey and Matthew Walker came out victorious on maximum points in winning the East of Scotland under-11 tennis league for 2024.

Dan Murray, head coach at Mortonhall Tennis Club, said: “The boys did superbly – great serving, drop shots and some brilliant lobs – well done to the team!”

The outcome followed a two month long programme of matches involving a total of six clubs with the home teams hosting a lunch after every tie.

And, the format of singles and doubles to claim team points added to the competitive scenario.

Andrew Fernie won the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society championship for the third successive year when he defeated Michael Rolland 5 and 4 in windy conditions.

Andrew is pictured receiving the Chiene Cup from club captain, Graeme Taylor.

Earlier this morning, Monday 01 July 2024, an Act of Remembrance took place in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to commemorate the 454 men of The Royal Scots who were killed at Contalmaison in Northern France, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme 1916, 108 years ago today.   

At the exact same time today, a service was held at the memorial cairn in Contalmaison, France, by a party from McCrae’s Battalion Trust, accompanied by The Royal Scots Association’s Standard Party and a piper.    

Colonel George McCrae raised the 16th Battalion of The Royal Scots (16 RS), which became known as McCrae’s Battalion, in Edinburgh in November 1914.  Many rallied to the call, enlisting to fight for King and Country, including players and supporters of Heart of Midlothian FC (the first players to sign up from all UK football clubs) as well as a number from Hibernian FC and many other Scottish football clubs. 

The 15th Edinburgh Battalion of The Royal Scots, also raised in Edinburgh, by the Lord Provost, fought gallantly alongside McCrae’s Battalion at Contalmaison. 

Elaine Hutton, granddaughter of Private Herbert Nisbet, who was brought up in Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh and served in 16 RS on 01 July 1916 at Contalmaison, and survived the War, attended the service. 

  
Elaine Hutton said: “It was so important to be at the Scottish National War Memorial to remember my grandfather Herbert who served as a private soldier in McCrae’s Battalion on the First Day of The Somme 108 years ago today, along with my great uncle Cecil, who was killed on that day. We admire their courage and extreme loyalty.” 

Private Herbert Nisbet’s brother Cecil, who had enlisted into 16 RS on 28th November 1914, was killed at Contalmaison on 01 July.  Herbert’s four brothers all served in The Royal Scots; three of them were killed in WW1. 

At the end of the Remembrance Service wreaths were laid by representatives of The Royal Scots, Heart of Midlothian FC, Hibernian FC and McCrae’s Battalion Trust. 

Scottish National War Memorial Chief Executive Susan Flintoff said: “So many families in Scotland were touched in some way by the Great War and it is very fitting that The Royal Scots were remembering those in their famous Regiment who gave their lives fighting for freedom on the Western Front on the 1st of July 1916”.   

Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association commented: “We must never forget those young men of The Royal Scots who died on The First Day of the Somme and in the months that followed”. 

The sporting and fitness institution that was the Edinburgh Club before morphing into “The Club” is celebrating 60 years since it was founded by judo legend, George Kerr, CBE,10^th dan.

Birthday tributes and congratulations have been pouring in, some from those who have been members almost since the club’s inception in Hanover Street, moving on to Hillside Crescent before finding a home in West Bowling Green Street, Leith, where fitness instructor Davina French took over the reins from George in 2019.

Despite the change of ownership George Kerr, now aged 86, still drops by to monitor junior judo and that is only to be expected according to Derek Kerr (no relation) who, as a teenager in 1965, joined what was the Capital’s first club of its type.

“I have experienced both continuity and change. It was all about George but obviously in a good and positive way. George set the culture and made it feel as if it was ‘our’ club” said Derek.

He went on to note how business trends were recognised and introduced with such innovations as the personal trainer, jacuzzi, squash and ladies only classes featuring pop mobility and Zumba all based around the central core of judo where George excelled.

Indeed, the Edinburgh Club might not have happened far less flourished had jealous international rivals not successfully opposed George’s entry into the 1964 Olympics while European champion on grounds that he had “professionalised” himself through coaching.

The snub seemed to galvanise George, now the President Emeritus of Scottish Judo, in a business sense and many who never set foot in the Edinburgh Club will recall his cheeky marketing campaigns with banners hanging outside premises proclaiming slogans such as “if you like a little chocolate on your biscuit join our club” – a blatant reference to a popular advertising slogan at the time adopted by a major food company.

Partly due to George Kerr’s charisma famous figures from the world of sport and entertainment would drop by.

These included Edinburgh-born footballer Graeme Souness, swimmer Sharon Davies and the late Hibs and Scotland star Erich Schaedler.

Davina French recalls Ray Wilson, front man from the band Genesis in succession to Phil Collins, working out at the club.

Today, in the new premises, fitness instructors include Tom Philip, a Scotland rugby internationalist with a glowing future until injury cut short his career.

What others say about the Edinburgh Club.

