The future of a West Lothian council-owned wedding venue remains in doubt after a delay to a report on plans for its future. 

Linlithgow SNP councillor Pauline Orr said the financial plight of the Burgh Halls was “a concern”, as she and others await a report that had been expected in January. 

There’s no word yet on when it will be. 

As highlighted in this year’s budget the venue losses are predicted to be £100,000 by the end of this month. Officials have already conceded that the losses are in fact unmet income targets. 

A blueprint for the future was expected early in the New Year.   At the budget debate, on February 25, council officers reiterated that it would be published after consultations between the education department which runs the venue and other council departments including finance. 

At a meeting of the full council, councillor Orr asked how big the rates increase had been for the building in the last year. 

Answering her question this week Council Leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said the rates bull had risen £5,000, from £67,596 to £72,111. 

Councillor Orr told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “With that confirmed as only around £5,000 it is now as important as ever to try and understand where the shortfalls really are, what actions are being taken to alleviate them and what time-scales are being considered. 

“Linlithgow Burgh Halls is a unique venue in the heart of the town and close to the Palace and Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.” 

She added: “The financial position of the Burgh Halls is concerning.  It should be providing a significant income stream to West Lothian Council, and it is not. 

“The Burgh Halls is capable of producing a comfortable and even significant profit, income that can help to negate some of the devastating cuts being made to services.” 

A council spokesperson told the LDRS: “Officers are continuing their review, exploring potential operating models for the Burgh Halls. Details of the review will be brought to committee in due course.”    

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Police in Edinburgh responded to reports of gun fire in Pilton this morning.

Around 7.55am on Friday, 21 March, 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged at a property in West Pilton Bank, Edinburgh.

Officers are currently in attendance and there are no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and a significant police presence will remain in the area.

Road closures are in place at West Pilton Road and Pennywell Road and we are asking people to avoid the area.

Inspector Alan Healy said: “We understand this incident will be very worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.

“Enquiries are at an early stage and officers will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and I would urge anyone with questions or concerns to approach them – they are there to help.”

Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

The incident follows reports of a firearm being discharged at a property in Niddrie earlier this week.

Police are continuing to appeal for information to trace a 47-year-old man reported missing from Edinburgh, more than one week since he was last seen.

Coen Bust got off a train at Dunkeld Train Station at 10.18am on Thursday, 13 March, 2025. He had left Edinburgh Waverley Station at 8.30am.

There have been no confirmed sightings of him since this time.

He is described as of heavy build with a long greying beard. He was last seen wearing a mustard-coloured jacket and carrying a large rucksack and a red/orange metal water bottle.

Inspector Paul Thomson, Drylaw Police Station, said: “It has now been more than a week since Coen Bust was last seen and we are keen to trace him as soon as possible and I would ask anyone with any information to please contact Police Scotland.

“If you have private CCTV footage in the Dunkeld or Birnam areas or dashcam footage from the surrounding areas around the time Mr Coen was last seen, please review it and contact us with anything relevant.

“Likewise, if you were on the 8.30am train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness on Thursday, 13 March, and saw Mr Bust, or got off at Dunkeld, please contact police. No matter how small it may seem, it may help us find him.

“I am also appealing directly to Mr Bust himself to get in touch with the police.”

If you can help, please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 2616 of Thursday, 13 March, 2025.

The Hibernian Community Foundation has postponed the 2025 Journey Home from Hampden, due to Hibs match against Dundee being moved due to TV selection.

The cycle was due to take place on Sunday 13 April, the same day as the Club’s final First Team fixture before the top six split.

The Foundation Team are now working on a new date for the ‘Journey Home from Hampen’ to allow David Gray and his coaching staff to lead the event.

With a new date to be announced in the near future, the Community Foundation are still aiming to provide the cycle’s participants with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of cycling alongside some of their heroes, alongside raising valuable funds and awareness for neurodiverse children looking to get involved in football activities. 

A spokesperson said: “The Hibernian Community Foundation would like to thank all the participants for signing up so far and for beginning their fundraising journey, and we apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused.

“We will communicate the new date once the post-split fixtures have been confirmed.

“We look forward to a challenging yet rewarding day, and encourage all members of the Hibernian community to still get involved any way they can.”

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care has a problem in that it requires to make cuts to balance its budget. It tried to remove some of its expenditure by slashing £4.5 million from the monies it provides to third sector organisations – and the council has had to step in to plug some of that gap.

The EIJB, in common with all other integration boards in Scotland, is facing “significant financial challenges” even with a £900 million budget. Demand for their services continues to grow, alongside rising costs and a reduction in the working age population. 

The board suggests that its medium-term financial strategy, and its new strategic plan, will respond to these challenges in determining how the board invests the £900 million it has to spend on providing health and social care services in Edinburgh. 

Read more here.

Tattoo reintroduces narrator

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has reintroduced a narrator at all performances during the August run to take audiences through the history of the 75 year old event.

The Creative Director Alan Lane has appointed Terence Rae to perform the role of Storyteller during this season providing a commentary thread to explain to the 220,000 members of the audience what is happening beneath them. The role of narrator was performed by Alasdair Hutton from 1992, but has been much missed in recent years.

Read more here

World Poetry Day

Edinburgh, the oldest City of Literature, will mark World Poetry Day today with a teaser trailer made by their Edinburgh College of Art animation students, hinting at a love-letter poem for the city by Edinburgh Makar and author Michael Pedersen. 

Watch out for it on social media and read more here.

Idiogram at The Caves tomorrow

Idiogram’s debut album ‘Reunion of Broken Parts’ is out tomorrow – 22 March. The band recently received positive reviews

To coincide with the album release, the band are hosting a launch event at The Caves in Edinburgh on 22 March. 

A spokesperson for the band said: “Like the album’s cover, an imposing exterior gives way to a dazzling interior. Seven unique
tracks span from sparse ambience to wall-of-sound via bold riffs and delicate melodies, and
the album skillfully combines these elements into a natural whole that is absolutely of the
times; by turns technological and organic, calming and overwhelming, occasionally
confusing – but always refreshing. It puts Idiogram’s stellar range of influences on
resplendent display, transporting listeners between the moods and spaces that occupy the
band’s collective psyche.”
Idiogram’s Lesley Crawford said: ‘Reunion of Broken Parts’ is wholly true to its title. Musical parts and unions live here in
abundance; a host of earworms tucked away amidst strangeness, hope and complexity.
“We’re making music that we want to make with no agenda other than the joy and
satisfaction of doing so. The band follow their interests
with intention, disregarding preconceived ideas about what should and should not be. “We
hold a core belief that music is about community and not competition, so we’re excited to put
it out there and see if it resonates with other people.”

Launch Gig:
○ Date: 22nd March 2025
○ Venue: The Caves, Edinburgh
○ Support from: SLY DIG and Matilda Brown
○ Live visuals: Sam Healy
○ Tickets: Available to buy here – concessions and add-ons also available

Billy the cheetah is now on show

Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo are now able to spot their new cheetah, Billy, as he explores his new home. 

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) hopes to welcome a female cheetah in future, with the potential for the wildlife conservation charity to be home to some cubs. 

