The First Minister will attend a memorial service at Edinburgh Castle on Saturday morning to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The event is organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Edinburgh Branch (AUGB), the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

The First Minister is expected to deliver a reading at the ceremony at the Scottish War Memorial in the castle before laying a wreath along with Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”

It proved a hit with audiences travelling from across the country to see the first ever Scottish Landscape Awards – catch it at the City Art Centre until March 3rd.

There is just a week left to view the the biggest and most ambitious survey of contemporary landscape art in Scotland today. The inaugural exhibition of the Scottish Landscape Awards runs at the City Art Centre until Sunday March 3rd.

Presented by the Scottish Arts Trust, which also organises the Scottish Portrait Awards, the exhibition showcases 133 artworks over two floors at the gallery, selected from 2,800 entries.

The first prize in the 2023 Awards was scooped by a haunting depiction of the Bass Rock by Kate Davis and David Moore.

Amongst the other prizes is the £5000 City of Edinburgh Award – for works depicting the Edinburgh landscape. This was won by a 2023 oil painting from Robbie Bushe, depicting what Edinburgh may have looked like if city planners in 1949 had got their way, with a six-lane inner city ring-road demolishing swathes of the Old Town and tunnelling under Calton Hill. This piece has been bought by the Council and is joining the collection in the City Art Centre.

A visitor to the exhibition said:-

“We travelled to Edinburgh especially to see the show after hearing that a number of local artists had been shortlisted. This is the first major exhibition my son aged 5 has visited and he has been blown away.

From virtual reality to mixed media, it’s given us an appreciation not only for the diverse landscape all around us but also for the diverse creative talent across Scotland too.”

The Scottish Landscape Awards will now be a biennial event, with the exhibition moving to a different region and gallery in Scotland on each occasion. The next one will be open for entries from January 1, 2025, with the main exhibition held in the artists’ town of Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as installations across Scotland.

The awards are open to all artists born or living in Scotland. More information at scottishartstrust.org/landscape.

The Scottish Landscape Awards runs at the City Art Centre until 3 March 2024
City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Open daily from 10.00 to 17.00; admission free

Scottish Women’s Football launches new website

Ahead of the 2024 youth season kicking off, Scottish Women’s Football has launched a new website to reflect the growth in interest in the women’s game.

With clear, crisp design and greater use of imagery, the new site, created by long-term digital partner Scoot, includes a custom interface depending on whether the visitor is a supporter, a player or an official in the women’s game.

Commenting, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said: “The interest in the women’s game is growing quickly, and that has been reflected in how people use SWF’s social media channels and website, with a lot more interest from supporters as attendances rise in the grassroots game.

“Our new website caters for them with a much more comprehensive and easy-to-navigate fixtures and results section, as well as providing players with more visibility and easier access to support for their wellbeing. Officials at our clubs should be able to find things like rules and forms more easily through their own hub.

“As the governing body of the grassroots game, it is vital that SWF future-proof our communications as we provide clubs with the ladders to the elite game to match their own investment and ambition if they want to reach the top of the game. Our new website and club newsletter will help us provide that. Many thanks to Scoot for their hard work over the last few months.”

Scottish Women’s Football can still be found at the scotwomensfootball.com domain.

Grange stormed into the next round of the Scottish Cup with an 8-0 victory over a hard-working Inverleith side who were overpowered and outgunned by their city rivals.

And it could have been more had goalkeepers Greg McKenzie and James Drake not performed well for the visitors for whom Kyle Taylor showed some nice touches and Charlie Jack worked tirelessly trying to drive his men forward at Fettes.

David Nairn, Dylan Bean and Aiden McQuade all netted doubles and Martin Shepherdson (pictured by Nigel Duncan), Grange’s team manager, said this was an improved performance. They controlled the game.

He was happier with the finishing which had largely deserted Grange in last weekend’s 1-1 draw in the Premiership at Hillhead in Glasgow.

Shepherdson was also pleased that Nairn was able to make his comeback after missing the first part of the season with a broken foot sustained in pre-season training.

