Plans to mark the legacy of Saroj Lal are set to be unveiled after councillors unanimously backed the creation of a “permanent memorial”.

Edinburgh Council has backed building a statue to honour the legacy of Saroj Lal, an influential equal opportunities campaigner and one of the first Asian women to teach in Scottish schools in the 1970s.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge described her as a “pioneer and an inspiration” as he tabled a motion supporting a statue in her honour at a full council meeting on Thursday, March 21. 
“We have very few statues of women in the city,” the Provost said. “We have no statues of named women of colour in the city. I think it is more than overdue that we have such a statue and I think no one is more deserving of that than Saroj Lal.” 
 The only existing statue in Edinburgh depicting a person of colour is the 1986 ‘Woman and Child’ sculpture at Festival Square built to represent the city’s opposition to South Africa’s Apartheid system – although this was not of a specific individual. 
The new memorial, which is likely to be in the Southside area where the Lal family have lived for decades, will celebrate Saroj’s “enormous legacy of work and positive change across the city of Edinburgh and far beyond, improving race relations and race equality across several fields, particularly education, policing, health, social work, prisons and many more,” the Provost’s motion stated. 
He said: “She was a teacher, one of the very few woman of colour to be a teacher in the 1970s, one of the earliest woman to teach in an Edinburgh primary school of colour.
“She introduced multiculturalism into the classroom, she had a long career in race relations, retiring as director of Lothian Racial Equality Council in 1996. Her influence was all embracing; in schools, in hospitals, in hospices, and prisons she improved conditions for minority communities.”
He added fundraisers were “in a position to fully fund the creation and erection of a statue”. 
A report will be brought forward to the culture and communities committee later this year “considering options for the site of a statue”. 
A previous attempt to recognise Lal’s contribution to the capital by naming a new Morningside primary school after her failed after parents instead voted to call it ‘Canaan Lane’.
Her son Vineet, who led the campaign, said in 2021 the decision was a missed opportunity “to mark her life and her legacy”.
Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion-Cameron said: “From collaborating with the former Lothian and Borders Police for serving as the first Asian woman in Scotland to be appointed as a justice of the peace, [Saroj Lal] just has such an enduring and wide spectrum of legacy we can pay tribute to.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

A “harmful false narrative” is being created around disabled people and benefit fraud, an Edinburgh councillor has claimed, after the council “boasted” about catching 16 instances of Blue Badge misuse.

City parking chiefs revealed earlier this month a ‘citywide crackdown’ on Blue Badge fraud had seen 16 tickets issued for ‘lost, stolen or misused’ permits being displayed.
Seven cars were also impounded as part of the clampdown aimed at ‘stopping perpetrators abusing the parking system’ and ‘improving accessibility for those in genuine need of parking spaces’.
Now a local councillor has said that a bigger issue is the thousands of people in Edinburgh who are eligible for a Blue Badge but haven’t claimed one.
Blue Badges entitle those with mobility issues to park free of charge in pay and display and shared use on-street parking bays and on single yellow lines when loading is allowed.
Green councillor Dan Heap said while “condemning misuse of the scheme” the local authority’s attention should be turned toward increasing uptake of Blue Badges. 

Figures he obtained from the council and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) estimate there are over 8,000 people across the capital eligible for one but not claiming.
Cllr Heap said he was worried the council “boasting about catching people for misusing Blue Badges” could “play into the harmful false narrative around disabled people and benefit fraud”.
He said: “Whilst it is right that people who are not entitled to them are stopped, under-claiming of Blue Badges is a far bigger issue, with research I have done showing that thousands are not claimed. 
“The bigger task is to help people are able to access Blue Badges and other entitlements but don’t, and clearly not enough is being done on that.”
Raising the issue at a full council meeting on Thursday, March 21, he added: “Earlier this month the council boasted about catching 16 people misusing blue badges. 
“Does the council leader agree with me the council’s priority should be the thousands – not 16, but thousands – of people I’ve estimated who are eligible for blue badges and likely for other entitlements but don’t claim them?”
Responding, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I think the efforts the council’s been making to try and catch people who are abusing blue badges is the right thing to do to allow people who need access, accessibility issues, and I’m sure he would support that. 
“But absolutely we’ll do as much as we can to promote people to access benefits.”   
Cllr Day added the council has increased benefits into Edinburgh residents’ pockets by “around £20m”.  
Transport convener Scott Arthur said: “While it’s only a small minority of people that misuse blue badges, there’s still a problem. That’s why I hope the action being taken by our parking and fraud teams sends a clear message – blue badge fraud will not be tolerated.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Council to examine options for the empty George cinema building in Portobello, amid fears it could be “demolished by default”

City councillors called for urgent action to secure the future of Portobello’s George Cinema – but stopped short of pushing for enforcement action to ensure remedial works are carried out. 
Having sat empty for eight years, there have been two failed attempts to demolish the dilapidated Bath Street building to make way for flats, while a recent move by owners, Buckley Building UK Ltd, to remove its listed status was also refused by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and then the Scottish Government on appeal.
A bid to purchase it by community group Friends of the George, who want to see it re-opened as a ‘cinema and cultural venue’, was turned down. 
There are growing concerns the clock is ticking to ensure the iconic structure is not lost forever.
Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard said  many locals were now worried it could “go past the point where it could be renovated and ending up being demolished by default”. 
Meanwhile a resident who lives directly next door to the former movie theatre and bingo hall said he “fully expects it will go on fire at some point”. 
The issue was raised at a full council meeting on Thursday, March 21, by local SNP councillor Kate Campbell, who said “mounds of earth” recently piled up against the outside walls “could speed up the decay of the building while it’s left derelict”. 
She added: “We need the council to urgently look at what enforcement action it can take, and agree a way forward that saves this wonderful building and preserves if for the future.”
Her motion calling for a report which “assesses the case for enforcement action, the condition of the building and the appropriate next steps in order to secure the future of the building” was amended by the Labour administration to instead ask for planning and building standards officers to  “investigate the potential of carrying out an assessment of the building as soon as possible”. 
Planning convener James Dalgleish said it should be left to planning officers to decide whether issuing an enforcement notice – which would require the owner to take specific measures to address safety concerns – would be the best way to proceed.
He said: “All councillors want to see the George Cinema back in use in some form. What we are simply debating today is the process of how to get there.”  
Neil Gardiner, SNP, said: “We’re watching our heritage rot away with our very eyes… we should do what we can to preserve it.” 
Conservative councillor for Portobello Tim Jones said officers have “met the owners recently,” adding: “I can assure you they are taking active steps to ensure the building is safe which I think will allay some of the fears of residents who live in the street.
“I met with planning officers yesterday and have they have promised to provide a progress statement very shortly and again this is important we get regular updates.
“We really must allow officers to follow the process and we must allow them to provide what are the real options for this building.”
‘I don’t see where the solution lies’
Gary Horne, who lives directly beside The George, said: “I fully expect it will go on fire at some point. 
“This happens all the time – it becomes impossible to get plans to work and it becomes no longer feasible to get something.” 
Mr Horne, who works as a planning officer, said: “The powers councils have are fairly toothless unless they do a compulsory purchase and that will cost far too much money. I don’t see where the solution lies, I don’t know what’s inside the building.”
He added: “Everything’s salvageable, it’s about how deep are your pockets. The guy who owns it told me it would cost upwards of £5 million to renovate it. 
“I’m not in favour of demolishing heritage, but even from a planning perspective I don’t see the great appeal; of course it’s got an Art Deco facade but the rest of it’s a bit of an eyesore so it’s certainly not contributing to the conservation area here.”
After the meeting Cllr Campbell said: “I’m glad we got a motion passed highlighting the desperate need for enforcement action to save this precious building which means so much to the community.
“But I am really sad that Labour and the Tories voted together to water down the wording, ultimately leaving the decision on enforcement completely up in the air.  Local people are really worried that the building is at risk, and getting the council to take action is urgent.”
Mr Sheppard added: “Local people are understandably concerned about the George falling into dilapidation – going past the point where it could be renovated and ending up being demolished by default. 
“This is a listed building in a conservation area. Planning enforcement officers need a clear steer from councillors here to act as the custodian. Why Labour and the Tories weakened a motion which would have given them this is quite frankly beyond me.”
Friends of the George and Buckley Building UK Ltd were approached for comment.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

