Hundreds of blue badges in Midlothian were registered with dead people, it has been discovered, costing the council an estimated £202,000 in lost revenue. 

A report on fraud investigations carried out in the county has revealed 311 badges were discovered to have not been cancelled following the death of its holder. 

It said each badge cancelled was equal to £650 in lost parking and potential congestion charge revenue – totalling £202, 150. 

The report revealed the results of Midlothian using the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) to review services last year where its data is compared to national lists to compare and flag up any inconsistencies. 

As well as identifying the dead blue badge holders the results also uncovered 45 ‘errors’ on the housing waiting list which saw names taken off it at an estimated saving of £192,000. 

A report due to go before the council’s audit and governance committee next week revealed that as well as the savings through using the NFI to review 2022/23 services, a further £837,000 in estimated saving had been identified as a result of the council’s own counter fraud activity in the last financial year. 

It said a review of 46 allegations of potential tenancy fraud saw five houses returned to council stock and made available to those “in genuine need’ of social housing. 

And it revealed an investigation into people receiving council tax discounts and referrals saw the removal of one single person discount. 

The report said: “In conclusion, the corporate fraud team in collaboration with other services has been successful in delivering the range of activity set out in the Counter Fraud Annual Plan. Tackling fraud is an ongoing process.” 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

Almost half of West Lothian’s communities had no council property to let in the first three months of the year. 

Councillors heard that there were no lets available in 20 of 49 communities in the county between January and April. 

However the number of lets was slightly up on the same period last year and the bulk of the council homes , 111 or 63%, went to homeless people. 

 The Housing Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel heard that the number of permanent lets for the period 1 January to 31 March was 176. compared to the same quarter last year when 152 properties were let.  

This increase in available lets is a result of there being more properties repaired and made available for letting. 

The communities with the highest percentage of total lets were Blackburn and Whitburn with 20 lets each; Armadale with 17 lets and Fauldhouse with 12 lets . 

Four communities had one mainstream property available to let – Philpstoun, Winchburgh, Breich and Longridge. 

Eleven communities had between two and four properties available to let – Bridgend, Linlithgow, Eliburn, East Calder, Mid Calder, Pumpherston, Uphall Station, Addiewell, Stoneyburn, West Calder and Blackridge.  

There were six sheltered housing properties let in the quarter. 

Of the 20 communities with no lets, the bulk were in Livingston neighbourhoods- Craigshill, Alderstone, Livingston Village, Bellsquarry, Kirkton, Howden and  Murieston. Other communities with no lets were small villages across the county from Linlithgow Bridge in the east to Greenrigg  on the western border. 

In a report to the committee Sarah Kelly, Housing Needs Manager said: “The report highlights that there has been an increase in available lets when compared to the same quarter of 2022/23 and that there continues to be some communities where there is no movement in vacant properties at all.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Parents of older children in East Lothian have been urged to ensure they know where they are during the summer holiday by the local police chief, amid concerns over anti-social behaviour in the county. 

Chief Inspector Ben Leathes has issued a letter to parents of secondary school pupils across the county asking them to be vigilant. 

The letter, which is also signed by Scottish Fire’s local area liaison officer Steven Tilton and East Lothian Council’s Kenneth Black,  says a series of recent incidents have raised concerns as the school close for the summer break. 

It says: “At times last year various issues of anti-social behaviour developed around the county which were linked to young people behaving irresponsibly through the school holidays. 

“We appreciate the overwhelming majority of young people behave in a respectful and law-abiding manner however, unfortunately there were a minority who were involved in criminal and antisocial behaviour which portrayed a negative image of the areas concerned and caused suffering and inconvenience for people who live and work there. 

“East Lothian Police, Council, Fire and Rescue Service and wider partners want to ensure that this does not happen and that the county is a safe and enjoyable area for all to use during the summer. 

“We are therefore encouraging all those who have young people to ensure they behave responsibly by checking where they are going and what they are doing and more especially that they are not in possession of alcohol.” 

Chief Inspector Leathes first mentioned the plans to send out the letter at a meeting of East Lothian Police, Fire and Community Safety committee last week. 

He told the meeting that additional police patrols and mobile CCTV was being brought in over the summer with a focus on Musselburgh where there had been issues with young people including three boys aged 13 and 14 involved in fire-raising and shoplifting at the local supermarket. 

In Haddington social media was filled with reports of problems involving a group of teenager, mainly girls, in the town’s shops and High Street last week. 

One irate member of a Facebook page posted photographs of youngsters who were alleged to have been shop lifting and hurling ‘foul-mouthed’ abuse at people at the local Tesco store. 

Others reported incidents at other shops in the centre of town claiming police had been looking for a gang of girls. 

The letter to parents asks them to share its content with their children. 

It says: “Our aim is to make East Lothian as attractive and safe to both residents and visitors and we ask you to share the contents of this letter with your child / young person to ensure they are not involved in any antisocial or criminal behaviour, highlighting their own personal responsibility for their actions. 

“We do again acknowledge that the majority of young people behave responsibly, respecting the community and environment and it is hoped by having this conversation you can reinforce the importance of being a responsible young citizen, keeping yourself safe and respecting others.” 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

One of the candidates for the Edinburgh North and Leith consitituencey is Niel Neepnarain who represents the Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values.

He writes: “It’s an honour to stand for Edinburgh North and Leith in these General Elections, I want to represent your views. I will work hard to earn the trust of people, creating positive relationships. I will act on what i say. Together we can forge a better community and make Edinburgh North and Leith an even more wonderful place to live.

“Issues I would fight for – more active policing for safer streets. Good education for all. Look at ways to deal with the local housing issues. Ways to help with the cost of living crisis.  The council needs to step in and help with the alcohol and drug abuse i will work hard on this – will work along side community centres. We need to attract more investment into businesses.

“Let’s resource youth centres properly to help with well-being and life skills, get new ones started. Let’s get creative in converting abandoned buildings and railways into great facilities that meet local needs.  The roads are a mess in Edinburgh and it’s time to get this sorted and make it safe for all. We need a crackdown on dog fouling. We need an end to overflowing street bins and let’s make a difference for those unable to work and whom are out of work.

“There is so much to get done and I know I can make that difference for us, we need each other and we need to stand together for the good of our city and nation. I don’t just talk I will work and make that difference.

