The quest for curing motor neurone disease (MND) in the name of rugby star, Doddie Weir, OBE, is going Stateside from 18 May to 22 June.

The inaugural Doddie’s Ride USA, featuring oval ball internationalists from England including Peter Winterbottom and Mike Teague has been organised by the Ride of Legends Charity and will cover a staggering 3,250 miles from the Pacific shores of San Francisco to New York city.

Ex Scotland and Lions star Doddie Weir died in 2022 after being diagnosed with the disease five years earlier.

He was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities and founder of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. He remains an enduring inspiration.

A driving force behind raising awareness and funds for MND research the Foundation continues Doddie’s legacy by funding research into finding a cure for MND and supporting individuals living with the disease.

Cyclists participating in Doddie’s Ride USA will push their limits, averaging 94 miles per day over the course of 36 days, with two rest days strategically placed west of Denver and Indianapolis.

The event is fully supported by a dedicated team comprising a Ride Director, medic, mechanic, chef, kit man, media liaison and drivers to ensure participants have the best possible chance of completing this monumental challenge.

For more information on the Doddie’5 Ride USA 2024, visit: https://doddie5-ride.co.uk

To donate to the Doddie’5 Ride USA 2024, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/peter-winterbottom-1693310094762

The ScottishPower Foundation has granted more than £75,000 of funding which will help the Stockbridge based charity maintain their Meals on Wheels Service and Help at Home.

The free services reach more than 200 older people living on a low income.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Projects like LifeCare’s free Help at Home and Meals on Wheels services are a prime example of how the ScottishPower Foundation’s support is helping to create a better future. 

“With this year’s projects providing vital support set to aid vulnerable people, communities, and natural ecosystems across the nation, it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of these charities.” 

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “The funding from The ScottishPower Foundation will make a significant difference to the lives of hundreds of local older people. 

At LifeCare, we believe everyone should be enabled to thrive in their own home and be active within their community.  Over 75% of the people we help live alone and without LifeCare, many older people would be left critically isolated.  

Our services help people to keep well in both body and mind; delivering fresh, hot and nutritious meals to doorsteps with a smile and a chat, providing help with practical tasks when things are getting more difficult to manage, and offering companionship activities to keep people connected.    

With a rapidly growing older population we are struggling to cope with demand for care coupled with the rising costs of service delivery. None of our services are fully funded and we rely on our fundraising to sustain our life-affirming services. Thanks to this support we will be enabled to offer our meals on wheels service for free to those that need it and open our Help at Home service for free for those on low incomes for the first time.  We are all extremely grateful.”

Today marks 25 years since the very first Scottish Parliamentary election was held in 1999.

So who were the first Edinburgh MSPs? Here is the list – and you will see that Sarah Boyack is still an MSP, and Jeremy Balfour was unsuccessful in the 1999 election but is an MSP now,

Edinburgh Central

Brian Allingham – Independent – 364 votes

Sarah Boyack – Labour – 14,224 votes

Jacqui Low – Conservative – 6,018 votes

Ian McKee – SNP – 9,598 votes

Andy Myles – Liberal Democrat – 6,187 votes

William Wallace – Independent – 191 votes

Kevin Williamson – Scottish Socialists – 830 votes

MSP elected

Sarah Boyack – 4,626 majority

Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Jeremy Balfour – Conservative – 4,600 votes

Susan Deacon – Labour – 17,086 votes

Kenny MacAskill – SNP – 10,372 votes

Marjorie Thomas – Liberal Democrat – 4,100 votes

Derrick White – Scottish Socialists – 697 votes

Michael Heavey – Independent – 134 votes

MSP elected

Susan Deacon – 6,714 majority

Edinburgh North and Leith

Ronald Brown – Scottish Socialists – 907 votes

Malcolm Chisholm – Labour – 17,203 votes

Anne Dana – SNP – 9,467 votes

Jamie Sempill – Conservative – 5,030 votes

Sebastian Tombs – Liberal Democrat – 4,039 votes

MSP elected

Malcolm Chisholm – 7,736 majority

Edinburgh Pentlands

Stewart Gibb – SNP – 8,770 votes

Ian Gibson – Liberal Democrat – 5,029 votes

Iain Gray – Labour – 14,343 votes

David McLetchie – Conservative – 11,458 votes

MSP elected

Iain Gray – 2,885 majority

Edinburgh South

Margo MacDonald – SNP – 9,445 votes

Angus MacKay – Labour – 14,869 votes

Mike Pringle – Liberal Democrat – 8,961 votes

Iain Whyte – Conservative – 6,378 votes

William Black – SWP – 482 votes

MSP elected

Angus MacKay – 5,424 majority

Edinburgh West

James Douglas-Hamilton – Conservative – 10,570 votes

Carole Fox – Labour – 8,860 votes

Margaret Smith – Liberal Democrat – 15,161 votes

Graham Sutherland – SNP – 6,984 votes

MSP elected

Margaret Smith – 4,583 majority

Edinburgh black cab drivers have criticised the council after being asked to pay to have planters on The Royal Mile moved for their annual outing for vulnerable children.

For more than 75 years the capital’s taxi drivers have treated local youngsters with special needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses to a fun day out parading through the city in their brightly decorated cars. 

But after seeking to return to the route taken by the much-loved Edinburgh Taxi Outing before the pandemic – at which point planters were used to block traffic from the High Street under the Spaces for People scheme – they were told temporarily removing the blockade would come at a cost.

Organisers have said they remain hopeful the issue is just one of “miscommunication” and that any fee would be waived by the council for the long-running event.

After submitting plans to go along Princes Street, up the Mound and down The Royal Mile for the first time since 2019 organisers were quoted a figure understood to be around £1,500 to have the planters moved.

