The Leith Collective launches its free school uniform exchange on Saturday 1 June at Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird. 

The Community Interest Company is calling on locals to donate good quality uniforms, shoes, schoolbags and lunchboxes to those in need. Items will be available for anyone to collect completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The initiative is another great idea from founder of The Leith Collective, Sara Thomson, who has just returned from 10 Downing Street after a personal invitation from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. This was Sara’s third visit to Downing Street to discuss the positive impact of The Leith Collective’s important work on the community. 

Sara said; “The cost of living crisis is seemingly relentless, and there is now a generation of children growing up who have never known anything other than cut-backs and stressed out parents struggling to make ends meet. So, we’re taking action to help lighten the parent’s load by removing the expense of buying a new school uniform and helping the ‘cut-back kids’ get the best possible start to their education.”

• The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
  Ocean Drive
  Edinburgh
  EH6 6JJ
  Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 5pm
• The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird

Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm seven days a week

When I lived in Aberdeen 50 years ago, the city was famous for two things – granite and fishing. But when the first oil was pumped ashore from the North Sea in 1976, it became an oil-boom town. Now it is facing the big “transition” to off-shore wind, and thereby hangs a tale.

The climate change transition is one of the distinctive issues of the election campaign in Scotland. The industry is worth 11.8 per cent of the Scottish national income and employs between 50,000 and 100,000 people, depending on how biased your counting is.  

“It’s Scotland’s Oil” has been a totemic slogan for the SNP for decades but the party got its sails in a flap this week over its “presumption” against new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.  The party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn would not confirm that the promise will be repeated in the party’s manifesto. He rather hopes it won’t be, because his constituency is Aberdeen South where many oil families live.

Mr Flynn has tried to turn the issue into a barge pole to beat the Labour Party, which is against new oil exploration.  His argument is that ending investment in new oil and gas would cost Scotland 100,000 skilled jobs, skills that are needed for the transition to off-shore wind.  It’s not a good argument, in my view,  because the oil and gas industry will not transition unless it is forced to do so.  And the longer the oil industry continues, the less likely we are to reach net zero by 2045 because the oil companies will not divert all their investment funds into renewables.   

It’s worth pointing out, too, that it’s not The Scottish Government that will decide the matter. Westminster is in charge of granting exploration licences and last year Rishi Sunak’s government approved hundreds of new licences.

All the parties across the UK – except the Greens – are now in retreat on the issue of climate change. There’s been a general shrugging of shoulders at targets being postponed, north and south of the border, on electric cars, home boilers, re-cycling and investment in renewables.  It’s part of the political game not to annoy any particular part of the electorate and to offer inducements to some you want to please.

So this week, Rushi Sunak came up with his plan to re-introduce National Service and to offer pensioners a tax cut in the form of a higher income tax threshold for pensioners than anyone else. Labour have promised the finance markets, and worried taxpayers, that they will stick to the “fiscal rules”, which translates as more government “austerity”. 

Both manoeuvres, by the Conservatives and Labour, are unnecessary, since the election is already a foregone conclusion (Labour are 20 points ahead in the opinion polls).   The Conservatives can relax in the knowledge they will not have to put their plans into practice or work how to pay for them (£2.5bn a year for National Service and £3.5bn for the tax cut for pensioners).  Labour, on the other hand, will have to work out how to save the NHS and other public services without raising taxes or borrowing.  And I don’t think they can rely on “growth” to magically solve the problem. 

While all this high-end political manoeuvring was happening on the election platform, The Scottish Parliament was churning through domestic matters. A bill to pardon the 60 or so Scottish victims of the Post Office scandal was duly passed. Another bill gives local authorities the right to introduce a tourist tax. And MSPs were told that some 500 prisoners are to be released early because our prisons are too full.    

But what really excited MPS was the fate of the former health secretary Michael Matheson. He’s been suspended from parliament for 27 days and had his pay cut for 54 days for covering up his claim for £11,000 of expenses for the use of his parliamentary ipad.  He has since re-paid the money, resigned as a minister and explained that, unbeknown to him, his children used the device to watch football while on holiday abroad. The first minister John Swinney has been backing Mr Matheson but the SNP abstained in the final vote. 

In one of those cruel ironies of political life, it was the same Michael Matheson who was energy secretary when the SNP adopted its policy of a “presumption” against oil and gas exploration.  Now as his own career falters, he is watching his policy beginning to sway in the wind and perhaps collapse.

I wonder if the city of Aberdeen will make the transition for oil-boom town to off-shore wind headquarters before it is washed away by the rising sea.   

Enforcement of the LEZ begins on Saturday

• Don’t get caught out. Enforcement of the Low Emission Zone begins in Edinburgh on Saturday with the automatic number plate recognition cameras now in action.
• LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Individuals can check whether their vehicle is compliant on the LEZ Scotland website.
• For contraventions of the LEZ, the Council will issue Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines, in line with Scottish Government regulations, from 00:01 on 1 June 2024. Full details of LEZ penalties are available online.

The Scottish Government is also providing £5m across Scotland to reopen the LEZ Support Fund for 2024-25 where residents and businesses can apply for support to ease the transition through retrofitting, disposal and other grants. Over the past three years people in the Edinburgh region benefited from £2.4m of grant support to prepare for the LEZ.

Changes have also been made to roads to allow drivers with vehicles that don’t meet the standards to avoid the entering the LEZ. These include key junctions in the Old Town (junction of Pleasance with Holyrood Road), and Tollcross, as well as changes to Morrison Street.

The LEZ forms part of the city’s wider ambitions under our 2030 Climate Strategyand other schemes such as the City Mobility Plan and the 2050 Edinburgh City Vision.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur said: “I’m proud that we’ve reached this important milestone in our journey to become a healthier, greener, and more sustainable city. For the past two years we’ve run a positive information campaign to give people time to get ready for the LEZ, and to make sure they avoid penalties once enforcement begins.

“We have ambitious plans to achieve net zero, accommodate sustainable growth, cut congestion, and improve air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city; and the LEZ is a key component of these.

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

“Alongside Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Dundee we’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all.

“And as Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on these key climate issues which will define our country for generations to come.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased that Edinburgh is protecting public health and improving air quality through their Low Emission Zone.  

“This bold action mirrors the decisive measures we’ve seen in towns and cities right across Europe. There are now over 320 similar schemes in effect which respond to the latest medical understanding concerning the dangerous effects of air pollution from vehicle emissions.

“To help those that need it most, the Scottish Government has provided over £16m to help people and businesses to comply with LEZs. Support remains available and I would encourage anyone who wants to know if their vehicle is compliant, or to find out more about funding, to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot.”

Consultant in Public Health at NHS Lothian, Flora Ogilvie said: “Reducing air pollution has clear long and short-term health benefits for everyone but is especially important for vulnerable groups. NHS Lothian welcomes the introduction of the Low Emission Zone and wider actions to encourage walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport use.

“We encourage our staff, patients and visitors to travel sustainably wherever possible, for the benefit of their own health and that of the wider community. We have been working to get our fleet of vehicles ready and make sure our staff are aware of the enforcement date.”

Policy and Public Affairs Manager at British Heart Foundation Scotland, Jonathan Roden said: “Air pollution is a public health emergency. Our research has shown that air pollutants can have a damaging impact on people’s heart and circulatory health. Each year up to 700 deaths from heart and circulatory disease in Scotland are attributable to particulate matter pollution. That’s why BHF Scotland welcomes the implementation of Edinburgh’s LEZ, which will help to improve the capital’s air quality and help to protect people’s health.”

Chair of Healthy Air Scotland, and Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, Gareth Brown said:   “With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.

“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future. 

“Public health focussed policies like LEZs are seen as the most effective tool, but we would like to see policies that go further, helping to clear up pollution hotspots throughout the country, not just in our four main cities. It is vitally important that we protect the lungs and health of our communities, no one should be forced to breathe in toxic air.”

A cross-party coalition of MSPs told The Scottish Government to “get to grips” with addressing a critical workforce shortage in the physiotherapy sector.

Speaking in Scottish Parliament on Thursday Labour MSP Alex Rowley, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife and brought this issue to the chamber, said that the government’s failure in workforce planning results in more issues building up across numerous areas for the NHS.

But The Scottish Government said that it has played a hand in strengthening the physiotherapy sector over the last ten years.  