The Scottish Government has announced monies for two funds to help mental health projects for children and young people as well as adults.

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults, and the Children and Young People’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports, have been awarded £15 million each for 2024-25.

This type of fund is for community groups working locally to help deal with social isolation and loneliness. There are projects focused on sport and outdoor activities as well as the arts.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, who today visited Edinburgh Community Performing Arts Re-connect project for older people, said: “On becoming First Minister I reiterated my personal commitment to supporting those living with mental health challenges. We know how important it is for our society to have access to mental health and wellbeing support. That is why my government is committed to ensuring we fund vital services in our health service and in community settings to ensure we try, as much as possible, to provide a national network of community support for adults, children and young people.

“This further £30 million will fund community based projects which are focused on prevention and early intervention, and this is a significant step forward in supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing by making sure they can easily access the help they need, when and where they need it.

“Since 2020 the Scottish Government has invested over £100 million in community-based mental health support. An independent evaluation published last year shows that projects for adults have lowered social isolation thereby alleviating some of the negative mental and physical health impacts from the pandemic, as well as providing support and self-help for individuals with ill mental health issues.

“More than 300 children and young people’s supports and services are in now in place across the country, and evaluation published by the Scottish Youth Parliament found that nearly three-quarters of young people agreed or strongly agreed that they received support when they needed it.”

All photos courtesy of The Scottish Government

Should you buy your wine from a supermarket or an independent wine merchant? Richard Bouglet of Fife-based artisan wine importer and distributor, L’Art du Vin, explores the pros and cons in the second of his mini-series.

Wines in supermarkets are very successful for a very good reason, they are convenient as with one trolley and in one trip you can get food, vegetables, your bleach your bottle of Cola or whatever.

They have access to some good barrels but they tend to deal with much larger producers and, when you say much larger, that does not always equate with quality.

It is just the same as if you go to your local butcher, local fishmonger, or specialist cheese shop if you want top quality. You can pay a little more but you get more quality.

Wine is the same. If you are looking for something a little bit better, really good quality, go to an independent like ourselves. The other advantage is that you will get advice about the producer from an independent. Go to the counter in a cheese shop, for example, and they will know every single detail about that product.

With all respect, the people in the supermarket are unlikely know detailed information about the wine, dry, sweet or full bodied.

Not only that, an independent will be able to assist you with information about matching which is becoming really important. 

If you are having a dinner party, or you are cooking, and you go to the local cheese shop, the fishmonger or the butcher for produce, then your wine merchant will have the knowledge to tell you what to pair the food with as they had that special knowledge.

A wine club is interesting because it allows you to discover some new wines. We all like to be in our comfort zone, buying wines we know and recognise, Malbec from Argentine is a safe bet, and Sauvignon Blanc are classics, but you should try others, possibly from Chile or the Loire Valley. There are alternatives and they are often offered in wine clubs.

Now, we have wines from Georgia, from Turkey, from Morocco, countries you do not always appreciate as having good wine, there is also Lebanon. They have been making wines for many, many years, so there is a wine world out there to discover. If you go to wine shops or merchants then they can assist.   

PICTURE: Richard in his office in Fife. Picture by Nigel Duncan  

Grange face three tough qualifiers in the EuroHockey Club Trophy from Friday in Portugal.

The current Scottish Premiership champions play Northern Irish cracks Lisnagarvey in their opener at 15.00 on Friday, March 29 and then OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa (Ukraine) the following day (14.30). 

Their final qualifier is against hosts HD Lousada at 16.45 on March 31 which will determine their final standing in Pool B.

The final ties are on April 1.

Grange go into the tournament on a high after a 4-0 win over arch Scottish rivals Western Wildcats at Fettes on Saturday which means the Stockbridge club top the Premiership by a point.

Martin Shepherdson, Grange’s team manager, was happy with the performance of the squad against Western but revealed that influential Scottish international midfielder, Gordon Amore, is out of the trip to Portugal because of injury.

Pressing them are The University of Edinburgh who are on 36 points with Western on 33. All three have played 14 games. 

Grange are not the Premiership’s top scorers having netted 56 and let in 13. The students have scored 67 and surrendered 23 and Western have scored 62 and shipped 25.

PICTURE: Grange squad at the end of 2023 at Peffermill. Picture Nigel Duncan

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday a driver, Andrew Hogg, was sentenced after injuring cyclist Michael Anderson on Dalkeith Road in September 2021.

Hogg was convicted of causing injury by driving carelessly at an earlier hearing and today was sentenced to a 15 month ban and ordered to pay his victim £1,500 compensation (to be paid at £120 per month).

The cyclist, Michael Anderson, 43, revealed that his life completely changed after the crash.

The former chef from the Gorgie area of Edinburgh suffered four fractures to his pelvis and seven fractures to five ribs.

He has been unable to work for more than two years and is no longer able to take part in any of his previous hobbies such as climbing Munros.

In a statement issued through his lawyers, Digby Brown, Mr Anderson said: “I used to be a really active person and loved the outdoors but that is now all done.

“I can’t work, I’m in constant pain and as for getting back on a bike again, well that feels like an impossibility.

“What makes this worse though is that the driver doesn’t seem to care – he has shown no remorse and for people in my position it just adds to the trauma.

“I therefore feel like his sentence is fair – I think it reflects his behaviour, what happened to me and acts like the right deterrent to others.