In a letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service the council said during events such as the long-running Taxi Outing its staff were “not required on site” and therefore there were “no resources available to move or return the planters”.

It said: “If an organiser wishes to use a route which requires the planters moved or returned then the costs for the work would be at the expense of that organiser.”

A council spokesperson said the drivers would be free to shift the large boxes themselves or alternatively alter their route by turning down Cockburn Street.

Taxi Outing secretary Keith Bell said it isn’t “physically feasible for us to do that”.

He said: “I’m not sure why they can’t just send a man in a flatbed with a tail lift, drop the tail lift, or a pallet truck, and move the planters.

“What happens if the public see Joe Bloggs moving the planters? You really need to have a council lorry there with council staff moving it, because if I can just shift them what’s to stop anyone else shifting them? It’s on a hill as well, it’s not like we can do that – we’re taxi drivers.”

He added: “I think the figure quoted was probably for a commercial event, which is fair enough – if people are making a profit from the city it’s only fair the council recoup their cost and I would never have a problem with that – it’s just we’ve been going for over 75 years.”

The Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh said: “Despite the commendable efforts of the city’s taxi drivers to uplift the spirits of vulnerable children, bureaucratic hurdles erected by the council threaten to undermine their altruistic endeavours.

“The refusal to accommodate these compassionate acts speaks volumes about the council’s misplaced priorities.”

Mr Bell said he was “sure it’s just a misunderstanding” and “when the officials realise it’s for the Outing and we’ve been doing it for 75 years the matter will be resolved quite amicably”.

He said: “I suspect what’s happened is the email has come in – because the council is more like a sort of call centre where they just have generic staff answering the phone, doing the post – and the person probably wasn’t aware of what the taxi outing was, so they’ve just given the generic answer.

“I know sometimes how bureaucracy can get in the way and what you would think would be a simple solution sometimes turns into a nightmare.

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding and when the officials realise it’s for the outing and we’ve been doing it for 75 years I think the matter will be resolved quite amicably.”

He added: “The whole point is they were installed for Covid – Spaces for People. Covid’s finished two years ago and they’ve kept them there.”

While the planters were installed in 2020 as part of a range of measures to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle during the pandemic, the council had previously agreed to permanently close the High Street to traffic between North Bridge and St Mary’s Street.

Originally the Taxi Outing – when the public are invited to take part by lining the streets and getting soaked by the balloon-clad convoy which is armed with water pistols – went along Princes Street and Regent Road, before heading to Musselburgh for S. Luca’s ice cream and in recent years ending at Archerfield Walled Garden.

However, amid tram works the procession was directed along The Royal Mile, where the Lord Provost would be dropped off at the City Chambers, and this became the new route for the event.

The Edinburgh Taxi Outing is set to take place this year on Tuesday, 11 June.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter.

Watsonians women completed their second straight domestic treble with a 4-0 victory over Western Wildcats in the women’s Scottish Cup Final at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre.

Sarah Jamieson (pictured), Gen Hussell, Katherine Holdgate and skipper Bethan Mann netted in the comfortable win which secured a club double after their men’s team edged Capital rivals Grange 3-2 in the men’s final on Saturday.

Keith Smith’s squad put Western under pressure early and Emily Dark tested Western goalkeeper Jayne McLaughlin but it was not all one-way traffic and Fran Lonergan fired a shot just wide of the left post.

In the second quarter Watsonians edged possession but Wildcats contained them well and it required a triple save to keep Watsonians out as half-time approached.

Dark was denied low to the left by McLaughlin as the scoreline stayed blank but the opening goal eventually arrived for treble-chasing Watsonians.

Jamieson clinically finished into the top corner from a long corner and an early goal in the final quarter by Hussell moved the Edinburgh side further ahead.

Western gambled with withdrawing their goalkeeper but were caught on a counter attack and a desperate attempt by Keara Dunford resulted in a penalty stroke. Holdgate dispatched the ball into the top left corner for 3-0 and, moments later, it was 4-0 when Mann pounced on a rebound.

Meanwhile, The University of Edinburgh 1s defeated The University of Edinburgh 2s 8-0 to win the Women’s Scottish Plate and The University of Edinburgh’s 4s defeated defending champions Shetland 1-0 to lift the women’s District Cup.

Merlins Gordonians 2s beat Glasgow University 4s 3-1 in a shootout after the sides were locked at 1-1 draw at full time in the District Plate Final. .

Bastian Borke’s reputation as one of the Cab Direct Championships’ most entertaining riders continues to grow despite Berwick Jewson Bandits letting slip a ten-point lead against Poole Pirates in the Cab Direct Championship.

Two sensational rides from the diminutive Dane (pictured) provided some comfort to Berwick fans who watched their side skid to a 46-44 defeat to the much-fancied Dorset club.

Briefly, when guest Josh Pickering and Rory Schlein hit the front in Heat 15 they threatened to snatch a draw and send the meeting into a Superheat decider only for Richard Lawson to pick off the home skipper to ensure that the points went south.

Lawson has been instrumental in helping Berwick to wins against Edinburgh and Scunthorpe as a high-scoring guest this season but on this occasion he broke Bandits’ fans hearts.

Bandits: Josh Pickering (guest) 12, Danyon Hume 6, Jye Etheridge 7, Drew Kemp 2+1, Rory Schlein 7+1, Freddy Hodder 2, Bastian Borke 8+3

Pirates: Richard Lawson 14+1, Tobias Thomsen 4, Tom Brennan 10, Zach Cook 0, Ben Cook 6+2, Sam Hagon 11+1, Max Perry 1

A third series of “Life on the Bay” will start screening next week.