Visitors can book tickets to Edinburgh Zoo online and save at edinburghzoo.org.uk/tickets 

Saving Ferguson’s shipyard on the Clyde was to have been one of Nicola Sturgeon’s great successes as first minister.  But this week she watched the yard lose a vital contract, just as she was cleared of any involvement in the SNP’s internal financial scandal.

Both affairs have severely rocked the SNP’s boat and both have been tales of woe on the scale of a Norse Saga.

Ferguson’s, one of the last two shipbuilding yards on the Clyde, was nationalised by the Sturgeon government in 2019 when it ran into trouble building two large ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne.  One of them, the Glen Rosa, is still not complete. The other, the Glen Sannox, finally entered service in January this year – seven years late and four times over-budget. This week it suffered another embarrassment when it was withdrawn from the Arran run for a few days while a crack in the hull was repaired.

So one could understand why there were doubts over whether it could take on the next order from Cal Mac, for seven small electric ferries worth £175m. These are now to be built in Gdansk in Poland, a yard which has built several ferries for Cal Mac in the past.  But it leaves Ferguson’s 400 workers angry and anxious because the order book is now virtually empty.  And it does seem unpatriotic not to have ferry boats for Scottish islands built on the Clyde.

Cal Mac – or rather its procurement arm CMAL – makes the point that it had to have an open competition for the contract or it would face legal action from the other five bidders on the grounds of unfair competition.  And this isn’t the only cruel twist in the Saga because Ferguson’s insist the delays and over-runs on the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa ferries were because they were pioneering the new technology of duel gas/diesel engines and because the design brief kept changing.   

And, of course, the ferries were caught in the usual political whirlpool of blame as to who is looking after the interest of Scotland’s precious islanders. The arguments splashed up again at first minister’s question time on Thursday.  Nicola Sturgeon herself has admitted mistakes were made and perhaps she should have paid more attention to what was going on at Cal Mac and Ferguson’s. In the end, the industry secretary Kate Forbes has given Ferguson’s £14m to re-equip the yard in the hope it can compete for the next ferry contract from Cal Mac for three new medium sized ferries.

There’s been better news for Ms Sturgeon in the second Saga of the week, the strangely named Operation Branchform. This is the lengthy and suspiciously secretive police investigation into how £660,000 of donations to the SNP’s referendum appeal found its way into the party’s general funds. It’s taken four years for one man to appear in court to be charged with embezzlement. Peter Murrell, Nicolas Sturgeon’s estranged husband, and former chief executive of the SNP, made no plea when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.  Both Ms Sturgeon and the party’s treasurer Colin Beattie have been cleared of any involvement.

“This is the outcome I have always expected,” she told reporters. “There was never a scrap of evidence against me.” But she admitted it had not been easy enduring the two years between her arrest and this week’s announcement from the Crown Office. 

I still wonder why it has taken the police so long to investigate what seems a simple case involving just a few people.  And did they have to erect an incident tent on Nicola Sturgeon’s front lawn, as if there had been a murder?  The timing of their actions and announcements has always been suspicious. This week’s news, for instance, comes just a few days after Ms Sturgeon announced she would not be standing again in next year’s Scottish elections.   

Although these two Sagas – the ferries and arrests – damaged the SNP’s reputation and their poll ratings at the time, the party has bounced back.  In the latest poll, by Survation, the SNP are on 34 per cent support while Labour are on 23 per cent.  Reform, meanwhile, is enjoying its highest score yet in Scotland, of 17 per cent, reflecting a mood of “a plague on both your houses” especially among young voters.  

It’s not much wonder really, with the failure of all the major parties to come up with more than lip service to welfare reform, NHS restructuring, university funding, and climate change.  This week’s government plan to convert the Grangemouth refinery into a renewable energy hub, Project Willow, talks of nine possible developments employing 800 people but not for many years and only if the government’s £200m can attract £2.3bn of private investment.

As the week unfolded, we needed something to cheer us up. The weather played its part, dry, bright and sunny, if a bit cold.  And news came that another of the world’s biggest sporting events is coming to Scotland. The Tour de France cycling championship will begin at Edinburgh Castle in July 2027. This most curious of sporting events will mean an economic and publicity windfall for Scotland.  And because of that, I don’t think it will be long before other countries will want to join in, and the race will become the Tour de Europe.

Edinburgh tennis ace Jacob Fearnley will face top seed and world No 2 Alexander Zverev in the second round of the Miami Masters tournament on Saturday after a truly remarkable opening win.

The 23-year-old Scot seemed down and out against Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi when, hampered by what appeared upper leg cramping, he lost four successive games to go from a set up (7-6) to level at set all.

When Fearnley was broken at the start of the decider despite earlier treatment from the trainer things looked bleak. But the former Colinton junior and Merchiston Castle School tennis alumni immediately broke back and traded service games until Bonzi was broken for 6-4 as a major comeback ensued.

“I was feeling my left leg twitching and had to dig deep” said Fearnley who went for broke behind his powerful forehand.

“If I hadn’t broken at the start of the third set it could have got away from me. I wanted no part of a rally. I had to go for it. He was getting me quite a bit in the rallies.”

Bonzi is ranked 20 places above Fearnley at No 63 but that gap will close soon – especially if he can turn the tables on Zverev after defeat against the German at the Australian Open third round stage.

That match was over best-of-five sets though and the best-of-three format might suit Fearnley in his have-a-go mindset.

“It helps a lot (to have played Zverev in Melbourne” said Fearnley who frequently punched the air as he pulled off some striking winners and powerful serves at the business end of the tie, “I know what to expect.

“I look forward to matches like this. It’s why I play tennis.”

World Poetry Day takes place on 21 March when UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature all over the world will celebrate the achievements of their city.

The date was adopted by UNESCO as World Poetry Day during their 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999, and the day has since been used to champion and celebrate linguistic diversity, poetic expression and endangered languages.

The theme for this year’s World Poetry Day is Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion and in our ever divided world it offers us the opportunity to connect with one another, across countries and cultures. 

Edinburgh, the oldest City of Literature, will mark World Poetry Day with a teaser trailer made by their Edinburgh College of Art animation students, hinting at a love-letter poem for the city by Edinburgh Makar and author, Michael Pedersen. 

Granada City of Literature will be leading the celebrations for the Literature network as usual and will once again organise a large poetry reading in Granada, where the local literary community will come together for a joyful celebration of poetry.

Dunedin City of Literature is partnering with OAR FM on World Poetry Day for the launch in the City Library of ‘Layers of Identity’ – a creative writing podcast and book project, showcasing the diverse voices of young Dunedin writers and poets through powerful stories of identity, culture, and belonging.

The oldest surviving poem The Epic of Gilgamesh is a Mesopotamian poem that was written nearly four thousand years ago. Humans have used poetry to express their thoughts and feelings and provide a window into other cultures for centuries. With 168 poetic forms to choose from, poetry offers something for everyone regardless of their creative style and this can be seen in the variety and breadth of offerings across the UNESCO Cities of Literature network.

More than seventeen Cities of Literature will be taking part, including Ljubljana. For ten consecutive years, on World Poetry Day, Ljubljana has hosted a poetry marathon. This year, they will hold a poetry festival, which will take place between March 17th and 23rd at five locations in Ljubljana, and will be dedicated to performative poetry.

