A fire broke out on Friday at the council’s Barnton depot on Queensferry Road.

The council is nearing a deal with Network Rail to acquire the former Powderhall Railway Line which could then be used as an off-road path.

While the negotiations have continued designed work was put on hold, to restart when an agreement was near which council officers now say it is.

The rail infrastructure company had a long term lease with the former operator of the old waste transfer station and Network Rail have to end that to allow the council to acquire the land under a lease.

A spokesperson for The City of Edinburgh Council said that talks have been positive although the land has yet to be valued.

Transport Convener Cllr Scott Arthur said it is a real possibility and will allow the council to create a direct active travel route from Piershill to Powderhall. He said: “I think that will be very welcome, and if we can get funding to deliver that route it could be transformative in that area. A lease from Network Rail would just be a first step. Following that we would have to consult on it, design the route and we would then have to get the cash to deliver it. So there will be no short term changes here.”

There is a housing regeneration project on one side of Powderhall so the discussion seems to have come at the right time. Below is a map investigated by the recent feasibility study.

The council is to introduce a pilot scheme trialling 7-7-7 bus lanes. This means bus lanes which will be enforced from 7am to 7pm, 12 hours every day.

While the consultation carried out last year attracted a mixed response and so council officers have proposed a trial on the route of the Lothian bus service 44 which travels from Balerno to Wallyford, a journey of one hour and 16 minutes.

The bus signage will be altered along the route and then the time plates advising drivers that it will be enforced all day will be put up.

This will run for 18 months under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), and will be monitored and evaluated before any other 7-7-7 bus lanes are introduced. The council would look at passenger numbers and vehicle speeds, bus reliability and reduced journey times.

Cllr Scott Arthur Transport Convener said: “If you live somewhere like Balerno where it can take so long to get into the city using public transport. With or without 7-7-7 improving public transport connectivity into the city right along that Lanark Road route is really important. It can be a real bottleneck in parts, and it only takes one set of roadworks and the whole thing grinds to a halt. A lot of people don’t have alternative routes so improving public transport along that route is absolutely key.”

Bus lanes also feature in the West Edinburgh Transport Improvement Plan where they will be a core part of the £36.6 million public transport and active travel improvements which itself is a part of a larger scheme costing £72.3 million. It is recognised that bus lanes and bus priority would improve access to several rural areas on the outskirts of the city. It is hoped that bus journey times would also be reduced.

The council is to remove the rusty planters placed on Leith Walk as part of Trams to Newhaven.

There are 46 planters made of COR-TEN steel placed on Leith Walk as part of the tram project. The finish which gives them a rusty look, and which means the surface never requires to be painted, has been the subject of much comment on social media, and mainly as a result of the public reaction, most of these will now be replaced.

But the sad news is that of the 46 trees planted, 16 have been snapped in half – and the council accuses members of the public.

The planters are also filled with litter and cigarette butts, they have been covered in graffiti – although some locals have used them to plant vegetables and herbs.

Following a discussion with the parks team it has been decided to move the planters to park locations and to disused bowling greens where they can be set up as mini allotments. Possible locations include Leith Links, Inverleith Park, Saughton Park, Inch Park, and St Mark’s Park. Some may however be left in place if locals can help to maintain them.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener, said: “With the level of vandalism that these are attracting the council cannot continue to support them, so we have made the decision to remove them. They will then be used elsewhere as allotment space where there is demand. There are some smaller planters in this style in my ward in Colinton and they have been there for many years where I think most people like them.”

The council will also look at ways of introducing additional trees on the route adding to their contribution to the Edinburgh Million tree project. And the council will also work with community councils to find alternatives for Leith Walk.

The council contractor SFN used planters as council officers say “utilities under pavements made it impossible to install tree pits and trees”. The tram route was dug up not once but twice and it appears that the contractors failed to identify suitable locations for any trees during those excavations.

Following months of traffic monitoring since Edinburgh Trams started running down Leith Walk, the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road will be reinstated, if councillors agree next week.

This will be achieved by way of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), and it is hoped it will alleviate congestion. The present arrangement of blocking the left hand turn forces traffic onto the Picardy Place roundabout which is adding to congestion.

Officers have found about 10 seconds from the traffic light sequence which will allow this move. In 2020 the ban was introduced to allow for a single phase pedestrian crossing. While the single phase can be maintained officers have now modelled a solution which will allow traffic to veer off Leith Walk before arriving at the roundabout. It is hoped that the change will “benefit the overall operation of Picardy Place.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area.

“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.

“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.

“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”

If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

The council installed 330 bus trackers on the street in the last several months, but confusingly the system has not shown up to date information on bus movements of any of the 15 operators which use it until now.

Transport Convener, Cllr Scott Arthur confirmed that Lothian Buses has now installed bus trackers on at least 550 of their fleet of 700 buses, but testing continues for now. It is envisaged that the system will show live information for Lothian by the middle of next month.

Council officers continue to speak with bus operators to ensure that the data displayed is accurate. The bus tracker system will also be used by other local authorities in the area.

Any disruption to services will not be displayed until August this year.

Paul Black, 65, was found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 17 May, 2024.

Paul McNaughton, 29, previously pled guilty to murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 2 August, 2023.

Dr Coshan, of Edinburgh, was last seen in the Seafield Road area of Leith, on Thursday, 11 August, 2022 and was reported missing the next day.

Following extensive enquiries by Police Scotland’s Major Investigations Teams, and our partners, his body was found on land close to the A696 near the village of Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland on Sunday, 4 September, 2022.

Dr Coshan’s family have released the following statement via Police Scotland: “Firstly, we would like to thank Police Scotland, including our family liaison officers, for the support they have given us since Peter went missing in August 2022. 

“We would like thank everyone who took part in the search for Peter and the investigation that took place afterwards. 

“So many people have been involved in this process and too many to mention. 

“Our appreciation also to the court service for their support and ensuring we were kept in the picture about the progress of the case.

“We have been grateful for the constant support from our own family and friends, along with Peter’s friends from Fettes College and his university days, amongst others. Their continued support has without doubt helped us through this nightmare and has been an amazing display of the best of human nature.

“This is in stark contrast to the worst of human nature, which was displayed by the individual who took Peter’s life.

“We remain horrified that anybody could have treated a vulnerable 75-year-old in such a despicable manner. Our life will never be the same and we will always ask the question – ‘What if?’.

“There is of course no answer to ‘What if’, as events have overtaken us and there is no going back in time. 

“However, we have happy memories of Peter and can reflect on the positive impact he had on so many people’s lives. We would ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”

Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, senior investigating officer, said: “This was a horrendous crime which has left Dr Coshan’s family absolutely devastated and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

“Not only did McNaughton brutally take Dr Coshan’s life, he then set out to get away with his crimes by callously disposing of his body at a layby almost 100 miles away from his home.

“His despicable actions showed no regard for his life, or for the suffering and anguish he caused his relatives and friends.

“This was a challenging and complex investigation involving a range of specialist officers working closely with Northumbria Police and our partners in forensic services. 