The popular fly on the wall documentary, featuring the Wallace family, together with their staff, customers and community neighbours, at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Kinghorn is returning to our screens on Wednesday 8 May at 8pm on BBC One Scotland, a change from the first two series which had a Sunday night slot.

Once again, the series has been put together by Red Sky Productions, and will feature eight individual episodes.

“We are delighted that the third series is about to start,” said Steven Wallace, one of the Directors of the park, and who, thanks to the first two series, has very much become the face of “Life in the Bay”.

“Rather than kicking off in January, as the first two series have done, we were told By Red Sky that it was more likely to be transmission in May, as they had filmed as late as October last year, capturing our very first homegrown talent show that we ran, an extremely popular event indeed.”

“It’s brilliant that they were actually able to include that, and very exciting for those who performed in it to know that they were going to feature on TV,” added Steven.

“Red Sky have been in touch, and everything is ready to go now! We can’t wait to see the first episode of this third series next Wednesday. We hope everybody very much enjoys it once again – our “Sunshine Coast” always seem to live up to its billing, with us receiving so many enquiries and comments about how fabulous it always looks.”

“We know how lucky we are to be based here.

“Pettycur Bay Holiday Park is due to celebrate 40 years of operation in July 2024. What a landmark for us all. This third series will be fantastic prequel to the celebrations that we’re going to have in the summer for this anniversary.

“The whole community here at Pettycur is really excited about it, and if there is one thing that “Life on the Bay” shows it’s that we have the most incredible community behind us.”

Steve Allen, executive producer, BBC Scotland, said: “Our audiences have lapped up the heartwarming stories of the staff and guests at the holiday park on Fife’s ‘Sunshine Coast’. We’re sure they’ll be captivated again as Red Sky Productions bring them up to date with the latest tales from the established and new characters on the Bay.”

www.pettycur.co.uk

Later this month there will be a commemoration of Wojtek the Bear and the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino 80 years ago. The event will take place at the statue of Wojtek in Princes Street Gardens on 18 May.

The organisation Wojtek Scotland and author, Aileen Orr will lead the event on Wojtek Day, and everyone present will also be invited to observe the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy in 1944. There will be speeches from the Polish Consul, Aileen Orr (author of “Wojtek the Bear Polish War Hero”) and others. The occasion will be a celebration of Polish and Scottish links and common history as a universal symbol of unity between different cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities.

Wojtek was a Brown Bear adopted by a contingent of Polish men, women and children in April 1942 in the highlands of Iran from a hungry boy who traded the bear cub for some local currency and some food. The bear then joined what would become the 2nd Polish Corps (later 22nd Company, Polish Army Service Corps (Artillery). He travelled with them through Palestine and Italy (where they took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino) eventually reaching his new home in Scotland.

Wojtek was awarded the honorary rank of Private to get around restrictions on a transport ship taking the soldiers from Egypt to Italy. For his work during the Battle of Monte Cassino, carrying shells for the artillery guns, he was promoted to Corporal and was incorporated into the badge of the Company.

On arrival in Scotland, Wojtek stayed with the soldiers on a farm in Berwickshire but was later moved to Edinburgh Zoo. Wojtek’s statues have been erected in a number of places in different countries, one of which is in Edinburgh in Princes Street Gardens. The Polish School in Edinburgh is also named after him.

Edinburgh’s time ball, installed on Calton Hill over 170 years ago to help ships set their clocks, has been removed by crane as part of plans for a new automated system.

The time ball, on top of the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, was once vitally important to ships in the Port of Leith and anchored in the Firth of Forth, to help them adjust their clocks for navigation.

The 90kg ball, made from wood covered in zinc, was installed in 1853, and was dropped from the top of a mast at exactly one o’clock each day via an underground wire connected to the city’s observatory.

The One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle was introduced in 1861 to provide an audible signal in case of fog obscuring the ball, but the traditions continued in sync.

A new mast will be built on the parapet of the 105 foot tall commemorative tower, while the time ball mechanism will be fully refurbished and a new automated system put in place.

The A-Listed monument, which has been closed since structural issues were identified in 2020, is set to reopen this month following the current work. It will close again in September for around three weeks for the installation of the new mast and time ball mechanism.

Councillor Val Walker, Edinburgh’s culture and communities convener, said: “The main elements of the repair to date have been to the building itself.

“We’ve also been looking into replacing the mast on top of the monument and full refurbishment of the time ball, both of which have required working with specialist teams and a large capital investment.

“When reopened the monument will operate for the summer months while a new mast is built and the time ball mechanism fully refurbished and a new automated system created.

“The Monument will then close again around late September for the installation of the refurbished time ball and new mast.”

Andrew Walls, project manager for Ashwood Scotland Ltd, the principal contractor employed by City of Edinburgh Council to remove the mast and time ball, said: “It’s highly skilled work. The mast and the ball will be taken away, repaired, upgraded and replaced.”

The Nelson Monument was constructed between 1807 and 1815 to commemorate Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Designed in the shape of an upturned telescope by the architect Robert Burn, the monument is one of the most visible structures in the capital.

The time ball was added in 1853 by Charles Piazzi Smyth, the photographic pioneer and Astronomer Royal for Scotland, and was raised shortly before 1pm each day and lowered exactly on the hour. The One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle was added eight years later to provide an audible signal.

The time ball was damaged by a storm in 2007, and repaired and brought back into service in 2009. In recent years the mechanism has been operated manually, based on the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, but the new work will introduce an automated system.

Artist Susan Philipsz used the time ball on Calton Hill and the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle as the inspiration for her 2012 Timeline artwork. Read more here.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has a series of events planned for May, including introducing its Summer Gin Garden where guests can enjoy the sunshine and live music each Thursday.