Norwich City of Literature ran an event on Thursday 20 March with one of the UK’s most beloved writers, Wendy Cope, leading a 25-minute reading followed by a discussion.

Melbourne will be publishing a video series of six Wheeler Centre Hot Desk fellows reading their original poetry. Tartu City of Literature will be marking World Poetry Day with a whole host of events, including a poetry book fair at Tartu Literature House, whilst if you’re in Angoulême the ‘Printemps des Poètes’ (Spring of Poets) is taking place from March 12th to 23rd.

Tukums Library will be running an initiative called ‘Gift a Poem’ which encourages visitors to share the beauty of poetry with one another. Wonju City will be taking the original work of local writers and poets and turning them into ‘Poetry Paintings’ which will then be displayed on their website.

Kuhmo will be celebrating with an open event in Kuhmo town library which is free of charge whilst Manchester will be launching their city’s new Clean and Green Strategy with Poetry in the Park at Boggart Hole Clough, where the Manchester Libraries will be handing out packets of bee friendly seeds. Meanwhile Nottingham will be celebrating World Poetry Day with a series of online videos talking to local creatives about how they got involved with poetry and what it means to them.

This year Okayama will be celebrating World Poetry Day for the first time with a ‘silent reading’ style bookclub which encourages people to read their own poetry. Milan boasts several events dedicated to poetry, offering something for everyone whilst Lyon is hosting a three-week long poetry festival. Vilnius Literary House will be hosting the final of the pupils’ poetry translation competition and Heidelberg will be offering a poetry inspired church service, amongst a range of other wonderful events.

A restaurant which operated without a valid drinks licence for several years before closing its doors looks set to reopen under a new name.

Giancarlo’s in Tranent opened in August  2015, but the company which held its premises licence, Pacitti Ltd, was dissolved the following September meaning it the permit was no longer valid.

The matter only came to light two years ago after the restaurant operators missed their annual licence fee payment and  East Lothian Council’s licensing team checked on its status.

Now it looks likely it will reopen after Mauro Pacitti applied for a series of occasional licences to allow alcohol to be sold on the premises in April under its new name La Trattoria.

The occasional licences applications will go before East Lothian Licensing Board where members will be told Mr Pacitti is a personal licence holder but no application has been made for a new premises licence for the restaurant, leading to the request for the temporary permits to sell alcohol during opening times next month..

Giancarlo’s opened on Tranent High Street in 2015 quickly becoming a popular eaterie in the town. It was forced to close its doors temporarily in 2022 after safety fears were raised about subsidence issues with the building.

The restaurant reopened five months but closed its doors for the last time in May 2023.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Niddrie this morning Thursday, 20 March, 2025.

Around 3.05am police received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing, including door-to-door enquiries and CCTV trawl.

Detective Inspector Martin Smith said: “We believe this was a targeted attack and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“A dedicated team of officers are working to trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as quickly as possible.

“From our enquiries so far, we believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

“We understand this incident will be concerning for the local community but please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved.”

A white BMW 1 series car was seen in the area around the time the firearm was discharged and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Around 4.30am on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, a vehicle was found in Main Street in the Dalmeny area of Edinburgh.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish if the vehicle is linked to the incident in Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

The vehicle has been uplifted and a forensic examination will take place in due course.

Detective Inspector Smith added: “We would urge anyone with information on this car, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the car in Niddrie Marischal Crescent or the Dalmeny area.

“Please think back – did you see this car? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident number 0281 of Thursday, 20 March, 2025, or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

A citywide firework control zone has been ruled out by Edinburgh councillors, who are instead set to focus on tackling problems in local areas.

Councillors backed consulting the public on Fireworks Control Zones (FCZ) for Niddrie, Sighthill/Broomhouse and Gracemount/Mordun, which if approved would ban fireworks in each area for ten days around Bonfire Night.

Officers will also solicit applications for new fireworks control zones submitted to the public – but ruled out consulting on a citywide FCZ.

Several small FCZs in the city, including in Niddrie and Calton Hill, reportedly had a positive effect on fireworks use during Bonfire Night last year.

Earlier in the day, councillors heard deputations from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and animal charities Cats Protection and OneKind around controlling fireworks use.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s deputation touched on the usefulness of youth work in combating firework-related antisocial behaviour through their Fireskills programme.

And the Cats Protection deputation touched on harm to animals, with the charity saying domestic cats run away from home every Bonfire Night.

Further, they raised the case of a red panda which died at Edinburgh Zoo last year as a result of stress from the sound of nearby fireworks.

The decision was referred to Thursday’s [20 March] full council meeting by the Culture and Communities Committee.

Labour councillor and committee convener Val Walker said: “There will need to be evidence that this scale of restriction is needed across the city.

“That has not occurred. Most of the city has remained peaceful overnight.

“A FCZ is not the only means, or the best means, to maintain peace. Police can issue dispersal orders across the city.

“The most recent [Scottish Government] advice suggests that the boundaries of a FCZ must be proportional.”

The results of consultations carried out by officers will be presented to the Culture and Communities Committee on 21 August 2025.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

Concern over plans to build a new £120 million Midlothian high school with a main road running through the site have been raised by its local community council.

Detailed plans for the new Beeslack High School at Easter Bush are due to go before councillors on Monday next week with officers recommending they give them the green light.

But a report on the proposals reveals concerns have been raised by Roslin and Bilston Community Council over plans to split the new facilities over two fields on either side of a road, which they say will only get busier.

The community council also questioned whether alternative sites had been properly considered.

The planned new secondary school will have capacity for 1600 pupils and include a swimming pool, separate additional supports needs building and a vet clinic on the land which will be used by the Dick Vet.

The buildings are planned for land to the west of Seafield Moor Road at the site with planned sports pitches attached to the school to be built on land on the east of the road.

The community council said it did not object to the principal of a new school, but did object to the current proposal.

They said: “The location of the proposed school is unsatisfactory in a number of ways, not least having a campus that is split by a main road, a road that is due to become even busier in a few years’ time.

“With so much public money at stake, the need for a thorough site search is irrefutable. Until there has been an open, professional site search with opportunity for public participation, including participation in drawing up the terms of reference and in the assessment process, planning permission
for the present proposal must not be granted.”

Planning officers said four sites had originally been considered before the Easter Bush location was chosen adding: “When assessing a planning application, the planning authority must assess whether the proposal is acceptable at that location. It is not within the planning authority’s remit to identify alternative sites for a proposal as part of the assessment of a planning application.”

Their report revealed one objection from an individual had been lodged to the plans relating to a lack of urinals in the school building and questioning whether it met the standards required but said it was not a planning matter with the allocation of toilet facilities to different sets of pupils “an operational matter for the Education Authority”.

Recommending the plans for approval officers said: “The site is located on two sites allocated for development in the Midlothian Local Development Plan and will provide a facility that will enable the council to meet statutory education requirements.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a hovercraft service running between Fife and Edinburgh are being explored by council officials, it has emerged.

A possible route has been looked at before, but it has been more than a decade since the last proposals were dropped.

In a written question for Edinburgh Council’s Transport Convenor, SNP councillor Danny Aston asked about any meetings the city’s transport leader had held regarding the service.