Mr Rowley said: “People know the challenges and difficulties they’re having in accessing GP services. Scotland’s ageing society creates a growing population of frail elderly and those with multiple long-term conditions that require physiotherapy in acute and community settings. And I suggest we must look to how we can take some of the pressure from GP practices.”

The MSP referred to an email he received from a chartered physiotherapist in his constituency, who says that it has been “extremely difficult” to fill their team of community respiratory specialists due to Scotland not meeting the demand via education and training.

The physiotherapist said: “With hospitals at maximum capacity and vulnerable people lying on trolleys and corridors, sometimes for the whole admission. The shortage of physiotherapy staff impacts across our teams. Staff morale is suffering as we work as we work with increasing levels of stress and work pressures and we are prevented from delivering the care that we would wish to provide.

“The shortage of physiotherapists, impacts on their local communities, their services and staff physiotherapy is essentially reduced to hospital admissions, speed up discharge from hospital and reduce resilience on social care, which are all critical.”

Mr. Rowley’s push to address this workforce shortage has attracted cross-party support, including from the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Conservative MSP Sue Webber said: “Patients desperately need more physiotherapists. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy said patients’ recoveries are being put in jeopardy by a worsening workforce crisis; with Scotland now lagging behind other parts of the UK on physiotherapy training.

“This shortage in Scotland’s physiotherapy workforce creates further challenges across the healthcare system and that ultimately impacts patient care.”

Following the debate, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Physiotherapists are a vital part of health care in Scotland. Their work, alongside GPs and hospital staff, is a key part of ensuring that people get the treatment they need as quickly as possible.

“We support expanded primary care teams, including physiotherapists, to reduce the pressure on GPs and improve access. Ministers need to set out a plan for how training places can reflect this increased demand for physiotherapists.”

Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, defended the government’s record on supporting and growing the physiotherapy sector in Scotland, noting that the number of physiotherapists working in NHS Scotland has increased by 29% over the last decade.

She said: “It’s important to note that there are currently over three and a half thousand people working in physiotherapy across NHS Scotland. This includes physiotherapy support workers who are an integral part of the workforce and also play a vital role in achieving the best outcomes for individuals. At the end of December 2023, physiotherapy had a vacancy rate of 6.7%, which compares a year previous to 9.3%.

“The Scottish Government is not complacent and I recognise the need to recruit and train greater numbers of physiotherapists for two reasons. Firstly, to support the workforce needs of the future and to ensure the sustainability of this vital profession and secondly, if we’re serious about reforming our NHS and delivering more preventative care, then physiotherapist will be a key component to this.”

The Edinburgh International Book Festival have ended their 20-year sponsorship deal with Baillie Gifford, despite claims by the firm that those protesting are doing so based on misinformation.

The board and management of Edinburgh International Book Festival say they cannot deliver an event this August that is safe and successful for audiences, authors and staff. They feel that opportunity has been severely compromised, following the withdrawal of several authors and threats of disruption from activists. 

This follows disruption at the event last year, and Baillie Gifford say they hold the activists “squarely responsible for the inhibiting effect their action will have on funding for the arts in this country”.

Jenny Niven, Chief Executive of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “It is with great regret that our board of trustees and Baillie Gifford have collectively agreed to end our partnership. We are hugely grateful to the firm for its considerable support over two decades, including through some challenging times for the festival, and we are proud of what we’ve achieved together during that time.  

“The pressure on our team has simply become intolerable. We have a major global festival starting in 10 weeks’ time and we need to focus all of our efforts and energy on delivering a safe and successful event for our audiences.

“Undermining the long-term future of charitable organisations such as book festivals is not the right way to bring about change. 

“It diminishes the voices of those who feel strongly about these complex issues, and it will be infinitely harder to build and sustain well-funded cultural institutions in the future than it is to put them out of business today.

“We speak to all our supporters about these complex issues and continue to believe that Baillie Gifford is part of the solution in transitioning towards a more sustainable world and that the firm operates in line with our Ethical Fundraising policy.” 

Allan Little, chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Our team cannot be expected to deliver a safe and sustainable festival this August under the constant threat of disruption from activists. This was a pragmatic response to that reality.  

“Funding for the arts is now in a perilous position and we should all be clear that without the support of our partners and donors, the future of festivals like ours – and all of the benefits these events bring to authors and readers alike – is in jeopardy.

“We are a charity that provides an important platform for authors and readers of all views and political opinions to agree, disagree, challenge, and provoke. Book festivals around the world are  forums in which rigorous, intelligent debate can take place. Our festival should be a place where progressive and nuanced discussion can happen in a safe and respectful space. 

“Indeed, our programme this year is designed to give a voice to those directly affected by conflict and those engaged at the most senior levels in its resolution. We will explore the real challenges involved in transition, green tech and climate finance, misinformation and the need for new economic models. 

“We are determined to have those debates and to have them out in the open, but we need everyone to come to the table. We have made several invitations to Fossil Free Books, and other groups, to attend this year’s festival and regret that they have not responded to those offers.”

Nick Thomas, partner, Baillie Gifford, said: “Our collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, spanning decades, was rooted in our shared interest in making Edinburgh a thriving and culturally vibrant place to live and work. In recent years we have been proud to support the Schools’ and Children’s programmes, providing free books and creating opportunities for young readers to meet authors.

“The activists’ anonymous campaign of coercion and misinformation has put intolerable pressure on authors and the festival community. We step back with the hope that the festival will thrive this year and into the future. We hold the activists squarely responsible for the inhibiting effect their action will have on funding for the arts in this country.

“Baillie Gifford is a long-term investor with high ethical standards and a complete focus on doing what is right by our clients. The assertion that we have significant amounts of money in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is offensively misleading.

“Baillie Gifford is a large investor in several multinational technology companies, including Amazon, NVIDIA, and Meta. Demanding divestment from these global companies, used by millions of people around the world, is unreasonable and serves no purpose. Much as it would be unreasonable to demand authors boycott Instagram or stop selling books on Amazon.

“Nor is Baillie Gifford a significant fossil fuel investor. Only 2% of our clients’ money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels. We invest far more in companies helping drive the transition to clean energy. 

“We remain committed to contributing positively to our community through philanthropic support.”

This year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival will take place from 10-25 August, with the full programme due to be launched on Tuesday 4 June. Baillie Gifford has supported the Edinburgh International Book Festival since 2004, and the firm’s funding for this year’s book festival has already been provided and deployed.

Fossil Free Books have said on Twitter: “We have not spread misinformation. Our statement refers to research by reputable international NGOs, we have simply made this information public. We sympathise with the struggles faced by organisers of literary festivals when it comes to accessing funding, however we disagree that the blame for EIBF’s funding situation lies with us. Our demand has always been that Baillie Gifford divest their stakes in companies profiting from human rights abuses so that they can continue to support literary festivals across the country.”

Police in East Lothian are appealing for help tracing Mark Green who has been reported missing in Musselburgh. 

The 52-year-old was reported missing shortly after 4.50pm on Thursday, 30 May 2024. 

He has connections in Musselburgh and Wallyford. An unconfirmed sighting of him was made in the Pinkie area around 5.25pm. 

Mark is described as being white, 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He has salt and pepper hair, cut short at the sides and longer on top. 

It is not known what he was last wearing. 

Officers are concerned for his welfare and would urge anyone with information, or who believes they have seen Mark is asked to call 101, quoting reference 2757 of 30 May. 

The expenses scandal surrounding Michael Matheson continues to dominate The Scottish Parliament as the First Minister faced a cross-party challenge on the controversy on Thursday afternoon.

Scottish Conservative leader, Douglas Ross, began the weekly proceedings by asking First Minister John Swinney, who has not suspended Matheson from the SNP: “In what other walk of life would Michael Matheson have a job?”

This comes as Matheson, Scotland’s former health secretary, was suspended from Parliament on Wednesday for 27 days for claiming parliamentary expenses for an £11,000 iPad bill.

Responding to Ross, First Minister Swinney said: “The issues in relation to the case of Michael Matheson have been well exercised within Parliament and Parliament came to its conclusions yesterday and I accept the conclusions that Parliament arrived at last night.”

Swinney, as well as the rest of the SNP, abstained from Wednesday’s vote that resulted in Matheson’s suspension.

When challenged on this abstention today, Swinney said: “The reason why I did not vote for it last night is because I felt the process was tainted.