GIN GARDEN – May

WINE DOWN THURSDAYS – Each Thursday of May (4pm to 8.30pm)

NEW MENUS in May

Game4Padel, the UK’s leading padel operator, will be offering 25 per cent off court bookings across its UK venues including Edinburgh Park, Barnton Park and Thistle Tennis and Padel to mark Mental Health Awareness week (13-19 May).

Padel is widely regarded as the world’s fastest growing sport and it is claimed to have many mental health benefits:

It is highly sociable and generally played in doubles so players are closer to each other on the smaller court, encouraging plenty of interaction.

Organisers say It is easy to learn making it accessible for those who may have previously not considered racket sports – or want to try something new.

The technical challenge of playing the ball off the walls and anticipating the angle of bounce, keep it mentally engaging for even the top players and fun for those learning padel.

Michael Gradon, CEO of Game4Padel, said: “When we saw that the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week was ‘Move More’, we wanted to encourage people to try out padel. The benefits of physical exercise on mental health are well documented and padel has many factors that can aid positivity, mindfulness, emotional wellbeing and mental resilience.

“When I’m on the padel court I totally switch off from everything else that’s going on around me.”

Game4Padel courts can be booked in advance via the Game4Padel website.

To take advantage of this 25 per cent offer, please use the code MENTALHEALTH25 when booking your court. To find your local court, please visit https://www.game4padel.com/choose-a-club

A temporary closure will be in place for a section of the Western Approach Road from Monday for the next five weeks as part of planned maintenance work. This includes repainting, general repairs and resurfacing the bridge decks.

This will affect the two-lane section between Roseburn Street and the Dundee Street flyover only. The road from Dundee Street to Lothian Road will remain open.

The section will be closed from Monday 6 May until Friday 7 June due to upgrade works being carried out on four bridges along the route. Diversions will be in place.

Transport Convener Councillor Scott Arthur said: “We realise this road closure may cause some inconvenience but it’s needed so we can carry out maintenance work to four bridges along the route.

“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption by putting in place diversion routes, carried out a letter drop to residents to tell them of the changes and are putting in place measures to control the noise.”

The work is being carried out from next week due to restrictions on gaining access to the railway, other roadworks in the area and our embargo on roadworks from late July through to early September.

Lorna Slater, the co-leader of Scottish Greens at The Scottish Parliament has issued a call for the parliament to recognise Republic Day on 5 May.

Scottish Green representatives have long supported the call for an “independent Republic Scotland where the power of the head of state is elected rather than inherited”

Ms Slater, who was a Scottish Minister until First Minister Humza Yousaf ended the Bute House Agreement, said: “For as long as the monarchy continues, we must stand up and speak against the unelected head of state. It is an affront to the very concept of democracy and equality.”

“My motion to The Scottish Parliament highlights the asks of campaign group Our Republic which states that in Scotland, the people should be sovereign with power being democratically accountable

“With the climate crisis upon us and families going hungry, Charles sits with jewels on his head and travels in a private jet.

“We will continue to campaign for a fairer and greener Scotland, where power lies with the people.”

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information following an attempted robbery.

Around 6.40pm on Saturday, 4 May, 2024 a man presented at the door of a home on Lomond Road with a knife and demanded money from the occupiers.

No one was injured.

Officers are keen to trace a man described as being around 5ft 6ins tall, 40-50 years old, and of slight build. He was wearing a blue anorak, dark trousers, white trainers, white baseball cap and checked scarf covering face. The man is also described as having a Scottish accent and walks with a distinctive gait.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp, of Edinburgh CID, said: “Our enquiries so far have established that this man attended at multiple properties along Lomond Road last night.

“We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious. Similarly, anyone with private CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam of the area is urged to review the footage and bring anything significant to our attention.”

Anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 3144 of 4 May. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Summerhall has, since 2011, established itself as one of Edinburgh’s leading cultural venues. For its Director, Robert McDowell, Summerhall is a place where ‘Festival addicts’ can ‘shoot up’ all year round, culture coursing through their veins for twelve-months – not just August. It is a clear manifestation of the Festival’s continuing cultural legacy for Edinburgh.

One reason why Summerhall has embedded itself so well in the city is that it provides a variety of reasons to visit; concerts, exhibitions, gigs, films etc. With The Royal Dick pub and the café, it also provides a place to meet, eat and drink. The café at Summerhall has always been a popular destination but has now been substantially revamped. With this revamp comes a substantially improved coffee ‘offer’.

The MF Coffee Project has taken over the café and the coffee they serve is a major upgrade. In terms of flavour profile, what I’ve tasted has been nicely complex but balanced. The MF Coffee Project also manifests a key aspect of the specialty coffee scene in that it focuses not just on the quality of the product but also on the conditions of the producers.

MF is a ‘small collective comprising farmers, processors, and roasters, facilitating connections between specialty coffee producers in Northern Malawi and conscious coffee consumers in the UK.’ In short, the aim is, through ‘forging a direct link to the coffee’s origin and the farmers behind it’, to skip some of the ‘middlemen’ of the coffee industry and ensure that the growers receive a higher percentage.

As a measure of the popularity of the new café, it took me three visits until I could actually secure a seat. It’s clearly doing something right. The place is consistently full of people studying, chilling, and meeting. The range of seating, from desks to sofas helps to accommodate these different reasons for being there. Particularly prized by students, are the seats at the window side. These provide a nice lap-topping or writing space plus a cracking view out towards the fringes of the Meadows. On my last visit, bright sunshine battled with torrential bursts of rain and sleet – four seasons in one hour.

Many cultural types meet here – the place is abuzz with interesting conversations on artistic themes. That creates a real sense of energy about the place, which is ideal for cultural cross-pollination. On a recent visit, I was sitting next to a group discussing a theatre production they were collaborating on. On the next table, a pair were sharing ideas about illustration for a book cover. Though it’s constantly busy, the high ceiling prevents the place from becoming claustrophobic or stuffy. The walls have been painted particularly attractive dark green and the wooden tables give the place a natural warmth.