He was told there had been none – but it was noted that “Fife Council have recently commenced a Feasibility Study to examine the case for a cross Forth vessel operating between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh.”

And it was confirmed that officers from Edinburgh council had attended initial meetings regarding the proposal, with the written answer saying they would “continue to inform the development of the study.”

A hovercraft service across the Firth of Forth was trialled in 2007, with huge crowds turning up to Portobello Beach for a unique trip over to Kirkcaldy.

The 12-day pilot scheme was run by Stagecoach, and saw a 92ft BHT 130 amphibious vehicle previously used on the crossing from the Isle of Wight to mainland England put into service on the estuary.

Tens of thousands paid the £3.50 return price to skim across the water in an average time of around 18 minutes.

“There is a broad consensus that a cross-Forth link can deliver significant transport and economic benefits,” Stagecoach’s Brian Souter said at the time.

But red tape surrounding public funding for the project, and arguments over the proposed route led to delays, and in 2011 Edinburgh council axed planning permission for the project.

In 2014, brief hopes were raised the project may be revitalised amid rumours a new firm, named Forthfast, had reignited interest in pursuing a route, but that failed to get off the ground.

The first findings of the latest feasibility study are expected within the next two months, at which point an update will be provided to Edinburgh Council’s transport committee.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

Former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie has responded to the news that he will face no action in their investigation into SNP finances. 

The announcement came as ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail. 

The SNP MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, has this afternoon issued the following statement 

“I am absolutely delighted that the police investigation which involved myself is now officially over and I have been completely cleared of all suspicion. It’s nearly two years since I was arrested and released without charge. 

“The time since then has been very hard for myself and my wife and being able to live a normal life again, without almost daily press reminders and speculation about the investigation will be strange for a while. While there was no question in my mind that I had done nothing wrong the fact is that it created a question among those who do not know me. 

“There is still an ongoing case – which does not involve myself – so I need to be circumspect in my references to this. 

“I would like to thank the very many people who gave me, and my wife, their support and encouragement through the sometimes difficult times, including my constituents who stood by me and put their trust in me as their MSP. 

“Now, I intend to share a glass of something with my wife tonight, and tomorrow I can focus on the future as I put myself forward for consideration as the SNP candidate for the Midlothian North County Constituency.” 

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will not be charged in connection with Police Scotland’s long-running investigation into SNP finances.  

And she is no longer under investigation. 

The probe, which has been ongoing since July 2021, is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning. 

The announcement came as her husband, ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. 

Murrell made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail. 

Police Scotland has also confirmed former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie who had previously been arrested was no longer under investigation.  

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal enquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded. 

The 73 year-old man arrested on 18 April, 2023, and the 54 year-old woman arrested on 11 June, 2023, have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.” 

Speaking today following the announcement Ms Sturgeon said: “The former first minister said: “I have done nothing wrong, and I don’t think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong.” 

Campaigners are demanding that the council reconsiders its plans for a super school and that it listens to the “overwhelming opposition” from people who live in both South Queensferry and Kirkliston.

The group has set up a petition asking that a new school is established in Kirkliston instead of extending the school in South Queensferry.

Parents are concerned that the council’s Education, Children, and Families Committee will meet next Tuesday, March 25, to vote on the controversial proposal to extend Queensferry High School (QHS), which would create a ‘super’ school with 1,800 students.

Iain MacDonald is a resident and parent. He said: “As a concerned resident of South Queensferry, I am deeply alarmed by the council’s proposal to expand QHS into a ‘super’ school. Not only do I fear that such an extension would negatively affect the quality of education and children’s wellbeing, but there are also significant concerns about the added pressure on traffic, particularly on Station Road and surrounding roads. The extension would also result in the loss of vital parking spaces at the school, further exacerbating existing issues.

“Additionally, the proposal overlooks a more balanced, sustainable solution for both communities: the establishment of a new, dedicated high school in Kirkliston. This approach would offer Kirkliston residents new, modern facilities, ensure a closer-knit community, and provide a greener, healthier, and long-term solution for the town. Such a development would also help to better distribute the student population across the area, preserving the unique character of both South Queensferry and Kirkliston.

“The community has made its stance clear. In the public consultation held in 2023, an overwhelming 98% of Queensferry residents and 78% of Kirkliston residents (over 700 respondents) opposed the expansion of QHS. Instead, the vast majority of residents have voiced strong support for a brand new high school in Kirkliston. Despite this, the council is pressing forward with plans to extend QHS, ignoring the voices of the very people they are meant to serve.

“As the vote on this proposal approaches, we are calling on all concerned residents to join us in voicing their opposition. By signing this petition and sharing their concerns, they can send a powerful message to Edinburgh Council that the community does not support the extension of Queensferry High School. It’s time to put our children’s welfare first and ensure the long-term viability of our towns by revisiting the idea of a new high school in Kirkliston.

“The community’s collective opposition is clear, and it’s vital that Edinburgh Council listen to the communities of South Queensferry and Kirkliston and reject the proposal to extend Queensferry High School.”

Education Committee meeting

The council is to consider its report after consideration of both options – either a new school in Kirkliston or the extension of the existing one. And the recommendation from officers is to opt for the extension. There is a lot to read in the report which is embedded below but the capital which it would take to build a new school is almost twice as much as building an extention.

Officers say the cost of buying land would be £2.25 million but it is the construction cost of £79.90 million which adds considerably to the total.

To build a new school in Kirkliston is estimated at £91.65 million and to extend South Queensferry High School would cost £52 million.

Petition · Urge Edinburgh Council to Support New High School in Kirkliston Over Queensferry Extension – Queensferry, United Kingdom · Change.org

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Civil Service Strollers maintain an intense spell of fixtures on Saturday, 22 March, when they entertain Bo’ness United in the Lowland League.

Strollers currently sit eighth in the table with their opponents ninth and two points behind so a close encounter is anticipated at Christie Gillies Park, Muirhouse.

So far in March the Strollers have won four of their six games with the three pointer coming against promotion chasing Caledonian Braves (3-1).

Earlier this week Strollers drew 0-0 with Broxburn Athletic in adding to their share of the spoils against Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire.

On Tuesday next week (25^th) Strollers welcome League leaders East Kilbride who, depending on weekend results, could be looking to clinch the title.

Strollers will certainly be hoping, at the very least, to atone for a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season at East Kilbride.

A key figure for Strollers on Saturday could midfielder Ewan McLeod, pictured in action against East Stirlingshire, and on loan from Dunfermline.

Kick off v Bo’ness United is 3pm with admission £9 and £5 with under-16’s free provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Police have welcomed a plunge in the number of anti-social behaviour calls in an area plagued by problems in recent years 

Councillors met with local police commanders following a public meeting in the Linlithgow Burgh Halls in November 2023 following a surge in reports of youth disorder in the town. 

 In the wake of that a number of high-profile policing strategies were rolled out including the use of special constables and joint operations with British Transport Police. 

This week the Linlithgow local area committee heard that just 38 calls for ASB had been received by officers in the last three months of 2024. 

Police said the drop comes on the back of proactive policing by local community teams during what is normally one of the busiest times of the year for ASB reports linked to events such as Bonfire night and the Christmas holidays. 

There was also a fall across a broad range of crimes reported. 