“For the reasons I rehearsed last week at First Minister’s Questions, and yesterday Parliament said in relation to the points that I have raised and Mr Ross voted for this, that the actions that led to the issues that caused me concern, runs the risk of the committee report being open to bias and prejudice and the complaint being prejudged, thereby bringing the Parliament into disrepute.”

Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, also questioned the First Minister, about Michael Mathewson, saying that “rather than defending Scots and protecting the integrity of Parliament, John Swinney chose to put his party before the country.

“Had this been at Westminster, Michael Matheson will now be facing a recall petition and potentially a by election, but yet again the SNP holds Scotland to a lower standard and believe it’s one rule for them and another rule for everyone else.”

Sarwar proceeded to criticise the government’s record on NHS waiting times and Swinney’s preoccupation on party politics.

He said: “While John Swinney spent all of his time this week managing his party and defending sleaze, waiting lists in Scotland reached a record high. Now over 840,000 Scots are stuck on an NHS waiting list. More than one in 10 have been waiting more than a year. Why is John Swinney putting the SNP first, not Scotland?”

In response, the First Minister said: “We are reducing the longest waits and we are making headway. That in relation to the volume of activity within the National Health Service, the statistics this week indicate an increase in the level of activity within the National Health Service to begin to eat into those long waiting times, which I accept are far too long for too many people.

“But the steps that the government is taking through the investment of £30 million in the waiting times programme; the establishment of the National Treatment Centres, which are already making an impact in this activity and which are producing some of that welcome level of increased activity; combined with the focus in the National Health Service on tackling the longest waits of the measures the government is taking forward to ensure that we tackle the legitimate issue that Mr. Sarwar raises.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “More and more Scots are left waiting for vital scans, critical tests, and life-saving treatment. Patients in Scotland deserve better. They need a government which is focused on the basics.

“Whatever John Swinney says about his priorities the SNP’s record is clear. They have failed to give our hard-working NHS staff the beds, safe staffing and resources they desperately need.”

An Edinburgh Greens councillor standing in the general election says voters in Leith are concerned about a freeport coming to the area, which she described as a “tax haven” that would “not work”. 

Cllr Kayleigh O’Neill has represented the Forth ward since 2022 and has thrown her hat in the ring as Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, a seat currently held by the SNP with a majority of more than 12,000. 

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service at a campaign event on Thursday, May 30, she said more women and disabled people were needed in politics – but admitted taking votes  from the two main parties would be an uphill battle as “Greens don’t always have the best luck in the world with Westminster because of first past the post”. 

She said: “I’m doing this on the understanding that I’m still continuing to be a councillor, I’m so proud and grateful that I get to do that.”

On the constituency’s doorsteps there was “quite a bit of concern about the freeport,” she added. 

The Forth Green Freeport is a low tax zone aimed at promoting the development of new renewable technologies and creating thousands of jobs. Currently being set up by the UK and Scottish Governments, the ‘special economic zone’ includes Leith Docks and other places around the Firth of Forth. 

However, Cllr O’Neill said many local voters remained sceptical about the scheme. “We think it’s basically a tax haven and it’s green in name but not in nature. 

“I think it has been rushed through, the information hasn’t been forthcoming from all levels of government and it is because there is a lot of uncertainty.

“I completely empathise and understand constituents’ concerns when they say ‘they’ll give us lots of extra jobs – but how are they going to train us for those jobs? 

“Economically and socially, it’s not going to work. Maybe it’s going to bring thousands of jobs to this area but how are they going to get through the city to get there, or how are you going to house them?”

Asked whether she thought the council had scrutinised the freeport plans closely enough, she said: “I don’t think we had the powers to, it went over our heads and put right in front of us from the UK Government which is unfortunate.”

O’Neill, the only Edinburgh councillor who uses a wheelchair, stopped working at City Chambers in February due to difficulties getting around the building and fears about fire safety and, choosing to attend meetings online instead. 

She described her experience as “quite isolating”. She said: “I don’t like to say this but it is true that the best politics happens in the breaks behind the scenes, in the corridors. It shouldn’t be like that, I think it should be as open as possible. 

“A lot of prep goes into these things for you to then perform your act in the committee but so many decisions happen last minute; for me not to be in the room it’s inaccessible and it’s a bit exclusionary, so we’ve tried our best to phone in on the day, having everyone on a call ready for me to dial-in. 

“But other parties aren’t as collaborative. The Greens are doing alright but I would love it if other parties took a little bit of time.” 

All candidates standing in Edinburgh North and Leith in the upcoming general election on July 4 are:

Deidre Brock, Scottish National Party

Tracy Gilbert, Scottish Labour

Mike Andersen, Liberal Democrats

Alan Melville, Reform

Keyleigh O’Neill, Scottish Greens

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

This summer, Neuk Collective is proud to present “Neuk Perspectives,” an exhibition that showcases the diverse talents of 41 neurodivergent artists from across Scotland, ranging from emerging talents displaying their work for the first time to established professionals. The exhibition will be held at WASPS Patriothall Gallery, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, from 4 July to 28 July.

Neuk Collective is a dynamic, neurodivergent-led initiative focused on promoting and supporting neurodivergent artists across Scotland. Through exhibitions, workshops, and public engagements, Neuk Collective aims to foster an inclusive art environment where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.

Established in 2020, Neuk Collective emerged in response to the significant barriers that neurodivergent artists face within the Scottish arts scene. In 2021, the collective published the Neuk Manifesto—a call to dismantle systemic barriers and enhance accessibility for neurodivergent people in the arts. 

The first exhibition in Leith’s Custom Lane and subsequent projects have not only showcased neurodivergent creativity but have also set new standards for inclusive arts practices. Today, Neuk Collective continues to expand its reach, offering a platform for neurodivergent artists across Scotland to engage, create, and lead within the arts. 

The second exhibition, “Neuk Perspectives”, features a wide array of media and artistic expressions, including textiles, glass, ceramics, painting, printmaking, video, sculpture, and sound. This event not only highlights the artists’ unique talents but also serves as a model for designing art exhibitions that are inclusive and accessible to neurodivergent visitors.

Tzipporah Johnston, founder of Neuk Collective said: “Neuk Perspectives is not just an exhibition; it’s a movement towards reshaping how the art world accommodates neurodivergence and diversity. Through our work, we are challenging the norms and demonstrating that art spaces can be both inclusive and enriching for everyone.

“During my time working as a co-producer on Neuk Perspectives, I’ve been very moved by the sheer creativity and scope of the work that makes up the exhibition,” said co-curator Elspeth Wilson. “It’s been a real privilege to be able to work with a group of such talented, engaged and generous artists and I can’t wait to be able to share the exhibition with the wider public and to see their responses to the work.

“I love the title ‘Neuk Perspectives’ and I think it is important to note that the ‘perspectives’ represented here go beyond the identities and topics associated with neurodivergence”, said co-curator Amy Milner. “Of course, there is work that explores the experience of being neurodivergent and relating to the world, but the audience can also expect work that speaks to a range of themes, both personal and political, such as childhood, nature connection, climate change, and mental health/trauma. Being a Scottish collective, Scotland is a big character in this exhibition as well.”

Special Accessibility Features:

• Understanding the needs of neurodivergent audiences, the exhibition includes several tailored accessibility features:
• – A quiet space for visitors who need a break from sensory stimulation.
• – Availability of ear defenders and sensory supports like stim toys.
• – Easy Read exhibition interpretation
• – Closed captions for all video content.
• – A Visual Story available pre-event to help visitors familiarise themselves with the environment.
• – A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will be present during the opening event to increase accessibility for all.
• Creative Scotland is supporting this exhibition. 

Event Details:

• – Exhibition Dates: July 4th – July 28th, 2024
• – Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM – 5 PM
• – Venue: WASPS Patriothall Gallery, Patriothall (off Hamilton Place), Edinburgh, EH3 5AY
• Detailed directions to the gallery can be found here

The whole community – and especially neurodivergent people and their friends, families and supporters is invited to the exhibition showcasing the vibrancy of Scotland’s neurodivergent artist community. 

https://neukcollective.co.uk/exhibition/ 

The work used in the exhibition flyer is from “Decatstructed” by Marzena Ostromecka.