Pauline Kerr (George’s wife and herself a fitness specialist) said: “We’ve taken The Club through all the phases and crazes of the past six

decades: from the huge popularity of squash to the aerobics boom of the 1980s with leg warmers and leotards; on into the 90s with step, spinning and body-pump; and onward again to pilates, personal training, sport-specific workouts and Zumba’s.”

Tricia Donald who is a long-standing member said: “My late husband, Crawford, was trained, encouraged and inspired by George Kerr at The Edinburgh Club and gained his University Blue for Judo.

“My key memories are of energy and laughter combined with a friendly atmosphere and professional training.”

Scott Bisset, fitness manager, said: “George Kerr is easily the most charismatic person I’ve ever known, and the facilities and the atmosphere he created at The Edinburgh Club were unique.

“Always much more than a gym, a place for connecting people and making friends.”

Ogilvy Gray: “My late wife, Anne, was a member and also George’s accountant. This was in the late 1980s. She had to work hard to keep George’s accounting practices in line; he said she was one of the few women who frightened him.

“Anne persuaded me to join not long before the Hillside Crescent club closed and we all moved down to West Bowling Green Street.

“We had great times.”

And where does new owner Davina French see the club going in the short and longer term? She said: “We just want to ensure the club remains that friendly gym it has always been.”

Do YOU have memories of the ground breaking Edinburgh Club? Let us know.

SNP

The SNP says that only a vote for the SNP will protect Scotland’s Parliament from what they regard as increasing Westminster power grabs, as Scotland marks the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Scottish Parliament on Monday.

The SNP has challenged Labour to repeal the post-Brexit legislation that has unpicked Scotland’s hard-fought for devolution settlement, like the Internal Market Act.

The party says that in recent years there have been increased incidents of Westminster “power grabs” with legislation blocked by the UK Government, despite receiving cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, who was first elected to the first Scottish Parliament in 1999, said: “Scotland’s Parliament has been transformative for the lives of people who live here. On its 25th anniversary, the SNP affirms our commitment to protecting our national Parliament and its hard-fought-for powers from the shameful power grabs of Westminster.

“Over 17 years in government, the SNP has delivered free university tuition, abolished prescription charges, delivered the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, the Baby Box and kept our precious Scottish NHS in public hands. In recent years, Holyrood’s powers have been under threat with Westminster overriding decisions made by our elected national Parliament. On this milestone anniversary, I call on Sir Keir Starmer to repeal the dangerous anti-devolution legislation introduced by the Tories when he becomes Prime Minister next week.

“The SNP will stand against Westminster’s erosion of our Parliament’s powers and always put Scotland first. We want decisions about Scotland to be made right here in Scotland.

“People who want to protect our Parliament from Westminster powergrabs need to vote SNP on Thursday to ensure that decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland, for Scotland.”  

Scottish Labour

Today Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will visit Methil along with Shadow Scottish Secretary of State Ian Murray and local candidate Richard Baker to promote their election message saying that the party has set out its plans to deliver quality jobs in Scotland.

A Labour government has pledged to deliver: 

• A Green Prosperity Plan that will create 69,000 green jobs in Scotland.
• A New Deal for Working People that will deliver a genuine living wage, ban exploitative zero hour contracts, end fire and rehire and expand day one rights.
• A National Wealth Fund capitalised with £7.3 billion of funding to make strategic investments in key industries.
• A British Jobs Bonus allocating up to £500 million per year from 2026, which will help build supply chains across the country.
• A New Industrial Strategy that will ensure we seize the opportunities of the future to deliver jobs and growth.

Labour warned that “Scotland cannot afford another five years of Tory incompetence”, urging voters to take this opportunity for change.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “This week we finally have an opportunity to call time on 14 years of Tory economic misery and vote for change.

“Working people have been forced to pay the price for Tory failure for too long, but Labour has a plan to stop the chaos and kickstart a decade of national renewal.

“A Labour government will be firmly on the side of working people – creating jobs, delivering growth, boosting pay and tackling insecure work. Change is within touching distance, but we only get change by voting for it.

“Scotland cannot afford another five years of Tory incompetence, sleaze and failure – we need to make sure we take this opportunity to deliver change.

“Together, we can boot the Tories out of office and elect a Labour government that will deliver quality jobs in every part of Scotland.”

Scottish Conservatives

The Conservatives are setting out with an ad van campaign beginning today in East Renfrewshire before moving to other key seats where the party claims they are neck and neck with the SNP.

The Scottish Conservatives say that Reform candidates who are also pro independence could help the SNP win several Scottish seats.

The Scottish Conservatives pointed to evidence from recent polls showing that while Reform will only win a small percentage of the vote, it could be enough to “elect an SNP MP by the back door”.

Party chairman Craig Hoy said Reform candidates may want to help the SNP, since several of them are pro-independence.

Gordon and Buchan candidate, Kris Callander, and Dundee Central candidate, Vicky McCann, both supported independence. 

Reform’s deputy chairman, David Kirkwood, is another independence voter. He is standing in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale seat.