Sgt Lee Brodie told councillors: “There were just 38 calls regarding ASB incidents in the third quarter- 1 October to 31 December. That equates to one call every three days which is a great improvement year on year.” 

For the same period in 2023 there were 86. The Local Democracy Reporting Service highlighted in March last year that ASB calls dropped from 14 a week at the start of October 2023 to just 3 in the last week of that year. 

For the last three months, a report by police said, the 38 calls included: “all calls with an ASB tag. This includes Public Nuisance, Noise, Drinking in Public, Neighbour Dispute, ASBO and Damage calls.”  

Sgt Brodie added: “This figure will also include any youth calls, which are discussed at the weekly partnership meeting to enable capture of any youth ASB hotspots.” 

The police report added: “Community Officers carried out a number of pro-active patrols in relation to other reported ASB issues. These include patrolling: High Street Linlithgow, Society Point and the North Philpstoun Bing. During these patrols officers engaged with local residents, particularly on Linlithgow High Street, providing advice. 

“Officers also carried out three intervention visits, including joint visits with West Lothian council to a number of residences in Linlithgow following reports of neighbourhood issues and ASB. Appropriate advice was given by all agencies at each address, although there was no requirement for direct enforcement action.” 

Crime figures presented to the local area committees now compare the quarter to the equivalent period the year before. The crime showing the biggest increase year on year in Linlithgow was housebreaking in non-dwelling premises, which was up 200%- rising from two cases to six. 

There was a 6.5% increase in common assault cases- rising from 62 in October-December 2023 to 66 in the last three months of 2024. There was a 50% drop- from two to one – in serious assaults. 

Cases of vandalism dropped from 52 in the last three months of 2023 to 33 last year, down 36.5% and drug possession dropped 66.7%, down from 12 cases to four. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The train operator CrossCountry has helped charity Social Bite with a contribution of £17,000 for their Jobs First programme in Edinburgh.

The funding will help around 20 people affected by homelessness to get into work with employment support. Social Bite works with employers to find opportunities for people facing homelessness find a job. This money will ensure that the programme continues until 2028. Social Bite works with 11 employer partners on this initiative and the funding will help the charity to engage with 100 other partners.

Ben Simkin, Regional Director for CrossCountry’s North East & Scotland region, said: “We are proud to support Social Bite and help provide opportunities for people affected by homelessness to find meaningful employment. It’s a privilege to be able to support the communities we serve – not just through our train services but also by investing in initiatives that create lasting change.”

A recent report from The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the Jobs First programme, reinforcing its impact as a best-practice approach.

Marzena Farana-Sherlock, Director of Social Impact at Social Bite, said: “The generous funding from CrossCountry will allow us to continue supporting individuals affected by homelessness into jobs, which can be truly life-changing. By working closely with employers and partners, we aim to create a long-term, systemic shift in how people with a background of homelessness access and sustain employment.”

More information about Social Bite and the Jobs First programme can be found at www.social-bite.co.uk

The donation came from the company’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund.

The Socceroos World Cup qualification hopes were boosted with after a comfortable 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney.  

And the victory included two goals from current Hibs players and a double from a former one. 

The Australians who face China on Tuesday remain second in their qualification group, with the top two teams directly advancing to next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.  

Indonesia started on the front foot and won a penalty but Kevin Diks hit the woodwork. 

Hibs player Lewis Miller was then brought down at the other end, and after VAR intervention a penalty was awarded – allowing team mate Martin Boyle to cooly convert.  

Moments later Nishan Velupillay calmly chipped the keeper to find the back of the next. 

Former Hibs loanee Jackson Irvine slotted a third giving the Australians a 3-0 lead at half time. 

Miller added a fourth from Craig Goodwin’s superb corner before the Indonesians scored a deserved goal through Ole Romeny.  

Irvine capped off the dominant win with his second.  

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The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) will meet next week to consider how they can balance their books.

The board has a £900 million budget and is proposing to make cuts of £29 million in a savings programme over the next year.

The EIJB, in common with all other integration boards in Scotland, is facing “significant financial challenges”. Demand for their services continues to grow, alongside rising costs and a reduction in the working age population. 

The board suggests that its medium-term financial strategy, and its new strategic plan, will respond to these challenges in determining how the board invests the £900 million it has to spend on providing health and social care services in Edinburgh. 

Officers have developed a proposed savings programme with reductions of £29 million, which will be considered by the EIJB when they meet on 25 March 2025. The board admits that “while this programme tries to protect services, citizens and staff as far as possible, reductions of this size and scale cannot be made without impact”.

Katharina Kasper, Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board said: ‘We have been working closely with our partners in the Council and NHS, and I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider plans that would deliver a balanced budget for next year. However, we are facing unprecedented challenges to the sustainability of our health and care system, and more needs to be done to futureproof the high-quality care we offer for the most vulnerable people in our society. The EIJB now has some difficult decisions to make in this complex landscape to ensure that we can continue to offer vital support to people when they need it.’

Christine Laverty, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: ‘I would like to thank my new colleagues for all their hard work to develop these draft plans, which will help us to bring about the changes we need to make to our health and social care services. I do not underestimate the challenges we will face in the coming years, but my commitment to the people of Edinburgh is to provide quality health and care services for those who need them most, with care and compassion, within the financial envelope available’.

The next Integration Joint Board, where the financial plans will be discussed, is on 25 March at 10am. For meeting details and to read the papers, visit the City of Edinburgh Council website

Miles Briggs MSP said: “I am very concerned that the Joint Board has been forced to cut nearly £30m from its budget.

“Edinburgh City Council and NHS Lothian are already the lowest funded council and health board per head of population in Scotland.

“I appreciate that EIJB officers have tried their hardest to create a balanced budget despite the restrictions they face.

“However, as many third sector organisations are warning, it is inevitable that cutting funding to such a vital service will have a negative impact on services, staff, and patients.

“This is another clear sign that the SNP government must rethink its funding model for local authorities.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has reintroduced a narrator at all performances during the August run to take audiences through the history of the 75 year old event.

The Creative Director Alan Lane has appointed Terence Rae to perform the role of Storyteller during this season providing a commentary thread to explain to the 220,000 members of the audience what is happening beneath them. The role of narrator was performed by Alasdair Hutton from 1992, but has been much missed in recent years.

Mr Rae said: “It is an immense honour to be the Storyteller for the 75th Anniversary Show of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The Heroes Who Made Us. I’m excited to play my part in a show which celebrates all those who have shaped the Tattoo’s history over the past 75 years.

“I am deeply grateful to be part of this iconic spectacle, and to work with the outstanding creative and production teams that are here. Preparations have begun, and the excitement for the August Show is building every day. It will be a privilege to step onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with my fellow castmates and play our small part in the mighty Edinburgh Tattoo.”

Mr Lane said: “We are delighted that Terence will join this year’s Show as the Storyteller. The role is an exciting way for us to weave together the history of the last 75 years of the Tattoo, celebrating the past and looking to the future. It marks the start of a new storytelling chapter that I am hoping will deepen the audience’s enjoyment of the Tattoo.

“Having worked with Terence on many other productions across the years, I know the power and presence he will bring to the role. The audiences are in for such a treat, I am sure they will be moved and delighted by Terence.”