Artists with work in the show are: Emma Ainsley, E wan Arthur, Sarah Barnard, Tom Bird, Carol Clark, Juliana Capes, Gaelle Chassery, Julia Darrouy, Megan Devenny, Sophie Demery, Indie Flynn, Jane Francis, Louise Fraser, Jessie Growden, Abbie Gladwin, Lorraine Hamilton, Michael Hutchinson, Dominika Jackowska, Tzipporah Johnston, Dani Kerr, Johanna Koen, Hanna Lappalainen, Libby Lilburn, Jané Mackenzie, Kiara Mackenzie, Francis Macleod, Emma Justice, Molly Kent, Sylwia Kolasinska, Peter Johnstone, Neslihan Tepehan, Aileen Paterson, Audrey O’Brien, Marzena Ostromecka, Victoria Ross, Rachel Nelson, William Niven, Rachel Stanley, Ailsa Turner-Gibb, Alasdair Watson, Emma Whigham, Iona Zawinski.

Dean Bowling Club’s Bob Cranston collected the McNab Trophy for a third time when he defeated Jim Dennington in the final of a competition commemorating George McNab, a former club president.

For a relatively new bowler Jim Dennington was credited with taking several notable scalps on the way to the final.

Making the presentation is current president Kevin McNab, the late George’s son.

East of Scotland Tennis have a new home for their coaching programmes after signing an agreement with Merchiston Castle School in Colinton.

The regional tennis body will hire Merchiston’s tennis courts in the evenings between Monday and Friday to be used by players taking part in their under-18s coaching sessions.

A first-class facility offering unrivalled on-court opportunities, the Tennis Academy at Merchiston is a breeding ground for young tennis talent, earning the school the very top position for tennis schools in Scotland. Merchiston’s tailored training programme, combining expert 1-1 coaching, sports science provision, S&C and competitive opportunities, has seen the rise of multiple national and international tennis champions.

Now East of Scotland Tennis players will be able to make the most of the facility, in addition to the premium gym equipment at Merchiston, as they receive lessons from Level 3 coaches in one of the best facilities in Scotland.

It comes after East of Scotland Tennis has spent two-years hiring courts on an ad-hoc basis, with this arrangement now guaranteeing court time for junior programmes on a weekly basis.

Mark Gaffney, East of Scotland LTA board member, said:

“Securing a home for the East of Scotland Country Training Programme at Merchiston provides a consistent and quality base for our players and coaches to prepare and train following a period where we moved from site to site wherever we could access indoor courts. 

“Basing ourselves at Merchiston allows us the opportunity to use impressive tennis and fitness facilities alongside opportunities to integrate with the Tennis Academy at Merchiston which provides variation and helps our players improve.“

The Tennis Academy at Merchiston has three all-weather floodlit tennis courts contained within a dome, allowing play throughout the year regardless of weather. 

Calum Lloyd, head coach of the East LTS junior programme added:

“I’m delighted to have Merchiston Castle School as the base of East of Scotland Tennis. Having world-class facilities to work with elevates the programme to another level and increases the offering we can provide to players representing the County. 

“The indoor court space has allowed us to re-structure how we run sessions and having the gym on the court allows us to integrate the fitness during the tennis sessions. This is a really exciting time as we are already seeing the development in players as a result.”

East of Scotland Tennis have around 100 young players in their performance academy, which is a key part of the organisation’s goal to provide a performance pathway for juniors in order to develop current and future talent. The young athletes will have full access to Merchiston’s courts on weekday evenings, keeping in harmony with the school’s Tennis Academy’s busy training schedule.

Nick de Luca, Director of Sport & Activities at Merchiston, said:

“There have been strong links between East of Scotland Tennis and Merchiston over recent years and we are thrilled to formalise and strengthen those bonds.

At Merchiston, we are privileged to have world class facilities, and being able to expose more young athletes to our space and academy, and giving them the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport is exciting for East of Scotland Tennis, the school and for tennis.”

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault of a man in Edinburgh. 

The incident took place in the Groathill Road North area around 2.30pm on Wednesday, 29 May, 2024. 

A 41-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment of serious but non-life threatening injuries. 

Detective Constable Peter Lyons said: “Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the full circumstances of this incident. 

“We are appealing to anyone in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to get in touch. 

“I would also urge anyone with dashcam footage or private CCTV that could assist our investigation to contact officers.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident 2702 of 29 May. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous. 

Police officers have arrested two men, both aged 25, following an investigation into three housebreakings in Edinburgh.

Properties in the Duddingston and Craigintinney areas were broken into between 25 and 26 of May, 2024.

Several items were stolen from the properties, which included a high value Rolex watch.

Following inquiries, officers recovered the Rolex watch and will return it to its owner, a US tourist who is on holiday in Scotland.

Both men are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 30 May, 2024.

Hibernian Women have confirmed the list of retained and departing players following the conclusion of the 2023/24 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League season. 

As previously announced, Women’s team captain Joelle Murray will retire from professional football at the end of the 23/24 season.  

The 37-year-old made 507 appearances and scored 69 goals for Hibernian over two trophy-laden decades at the club, winning two league titles and lifting 12 domestic cups – making Murray the most decorated player in Hibernian Women history 

The Club can confirm that a further six players will also leave Hibernian Women this Summer. 

Comfort Erhabor has returned to Brighton & Hove Albion following the conclusion of her six-month loan deal. 

Jorian Baucom, Leah Eddie, Naomi Powell, Brooke Nunn and Nina Wilson will also leave the Club following the expiration of their contracts. 

Baucom and Eddie were both named in the PFA Scotland SWPL 1 Team of the Year this season, whilst Leah Eddie was also named Hibernian FC Player of the Year in both 2021 and 2024. 

The Club would like to thank all the departing players for their contributions during their time with us and wishes them all the best for the future. 

Further discussions are planned with Shannon Leishman, Shannon McGregor, Katie Fraine and Kirsty Morrison regarding potentially extending their contracts beyond the current campaign. 

2023/24 Summary: Retiring; Joelle Murray, Departing; Jorian Baucom, Leah Eddie, Naomi Powell, Brooke Nunn, Nina Wilson. Returning to parent club; Comfort Erhabor. Discussions on-going; Shannon Leishman, Katie Fraine, Shannon McGregor and Kirsty Morrison. 

Players under contract for the 2024/25 season. Mya Christie, Siobhan Hunter, Abbie Ferguson, Michaela McAlonie, Eilidh Adams, Lia Tweedie, Ellis Notley, Rosie Livingstone, Lauren Doran-Barr, Rachael Boyle, Tegan Bowie and Poppy Lawson 

Missed bin collections across Edinburgh have been blamed on a group of rogue refuse collectors taking industrial action, as council chiefs warn staff against refusing to pick up kerbside waste or work overtime. 

A rising number of overflowing bins have been reported in recent weeks due to delays in the capital’s refuse services. 

Yesterday the local authority suspended all blue box glass collections for a week to prioritise household waste and other recycling building up. 

A trade union claimed the disruptions were due to workers having to start their morning runs an hour later following recent complaints about the noise of glass collections from controversial new ‘bin hubs’ installed outside flats. 

And Unite’s City of Edinburgh Council Branch disputed claims refuse collectors in were engaging in wildcat ‘work to rule’ action. 

But it warned growing discontent among its members could make “bin strike mark two” – a repeat of rubbish piling up on the capital’s streets during the summer festivals, as it did in 2022 – even more likely as the union prepares to ballot thousands of members across Scotland amid a pay dispute. 

It is understood the recent missed collections have come as a result of action by “a relatively small group of staff”. 

A source said unions “have made it clear this hasn’t been sanctioned by them” and added managers “are dealing with these performance and conduct issues to make sure the service returns to normal as quickly as possible”. 

In a letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service the council’s head of neighbourhood environmental services, Andy Williams, said there had been “recent suggestions and/or comments from a small number of staff that routes will not be completed, side waste will not be collected, and a refusal to work overtime where it is offered. 

“These actions could be considered to be Action Short of a Strike and potentially a breach of your contract. This can have very serious implications.” 

Mr Williams, who sent the letter to workers at the city’s Seafield Depot last week, said he had also been “led to believe that some staff have indicated a willingness to work overtime but are being bullied and intimidated into not doing so”. 

He said ‘task and finish’ – where waste collectors clock off after completing their assigned routes – was “instructed to end many years ago and consistent messages have been put out that all staff are expected to work their full contractual hours”. 

He added: “Staff are only asked to collect one bin at a time and only cross a road where it is safe to do so.” 