“I would also like to thank the public for their support throughout the investigation.”

Edinburgh Council will “open a dialogue” with the owners of Summerhall in a bid to ensure it is not lost as an arts centre.

The Southside venue – one of the city’s busiest during the Fringe – was put up for sale earlier this week, casting doubt over its future.
While managers say they are committed to Summerhall’s “long-term survival”, the property listing with CuthbertWhite states the former vet school offered “significant redevelopment” options including as a hotel, offices or student housing and this has exacerbated fears its days as a major cultural hub aremnumbered.

However the selling agents also state the building – which is home to over 110 businesses – is being sold with the current leases intact.

An emergency motion tabled by Edinburgh Council’s SNP group on Thursday and passed unanimously, highlighted the importance of the centre’s “role to the cultural fabric of Edinburgh as a capital city”.
Councillors agreed the local authority would “open a dialogue” with owners Oesselmann Estates Limited “to ascertain what support the city council can offer that would help secure the sustainability and future of Summerhall and its vibrant programme of events, community projects, visual arts and exhibitions”.
A similar Green Group motion, also backed by all members of the culture and communities committee, added that any change of use of the venue would be a would be a “severely negative development” but noted the recent effort to save the Filmhouse was a “welcome precedent”.
It requested that culture and communities convener Val Walker and council leader Cammy Day “meet urgently with the owners of the building to explore how they can ensure Summerhall continues to provide outstanding culture and events space, and homes to businesses”.
Meanwhile a petition to ‘preserve Summerhall as a cultural hub in Edinburgh’ has amassed almost 10,000 signatures in under a week.

Summerhall said its 2024 Fringe programme would go ahead as planned, and promised that any sale would “ensure the arts are front and centre of any decisions that may be made in the future”.
SNP councillor Finlay McFarlane, who tabled the emergency motion, said: “I am delighted that my emergency motion found unanimous political support at committee. As when the Filmhouse entered difficulties it is vital that we are using our civic voice to express the cultural importance of Summerhall remaining a centre for community and the arts.
“Any potential future owner of Summerhall should be playing close attention to the outpouring of support and strength of public feeling about its future.
“The motion also means that our council officers can start a dialogue to establish any ways in which we can contribute to support the tenant organisations and play our part in planning for a long-term sustainable future.
“In the meantime, Summerhall is open for business and the best way we can practically all rally around it is to visit, buy a coffee or tickets to their fantastic upcoming Fringe season. I know I will be!”

Cllr Day said: “I was disappointed to see the news that Summerhall is set to be sold and I understand the concern for the future of this well-loved cultural institution.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and will continue to do so alongside our partners. I’m encouraged to see that this matter will also be raised by the Member for Edinburgh East with the Scottish Government.
“We remain in dialogue with the operators and have an emergency meeting in place to discuss these new developments.
“We’re committed to preserving and enhancing the capital’s wider cultural sector going forward and the Summerhall site forms an important part of this.”

Pianodrome

At Pianodrome this weekend there will be a free concert by Sophie Joint. The concert begins at 4pm on 18 May at the Warehouse 28 West Harbour Road EH5 1PN.

Sophie Joint is a piano player from Glasgow who has been brought up playing both Scottish and Irish traditional music. Having recently graduated from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she is enjoying a career of performing and teaching within the Scottish music scene. With strong traditional roots, Sophie draws influences from other styles including classical and jazz shaping her own unique sound. She was recently a finalist in the BBC Young Traditional Musician of The Year competition in 2022, and has been a winner of the Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections. 

She has recently released her debut solo album ‘Light on Water’. The album encapsulates the inspiration she finds from Scotland’s unique and varied seascapes – the music reflects the different moods created by the constantly changing textures and sounds of the sea. The music video for the single ‘Apricity’ was filmed at Wardie Bay thanks to the team at Pianodrome. They wheeled a grand piano out onto the pier on one of the coldest days of the year. Sophie is looking forward to coming back to Granton to play some of the album live at the Pianodrome’s lunch time concert. 

Edinburgh Napier journalism students win big

Journalism students at Edinburgh Napier were among the winners at The Herald 2024 Student Press Awards

Read more here

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Pollinator Picnic at Lauriston Farm

On Saturday there will be a free pollinator picnic from 12.30 to 2.30pm at Lauriston Farm – all part of the Lauriston Farm Agroecology Open Day and a chance to eat fresh fruit and picnic food “made possible by the secret helpers in our food system”.. It will be run by artist Natalie Taylor who is responsible for seeding the grassy area opposite the red bridge on Ferry Road making it a haven for bees.

Vinyl sale this weekend

The whole vinyl collection amassed by DJ, radio presenter and music lover, Lenny Love, during his lifetime will be sold on Sunday at Voodoo Rooms. Lenny sadly died earlier this year.

Further details here.

Steven Naismith (pictured) believes Hearts have enjoyed a “really good” season collectively and individually and he would love to finish on 70 points from the season.

However, the two defeats to Rangers in the Viaplay Cup and Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup, semi-finals have jarred.

It’s the Ibrox men who visit Tynecastle on Saturday giving Hearts the chance to finish the season on a high with a confidence-boosting victory.

Stephen Kingsley and Jorge Grant return to the squad for the final league game of the season and everybody else is fit for selection apart from the long-term injured.

It’s a game Naismith, a former Ibrox player, has prepared for with his usual thoroughness and he takes positives from the previous encounters.

The head coach said: “They have been close apart from one. Small details matter in games like this.”

Rangers bid to land the cinch Premiership ended in midweek when Celtic beat Kilmarnock and Rugby Park but Naismith feels that the Ibrox men have a cup final to prepare for.

Tynecastle will packed for the game and fans will provide a good atmosphere and Naismith said: “Hopefully, we can give a performance to match.”  

Edinburgh councillors have reacted furiously after being presented with plans to reduce opening hours at some city libraries, despite them voting against the move just last year.

Officers were accused of putting elected members in a “very difficult position” and acting “dangerously” by seeking approval for a consultation on changes to library service times against their expressed wish.

Council officers say the library estate could be “maximised” by “redistributing” operational hours across the city – closing some branches earlier and others later.

All options currently on the table, set out in a report, would result in “an overall net increase to opening hours across the city” and save the cash-strapped authority between £70,000 and £225,000 a year.

However as councillors agreed to review the library service to develop a new “strategy and vision” in December, they agreed it should not lead to any being closed or having their opening hours reduced.

Cllr Phil Doggart said he was left “a little confused” as the report went before the Culture and communities committee on Thursday.

“The motion is very clear,” he said, “no libraries to be closed or have their opening hours reduced as a result of the review. That is really quite straightforward. That is no library. But yet in the report we are being asked to reconsider.”

Under standing orders a decision made by councillors cannot be changed within six months.

Cllr Dan Heap said: “That’s something we indicated on the 7th of December that we didn’t want. So doesn’t this fall under the six month rule?”

Libraries chief Evelyn Kilmurry said the plan was “purely about redistributing, I suppose, opening hours across the city”.