When asked directly last week, Reform chairman Richard Tice couldn’t say how many of his candidates are pro-independence.

Scottish Conservative party chairman Craig Hoy said: “The Scottish Conservatives are ready to defeat the SNP in key seats up and down Scotland where it’s a straight fight between us and the nationalists.

“If everyone who wants to beat the SNP votes for the Scottish Conservatives, we can do it and finally end their demands for independence.

“But the result will be so close in many seats. Even a few votes for Reform could elect an SNP MP by the back door.

“We know several Reform candidates are pro-independence, so it may well be that helping the SNP is what they really want.

“On Thursday, in key seats, vote Scottish Conservative to guarantee the best possible chance of beating the SNP.”

Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton today used a visit to the Highlands to unveil his party’s plan to deliver £1 billion extra a year to “fix Scotland’s crumbling infrastructure”, saying a vote for the party would deliver new NHS buildings, get dangerous concrete out of classrooms and stop sewage dumping in Scotland’s rivers.

The Liberal Democrats’ spending plans will have benefits for Scotland – on average from an additional £1 billion in capital funding in each year of the next UK Parliament.

This uplift would give the green light for infrastructure projects the length and breadth of the country. The party is proposing fixes including:

Extra investment in local hospitals and NHS equipment to bring down waiting lists and end long journeys for treatment;

A new fund help public authorities deal with the dangerous concrete crisis, making buildings safe and ending the scandal of crumbling classrooms and hospital wards;

Upgrades to tackle the dumping of sewage by the government-owned water company

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:”People are waiting an age for treatment but the SNP have poured cold water on essential NHS projects all across Scotland. They have left staff working in buildings containing dangerous concrete and paused the National Treatment Centres that were supposed to catch-up on surgeries and diagnostics.

“A vote for the Liberal Democrats on Thursday is a vote to fix Scotland’s crumbling and life-expired infrastructure. Our plans would deliver £1 billion more a year.

“It could get shovels in the ground for new hospitals in Fort William and Lerwick, build a new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion, and end long journeys for the young people and pregnant mums forced to travel hundreds of miles for care.

“This big investment from the Liberal Democrats could also fix cavernous potholes in the roads, get the sewage out of our rivers and give more children the best school buildings.

“People are moving away from the SNP and backing the Scottish Liberal Democrats because they want a local champion who will stand up for local health services, fix crumbling buildings, bring down waits and end long journeys for treatment.”

Scottish Greens

The Scottish Greens say the next UK Government must act quickly to ensure that train travel is cheaper than flying in a bid to cut emissions and reduce flights.

The party is calling for the next government to use taxation on aviation, including a frequent flyer levy, to subsidise rail tickets on the most popular air routes. 

It is part of a package of measures included in the party’s manifesto to reduce aviation, including the removal of tax breaks on aviation fuel and a £1000 per head tax on all private users landing in the UK.

Lorna Slater, Co-Leader of the Scottish Greens, said: “As a matter of principle, taking the train should always be cheaper than flying. 

“Traveling by rail in the UK is far more expensive than in many other countries, so it is no wonder that so many are choosing to fly. We badly need to turn that around. It is ridiculous that people who use the train are being punished for making cleaner and greener choices. 

“The next UK Government must take urgent action to make it easier and cheaper to do the right thing. That means using taxes from aviation to cut the price of trains and increase the number of direct rail connections between cities across the UK.

A Lowland distillery has launched its newest single malt whisky, inspired in name and flavour by the proud mining heritage of its surrounding area.

Exclusively matured in 100% ex-peated casks, Kingsbarns Distillery’s new “Coaltown” will become part of the brand’s core range, with an initial 6000 bottle production run anticipated to be in high demand.

It marks the 2014-established distillery’s first core range whisky harnessing ex-peated casks, that impart soft smoked notes while maintaining the brand’s fruity and floral signature character.

The name Coaltown is a reference to Coaltown of Wemyss, the 1890s-built estate village on the lands of nearby Wemyss Castle in south-east Fife and the ancestral seat of the family behind the distillery. It was created to house mineworkers in several coal mines in the area.

Isabella Wemyss, Production Director at Kingsbarns Distillery, said: “Every new launch is the result of a tremendous effort by our skilled team all local to the distillery.

“It’s unusual to see a whisky that has been exclusively matured in ex-peated casks. This unique approach allows us to offer a distinctive blend that stands apart from whiskies simply finished in ex-peated casks.

“By using ex-peated casks, rather than peat drying the barley, we are able to bring through the smoky notes traditionally associated with peated whisky whilst minimising our carbon footprint.”

Coaltown joins a small number of whiskies that form Kingsbarns’ core range, firm favourites and lines that will continue to be available with production runs throughout the calendar.

Like all whisky produced at the renovated distillery, Coaltown is for the purists – non-chill filtered and a natural colour, with no additives or hidden ingredients.