“If there’s any small positive to come from this then it’s that another driver sees what happened to me – and what happened to this driver – and learns how to take more care and help keep the roads safer because it only takes one second to create or avoid a tragedy.”

Easy Living Homes have created a legacy development blending old and new to create characterful but highly sustainable homes.

Having created a brand that stands for some of the most unique newbuild family homes on the market, the company based in Glenrothes has just one apartment left to sell at its Forth Park Residences development in Kirkcaldy. This development included the redevelopment of the grade B listed former mansion house and mews buildings.

Priced at £179,000, the remaining property is a one-bedroom ground floor apartment in the mansion house. Following a comprehensive “labour of love” conversion of Fife’s former Maternity Hospital the listed frontage was retained, and detailed stonework and original features were restored and brought back to life.

A total of nine apartments have been created – six in the main building, and three which have incorporated a part of the existing building with a modern rear extension. This replaced an older dilapidated extension that previously housed staff catering facilities.

High ceilings, sound proofing, and insulation, together with carefully sourced timber sash and case windows, ensure that the period living will be brought up to date. Ticking the box for future sustainability, heating and hot water for all the properties at Forth Park Residences, is supplied by state-of-the-art Mitsubishi air source heat pumps.

The whole Forth Park development of some 55 properties is now almost completely sold out, with just one the one apartment still available.

Easy Living Homes Sales Manager, Karen Cameron said: “We are delighted to have sold so well here at Forth Park Residences.

“In many ways, this incredible development, the result of years of careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and first-class design, has created a lasting legacy not only for us, but for the people of Kirkcaldy, as we have been able to give the beautiful Mansion House, which had been badly fire damaged in the past, a new lease of life as characterful housing.

“Living in the Mansion House combines modern technology and high specifications, with the individuality of a listed exterior.

“This final one-bedroom apartment, boasting a spacious shower room with a large walk-in dual head shower, at the affordable price of just £179k, really is prospective buyers’ final opportunity to purchase a ‘new’ property here. It’s a charming home, with its own private garden that offers a spacious open plan layout, with a stunning German kitchen, complete with NEFF appliances, at its heart.

“It also features our signature natural wood finishes throughout, oak veneer doors and large fitted wardrobes in the bedroom.”

Buyers will find plenty of interesting nooks and crannies which can be used as storage space and display areas. This last one-bedroom apartment features recessed window sills in the bedroom looking out over the turfed private garden.

Selling Agents, First for Homes Tel 01592 752944.

www.easylivinghomes.co.uk

Chef Jack Coghill is highly commended at Scottish Excellence awards.

On his very first time of entering, Jack Coghill, the 24-year-old Head Chef of Jack ‘O’Bryan’s Bar and Kitchen in Dunfermline, has received a Highly Commended Award in the Scottish Excellence Young Chef of the Year Award announced at a glittering ceremony at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.

Although Jack just missed out on the main award, his wide skills set – including being a Head Chef at just twenty four – impressed the judges so much that he was given the special Highly Commended Award.

Jack, who covers every discipline within the kitchen of his family run restaurant, along with being an extremely skilled pastry chef and chocolatier, is also delighted to reveal that he has been approached by Sainsbury’s Magazine, and, in an exciting collaboration, is to have two of his desserts – a burnt basque cheesecake, and a delicious BBQ Cinnamon Pineapple – featured in the June edition of the magazine.

The Scottish Excellence Awards, which are widely considered to be Scotland’s premier hospitality awards, include a wide range of categories, from Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, to Restaurant Newcomer, Best Sustainable Business, Pub Excellence, and Employer of the Year.

Jack said: “I am delighted to receive this Highly Commended Award for Young Chef of the Year, all the more so since I have learned that Highly Commended is a category that is not always given out.

“The judges can choose a winner from the shortlist, with the other chefs on it receiving nothing all at, so it’s really nice to find out that they wanted to acknowledge just where I have got to in my career at this age. These awards really mean something because they are judged by other chefs, together with a wide range of industry professionals. They are a respected accreditation, and will really help me build my profile moving forward.

“I was up against two very talented young chefs. It’s been really tough for young chefs since the pandemic. We’ve all had to work extra hard to catch up on training, mentoring, and all sorts of opportunities.”

Jack was trained and mentored by renowned pastry chef Mark Tilling, the winner of “Bake Off Crème de la Creme and reflected on his good week.

He said: “Sainsbury’s Magazine had read a lot of the recent press on myself as Scotland’s answer to Willy Wonka, and also how I work with my dad, and that he was my original mentor and teacher. They have a Father’s Day feature coming up in June and wanted to run some recipes from me that are meaningful to Dad and myself. It was a perfect fit for me, enabling me to talk about how I was brought up in Spain and Portugal where our family had other restaurants and hotels. The food of the Iberian region is a shared passion between Dad and myself. The two desserts I have chosen reflect that, as well as being summery and colourful. Not forgetting it was dad that originally encouraged me to study pastry, which is a challenging discipline, as he wanted me to really push myself. Let’s just say, I am so glad he did.

“The Magazine will be coming out in June. It’s going to be my biggest piece of national profile yet! And who knows what other future collaborations with Sainsbury’s this could lead to, not to mention the other leading supermarkets.”

Jack is full of other future plans too, which include the family launching a second restaurant. With dad Bryan stepping back to write a family cookbook, Jack will be leading everything.

He said: “Yes, we also have expansion plans which should ensure 2024 is very busy.

“It’s straight back into the kitchen though – we had the night off to attend the awards – my mum, dad, sister, fiancée Sarah were all there, including Sous Chef, Tomasz, our most loyal and long serving staff member who has been with us for eight years. We had a brilliant night celebrating and networking with the other hospitality professionals who were there.”

www.jackobryans.com

The UK’s longest established water retailer has signed a contract with Southeastern worth over £100,000 to support the rail company’s sustainability plans.

Business Stream will capture and digitally log all water consumption from stations and depots across the South east of England. The company will analyse 160 sites operated by the rail operator and will also supply and install more than 120 new Automatic Meter Readers [AMRs] – a small device which sends meter readings every 15 minutes to a centralised point providing near real-time data.

Data captured from AMRs provide consumption insights, leak alerts and can help to deliver environmental benefits and financial savings by reducing waste.

The new partnership will help to increase Southeastern’s water efficiency while reducing its carbon footprint throughout its 176 stations.

Peter Stapleton, Southeastern’s Head of Facilities said: “We are thrilled to have entered into an innovative new partnership with Business Stream to accurately measure our water consumption.

“By rolling out automated metering we can become more accurate in the way we consume water, and this programme is an important milestone as we continue our journey to a better, more reliable, and sustainable railway.”