“I find it a privilege and honour to be part of the Scottish Family Party as we are standing for truth, we keep to our promises and really want to see a change for people and the good of our Scotland.

“We will always stand for the core principles of promoting our policies as the best foundation for a stable nation.”

Californian Amanda Grimm is already involved with the Scottish Greens as she works in parliament as a researcher for Ariane Burgess MSP.

She outlined that it is time for real change at Westminster. She said: “The UK is the sixth wealthiest country in the world, but for too many it doesn’t feel that way. Decades of Tory governments have worsened inequality and brought our public sector to its knees. Labour promises little change, refusing to cap bankers’ bonuses or bring in wealth taxes. The SNP council tax freeze means less local services for communities in Scotland. 

“Different choices are possible. The Scottish Greens stand for greener, fairer policies that make life better for the majority and protect our shared planet, instead of concentrating wealth and power at the very top.”

Amanda explained her reasons for stepping up as a candidate. She said: “I’m standing for Westminster because I feel like I can’t sit back and watch as the bigger parties, give up on their climate commitments and devastate our public services and continue with business as usual. I want to get Green ideas, values and policies onto the agenda and into the inbox of the incoming UK Government. Only the Scottish Greens are saying we’re adamantly opposed to new oil and gas and a 100% renewable energy transition. And that’s what we want to see.”

She believes that as the local candidate she has an edge in the area. She said: “I live in Musselburgh. I’m quite embedded in the community now. I’ve been there for two years, and I’ve joined lots of local groups like Sustaining Musselburgh, Yes Musselburgh, and Musselburgh Street Clean. I’m a longtime campaigner on climate change and social justice. Since I moved to Edinburgh in 2007, and went to University of Edinburgh here. Before that, I grew up in California, where I was a professional ballet dancer. And then I worked in the arts and culture in Edinburgh, before getting more into politics. Now I work for a Green MSP in The Scottish Parliament so I think I’ve developed a lot of skills and political nouse and knowledge of policy that I can bring to this role.”

The Edinburgh Reporter asked if she thought the SNP representation of the area had been wanting in any respects during the last 10 years.

She was quite clear that the SNP have in her view been less than successful. She said: “The SNP you know, they’re known by some as a party of sort of social democracy, but they’re not really anymore, and they haven’t been able to change Westminster in that regard. They haven’t been able to secure their main objective, which is independence for Scotland – of course, the Greens support that as well.

“But now we’re trying to take a more realistic tack in calling for full devolution of remaining powers from Westminster. So my priorities are number one action on the climate emergency. We know that many voters want a government that takes it seriously and takes care of people and planet. Another key priority is helping people with the cost of living crisis and actually helping them rise out of poverty for good – not just keep them on the poverty line, as the Tories are doing with more benefit cuts in order to fund tax cuts for the rich.

“And third, we want to create a fairer economy that works for people and planet by bringing in a wealth tax on the richest 1% using that to raise £75 billion in revenue to be invested in public services, the green transition and help with the cost of living crisis.”

The Royal Highland Show 2024

The Royal Highland Show opens on Thursday and runs until Sunday at Ingliston.

There will be more than 800 exhibitors displaying their goods on the 110-acre site.

There are cookery demonstrations with some of the country’s top chefs including Head Chef at The Globe Inn, Fraser Cameron, FutureChef Winner, Phoebe Lawson, and Head Chef at Benugo, Emma Clark-Szabo.

Johnnie Walker are putting on a pop up bar and Innis & Gunn will host guests at their Taproom Bar.

Shopping is varied with clothing, shoes, crafts, gifts, pet supplies, art, toys and a range of premium shopping outlets which can be found at the Countryside Village.

There will be music during the day on the West Stage and on Friday night Tide Lines will appear at the Royal Highland Hoolie.

Children go free at the show with many activities linked to food production and farming.

Circa Alba’s exciting mix of movement and circus skills, including juggling, parkour, capoeira, along with professional face painting and Annie the alpaca and her family from the Alpacas Trekking Centre, will let little imaginations soar. Dive into abstract art where kids can engage in animal-themed arts and crafts, creating personalised keepsakes to take home.  

Oh and there are also many things for farmers to see and do.

David Tennant, Head of Royal Highland Show, said: “This year’s Royal Highland Show is bigger and better than ever and it’s all thanks to the wide variety of exhibitors. The diverse array of trade stands is a true celebration of everything Scotland has to offer in agricultural heritage, artisan crafts and rural communities. We are on track for a sold-out show, so if you’d like to experience a mix of entertainment, sample Scotland’s wonderful larder and see the very best in livestock, from the traditional to the unexpected, it’s worth purchasing your tickets now. It’s not to be missed!”

Get to the show on the tram or by bus. A shuttle bus will run from the Ingliston Park and Ride to the East entrance every 15 minutes between 7am and 9pm.   There is taxi drop off and pick up point at the East entrance and accessible car parks for those driving at the East and West entrances. Advanced Mobility are located at both the East and West entrances and a Quiet Place next to the welfare tent will be available for those who may require time out from the busy event.https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/visitors/accessibility-at-the-royal-highland-show/

Public Rally

There will be a public rally against racism in the election at the Mound on 21 June. The speaker will be Tommy Sheppard the SNP candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

Sea Rising Festival

Porty Community Energy will bring together 10 bands, three exhibitions, 10 local makers, 10 local climate organisations, trials of unusual bikes, five workshops, children’s activities and a puppet show on the beach and prom near the bottom of Kings Road.

The theme is Low Carbon Transport and local Climate Action, and the festival takes place on Saturday 22 June in Portobello between 1 and 6pm.

To illustrate the dangers of climate change and the effect it could have on our seaside towns the artists will perform climate themed songs and there will be two stages – one a Landlubbers’ stage which is “dry” and the other, the Selkies Sea Stage where the Earth in Common Choir will perform at High Tide.

More information here

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme

Some private gardens are open to the public and this weekend it is the turn of gardens in Edinburgh.

The garden trail runs between Logie Green Gardens EH7 4HE and Royal Circus Gardens North EH3 6TN. Visit some of the surprising horticultural delights behind the terraces of Stockbridge/New Town and relax in a classic Georgian leisure garden.