On the nose it offers hints of grilled banana, sweet smoke and hints of heather. On the initial palate there are subtle flavours: rose water, buttercream, touch of leather and delicate charred citrus zest.

The finish is warming, evoking soft salted caramel, subtle campfire smoke and cinder toffee.

William Wemyss, founder of parent company Wemyss Family Spirts, said: “We are proud to present Kingsbarns Coaltown, a whisky that embodies our innovative spirit while staying true to our Lowland heritage. This release highlights our team’s exceptional craftsmanship and our unwavering commitment to quality.”

Established in 2014, Kingsbarns Distillery is a small, family-run distillery located on Scotland’s picturesque East Coast.

As part of the independent Wemyss Family Spirits portfolio, Kingsbarns is committed to crafting exceptional Lowland-style single malts that highlight the unique character of the region.

The launch of Coaltown comes as Kingsbarns invests a multi-million-pound programme of investment to significantly increase production and capacity for its award-winning malts.

It also follows a bold move to meet net zero targets by phasing out its presentation boxes and cartons, saving over a tonne of carbon each year.

Founded by Isabella and William Wemyss in 2005, Wemyss Family Spirits Malts is an independent, family-owned company with a reputation for creating exceptional spirits that are non-chill filtered and contain no additives.

Presented in 70cl bottles and 46% ABV, Coaltown will be available for purchase from Master of Malt and Luvians with a RRP of £46.

https://wemyssfamilyspirits.com/

The Energy Training Academy (ETA) is expecting to train around 300 Octopus Energy Group engineers in 2024 as part of a key partnership with the renewables giant.

Cohorts of gas engineers are travelling to Dalkeith from south of the Border every month for the 10-day course as they learn how to install heat pumps under the expert guidance of ETA Technical Director Ian Edgeworth.

All those who successfully complete the training programme will be NICEIC accredited and qualified to install heat pumps.

In a huge boost for the academy, it was identified by Octopus, recently confirmed by Ofgem as Britain’s largest electricity supplier, as one of the only facilities in the UK which could deliver the necessary volume with the required quality.

Consequently, the centre is set to play a major role in helping deliver on the UK government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.

“There’s nobody more progressive in what they are trying to do than Octopus and we’re delighted to be recognised by them as a key training partner,” said ETA director and co-founder Andrew Lamond.

“It elevates the Energy Training Academy and is a prime example of exactly why we set it up. It’s credit to the team for showing they’re capable of delivering it and a strong endorsement of what the training academy is all about.”

Ian Edgeworth said: “Our partnership with Octopus Energy is all about innovation and collaboration. Working closely with their training management team, we’ve crafted a unique curriculum and unparalleled training experience that sets new standards for delivery excellence.

“From the initial stages of discussion and development, it became evident that our Academy’s bespoke facilities would offer operatives an immersive, hands-on learning experience unlike any other.

“Our mission has always been to mentor and empower engineers for success in the renewable heating sector. This includes a collaborative effort to provide in-house product training on the specific equipment these engineers will encounter in their day-to-day operations and this can only enhance their ability to be ‘job ready’ for the journey and challenges ahead.”

Mark Glasgow, ETA co-founder, added: “We want to partner with manufacturers or service-based businesses looking to do big things in the industry as there are huge changes happening in the sector.

“We’re delighted with the numerous collaborations we currently have but this is the highest profile partnership we have signed. This deal with Octopus has really put the academy project on its feet and will help us put more back into the schools and community, which was one of the main reasons we set it up.”

David Henry is standing as an independent candidate in Edinburgh West at this election.

Previously he was a member of the Alba Party, but he sets out his reasons below why he would be a good MP for the constituency.

The Hibs squad will travel to the Netherlands today to prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 William Hill Premiership campaign. 

David Gray’s first game ended in a 5-0 victory over Edinburgh City at Meadowbank on Saturday, now the players will train for a week before returning home the following Monday (8 July, 2024). 

During the intensive eight-day training camp, Gray’s side will play two pre-season friendlies facing German side MSV Duisburg and Greek champions PAOK. 

Hibs will take on MSV Duisburg behind-closed-doors on Wednesday 3 July, 2024.  

Supporters cannot attend, however, they can follow the action across Hibs’ social media channels.  

The second friendly of the camp against PAOK will take place three days later on Saturday 6 July, 2024 kicking off at 3pm (UK time) at the Sportpark Kerkebos (Molenstraat 37, 5866 AA Swolgen).  

Tickets for the match are currently on sale.

Tickets will be processed via the club’s e-ticketing platform.  

Once a supporter has ‘purchased’ a ticket, they will be emailed with a digital voucher.  

This voucher can then be swapped for a physical ticket on entry to the ground at Sportpark Kerkebos. 

Reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland have increased by 21 per cent according to new data from Police Scotland. 