After training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Terence has showcased his talents across a diverse array of mediums, performing on television and film, and taking on lead roles in theatre productions. His extensive experience of large-scale storytelling, and love of traditional Scottish music, along with a keen musical ear, equip him with the essential tools to take his place at the centre of this year’s Tattoo. Taking to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade itself, Terence will lead the audience through the Show with tales of heroism, heritage and history.

This year’s Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, will celebrate the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years, as well as spotlighting the local heroes that are working to make a difference to the community they serve. The military is at the heart of the showcase, with the British Army confirmed as the Lead Service.

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.

Scottish Rugby will be gathering the greats of the past, present and future to kick-off the centenary year celebrations of Scotland’s biggest stadium.

The event will be held at Scottish Gas Murrayfield later this week, on the exact anniversary date.

Murrayfield’s history began with its inaugural match on 21 March 1925, when Scotland triumphed over England 14-11 to secure their first Grand Slam.

A century on, this iconic venue has hosted more than 300 international matches, including Rugby World Cup fixtures and the British & Irish Lions, featuring the greatest names in rugby. It has also held over 30 concerts for global music superstars such as U2, Madonna, One Direction, Oasis and most recently, Taylor Swift.

From June to December 2024, events held at Scottish Gas Murrayfield generated £120.4m economic value to Scotland with these events being a crucial way to support the entire rugby ecosystem in Scotland by generating critical funds that go into the community game.

Beyond rugby, Murrayfield has welcomed a multitude of other sports including rugby league, football, American football, hockey and lacrosse, as well as hosting Highland Games, weddings, a Papal visit, the announcement of Sir Chris Hoy’s retiral from competitive cycling and the unveiling of political leaders, including Scotland’s First Minister!

Alex Williamson, Scottish Rugby CEO, said: “Scottish Gas Murrayfield has been the heart of Scottish Rugby for 100 years, and this year-long celebration is a chance for fans, players, and legends to come together and honour its incredible history.

“It’s also an opportunity to look ahead and ensure the stadium continues to create lasting memories for generations to come.

“We have a rolling programme of development in place to invest in the areas that need it most. We’re also working hard on both short and long-term solutions to ensure Scottish Gas Murrayfield evolves to meet the demands of its growing use.

“Whilst we continue to look at the needs of our stadium now, our principal partner Scottish Gas has been looking at what our stadium could be like in 100 years from now, which will offer a really exciting chance to see how far we may come in another century.”

Scotland Men co-captain, Finn Russell, said: “Scottish Gas Murrayfield is such a special place to play, and every time is a privilege.

“Matchdays have grown over the years with fans turning up in huge numbers to welcome us off the bus and meet us after the game.

“Players we play against often comment about how much they enjoy playing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and it gives us an extra advantage with the noise generated.

“The history of Scottish Rugby is important to us as players, and we’re reminded of that with various nice touches in our dressing room. We look forward to running out at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the years to come.”

On Friday, to mark the day, Scottish Rugby will bring together legends of yesteryear, stars of today and the future of our sport in a day of celebration which will be kicked-off with the Parade of Legends.

Representatives from each decade since 1925 will make their way through the tunnel and onto the hallowed turf.

Legends will include Scotland’s oldest living internationalist, Lorn Cowie, 1984 Grand Slam winner John Rutherford and Scotland’s highest capped player, Donna Kennedy.

The finale will see some of the potential Scotland Men and Women players of the 2030s, who are participating in the Scottish Gas Rugby Festival, join those whose exploits are indelibly inscribed in Scotland’s rich rugby heritage.

From this moment, the festivities on the pitch will turn to the Scottish Gas Rugby Festival where more than 200 S1 (12-13 yr old) children from all regions of the country will get the opportunity to play mini matches on the international pitch, enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the stadium to learn about the history of the campus and its future, all while comparing themselves to the Scotland stars of today with fun gym based activities.

The Rugby Festival, supported by Scottish Gas, will be a celebration of young people, community rugby and a showcase of the future of the game.

Whilst the festival gets underway, there will also be a chance to honour those who have had an international refereeing career involving a Tier 1 Union, with the retrospective capping ceremony of Brian Anderson, Malcolm Changleng, Rob Dickson, Jim Fleming, Ken McCartney, Chuck Muir, Eddie Murray and Iain Ramage.

Later in the afternoon, rugby across Scotland will also be celebrated through the Community Recognition Awards. Some 36 awards in total across six categories in the six regions will be presented.

The awards embrace Volunteer of the Season in youth, schools and adult rugby; Young Persons award, Community Match Official and Community Club of the Season for each of the six regions.

All of these activities are taking places under the backdrop of preparations for Scotland Women ahead of their opening Women’s Six Nations match against Wales at Hive on Saturday 22 March.

Scottish Rugby President Keith Wallace said: “Scottish Gas Murrayfield is so much more than a top-quality rugby pitch and bricks and mortar.

“The stadium is part of Scotland’s DNA and central to its sporting and cultural history. It has inspired memories innumerable.

“And we know that, from its very beginning, Murrayfield has largely been funded by supporters, for whom it will always have a special place in their hearts.”

Throughout the year fans can delve into the history of Murrayfield online and reminisce over historic matches, look back at the building of the stadium, book a Scottish Gas Murrayfield tour, and relive Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Scottish Gas Murrayfield last year.  All this is on our dedicated Murrayfield100 webpage.

Fans can also get involved by sharing their own Murrayfield memories on the Murrayfield100 webpage, making this centenary a truly shared celebration!

Keith Wallace added: “Our centenary celebrations will not be limited to just what is happening on Friday.

“Scottish Rugby has plans for activities and initiatives throughout the rest of the year, linked to Silver Saturday, our four Scotland’s men’s Autumn Nations Series Test matches, Scotland Women, who feature in the Rugby World Cup south of the border later this summer, and of course some goodies that fans can purchase as a memento of this milestone occasion.”

Scotland legend and 1984 Grand Slam winner, John Rutherford, said: “My first trip to Murrayfield was as a schoolboy in 1968. Scotland were playing England, and I was in awe of the crowd, the atmosphere and, of course, the Stadium.

“I distinctly remember Gordon Connell, the Scotland scrum half dropping a goal right in front of my friends and I’m sure it must have crossed my mind that it would be fantastic to get the opportunity to play at Murrayfield. The captain that day was Jim Telfer and little did I know that he would become such a huge influence on my playing and coaching career.

“I am often asked my favourite game on Murrayfield and although they were all special, I would have to select the’84 Grand Slam decider against France. Our last Slam was in 1925, so it was a memorable occasion for the country.

“Now 100 years old Murrayfield Stadium has hosted some outstanding games and events over that time. For the Scottish rugby supporter, it is our spiritual home and hopefully will continue to be for another 100 years.”

The City of Edinburgh Council meets today

The full council meets today in the City Chambers.

All papers for the meeting are here with instructions on how to watch online either during the meeting or as a recording after the meeting has finished.

It will take a while to listen to all the deputations which are always first on the agenda. There is a wide range and many of them. Read more here.

The council may be expected to approve the uplift in councillors’ salaries at Item 7.1 on the agenda. Only the Council Leader and the Lord Provost will actually receive the statutory increases set by The Scottish Parliament following a decision by the council at their February budget meeting. This agreed that the pay of the other senior councillors will be frozen.