Grange hit the post in the opening minutes and it took Nairn only seven minutes to write his name on the scoresheet. Three minutes after that Dylan Bean slotted from a penalty corner.

Six minutes after that Nairn was on the mark again for 3-0 and the scoreline stayed that way until the first break.

Two more goals arrived before half-time, McQuade scoring from a penalty corner and Joe Waterston from open play to make it 5-0.

Three more goals arrived as Grange continued to squeeze Inverleith, hemming them into their own half for long spells. McQuade converted a penalty corner after 53 minutes and Bean added a seventh ten minutes later from open play, delaying his shot before letting fly.

And Jamie Green completed the scoring with 69 minutes on the clock after another slick move.

In Turkey, Watsonians slipped to two defeats in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup, losing 4-3 to Slavia Prague and 6-1 to Gaziantep leaving them bottom of Pool B with four points.

Steven Naismith revealed that there will not be much change to the Hearts squad which travels along the M8 to face new league leaders Rangers in the cinch Premiership on Saturday (kick-off 15.00).

Kyosuke Tagawa is back involved with the group after concussion protocol and the head coach said: “Th way we have been playing, each game has had different aspects which we have had to deal with.

“Rangers have their way or playing, what they like to do and how they try to hurt you, especially being at home but, for us, we need to keep doing the things that we have been doing right.”

He added that this is the first time for a while that there has been a proper title challenge. Naismith experienced that himself and he added; “That dynamic is a different thing that you need to deal with.

“The intensness is there from my experience as a player so that changes the dynamic for the Old Firm but, for us, it is just about going and having as good a performance as we did the last time we were at Ibrox but getting a better result.

“We are in a much better place going into this and we are on a good run of form. Like every game, we go into it to get a win, but, for us, it is another game.”   

Stephen Kingsley (pictured), a stand-out against Motherwell last weekend, stressed that Hearts have a game plan for Ibrox and he hopes to come out on the right side of “small margins” which can decide a game.

He added: “We got a great result against Celtic at Parkhead (a 2-0 win) not long ago and that is something we are going to try and replicate at Ibrox, but it will be a tough challenge. They are on a great run of form but so are we.” 

Following a collision involving a pedestrian and a bus driver, the pedestrian has died.

Officers were called to the crash on Oxgangs Road North near the junction with Oxgangs Avenue, around 8.50pm on Friday, 16 February, 2024.

The 74-year-old male pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries and died on Thursday, 22 February.

He has been named as Andrew Grant from Edinburgh. Mr Grant’s family have released the following statement through Police Scotland: “Devastatingly, and after a week of fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary, our Dad, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Papa, passed away at 7.03pm last night. We, as a family, have had the most tragic and heartbreaking week, so please live today like it’s your last, because tomorrow may never come. We ask that our privacy is respected.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for information and are particularly keen to trace members of the public who provided assistance before emergency services arrived.

Road Policing Sergeant Louise Birrell said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Grant at this difficult time. We will continue to offer them support as our investigations progress.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far. There are a number of people we’re still keen to trace who witnessed what happened. Particularly those who provided first aid to Andrew at the scene. It’s believed they were wearing military uniforms. I’d urge them to get in touch with us.

“Anyone who saw what happened or has dashcam footage of the Oxgangs Road North area around the time is asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3657 of 16 February.

Glory and Dismay: The Story of Football is a free programme aimed at people interested in the beautiful game while improving their literacy skills.

The 20-week long initiative is run by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub and funded by One City Trust and provides opportunities to meet and interview various sports professionals. No topic will be off the table with workshops and open discussions on issues such as racism, sectarianism, homophobia and sexism in women’s football.

At the end it is hoped that those taking part will have improved their reading, writing and communication skills, and that this will be evidenced in a publication of their work.

Glory and Dismay member John Maclean Abercrombie said: “I’d be lost if I didn’t come along. I feel my reading and writing skills have improved since attending.”

Member Michelle Roxburgh said: “I was struggling to read, but this class is so different because everyone is so passionate about football and I enjoy learning. People who know me say they can’t believe how much I’ve changed. I’m more confident, which makes me want to do more, learn more.”