She told councillors after weighing up all evidence gathered from initial engagement with the public and library staff officials felt it was appropriate to include adjusting hours in the next consultation.

“We have a responsibility to make sure our services are reaching as many people as possible and are as successful as possible and as well as that are financially sustainable,” she said, adding: “I’m conscious that the options here do, for some communities, result in a reduction in opening hours.”

The report said the “majority” of public library staff who indicated opening hours could be improved “suggested a reduction to evening hours based on their perceptions of low use”.

Cllr Doggart asked if officers were saying councillors “got it wrong” and were now asking them to “change their minds”.

He added: “I think this is really important, actually, and I think this is an important principle for the committee.

“The decision was taken in December – no libraries closing, no changes to opening hours – we’re now being asked five months later to reverse that decision.

“That I think is very dangerous. And it’s putting us in a very difficult position. If you’re saying that evidence is now available that this is different, I accept that.

“But whether officers like it or not councillors made a democratic decision and I think it is challenging to expect elected members to accept a proposal which was thrown out five months ago. Challenging, I also think it’s dangerous. I think it creates a precedent and it should not be considered until at least six months have gone by.”

Joan Parr, director of culture and well-being, said: “We did consider this closely, but it was as the evidence, as we were gathering evidence, and we saw that reduction in usage of the libraries after five o’clock, after six o’clock, after seven o’clock and thinking about the financial implications of that across the city given the financial pressures libraries are under, we thought there was a case to bring back to committee.”

Cllr Val Walker, Labour culture and communities convener, said she also “felt very strongly that overall we didn’t want a reduction in opening hours” was “comfortable with putting out to consultation the suggestion that over all of the city there’s no reduction in opening hours”.

She added: “Some individual libraries that have longer opening hours could close an hour earlier and that time, rather than being lost in terms of libraries, would be reallocated to the libraries with shorter opening hours. That is very much for consultation and it might not be supported.”

The committee agreed to refer the report to the next full council meeting on June 27 for a final decision.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

After almost 20 years and 600 appearances, Hibs legend, Lewis Stevenson, has graced the Easter Road pitch for the final team.  

Alongside fellow stalwart, Paul Hanlon, the two received an emotional farewell from the Hibees faithful in their final home game against Motherwell.

On an emotional night, the pair put on one last show for their adoring supporters, keeping a clean sheet as the side won 3-0 on the back of a turbulent few days for the club following the sacking of Nick Montgomery.

Stevenson said: “I didn’t know what to expect after the last 40 hours. It’s all been pretty mental at the club.

“I was a bit worried that it was going to peter out to nothing. The boys put on a performance, not just for us, but for everyone. For the fans, we all needed it.

“Just the appreciation we got at the end and the support and the thank you for us. To the fans as well, because they’ve been through everything with us. It was an emotional night.”

Ever the professional, even in his final home game he refused to take a penalty Hibs to create the perfect send-off, he said: “I didn’t want to take it anyway. Maybe if it was the last minute and we were still 3-0 up, I might have taken it. We wanted to win the game.”

The word “legend” often gets flown around in modern football, but “Lewy” is the dictionary definition, he is the only Hibernian player in the club’s history to have won both domestic cups and holds the record for most league appearances.

Even after such a long period in the one place, it is clear the admiration Stevenson still holds for Hibs, he said: “I think there have been boys that have been here for a while and that just shows a glimpse of how special this club can be. Me and Paul spoke after the game and said that could galvanise the club and hopefully things start going in the right direction.

People get a glimpse of that. If you get a slight bit of success at this club, it’s a special place to play football. The fans want something to cheer about. If we can do that on the pitch, then it’s an amazing place to be.”

Following the final whistle, the two departing heroes received a guard of honour from their teammates, then, alongside their families took the home fans’ applause for the final time, poetically accompanied by the tune of Sunshine on Leith.

The coming summer will bring a huge amount of change for Hibs and the club may look vastly different at the start of next season, proven by the fact that Stevenson and Hanlon will no longer be around.

For a generation of young Hibs supporters, the club will look unrecognisable without the legendary and irreplaceable modern greats.

Scotland has an official “housing emergency”. The Scottish Parliament declared this to be so on Wednesday, as if it were a surprise. 

We now have to add this to the “climate emergency” and the “drugs emergency” and you can see we are living in dangerous times.

Average house prices are rising five times faster than in the UK as a whole at 1.1 per cent a year, and by over 10 per cent in leafy hotspots. The average house price is now £194,000. Rents are up 11 per cent. We have 30,000 people on housing waiting lists, 16,000 of them in temporary accommodation. 1,500 people are sleeping rough on the streets of our cities. The number of new homes being build is down 13 per cent and the number of social houses being built by housing associations is at its lowest level for 30 years. 

I wonder how useful these emergency declarations are. Yes, they raise awareness of the problem for a few weeks but then we seem to fall down exhausted when we realise what has to be done. The climate emergency resulted in us simply abandoning the carbon reduction targets for 2030. The drug emergency has resulted in drug deaths rising by 13 per cent in the last year.  No doubt we will have more “emergencies” – for the NHS, for schools, for prisons, for council services. And the more emergencies there are, the more used to them we will become and the less we will do about them. 

To be fair, the SNP government has been reluctant to declare the housing emergency – it voted against the idea last November when the Labour Party suggested it.  But now the SNP are in a minority, they are in a more collegiate mood and willing to go along with other parties’ ideas.  Of course, Labour only used  the magic word “emergency” to show how neglectful the SNP government have been over the housing crisis.  They cut the budget for social housing by £200m or 26 per cent in the last budget.  

The SNP say that’s because of a 9 per cent cut in their capital budget imposed by the Westminster and they’ve challenged the opposition parties to say where the money to build more homes should come from. As usual, the challenge has gone unanswered.

It’s worth comparing our faltering politicians with the post-war governments, both Labour and Conservative, who had the courage and vision to build whole new towns, Garden Cities, as part of the re-construction of Britain after 5 weary and expensive years of war.  I live in one of these ambitious garden suburbs, the Inch Estate on the south side of Edinburgh.  Over 700 homes were built in just four years, complete with shops, a doctor’s surgery, a school and a third of the land reserved for parks and greenspace.  After the cramped and unwholesome tenements in the city centre, this was luxury. And the estate is still in good condition today.

The same was happening all over Britain. 1.2 million homes were built between 1946 and 1951.  The latest housing plan from the Scottish government envisages 100,000 affordable homes being built over the next 20 years, at a cost of £33bn.  But targets, as we have discovered, can be postponed or abandoned.  And the obstacles are substantial – government austerity, high interest rates, planning regulations and the rising cost of living.    

It’s deeply annoying that house building is so slow and so expensive, because it is fundamental to tackling so many other problems…unemployment, family break-downs, child poverty, poor school attainment, drug and alcohol abuse. It is also easier to cut the public housing budget than virtually everything else because it’s a long-term project. The Scottish government has chosen to spend its money on solving immediate problems instead – heading off strikes in the NHS, schools and local councils.  