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Cllr Margaret Graham (Labour) brings to the attention of the council that there are now eight community councils in the city which do not have sufficient members even after the recent elections.

There will be a second round of nominations ending on 21 April, but Cllr Graham highlights the election procedure and wants the council to gather “lessons learned” for the future. She would also like the policy of participatory budgeting to be integrated into the work that community councils do. This is best exemplified by Leith Chooses. Read more here.

As well as this, there are some councillor motions which do not deal with the essential or statutory services which the council provides. Cllr Ben Parker, Edinburgh Greens has lodged a motion for discussion that the company Leonardo was granted permission to access Braid Hills to test its communication equipment. Given the company’s links to arms Cllr Parker says that it is not appropriate to allow such a company access to council owned land in this manner.

Cllr Alex Staniforth, Edinburgh Greens, has asked that the Council Leader write to Edinburgh Women’s Aid to demand that they allow trans women to access their services. The 50 year-old charity has said that they do not allow trans women – even those who have a gender recognition certificate into their refuge spaces. And separately he has asked council to agree that Edinburgh does not welcome Donald Trump. President Trump’s re-election is in Cllr Staniforth’s view “an emerging fascist state with his special advisor Elon Musk performing Nazi salutes at his inauguration”.

Cllr Marie-Clair Munro has applauded Lothian Buses being named Large Business of the Year at the recent Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards, asking that council “expresses its appreciation for Lothian Buses drivers, who not only provide a vital public service but also, on occasion, face challenging conditions, including instances of abuse while carrying out their duties.

“Their commitment ensures that residents can travel safely and reliably across the city, making public transport an essential part of Edinburgh’s daily life.”

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce under fire

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has come under fire for failing to take action over a debt-ridden business which was nominated for a top honour in its prestigious business awards.

The Capital’s leading business organisation dished out a Rising Star Award to Alexander Galpin in 2024, and at its glitzy 2025 ceremony held at the EICC on 27 February, his Luxford Burger chain was shortlisted as a potential winner in the High Growth Business of the Year category.

Mr Galpin, who operates two Luxford Burgers restaurants in Edinburgh, had earlier boasted: “Incredibly proud that we have been nominated for the High Growth Business of the Year by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce for the second year running! Let’s hope we smash it this year.”

But days before the awards ceremony, The Edinburgh Reporter revealed to the Chamber that Mr Galpin had crashed the parent company of Luxford Burgers with debts of almost £120,000 – including £78,000 due to HMRC for unpaid VAT and corporation tax.

Secure Kitchens Ltd was placed into liquidation on 9 January with debts of just under £135,000 due to 17 creditors including a number of small local suppliers. According to a report by the official liquidator, Begbies Traynor, the company had assets of £48,768 so the estimated deficit due to creditors was £118,869.

Read the full story here.

Buy Social Fair

Dreghorn residents offered some hope

At least some of the residents at Dreghorn have been offered some hope that the threat of eviction will be lifted. They are tenants of the Ministry of Defence, who is looking to sell their homes. But the council has already stepped up to buy houses there previously and it looks as though they will be able to do so once again.

Read more here.

Leith Theatre is recruiting

Leith Theatre Trust has issued a call for applications to become their Operations Coordinator with experience to run the heritage venue.

Closing date is noon on 28 March 2025. Details here.

Edinburgh Greens bring vote on Council rejecting Trump

The City of Edinburgh Council has been urged to reject Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit, with a motion from the city’s Green councillors calling for members and officers to boycott any visit and ensure that no council budgets are used in hosting it.

The motion, which will be debated today, condemns the US President’s “emerging fascist state” and calls for the Council to ensure that none of its resources are used to support a Trump visit in any way.

Scottish Green councillor Alex Staniforth said: “Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city that stands with the communities being attacked by Donald Trump and the far right government that he leads.

“Donald Trump has shown a total contempt for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Our Council does not have the power to stop him from visiting Edinburgh, but we can ensure that he is not given the warm welcome he craves.

“There are millions of people across the US and beyond who are frightened for their friends and family who are having their rights eroded or removed by this White House. Those are the people we are standing with.

“We hope that all parties will join us in condemning the planned state visit and rejecting Donald Trump and the politics he represents.”

Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater said: “Donald Trump is no friend of Edinburgh. He is a racist, misogynist with a contempt for human rights and democracy.

“I hope that the Council will unite around this call by Edinburgh’s Green councillors and send a loud and clear message that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

Oasis- Standing On The Shoulder of Giants

While some might suggest the ‘classic’ period of Oasis was over by the late 90s when this album was recorded, time has been kind to Standing On The Shoulder of Giants with a new Oasis fan base absorbing the band free from the tabloid fuss of the era. Original drummer Tony McCarroll suggested “change the drummer and change the band.” The original five-piece were dismantled when McCarroll vacated the drum stool exactly 30 years ago in April 1995. They became a more professional outfit with Alan White behind the kit but many of us missed McCarroll’s punky edge that was slightly behind the beat. What’s The Story (Morning Glory) became one of the biggest-selling albums of all time cementing the band’s place in history. Their third album Be Here Now didn’t rise to the occasion for many Oasis supporters and with the departure of two more original members, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan the band were about to go through another fundamental shift.

Standing On The Shoulder of Giants made way for a third version of the band where Andy Bell and Gem Archer would take on guitar and bass duties. For the recording with the rest of the band not yet in place, Noel Gallagher handles guitars, bass and keyboards. Standing On The Shoulder of Giants is something of a transitional record. The first single Go Let It Out helped set the tone for a new era going straight in at Number 1 in the UK charts. While Oasis were often cited as sounding like The Beatles it’s less obvious on those early records which owe more to the spirit of the 1970s from Bowie and T-Rex to punk. A shift takes place where they begin to borrow from Lennon and McCartney’s bag of tricks but amplify it in the case of Go Let It Out and follow up single Who Feels Love. The latter was the band at their most psychedelic with a memorable bass hook.

The album’s highlight remains Gas Panic, a stone-cold classic from the first listen dealing with Noel Gallagher’s comedown from drugs. It featured the memorable opening line; “What tongueless ghost of sin crept through my curtains?” This was also the sound of Oasis decamping from the summit. Their fourth long-player is a much heavier album in sound and theme, Where Did It All Go Wrong and Sunday Morning Call was the sound of the comedown and dream bursting. The bolshy Noel Gallagher from the Be Here Now period was now a distant memory. He had written a fine collection of songs but as usual, some of them were demoted to b-sides rather than being included on the album. Liam Gallagher’s first attempt at songwriting Little James brought another colour to record and soon Gem Archer and Andy Bell were also writing for the band but with mixed results.

Full On was a classic slice of rock n’ roll Oasis, the band that were a force of nature at their most defiant had delivered yet another killer chorus but the track was left off the album in favour of the forgettable I Can See A Liar. Paul Weller, perhaps the only person on the planet who didn’t want to see Oasis get back together, even covered the Who Feels Love b-side One Way Road. The embarrassment of riches on their b-sides also included the forgotten gem in Carry Us All. We can only hope a collated collection of b-sides from 2000 onwards is in the band’s plans. Standing On The Shoulder of Giants closes with the epic Roll It Over. It was clear in 2000 that Oasis still had no shortage of anthemic power which Liam Gallagher used to his advantage when resurrecting this song for his return to Knebworth in the summer of 2022.