Course leader Hazel Lyons, Training and Employability Project Worker at Space, said: “There are many people struggling with loneliness and poor mental health, and they can benefit from a course like this. The important goal is improving literacy, but it is fun and engaging, as well.”

One in four Scottish adults may face challenges due to a lack of literacy skills. Glory and Dismay is designed to break that cycle. It is based on a project led by Brazilian educationalist Paulo Freire who was imprisoned in the 1960s when his teaching methods were regarded as empowering the illiterate poor.

Freire found that as literacy became attainable, pessimism disappeared—a concept on which Glory and Dismay runs.

Hazel Lyons said: “The occasional joy and utter despair that entails from being a football fan, especially in Scotland.

“Our students express their identity through football, which has actually allowed them to build knowledge,” she added. “They have the desire to learn and being in a group like this takes away the fear.”

Previous visitors include Scottish author Sir Ian Rankin, former Hibernian striker Lawrie Reilly, former Heart of Midlothian players Gary Mackay, Andy Webster, and Derek Ferguson; former Scottish football manager Shelly Kerr, Homeless World Cup co-founder Mel Young, Scottish football referee Ian McGill and many more.

While football is not normally a game associated with academic excellence, this is a learning scheme that uses the sport to encourage literacy and numeracy. The classes are for people who have literacy and numeracy problems, yet have this incredible knowledge of football. We build on their existing knowledge and they acquire reading, writing, and digital skills along the way.

For more details of the course, contact Hazel Lyons via phone (07821 6401) or email (hazel.lyons@spacescot.org).

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following an assault and robbery incident which happened in Drylaw on Wednesday.

Shortly before 11am on Wednesday 21 February, a 20-year-old man was walking on the footpath between Silverknowes Neuk and Wester Drylaw Drive when he was approached from behind by three men.

They assaulted him and stole a number of personal items, including a designer jacket and mobile phone.

The victim went to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.

Detective Constable William Doughty from Corstorphine CID said: “This area and footpath network is frequented by locals regularly and I’d ask anyone who saw what happened to come forward and speak with officers.

“The victim left the area following the incident towards Wester Drylaw Place and the suspects are believed to have been on foot.

“Anyone with any information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1074 of 21 February 2024. An anonymous report can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

An ambitious 18-year-old is making a splash as an inspirational swimming teacher despite having to give up his dreams of being a professional athlete.

Regardless of having to give up competitive swimming due to the diagnosis of an atrial septal defect – a hole in the heart – Nathan McKechnie from Cambuslang is continuing his passion for the sport by sharing his knowledge with others as a qualified Learn to Swim teacher.

Nathan also has autism and is partially sighted, none of which has stopped him from playing his part in helping to create ‘Generation Swim’ – a generation of safe, competent swimmers.

Hidden disabilities, which are not always visible like autism, can make life challenging, but through swimming Nathan has found his vocation in life where he can make a difference to the lives of others.

Nathan discovered his talents in the pool at the age of eight and swam with the City of Glasgow Seals Swimming Club at 14 as well as with City of Glasgow Swim Team and was on the road to compete in the 2020 Special Olympics before it was postponed due to covid.

The teenager has now moved onto his next chapter and hopes to inspire others through delivering Learn to Swim lessons to children across all abilities which are vital to help gain confidence and competence in the water through the Learn to Swim National Framework.

Nathan said: “I love being able to see children grow from week to week and I am always really proud of that progression. Swimming makes me feel like myself and that I don’t have to pretend to be like everyone else and I love being able to pass this onto others.

“It’s not been easy but it’s rewarding to spend so much time poolside and to be so involved in a sport I love.

“My advice for anyone is that it doesn’t matter what cards you are dealt, you should keep going and make the most of any opportunity as it can turn into something really good.”

Nathan studies Sports Coaching and Development at South Lanarkshire College and teaches swimming five days a week at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture who have supported him through his training. Nathan hopes to follow a career pathway centred around swimming.