It must be tempting for governments to give up trying to solve the housing crisis and leave it all to the private sector. This was Mrs Thatcher’s approach, selling off council houses and loosening regulations. But then we also give up on the public advantages that come with affordable housing.  The poor will be left on the streets. Housing association tenants will face higher rents, to pay for new house-building. And young people will see the price of houses outstrip their ability to sustain a mortgage.  

As always, there are innovative solutions.  “Co-housing” for instance, in which a group of people share the communal spaces and services of a larger building but still have their own private apartments. Large retail stores and offices in the city centres that are no longer required because of changes in our shopping and working habits, could be bought at knock-down prices and converted into flats, either by private companies or co-operatives.  But these need brave individuals, entrepreneurial banks and helpful governments to make them work.     

In short, we need someone to take “the emergency” seriously. I’m so lucky that, back in the tough times of the 1950s, Edinburgh Council found the courage and the inspiration to build my garden village.      

Heart of Midlothian go into Saturday’s final cinch Premiership clash boosted by news that star striker Lawrence Shankland has been given a fifth award.

The 28-year-old is now confirmed as the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year top add to the cinch Premiership Player of the Year title, the PFA Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and the Fans’ Player of the Year awards.

Shankland has netted on 30 occasions this year including his cheeky finish with his back to goal which earned The Jambos a draw at St Mirren on their last outing in midweek.

He is the first Hearts player to hit the 30 mark since John Robertson in 1988 and Shankland had strong competition for the award in Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland, outstanding Celtic star Matt O’Reilly and Macedonian-born striker Bojan Miovski who has scored 16 goals in 37 games for Aberdeen this term.

Craig Gordon, Hearts’ long-serving goalkeeper, has also won the Sports Writers’ Award and that was in 2022. On to Saturday and the match against the men from Ibrox kicks-off at 12.30.

Hearts are third in the table with 67 points from 37 games. They have scored 51 goals and let in 39 and have won one and drawn two of their last four and have won 20 games, drawn seven and lost ten this term.

Rangers are runners-up in the cinch Premiership behind Celtic and they have collected 84 points from their 37 outings, scoring 84 goals and letting in 29. The visitors have won 27 games, drawn three and lost seven.

Of course, Rangers beat Hearts in key games this term, winning semi-final ties in both the Viaplay Cup and Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden.

Meanwhile, Tynecastle bosses have confirmed that Peter Haring, Michael McGovern, and Andy Halliday will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer.

Haring has spend six years at Tynecastle, helping the men in maroon to the Scottish Cup Final in 2019, Hearts’ promotion campaign in 2021 and third place finishes in 2021/22 and 2023/24.

Bosses have confirmed that at full-time in the game against Rangers, the first team and coaching staff will head into the dressing room before returning shortly after to form a guard of honour for the departing players.

The squad and coaching staff will then do a lap of honour, heading left in the direction of the Main Stand/Gorgie Stand and then making their way around the pitch.

 A spokesman said: “This is an opportunity for fans and players to show their appreciation of each other and we encourage supporters to remain inside the stadium at full-time to take part.”

PICTURE: Lawrence Shankland celebrates another goal. Picture by David Mollison

Early birds at newly-reopened Newlands Tweeddale Fishery near Gifford have enjoyed great sport with over 50 fish caught by one man.

Other reports have indicated catches of over 40 and into the 30s and bosses aim to make Tweeddale, once dubbed one of Scotland’s favourite small water fisheries and a popular venue for anglers in the Lothians, a destination fishery.

Sport is available seven days a week from 9am to 9pm and Derek Plenderleith, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the Derbyshire-based owner, confirmed that the first anglers to cast a line have been impressed since opening day and on trial days which saw one angler hook into 46 fish and another 45.

Anglers have come from Northumberland and all over the Lothians and Edinburgh to try the once popular water near Gifford which closed last October. 

Groundwork to improve the road and car parking has been completed, the banks have been cut and tons of rubbish collected.

Caravans, which were on site, have been moved and Derek, who also looks after shooting on the 800-acre estate on which the fishery sits, confirmed that the fishery hut has been repainted both inside and outside to blend in with the surrounding landscape. A wood burning stove will be installed.

The site is covered by the latest high-tech surveillance gear to ensure it is well protected.

There are three lakes at the site, two for fly fishing, and they are open, but the bait pond is closed at the moment.

The new boss said: “We held a poll on social media and 99 per cent were in favour of making the first pond for fly fishing beginners and bait anglers with the other two ponds for fly fishermen.

“We have been surprised by the amount of work we have had to do since taking over, however, we have been really pleased with the interest there is in the fishery which has been re-stocked with fish from 3lb to 5lb around two weeks ago.” 

He added: “Overall, our aim is to bring this back into a really good fishery once again and that will take time, but anglers who have been here already are really pleased with the sport they have had.

“Two guys came from Morpeth for one of our test days and they came back a few days later for another session, that is a testament to the quality of the sport and the fish here.”

For the record, floating lines have been favoured by anglers and best patterns so far have been hawthorn, buzzer, diawl bach and blue flash damsel.

PICTURE: The top loch at Tweeddale, historically the most popular at the fishery. Picture by Nigel Duncan

At the Herald Student Press Awards Edinburgh Napier journalism students were among the winners at an awards ceremony held in Glasgow on Wednesday evening, hosted by Herald editor Catherine Salmond and editor-in-chief, Callum Baird.

Catherine Salmond said: “This is one small way The Herald can acknowledge aspiring journalist’s efforts and achievements, share the joys of our fantastic industry, and encourage young people that if they want to take their talents further in this trade, they absolutely can – and should.

“This job allows people to drive meaningful, important change, hold power to account and give a voice to those who may not otherwise have one.

“The judging panel was impressed by both quality in all submissions. Choosing the winners was a difficult task and the standard of work shows that there is an abundance of talent among the next generation of young Scottish journalists.”

Jamie Smith and Stuart Moyes won the award for the best use of Multimedia for Globe unpacked a Radio ENRG podcast, and Ciaran Foreman was declared Sports Writer of the Year.

The awards were sponsored by Weber Shandwick and took place in the Herald’s Bath Street offices. There were nine categories and judges included the mighty Kevin McKenna, Herald writer, Derek McArthur who is engagement editor, Newsquest group editor West Scotland, Gillian Murphy and production editor Mike McKenzie. Some of the prizes include paid internships with the paper.

Jamie said:”Stuart and I were thrilled to pick up this award for work on our international affairs podcast which we started this year outside our coursework for the MA Journalism programme at Napier. It’s an incredible level of recognition for our collaboration on this – having The Herald show appreciation for what we have produced. Cannot thank them enough. So many talented nominees – we’re very pleased.”

Stuart said: “I’m beyond thrilled that our podcast actually won. It’s incredibly encouraging to receive this kind of feedback and recognition for a project we worked so hard to make as strong and as professional as we could. As student journalists, we’re no strangers to self-doubt or crises of confidence, and things like this really help remind us what we’re capable of. I’m incredibly grateful to The Herald for that.”