Bringing fresh air and wildlife into the heart of the city, the collection provides many creative solutions to urban gardening with year-round interest through a mix of seasonal planting and structural evergreens which the gardeners will be on hand to talk about.

More information about the weekend events here.

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Tracy Gilbert is the Scottish Labour Candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith.

As the Scottish Regional Secretary for the trade union USDAW, she represents more than 37,000 retail and distribution workers in Scotland.

She said: “I grew up in a mining town in Midlothian during the 80s, I saw how politics impacted on my family and our community. I thought things would never be that bad again, but I was wrong. That’s why I decided to stand for election as far too many people living in Edinburgh North and Leith are being left behind, and I want to deliver a better future for my community because we deserve better”.

Tracy, who lives in Leith, also has a wealth of experience in advocacy work in her current role but also from her previous work in housing and in various voluntary roles. 

“Edinburgh is a wonderful city with thriving businesses and world class arts, hospitality and retail. However, Edinburgh is a tale of two cities. Every day I speak to people working hard to make ends meet, to pay the bills, to heat their homes, that’s if they can get a home to begin with. For far too many people work doesn’t pay and so many families are struggling.”

Scots will be holding their breaths tonight when the Scotland team kick off against Switzerland at Cologne Stadium at 9pm local time.

After the awful result on Friday when the team were routed by Germany 5-1, fans are hoping for something much better tonight.

Ryan Porteous was given a red card during the match reducing the team to ten men and will be unavailable on Wednesday as he has been given a two match suspension.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One beginning from 7.30pm with presenter Gabby Logan, and commentary from Steve Bower and James McFadden.

Fans in Edinburgh include these wee dogs who are all right behind the team tonight hoping for a great result. No Scotland No Party!

The Scottish Green manifesto will, as expected, confirm the position that the party has stated previously on the monarchy and the constitution.

The party supports a written constitution and an independent Scottish Republic with an elected head of state.

Mr Harvie will tell a campaign event in Edinburgh on Wednesday that he wants Scotland to have the powers to hold a referendum on our constitutional future and establish a modern democratic republic.

Mr Harvie said: “The monarchy is a badly outdated and fundamentally undemocratic institution. It represents a different era and feels increasingly irrelevant and ridiculous in the 21st century.

“Yet, in a matter of weeks the full pomp and pageantry of Monarchy will be on display when the King does the state opening for a new government.

“We should be able to challenge power and elect or remove our head of state through the ballot box, like most countries do.

“We need a written constitution, drawn up by the people to entrench our rights and our democracy and to avoid the kind of power grabs and stunts that we have seen from Westminster.

“The Scottish Greens are the only party that is calling for an independent Scottish republic where power lies with the people rather than being handed down like a family heirloom.

“There are countries all across the Commonwealth who are asking questions about the way they are ruled and who are reconsidering their relationship with Monarchy. Scotland must have the chance to do the same.”

Police are appealing for information after an 83-year-old female pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash in the Colinton area of Edinburgh. 

The crash involving a red Vauxhall Corsa, happened on Woodhall Road, Edinburgh at the junction with Dreghorn Loan shortly after 3.44pm on Tuesday, 18 June, 2024. 

The 47-year-old female driver of the Vauxhall was not injured. 

The 83-year-old woman was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment. 

The road was closed to allow for crash investigations to take place. 

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances and officers are appealing for witnesses. 

Road Policing Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our investigation into this crash is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has information to get in touch. 

“We would be keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the red Vauxhall before the crash occurred. If anyone has any dashcam footage from the area, please let us know.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2168 of 18 June, 2024. 

The Sea Rising Festival will take place on Saturday 22 June in Portobello between 1pm and 6pm.

This is a community organised event led by Porty Community Energy bringing together 10 bands, three exhibitions, 10 local makers, 10 local climate organisations, trials of unusual bikes, five workshops, activities for children including a puppet show on the beach and prom near King’s Road.

The event is themed on Low Carbon Transport and local Climate Action, and is deliberately being held near to the Summer Solstice when there is a full moon and a high spring tide.

To show clearly how the coastline would be affected by rising seal levels there will be two stages for musicians and performers – and one of these will flood at high tide.

The organisers are adamant that everyone must move away from routine, short-term, unsustainable travel. Edinburgh has many local festivals which they believe “nourish communities” and pose the question whether the larger festivals inspire or smother the smaller events.

A festival spokesperson said: “At the Sea Rising Festival we’re trying our best to make choices as sustainable as possible – thinking about how our contributors travel to the festival, supporting local suppliers, not using diesel generators, plant based food and of course the themes and messages that our artists bring with them.” 

More information here.

A Crowdfunder is open for the festival here:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sea-rising-festival-2024

A woman has been taken to hospital following a crash on Woodhall Road this afternoon, Tuesday 18^th June 2024. 

The collision involving a car and female pedestrian took place at 3.45pm. 

The road was closed and officers advised drivers to avoid the area. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Woodhall Road is closed due to a road crash involving a car and a female pedestrian at the junction with Bridge Street. 

“Emergency services were called around 3.45pm and the woman has been taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment. 

“Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area.” 

Work has begun on a £7.7million project to deliver a range of affordable homes forming a key portion of a popular East Lothian development.

The 38 homes will be built by Cala Homes (East) as part of its Saltcoats Grange development in Gullane and on completion it will become one of the first affordable housing developments in the region to feature full provision of air source heat pumps (ASHP).

Designed to blend in with the wider development, the high specification homes will also feature energy-efficient building materials.

Once complete, Cala will hand the properties to registered social landlord, Places for People Scotland, which is designating 26 homes as available for social rent and a further 12 for mid-market rent.

A wide mix of homes is being provided at the site, including one to three bedroom apartments, cottage flats, semi-detached and terraced homes.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director with Cala Homes (East), said: “This is our largest affordable housing project in Gullane over a nearly 10-year programme of building.

“Being able to start work on these homes takes increased significance given the current housing emergency and the shortfall of quality homes for social and mid-market rent.

“The air source heat pumps will bring meaningful benefit to the people that live here, complementing the wider energy-saving features of the homes and at a much lower carbon cost compared to a gas boiler.

“We look forward to working with Places for People Scotland and ensuring the 38 families that will move in can benefit from excellent, efficient homes.”