While specialty coffee culture has spread across the city, our cultural institutions have largely failed to embrace this. Too often, the coffee served at such places is stuck in the late 1990s; vaguely drinkable but hardly something that would encourage you to visit just for the coffee.

On a recent trip to London, I was very pleasantly surprised by the fantastic coffee I was served at the British Library. Origin Coffee runs the coffee bar there and have now also made their way to Edinburgh, taking over Brew Lab’s old venue on South College Street. Hopefully, Summerhall’s new seriousness about coffee is a prelude of things to come. People are increasingly expecting something good for their money. It’s also an example of the way that good specialty coffee has gone mainstream; it’s no longer just the preserve of the cognoscenti.

MF Coffee is another reason to visit Summerhall, even when there were no specific events on. Other reasons include the regular exhibitions in various parts of the building, including corridors with fascinating fragments of the Richard Demarco Archive (his ‘gesamtkunstwerk’, his total work of art), much of which is housed in Summerhall. The MF Coffee Project is an interesting example of the further penetration of specialty coffee within the city. There are more and more places to drink good coffee, with mediocrity slowly fading away.

Nick Montgomery’s men fell to a 2-1 loss away to Ross County, heaping further pressure onto the Hibs’ boss.

Myziane Maolida initially put the Leith side 1-0 up, but a first-half equaliser from former Hibee Simon Murray and a late Jordan White winner sealed the three points for County, which were enough for them to climb out of the relegation play-off place.

Hibs dominated the early proceedings and were rewarded after 15 minutes, Rocky Bushiri’s effort cannoned off the post and Maolida could not miss as he tapped home.

Only moments later County had equalised, Bushiri, involved again, attempted to clear a cross from the right, but his poor header only fell to Murray whose first-time finish flew into the bottom corner.

Both sides had chances to take the lead throughout the contest, with Eamonn Brophy and Maolida coming closest.

Then, with 88 minutes on the clock, it was déjà vu in Dingwall for Hibs as they conceded late on again.

It was another gift from the away side, Theo Wollacott gave the ball away with a poor pass and was punished as substitute Jordan White fired home to clinch a huge three points for the Staggies in their relegation battle.

Another disappointing away result for Nick Montgomery who faced some angry Hibs fans in the away end as he went over to applaud the travelling support.

After the Hibs board issued a statement demanding an improvement in the final five games post-split, the Head Coach will hope his side can put on an improved performance next Sunday at home to Aberdeen.

Captain Tom Swarbrick held the Scottish Cup aloft to signal wild celebrations for underdogs Watsonians at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre.

They turned the form book upside down to edge newly-crowned Premiership champions Grange 3-2 with a goal inside the final two minutes.

Watsonians, beaten on three previous occasions by their Capital rivals this season, opened the scoring in the second quarter of the game through Fraser Sands who guided a pass from Owen Hunter into the bottom corner, but Grange levelled minutes later via a penalty corner from Robbie Croll and the scoreline stayed that way at half-time.

Grange then took the lead half way through the third quarter, Dylan Bean netting a drag flick, but two goals in the final session, one from Dan Coultas, who fired the ball low into the backboard to level and another from Nathan Liggett, who forced the ball home from close range, secured the silverware.

Watsonians finished fourth in the Premiership table with 20 points, 23 points adrift of Grange. In fact, Watsonians only won six games out of 16 in the league while Grange won 14 and lost only once.

The defeat is a major blow for Grange who only weeks ago eyed a glory treble but also lost to Western Wildcats in the play-off final.

On Sunday, Watsonians women face Western Wildcats in the women’s Scottish Cup Final and victory for them, and they are outstanding favourites, would secure a memorable double for the Edinburgh club.

In the men’s Scottish Plate Final, The University of Edinburgh won 5-1 against Dundee Wanderers but Erskine Stewart’s Melville lost 3-1 to Grove Menzieshill in the men’s District Plate Final.

And in the District Cup Final, Hillhead 2s lost 4-1 to The University of Edinburgh 2s.

PICTURE: Watsonians in action against Western Wildcats at Tipperlin earlier this season. Picture Alex Rose

Hearts travelled to Parkhead in confidence having won their two previous clashes with Celtic, but they returned along the M8 after a 3-0 defeat by The Bhoys who continue to lead the cinch Premiership.

Kyogo Furuhashi netted twice after four and 21 minutes, the first time that he has scored more than one in a game in a year, and Matt O’Riley scored from the spot after 87 minutes to move on to 84 points from 35 games and heap pressure on Old Firm rivals Rangers who are now six points behind but who host Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Sunday (13.00). 

Earlier, the Jambos took the game to Celtic from the first whistle, defender Dexter Lembikisa whipping the ball towards goal and Lawrence Shankland fired for goal. The ball was turned behind for a corner.

Three minutes later Celtic went in front from a corner. O’Riley’s ball was met by Kyogo who headed into the net for 1-0 and the visitors responded when Cammy Devlin’s volley forced former England international Joe Hart into a fine save.

Then Cameron Carter-Vickers sent a header over the bar from a corner and it was no surprise when the home side went 2-0 ahead and Kyogo did the damage after 21 minutes.

Then goalkeeper Zander Clark kept Hearts in the game saving from Greg Taylor and O’Riley and the international stopper also saved from Kyogo as the first-half ended.

Then central defender Kye Rowles saved Hearts with a timely tackle before Clark was called upon again to deny Reo Hatate and Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn.

Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, rang the changes with Jorge Grant and Lembikisa off and Scott Fraser and Nathanial Atkinson on. Later Stephen Kingsley and Devlin were taken off and Yutaro Oda and Barrie McKay introduced.

Soon after, Oda forced Hart into another fine save and more there were more changes for Hearts as Vargos exited and Kyosuke Tagawa entered the fray.

It was, however, Celtic who counted when they were awarded a penalty for handball by Shankland after a VAR check. O’Riley did the rest from the spot and in-form Celtic, who impressed throughout, coasted to victory. 

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, told BBC Sport Scotland, there was real energy in the stadium and he added: “In a big game we had big performances and big contributions.”

Naismith said: “The result is disappointing, poor and frustrating but, in the performance, there was loads of good stuff.”

Celtic now host Rangers next Saturday (12.30) while Hearts entertain Dundee (15.00).

PICTURE: Library picture of Lawrence Shankland in action

A model railway exhibition will return to Edinburgh after many years.

Rainbow Railways, the Linlithgow-based model shop responsible for organising the recent Linlithgow Model Rail show, will head for Edinburgh on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2024. The business will support the first model railway exhibition to be run by the Edinburgh and Lothians Miniature Railway Club (E&LMRC) for some time.
The exhibition will be held in the Senior School Assembly Hall at George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2024 between 10am and 5pm each day.

Rainbow Railways are just one of six traders supporting the new venture.

There will be 13 layouts on display from all over Scotland in five different scales/gauges with six traders and two societies also attending.

The Club’s secretary said: “I’m grateful to all our traders for their support and confidence in helping launch this new exhibition in Edinburgh, but particularly Rainbow Railways who were the first business to get behind this new venture for us, which has allowed us to create a fun day out for collectors, enthusiasts, and families alike, with something on offer for all ages and interests.”

Colin Rae one of the directors of Rainbow Railways said:“It’s been a very busy few years for us building up our business in Linlithgow and expanding our local and national show calendar, which we support and attend.

“The number of Model Rail Exhibitions in central Scotland has never been stronger with great exhibits on show for those looking for a fun day out. It’s also great to see an exhibition return to Edinburgh and we are very pleased to be a part of this return.”

There will be a chance to operate one of the layouts yourself thanks to the Dundee Model Railway Club, who will be bringing ‘Dain’s Yard’: a small layout to allow attendees to practise shunting skills.

The venue is fully accessible for all and there will be an on-site café serving a selection of hot and cold food and drinks to allow you to make this a great day out.
There will also be a raffle with over £400 worth of models from Rapido Trains UK as prizes, with the star prize being a Great Eastern Railway tram pack. The prototype was the inspiration for Toby the Tram Engine in the books about Thomas the Tank Engine: a character known to and loved by millions.
Tickets can be purchased on the day at a cost of £8 for Adults (16+), £3 for Children (5-15), and a Family ticket (2+2) will cost £18. However, advanced tickets can be purchased on-line at a discounted price through https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/elmrc until 31 May 2024.

Full details of the layouts and traders that are attending are on the club’s website at https://elmrc.org.uk/elmrc-exhibition/.

Oil Train passes a passenger train to Fort William at Tulloch Bridge
© Martin Stewart

This weekend until Monday the Seafood Festival has returned to St James Quarter.

Enjoy the world of Scottish seafood in the heart of the city with live cooking demonstrations, supper clubs with only a dozen seats available at each meal, original one off menus and a fresh produce market.

Some of the best chefs from Scotland will be showing off their skills like John Maltby from SUSHISAMBA, Teddy Lee from Maki & Ramen, Sandy Browning from Ka Pan, Jimmy Lee from Salt & Chilli and Leith Woks, Max Terheggen from Duck & Waffle, Roberta Hall-McCarron from The Little Chartroom and Dan Ashmore from ASKR.

In the marketplace there will be other foods from local artisans such as smoked fish from Harris & Lewis, macarons from Lozzie Bakes, Isle of Mull Seaweed Chutney and doughnuts from Seriously Dough. There will be pop up bars and the Nae Bother Foods food truck will be on Register Square with its fresh fish and chips.

Susan Hewlett, St James Quarter Brand and Marketing Director, said, “We are delighted to welcome back such a great event which we know really resonates with our guests. Edinburgh Seafood Festival offers us the opportunity to not only celebrate the ‘great taste on every level’ here, but also the wonderful abundance of seafood from around Scotland as well as supporting greater awareness of the importance of protecting our seas and coastline.

“Hosting the Edinburgh Seafood Festival allows guests to enjoy some of the most exciting Seafood experiences, from exquisite Supper Clubs to renowned local chef demonstrations along with market stalls selling great Scottish produce, visitors can watch, learn, buy and hopefully experiment at home. There is something for everyone.”

More information here.

Three care homes in Edinburgh have teamed up with local children joining a nationwide campaign to save traditional recipes from being forgotten.

A poll of 2,000 adults carried out by Care UK, which operates Cairdean House, on Redford Road, Lauder Lodge, on Wakefield Avenue, and Murrayside, on South Beechwood, found almost two-thirds (65%) of the nation no longer use family recipes that have been handed down through the generations, however, 43% of people surveyed are keen to save them.

In a bid to prevent family recipes passed down through generations from being lost forever, Care UK has launched a free downloadable recipe book – Recipes to remember, which features recipes shared by care home residents across the UK. From food enjoyed during World War Two to quirky desserts from the 1970s, the book includes residents’ favourite foods, alongside recipes tailored to support older people by Care UK’s award-winning chefs.

Keen to keep their recipes bubbling away in Edinburgh for many years to come, residents from Cairdean House have rolled up their sleeves and donned their aprons, to go head-to-head with pupils from Colinton Primary School in a special baking competition to show just how tasty their food favourites from the past are.