Ciaran won the award for Best Sports Writer. He said: “It was an amazing feeling to win the award. I can’t lie, there’s a lot of feelings of impostor syndrome when you’re trying to make it in the industry, but my family and all the staff at Napier have been so supportive of me and my work. So, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Carolyn Scott, Lecturer in Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University said: “We have the great pleasure of working with talented up-and-coming journalists every day, and it is wonderful to see our students gain recognition in the wider industry. We are incredibly proud of the eight students who received nominations, ranging from first-year undergraduates to Master’s students. We were especially proud and delighted to see three of our students win in two categories.

“We are also deeply grateful to the Herald for relaunching this initiative and supporting the future generation of reporters. We look forward to participating again next year.”

Lecturer Miranda Hurst said: “So proud of our Edinburgh Napier University Journalism students who triumphed in The Herald Scotland student journalist awards. Huge congratulations to Stuart Moyes and Jamie Smith on winning Best Use of Multi Media for their podcast and Ciran Foreman for winning Sports Writer of the Year. Big shout out too to Bohdan Tymoschchuk for being nominated as Columnist of the Year (what an achievement for a first year student!) and our MAs Bethany Lee, Anna Flynn, Veronica Buccino and Lauren Cameron for being nominated for their ENRG podcast. Thanks to Catherine Salmond and her team for making it such a great event.”

Awards

The full list of finalists and winners in the Scottish Student Press Awards:

Best use of Multi-Media

Chloe Liddell, BrigCast, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling

Bethany Lee, Anna Flynn, Veronica Buccino & Lauren Cameron, Head First Podcast (ENRG Podcasts).

Jamie Smith & Stuart Moyes, Globe Unpacked (Radio ENRG Podcasts) – Winner

Design of the Year (Newspaper or Magazine)

Freya Deyell, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling

Kirstie Clark, Sober, Robert Gordon University – Winner

Columnist of the Year

Bohdan Tymoshchuk, Edinburgh Napier University

Callum Devereux, The Student, The University of Edinburgh

Jess Urquhart, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling – Winner

Katie McKay, Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow

Features Writer of the Year

Fiona Brown, Glasgow Standard, Glasgow Caledonian University

Jamie Smith, Surge & ENRG Culture, Edinburgh Napier University

Kirstie Clark, Sober, Robert Gordon University

Niamh Flanagan, The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow – Winner

Omar Malik, Blether Magazine, University of Strathclyde

Rhiannon McGovern, The Strathclyde Telegraph, University of Strathclyde

News Writer of the Year

• Athina Bohner, The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow
• Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen – Winner
• Nicholas Malizia, The Student, The University of Edinburgh

Sports Writer of the Year

• Ciaran Foreman, Scot Shot, Edinburgh Napier University – Winner
• Nathan Hassett, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
• Oliver Kennedy, The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen

Student News Brand of the Year

• Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
• The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen
• The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow – Winner

Student Journalist of the Year

• Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The University of Aberdeen

The Jim Clark Rally from May 24 to 26 promises to be the best in over a decade with more stages, more cars and world-class drivers tackling the closed-road event.

The start is at Duns before the drivers tackle six stages in the moorlands and lanes around the town, including the popular Langton Mill test and its water-splash.

Chris Ingram, the M-Sport Ford, 2019 European Rally champion, and co-driver Alex Kihurani, will lead the field away in their Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Ingram returns to tackle the Jim Clark for the first time since 2013.

Keith Cronin is the second seed alongside co-driver Mikie Galvin in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Cronin won the event in 2022.

Both face stern competition from the Fiestas of 2022 British Rally Champion, Osian Pryce, and 2023 Junior World Rally Champion, William Creighton.

Pryce arrives in Duns having won the most recent round of the British championship, while Creighton – who has been second on both BRC events thus far – is in-from the latest world championship round in Portugal.

A trio of Duns drivers – Euan Thorburn, Garry Pearson and Dale Robertson – compete and also flying the flag for Scotland is Max McRae, the latest talent from the McRae rallying dynasty. The 19-year-old is a winner in the Junior European Rally Championship this year.

McRae drives an M-Sport Fiesta with hopes to fare better than last year when he retired on the opening stage with mechanical gremlins.
Spectators have access to an array of stages and a big screen in Duns will broadcast live action from the stages.

Berwick Jewson Bandits boss Stewart Dickson told his side to expect an early onslaught from hosts and defending champions Scunthorpe Scorpions in Friday’s Knockout Cup quarter-final, second-leg.

The club’s No 1, Lewis Kerr, passed an intensive fitness test on Wednesday night and will take his place at the Eddie Wright Raceway four weeks after fracturing his ankle.

And the aggregate winner of the tie will face Poole Pirates in the semi-final. Oxford and Redcar are the other sides one step from the final.

Berwick travel to Lincolnshire with an 18-point lead and Dickson said: “The first four races are so important. Some riders have stronger characters than others and can bounce back during the meeting, but it can put others on a downer for the rest of the night.

“Scunthorpe are very, very good around the Eddie Wright Raceway and, speaking to Rod Godfrey this week, they fancy their chances.

“We need to be on our A-game, not just in the early heats, but through all 15. We want to be in that draw alongside Oxford, Poole and Redcar, but there are only seven riders who can make that happen.”

Cup holders Scunthorpe have scored 52 points at home against Redcar and 61 in the cup first round against Plymouth Gladiators, although Workington Comets restricted them to 49 points last time out.

Berwick have a modest record around the Lincolnshire track and will rely heavily on the knowledge of Drew Kemp, a member Scunthorpe’s 2023 cup winning side.

Kemp is keen to stay on course for a unique cup treble having also collected a winners’ medal in Poole colours in 2022.

He scored 12 points in the first leg with guest Richard Lawson leading the way with a five-ride maximum and skipper Rory Schlein was also in double figures, 13 plus a bonus, on a night when the Bandits were missing Australian Jye Etheridge.

Berwick, cup winners in 1980 and 1989, have a poor recent record in the competition and are bidding to reach their first cup semi-final since 2009.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, they look to build on their good start to the Cab Direct Championship season when Plymouth Gladiators visit Shielfield Park.

The Gladiators lost their league opener at home to Workington on Tuesday, but Ben Barker and Dan Thompson return to the Borders seven days after scoring impressively as guests for Redcar.

Berwick: Lewis Kerr, Danyon Hume, Jye Etheridge, Drew Kemp, Rory Schlein, Freddy Hodder, Bastian Borke

Scunthorpe: Kyle Howarth, Connor Mountain, Simon Lambert, Jake Allen, Michael Palm Toft, Nathan Ablitt, Luke Harrison

Plymouth: Guest tbc, Alfie Bowtell, Dan Thompson, Kyle Newman, Ben Barker, Joe Thompson, Jacob Hook

Referee: Friday Wayne Jarvis; Saturday Seth Perkin

PICTURE: Stewart Dickson with Rory Schlein. Picture Keith Hamblin

Finance software implementation specialists, Eureka Solutions, have taken to the beach to help a conservation charity restore an historic Scottish coastline.