Business Stream’s AMR process has proved fruitful for other organisations, with the technology highlighting faults and leaks at Network Rail’s large depot in Edinburgh. It identified leaks that were wasting more than 4,800 litres of water per hour. After repairing the issues, the site’s carbon use was reduced by over 1.24kg CO₂e per hour and reduced costs by over £100,000 per year.

Business Stream now hopes to replicate this success with one of the country’s biggest rail providers – which operates more than 1,700 train journeys a day and serves around 400,000 passengers from major stations such as London Victoria, London St Pancras, Dartford, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Ashford.

Tom Abel, Director of Sales at Business Stream said: “This contract is a great example of the role water efficiency technology can play in supporting businesses’ sustainability goals.

“With access to real-time water monitoring, leakage alert systems and data analytics, Southeastern will gain visibility into their water usage, helping the company to optimise water efficiency across their operations and achieve financial and environmental savings.”

Originally created in 2006 to offer best in class water services to businesses in Scotland, Business Stream later acquired the non-household customer base of Southern Water ahead of the planned opening of the English retail water market.

Business Stream recently cut its carbon emissions by 50% in one year after rolling out a series of carefully planned measures to deliver environmental savings. The result, measured from April 2022 to April 2023, and externally verified, exceeded the retailer’s promise to cut emissions by 20% during the 12-month period.

Business Stream’s latest green successes mark a key component of its vision to make a positive difference (MAPD) to its customers, its people, the environment and its local communities.

A new restaurant is to open on Dundas Street, as a joint venture between chef Sean Clark and his business partner Paul O’Donoghue, and with investment from Marvel director and producer, Joe Russo.

Russo was impressed by Sean’s cooking after dining in Edinburgh during filming.

Under the Table is an inventive name as the new bistro will be under the existing fine dining restaurant, The Table, which Clark opened in 2015 after working in some of the finest restaurants in the world including Martin Wishart in Leith. The Table has space for up to eight guests and serves a tasting menu with specially matched wines.

The new venture will have a fixed price lunch menu and an à la carte dinner menu using local produce, and aims to be an “elegantly casual” restaurant such as you would find in Europe. Dishes will change often to reflect what is available from the restaurant’s suppliers.

Paul said: “Under The Table brings to life conversations and ideas that have been fermenting for over six years. We will be an ingredient focussed restaurant with strong links and references to classic European cuisine, taking inspiration from the Bouchons and Osterias of France and Italy that we love, where wine lives front and centre and warm hospitality is ever present.”

Paul will draw up the extensive wine list to complement the menus, while the kitchen will be led by head chef Alberto Giaccone who has more than 20 years experience including Michelin star restaurants in France and Italy.

The restaurant interiors will be designed by Fiona Denholm with the emphasis on chic using natural materials and luxury finishes.

underthetable.co.uk

Hearts have issued a statement after “becoming aware of images circulating” of the Tynecastle Park dressing-room at the Sky Sports Cup Final.

The statement read: “Although the club hands over the running of the stadium on the day to the competition organisers – the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) – we were involved with pre-match planning.

“We would therefore like to assure our supporters that we did not approve any request for dressing room branding in either dressing room for either club involved.”

The statement added that it was extremely disappointing to learn that wishes were disregarded and it added: “How this came to be is a matter for the SWPL and Rangers to sort.

“Needless to say, no explanation will be satisfactory in our eyes or the eyes of our fans. We will demand answers to ensure that our club crest is never defaced again.

“It is also regrettable that this action has taken away the focus from what was a successful Cup Final and another opportunity to grow women’s football in Scotland.”

For the record, Rangers won the match 4-1.

Drop in sessions at Citizens Advice

There will be extra sessions at Citizens advice on Dundas Street each Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. You don’t need an appointment.

Leith Theatre Heritage Tour

One of the next tours will take place on 5 April.

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Critical Mass – Morningside Manoeuvre

Following a recent decision by the council to rip up the low traffic neighbourhood measures in Morningside and replace planters which act as modal filters with segregated cycle lanes, Critical Mass will visit the area on Saturday.

This decision was taken at the same council meeting when councillors mourned the loss of 11-year-old Thomas Wong on Whitehouse Road in Barnton who was cycling to school. But these measures will be scrapped in a move which council officers said would compromise safety close to schools and on a road often used by children for walking wheeling and cycling.

Braid Avenue and Braid Road will be opened to through traffic and a cycle lane – which officers estimate will cost around £400,000 to install – will be built. But a traffic filter on Whitehouse Loan south of Strathearn Road close to James Gillespie’s Primary School will stay and a new traffic filter will be brought in on Clinton Road around Church Hill and Pitsligo Road.

It was clear the road layout would change but only the SNP group rejected the result saying that the traffic filters on the Braid Estate “have made it safer for pedestrians”.

At the Leith Walk Police Box today

Functional Neurological Disorder is a brain network condition caused by a problem with the functioning of the nervous system. Living with FND can be confusing and alienating due to the lack of awareness about it so this stall is an opportunity to create better understanding and recognition of the condition for the FND community. It is FND Awareness Day in the UK today soon information stall has been organised and will be running from 11am to 6pm.

Monty of the police box said: “Come say hello and have a chat about FND with a cuppa if you’re about. Everyone is welcome!”

The Police box is at Croall Place on Leith Walk Croall Place, EH7 4LT.

Support The Edinburgh Reporter

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Teemu Pulkkinen tipped the puck into the net which secured a much-needed win over high-flying Belfast Giants after being 2-0 down in the Elite League at The Fife Ice Arena.

The 29-year-old Finnish-born right wing slotted 2min 42sec into the extra session to earn two more valuable points as the Kirkcaldy club scrap for a place in the top eight of the ten-strong division.

That would guarantee a place in the end-of-season play-offs and the win in a tense tussle saw Fife fire 37 shots on the Belfast goaltender Tyler Beskorowany with 38 coming in the other direction on Shane Owen.

Pulkkinen’s strike lifted fired-up Fife into seventh position with 47 points from 49 games, the same points as Glasgow Clan who have played the same number of fixtures and they are sixth.

Below Fife are Coventry Blaze who also have 47 points from 49 games with Dundee Stars two points adrift. Nottingham Panthers prop up the table with 41 points also from 49 games.

The pressure win continued Fife’s late-season run of fine form, but the night started badly when Belfast edged ahead through Ben Lake after ten minutes.

And 57 seconds into the middle session Lake counted again, but Troy Lajeunesse gave Fife a lifeline after 30min 39sec after he was set up by Kyle Osterberg.

And the sides were level at 31min 09sec when Lajeunesse found the net again this time with Kevin Wehrs supplying the ammunition.

Giants went ahead at 3-2 only 64 seconds later to silence the home fans in the crowd of over 2,000 when Daniel Tedesco slotted and the scoreline remained the same until less than five minutes from time.

Latvian player Vitalijs Pavlovs levelled on 55min 17sec after skipper Jonas Emmerdahl and Lajeunesse were involved in the move and the sides were held scoreless until the final whistle.