The decision to scrap task and finish arrangements, meaning staff must now return to depots to be dismissed whereas previously they could be dropped off closer to their homes after collections were finished, has contributed to anger among staff at a lack of flexibility by refuse bosses, it is understood. 

Graeme Smith, convener of Unite’s City of Edinburgh Council Branch, said: “One of the reasons a lot of the routes have been delayed is the routes are getting started an hour later, this is a result of the number of noise complaints the council is receiving and a lot of the issues around glass collection early in the morning.” 

He said this was the “excuse that’s being given by managers for the keys being withheld and the routes being started later”. 

Unite, Scotland’s largest trade union, announced today it will ballot thousands of its members across the country next month over a pay dispute with local government umbrella organisation Cosla. If workers vote in favour then industrial action “could begin from July with major events potentially being impacted during the summer including the Edinburgh international and fringe festivals,” the union said. 

Mr Smith said: “We’re looking at bin strike mark two. 

“The discontent within the [Edinburgh] workforce is just going to create greater passion when it comes to industrial action over pay. 

“Everything that’s going on is localised but we’ve had more opportunity to speak to people and people are now discontent because of how they’ve been treated. This works for us because it means when they get the ballot through the door they’re going to tick the box and send it off.” 

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter 

Sea Cadets Edinburgh Trinity are seeking new Volunteers to jump on board

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want to support young people and give them a better head start in life? 

If you said yes, then becoming a volunteer with Edinburgh Trinity Sea Cadets could be for you.

Trinity Sea Cadets, based at Claverhouse Training Centre, is currently looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer instructors and trustee members to join their team; they are specifically looking for instructors, fundraisers, a vice chairperson and other general trustee members. 

If you have any skills relating to these roles or have a keen interest in any of them, then please do get in contact with the unit. There are no specific educational or experience requirements; having the right attitude and a passion for improving the lives of young people are the most important things!

The aim of Trinity Sea Cadets is to equip young people with the skills they need for life. They help young people develop teamwork, leadership, determination, resilience, and confidence – all essential skills. They follow the rank structure of the Royal Navy, but most importantly, they have fun!

Sea Cadets is a charity organisation and filling these roles is vital for the unit to continue supporting the young people they work with. 

To get in touch with the unit and to find out more, email us at info@seacadetsedinburghtrinity.org , the unit would love to hear from you.

During a recent visit by Deidre Brock MP for Edinburgh North and Leith Trinity Cadets spoke to Deidre about issues they felt were close to home, and showcased what the Sea Cadets do to support their local community.’ 

Detectives in Midlothian are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Loanhead. 

The incident took place in a leisure centre car park on George Avenue around 4.45pm. 

The victim, an 18-year-old woman, was exiting her vehicle when a young man grabbed at her and demanded her car keys. The suspect made off on foot across a grassy area on Mayburn Avenue towards Mayburn Bank.  

The woman was uninjured and no items were taken. 

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, between 16 and 25-years-old and was wearing a black tracksuit. 

Detective Constable Marion Anderson of Dalkeith CID, said: “Thankfully nobody was hurt in the incident but our enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect. 

“The area would have been busy at the time and I’m appealing for anyone who saw someone matching the description before or after the incident to contact police. 

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area with dash cam footage that may help our investigation to get in touch.” 

Anyone with information should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 2479 of 29 May. 

A minute’s silence to remember Armadale and Blackridge councillor Stuart Borrowman who died suddenly last week has been held by members of West Lothian Council’s executive committee 

Councillor Borrowman died at the age of 71 on Friday. He had served as a councillor for Blackridge, the village where he was born, since 2003. Initially representing the SNP, he later  became an Independent. 

Councillors remembered Mr Borrowman as a friend and mentor. 

At the meeting of the council’s Executive  on Tuesday  fellow ward member , and  now fellow independent councillor Andrew McGuire,  paid warm tribute and thanks to Mr Borrowman for his  guidance and encouragement when he was first elected in 2017. 

Councillor McGuire said: “I’ve had the privilege  to be Stuart’s ward partner for seven years. That was always enjoyable but not always easy given Stuart’s intellect and fierce pride in the wards he represented.  

“Stuart was larger than life, a fantastic character in the devotion he gave to many causes in our ward particularly Armadale Thistle and the gala days.  

“I don’t think there’s a single person in our ward that Stuart hasn’t helped at some point throughout his 21 years in local government. 

“I’m forever grateful and thankful to him for when I was first elected to the council as an enthusiastic 26 year old for him taking me under his wing and helping me to acclimatise  to the rigours of elected office.” 

Linlithgow Lib Dem councillor Sally Pattle said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Stuart’s family and friends. Everything he did as a councillor was for the best interest of his constituents. 

“I feel so lucky to have known Stuart for two years. He wasn’t afraid to ask  difficult questions. He always stood up for what he believed would serve his community best.” 

“We worked together on several motions  and ideas. I respected him enormously. He was one of the brightest and funniest people I have ever met. I learnt from him the type of councillor I aspire to be.”  

 Tributes and condolences were also paid by Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson and by SNP group leader Councillor Janet Campbell. 

 The Depute Provost Peter Heggie also paid tribute to Councillor Borrowman at the opening of the Education Quality Assurance Committee on Tuesday afternoon. Councillor Borrowman was a past chair of that committee in the last council.  

 In the current council Councillor Borrowman  chaired  the Development Management Committee which sat last earlier this month. 

By Stuart Sommerville, LDR 

If the conversation in the Dress Circle pre show was of having nightmares about the Child Catcher, it was of the original, the terrifying Robert Helpmann in the 1968 blockbuster movie adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The reminiscing was that of parents recalling their own early memories of Ian Fleming’s family favourite.
Consequently, the big question on everyone’s mind was, ‘What would Scotland’s National Treasure, Elaine C Smith, bring to the role?’ Chilling, insidious threat, the answer.

Continue reading here …

A new charge for collecting garden waste in East Lothian has seen more than 90 per cent of those who use the service for free sign up. 

East Lothian Council ends its free brown bin collections next month with those wanting to carry on paying an annual fee of £35 for a permit. 

A total of 19,600 people living in the area, known as the Garden County, registered for the collection permit ahead of the cut off date in May – almost all of the 22,000 who previously had their brown bins collected for free. 

A council spokesperson said: “Around 19,600 household properties have been signed up for the fortnightly garden waste service from July, which represents the vast majority of regular users of the free monthly service. 

“A permit sticker to go on the brown bin and collection calendar will be sent to registered properties in early June in time for the fortnightly service beginning in July. 

“This will show the address and permit number for the registered property and the expiry date of the permit. There are no plans to remove any brown bins, as these may be required by occupants of properties in future. 

“The council is looking at an additional sign-up window for this year, however, a timeline for this is still to be confirmed.” 

The local authority recently moved household waste collections from fortnightly to every three weeks and will change garden waste collection from monthly to fortnightly. 

Residents in the county also have a food recycling caddy, separate boxes for glass and paper and a white bag for plastic, tins and cartons which are collected weekly. 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling begins tomorrow

There is an exhibition at Museum of Edinburgh created by groups who are campaigning to make the capital a safe place for cycling. Those involved include the pro-cycling groups Critical Mass, InfraSisters, Spokes and Bike Buses.

“You’ll hear about group rides for fun and friendship that also carry a serious message about the importance of safe cycle routes. You’ll learn about the positive environmental impact cycling can have and how it can help both individual and community wellbeing. You’ll find out about activism in Edinburgh and around the world and learn about the rich history of cycling in Scotland’s capital city.”

There will be some lectures and talks which coincide with the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, running from 31 May to 9 June 2024

Wednesday 5 June, 2pm – Can Cycling Make Transport Sustainable?

Saturday 8 June, 2pm – Pedal On: Cycle Campaigning in Edinburgh

FAMILY CRAFT WORKSHOPS

Saturday 13 July 2pm – 4pm – Cycling Craftivism

The Royal Lyceum announces 2024-25 season

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh is to include world premieres, musicals and classics in its winter season.

Sunset Song by Mona Young which is a visiting co-production with Dundee Rep Theatre will end this season before the next one begins – and it is to be one of the biggest yet.

Artistic Director David Greig said: “We are particularly delighted to announce the world premiere of major new musical, in an exciting collaboration between The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Caledonia Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions presenting Wild Rose, based on the BAFTA award-winning film of the same name. Written by BAFTA award-winning Nicole Taylor (Three Girls, BBC Studios) and directed by the renowned John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Once, Black Watch), featuring songs from country music legends like Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton and the film’s award-winning original song Glasgow (No Place Like Home). Wild Rose is an uplifting and heartwarming theatre event about motherhood and dreams, ready to meet its first ever audience, here, in Edinburgh.