A team of 30 employees from the firm went to Cramond Foreshore and assisted The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) charity in restoring the coastal habitats and dune systems in the area.

The team’s efforts were part of the Sage Foundation’s initiative to support UK charities by providing volunteers to help achieve tasks relatively quickly that would otherwise take months to complete.

The volunteering work centred around removing invasive non-native plant species like Japanese Rose and suckering ash and sycamore to allow native plants to re-establish.

Volunteers also helped sow a special ‘Edinburgh coastline’ wildflower seed mix to create new pollinator corridors and extended protective fencing to prevent further degradation of sensitive grassland spots.

David Lindores, CEO at Eureka Solutions, said: “Our team was proud to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in restoring such a unique and ecologically important area.

“We had a great day working alongside colleagues from TCV as well as volunteers from Modulr – it was wonderful to see different organisations coming together for a common cause.

“The Sage Foundation contacted us and asked if we could lend a hand to the vital conservation work happening along the Cramond coastline, and we couldn’t be happier to get involved. As an established business of twenty years, we feel it’s important to support community and environmental initiatives like this.”

Cramond Foreshore is a designated Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) and holds historical significance as the location of the “Dragon’s Teeth” anti-tank defences, Cramond Island and Lauriston Castle.

The extensive coastal path stretches from the mouth of the River Almond in the west, past the historic Roman village of Cramond, across the tidal causeway to Cramond Island, and continues eastward towards Granton Harbour.

The volunteering day was organised through the Sage Foundation, which facilitates charitable donations and volunteering opportunities for Sage employees and partners worldwide.

Eureka Solutions also has a long-term charity partnership with the Ayrshire Cancer Trust in which it raises funds through team events and initiatives throughout the year.

The East Kilbride firm specialises in implementing business software solutions and is one of the UK’s leading experts in Oracle NetSuite, iplicit and Sage 200, as well as producing its own complementary software solutions including the integration application, Besyncly.

With over 20 years of expertise, the firm works with hundreds of clients across multiple sectors providing consultancy, implementation, training and technical support.

www.eurekasolutions.co.uk

Regulations have been laid before The Scottish Parliament that provide technical updates to the short-term let licensing scheme. 

Licensing was introduced in 2022 to provide assurance to guests on safety and quality, such as gas and electrical safety compliance and the suitability of hosts.

If approved, the new regulations would enable:

• Licences to be transferred to a new host, such as when accommodation is sold
• Prospective hosts building a new short-term let to apply for a provisional licence before construction is complete
• Hosts to apply for a maximum of three licence exemptions totalling six weeks in a calendar year

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation offers safe and high-quality places to stay throughout Scotland and plays an important role in supporting our tourism sector.

“Since we introduced the licensing scheme I have continually engaged with operators and the wider tourism industry to understand how it is working. These regulations are in response to, and have been refined through, that engagement.

“If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the regulations will support new businesses through the timely transfer of licences between operators and the consideration of new short-term lets at an earlier stage of their development.

“This will ensure that the licensing scheme continues to deliver quality and safety assurance for guests, whilst protecting the needs of local communities.”

Chris Empson won the fourth round of the Bass Rock Summer League in thick fog conditions on Seacliffe Beach by tempting seven fish for a total measure of 134cm.

The Dunbar-based angler, who won the previous match at Cockenzie Walkway, was well ahead of runner-up Jamie McHale (Gifford) who totalled 87cm in the tricky conditions.

Third was Graham Meadows from St Boswells with three fish for 54cm and Norrie Anderson (North Berwick) was fourth with two fish for 37cm.

They were the only anglers to weigh-in after the match fished in good sea conditions.

McHale won the longest fish prize with one of 25cm and round five will be on May 29 at a venue to be decided.

PICTURE: Chris Empson competing in the Edinburgh Shore Angling League at Portobello earlier this year. Picture Nigel Duncan

The union representing council workers in the care sector of Scottish local authorities will offer them a vote on taking strike action as local authorities delay making any pay offer.

GMB Scotland says that the continued delay is causing uncertainty and is wasting everyone’s time. The union’s members working at Scottish councils have already voted to back industrial action if local government body COSLA did not make an acceptable pay offer. The vote will close on 19 June.

Workers in other areas may also be balloted on action as council leaders are understood to be discussing an offer of 2%.

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said: “This offer is already far too late and, from what we have heard, is almost certain to be far too low.

“Our members have already shown great patience but enough is enough.

“Council leaders must already suspect their offer will not be accepted but continue to waste time and inflict uncertainty.

“They claim to have no money but have made no serious attempt to persuade Scottish Government ministers to provide the money needed for a realistic, acceptable offer.

“They are leaving our members in limbo and Scots relying on frontline council services facing disruption.

“Our members in social care are among the lowest paid council workers delivering some of the most important frontline services.

“They deserve better than this. So do their colleagues and so does every Scot relying on them to deliver the services Scotland is built on.”

St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies is launching its revamped Edinburgh headquarters with a family fun day on Monday.

The firm’s flagship Prestonfield branch has been upgraded to improve the customer experience across the site.

The overhaul includes an enlarged hard landscape section which now features improved options from composite decking and cladding through to glass balustrade, porcelain, sandstone, walling and paving.

Established in 2002, St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies is one of the largest independent builders’ merchants in the central belt of Scotland and Monday’s event will also see the launch of a brand-new digital landscaping brochure.

Door and floor displays have been renewed as part of the showroom improvements, with a brand-new acoustic wall panels section having also been erected.

The festivities run from 10am until 2pm, and with a bouncy castle, face painting, crazy golf, raffle and free giveaways, there will be something for the whole family.

Richard Harley (pictured), Prestonfield office manager, said: “The upgrade to Prestonfield is long overdue and we’re confident it will be well received by the trade and public. I think it’s fair to say it hasn’t been the most customer-friendly premises and we have addressed that with the changes that have been made.

“Over the years the displays and the showroom itself have become quite tired-looking. The place is going to have a much more modern feel to it and the experience is going to be so much more enjoyable for the everyday DIY person as well as the trade customers.

“We have brought Prestonfield’s displays, shop floor and overall look and feel in-line with the rest of our more modern branches across Scotland.”

As well as Prestonfield, the company also has branches in Stenhouse in the capital, Paisley and Livingston.

Police have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries into two attempted robberies in Edinburgh. 

The first incident happened on Blair Street around 10pm on Thursday, 25 April, 2024. 

The second incident happened in the Grassmarket shortly afterwards. 

The man is described as being white, of slim build, around 5ft 10in tall, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. He was wearing a black, zipped hooded top, an orange t-shirt, black trousers, and black and white patterned trainers.

Detective Constable Thomas Marr of Edinburgh CID said: “I would urge the man depicted in the images, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police.