Between 1 April, 2023 and 31 March, 2024, 2,055 cyber-enabled sexual crimes against children were recorded, an increase of 364 on the previous year. Three offence types accounted for two thirds of this total: 

• Cause or coerce to see/hear sexual images/content 

• Communicating indecently with a child 

• Possession/distribution of indecent images of children. 

The scale of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OCSAE) was highlighted in a recent study by University of Edinburgh’s Childlight initiative. It estimated that 300 million children a year worldwide were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation. 

And the National Crime Agency estimates that 1.3% – 1.6% of adults in the UK pose varying degrees of risk to children. 

The scale of the threat is a recognised national risk. 

Police Scotland today (1 July) launched its latest #GethelpOrGetCaught campaign to prevent OCSAE, targeting individuals who may already have offended or be at risk of offending. 

It signposts them to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland’s Stop It Now service which offers advice and support to prevent offending. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Sam Faulds, head of Public Protection for Police Scotland, which leads on child protection, said: 

“More of us live our lives online and that is particularly true for children and young people. Cyber-enabled crime is on the rise, and increasingly our investigations are focused online identifying offenders and bringing them to justice. 

“During the school summer holidays, many more children will be at home and online. 

“We want to reduce risk, to stop young people becoming victims of online child abuse and exploitation. 

“Many of our key partners provide advice to young people and their parents about keeping safe online. 

“Our role is to target offenders. 

“Our prevention campaigns offer them a way to stop, a route out before they offend, before a child becomes their victim, before other lives are damaged. 

“We want to prevent children becoming victims of online predators and we will use all means at our disposal to identify offenders. 

“Think about it – it might not be a child you are grooming or speaking to online. It might be the police. Take your chance to Get Help or you will Get Caught.” 

Stuart Allardyce, director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “We have worked with hundreds of individuals who have either been arrested for online offences against children or are concerned about their thoughts or behaviours towards children. 

“Through our work, we understand how difficult it is to reach out for help. We also know that those who engage in these behaviours often need support with their mental health and compulsive behaviours, feeling trapped in a cycle of harmful actions. 

“The reasons for viewing sexual images of children or online grooming are complex, and many individuals recognise that what they are doing is wrong. Seeking individualised, anonymous, and non-judgmental support is absolutely the right step to take. This can help individuals stop viewing illegal images or engaging in illegal conversations online. 

“By making the right choice and getting the support you need, you can move on from offending or potential criminal behaviour and help protect and keep children safe.” 

The Police Scotland campaign will run for six weeks across various social media platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Spotify. 

Last month, 61-year-old Ian Heddle, was convicted of the serious sexual assault of a child and possession of indecent images of children. Heddle was arrested and charged in Scotland in connection with possessing indecent images of children. 

Following enquiries, it was established he had also sexually assaulted a young girl in Thailand. He was subsequently arrested and charged for this offence. The arrest was made under legislation which protects children anywhere in the world from sexual abuse by British nationals. 

Earlier this year, serial predator, Benjamin Young, 42, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and has been given an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Young created and shared images and videos of the sexual abuse of children. 

He was identified and investigated by the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit working with international law enforcement partners. 

The majority of perpetrators of online sexual abuse are male (90%). Most victims are female (54%). 

Unassuming Stanley Reilly was dealt a tough hand as a youngster in Edinburgh but carved out a new life which led to him being up close and personal with some of the world’s most famous celebrities.

Now The Edinburgh Reporter has helped Stanley stage a mini exhibition in The Cobbled Roastery on Thistle Street where some of his photographs are on display.

A childhood spent in care homes, a speech stammer and a period living rough on the streets of London would be enough to pull anyone under but Stanley Reilly pictured a different life for himself.

But even optimistic Stanley could not have envisaged that life would involve rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest stars of music, stage and screen from the Swinging Sixties onwards as he developed a passion for photography.

Born in The Royal Infirmary in the 1940s he lived with his mother for his initial years before a mental health breakdown led to her three children being placed into care. Sadly, the family was split up and Stanley never got to know his older siblings.

At 16 he went to live at Ponton House, a working men’s home near the Palais dance hall in Fountainbridge, and found work as a labourer. The home managed money for their residents and so he had some savings when he finally left care at 18, but he was very much left to find his own way. Looking back he believes that his severe childhood stammer deterred potential foster parents  adopting him.

He first moved south in 1965 “around the time that Winston Churchill died”. After sleeping rough for about six months he contacted the Salvation Army for help. Stanley had some experience of the charity, as “every Christmas they used to come to the home and play music for us and give us all a present”. The Sally Army assisted in finding a bedsit in Tufnell Park in North London where he lived for the next five years. 

He liked to frequent Leicester Square watching the stars arriving at film premieres and it was there that he met well-known Spanish press photographer, Antonio Rios – a meeting which helped transform a young man down on his luck and kickstart a “career” in photography. 

Stanley recalled: “I was working as a labourer on the building sites and later became a fitter’s mate at the Royal Marsden Hospital where I worked for about 23 years. It was only five minutes from where I then lived in Chelsea. It was all thanks to Tony that I went to live at Ashburnham Mansions just off Cheyne Walk, with Bob Geldof living across the way who I became really friendly with.”