ASHP are a low carbon heating system for water and heating that uses the same technology in fridges and freezers, in reverse. Heat from outside air is gathered and absorbed into a loop with refrigerant fluid, compressing the air to create heat.

By using an ASHP instead of a gas boiler to provide heat for the homes, operational carbon emissions are reduced by around 80%. If the occupants choose to use a green tariff the operation of the system will be zero carbon.

Cala anticipates completing work to allow for full occupation by late 2025, at which point it will have delivered 85 affordable homes to Gullane in recent years, steering projects through planning and construction to the handover to families.

David Brotherston, Senior Development Manager at Places for People, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cala to provide 38 new homes in Gullane particularly at a time when there is a huge need for high quality, warm and affordable homes to meet the requirements of those with the greatest need.”

Saltcoats Grange is a continuation of Cala’s successful delivery of homes in Gullane, a period of investment that included the sensitive refurbishment of the landmark Henderson House, the former Scottish Fire and Rescue College.

The delivery of affordable homes at Saltcoats Grange is being supported by Scottish Government funding.

The Scottish Libertarian Party leader is running to win the party’s first seat in the Edinburgh West constituency in the Westminster General Election.

Previously a member of the Scottish National Party, Mr Laird left to found his current party which he previously described as “full blown socialists.”

He is also a former infantry soldier in the British Army who was stationed in Northern Ireland.

Mr Laird described his party as the only one with a “non-aggression principle.”

He said: “You don’t use violence and intimidation and coercion in order to get people to do what you want, to serve your own political purposes. There is no other political party that has that underlying principle. They all will use coercion to get your money to do the things they wish.”

When asked about the prospect of a Labour Government, the Edinburgh West candidate said he “would not be happy” seeing them come to power, but saved the majority of his contempt for the Conservatives.

He said: “I would be extremely happy with the obliteration of the Conservative Party. They deserve to be obliterated. I never thought I would hear myself saying that, but I think this is a party that deserves to be obliterated and never heard from again.”

Mr Laird also said that he believes he would be a strong MP for the constituency because he’s not “easily pushed around.”

He said: “Even though there’s things that government does that I don’t agree with, there are people who are entitled to certain things under the current system, and if they’re not getting those things, government is not standing up its side of the bargain. I’m the kind of guy that will stand up for that and for what people expect from the government.”

Regarding his party’s manifesto this election, the party leader said that the manifesto is largely the same as their manifesto for the 2021 Holyrood election. As that election was held during the Covid-19 pandemic, the chief policy in their manifesto was to end the lockdowns, but also included other pledges like opposing further taxation and regulations and scrapping the controversial Hate Crime Bill.

When asked to clarify his position on the pandemic lockdowns, Mr Laird stated that it was a “grave mistake.”

He said: “The things that they’re trying to blame now on all sorts of other factors, you can trace back to the things that happened then. Suicide rates, health deterioration, the lack of money, lack of funding for certain things because of the money they wasted – £7 billion alone on fraudulent claims for compensation that they’re not trying to get back. All these things can be traced back to the tragic errors that they made under lockdown, locking people up in a house for what was effectively a flu, a bad flu, but effectively a flu. It was insanity.”

Two former politicians are bidding for a comeback as the newly-named Lothian East seat is fought in next month’s General Election. 

Douglas Alexander, who served in senior cabinet posts on Government for former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has been nominated as Scottish Labour’s candidate. 

And former SNP East Lothian MP George Kerevan is seeking a return this time representing the Alba Party, after Kenny MacAskill, who was elected in the county in 2019 before defecting to Alba confirmed he is not restanding in the county. 

East Lothian’s Westminster seat has been changed by the Boundary Commission ahead of the July 4 election to Lothian East with most of the county’s biggest town Musselburgh moved into a new Edinburgh East and Musselburgh constituency. 

Whether the change will have an impact on the votes remains to be seen with East Lothian, or Lothian East as it is now known, changing hands between the SNP and Labour in recent years. 

The seat was held by Labour for decades until 2015 when sitting MP Fiona O’Donnell saw her majority overshadowed by a triumphant George Kerevan as support for the SNP swept the county. 

Two years later it was Mr Kerevan who lost support as Labour returned with MP Martin Whitfield. Then in 2019 former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was elected for the SNP before defecting to the Alba Party. 

Mr MacAskill is not standing in Lothian East, instead opting to fight a seat in the central belt, but Mr Kerevan is taking his place for Alba with independence central to his campaign. 

Launching his campaign he said: “Alba are now the only party with a credible strategy to deliver independence.” 

While Mr Kerevan was swept into office in the 2015 SNP tsunami, Mr Alexander saw it end his 18 year role as MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire south as Mhairi Black won the election for the SNP. 

Nearly 10 years on he is determined to win Lothian East for Labour. 

He said: “Scottish Labour’s campaign to win in East Lothian will centre on our plan to deliver a decade of national renewal following 14 years of decline under the Conservative Party. It’s time for change. It’s time for Labour.” 

The SNP  candidate for the election is one of two councillors joining the fight. Lyn Jardine is the SNP group leader in East Lothian Council and has worked in public service for 25 years. 

She said: “We need an MP who exhibits the competence and determination to bring about the changes necessary. I’ve worked all my life in housing, health and social care, across sectors as well as serving on community groups and voluntary boards. 

“Just as I want the best for Scotland, I want to reverse the inequality 
limiting the potential of current and future Scots.” 

Fellow councillor Shona McIntosh became East Lothian’s first Scottish Greens elected member at the local authority elections in 2022 and is now standing for her party in the general election. 

She said a vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote for immediate action on the climate emergency. 

She said: “As a councillor, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in East Lothian and we should be clear that this is driven by the price of oil and gas – it should really be termed a ‘cost of fossil fuel’ crisis. 

“With recent confirmation that we have hit 1.5 degrees of warming, the urgency of the climate crisis demands a radical response from our politicians.” 

A third councillor, this time from Scottish Borders Council, Scott Hamilton is the Scottish Conservative candidate for the Lothian East seat. 

He took to Twitter after going door to door in the county slamming the council Labour administration. 

He said: “Speaking to residents and hearing their concerns what is really coming through is that the Labour run council here aren’t delivering for our communities and I want to change that.” 