“Anyone with information can contact police via 101 quoting reference number 3755 of Friday, 26 April, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Edinburgh Trams has awarded a contract extension to Siemens Mobility to maintain the 18.5 kilometres of track on the network.

The contract worth £44.7 million will run for 11 years, supporting 22 jobs and apprenticeships, including some new roles which will be created.

Siemens has maintained the tram network since 2014, employing more than 250 people, and will now continue to do so until 2035 jointly with Bilfinger UK, continually maintaining the overhead contact line system, the track, SCADA and signalling system all of which make the trams safe to run.

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility, said: “We have operated in close collaboration with Edinburgh Trams Ltd including the network extension, and we are delighted to be partnering with them for another eleven years. This is a real testament to the team who have worked so hard over the last 10 years to offer the best service to maintain the Tram infrastructure in Edinburgh.”

Lea Harrison, Managing Director, Edinburgh Trams, said: “For the past decade, we have worked closely with Siemens Mobility to deliver a world-class service to our growing number of customers. This continued partnership will be vital as we build on our undoubted success to date.”

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre, (EICC) has won a top sustainability award at Business Travel Awards Europe.

The venue won in the Achievement in Sustainability – Meetings & Events category – at the awards ceremony, which took place at Grosvenor House in London on Tuesday.

• The EICC has added to its sustainability credentials with a series of environmental awards and recognitions already in the bag this year. It won the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award, SEAL Business Awards, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards, and Green Meetings Standard in the first few months of 2024.

The Business Travel Awards Europe judging team said: “The judges were impressed by the winner’s tangible results in reducing their own emissions as well as supporting that of their customers. They also applauded the collaboration with other industry partners and their willingness to pay it forward and share knowledge and feedback to help other venues and hotels with their sustainability efforts.”

At IMEX Frankfurt this week, the EICC was recognised as a finalist in the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award, alongside TED and the Water Environment Federation, and was the only venue among the final nominees.  

EICC CEO Marshall Dallas said: “We’re passionate about delivering impactful business events, but being concerned with the inherent environmental effects we continuously evolve our Step Change sustainability programme, which is aimed at minimising our impact on the planet, and we’re really proud to have this work recognised by IMEX-EIC.”  

Other awards this year have included the SEAL Business Award in the Sustainable Service category, Net Zero Champion at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards and Inspiring Champion at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards for the EICC’s partnership with RSPB Scotland.

Marshall Dallas added: “To achieve a mix of global and local recognition for our environmental credentials means a lot to myself and the team – and we’ve only been able to reach this point by putting sustainability front and centre of everything we do.”

The EICC reported record revenue of £12.8 million for the year to 31st December 2023 up from £11.8m in 2022 and a record profit of £2.6 million up from £699,000 in 2022.

Dubai-based Edinburgh tailor Calvin Smith has spoken of his excitement at opening his first UK store in Scotland this summer.

The Clermiston businessman is one half of the team behind Suited & Booted Dubai, having left the Capital to set up the brand with pal, Ryan Smith, seven years ago.

The pair identified a gap in the region for a premium bespoke product combined with an exceptional customer experience.

With the brand now flourishing in the UAE, the duo are bringing it home to Scotland with Glasgow’s retail scene set to receive a major boost as a result.

Located on Montrose Street in the heart of the Merchant City, the 3300 square feet store will offer an extensive range of bespoke tailored garments for both men and women, plus a diverse range of ready-to-wear suits – a first for the brand. The suit collection covers everything from business tailoring to tuxedos, wedding suits and smart casual options alongside seasonal and limited collections.

The boutique will be run by managing director Dillon Arthur and store manager Michael Dixon, who will manage day-to-day store operations.

Calvin said: “From the outset, our brand statement has always been ‘changing the way you experience tailoring’.

“It’s important to us that every single client who chooses to buy from us receives the same elevated experience, and that starts from the minute you enter one of our stores. We’re extremely excited to launch this concept in Glasgow this summer, and bring something completely new to Scotland with an extensive range of bespoke formal and casual wear products.”

Ryan, from Ayrshire, added: “Our concept has thrived in the UAE – we are extremely proud to have built such a strong brand presence in the Middle East but our dream has always been to bring the brand to the UK and shake up the suiting market.

“With our years of experience in bespoke tailoring, it was important for us to bring the highest level of quality and craftsmanship we possibly could to the collection offered in Glasgow. This collection has been carefully curated over the past five years in collaboration with the top suppliers globally.”

The boutique has been designed to reflect the aesthetic of their two UAE locations with a focus on creating a welcoming yet luxurious design that instantly feels like a traditional tailors, with a modern edge.

A private, cordoned off area will be located downstairs to accommodate private group appointments and wedding parties, while bar and lounge areas will feature to add another element of luxury and experience to the store – these areas will be used for client entertaining and in-store events. Two private tailoring suites are also being created and will be used for all bespoke appointments.

Calvin is pictured (l) with business partner Ryan.

Stellar Monarchs receive a visit from Plymouth Gladiators on Friday (tapes up 7.30pm) and the Armadale side are determined to get their Cab Direct Championship campaign off to a flying start.

The home side make two enforced changes. Max James, aged 16, has an exam and will be replaced by Dayle Wood of the Monarchs Academy.

Lasse Fredriksen (pictured), who played a big part in last week’s win at Glasgow, has been unwell this week and has been advised not to travel. Deputising for him will be Poole’s Sam Hagon.

Plymouth will be spearheaded by Ben Barker and Dan Thompson, the latter one of the most talked-about riders in the sport this season, but they have still to finlalise their choice of guest replacement.

Nico Covatti will probably not be fit following a crash and they have former Monarchs racer Jacob Hook in a powerful reserve pairing.

Gladiators lost at home to Workington earlier this week but they have previously scored an aggregate victory over powerful Oxford, an impressive result.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “We will not be taking Plymouth lightly. They will have good quality reserves, probably as good as anybody, but it is a home match and we have to start the league properly. If everyone contributes, then we will.”

Friday’s match will be live streamed and details are on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

STELLAR MONARCHS: Josh Pickering, Sam Hagon (guest), Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna (captain), Justin Sedgmen, Dayle Wood (guest), Connor Coles.

PROW PARK GLADIATORS: Jason Edwards or replacement, Alfie Bowtell, Dan Thompson, Kyle Newman, Ben Barker (captain), Joe Thompson, Jacob Hook.

The 2023 Armadale Children’s Gala Day Queen of Hearts and her Champion will be there along with representatives of Falkirk FC to pay a reciprocal visit following Monarchs’ attendance at one of the club’s matches.

On Saturday (3pm start) the Stellar Monarchs travel to Workington for their first visit to the GT Tyres Arena.

Using council tax income to plug holes in Edinburgh’s cash-strapped affordable housing projects is among the “big ideas” being mulled by local authority bosses to get the city’s housebuilding programme back on track.

It is believed that no new affordable housing schemes will be approved in the capital for at least the next year, following an £11 million cut by The Scottish Government.