Tony advised him to “go on a course” so Stanley attended the Camera Club and before long he was snapping models at photo studios, honing his skills first of all with his £100 Pentax Spotmatic camera and adding some additional lenses and flash as his skills developed. When he was aged ten he had been given a Kodak camera as a present and had to save his pocket money to buy film. Even now he has boxes and boxes of photos he has taken during his life – and some negatives which have never been printed.

He said: “After work, I used to go out at night and weekends taking pictures with Tony who asked me to be his assistant, either at premieres or at Pinewood Studios. I had a nice suit and tie and I was just so proud to be with all the photographers.

“I covered the premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when a young Prince of Wales arrived. The car had stopped and I went forward to take a photo of Prince Charles through the window – that photo was used all over Europe.”

He photographed Princess Diana during a visit to the Royal Marsden and witnessed the way photographers followed her relentlessly which he found “quite sad”. He also met huge stars, including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1969 at their house in north London, and later captured snaps of them outside a London hotel. 

The cameras used by photographers at the time were expensive and heavy, but working with Tony as his assistant gave Stanley the chance to use the best of gear such as a Leica. Back then he had to get the film developed and then take the prints to the publishers, not like today when press photos are sent straight from the camera to newspaper picture desks. 

Although photography was not his main job – and he admits it was always more of a hobby to him – it was one he loved. Asked to pick out a favourite photo out of the thousands he has taken over the years, Stanley said without hesitation: “I think the moment when I photographed John Lennon at an exhibition on the King’s Road stands out. It was at the time The Beatles had been shooting the album cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. I got this amazing shot – I was so close to him.” Stanley also has shots of John and Yoko Ono with anti-war placards in his collection.

A meeting with Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, was also a high point for him. He had read in the news that the Apollo 11 astronauts were to visit Downing Street – a street that was open to the public at the time and minus the current day anti-terrorist high security measures which are in place.

He recalled it was night time but he saw the astronauts arriving and posing at the front door of 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister Harold Wilson. He said: “I got the shots printed up quickly because there were only about three or four photographers there.” 

He also had the opportunity of meeting and photographing Edinburgh’s own 007 Sean Connery at The Savoy hotel. Stanley said: “Sean was always so nice to me. I’ve got some lovely photographs of him and I met him in Edinburgh with actor Michael Caine.”

Stanley explained that he went through a “very bad patch” of depression and anxiety when he took early retirement and moved back to Edinburgh some 30 years ago. He became involved with Scotland’s HIV and Hepatitis C charity Waverley Care, eventually becoming a volunteer and then he took up photography again. 

When he became well enough, Waverley Care helped him to stage an exhibition of his photos and publish a book, “Being There”, which raised funds for the charity. Sir Elton John kindly wrote a foreword for his book – Stanley had met him and photographed him and others like Ken Dodd, Dickie Henderson, Jimmy Tarbuck and Bruce Forsyth at press calls at the London Palladium. He said: “Elton John was very shy and wore big fur coats and t-shirts and big glasses. He was terrific playing the piano.”

Stanley, who is  modest about his achievements, said: “Since I moved back to Edinburgh people have been so nice to me. I raised money for Waverley Care with my exhibition in Harvey Nichols, and there was another exhibition in The Dome. I would quite like to do another exhibition – some photos are still in frames ready to be hung.”

For the last 10 years he has taken photos with a small Nikon digital camera and he prints some of these to keep. There is hardly an important occasion in Edinburgh when Stanley is not present – particularly during the Fringe and Film Festival over the last three decades. 

At the 2023 Assembly Fringe launch, a silver-haired man was invited onto the stage by comedian and compere, Jason Byrne, who thought he had just plucked an unsuspecting member of the public from the audience. Little did the Irish comic know that every member of the press pack recognised that the real star on stage was Stanley Reilly, the photographer who once lived next door to Engelbert Humperdinck. 

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive of Waverley Care said: “Stanley Reilly has been an integral part of Waverley Care for many years. He began volunteering for Waverley Care during the 1990s, and his dedication to fundraising and supporting the charity has had a lasting impact in Waverley Care’s history.

“Stanley’s passion for photography led to the creation of his book ‘Being There’, providing a photographic insight into the glamorous world of politics and celebrities of the 1960s and 70s. We are honoured that the proceeds of ‘Being There’ have been donated to Waverley Care with the intention of supporting those affected by HIV. 

“Stanley believed that the volunteering he undertook with Waverley Care gave him the ‘confidence to look ahead with optimism’ and through publishing this book, wanted to share his optimism with the world. Stanley’s work, and his passion for supporting the charity holds an important place within Waverley Care’s legacy, and we are extremely grateful for his steadfast support of the charity.” 