At Lauder Lodge, residents and grandchildren joined forces for a special cooking afternoon, preparing some of the residents’ favourite recipes – all while donning chefs’ hats and aprons.

Meanwhile, residents at Murrayside welcomed children from Bright Sparks Nursery. Together, they prepared and decorated tasty shortbread biscuits, while discussing their favourite foods with each other.

The shortbread recipes came from Murrayside resident Jean Wishart, who said: “I was delighted that the children showed such interest in my family’s shortbread recipe. It tasted just as good as I remembered!”

Kat Barnwell, Home Manager at Cairdean House, said: “Spring is in the air – and so too are the smells of some incredibly tasty home-cooked recipes adored by residents and their families for generations.

“Just like a photograph, a family recipe can be a way to revisit the past and reminisce on a cherished memory or loved ones. How something tastes or smells can be a powerful tool for triggering memories and positive feelings, especially for those living with dementia, which is why we’re delighted to be taking part in Care UK’s Recipes to remember campaign.

“From jam roly-poly to shortbread, it’s been wonderful seeing the residents revisit some of their favourite foods from across the decades with pupils from Colinton Primary School. Arctic rolls might be out of flavour but it’s clear from how well the resident’s recipes were enjoyed that there’s still a hunger for foods from the past today – so donut give up on them!”

To find out more about Care UK’s Recipes to remember initiative or to download your copy of the recipe book, please visit: careuk.com/recipes-to-remember

Cairdean House, Lauder Lodge and Murrayside care homes have been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care homes incorporate space for hobby and leisure activities, and have their own cinemas, hair salons and cafés.

Musselburgh go into the 78th staging of their own seven-a-side rugby tournament at Stonehill on Saturday 4 May looking to complete a “hat-trick” in local events.

The Honest Toun men followed up their success at North Berwick by defeating Hearts and Balls in the final of the Haddington tournament last weekend.

Heriot’s are defending and they will kick off the tournament with a Pool A tie against Watsonians. Dunbar complete that group.

Pool B features the hosts, Edinburgh Accies and Murrayfield while Group C comprises King’s College, a President’s V11 and Haddington.

Completing the line-up will be Highland, Young Barbarians and North Berwick.

At stake over the afternoon will be the Festival Shield and the Calum Veitch Memorial Trophy with Musselburgh expected to draw from the following pool that has proved successful so far on the Spring circuit: Paul Bogie, Gavin Inkster, Matthew Crawford, Matthew McMillan, Paul Bogle, Rory Smith, Ollie Craig, Jordan Lister, Robbie Reid and Finlay Craig.

Stellar Monarchs’ No 1 Josh Pickering stands in for crocked Lewis Kerr as the tapes go up for Berwick Jewson Bandits in their Cab Direct Championship campaign at home to Poole Pirates on Saturday (7pm).

Pickering top scored for Monarchs against Poole in the Knockout Cup, quarter-final, second-leg at Armadale on Friday, scoring 13 points including three heat wins in five starts in a 47-43 win.

The popular Aussie also recently accumulated 16 points at Shielfield Park for Edinburgh. Bandits, incidentally, normally track Richard Lawson as guest but he lines up at No 1 for the Pirates on the night.

Jye Etheridge is fit to return for Bandits after missing their last meeting with back and neck injuries and Berwick team manager, Stewart Dickson, said: “Poole are many people’s pre-season favourites and they are a good side, but I also think there are areas where we can hurt them.

“We need the Drew (Kemp) who scored 12 points against Scunthorpe and we need Jye to rediscover his early season home form as well as everyone else doing their jobs.

“This is one of those meetings that you just want to win to set the tone for the season. It doesn’t matter whether it’s by two points or ten, just get the points on the board.”

Pirates promoter Dan Ford said: “We might have something of a ‘secret weapon’ in that Richard has always gone well there and only last week he scored an impressive maximum when he covered for the injured Lewi Kerr, but one man can’t win a meeting on their own.

“The lack of meetings as a unit has not helped us and we would have preferred to have gone into this schedule with more meetings behind us, but the weather has just been foul and we can now only hope that we are through the worst of conditions and look forward to a flurry of meetings.”

PICTURE: Josh Pickering and his pit crew before a meeting at Armadale. Picture Nigel Duncan
 

Royal Forth Yacht club at Granton invite anybody interested in sailing to come to their Discover Sailing event on Sunday, May 5 from noon to 4pm.

It’s an annual event and is said to be popular and anybody interested is advised to arrive early if they are keen to experience the sport and are potentially interested in joining the club.

A spokesman said: “No experience required. Everybody welcome. There is no need to book in advance, simply come on the day, register at the door and get on the water.

“We will, of course, keep an eye on weather developments and make all judgements on the day.”

If you have any questions about the event contact discoversailing@royalforth.org and the club telephone number is 0131 552 8560.

The club is at Granton Harbour and the address is Middle Pier, Edinburgh EH5 1HF.

PICTURE: from our library

Edinburgh’s Waverley Bridge will reopen to buses after four years.

The council will allow limited traffic to return to the bridge during Jenners’ redevelopment, relocating airport buses from their current city centre stop on South St David Street by the former department store which is being converted into a hotel.

However the council said the move would only be “short term”.

The throughfare became largely pedestrianised in 2020 in response to Covid restrictions, with the Princes Street junction shutting completely to vehicles and access for taxis maintained only at the Market Street end.

An update shared by Transport Convener Scott Arthur confirmed that a new traffic order, which will be in place for up to two years, would create a ‘bus gate’, reopening the bridge for to the airport bus services provided by Lothian and McGill’s buses.

The council said: “Bus operators are aware of this change, and they are in the process of applying to the Traffic Commissioner for permission to amend their services for this period.