Coupled with rocketing construction costs driven by inflation, the recent reduction in grant funding makes the task of fixing the housing crisis – reducing the city’s record number of 5,000 homeless households – all the more difficult.

Now council officers are looking to “innovative financial models” and other new approaches in a bid to keep on building new homes.

The housing committee has heard that these ideas include the potential to “hypothecate” council tax – which traditionally funds local services – for housing projects facing shortfalls.

Another option under consideration, is to lower the target for developers to make 70 per cent of affordable housing which they deliver social rent homes – the cheapest form of rented accommodation – but this raised concerns that it could lead to the council “doing less to help those of our citizens in the greatest need”.

The City of Edinburgh Council says it could deliver 11,000 new affordable homes across the city in the next five years alongside its social landlord partners. However, the city’s strategic housing investment plan – or ‘SHIP’ – which sets out a potential ‘pipeline’ of projects needs a £665 million cash injection to become a reality.

And the plan’s financial black hole widened further following the 26 per cent cut to The Scottish Government’s affordable homes budget approved in February.

Housing manager Lisa Mallon said: “We’ve had our £45 million cut to £34 million and we still don’t know what next year’s resource planning assumptions are going to be, which is very challenging when we’re trying to plan programmes over a two or three year period.”

Addressing councillors at the meeting on Tuesday she said the “big challenge” was “not knowing what the following year is going to look like”.

Cllr Alys Mumford, Greens, questioned what “big ideas” were being explored “if it looks like more money isn’t going to happen”.

Council tax 

Paul Lawrence, the executive director of place and next Chief Executive, said Scottish Ministers were “looking for innovation” from councils to solve the issue.

He said: “If the cupboard is bare, what can be done to try and bring new forms of financial approaches, particularly to the delivery of affordable housing rather than market housing?

“One of the ideas we’ve been trying to explore is whether we might look at retention of council tax – effectively hypothicating council tax for a period so that we could keep it to achieve closing some of these gaps in the viability of schemes.”

Mr Lawrence admitted this was “not the way that council tax funding works,” and added: “Our argument has been actually if you get your schemes away, at some point there’s going to be additional receipts.

“If you don’t get them away there’s going to be nothing. So there is additionality there to be got – but it does require thinking through existing financial arrangements in a new way.”

He said some civil servants were “really keen” to explore this option but it would challenging. “We’re trying,” he added, “but we’re not there yet.”

Developer contributions 

Officials said they were also looking at getting more flexibility around the use of “commuted sums” where developers unable to deliver affordable housing on-site in line with the council’s 25 per cent policy for schemes with 12 or more homes pay an agreed sum to the council instead.

Usually the agreement ring-fences this cash to fund construction of affordable homes within same area. However this could be relaxed to use commuted sums “citywide” on “projects where affordable homes are due to be delivered in the next few years,” a report to the committee said, “otherwise there is a risk that the affordable homes will not be able to proceed”.

Mr Lawrence said: “What we’re after is more flexibility. There are effectively some accumulated funds . . . then money would come planning application by planning application and obviously the amount of money would depend on the size of the scheme.”

Housing committee convener Jane Meagher, Labour, said: “Effectively better flexibility would increase our ability to use whatever commuted sums – funds – are available because they would be less likely to be restricted by the legislation.”

Tenure mix 

Ms Mallon said council “may need to look at our tenure mix” to increase the number of affordable homes being built.

Edinburgh’s affordable housing policy requires new planning applications to provide an affordable housing contribution, usually provided on-site by registered social landlords, with an aspiration that 70 per cent of the properties will be delivered as social rent.

She added: “We have that 70 per cent social rent aspiration, but just looking at the funding around that and the average benchmark that goes forward, you could deliver almost 55 per cent more mid-market rent homes just based on the funding benchmark, that’s linked to rental income and borrowing as well. So we may have to look at that.”

Labour councillor Tim Pogson pointed out this could mean helping “fewer of those of our citizens who are in the greatest need – those who are least able to afford their tenancies clearly are the ones that need the social rent.

“I appreciate we have to compromise wherever we can compromise on this.

“If we’re shifting the balance to mid market rent, we’re doing less to help those of our citizens in the greatest need and that is obviously a concern to us.”

Ms Mallon replied: “It’s a major challenge and I suppose we would always seek to maximise the number of social rent we can get on site – that is something we need to do – but it’s important to note to committee the scale of that and what the impact could be.

“What I would say as well is we’ve got the acquisitions and disposals programme so we are seeking to purchase second hand homes for social rent that doesn’t require grant funding.”

‘New financial approaches’

Cllr Meagher said: “There are many ways in which we’re seeking to mitigate what is really a very unfortunate set of circumstances.”

The committee requested “new financial approaches which could help mitigate the challenge” to be set out in a future report.

An amendment by the LibDems, which was accepted by Cllr Meagher, agreed to “urge the Scottish Government to review its Housing funding priorities, review its stance on the Edinburgh Housing Emergency”, asking this to be conveyed by the convener “in the strongest and most robust terms”.

However the wording was opposed by SNP members of the committee. “I don’t think we need the gratuitous Scottish Government bashing,” Cllr Stuart Dobbin said. “We have a new First Minister, a new Deputy First Minister.

“The First Minister has indicated he wants to take a different approach, so I doubt that ‘strongest and most robust’ expression of the ask will generate the most post positive response.”

Cllr Euan Hyslop, SNP, added: “It’s important to point out The Scottish Government over the last 13 years has a fantastic record on social and affordable housing, 10,000 per year, 130,000 over the last 13 years which is twice the amount per capita than has been provided or built in England and Wales, which I think is a remarkable achievement.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

At the zoo this summer visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a Bengal tiger, an octopus and a 212kg orangutan.

These are among the life size animals made from toy bricks which will be on display at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to entertain visitors.

The wildlife conservation charity is to host a BRICKLIVE Zoo Safari exhibition from Friday 24 May until Wednesday 31 July. More than 1.5 million toy bricks will be used to create the models, which will form an interactive trail around the zoo.  

The 25 sculptures will be placed around the site, and are created to educate visitors about endangered animals and the actions they can take to protect them.  

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are so excited about Edinburgh Zoo’s Brick Safari. BRICKLIVE have put together an amazing exhibit with some incredible sculptures of animals most of us are unlikely to see close-up in our lifetime – it will be a great addition to what is already a brilliant day out at the zoo.” 

“We will also have interactive selfie zones, including a sit-in jeep made from over 70,000 toy bricks.” 

A highlight of the trail will be a seven-foot-tall Bengal tiger, which is made from more than 81,000 bricks and took over 390 hours for the BRICKLIVE team to build. Other sculptures on display include a giant panda, an African elephant, and a gorilla. 

Lindsay continued, “Every visit to the zoo helps feed and care for all our amazing animals and helps protect threatened species around the world, many of which our visitors will learn more about this summer with our Brick Safari.”  

Visitors can enjoy Edinburgh Zoo’s Brick Safari this summer with regular admission.

Book tickets online and save at edinburghzoo.org.uk/tickets.