Reform UK are also fielding a candidate in the election with retired North Berwick resident Robert Davies hoping to offer an alternative for voters. 

He said: “I have become disillusioned with the traditional political parties and can no longer see any difference between them.  They all seem to support the same crazy policies ie, Net Zero, mass illegal migration and ever more restrictive laws on free speech etc. 

“I came across Reform UK Scotland and they just seem like a breath of fresh air with sensible policies that will help to get this country back on its feet.” 

The Scottish Liberal Democrats are also hoping to have an impact in the election with their candidate Duncan Dunlop. 

The CEO of Who Cares? Scotland which supports care-experienced people, Duncan lives in Dunbar. 

He said: “I want to be Lothian East’s MP because I deeply care about our community and believe in taking real action to make our lives better. 

“For most of the last fifteen years, I’ve been the CEO of Who Cares? Scotland. Where I fought for children in care who have been dealt the worst hand. Under my leadership we didn’t just talk about change—we made it happen.” 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

Police are appealing for help to trace a teenager missing from Coupar Angus. 

Daniel MacCuish, 14, was last seen on Beeches Road in Blairgowrie, around 8.45am on Monday, 17 June, 2024. 

He is believed to have travelled to Edinburgh and may be travelling to Aberdeen. 

Daniel is described as being around 5ft 8in in height, of slim build, with brown eyes and short, brown hair.  

When last seen he was wearing a black jacket, black trousers, green/khaki trainers with a white sole and in possession of a black back pack. 

Sergeant Neil Hunter said: “Our enquiries to trace Daniel are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone who has seen him or who has any information on his whereabouts to contact us. 

“I would also appeal to Daniel himself to make contact with police so we can make sure you are okay.” 

David Gray, his coaching staff, and the first team squad will travel to the Netherlands this summer to prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 William Hill Premiership campaign. 

The Hibs party will fly out to the Netherlands on Monday 1 July, 2024, before returning home the following Monday (8 July, 2024). 

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

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

With the game being BCD unfortunately supporters cannot attend, however, they can follow the action across Hibs’ social media channels.  

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

This game will be open for a limited number of supporters, with ticket details being communicated in due course. 

Work has started on an extension to West Calder High School, to help accommodate more pupils. 

The school is being extended to cope with rising pupil numbers – more than 200 – because of ongoing housing development in the school’s catchment area. The  bill for the extension is being funded through contributions from housing developers. 

 Councillors on West Lothian Council’s Executive heard the early works are required to safely deliver the new planned £9 million extension to the school by August 2025. 

West Calder High has one of the largest catchment areas in the county  occupying the Calders, on the southern boundary of West Lothian. It stretches  from beyond Fauldhouse in the west to beyond Linburn on the border with Edinburgh. 

 It includes housing development around West Calder at Gavieside as well as the Core Development Area at Calderwood in East Calder . 

When the school was built in 2018, it was specifically designed to be extended once pupil numbers had risen high enough to require it. The extended building will again feature innovative open- plan teaching spaces. 

Councillors were assured that there would be no disruption to school life over the next year. 

East Calder councillor and Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson asked: “Is there any impact to the students while the work is going on?  If not, how is that mitigated? 

 Dr Cook “There should be no impact whatsoever in terms of the building because it is at the side of the school. It is   very similar to the extension we have completed at Calderwood Primary.” 

The extension to the west of the current building will provide essential open-plan teaching spaces over two storeys with accessible roof space for teaching, and will increase the school’s total capacity by 220 to 1,320. 

Chairing the meeting, councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick the council leader said: “We welcome the work that  has been done by officers.”  

The school has welcomed a new headteacher for the new school year. 

Gerard Higgins will take up his new role at West Calder at the start of the new academic term in August. 

He is arriving in West Lothian after five years at Rosshall Academy in Glasgow where was in the role of Depute Head Teacher with responsibility for attainment. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Plans to build two new homes next to a peat moss in the Midlothian countryside have been approved on appeal after developers revealed they would be planting nearly 2,000 new trees on the land. 

The application for the two homes adjacent to Springfield Moss, near Penicuik, was referred to Midlothian Council’s Local Review Body after planners failed to make a decision in time. 

However a meeting of the review body today heard objections from its own officers who said the homes would be too big and did not do enough to improve the land despite the trees pledge. 

And they heard there were concerns raised by National Gas Transmissions that the tree planting would be too near a high pressure gas pipe which runs through the site. 

Andrew McCafferty representing the applicants said the land had been identified in the council’s own Local Development plan for two homes of lower rural density. 

He said his client’s plans included planting 1,797 trees on the wider land as well as an additional 28 on the new properties grounds. 

Planning officers said that while a low rural density policy allowed for two houses on the site “at least 50 per cent of the site is required to be retained or created for the intention of nature conservation.” 

Speaking to the review body one officer said the policy was clear the new houses should not have a floor plan of more than 150 square metres adding the new homes, with floor plans of more than 250 square metres fell ‘far below’ policy requirements. 

She said: “The proposal is for two large houses which are not traditional in form or design and have a floor plan much in excess as stated in the policy.” 

The review body heard the houses would be built far enough away from the gas pipeline to meet concerns raised by the energy body and the number of trees to be planted may be reduced to meet their demands. 

However Councillor Russell Imrie, review body chairperson, said improving biodiversity was not  “always about trees”. 

Councillor Imrie said: “I think we go crazy about trees as the answer. There is a girl in Pathhead who has rented fields and has created wildflower meadows and is harvesting it and it is going into perfumes and some even into gin. 

“She reckons that wildflower meadow is doing more for biodiversity and helping to save the planet than trees so it is all about balance.” 

The review body unanimously agreed to grant planning permission for the homes with additional conditions to ensure biodiversity was maintained on the wider land. 

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter 

Nile Rodgers quickly permitted the audience to get up out of their seats explaining: “We’re a dance band”.

You could feel the energy between Rodgers, his backing vocalists Kimberley Davis and Audrey Martells mainline straight into the audience from the first notes of Le Freak.

There was an urgency to Everybody Dance as if it was a command delivered during the last night on earth. The front rows were full of spirited fans buoyed by Rodgers who would regularly appear at the front of the stage with his white Fender Stratocaster while sometimes exchanging a few words. He’d point at the movers and occasionally fist-pump with a fan.