Stanley said: “I wouldn’t change anything. I had a hard time when I went to London but a lot of my friends from my time in care joined the Army. I couldn’t do that as I was dyslexic. Now life is very good for me. I still get invited to parties you know! I couldn’t have it any better. I was very lucky and it all worked out for me, especially with the help of the Salvation Army and then Waverley Care.”

See Stanley’s photos at The Cobbled Roastery 48 Thistle Street Edinburgh EH2 1EN

Scotland finished 18th in the 28th European Coarse Angling Championships at Spannenburg on the Prinses Margriet Kanaal in The Netherlands.

The Tartan Team (pictured courtesy of the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling with support staff on the canal in The Netherlands) responded well on day two, bouncing back to finish ninth overall on the day, but the last place finish on Day One meant they could only finish in the minor placings.

Below Scotland were Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Boznia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Sweden.

France won the event with Slovakia second, England in third spot, Poland next followed by the Czech Republic and Germany who completed the top six.

A poor draw on Day One contributed greatly with Dave McAuley providing some comfort and finishing top Scot with a seventh place finish in his 25-man section.

Day two saw Josh Trueman, who had trained well in the build-up, make his debut and he was 13th in his 25-strong section, a highly creditable result. His is tipped as one for the future.

Davie Corcoran from Edinburgh was eighth in his section with McAuley (Wishaw) seventh but the best result from a Scot on the day was recorded by Colin Hart from Coatbridge who was fourth in his group. James Woodrow (Cumbernauld) had a second poor day, beating only two anglers.

This is not the finishing place the Tartan Team wanted after investing a considerable amount of time and effort during ten days of training on the canal.

They move on and some of the anglers will represent Scotland when they host the Celtic Cup at Strathclyde Park near Hamilton from October 10 to 13.

Scotland will field its first ladies team in the event.

Joelle Murray will join Grant Scott’s coaching staff ahead of the 24/25 season. 

Murray will take up the duties of Hibernian Women’s first-team coach for the upcoming campaign. 

After making over 500 appearances, Hibs longest-serving player hung up her boots at the end of last season and will now be an ever-present on the sidelines as part of Grant Scott’s backroom staff. 

As part of the role, Murray will be involved daily in the planning and delivery of training sessions at the Hibernian Training Centre.  

She will also be working with the wider recruitment department on scouting the next generation of Hibernian stars. 

Aside from the coaching, Joelle will continue her role at Easter Road as the Club’s Junior Development Manager inspiring and engaging young supporters and the younger demographic. 

On her new role, Murray was delighted to continue working within the Club on the pitch: “Retiring from playing was a difficult decision, but as I said at the time, it knew it was the correct decision for me. 

“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey with Grant and the wider staff group at the Club.  

“Coaching has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to contributing to the development and success of the Club.” 

Manager Grant Scott was also delighted to continue working with Joelle: “Having Joelle join our coaching staff is a massive benefit for us all. Her experience, passion, and dedication to the Club are unparalleled, and I am confident she will be a tremendous asset to our team. 

“Stewart, Joelle and I are determined to take Hibernian back to where we feel we belong and continue to inspire the squad to their maximum potential.” 

The Earth reaches the furthest point from the Sun all year and we still anticipate the eruption of the Blaze Star in Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown).

Aphelion is the term used for when the Earth and Sun are furthest apart and occurs on 5 July at 6:16 am
when the Earth will be 152,099,962 km away from the Sun. This is 4,999,330 km further than perihelion
(closest to the Sun) last January. To put it in terrestrial terms, if you were driving your car at a
zippy 100 km/h, it would take you 5.7 years travelling 24/7 to cover the extra 3.13 million miles!

The Sun passes from Gemini (The Twins) on 20 July at 6:07 am and enters Cancer (The Crab). The good news
is that we are getting longer nights now that the Solstice has passed. Daylight shortens from 17:29 (17.487
hours) on 1 July to 16:05 (16.087 hours) on 31 July so we gain 1 hour and 24 minutes of night time,
by the end of the month. The bad news is that we are still within the summer months of perpetual twilight,
so reducing astronomical visibility to the brightest objects in the sky. The Sun, however, is reaching
‘Solar Max’ which is the peak of the 11 year Sun spot cycle. This, coupled with the recent solar flares,
should herald better aurorae between now and the end of the year.

The new Moon appears on 5 July at 11:57 pm in Gemini (The Twins) beginning a new synodic (Lunar) month.
Lunar apogee (furthest from Earth) occurs on 12 July at 9:15 am and takes the Moon to
404,400 km away from Earth—around 20,000 km further than average—subtending an angle of 29.5 arc-minutes.
The first quarter of the new cycle shows up on 13 July at 11:49 pm in Virgo (The Maiden).
The full Buck Moon makes an appearance on 21 July at 11:17 am in Capricornus (The Sea Goat). This is also known as
the Thunder Moon. Lunar perigee (closest to Earth) on 24 July at 6:50 am finds the Moon some
364,895 km away from Earth—around 19,505 km closer than average—subtending an angle of 32.7 arc-minutes.
Finally, the Moon enters last quarter on 28 July at 3:52 am in Aries (The Ram).

For the inferior planets: Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation, at 26.9 degrees, on 22 July at 7:40 am.
On 27 July at 4:34 pm it reaches aphelion at 70 million km. Since it never reaches more than 7 degrees above the
horizon after sunset, it is difficult to observe. Venus is still lost in the Sun’s glare but reaches perihelion
at 107.5 million km on 10 July at 6:20 am.

Around 3:30 am throughout July, all the superior planets should be viewable. It helps that they all get closer to
Earth over the month with the consequent increase in brightness. On 15 July, around 3:30 am, Mars at 1.1 mag will
conjunct with Uranus at 5.8 mag being separated by less than 1 degree. Jupiter—around -2.0 mag—conjuncts with
the waning crescent Moon at 5 degrees separation on 3 July after 3:30 am in Taurus (The Bull). It does so again when
it rises, around 1 am, on 31 July. Saturn conjuncts on 25 July, after rising at 11 pm, with the waning gibbous Moon
which will be less than half a degree away.

We should take this moment to herald the re-awakening of Voyager I. Launched on 5 September 1977, Voyager I is now
in interstellar space and holds the record as the furthest man-made object in the cosmos. At 15 billion miles from
Earth it takes almost a day to send data back to us. Some science highlights include: discovery of Jovian rings, 2
new Jovian moons, Saturn’s multi-banded ring system (including B-ring spokes), 5 new Saturnian moons and Titan’s
Earth-like (nitrogen rich) atmosphere. Perhaps, though, the most significant contribution to human culture from
Voyager I is the image known as the ‘Pale Blue Dot’: a family snapshot taken as it left the outer Solar system in 1990.
After a computer glitch caused a hiatus of several months in data streaming, NASA scientists fixed
the spacecraft and it is now returning data from interstellar space. We might expect to collect data from this remarkable
spacecraft until the 2030s!

There are four meteor showers in July but visibility is nigh on impossible either due to twilight, Moon illumination,
latitude or shooting star rates but we mention them for completeness.
The July Pegasids peak on 10 July are radiant from Pegasus (The Winged Horse) near the star Markab (alpha Pegasi).
Only 5 meteors per hour are expected. The parent body is thought to be comet C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield).
On 28 July, we have the gamma Draconids radiant from Draco (The Dragon) near the star Rastaban (beta Draconis).
The parent body is unknown.
On 31 July, we have the southern delta Aquariids, radiant from Aquarius (The Water Bearer) near it’s namesake star.
There may be up to 25 meteors per hour but, as the name implies, viewing is much better at southern latitudes.
The parent comet may be 96P/Machholz.
Also on 31 July, we have the alpha Capricornids radiant near the horns of the sea goat.
Discovered in 1871, the parent comet is 169P/NEAT but the Earth won’t pass through the main cometary
debris for another 2 centuries!

Comet 13P/Olbers begins July at 7.5 mag in Lynx (The Lynx) and ends the month at 8 mag in Ursa Major (The Great Bear).
It will reach the closest approach to Earth on 20 July at 284 million km. This Halley-like comet has a period of 69
years and was last visible in 1956 but you will be lucky, even with binoculars or a telescope, to catch it this time around.

The recurrent nova called the Blaze Star (T CrB) is expected to pop sometime before the end of the year.
We eagerly anticipate this once in a lifetime event but, of course, would prefer it later in the year and,
certainly, outside the summer’s perpetual twilit sky! Vigilant observers should continue to monitor the sky
near CrB epsilon-13 to see if the crown gains another jewel. Alphecca (sometimes called Gemma or alpha CrB) is the
brightest star in the constellation, at 2.2 mag, and should guide you to this transient event.

At the time of our sky map, some constellations visible are
Draco (The Dragon) at zenith, Camelopardalis (The Giraffe) in the north, Cygnus (The Swan) in the east,
Leo (The Lion) in the west, and Ophiuchus (The Serpent Bearer) in the south.
The ecliptic hosts Sagittarius (The Archer), Scorpius (The Scorpion), Libra (The Scales),
Virgo (The Maiden), and Leo (The Lion).

Around mid-July, after sunset and into the wee hours, look south for the tail of Scorpius (The Scorpion) featuring the red
super-giant star Antares and the M4 cluster of more than 1000 stars.

The ‘Summer Triangle’—Vega in Lyra (The Lyre), Altair in Aquila (The Eagle)
and Deneb in Cygnus (The Swan)—is prominent in the east.
The ‘Diamond of Virgo’—Arcturus in Bootes (The Herdsman), Cor Caroli in
Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs), Denebola in Leo (The Lion) and Spica in Virgo (The Maiden)—is
prominent in the south-west.

Circumpolar constellations—always above the horizon—include Cassiopeia (The Seated Queen),
Cepheus (The King) and Ursa Major (The Great Bear).

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.”