“Bus operators understand that the reopening of Waverley Bridge is a short-term measure, and that the expectation is that they will return to their current stops once the work at Jenners is complete.

“No other traffic will be permitted to access Princes Street from Waverley Bridge.

“The Placemaking, Events and Public Safety teams have been consulted about this change to ensure that we can safely facilitate pedestrians, cyclists and maintain the functionality of the area for the summer and winter festival periods.

“The new design will incorporate footway widenings at the north and south pedestrian accesses to Princes Street Gardens, bus access points and the flexibility to install hostile vehicle mitigation apparatus when required. The design for the new layout is still being progressed but once ready, will be circulated.”

The changes will come into effect from Monday, 24 June.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Edinburgh City under-16 footballers will attempt to complete back-to-back Scottish Cup triumphs when they take on  Glasgow side Hampden Boys’ Club in the final at Excelsior Stadium Airdrie on Sunday 19 May.

Last year the team competing in a younger age-group and captured the trophy with a final victory over local rivals, Musselburgh Windsor.

With a couple of players added to their squad City took off on the glory trail once again and in reaching the final have seen off SEVEN opponents for the loss of just ONE goal.

That was in a 1-1 draw with Broxburn Athletic Colts before City prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shoot out.

Other teams overcome are Polbeth, North Berwick/Gullane, Milan FC (Coatbridge), Portlethen, Letham SC Reds and, in the recent semi-final when Tommy North was player-of-the-match, Luncarty.

The team are coached by Mark Quinn, Chris Jackson and Stephen Moffat.

Squad: Rory Campbell, Ross Lang, James Barrett, Jaden Riddell, Thomas Scott, Finn McLennan, Aiden Burgess, Lucas Quinn, Tommy North, Matthew Murray-Smith, Daniel Jackson, Isaac Mukaro, Kristofer Bjarnason, Dillon Thomson, Arran Matheson, Lewis Service, Jack Bathgate, Rhys Berry,  Riyard Elmrabty, Jack Richardson and Harry Moffat.

Murrayfield Wanderers men and Lismore women were trophy winners at the annual Penicuik rugby sevens sponsored by McKenzie skip hire.

Wanderers defeated the hosts 20-14 while Lismore followed up recent success in the Edinburgh Northern sevens by overcoming Peebles to lift the Centenary Cup.

Nathaniel Atkinson comes back into Hearts’ squad ahead of their trip to cinch Premiership leaders Celtic on Saturday (kick-off 15.00).

The Jambos have won two games against The Bhoys this term and Steven Naismith (pictured), Hearts’ head coach, said: “All season we have had confidence going into every game and we have no fear about what we are coming up against.

“Having the results against Celtic certainly helps and builds confidence. It will be slightly different (this time) because of where it (the game) sits in the season.

“The outcome of these games has a massive impact and I am sure Celtic being in the pole position for the title will want to come and get a result, but in a title race one slip can cost you.”

Naismith added that when you play against the Old Firm you have to be comfortable and understand the whole game and the dynamic of the crowd.

He added: “You have got to manage the game you have to understand that you are going to have to defend as they are a good team. If you get a goal and you start controlling the game you can turn the crowd.” 

Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs exited the Knockout Cup on a 92-87 aggregate despite winning the second-leg of the quarter-final 47-43 at Armadale.

The nine-point deficit from the first-leg in Dorset proved too much for the home side to make up but Monarchs did gave their fans hope with a bright opening.

Josh Pickering and Lasse Fredriksen combined for a 5-1 in the first race. Monarchs also won the next three three to move eight points ahead on the night at 16-8 and one behind on aggregate. 

Poole upped a gear to win the next six races and put the tie to bed with Tom Brennan top scoring with 11 points and skipper Ben Cook colecting ten.

Josh Pickering totalled 13 to top score for the home side with Justin Sedgmen next best on ten and captain Paco Castagna scored eight points but Kye Thomson could only manage four in the defeat.

Monarchs gave their fans something to cheer with a 5-1 in the final race thanks to a win from Pickering with Sedgmen second ahead of Cook and Brennan but the first-leg deficit proved too much to make up.  

MONARCHS: Pickering 13, Fredriksen 5, Thomson 4, Castagna 8, Sedgmen 10, James 4, Coles 3.

PIRATES: Lawson 7, Thomson 7, Brennan 11, Zach Cook 5, Ben Cook 10, Hagon 2, Perry 1.

RESULTS: Cab Direct Championship: Glasgow 47 (Chris Harris 15), Workington 43 (Craig Cook 10+1); Redcar 44 (Charles Wright 14), Scunthorpe 46 (Michael Palm Toft 10). Cab Direct KO Cup, quarter-final, second-leg: Edinburgh 47 (Josh Pickering 13), Poole 43 (Tom Brennan 11). Poole win 92-87 on aggregate

PICTURE: Action from Armadale by Nigel Duncan

SIGN HERE PLEASE: Josh Pickering signs a plaster cast in the pits for a delighted young fan. Picture Nigel Duncan

BUSY BOY: The same fan gets Lasse Fredriksen to add his signature. Picture Nigel Duncan

Officers are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 61-year-old man reported missing in Edinburgh.

Graham Forrester was last seen outside shops on Leith Walk around 8.45pm on Thursday, 2 May, 2024. 

He is described as around 5ft 8ins, of medium build with mid-length brown hair. When last seen he was wearing a blue jumper, black puffer jacket, jeans, and a black rucksack.

Graham is known to often visit the city cente and the Leith area. 

Inspector Mairi Creanor said: “Concerns are growing for Graham’s welfare and we are keen to trace him to make sure he is safe and well.

“If you have seen Graham or know where he is please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference number 1414 of Thursday, 2 May, 2024.