Jerry Barnes on bass is an impressive talent in his own right and watching him take on the lines of the late Bernard Edwards was spellbinding. It’s impossible to measure the talent of Rodgers whose guitar work, songwriting and production skills cascade through the decades. Vocal powerhouse Kimberley Davis owns the stage during Daft Punk’s Get Lucky and Lose Yourself To Dance. What holds the eclectic set together is Rogers rhythmic and percussive playing that works like an enchantment on hit after solid gold hit. It’s effectively felt tonight on My Feet Keep Dancing especially when the brass kicks in and Barnes moves across the front the stage in time to the groove. 

Audrey Martells is on lead vocal for a show-stopping Lost In Music. The Sister Sledge hit from the summer of 1979 was cut at the Power Station in New York and still has the power to get everybody moving in the spirit during this rare theatre performance. You’d expect Nile Rodgers to go for a big finish and he doesn’t let anyone down firstly with Bowie’s Let’s Dance, another global smash from 1983. Vocals are handled by drummer Ralph Rolle who has the timbre to handle the rich and textured delivery of the original.

The big screen displays a colourful selection of pop art style images including the Aladdin Sane flash as Nile delivers the track’s sublime guitar solo. The grand finale is what else but Good Times which stretches out over ten minutes. One dedicated fan holds out a hand and Rodgers presses one of his magic red guitar picks into the lad’s palm.

A roadie accelerates onto the stage at full speed and quickly dispenses the rest into the pocket of his black shorts as if they are priceless jewels. Maybe these guitar picks hold the secret?

The magic of what we have just witnessed hangs in the air for a few moments. The sonic workout, the splicing in of Rapper’s Delight, the plaudits handed to the Scottish audience as the best “it’s true” screams one woman in the front row and she’s not wrong.

Even the rain stotting off the ground can’t dampen spirits, we “feel so alive.” 

Work on a new £9m project to bring much needed new homes for rent and young people in West Lothian. is set to start next week 

The central Livingston development will provide 48 new homes close to shops and West Lothian College. 

And modular construction plans will mean faster delivery to alleviate pressure on council waiting lists. First tenants are expected to move in next September. 

The development will see West Lothian Council become one of the first councils in the country to use modular construction to build housing. 

Councillors on the Executive approved the launch of works this week at the Almondvale Crescent site behind the Tony Macaroni restaurant. 

David Baird, Estates Manager told the meeting: “The project remains on course for completion on September 2025.” 

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick, chairing the meeting said: “Could I commend the officers on the work they have done to date. The foot is on the accelerator here. It is very much needed for the group of young people that we are reaching out to assist.” 

The proposals won planning permission earlier this year and the Executive were given the construction timetable at their recent meeting.  

Plans for the supported housing for young people consist of 28 one bed flats.  Flexible office space will be provided for staff members along with staff overnight accommodation to provide dedicated space and privacy, whilst still being on hand to assist and support the young people develop the skills they need to live and manage their home independently. 

The affordable housing element of the development will provide 20 homes consisting of 18 houses, a mix of two and three bed homes, and two flats. 

Executive councillor for housing services, George Paul joined representatives from the council and construction partners Hub South East and Modular Connect on a visit to the site earlier this year. 

Councillor Paul, said: “It is recognised that there is a need to increase social housing options in Livingston especially for young people. I was pleased to meet representatives from our construction partners during a visit to the site and look forward to working with them to deliver these new homes for Livingston.” 

Speaking after the  initial site visit the Richard Reid the acting CEO of Connect Modular, said: “Connect Modular is delighted to be working in partnership with Hub South East and West Lothian Council on this high profile affordable housing project in Livingston town centre. 

“The project team has adopted our standard design house types for the family homes and we have been working collaboratively on bespoke modular designs for the 28 cottage flats that are set to provide supported accommodation for young people. We are excited to get construction underway in our factory in the coming months, as our slick volumetric modular process promises to deliver the 49 new homes at speed. 

“Modular construction holds immense potential to transform the provision of affordable housing in Scotland and Connect Modular is proud to be leading the way, with the support of progressive partners like West Lothian Council and Hub South East on this exciting new development.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Sue Webber has been a Scottish Conservative regional MSP for Lothian since 2021.

She is now aiming to move from Holyrood to Westminster representing the Edinburgh South West constituency in UK Parliament, and hoping that her local roots will win her the seat.

Speaking outside The Scottish Parliament, the MSP spoke of her connection with the South West and Edinburgh as a whole. She calls herself a “local girl” who grew up in Baberton Mains, Juniper Green and Currie.

After attending Currie High School, Ms Webber went on to study biochemistry at The University of Edinburgh and worked for Johnson and Johnson’s Ethicon for 20 years, working closely with numerous hospitals across Scotland.

The Edinburgh South West candidate became a councillor for the Edinburgh Pentland Hills Ward in 2017 and quit that role at the council elections in 2022. At Holyrood, she is Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee.

Ms Webber said that her election campaign has been “intense”; largely due to the sudden announcement of a July election by Conservative leader, Rishi Sunak, in late May.

She said: “Everyone’s had to go straight to top gear before we had the chance to ramp anything up, so that’s been quite a transition. But I have been campaigning, albeit a bit more slowly, since I was selected to stand way back at the turn of the year. It’s great fun being out in the doors, chatting to people, it’s a great opportunity to do that and hear first-hand what people’s priorities are and where they want to see all of their elected members, no matter what level of government they’re representing, to focus on, and what’s most important to them.”

When asked about the reaction to her candidacy out in the constituency which has been an SNP seat during the last two governments, Ms Webber said that people are “very pleased” to see her standing.

She said: “I’m really well known in the area. I’ve bumped into so many old school friends, university friends, and of course, because I live within the area, and I live my life there, I’m not an unfamiliar face. I’m always at local events and keeping my profile high. So they’re all very positive, when they find out that I’m the candidate for the Conservative Party.

“They’re more than happy to tell me what is most important to them. I think it’s really important that what people expect their elected representatives to be, at whatever level it is, a real authentic voice and someone that champions them, when they don’t have that platform to meet their needs, and their voices heard. That would be my key thing.

“What I hear time and time again in Edinburgh South West is that people want to see better access to hospital appointments. They all want the roads and pavements. I know it’s such a cliché to see potholes, but I’m sorry, that’s what they want. They want investment in their infrastructure, they want to be able to get around the city and the wider area to visit their friends and family. And although those things aren’t perhaps in that Westminster portfolio in terms of the devolution, they are important. It’s important to me as an MP for that area, should I be elected, to make sure that the decisions that are made are then spent on those areas within Scotland and champion the needs of the community.”

When asked why she wants to exchange her seat in Holyrood for one in Westminster, the MSP said the constituency needed an “authentic voice” in London.

She said: “They deserve somebody to represent them that understands them, understands their community and can really provide the evidence to those that are making the decisions in power what their needs are in their local area. It might come across a little bit crass. And I might be a little bit bold. I’m not known for holding back.”

There is one aspect of Ms Webber’s candidacy that is on the minds of voters – the current UK Conservative Government. I asked Ms Webber why voting for her, and helping to maintain the current Conservative government in London, helps the people of Edinburgh South West.

Ms Webber said: “If Edinburgh South West vote Conservative MP, then that’s what they’re voting. This is not a presidential election. They’re voting for a local representative to represent them. And if they choose me, I will do everything I can to make sure their views are represented in Westminster; irrespective of who’s in charge.”

And does she think she can win?

She replied: “Of course I think I can win. I wouldn’t be standing otherwise.”

Edinburgh-based St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies is organising a sponsored walk in memory of former colleague Stevie Russell, who passed away suddenly at the end of last year.

The father-of-two, pictured, was a pillar of the community in Polbeth and had been working tirelessly to raise money for the construction of the first 3G football pitch in the West Lothian town.

Long-time president and coach at Polbeth Community FC, his dream had been to provide a facility which would keep youngsters off the streets and get them involved in sporting activities.

St Andrews, which has its West Lothian headquarters in nearby Livingston, wants to continue Stevie’s work by turning his untimely passing into a drive for positive change and continue to build awareness for the various challenges faced by the youth of Polbeth.

Taking place on Saturday, 13 July, the sponsored walk begins at St Andrews’ Stenhouse branch in Edinburgh at 10am, and will finish at Polbeth United Community FC.

Ronnie Robinson, managing director of St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies, said: “Stevie was a huge part of St Andrews, worked as our Area Sales Manager for seven years and was much loved by all his customers and staff alike. His passing has left a massive hole not only in the company but in the Polbeth community.

“Nobody has been able to take over the huge role Stevie played in organising, funding and raising awareness of the challenges the youth of Polbeth is facing. He firmly believed sports and activities was the way to promote a bright future within the youth community and we are determined to do what we can to keep his light shining bright.

“Next month’s walk will be an emotional occasion but one which we fervently hope will help us take a big step towards fulfilling Stevie’s dream.”

Polbeth Community Hub SCIO was founded in 2018, previously run by West Lothian Council.  The team at the hub provides a food bank during the day for young parents, elderly and unemployed, however the youth groups only run on a Thursday afternoon and alternative Fridays.

Anyone wishing to donate, can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/polbeth-united-1717490256310?newPage=true

Stevie is survived by his loving wife Lorraine, his two sons Stuart and Lewis and granddaughters Harper and Lydia.

Detectives are appealing for information following a robbery at a shop which took place around 9pm last night, Monday, 17 June, 2024 on Gracemount Drive. 

No-one was injured, however a two figure sum of cash was stolen. 

The suspect is described as being a man of slim build in his early 20’s.  

He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket, tracksuit bottoms, and had a green and white scarf covering his face. 

The man was seen running in the direction of Balmwell Avenue. 

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact us. 

“We also ask anyone driving in the area at the time with dashcam footage to come forward.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3667 of 17 June. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

The Returning Officer would like to highlight that the deadline for registering to take part in the UK General Election on 4 July is today.

Everyone is asked to ensure that they are on the electoral register and therefore able to take part in the election.  If they are registered, then they should have already received a poll card.  

To register for the UK election a person must be 18 years of age or over on polling day, a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, resident at an address in the UK or a UK citizen living abroad and not legally excluded from voting. 

The quickest way to register or request a postal vote is online.

To register Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To request a postal vote  Apply for a postal vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   
NOTE –  someone applying for a postal vote now will not receive it until around 27/28 June, so if they are going to be away at that time they should appoint a proxy instead.   Apply for a proxy vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To request a Voter Authority certificate (ID) Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Alternatively paper copies can be submitted to the ERO Electoral – Lothian Valuation Joint Board (lothian-vjb.gov.uk)

A teenager girl was rushed to hospital following a collision with an e-bike yesterday afternoon. 

Emergency services rushed to Dundee Street just after 5pm following reports of a crash involving a bike and a pedestrian. 

A 16-year-old girl was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and officers have confirmed inquiries are ongoing. 

The road was forced to close while investigations were carried out.  

Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 5.05pm on Monday, 17 June, to a report of a crash on Dundee Street in Edinburgh, involving a e-bike and a pedestrian. 

“The pedestrian, a 16-year-old girl, was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment and enquiries are ongoing.” 

Police say that extensive enquiries are ongoing to locate Khasha Smith, 35, who is missing from the Calder area of Edinburgh. 

Officers have established that the last known confirmed sighting of Khasha was Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. 

Her family is extremely concerned for her and are today appealing to the public for any information which could help trace Khasha. 

Khasha’s mum Nicola Neil said: “Khasha, we love you so much and just need to know you are safe. We need you home with us. 

“If anyone, anywhere, knows where Khasha is – please tell us. Please don’t let us go on like this. 

“Khasha is a brilliant mum to her three children and is loved by all our very close family. We are all sick with worry. Khasha is my friend as well as my daughter and we are living a nightmare.  

“It’s hard to find the words to explain the “not knowing” where she is and if anything has happened to her. These past few weeks have been horrendous and painful for us all. 

“I would ask anyone out there – even if we don’t know you – please come forward if you know anything at all. 

“Please help us bring Khasha home. This waiting is unbearable. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart – please get in touch. I miss her so much and we need to find her.” 
 
Khasha’s daughter Calley Smith said: “I recently had my 18th birthday and didn’t hear anything from my mum. She would never miss my birthday, my sisters’ birthdays, or Christmas. 

“It’s just not her. We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug. It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.  
 