Into overtime and Tedesco was called for tripping and up stepped Pulkkinen to score with inspirational Lajeunesse and Wehrs setting up the game-winner on the power play.  

Scotland’s aspiring girls staged a much-improved performance to beat Canada under-18 3-1 at The University of Edinburgh playing fields at Peffermill on Sunday and win the hockey mini-series 2-0 after their 2-0 victory at Fettes on Saturday.

Both sides will have learned much from the two games but the Scots were the dominant force in both fixtures.

And it was Lexie Macmillan who break the deadlock following a penalty corner routine and Scotland continued to apply pressure in search of a second goal.

Stubborn resistance and a failure to capitalise on chances kept the scoreline the same until Katie Brett counted in the second quarter.

And it was Macmillan who scored Scotland’s third before a healthy crowd, including a large contingent from North America, in the second-half.

But plucky Canada continued to work hard and they were rewarded when Olive Bodel found the net near the end of the third quarter, firing the ball low into the bottom left hand corner. How she celebrated.

The visitors continued to defend stubbornly but Sarah Hill came close for the hosts and Macmillan slid the ball under the Canadian goalkeeper but she was denied a hat-trick by a superb clearance from a Canadian defender who made up ground to scoop the ball wide of the left hand upright to safety.

On Saturday, Hill and Macmillan counted for the Scots at Fettes in a game played in a biting wind.

PICTURE: Canada line-up for a souvenir shot at Peffermill. Picture by Nigel Duncan

PICTURE: Teams walk-onto the Peffermill pitch before the National Anthems. Picture Nigel Duncan

PICTURE: Part of the crowd who watched Scotland’s aspiring girls v Canada under-18 at Peffermill. Picture Nigel Duncan

Nestled in Eyre Place, Cardinal, the brainchild of culinary maestro Tomás Gormley, is poised to take the Edinburgh dining scene by storm. His first solo venture since splitting with his former business partner, Sam Yorke, they were awarded a Michelin star in 2023 for Heron in Leith.

In 2023, the duo opened Skua in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, which Gormley now operates as a solo venture, after leaving Heron in 2023.

Gormley, was shortlisted for ‘Chef to Watch’ in 2023’s Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards; included in CODE’s ‘30 Under 30’ in hospitality for 2023/24; and was listed as number 28 in The List’s Hot 100 in 2023.

Gormley’s prowess in the kitchen is palpable from the moment you step into this intimate, 24-cover fine dining establishment. Gormley likes dark spaces, and like his other restaurant, Skua, the walls are painted pitch black. Upon entering Cardinal, one is immediately struck by the allure of its dark ambience, reminiscent of a theatrical setting. The walls serve as a canvas for the modern artwork adorning them, courtesy of Art in Healthcare. However, be prepared to enlist the aid of a mobile phone torch to peruse the meticulously crafted menu, which offers a 13-course tasting extravaganza in the evenings and a more concise yet equally tantalising lunch menu on Fridays and Saturdays.

Priced at £110 with an additional £85 for expertly paired drinks, which feature a natural-led wine list that focuses on European producers that use biodynamic and regenerative practices curated by General Manager Ben Mansour, the dining experience at Cardinal is undeniably a splurge. Yet, every penny is justified by the culinary symphony that unfolds with each dish. From the emphasis on fermenting and pickling to the artistry of ingredients cooked over Cardinal’s bespoke wood-fired barbecue, every aspect of the menu is a testament to Gormley’s dedication to gastronomic excellence. You won’t be disappointed.

What truly sets Cardinal apart is its unwavering commitment to accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising on flavour or presentation. As someone with seafood allergies, I was particularly impressed by Gormley’s ability to curate a bespoke dining experience that rivalled that of my dining companion.

The journey through Cardinal’s menu is a sensory delight, with each dish meticulously crafted to captivate both the palate and the imagination. From the ethereal “ethical fois gras”, which is actually duck-liver pate to the succulent Iberico pork cheek served in oyster-shaped porcelain dishes, every bite is a revelation.

While there may have been one moment of envy as the meaty halibut in vin jaune sauce was presented to my dining companion, perhaps the only dish where I felt ‘cheated’ was my substituted sweet koji carrot, with white asparagus, celeriac and onion, which while delicious, I’m not sure it quite lived up to Jess’ experience in terms of texture.

The culinary crescendo of the menu however reached its peak with the theatrical presentation of sirloin and black peppercorn emulsion, complete with a mesmerising pouring of rendered beef tallow, which Gormley theatrically pours over our dish to cut the sauce. We’re both slightly alarmed as he reaches for what we thought initially he was pouring melted candle but it turns out to be melted beef tallow.

Dessert at Cardinal is a fitting finale to the symphony of flavours that precedes it. We enjoy granita, which you’re encouraged to flavour and customise accordingly with a few drops from a selection of home-made oils, including Pine made from Douglas Fir; a seasonal, flowering current (F.C.); and a preserved lemon syrup, made from lemons which the pastry chef has brought back from her home in Italy, and which she tells us took up 15kg of her suitcase (that’s what you call dedication to the core); indulgent quenelles of Neapolitan ice cream and a delicate Hibiscus and Rose jelly pastille, followed by a Lavender Caramel, Beremel shortbread with Irish Seagreens, and a tart Jammy Dodger sandwiched together with orange sea buckthorn. All thoroughly enjoyable.

Beyond the culinary delights, Cardinal is a testament to attention to detail, from the curated wine list to the handcrafted stoneware from Samuel Sparrow, the beautiful cherry wood bowls hand-carved by Daniel Wester, and even the multi-coloured tactile butter knives, which are pieces of art themselves that elevate the dining experience to new heights.

Cardinal is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Whether for a special date night – though forget muttering sweet nothings, as the tables are too close together – or an unforgettable culinary journey, a visit to Cardinal is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

So, heed the call and embark on a gastronomic adventure unlike any other. Everyone should commit the Cardinal sin just once in their life.

Cardinal
14 Eyre Place
Edinburgh, EH3 5EP

www.cardinal.scot

Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday, 6-8pm

From 5 April:
Wednesday and Thursday, 6-8pm
Friday and Saturday, 12-1.45pm / 6-8pm

Nearly a half century of treading the boards by Forth Children’s Theatre (FCT) will be marked by a 45^th Anniversary Gala performance running through some of the most notable musicals performed by the company.

Current FCT members and alumni are gearing up to celebrate at The Church Hill Theatre with the production running from Thursday 4 April to Saturday 6 April.

In the repertoire are Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes, Little Shop of Horrors, 13 The Musical and Hairspray which will vie alongside more modern musicals including Mary Poppins, School of Rock and a sneak-peak at FCT’s up-coming Fringe production Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.