“First up, this Summer, our season opens with a co-production with our friends Pitlochry Festival Theatre. We welcome the classic Willy Russell play Shirley Valentine, starring the phenomenal Sally Reid, last seen on The Lyceum stage in Group Portrait in a Summer Landscape last autumn, who reprises her role in the hilarious one-woman play. 

“As part of the Edinburgh International Festival, this year we are also co-producing the World Premiere of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir, The Outrun with EIF, off site at the Church Hill Theatre. A young woman finds herself washed up back home on the Scottish archipelago of Orkney. She has no idea how or if she can rebuild her life after a decade of addiction. Olivier Award-winning playwright Stef Smith joins forces withVicky Featherstone, former Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, to bring this vivid new production to the stage.”

More information here.

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Sheriffhall roundabout

At The Scottish Parliament two Edinburgh MSPs raised the matter of the city bypass and the Sheriffhall Roundabout this week.

In the City Region Deal there is funding of £120 million set aside for creating extra space for traffic and diverting local traffic away from the dual carriageway by building another flyover. That finding now looks as though it would not cover all aniticipated costs because of the passage of time and inflation.

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury spoke in the Chamber asking about flooding, extreme weather events and building resilience:

Conservative Miles Briggs asked for a full review of Edinburgh bypass.

In a supplementary Question to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Mr Briggs said: “I think it is important that the Cabinet Secretary did acknowledge how distressing this was for families.

“I spoke to constituents who have young children who were stuck on the by pass for hours.

“I do also want to pay tribute to our Emergency Services for the work that they did. Can I ask specifically, Edinburgh City Bypass has been desperate for investment for many years, I have raised this in all the time that I have been a member of Parliament. 

“Sadly we are seeing delay after delay to investment, for example to the delivery of the new Sheriffhall Junction.

“So can I ask whether or not the Scottish Government will undertake a full review of the bypass to look towards the impact that incidents like this are having and make sure that we get on delivering the investment that Edinburgh needs.”

Father’s Day Family Takeover

Charity Dads Rock is taking over Saughton Park on 16 June. The fun begins at 10 am with games and songs. The Dads Rock flag will be set up next to Four Square Café.

Everyone is invited to the free event but encouraged to bring a picnic – and sign up below:

https://dadsrock.beaconforms.com/form/7dcd1121

The stellar astronomical event of the month, if you will forgive the pun, is the Summer Solstice which marks the Sun’s most northerly altitude and places it directly over the line of latitude known as the Tropic of Cancer at 23.44N. You will cast your shortest shadow of the year and the longest day will last 17 hours and 36 minutes.

The word Solstice derives from the Latin ‘Sol’ (Sun) and ‘sistere’ (to stand still) as the Sun appears to pause at its highest point in the sky. This year’s Solstice occurs on 20 June at 9:51 pm and represents the first day of astronomical summer. This astronomical season will will last until the September equinox for a duration of 93 days 15 hours and 52 minutes.

Although the Sun will reach a peak altitude of 57.5 degrees (at 1:14 pm local time) as it embraces the Solstice at our locale, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Sun will actually be in the constellation of Cancer (the Crab) at that time. Yet, the Sun passes from Taurus (The Bull) on 21 June at 1:19 am and enters Gemini (The Twins). Why?

The zero-point of the astronomical co-ordinate system (the so-called ‘First Point of Aries’) is not fixed in space but moves across the sky at a rate of 1 degree every 71.6 years (called the precession of the equinoxes). So the background stars (constellations) appear to shift position as the Sun traces the Ecliptic and this accumulates over several thousand years. So the ‘First Point of Aries’ is now in Pisces (The Fishes) and the Sun is not in Cancer (The Crab) at the Solstice but Taurus (The Bull).

To put it another way: in the northern hemisphere, we are fortunate to have a star that seems to sit exactly on the celestial pole. It is called Polaris (the North Star) and it has an altitude above the horizon that equates, exactly, to the latitude of the observer. For our present location, look north and upwards in the evening sky at 55.95 degrees and there will be Polaris shining brightly. At magnitude 1.98 it is easily visible to the naked-eye observer. However, because of precession, had you lived in 3,000 BC during the first dynasty of Egypt under King Narmer, the pole star would have been Thuban in the constellation of Draco (the Dragon). Around 7,500 AD—more than 5 millenia from now—the pole will lie close to Aldermin the brightest star in Cepheus (The King).

Returning to the Sun, though, daylight lengthens from 17:13 (17.215 hours) on 1 June to 17:31 (17.509 hours) on 30 June so we lose 18 minutes of night time, overall, by the end of the month. In reality, between 1 June and the Solstice we lose 24 minutes of night time. After the Solstice, we gain 6 minutes of night time because the days start to get shorter and the nights longer. Our summer perpetual twilight has, of course, begun but the Sun is reaching ‘Solar Max’ which is the peak of the 11 year Sun spot cycle. This may herald better aurorae between now and the end of the year.

The first Lunar perigee (closest to Earth) on 2 June at 8:09 am finds the Moon some 368,072 km away from Earth – -around 16,328 km closer than average—subtending an angle of 32.5 arc-minutes. The new Moon appears on 6 June at 1:38 pm in Taurus (The Bull) beginning a new synodic (Lunar) month. The first quarter of the new cycle shows up on 14 June at 6:18 am in Virgo (The Maiden). Lunar apogee (furthest from Earth) occurs on 14 June at 2:35 pm and takes the Moon to 404,116 km away from Earth – around 19,716 km further than average—subtending an angle of 29.6 arc-minutes. The full Strawberry Moon makes an appearance on 22 June at 2:08 am in Sagittarius (The Archer). Since June is named after the Roman god of marriage – Juno – this month’s full moon is also called the Honey Moon. The second Lunar perigee (closest to Earth) on 27 June at 12:37 pm finds the Moon some 369,252 km away from Earth – around 15,148 km closer than average – subtending an angle of 32.4 arc-minutes. Finally, the Moon enters last quarter on 28 June at 10:53 pm in Pisces (The Fishes).

For the inferior planets: Mercury rises just before the Sun in the first part of the month but reaches perihelion and superior conjunction (‘behind the sun’) some 10 days after Venus so both are lost to us.

For the superior planets: Mars, in Pisces (The Fishes), and Saturn, in Aquarius (The Water Bearer), are increasing visible during morning twilight. Couple that with both Jupiter and Uranus emerging from solar conjunction, and Saturn and Neptune reaching western quadrature, means have a planetary alignment visible in June. Such an alignment will occur early in June but the best opportunity is much later on in the month on 30 June at 3:30 am (about an hour before sunrise), we should see the following planets aligned along the Ecliptic covering some 80 degrees of azimuth: Jupiter (-2.0 mag), Uranus (5.8 mag), Mars (1 mag), the waning crescent Moon, Neptune (7.8 mag) and Saturn (1 mag). Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope but the other objects should have naked-eye visibility in the east.

There are no significant meteor showers in June. There are, however, 3 day-time meteor showers unobservable by us: 7 June sees both the Arietids and zeta-Perseids and 25 June sees the beta-Taurids. On 27 June, there is a minor night-time meteor shower known as the June Bootids, radiant near Nekkar in Bootes (The Herdsman), but the activity is very low. The parent body is the comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke.

Although now unobservable from Edinburgh and Lothian, comet 12/P Pons-Brooks will reach closest approach to Earth on 2 June at 1 am, at 1.55 AU or 231 million km. The periodic comet 13/P Olbers—discovered by he of paradox fame – will reach perihelion on 30 June and should be viewable with binoculars or a telescope at 7.5 mag, low in the north-western sky, in Lynx (The Lynx).

We still await the much anticipated recurrent nova known as the Blaze Star (T CrB). We can expect this ‘new star’ to appear near CrB epsilon-13 in the constellation Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown) located adjacent to Bootes (The Herdsman). Alphecca (sometimes called Gemma or alpha-CrB) is the brightest star in the crown, at 2.2 mag, and should guide you to this, once in a lifetime, transient event.

At the time of our sky map, some constellations visible are Ursa Major (The Great Bear), Draco (The Dragon) and Bootes (The Herdsman) at zenith, Aquila (The Eagle) in the east, Leo Minor (The Lesser Lion) and Leo (The Lion) in the west, Ursa Minor (The Little Bear) in the north and the Virgo (The Maiden) and Libra (The Scales) in the south. The ecliptic hosts Libra, Virgo, Leo, Cancer and Gemini.

The pseudo-constellation called the ‘Summer Triangle’: Vega in Lyra (The Lyre), Altair in Aquila (The Eagle) and Deneb in
Cygnus (The Swan) rises in the east. Another prominent pseudo-constellation is the ‘Diamond of Virgo’: Arcturus in Bootes,
Cor Caroli in Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs), Denebola in Leo (The Lion) and Spica in Virgo (The Maiden). At center of the
diamond is Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair) which hosts the north galactic pole.

Circumpolar constellations – always above the horizon – include Cassiopeia (The Seated Queen), Cepheus (The King) and
Perseus (The Hero).

Stellar Monarchs compiled seven heat wins and were only six points behind Oxford Cheetahs with three heats to go but the roof fell in.

The Armadale outfit lost the last three races 5-1 giving Oxford a 54-36 win and leaving an 18-point deficit to be recovered for the aggregate bonus when Oxford visit the West Lothian track a week on Friday.

John Campbell, Monarchs’ team manager, (pictured left) said: “We had the bad gates at the finish and it was thrown away at that stage. We had some good performers, Kye Thomson won two races, Craig Cook and Justin Sedgmen did well until they got the poor gates against the top men at the end.”

Monarchs more than held their own in the early stages with Cook winning heats 1 and 5, Thomson in heat 3 and Sedgmen heat 6. Fredriksen narrowly missed third place in both heats 1 and 5.

Losses in heats 7 and 8 left Monarchs six behind down but Cook as a tactical substitute alongside Sedgmen gained a 5-1 in heat 9, Cook cleverly slipping past the home men to join his partner on the opening lap.

Monarchs then lost a 5-1 but further heat wins for Cook (heat 11) and Thomson (heat 12) kept hopes alive but the last three heats saw these hopes dashed.

Cook finished with 13 points to top score for Edinburgh while Scott Nicholls and Ashton Boughen both accumulated 13 for the home side.

At Poole, Pirates beat Berwick Jewson Bandits 52-38 with Tom Brennan top scoring for the home side with 13 and Rory Schlein collecting 13 for the visitors.

Scotland women’s head coach Chris Duncan praised his squad after completing a four-game series against Canada undefeated thanks to a double from Heather McEwan.

Edinburgh-based Duncan (pictured) guided his squad to three wins and a draw against the North American side and said: “One of the biggest signs of development is watching the players problem solve and we’re starting to see our philosophy really build on the pitch.

“The youngsters coming into the squad did a really good job and it’s great to see the depth in our pathway.”

He added: “It is important to give opportunities to the stars of tomorrow and there’s a lot of positives to take from the players playing their first games for Scotland.

“Winning is a habit and we’re delighted to win three games in a row and come through the series undefeated.”

The final game produced a 3-0 victory at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre fast starts by Scotland have been a theme of this series.

The opener came early in the second quarter when a penalty corner routine was converted by McEwan’s diving deflection and the home side doubled their lead soon after.

A powerful low pass into the circle found Jika Nyirenda who slipped the ball first time under the advancing goalkeeper from close range.

Scotland continued to control the contest in the third quarter with Eve Pearson and Jen Eadie dominating the midfield and they were rewarded with  a third following a penalty corner which saw McEwan deflect the ball high into the net for her second of the match.

A new plan to improve the lives of people who use sign language has been delayed by Edinburgh Council following criticism it is not ambitious enough and won’t “meets the needs of children”. 

A charity said the plan identified problems but not solutions and needed “more concrete targets,” while a local parent said she was still having to fight for “the most basic of human rights” for her deaf child.

The council is required by law to draw up a new British Sign Language (BSL) Plan every six years setting out actions to ensure users can be “fully involved in daily and public life in Edinburgh, as active, healthy citizens” and are able to “make informed choices about every aspect of their lives”.

It spans several themes such as accessibility, children, employment, transport and democracy. The latest document for 2024-2030 includes commitments to “improve awareness and access to BSL/English interpretation”, “ensure that staff are appropriately qualified, skilled and knowledgeable to support BSL users effectively” and “continue to run deaf awareness staff training sessions”.

However councillors have postponed publishing it – meaning the authority will now miss the Scottish Government’s deadline – after serious concerns were raised at the policy and sustainability committee on Tuesday, May 28.

Councillors said that issues raised by representatives of the deaf community at the meeting sparked “a lot of questions,” with one asking, “How did we get this so wrong?’”

Mum Leigh Ferrand, whose profoundly deaf 13-year-old son attends a special school in the city, said she was begging the council to “consider some more concrete actions that can actually help these children access education through BSL”.

She said after “years of battles with Edinburgh Council” for “the most basic of human rights” she had been informed earlier this week that a dedicated sign language class would be stopped with her son “integrated back into hearing classes” along with other BSL speaking pupils at the school.

“We’ve been offered a communications support worker so at least our children can make their needs known,” she said. “We’ve had to beg the school to keep a social group for BSL speaking children and all of this time when you as Edinburgh Council are proclaiming success on your BSL plan and are about to propose a new one.”

Ms Ferrand claimed she was told by officials ‘maybe Edinburgh cannot meet your child’s needs’. She said: “That’s not what your plan suggests, it says that all children’s needs will be met in terms of education. So when you read this plan you can see why I’m here asking you to revise this and look at concrete actions. This is not happening.”

Mark Ballard, head of policy in Scotland for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Our main point is this plan needs to be more concrete in what it’s actually going to deliver over that long six-year period. It needs to be more definite and it needs to be more ambitious.”

He told councillors Edinburgh needed more qualified teachers of the deaf and teachers of the deaf with strong BSL skills.

“At the moment Edinburgh has half as many teachers of the deaf as Fife, it’s got the same number as West Lothian,” he said.

“The plan highlights the problem but doesn’t explain how that’s going to be addressed.

“The plan highlights the isolation that BSL users can face in school . . . but the plan doesn’t deal with how that isolation will be addressed.

“This is not an ambitious plan, there could be so much more.

“We want this plan to actually be a living, breathing document that makes a difference for children, and that means there has to be more concrete targets that have to be developed so over the next six years we can measure implementation, whether it’s working, whether it’s not working and the plan doesn’t give us that at the moment.”

Council leader Cammy Day said: “Given what we’ve heard this morning I think we’ll ask to continue this report to allow you to meet with the officers to resolve some of these issues before we make a final decision on the BSL plan.”

The SNP’s Kate Campbell said she was “really shocked” at the deputations given, saying they raised “a lot of questions” for the council.

SNP group leader Simita Kumar asked: “How did we get this so wrong?”

Policy officer Elanor Cunningham said in response the council had just six months to create the new BSL plan following publication of the Scottish Government’s.

“It’s recognised broadly that this timescale is very limiting which is why we have taken the approach that we have, which is to provide a high level report saying these are the actions we will take over the next six years and we will now develop a detailed implementation plan.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter 

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has apologised to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland for the pain caused through injustices, including policing’s role in enforcing laws which criminalised love and identity. 

In a letter published online she said: “ I believe passionately in the value that policing brings to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems, and reducing offending. We stand up for, and with our communities, which strengthens them, improves their wellbeing, and allows them to prosper. 

That value must be for all our communities. Everyone must know that when policing talks about keeping people safe, that applies to them. All must feel able to speak to the police, to report a crime or to share information knowing they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. I also want people from all communities to see policing as a potential career. 

It is a matter of deep regret that these values, over a period of decades have not always applied to the LGBTQI+ communities of Scotland. 

As Chief Constable, I would like to extend a sincere apology, for the recent and historical injustices and discrimination that members of LGBTQI+ communities in Scotland have faced. At times policing has not only failed to protect you but has contributed to the mistreatment and prejudice many have endured. 

Laws which criminalised love and identity were wrong, and policing must recognise and reflect upon our role in enforcing them. I am truly sorry for the serious and long-lasting physical and mental pain and harm caused, both to my internal colleagues, and to our communities. 

Police Scotland is determined to build an inclusive Service, free from discrimination, for all our communities. 