The Learn to Swim National Framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water which is delivered by 38 aquatic providers across Scotland in more than 160 pools – is shining a light on the inspiring teachers involved in teaching the next generation of youngsters to swim.

Organisers have launched a nationwide drive to recruit a new network of poolside teachers, promising huge job satisfaction as they help children of all ages and abilities to become safer and competent swimmers.

The programme is open to everyone regardless of disability or skill level, with the partnership committed to creating a supportive environment for all to learn and teach swimming.

Euan Lowe, CEO of Scottish Swimming said: “Nathan embodies the spirit and passion we aim to ignite in all of our Learn to Swim teachers. Despite personal setbacks that could have easily made him give up, he has committed himself to empowering children with a life-saving skill.

“When you have such passionate teachers, this directly translates into lessons and makes for a very enjoyable experience for kids, teachers and parents.

“We’re extremely proud to have instructors like Nathan who devote themselves to building people’s ability in the water. All in all, Nathan and our other great teachers, are creating a safer Scotland.”

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs with Scottish Water, said: “Nathan exemplifies the values of Learn to Swim in helping to build inclusive, welcoming environments where every child can thrive, get active and learn a vital life skill.

“Nathan – and all the other swim teachers across Scotland, are a testament to the passion for developing the next generation of safe and competent swimmers – the enthusiastic, dedicated teachers delivering these lessons play such an important role in encouraging and supporting children of all ages and abilities to learn and enjoy swimming in a safe way.”

The National Learn to Swim Framework has already provided lessons to more than 100,000 youngsters and aims to reach another 100,000 by 2025.

Individuals looking to become a teacher will be put through the Scottish Swimming Teacher Qualification (SSTQ) – the industry standard for those who wish to teach unsupervised to groups of swimmers with a range of abilities and is essential for seeking employment as a swimming teacher.

The Learn to Swim Framework helps to create quality Learn to Swim environments for children from birth upwards where they can learn the vital skills to become safe and competent swimmers, and get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer as they progress through the aquatic pathway.

Scottish Swimming support National Framework partners to develop their teachers with regular continued professional development and access to resources to help with their lesson delivery.

Learn to Swim aims to build a legacy for Scotland – creating “Generation Swim” by improving water safety and giving all children a platform to achieve their full potential both in the pool and out.

https://scottishswimming.com/events/events-calendar/qualifications

A leading Scottish housing provider has appointed a new Director of Assets in a bid to meet the housing needs of future generations of older people.

Bield Housing and Care has appointed Drew Moore to lead its Strategic Asset Management Strategy (SAMS) – in which it commits to investing £225m in the next decade to support healthy ageing at home.

With significant experience in the sector, Drew will oversee the charity’s investment programme, which includes targets to develop 400 new homes, improve the energy efficiency and cost of heating their existing homes as well as modernise the repairs and property management service to increase customer satisfaction.

Hailing from Peebles, Drew joins from Fife Housing Group, where he served as Asset Manager, responsible for delivering the asset management strategy including capital projects, planned and cyclical maintenance, new build housing, and procurement activities.

Drew has a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying, is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, and a Member of the Institute of Asset Management.  He is also a Member of the Board of Muirhouse Housing Association, and Chair of Muirhouse Homes, their mid-market rent subsidiary.

Drew said: “Bield’s commitment to working with its tenants to support the older generation and its ambitious vision and innovative solutions are seriously inspiring.

“It’s a really exciting time for me to be joining the team and I’m hoping to use my expertise to drive the innovative new asset management strategy by adding much-needed housing to the sector while improving our current offering.

“Bield’s vision is something that instantly resonated with me and I’m hoping I can support that drive to create a Scotland where people of all ages are respected, can make their own choices and are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

Drew’s arrival comes at a critical juncture in the industry, with both challenges and opportunities within the housing sector. His guidance is set to be instrumental regarding in-home upgrades, community investments, addressing climate impacts and leveraging digital and technological advancements.

Bield’s Chief Executive, Dr Lynne Douglas, said: “Drew’s appointment will further support us to play a leading role in meeting the housing needs of future generations of older people.