“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her. 
 
“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.” 
 
Khasha is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair. She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist and says ‘Forever’. 
 
She is known to visit the Gorgie, Broomhouse and Wester Hailes areas. 
 
Khasha always maintains contact with her family. However, none of her relatives or her friends have seen, or heard from her, and this is very distressing for them. 
   
Specialist officers are supporting and keeping in close contact with Khasha’s family.   
 
A number of national resources have been used in the search for Khasha including the dog branch, underwater unit and specialist search officers. 
 
Enquiries are ongoing and officers are again appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. 
 
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: “Khasha’s family are understandably extremely worried about her. 
 
“We have a dedicated team of officers who are working around the clock to find her and get answers for her family. 
 
“While we are keeping an open mind, and continue to hope Khasha will be found safe and well, we have to consider the possibility that she may have to come to harm. We must consider all possibilities. 
 
“Our enquiries are ongoing and a key focus of our investigation is continuing to build up a picture of Khasha’s life in the months prior to her disappearance. 
 
“We are keen to speak to any of Khasha’s friends who may have information about her whereabouts before the last known confirmed sighting of her on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. 
 
 
“It is absolutely vital that we find Khasha and I would again ask anyone with information – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January, 2024.” 

Edinburgh International Festival opening event

The details of the Edinburgh International Festival opening night event have been released. The multi-art form spectacle will take place in the grounds of George Heriot’s School on Lauriston Place. The event is sponsored by The Macallan and created by Pinwheel.

More details here.

Songworks Concert

General Election Hustings 2024

There will be an election hustings at breakfast time on 19 June (yes that is tomorrow) in the Kimpton Charlotte Square. The event will be hosted by We Do Scotland. Tickets here are £28 for non-members which includes breakfast.

These are the hustings we know of – (one is on tonight) – if you know of any others then please let us know

St Mark’s Portobello

A private donor has gifted £1 million to National Churches Trust to help preserve churches and other buildings for the future. With the £100,000 grant St Mark’s in Portobello hope to increase their revenue back to pre-pandemic levels when they have carried out repairs to the interior of the building.

Read more here.

Support for local independent news

Please help us to keep on bringing the local news to our readers in all forms – in print, online and on social media for free without any paywalls by booking your local advertising here, buying a paper or making a donation if you are able to. Our next paper

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Dan Heap has been a councillor since 2022, representing the Sighthill/Gorgie ward.

He is now standing for the Edinburgh South West seat in the UK general election.

Mr Heap told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I’ve lived in the South West constituency for 10 years now – just coming up 10 years. I’ve been a councillor for two years, so I know the area very well. I know the challenges it has and I think, having been a councillor, I’ll be able to speak up in Westminster in the same way I’ve been able to in council.”

As an MP, Mr Heap’s primary focus would be on addressing the climate crisis.

He said: “I think the thing we can bring is a strong voice on the climate emergency. Just about 50 metres away from where we are now, we have the Water of Leith, and part of that has washed away further upstream in the constituency because of extreme rainfall. And that is showing in every constituency in Edinburgh, every constituency in the country. And here in Edinburgh South West we are seeing the effects of climate change.”

Asked if his familiarity with the constituency will stand him in good stead, the candidate was optimistic.

He said: “I would hope so. I’ve been a councillor for two years now and I think I have taken positive action locally. I’ve been involved in the highlighting of Gorgie Farm, they need to get that reopened as soon as possible. I actually passed the motion with unanimous support to make sure it wasn’t handed out to a private company, which was absolutely the wrong thing to do.”

Before entering politics, Mr Heap was a university lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, specialising in social security. As a councillor, his roles have included positions on the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee and the Culture and Communities Committee.

A new free event has been devised to open the Edinburgh International Festival this year in partnership with the 200-year-old The Macallan.

Opening Event: Where to Begin is expected to attract thousands to an outdoor experience at the George Heriot’s School on Lauriston Place on three evenings at the beginning of August.

Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 18 June at midday from www.eif.co.uk at £15 with concessions also available.

The event will respond to the festival theme Rituals That Unite Us. The grounds of the school – never used as a festival venue before – will be transformed with live performance, immersive installation, music and large-scale video projection. Taking place just as the evening falls the projections will be audio described and captioned.

The spectacle will take inspiration from the landscape in the capital where George Heriot’s will come alive with a flicker of flames. Thereafter a journey will ensue through video projections which will allow the audience to congregate and experience the story of why everyone is gathered in the one place.

The site-specific experience draws on a combined heritage between the single malt Scotch whisky and the festival of celebrating the creativity, excellence and height of achievement that lies within the Scottish identity. Intricately weaving together stories of Scottish mythology and heritage, participatory moments of the event are anchored in Scottish history, such as the Scottish New Year tradition (Hogmanay) of First Footing and the people of Edinburgh’s donations of coal to light up Edinburgh Castle for the
very first International Festival in 1947.

Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti said: “This year, we’ve invited everyone to participate in our 2024 theme, Rituals That Unite Us. Opening Event: Where to Begin in partnership with The Macallan, marks the first of a new ritual, both for our Festival and the city. We know audiences will be blown away by this spectacle, and we’re proud to show the formidable creative power and potential of Edinburgh and its people to the world. It’s an event that beckons us to find new ways to experience and appreciate our city.”

Jaume Ferràs, Global Creative Director, The Macallan, said:”I’m proud to see The Macallan’s creative partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival come to life in August. Both the International Festival and The Macallan hold a deep commitment to excellence and artistic innovation, rooted in our shared, rich Scottish heritage.

“As The Macallan celebrates our 200th anniversary this year, we are proud to partner with the International Festival to create an unmissable start to the festival season. Where to Begin will captivate audiences with stories of Scotland’s past, present and future, and will offer the inspiration that only a live event like this can offer.”

Creative Director of Pinwheel, Katy Fuller said: “I’m thrilled to create a new Opening Event for Edinburgh International Festival in partnership with The Macallan. Our story pays tribute to this most remarkable of cities and the unstoppable creative energy which pervades it every August. We celebrate the alchemy that happens when exceptional artistry meets expectant audience and the connection, emotion and inspiration that characterises a festival in full force. We look forward to welcoming audiences to join us and play their part in igniting the 2024 International Festival.”