We will advocate for and support third party reporting to increase confidence and overall 
reporting. 

We are empowering leaders to build inclusive teams; improving our education and training for all our officers and staff to ensure they understand and respect the issues facing the LGBTQI+ communities and on equality laws; focusing on our values and standards; and delivering a clear and consistent message that there is no place in Police Scotland for prejudice. 

And we will reintroduce specialist liaison officers to work with the community and support 
officers and staff. 

It is important that we take responsibility for our actions to build a future where everyone feels safe and supported. 

I am dedicated to building a service that you can trust, one that is inclusive, respects diversity, and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals. I hope this apology can contribute to the necessary progress to ensure the value of policing is for all communities. 

Police Scotland has announced that a 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash on Whitehouse Road in Edinburgh involving a bin lorry and a schoolboy. 

The incident happened around 8.20am on Friday, 1 March, near to the junction with Braehead Road.  

Thomas Wong, 11, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Officers said that their enquiries to establish the full circumstances are continuing. 

Concerns have been raised that a controversial 1960s development at the heart of Linlithgow could be ‘sold off to the highest bidder’. 

Developers are being offered the chance to potentially transform the Vennel area of Linlithgow. 

But local councillors have called for assurances over which parts of the controversial Sixties development the council is looking to sell.  

The council said that at this stage it was simply looking to “gauge interest” from developers in the site. 

Lib Dem Sally Pattle asked officers at a meeting of the council’s Executive: “What guarantee can you give to the community that these plots won’t just be sold off to the highest bidder.” 

 David Baird, the Properties and Estates Manager, said that there had always been a recognition that the council would have to seek the views of local people. 

“Once we get proposals we will certainly go back to them.” 

 He added “We’ll not just consider the highest bid.  Value itself is not the only criteria. That’s why there is planning criteria and a brief done to help potential developer looking at what can done.  We will certainly look at all the proposals.” 

 Local community groups are keen that the council explores the possibility of transformative redevelopment in the area, after the opening of Linlithgow Partnership Centre (Tam Dalyell House) resulted in a number of properties becoming vacant. 

Mr Baird, said there had been “useful” meetings with the community.  “Future meetings will take place with the community after the marketing exercise has  been completed, or beforehand if this is required.”   

There was controversy earlier this year when a council report suggested that  it would be prohibitively expensive to  “ meaningfully transform” the Vennel. 

Built in the late 1960’s the Vennel development of a mixture of social and private housing and shop units was an architectural award winner in its day but has always been controversial. 

Its design, internalising guttering and down pipes and with flat roofing, has caused problems from the outset. 

West Lothian Council has committed to undertake a formal marketing of the area, to find out if there is commercial interest in the site. They are looking to market two plots including the car park and the single storey shops. The council owns a “ street” of shop units which used to house the library and a doctors surgery. These units have long had problems with damp and water ingress. 

There have since been fears voiced in Linlithgow that the council was considering “ walking away” from the site by selling it for any kind redevelopment. 

Campaigners argue the building has had its day and comprehensive redevelopment will be the cheapest option in the long run. 

Having actively promoted costed plans to redevelop part of the site local groups, including the town’s Planning Forum, they say they were promised a seat at the table to discuss potential redevelopment of the Vennel but nothing went beyond that first promise and one meeting. 

The marketing exercise will take place within the next few weeks and results be reported back to a future meeting of Council Executive likely after the summer recess. 

Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan asked: “What engagement there has been with private residents in the area, I was surprised and alarmed to see the notes about compulsory purchase orders for flats given these are peoples homes. What conversations have been had? 

Mr Baird said the council has had no conversions with private residents because there are no residential properties in the plots being marketed. He added: “ The comments on compulsory purchase   were part of the wider conversations we had with community groups.” 

Councillor Pauline Orr for the SNP said: “I just want to thank David Baird and his team for capturing the feeling of lots of community in the report he has brought forward. It is very thorough indeed and looks at various concerns.” 

Councillor Pattle said: “ I welcomed the renewed interest because for two years there was no communication, just no movement on the proposals that had been agreed in 2021. I also appreciate the recognition that the community is looking for transformative redevelopment in that area of Linlithgow. 

“I’m fully aware of the impossible circumstances faced by this council and others because of years of cuts but I feel there is a real opportunity here with the vennel to create a place and space that brings value to the community for a generation to come. 

“In my opinion that is more important than a short-term financial gain.” 

Labour’s Tom Conn said: “I welcome the report. I appreciate there’s been a vacuum because of Covid and the consequences of Covid but I’m delighted my motion submitted previously which included the old library being used by the development Trust would form an integral part of the redevelopment has been included in the marketing brief. “ 

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said later: “The marketing exercise will allow us to test the market and gauge any commercial interest in the site, which has been split into two plots. 

 “Any proposals received will be discussed with the local community groups involved, to make sure that their views can be incorporated into a report for the Council Executive after the marketing is completed.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Over the past month, The City of Edinburgh Council’s Environmental Health team has issued eight Prohibition Notices to businesses and practitioners over three locations planning to perform the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in the city.

There have been several serious incidents across the UK where clients have suffered from sepsis and tissue necrosis after receiving BBLs and it is for this reason that the Council has taken enforcement action.

The Notices prohibit those involved from undertaking any BBL procedures within any premises or locations within the city of Edinburgh local authority area, until evidence can be provided that these procedures will be carried out by competent people and in hygienic environments. If the practitioners involved fail to comply with these notices, a report may be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for consideration of a Prosecution, where the offender could face imprisonment, a significant fine, or both.

Cllr Neil Ross, Convener of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee, said: “Our Environmental Health Officers continue to carry out inspections of aesthetic businesses in the city where BBLs may be carried out. If unsatisfactory standards are found, officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action to protect the public.

“We are urging the public to be very careful when considering undergoing this type of cosmetic procedure as the risks to their health can be serious. We are also warning local aesthetic practitioners who are considering undergoing training in how to administer BBLs to think very carefully before doing so. The training may not achieve the level of competence required to do such high-risk procedures.”

If anyone is concerned about a recent BBL procedure they have received, the Council is urging them to get in touch. Additionally, if anyone has had a recent BBL procedure carried out in premises specifically in the Gorgie/Dalry area of the city, the Council would like them to contact the Environmental Health team.

A Prohibition Notice has been issued to stop procedures at this location in this area of the city, but the Council understands that some people may already have undergone a procedure.

Members of the public can contact Environmental Health by phone on 0131 200 2000 or by email environmentalhealth@edinburgh.gov.uk If anyone is experiencing ill health linked to these procedures they should seek medical attention immediately.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was in the news at the weekend when it was reported Richard M. Sherman, one half of a songwriting partnership with his brother Robert, had died.

His soundtrack for the 1968 film is embedded in the collective consciousness of generations.

The title track makes the sound of the champion racer that for many, is the star of the show in Edinburgh. On one level the story, celebrating its 60th anniversary, is about widowed men carrying on without women. Caractacus Potts played by Adam Garcia was perfect at conveying an affable and good-natured father doing his best in difficult circumstances. His father, the eccentric Grandpa Potts played for former Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, is also without a wife. Despite the losses both men summon something of the joy of just being alive and create a fantastical and cheerful world, often through song for the children, Jeremy and Jemima. Hadrian Delacey and Bibi Jay enjoyed a potent comic chemistry as the Baron and Baroness who decree that all children must be banished from their Kingdom of Vulgaria. The job of catching children is left to the dreaded Child Catcher who was played in the film by Robert Helpmann.

His background as a ballet dancer aided the strange and unsettling movement of the character, the thought of it even now is enough to chill the blood. Elaine C. Smith, dressed in black and through a distorted voice brought a sense of menace when promising the children ice cream and treacle tart and then bundling them into a cage to be taken away.

The timeless story benefits from the original 1964 book written by James Bond creator and novelist Ian Fleming and the co-screen writer and children’s novelist Roald Dahl whose combined talents helped create the quirky British characterisation of characters such as Truly Scrumptious played excellently by Ellie Nunn, the latter a Dahl creation not in the original novel. We are reminded that: “teamwork makes the dream work” and these villainous, dark forces are soon defeated. Undoubtedly it was the most surreal moments that fired up audience enthusiasm and laughter during the show such as when the “fine four-fendered friend” takes flight, its mudguards spread out like wings over a night sky and the sea.

It’s a magical moment that allows us to become completely lost in the fantasy of another world.