Oasis: Roll With It 1994-2002-Tom Sheehan

The news that the band were reforming for dates this year including Scottish Gas Murrayfield has encouraged a flurry of Oasis activity. A new book by music photographer Tom Sheehan: Oasis Roll With It 1994-2002 captures the band at various stages. One intriguing image includes an early shot of Noel pre-fame with future Oasis band member Andy Bell in 1994.

The early pictures of the original five-piece in New York celebrate the last gang in town Oasis, the energy of these five Irish Mancunian council estate lads is bursting off the page. We see them on a pilgrimage to Strawberry Fields in Central Park, the area dedicated to John Lennon, in July 1994. There’s a sense of capturing them both as Beatles fans and developing as a band finding their image that would soon define 1994. Sheehan shares his stories of how the pictures came together including a memorable shoot featuring the original band in South Wales referencing The Beatles Help album.

Guigs managed to overcome a fear of heights which helped in delivering an iconic shot on the roof of Rockfield Studios. There are images of the band that are immediately recognisable from the mid-90s when Noel Gallagher appeared on the cover of Melody Maker in a fluffy parka while the band were touring in Philadelphia or the pre-stage afternoon shots at Knebworth. The 2000 and beyond period features Andy Bell and Gem Archer, two of the most likely candidates to be in the forthcoming lineup for the 2025 tour.

Sheehan captures pictures that are slick and professional studio shots designed to promote albums and tours but it’s those chaotic early shots that sum up the hopeful spirit of the time and a changing of the guard where anything seemed possible.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh led a celebration at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday, marking the official handover as the UK prepares to host the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

The castle was lit in yellow, with pyrotechnics and smoke displays creating a dramatic backdrop to the announcement.

Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, UK Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, and Tour de France legend, Sir Mark Cavendish, were all present, alongside young cyclists, Scottish pipers, and dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the excitement and legacy these world-class races will bring.

The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ to Edinburgh. With our winding cobbled streets and iconic backdrop, the city provides a dramatic, challenging, and undeniably picturesque start to this legendary race. It’s sure to be a sight to remember.
“This will be an exhilarating event for the city and a major highlight of 2027. Edinburgh’s residents are renowned for offering a warm and unforgettable welcome to millions of visitors each year, and we look forward to extending that same hospitality to the Tour de France.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the Tour de France will bring elite cyclists from across the globe to Edinburgh, showcasing exactly why our city is celebrated worldwide as a premier events destination. Edinburgh is no stranger to cycling events, and has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britian and the UCI Championships in 2023. Beyond the significant benefits to the local economy, the global media coverage will place Edinburgh at the heart of the world’s stage, strengthening our city’s international reputation.
“These events not only allow Edinburgh’s residents to see some of the world’s leading cyclists in action but also showcase the very best of the city to travelling tourists and athletes. Cycling in the Capital continues to grow in popularity, so hosting another major event is fantastic news. I’m confident the people of Edinburgh will come out in full support of the riders, and a successful Grand Départ will surely ignite even more passion for the sport.”

The men’s Tour de France will start from the Scottish capital in 2027, although few further details about route, costings or funding are yet available.

In the biggest free sporting event in the UK, millions are expected to watch on with stages in England, Scotland and Wales, and organisers hope it will inspire a new generation of fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism.

Both the men’s Tour and the women’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – the biggest bike races in the world – will take place in the UK, making it the first time both races have been staged outside France in the same country.

Route details will be announced this autumn, but it is hoped the event will inspire as many people as possible. A social impact programme will take place on the lead up in an effort to tackle inactivity, improve wellbeing and increase economic growth.

The partners involved include The Scottish Government, British Cycling, and UK Sport, as well as the UK Government and Welsh government. The desire from organisers is to bring lasting benefits both for the sport and anyone who rides a bike.

In 2014 the men’s Tour de France took place in Britain when crowds lined the roads in Yorkshire and London. In 2023 the capital hosted the UCI Cycling World Championships – Men Elite Road Race when it came through the city centre at the beginning of a 271km route. The City of Edinburgh Council were involved with organisers in ensuring the safe delivery of the event which required six meetings of the Event Planning and Operations Group. It is not clear what the cost, if any, was to the city, or whether the total was underwritten by the government.

Activists from the environmental campaign group, This is Rigged interrupted the race as cyclists raced along a single track road in the Carron Valley. Four activists locked themselves to each other and glued themselves to the road. Campaigners were protesting against the involvement of oil refining company, INEOS, in sponsoring a cycle team.

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events. Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”

Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: “The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027. Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”

Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: “The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK. Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”

https://www.letour.fr/en

Police have charged two men in connection with offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act, following three incidents in the Sighthill and Currie area.

The first incident took place on Tuesday, 18 February, 2025, in Forth View, Currie, where a Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacked another dog. The same dog was involved in a similar incident on Saturday, 8 March, 2025, when it attacked another dog and injured a 74-year-old woman. She did not require hospital treatment.

A 53-year-old man has been charged in connection with both incidents and is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

The third incident took place in Sighthill Court on Monday, 24 February, 2025, where a bully-type dog attacked a 16-year-old girl. She did not require medical treatment.

A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with this incident and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Sergeant Mark Coull of the Community Policing Team said: “We will always respond to community concerns regarding dangerous dog incidents. We work with our partners at Edinburgh City Council’s Street Enforcement Team in response to these concerns and take the appropriate action.

“We continue to urge anyone with any concerns to report them to local officers through 101.”

An Edinburgh councillor has made a call for reforms to community councils amid fears eight of them might not run for the next four years.

Among these are the community councils at risk are Old Town, Portobello and West Pilton / West Granton.

The eight community councils did not receive enough nominations for community members to take part in them. A second nomination period will run from 31 March until 21 April, but if not enough interest is received these community councils will not operate.

Labour councillor Margaret Graham has filed a motion for the next full council meeting asking officers to understand how community councillors felt about the last election process, and explore how community councils can be given more powers.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m looking to give community councils more power and impact within the local community – give them something more to do than licensing and planning, which is their statutory role at the moment.

“With participatory budgeting, it’s looking to have them integrally involved in the process, and how the money for the TVL levy is going to be distributed, because each ward is going to be able to get a certain amount of money.”

Cllr Graham also said she worried about the stability of some community councils, as several are just one seat over the limit.

She said it was possible that some could disappear over the course of the next term, running for four years from 28 March, if any members on them resign.

The community councils in Craigmillar, Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes, Firrhill, Hutchison / Chesser, Muirhouse / Salvesen, Old Town, Portobello and West Pilton / West Granton did not receive enough nominations to be established.

Some 39 other community councils received enough nominations to operate.

Culture and Communities convener, Labour councillor Val Walker said: “I’m really pleased that the vast majority of community councils have now been formed and will begin their work on March 28.

“I’d also encourage all residents in the remaining 8 community council boundaries to consider becoming a community councillor in the next nomination period.

“For further information on community councils and how to get involved please visit our website.”

Locals can also contact community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk for more information on how to get involved.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter