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

Anna joins WORQ Hospitality as Chief Operating Officer

As she comes on board to lead an ambitious, bespoke, hospitality training programme for 250 Worq Group staff in Scotland, hospitality entrepreneur, business consultant, and project manager, Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson is calling on The Scottish Government to place greater value on hospitality sector jobs.

Anna was recently appointed as Chief Operating Officer for WORQ Hospitality, a group which owns and operated many leading hospitality venues across Scotland, including Luci’s Italian Restaurant and the Polton Inn in Lasswade, the Tally Ho in Winchburgh and Hemingways in Edinburgh. Along with her husband the couple opened the Boda Bar Group of Swedish pubs and venues in the capital in 2004. The brand grew to eight locations in Edinburgh.

Anna has now developed a twelve month training programme promoting excellence and accountability. All Worq Group staff completing the scheme will receive a Growth Training Certificate.

Anna said: “I am very excited to join WORQ Group, and the Doherty family, in the further development of the WORQ Hospitality workforce. It’s fantastic to be on board at such a progressive and groundbreaking entity as WORQ, which embodies the true spirit of entrepreneurship, and values growth in people across the board.

“I can’t wait to get started with this special training programme I have developed just for WORQ Hospitality, and its particular needs.  Every single member of staff will have access to this, and I am confident it will make a huge difference to their confidence, knowledge base, and future career prospects.”

Anna said that she wanted to pay tribute to the growth mindset in the business which had “created a business full of opportunity, with talented individuals on board who are committed hospitality professionals”. She said: “They want to take their careers to the next level, and I hope to help them achieve that.

“Together, CEO Jonathan and I can achieve a great deal, not just through the training, but in all areas of the business, especially through structure and in staff retention.

“It does strike me that as our sector continues to recover from the pandemic, we are presenting the Scottish economy with instant job creation. The Scottish Government should be showing us much more support. There are young people entering this industry who want to progress, we want to elevate hospitality jobs and show them that they can go onto to achieve worldwide careers, fulfilling top front of house roles, and top sommelier roles, for example, in five-star establishments. The sky really is the limit, but, with the pandemic, Brexit, and all the other obstacles over the past few years, it has been very, very hard for countless hospitality businesses to progress.”

“The time is more than due for the Scottish Government to look at all of these issues. They need to realise the huge contribution that the hospitality sector is making to job creation, and give our sector the proper backing it needs!”

The City of Edinburgh Council is taking action to ensure that all voters who may not have received their postal voting packs can still exercise their right to vote.

For anyone who has yet to receive their papers or who will not be at home next week the council has set up a polling booth in the City Chambers where voters can go and vote in privacy.

The facility will be open until 5pm on Friday and then from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Voters should go to the City Chambers on the High Street, with photo ID, and a replacement pack will be issued to them. 

The distribution of postal votes nationally has been hit by delays, but Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs should be delivered today or tomorrow. For anyone who will be at home next week the council advises waiting until the post has arrived on Saturday to see if they receive their papers.

Parking for those with a blue badge will be available in the quadrangle at the City Chambers.

Any queries can be directed to elections@edinburgh.gov.uk in the first instance or call the helpline on 0131 200 2315.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “I appreciate the concerns of voters on this issue and my absolute priority is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in this General Election. That’s why we’ve taken the decision to put in extra resources and open the City Chambers this weekend. Please only attend if you haven’t received your postal vote and you’re going on holiday or won’t be at home next week.

“I’d encourage anyone who has already received their postal vote to return it as soon as possible, through Royal Mail.

“The timing of this election has been challenging as have other circumstances beyond our control, but our teams are working hard to ensure it passes off as smoothly and successfully as possible.”

An East Lothian farm shop sold alcohol for more than three months despite not holding an up to date licence.

East Linton Mart Farm Shop and cafe’s licence ran out in February this year but when East Lothian Council’s Licensing Standards officer visited on May 20 she witnessed alcohol on the shelves and being sold.

A meeting of the local authority’s licensing board this week heard an apology from operator Neil Sinclair-Parry who said he had not realised the licence had run out and thought it was valid until the end of this month.

And he told the meeting the family business had seen nearly all staff change this year as well as being hit by illness including a spell in intensive fare for him.

He said: “We have had a lot of pressures on our business this year including almost a 100 per cent staff turnover, we are only a small family business but we have actually lost nine members of staff and also a huge amount of illness resulting in three members of staff, including myself being in intensive care.

“I am not suggesting this is an excuse but obviously the pressures on the business have made me think one thing and be incorrect.”

The licensing standards officer told the board that during her visit to The Mart staff agreed to her request to cover up alcohol on the shelves and stop selling it.

And she questioned whether Mr Sinclair-Parry, who is the personal licence holder for the shop, was able to carry out those duties given his health.

She said: “I am aware that Mr Parry has said there has been staff illness including himself so in light of that I’d like the board to consider the applicant. Mr Parry is the one who has to authorise the sales of alcohol and if there is concern about his health in connection to the shop then I would advise there are additional persons who are personal licence holders.”

Mr Sinclair-Parry applied for eight additional occasional licences to sell alcohol at the premises between no and October.

A representative from Police Scotland said the sales between February and May had been looked into and it had been decided no further action would be taken.

The board agreed to grant the new licences and advised Mr Sinclair-Parry to consider an additional licence holder on the site.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Edinburgh City Council has officially declared its recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

Councillors voted in favour of the move at a meeting on Thursday after a motion was tabled by the SNP group.

The recognition should be a “contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state”, a Labour administration amendment which was passed stated.

The position is not currently held by the UK Government, which said previously it will “recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best serves the objective of peace”.

It comes almost eight months after Israel launched strikes on Gaza in response to Hamas’ surprise attacks which killed around 1,200. Since October 7 more than 37,551 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

SNP group leader on Edinburgh Council Simita Kumar, who tabled the motion, said: “2.3 million Palestinians are trapped inside the Gaza Strip, they have been subjected to terrifying bombardment, to hunger, multiple displacements and constant fear.

“In some cases whole families, generations, are dead.”

Cllr Kumar said Palestine had “one of the most historic and religious significance in our world, but the very evidence of the existence has been systematically removed from our maps”.

She added: “Here now we as a council body can choose to recognise Palestine as a state in all we can do as a council. So I appeal to my fellow councillors to join me and recognise Palestine as a state, it is long overdue.”

Conservatives on the council proposed taking ‘no action’ but after this was defeated voted in support of recognising Palestine as an independent state.

Tory group leader Iain Whyte said it would have been “better had we not had to discuss this at this stage” as it was a controversial topic to discuss in the midst of a general election.

He said: “It’s a matter for the UK Government to consider, not for the City of Edinburgh Council to consider.

“We are pretty powerless on this issue. That’s not a surprise because this is a conflict a long way away and which we have little or no control.

“Ultimately, it is down to the protagonists to get round the table and come to a decision on changing the conflict.

“A two-state solution is very difficult when you’ve got Hamas, a terrorist organisation that does not believe in the right of the state of Israel to exist.”

However Labour councillor Katrina Faccenda argued it was “important to “show solidarity with the people of Gaza and the horrific situation they are having to live with right now”.

She added: “It is also important we show we support a pathway to peace.

“Recognising the Palestinian state is hugely important because if there is no state you can’t support a two-state solution.”

Kevin Lang, Lib Dem group leader, said: “What we want is an end to the conflict. We want people, particularly innocent people, to be able to live their lives free from war, violence, conflict.

“We need talking, not fighting and that’s why I agree with the Labour amendment for the need for a bilateral ceasefire.”

The Greens’ Alys Mumford said officially recognising Palestine was “a vital step towards building a just and lasting peace”.

She said: “While it’s clear the current government of Israel pays no heed to international statements, Netanyahu himself said ‘when the international pressure rises we need to stand together against the attempts to stop the war’.

“International statements do matter, because unlike the Israeli government we do want the war to stop, we need the war to stop.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

SNP Leader John Swinney has said it is a “democratic outrage” that some people in Scotland are now on holiday without having received their postal vote. He himself was due to go on a family holiday from tomorrow but has put those plans on hold.

This morning he took a spin up Calton Hill in the party’s campaign bus emblazoned with a new photo of him on the side. The bus will now be travelling from Edinburgh North and Leith where Deidre Brock has been MP for the last two terms all over Scotland until polling day.

With six days to go until votes are cast and counted, the campaign bus tour aims to help voters focus on the SNP’s message of delivering a “future made in Scotland” and protecting Scotland’s values from Labour and the Tories at Westminster.

But he is worried that the school holidays in Scotland will lead to some voters being disenfranchised. He told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I am very worried about the arrangements for the election. I warned when the prime minister called this election that it was happening in the Scottish school summer holidays and Edinburgh schools have now closed for the for the summer break. And some people are now away on holiday having not received the postal votes that they properly applied for within the deadline.

“And that’s ridiculous. It’s a democratic outrage because people should be able to take part in the election, regardless of the circumstances and the timing of the election. So I’m concerned that Scotland’s interests were ignored because of school holidays. People go off on their holidays right away. I know that, we all appreciate that, understandably, and we’re in a situation where some people are disenfranchised because they’ve not got their postal votes in time.

“We were supposed to go on holiday on Saturday, we always go away the minute the schools rise, the minute parliament rises – we go away for our annual holidays. So we’ve had to cancel our holiday because of the timing of the election – I am not complaining. That’s life and I have to accept that but what I’m worried about is members of the public who applied for postal votes and have gone on their holidays and their votes haven’t arrived. That’s not good democracy.”

Mr Swinney continued:“With less than a week to go until Scotland goes to the polls, the SNP are out campaigning across the country for every vote. The SNP are standing against £18 billion of further Westminster cuts to public services that are already baked into Labour and Tory spending plans.

“We’re fighting to protect the NHS from privatisation from Starmer and Sunak and pass a law that keeps our health service safe in public hands, where it belongs. We are the only major party focused on giving the people of Scotland their democratic right to choose their own future and rejoin the European Union as an independent nation. Scotland’s values are the SNP’s values and only the SNP can be trusted to stand up for Scotland in Westminster.

“On 4th July, vote SNP for a future made in Scotland, for Scotland.”

Pub operators have appealed to licensing chiefs not to enforce police calls for plastic glasses to be used outside because it was not ‘upmarket’ enough.

A Representative for the Eagle Inn, Dunbar, applied to East Lothian Licensing Board for a change ot hours which would see it open until 1am on Thursday evenings as well as making an outdoor seating area a permanent part of its operations.

However they asked the board not to impose a condition proposed by Police Scotland which would mean they had to use plastic containers to serve drinks outdoors.

They told the board the outdoor area had been used under occasional licences in the past and would only be open until 8pm so there would not be late night drinking in it.

And they revealed they already switched to plastic containers to serve customers in the last hour of trading in the pub to indicate closing time was approaching.

Putting their case to continue using glasses outside, they said: “When the outdoor area has operated so far glasses have been used and there have been no issues with that.

“From a customer perspective they expect to be offered drinks in glasses as part of the overall ambience. As part of having a more upmarket offering having to use plastic will impact on that.”

Police Scotland said it would accept the use of glass outdoors and not insist on the condition if the board approved.

Board chairperson Lachlan Bruce said: “On the issue of plastic glasses, I understand why they police put in that condition but it has been operating on occasional licences without that condition and seems to be working fine and safely. I also have concerns around the environmental impact of using plastic instead of reusable glass so won’t be suggesting it is imposed as a condition.”

The board unanimously backed the extension to the hours and outdoor use which will operate until 8pm.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Marvin Ekpiteta’s ambitions is to get Hibs back into Europe and finish inside the top three. 

And he is ready for another new challenge at Hibs after penning a three-year deal with the Club. 

Ekpiteta became David Gray’s third signing of the summer transfer window, arriving from Blackpool FC. 

The 28-year-old centre-back has climbed the football league pyramid during his career, starting out in non-league before rising through the leagues with Leyton Orient and Blackpool and reaching the English Championship. 

Now, Marvin is excited for a new challenge north of the border in Scotland. In his first interview with the Club, he told Hibs TV: 

“I am happy to get the deal done, it has been an ongoing conversation for a couple of weeks now so I am happy to get it over the line. 

“There was a bit of initial interest at first, then my agents spoke to Malky and it progressed quite nicely.  

“I liked everything that I heard about the Club and I liked what I have seen so far, so it’s definitely a good move for me. 

“I have really enjoyed my career so far. I have come all the way up from non-league to the championship down south, now I am up in the Scotland and I feel my whole career I have been on an upward trajectory. 

“The history (of the Club) was a bit thing for me and to play at this level against some really good teams was a big thing for me. It’s something different for me, a new challenge that I am looking forward to.” 

The powerful defender is a natural leader on the pitch and explained to Hibs TV what Hibs fans can expect from him. 

“Those experiences in the lower leagues definitely helped shape me as a person and built my character from a young age. 

“I like to lead by example, in terms of my effort and how I carry myself both off the pitch and on the pitch. I am a player who gives his all, constantly. I am aggressive in both boxes and I just love to defend. That is my job so that is my main priority. 

“I am happy to be here for three years, which is a good length for me as I feel I am a defender in the prime of my career. My ambitions are to get this Club back into Europe, finish inside the top three and take it from there.” 

GlasgowTigers’ boss Cami Brown has urged his side to keep pushing in the race for the play-offs when they face Plymouth Gladiators in the Cab Direct Championship at Ashfield on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

The Allied Vehicles Tigers boosted their chances of retaining their league title after a double victory over Berwick Jewson Bandits last weekend, but now team manager Brown is eager for them to stay focused and beat Plymouth. 

He said: “The bottom line is that we need that sort of performance in every meeting now. We need the boys to be more consistent. If they can achieve that, we will get stronger results. We’ve still got a lot to improve on if we are going to reach the play-offs and defend the league title.

“Perhaps the most amazing element about this club is the entertainment every week. Yes, okay, it’s a bit more nail-biting than we’d like at times, but this is speedway at its very best. We have a track that delivers as good as anywhere in the world. 

“That’s a great compliment to our hard-working staff who sweat blood on that circuit. Fans who have been coming to Ashfield for years are telling me this is the best the racing has ever been.”

Plymouth have drafted in flying Aussie Tate Zitschke to guest for injured No 1 Nico Covatti.

Brown added: “Plymouth are not to be underestimated. They surprised so many this season already and we know in Ben Barker they have a real battler. It’s going to be a tough night.”

PICTURE: Glasgow team celebrate win at Berwick. Image BY Taylor Lanning. 

West Lothian high schools will create outdoor classrooms to offer pupils first hand experience of biodiversity and ecology. 

But some councillors have questioned why all senior schools can’t take part in the £18,000 pilot project. 

And one suggested that the two Winchburgh schools involved already had  the classroom on their doorstep – with the development of Auldcathie Park- destined to be the largest district park and woodland in Scotland. 

In a report to the Environment and Sustainability Policy Development  and Scrutiny Panel Callum McLaren an ecology and biodiversity officer with the council said: “We propose to increase biodiversity awareness and provide Access to Nature across West Lothian’s education facilities by working with the Learning for Sustainability Partnership group to deliver a small outdoor learning environment. 

“We are aiming to support practitioners with interpreting and understanding how biodiversity and ecological processes relate to sustainable development goals. 

“A pilot project looking at creating a number of Access to Nature spaces within the grounds of up to seven education facilities that will be of benefit to a total of up to 34 schools. The Access to Nature space will create an area within the grounds of the school which will offer an opportunity for outdoor learning.” 

Planting of the sites will be done in connection with the schools supported by Parks & Woodland staff within the planting period of Autumn 2024 & Spring / Autumn 2025. 

The report: “To ensure long term success, as part of the maintenance programme for the site, a contractor will be employed to hand weed the site in the summer following planting for a total of five years. This will be paid for from the Ecology and Biodiversity Capital funds.” 

The decision on which schools would take part was made by Education officers. Councillor Tom Conn, chairing the meeting, asked why all 12 high schools had not been marked for the pilot project. 

Mr McLaren said he understood the decision had been made on the most practicable schools which would benefit the most feeder primaries. 

Winchburgh  councillor Diane Calder thanked the biodiversity and ecology for their work but added:  “I really question this project. Are we overcomplicating things with this?” 

She questioned the need for the spend within school grounds, particularly on the new joint campus of Winchburgh and Sinclair Academies.  The first phase of Auldcathie Park has been completed adjacent to the schools. 

The park will eventually be one of the largest in Scotland- more than twice the size of Princes Street Garden in Edinburgh. 

Play areas, Park runs circuits and community growing areas have already been developed.  The whole project  is a byword for  greening and improving ecology and biodiversity of what was for years a landfill site for the city of Edinburgh. 

Councilor Calder said  “It’s £18,000. We have beautiful parks. We have Auldcathie Park which is going to spring up next to the schools in Winchburgh.”  

 Mr NcLaren’s report concluded: “Officers will gauge the effectiveness of the scheme and should it be deemed successful, decide how best to expand this more widely in association with Education Services subject to agreement and funds being in place. It is hoped that this will be the first step in increasing biodiversity potential within school grounds and that we foster a nature positive attitude across West Lothian. 

“The proposal will help WLC tackle the Climate and Nature crises and reduce inequalities faced by young people through providing a more consistent resource for practitioners to make use of.  

“Enhancing school grounds to benefit nature will also support our future Nature Networks as they will provide useful ‘stepping stone’ habitats for species.” 

 Councillors backed the proposals. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Police are appealing for information following a fatal collision in East Lothian.

Around 3.50pm on Thursday, 27 June, 2024 officers were called to reports of a single vehicle crash on the B1345 between the Kingston and Dirleton junction.

The 78-year-old male driver of the vehicle, a silver Volvo S90, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed for around five hours.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash.

Road Policing Sergeant Jamie Humpage said: “Our enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of this collision and we will continue to support the man’s family.

“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dash-cam footage, and has not yet spoken to or provided this information to officers, to contact us as soon as possible.

“In particular, we would ask that the members of the public who stopped at the collsion to offer the man assistance please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2290 of 27 June, 2024.

These young stars from the David Lloyd Corstorphine club have won the East of Scotland 8-and-under Division One tennis title.

Pictured with Patrick Ferry, the club’s junior tennis professional, are, left to right, Thomas Jessop, Hasika Pasupulati, Sarami Raparthi, Cameron Ramage and Fabio Bermudez.

The competition is endorsed by Judy Murray, top coach and mother of professionals, Andy and Jamie Murray.

Hibs legends Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon left the Easter Road pitch in May to a hugely deserved standing ovation from 15,000 fans. 

Fittingly the pair bowed out with an impressive 3-0 victory over Motherwell on an emotional night in Leith. 

For Stevenson, it was a landmark 600^th appearance for the Club over 19-years while close friend and teammate Hanlon has chalked up 565 games over 16-years. 

Stevenson was the man of the match when Hibs beat Kilmarnock 5-1 in the final of the CIS League Cup in 2007 and the pair played their part in the glorious 114-year hoodoo-smashing Scottish Cup triumph in 2016 with Hanlon scoring the famous equaliser at Tynecastle en route to the final. 

Both received testimonial matches and founded the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation with the proceeds.  

The charity is primarily youth related and aims to help less privileged children. 

Projects include Street Soccer Scotland, Helping Hands, Show Racism the Red Card, CCLASP (Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice & Support for Parents) LIFT (Low Income Families Together) as well as the Hibs Mascot and Ball Attendants. 

Kirkcaldy born Stevenson was quickly snapped up by his home town club Raith Rovers who are managed by former Hibs captain Ian Murray. On 20th June Hanlon joined him signing a three year deal with the Starks Park club.

Stevenson said: “I went from being a daft wee boy from Kirkcaldy breaking into the Hibs team as a teenager to a man that got to marry the girl he met at school, have three amazing kids and pack in more memories on a football pitch that I could have hoped for. I have no complaints. 

Hanlon said: I’d be lying if I said I’m not disappointed to be leaving Hibs. I’m not ready for this journey to be over but I suppose the day ws always going to come. 

“The overriding emotion is pride. I never lost sight of the reality that I was able to live my dream as a local boy who loved this club for as long as I can remember. 

“When all is said and done it’s been an amazing period of my life.” 

Club ambassador Pat Stanton paid tribute to the pair. 

He said: “Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon should leave with their heads held high knowing they have contributed so much. 

“They will rightly be remembered for all they have given to Hibs and how much they have achieved. 

“There is something really special about these two having worked their way through the youth set up and progress to playing as many games as they have in the first team. 

“You don’t see it as much in the modern game which probably only adds to their story.” 

One adult male was arrested yesterday Thursday June 27 for allegedly riding an electric motorbike in a dangerous manner within the Meadows.  

He has been charged with a variety of road traffic offences. 

Additionally, two bikes were seized and a further two males have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for a variety of Road Traffic Offences. 

Operation Slowtime is Police Scotland’s dedicated south-east community policing initiative to combat incidents involving illegal electric motorcycle’s/scooters. 

Sgt Jen Macgregor said: ‘We do take these incidents very seriously, even if we aren’t able to trace the rider at the time, we have means and ways to identify them at a later time so please do report any incidents or information to 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111’ #OpSlowtime 

For foodies in Edinburgh, July promises an exciting lineup of events.

First, you’ll need to be quick off the mark to book tickets for my first recommendation, Master Chef finalist Sarah Rankin’s talk at Topping Bookstore on 2nd July at 7.30 pm.

Her new book, Kith: Scottish Seasonal Food for Family and Friends is a delightful collection of traditional and contemporary recipes celebrating Scotland’s versatile larder. I had the pleasure of attending the book launch and sampling some of the dishes, and this event is not to be missed.

Edinburgh Food Festival Hosts British Street Food Awards 2024 (19-28 July)

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Edinburgh Food Festival, running from 19 to 28 July at Assembly George Square Gardens. The festival has teamed up with the British Street Food Awards, organised by Food Mutiny, with the grand final taking place on the first weekend, 20 and 21 July.

This free-to-enter event is perfectly timed just before the Assembly Festival’s Fringe season and coincides with the Jazz Festival, featuring performances in the Spiegel tents. If the weather is kind, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy Scotland’s best food and drink vendors, talks, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops from top chefs and producers. The street food on offer is simply irresistible.

Unfortunately, I’ll miss the British Street Food Awards as I’ll be celebrating my godson’s 21st in Sussex. However, traders will be competing for the People’s Choice Award, and to impress a panel of judges, with winners advancing to the finals in London.
britishstreetfood.co.uk and edfoodfest.com

A Whistlestop Whisky Tour of Edinburgh

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting two different sets of friends from the south, which gave me the chance to plan an action-packed weekend showcasing Edinburgh’s finest sights and tastes. As a whisky enthusiast and winner of the Reader’s Recipe at Observer Food Monthly’s Food Awards in 2016, I’m always keen to convert whisky sceptics among my friends.

It’s fascinating how just three ingredients—malted barley, spring water, and yeast—can produce such a diverse array of whiskies, influenced by factors like barrel type, ageing time, and geography.

I recommend starting with a tour at Johnnie Walker on Princes Street or the Scotch Whisky Experience, a five-star visitor attraction at the top of the Royal Mile.

The latter has recently undergone a £3m makeover and houses the impressive Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, a collection of 3,384 whisky bottles, and is the jewel in the crown of their tour and tasting experience. For an elevated experience, opt for the gold tour and taste four contrasting regional malts at the end of the tour in the comfort of their Amber restaurant and whisky bar.

Alternatively, visit a local distillery. Choose from The Port of Leith, Scotland’s first vertical distillery, a remarkable new 9-storey building in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith or the Holyrood Distillery, in Edinburgh’s historic old town, under the shadow of the magnificent Salisbury’s Crag. Whether you are visiting a distillery for the first time or an aficionado, both tours offer a fascinating insight into whisky production.

And if you’re at Holyrood Distillery, don’t miss a trip to the award-winning and one of the best whisky bars in Edinburgh just across the road, Tipsy Midgie, owned by Whisky Guru of the Year, Colin Hinds, with the establishment voted Whisky Bar of the Year 2023 and 2024.

Tipsy Midgie is any whisky enthusiast or novice’s hidden gem, with over 2,500 whiskies to taste. This delightful bar has whisky-based paintings adorning the walls from Colin’s talented partner, Adele Conn aka Tartan Spoon, a fellow food writer and influencer. When distillers visit, they are given the opportunity to sign their own personalised whisky painting. You might also be ‘Colin-ised’ – with a polaroid of you added to the wall joining all those other whisky sceptics that Colin has finally converted to enjoy or appreciate a dram or two.

If you’re planning for August and have Festival visitors, after a day of shows why not book in for one of Colin’s Tipsy Midgie Midnight Treats, pairing special drams with Scottish canapés. It’s an experience not to be missed and highly recommended for booking. You guaranteed an entertaining evening, as I recently experienced, and possibly a wee hangover!

And talking of booking, keep your eyes peeled on The Edinburgh Reporter for my Fringe tips and recommendations, coming soon. Over the past 20 years, I’ve curated a list of my top 75-100 Fringe shows, which has become a go-to for friends and family overwhelmed by the myriad of choices.

In the meantime, Sláinte!

Hibs have announced the signing of centre-back Marvin Ekpiteta

The 28-year-old has penned a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract with English League One side Blackpool.

Standing at 6ft 4’, Ekpiteta rose through the English football pyramid, winning promotion with both Leyton Orient and Blackpool.

Before departing the Seasiders this summer, the Englishman made over 100 appearances in the Championship & League One, won their Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year award in 2022, and captained them regularly in the 2022/23 campaign.

Internationally, Ekpiteta has earned two caps for Nigeria’s Under-20s and also featured for England C.

On the signing Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray said: “Marvin is someone I look forward to working with. He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room.

“Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic, and will be an asset in both boxes. We’re really pleased to bring him to the Club.”

Sporting Director Malky Mackay commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Marvin to Hibernian FC as we continue to improve our squad.

“Like Warren O’Hora, Marvin is another player who has been a captain and a leader within First Team groups. He is a real defender with a lot of experience, and I look forward to seeing him in action.”

Eryk Janik can’t wait to cast a line on his Scotland debut when they Home Nations Shore Angling Championship are held around Montrose and Dundee on July 3 and 4.

The Trinity Academy pupil goes in against the best from England, Wales and Ireland in the two-day event and has spent as much time as he can fishing at Granton and Newhaven in the build-up.

Eryk is the only member of the junior squad from the Lothians and he has already made an impression North of the Border national competitions.

He also fished in the Edinburgh Shore Angling Winter League against men more than twice his age and they all noted his ability and he recently collected his tie and badge after being confirmed in the Scotland pool.

The teenager said: “I fish regularly at Newhaven and pick up tips from experienced local anglers. David Cooper and Stevie Souter have been really helpful and Chris Barrett helped me when I first started by showing me all the basics.

“The guys from the Edinburgh Angling Centre have also helped and it will be a great experience fishing for Scotland.”

His father, Dominik is not an angler but is chuffed with the success of his son who arrived in Scotland as a four-year-old when the family emigrated from Poland in 2013. Dominik said: “He just loves fishing and casts a line whenever he can.”

Joining Erik in the squad are Abie, aged 16, Hollie, aged 15, and Jay, aged ten, all from the Dumfries-based Stoker family – their mum Charlene is in the Scotland ladies team – plus team captain, Calum Strang (Hamilton), and 11-year-old, Harry Keeny (East Kilbride).

Scotland won the bronze medal last year but Lindsay Wilson, the team manager, said they had been practicing twice a month for six months and are determined to move up the rankings.

PICTURE: Eryk collecting a prize from Stewart Falconer after a recent competition win. Contributed by Stewart Falconer

Ian Souza won the Secretary’s Prize at Dalmeny Estate Golf Club, but he was pushed hard, the 15-handicap golfer carding an 82 scratch, but sneaked home thanks to a better inward half.

Andy Allan, handicap seven, went round in 74 scratch but lost out on countback and club secretary, Willie Ruffle, was third. He shot a 77 scratch and, with his handicap of ten, also carded a 67.

Seven-handicap Colin Campbell won the Paul Tennant Trophy with a round of 74 scratch for a nett 67 with Ewan Campbell one shot behind after shooting a 92 minus his 24 handicap. Willie Ruffle was third having scored 84, nett 74.

Finally, Dalmeny Estate beat Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club by three points in the home leg of their annual challenge. The return is later this year.

He has been voted “The Greatest Ever Ranger” by fans of the Glasgow football club – but now Light Blues legend John Greig has revealed he didn’t want to sign for the club because he only wanted to play for Hearts.

Greig, 81, was born and raised in Edinburgh, where he dreamt of playing at Tynecastle every week, for his beloved Hearts.

Speaking in the final episode of BBC Scotland documentary series “Icons of Football” to be shown on Sunday Greig reveals he was snubbed by his idols as a youth and only signed for Rangers after being ordered to by his father.

He said: “It was my ambition to play for Hearts. Hearts had a great side in those days and I was very very disappointed when so many players in my juvenile team were signed for Hearts and they didn’t come to me because they thought I was too small.

“My brother Tam said to me one day ‘there’s a guy to see you, he’s from Rangers Football Club’ and I thought ‘well there’s no harm in speaking to the guy’.

“My father was sitting in the chair reading his Sunday paper and Bob McAuley came in and started giving me the spiel about Rangers.

“After about 20 minutes or so he brought a form out of his pocket and said ‘so just sign there son’,

“I turned to my brother and I said ‘I’m not signing that because I’m a Hearts supporter, I don’t want to sign for Rangers’.

“My father just moved the paper an inch away from his face and said ‘sign that paper’. I had to do as my father told me.”

He added: “Bob McAuley went away out the door and I said to my brother ‘I’ll never forgive you for that, I’m a Hearts supporter’.

“He said ‘I don’t think you’ll ever regret that, you’ve signed for a really good club. They’re playing at Easter Road next Saturday, we’ll go down and see what this team’s like’.

“They beat Hibs 6-1 that day and I thought ‘what a team this is I’ve signed for’. And that was me, I never worried about Hearts again, it was Rangers for me after that.”

Greig made a record 755 appearances for Rangers and later became manager.

Now honorary life president at Ibrox, Greig is best remembered for winning 16 major honours in the club’s colours, including its only European trophy in 1972.

But in the BBC Scotland programme, he reveals how just five years earlier he urged a referee to blow the final whistle as Rangers suffered their most humiliating ever defeat, at the hands of minnows Berwick Rangers.

Greig was captain of the Rangers side that was knocked out of the Scottish Cup in the first round by the part-timers on 28 January 1967.

The Glasgow giants went into the match at Shielfield Park in Berwick Upon Tweed as cup holders. They dominated the match but failed to score, and Sammy Reid’s historic goal for the hosts in the 32nd minute caused one of the biggest upsets in football.

Greig recalls how, with time running out, he told referee Eddie Thomson to blow the whistle and end their misery.

He said: “That was probably one of the worst days of my life. We just couldn’t put the ball in the net.

“We were getting beaten one nothing and we’d missed chance after chance after chance and I said ‘Eddie, how long is there to go?’

“He said ‘it’s nearly time up, John’, so the next time I passed him I said “Eddie, blow the whistle and let us get away out of here, we’ll never score’.

“So he just blew the whistle and we went off. That was probably the worst defeat of my career as a Rangers player.”

Striker Willie Johnston, who was stretchered off in the 65th minute of the defeat, recalls in the programme: “I was in the hospital, I’d broken my ankle and I said to the nurse, ‘could you tell me the score please’.

“She said ‘one-nil to Rangers’. I said ‘that’s alright then’, but she said ‘no, it’s Berwick Rangers’. And this boy jumped up and punched a hole in the window.”

* Icons of Football: John Greig is on the BBC Scotland channel, Sunday, 10.30pm and on the BBC iPlayer.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell paid tribute to response officers during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority yesterday Thursday 27 June 2024.

Speaking during the National Police Chiefs’ Council Response Policing Week of Action, the Chief thanked response officers for their bravery, compassions and resilience as the first police contact across countless scenarios and times of crisis.

The Chief said senior officers had been visiting response teams across the country to thank them in person and listen to their experiences.

CC Farrell said: “Response officers work around the clock to serve the public with bravery, compassion and resilience across countless scenarios – no two shifts are the same. Response officers are often the first contact the public has with their police service, and often in moments of crisis and criticality.

“I’ve been clear that it is my duty to support frontline policing and my aim is to bring the frontline to its strongest possible position. I want to record my deep gratitude for our response officers and I know senior officers right across the country are taking time to recognise and thank their teams.”

Chief Constable Farrell provided a wide ranging update on how officers and staff are delivering for the public, including securing important convictions in murder and organised crime cases.

Farewell Consul General

Jack Hillmeyer has been an outstanding US Consul General for the last three years, not only promoting America, but also engaging in civic life in Edinburgh. Last night he threw a farewell party which also marked (albeit a week early) US Independence Day.

The First Minister was principal guest and praised the Consul General for his work during the last three years, and for his elegant tartan trews in the US Consulate tartan which was created during his term – and which matched the First Minister’s tie.

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Countdown to the election

Read John Knox’s Letter from Scotland here to recap on all the electioneering and shenanigans from this last week. According to the URL which our site generates this may be the 459th article he has written on all things political. It will be interesting to see what he writes next Friday on the morning after the election.

Critical Mass on Saturday

Margot Summer Fair

The restaurant on Barclay Terrace which is a part of the Left Field family is having a Summer Fair on Sunday featuring their own and other local businesses. What a great idea.