This production is co-directed and co-choreographed by FCT alumni Taylor Doig and Jack Nixon, who between them have 20 years of musical production experience, while a rich pool of volunteers are working in the background to create the showbiz magic seen in every production.

Mark McLauchlin joins Doig and Nixon as Musical Director with Co-Musical Direction from Jack Gardner. The quartet of creatives take on some of the biggest numbers in musical theatre history and will be joined by a live band.

Taylor Doig said: “We would like to thank every single person involved for making this such an enjoyable experience, and for allowing us to create this production together. We’ve had such a blast throughout the whole process.

“We’re looking forward to audiences seeing this production, and the hard work that our talented cast have worked tirelessly on with such passion to bring 45 years of Forth Children’s Theatre history to life. So, get your tickets for what promises to be a special event in the FCT calendar and support our young people.”

Show times are: 7.30pm Thur, Fri, Sat and 2.30pm Sat, tickets priced £15 full price and £12 concessions. Tickets here can be purchase here.

Edinburgh Trams hopes to win the Public Transport Operator of the Year category at the Scottish Transport Awards for the second year.

The operator has also been shortlisted for two other awards, ‘Excellence in Travel Information and Marketing’ and ‘Transport Team/Partnership of the Year’.

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director, said: “Having scooped the top title in 2023, we’re delighted to be considered for the Public Transport Operator of the Year accolade for the second year running.

“It demonstrates how we’ve built on the successful launch of services to Newhaven and seen customer numbers double in the months since while helping communities in areas served by the new line unlock their potential.

“To be considered as potential winners in two further categories also reflects our commitment to providing world-class, environmentally friendly, and socially inclusive transport for both residents and visitors to the city.”

Record passenger numbers – including one million passengers in August last year – will have brought the tram network to the attention of the judges, but the company hope that their Glide to the Airport campaign will also earn them some bonus marks for the marketing prize.

The winners of the Scottish Transport Awards, which are supported by the Scottish Government, will take place on Thursday, June 20, and further details can be found here. 

Diners liked Innis & Gunn’s steak frites, which they began serving last year, so now the brewer is serving up great beer and great steak seven days a week in their Edinburgh Brewery Taproom. 

For vegans there is also a tasty herb and applewood crumbed flat cap mushroom dish, served with garlic ‘butter’ frites and their signature, vegan red wine jus. 

At £19.95, enjoy Chef’s snifter starter with a sampler of Innis & Gunn Original, followed by 35-day dry aged, Scottish, tender and flavoursome steak with garlic butter house frites and Innis & Gunn’s signature steak sauce. But you can still enjoy bottomless fries with another portion of steak completely free.

Innis & Gunn founder Dougal Gunn Sharp, said: “Innis & Gunn beer and Scottish steak frites are a match made in heaven, it’s the ultimate pairing. And, what we’re famous for. You asked, we listened. Our bottomless garlicky fries and steak servings are now available all week. 

“And, if you’re vegan or veggie, we’ve got your back with tasty herb and applewood crumbed flat cap mushrooms, served with garlic ‘butter’ frites and red wine jus. We’ve kept a few of your favourite dishes on the menu, so you can still enjoy our Innis & Gunn Classic burgers and Taproom Veggie burgers.” 

If Steak isn’t your thing, Innis & Gunn has kept some of their most requested dishes on the menu from Innis & Gunn’s Wings, Cauliflower, or Chicken with Original Hot & Spicy Beer Glaze with Korean gochujang, a hearty and classic Mac & Cheese, Baked Camembert with Caribbean rum cask chutney, garlic and herb butter baguette (serves 2 or more), Salt & Vinegar Innis & Gunn Battered Onion Rings, Taproom Loaded Fries and more.

https://www.innisandgunn.com/taprooms/steak-frites 

Lasswade Community Rugby Trust and the Children 1^st charity benefitted by approximately £700 each from the annual Duck Race held at Pittendreich Burn, Bonnyrigg.

The ducks were duly launched by Councillor Derek Milligan ably assisted by the race organiser Suzie Fegen who had taken over from Bill Macdonald after a 20-year stint.

The burn was in full spate and in no time at all the ducks quickly made their way down and along the twists and turns of the water with a £100 voucher awaiting the eventual winner.

The Rugby Trust helps young and aspiring players from the local community.

Fife Flyers coach Tom Coolen believes his in-form squad are feeling really positive as they continue their quest for a slot in the top eight in the Elite League with a home joust against high-flying Belfast Giants at The Fife Ice Arena on Sunday (face-off 17.15).

The Northern Irish combine, sponsored by Stena Line, are third in the ten-strong table with 60 points from 47 starts, a record which achieved with 25 wins in regulation plus three in overtime. They have lost 15 games and four in overtime or in a shootout, scoring 156 goals and shipping 129.

That’s the third lowest goals against record behind the 95 conceded by runaway leaders Sheffield Steelers and second-placed Cardiff Devils who have let in 120.

Of course, Fife edged Devils in their last game, a shootout success at the Vindico Arena. Incidentally, a measure of that performance comes as Devils beat league pace-setters Sheffield Steelers 4-0 at the same venue in midweek.

Looking at the table, the Kirkcaldy club have 45 points from 48 starts, a record which includes 12 regulation wins and five in overtime.

Coach Coolen’s men have lost 20 games, 11 in overtime or a shootout, and they have scored 148 goals and let in 186.

Fife’s play-off position is precarious. They sit in the final qualifying spot and below them are Dundee Stars who have a game in hand and have accumulated 44 points while bottom club Nottingham Panthers have 40 points from 47 games.

Six games remain for Fife to make it to the end-of-season showcase and five of them are on home ice which, hopefully, encourages the club’s support to come out in numbers to cheer their favourites into the play-offs.

On Sunday, Fife will play in replica kit looking back to 1938 when Britain’s oldest professional ice hockey club was established and Coolen has a full squad to pick from.

And Fife are in form have collected four valuable points from back-to-back road wins. In fact, if you look at Fife’s recent record, they have collected nine points from a possible ten.

Wins at Cardiff (4-3) and Nottingham (3-1) were preceded by a 5-2 home success over Coventry Blaze, a 7-6 overtime reverse at home to Glasgow Clan only 24-hours after a 7-6 road win at Braehead and Flyers are confident going into the tough home clash.

PICTURE: Fife v Belfast earlier this season courtesy of the Elite League

The destiny of the men’s hockey Premiership is back in Grange’s hands after a devastating display in a 4-0 victory over title rivals Western Wildcats at Fettes.

A double from Dylan Bean and singles from Aidan McQuade and Jamie Green saw the defending champions bounce back strongly from a recent 3-1 home defeat to The University of Edinburgh.

That could have ended their title challenge and the Edinburgh combine went into the clash minus Scottish international Gordon Amore and Alan Johnston, but the home side started strongly, forcing the Auchenhowie men back.

Fired-up Grange dominated the first-half and were rewarded with two goals inside the first 20 minutes from bustling Bean, but the Glasgow side, who were missing injured players Callum Duke and evergreen Jonny Christie, rallied in the early part of the second period, forcing Grange back, with Rob Harwood orchestrating from midfield.

But they failed to break through despite being awarded a penalty stroke in the third quarter after assistant coach Cale Walsh was adjudged to have fouled a rival in the home D. Fraser Moran stepped up and fired the ball towards goal but it struck the right-hand upright. Moran put his head in his hands.

That nano-second proved decisive and Grange gained a lift. They capitalised as McQuade converted from a penalty corner, lashing the ball into the net, and raising his arms in triumph.

And then Green, who had been green carded, came out of the penalty box to round two defenders and slip the ball home past a despairing dive from Western goalkeeper Gavin Somerville.

The home side kept a clean sheet despite Austrian player Clemens Rusnjak being handed a yellow card and a minimum of a five minute penalty late on and the substitution of hard working Robbie Croll who was twice hit in the head by the ball in the dying minutes.

Martin Shepherdson, Grange’s team manager, was pleased with the result and the performance and he said: “We dominated the first-half. They came back at us in Q3 but we scored our third and fourth at the right time.”

Elsewhere, The University of Edinburgh thrashed Watsonians 5-0 and Uddingston drew 2-2 with Hillhead.

Grange go into European competition next weekend and the big rivals meet again in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup before the league resumes with the Edinburgh side facing Watsonians and Uddingston in their final two games.

Shepherdson said: “If we win those two games then we retain the title. It is on our hands again.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Aspiring girls beat Canada under-18’s 2-0 at the same venue, Sarah Hill firing a shot from the top of the circle into the net in the first-half and Lexie Macmillan slotted in the final quarter for a comfortable win which could have been more had the home side taken a number of chances they created.

The sides meet again at The University of Edinburgh Playing Fields at Peffermill on Sunday (push-off 3pm) and admission is free.

PICTURE: Action from Western v Grange at Fettes by Nigel Duncan

Ramshackle and radical, forthright and angry, Emma Rice’s retelling of Blue Beard, based loosely on the French folk tale in which a wealthy wife murderer finally meets his match, is a darkly surreal and often absurd piece of storytelling that, in its staging, harks back to the makeshift days of travelling players of yore and does indeed prove more than a little intoxicating, as promised in its publicity.

Continue reading here

The creators of food and drink experiences, Taste & Tour, have expanded into Scotland, with tours in Edinburgh as well as corporate experiences in the central belt.

Established in 2016 by Belfast entrepreneurs Phil Ervine and Caroline Wilson, Taste & Tour specialises in award-winning, authentic, local food and drink tours.

The Edinburgh Old Town Food Tour takes you on a three-hour food and drink-filled guided walk to meet some of the best producers, bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Taste & Tour Edinburgh is headed up by Edinburgh local, Cameron Ritchie.

Taste & Tour Edinburgh is initially working with over 20 hospitality venues and retailers, with a projected spend of £120,000 per year in venues across Edinburgh. The expansion into Edinburgh will create three new jobs which it is hoped will grow to six by 2025.

Phil Ervine, Taste & Tour Co-Founder said: “Following huge successes with Taste & Tour in Belfast, it made perfect sense to expand our unique offering to Scotland.

“We’ve spent the past few months meeting some amazing food producers, chefs, restauranteurs and bar owners in Edinburgh, and their passion for food and drink is inspiring. We are extremely proud to launch in Scotland and look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to embark on the tour.”

Caroline Wilson, Taste & Tour Co-Founder said: “We’re excited to be working with Cameron on Taste & Tour Edinburgh, who has been a cornerstone in helping with our expansion operation.

“The people of Edinburgh have been incredibly encouraging and welcoming, and we can’t wait to build our relationships further with the amazing producers and people of the city.”

Cameron Ritchie, Taste & Tour Edinburgh Director, said: “We want to show visitors, locals and corporate guests a great time, wonderful food and drink and give them an experience they won’t forget in my hometown .”

Taste & Tour Edinburgh has launched with the Edinburgh Old Town Food Tour, starting from £70 per person, with the Edinburgh Gin Jaunt launching at the end of March and the Crafty Beer and Tasty Bites tour launching in the coming months. It also offers a range of bespoke food and drink experiences for private groups and the corporate market.

https://tasteandtour.co.uk/book-tour/edinburgh-old-town-food-tour

Lorna Brooks has a new album out now. Since Life Stood Still is very much about living during the pandemic and afterwards, and every track has a story attached – which Lorna told the audience in her funny direct way at Leith Arches on Thursday.

A packed out crowd were there to hear her, many of whom were friends and fans already, but all of them appreciative of the live versions of the new tracks. This is a polished individual who, even as she said herself, has come a long way since she appeared regularly on the bill at the St James Oyster Bar. She has in the past shared a stage with musicians such as Eric Bibb, Eleanor McEvoy, Shawn Colvin, Iris de Ment and Janis Ian and in the last ten years has worked as a session musician, composer and voice coach – at one time at The City of Edinburgh Music School.

She told the audience the stories behind the songs during the 90 minute set at Leith Arches, but the basic message was to get downstairs afterwards and buy a CD, or vinyl – or better still download the album. She warned against trying to stream her music for free – because Lorna’s “in a grump” about that. She said that when she comes out of her grump you might be able to stream the album – but there is no guarantee. After a long career in music she prefers to be paid for her and her band’s efforts, and who can blame her?

The band is talented and diverse with trumpet, saxophone and trombone, keyboards, violin, bass guitar and drums. Particularly on We Send Ships the wonderful tones of the brass shine through, but Seonaid Aitken with her violin makes other tracks come alive.

Lorna said: “I’m back and sanguine at last. This album has culminated into, I believe, my best work – let the music speak for itself.“

Apparently the band only rehearsed once last weekend before the album launch but even with restarts on a couple of numbers (of course this was intentional..) this is a band who really can hold it together, behind a singer songwriter with a rich, jazzy voice.

On stage with Lorna the band included Althea Stentiford who has sung with Lorna for 20+ years, and old friend Carol Laula who stepped up to sing on stage. Another old friend Horse McDonald was sitting in the front row, the pair obviously still close after a long friendship, and more recently Lorna opened for Horse in Aberdeen in November last year.

This year Lorna will spend her time promoting the album and playing live with the ten piece band or on occasion a more intimate three to four piece. Try not to miss them.

And buy the album here.

A crash between a tram and a car near the Gyle is causing delays this afternoon.

Edinburgh Trams reported the incident on Twitter at about 12.15 and the trams are still running part route from Edinburgh Park to Newhaven both ways for now.

Virgin Bet has been announced as the headline Easter Saturday Raceday sponsor at Musselburgh Racecourse – ahead of one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.

Featuring the £100,000 Queen’s Cup and The Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race – The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday will see some of the country’s top horses, trainers and jockeys converge on the East Lothian course on Saturday 30 March.

Bill Farnsworth, Racecourse Director with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In Virgin Bet we have a headline sponsor that matches our ambitions, to continue growing our Easter event and building its reputation as the pinnacle of horse racing in Scotland.

“We have a packed programme for avid racing fans. The £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, a Heritage Handicap staged over 1m 6f, is the feature race. With total prize money nudging £300,000, there is also a superb supporting card boasting contests such as the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup and Virgin Bet Silver Arrow, which are run over five-furlongs and seven-furlongs, respectively.

“Last year’s winner of the Queen’s Cup, Wise Eagle, went on to finish second in a Group 3 contest at Ascot while the 2022 hero Enemy was a close runner-up in a race in Saudi Arabia worth a whopping £1.2 million.

“The Scottish Sprint Cup attracts some of the fastest horses in the country, and twelve months ago, was won in blistering style by Silky Wilkie, who, just four weeks later, was just pipped by a short-head at Epsom on Derby Day. He was also second twice in Listed grade at Beverley and York.

“Musselburgh’s five-furlong track record was set in this race by 2018 winner Caspian Prince, who stopped the clock at 56.77sec, and meant he was travelling quicker than the cars on the adjacent road!

“Top jockey Hollie Doyle landed the 2019 renewal with Saheeq, who, like Caspian Prince, was trained by Mick Appleby.  Last year’s Silver Arrow winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, reports that she is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick!”

The high calibre of flat racing will be captured and broadcast across the UK by ITV Racing, with the racing programme starting at 1:30 and the final race getting underway at 5:20.

Ric Leask, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, said: “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet as the headline sponsor for Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.

“We are passionate about delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience, and there’s no better way to showcase this commitment than by supporting one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.

“Musselburgh holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts, and we are excited to be a part of the excitement and tradition that the Easter Saturday Raceday brings.

“This sponsorship reflects our dedication to being a leading player in the horseracing world, and we’re delighted to continue to be deeply embedded within the highlight moments of the sport.”

Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest annual events that has grown over the years, gaining the royal seal of approval along the way.

“Virgin Bet coming on board is helping us to be even more ambitious with our plans, so that we can put on the perfect holiday weekend event for all manner of racegoers.

“This includes us expanding the off-track entertainment and hospitality offering. We believe it will be our best easter raceday to date.”

With the top-quality racing matched by a wide-ranging food and drink offering, plus an after-racing party, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings in the Easter social calendar.

The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on 30^th March 2024 will open doors at 11:30 am and the first race is off at 1:50 pm (subject to change).

Book your tickets before midnight on the 29^th of March and save £5.00 per person with under 17s going free when accompanied by an adult, T&Cs apply.

For more information and to book tickets now for Easter Saturday, visit: https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024#tickets-header

Rognvald ‘Ronnie’ Robinson is a well-known face at Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs above Balerno in The Pentland Hills, but the 84-year-old does more than just fish.

He acts as stand-in bailiff, provides detailed reports on daily catch returns which are an enormous help for the board as regards re-stocking plans and also sits as a committee member on Malleny Angling Ltd, the not-for-profit organisation which administers both waters.

Ronnie’s services to the club were celebrated at the annual meeting when the Edinburgh-based angler was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for an outstanding contribution. 

Meanwhile, Malleny Angling have confirmed their prices for the coming season which starts on April 1.

They are £30 for a full day ticket from 8am which allows an angler to keep three fish. A full day catch and release day permit is £25 when only barbless or debarred hooks are allowed and the evening catch and release permit is £20 is available from 5pm once the longer nights come in.

Season permits are still available for £290 offering seven-days-a-week fishing. Contact secretary.malleny@gmail.com for full details. Free permits are available for anglers 17 years and younger to encourage young people into the sport but the young angler must be accompanied by a member, season ticket holder or a day ticket buyer.  

PICTURE: Ronnie Robinson catching at one of his favourite fishing spots at Harlaw.

St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies has created two new senior management roles as part of an ongoing strategic growth plan.

Rab McNally has been with the firm for 14 years and is stepping up from Regional Manager to Group Sales Director.

He will be based at company headquarters in Prestonfield, Edinburgh, and will oversee all four branches – Stenhouse in the Capital, Livingston and the west coast base in Paisley.

Responsibilities will include the group-wide development and implementation of the company’s long-term vision, while he will also be tasked with driving growth and sales across the central belt.

The second new position sees Martin McKale promoted from General Manager to Regional Director after eight years with St Andrews.

His focus will be on realising the goals of the three east coast branches with his wide-ranging remit including personnel, sales and logistics.

Operations Director Kerrie Ferguson said: “We have a long-term growth plan for the business and these two senior appointments are cornerstones of that strategy. Both men are widely respected within the St Andrews group and across the sector and will be real assets to us in these roles.

“Rab has over 40 years of experience in the industry and has been with us for 14 years and is ideally placed to take on the position of Group Sales Director and drive us forward this year.

“Martin is another hugely experienced operator and knows the industry inside out and the Regional Director role is ideally suited to him.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with both of them as we build on what has been a positive start to 2024.”

Pictured are Operations Director Kerrie Ferguson with Rab McNally (l) and Martin McKale.

Edinburgh Leisure’s flagship climbing arena at Ratho has benefitted from a major funding investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund.

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) has received £100,000 towards bouldering redevelopment which will improve opportunities to progress at all levels of the sport.

The redevelopment will ensure that Ratho becomes the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic standard facilities for all three climbing disciplines (lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering).

This investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted and very grateful to receive the sportscotland funding that means we can replace our outdated bouldering facilities at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA).

“With indoor bouldering now the most widely practised form of climbing it will ensure that the EICA can continue as a world class venue for all three climbing disciplines – lead, speed, and bouldering – while continuing to provide climbers of all ages and abilities with access to opportunities to participate in and progress through the sport.

“It will also mean that Scotland is able to host bouldering competitions and national training camps and allow the EICA to keep our national and international profile as a world-class climbing facility.”

EICA is among 18 projects across Scotland to share a total of £1,506,263 from sportscotland in this round.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The aim of the Sports Facilities Fund is to support sustainable and inclusive projects with their ambitions of using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of their local communities. This investment would not be possible without National Lottery players who continue to raise vital funding for sport across Scotland.

“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.

“Projects like this one at the EICA not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity but can also provide a place for communities to come together

The Sports Facilities Fund prioritises projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport locally by removing barriers, particularly in rural areas or areas of deprivation, and for under-represented groups.

In addition to the investment, projects can benefit from the expertise within sportscotland’s facilities team to maximise the impact that their plans will have, ensuring they meet the needs of their local communities now and in the future.