“We have a dedicated and experienced leadership team at Bield who are absolutely crucial to the positive strides we are making as a housing provider. Drew is going to add further fresh thinking and knowledge to that.

“The continuous investment in our team is vital to support healthy ageing at home in safe, warm and affordable homes throughout our communities.”

Since its inception in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to a leading figure in elderly care and housing in Scotland, noted for its creative and effective services.

Bield’s advancements, particularly in technology, have significantly improved the quality of life for its residents. Notable achievements include a telecare project that has markedly reduced hospital visits and strides in digital literacy and inclusion.

The organisation’s dedication to co-production and collaboration with tenants and staff ensures services are continuously refined and aligned with the needs of its residents.

In its journey towards becoming a net-zero organization by 2045, Bield has already made substantial progress, including a 5.8% reduction in energy consumption in 2022/23, and is actively installing solar panels and LED lighting for further reductions.

The housing provider is a leading source of housing and care services for older people across Scotland, supporting more than 5,000 people across 60 developments.

https://www.bield.co.uk/

Remembering Ukraine

On Saturday there will be a ceremony at Edinburgh Castle marking the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. During the memorial service, wreaths will be laid in memory of those who have died.

There will also be a service in the Our Ukrainian Church on Dalmeny Street at 6pm when Father Vasyl Kren will invite the congregation to remember everyone who has died in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Council budget is set

The council has adhered to the Scottish Government’s direction to freeze any increase on council tax for the next year and will receive the compensation offered by the government. The additional funding announced by Shona Robison the Finance Secretary means the government has “more or less” fully funded the freeze according to Finance Convener, Mandy Watt.

Read more here.

Speaker’s dilemma

South of the border the SNP and Conservative MPs are calling for Lindsay Hoyle to resign after the unseemly goings on in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Una Purdie has spoken to Owen Thomson MP who is the Chief Whip to find out more.

At the Leith Walk Police Box

There will be a Scottish Veterans Residences pop up information day at Leith Walk Police Box on 3 March when visitors can learn about the charity’s work in providing accommodation and support to veterans. Drop in event.

More information here.

Our February issue

Our February issue is out now and we are already working on the March issue. The February edition has more on Stephen Rafferty’s exclusive story about Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed in our centre spread and our new columnist Liam Rudden will entertain you with news of all the theatre you must see.

We are pleased with this month’s issue, and really pleased to be nominated for an award which will be announced in March. And if you wish to buy a copy and have it delivered to your home or business then please subscribe here.

Edinburgh-based legal firm Watermans is to represent former Clackmannanshire sub-postmaster Rab Thomson as he pursues compensation from the Post Office following his wrongful conviction for embezzling money.

Mr Thomson, 64, was found guilty in 2006 after an audit showed an apparent shortfall of nearly £6000 at his Cambus Post Office near Alva, which he had taken over from his mother in the early 2000s.

The father-of-two suffered severe depression and has admitted to attempting suicide after falling victim to the faulty Fujitsu-developed Horizon IT system rolled out by the Post Office, hundreds of others also being accused of theft, false accounting or fraud in the nationwide scandal.

He received a sentence of 250 hours of community service after changing his ‘not guilty’ plea in the hope of avoiding prison.

His miscarriage of justice claim was due to be held earlier this month at the Court of Criminal Appeal in London, however before the case could be heard, prosecutors said they would not object to his name being cleared.

Mr Thomson (pictured) has now engaged with Watermans as he seeks compensation for the wrongful prosecution and the ensuing years of anguish and emotional suffering endured by himself and his family.

The Leith-based business is Scotland’s modern law firm and estate agency, offering clients “straightforward legal advice” from its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.

“It has only just started to set in that my conviction has finally been over-turned.  I never thought I would see this day,” said Mr Thomson. “I just wish my mum was here to see this, too, but sadly she passed away before my name had been cleared. The conviction felt like a noose around my neck for so many years but I never stopped fighting to clear my name.

“The support of people around me who did believe in me and supported me through this has been so valuable. That includes the support of the solicitors who have taken on my case and believed in me all the way.  I will now be working with my legal team to ensure that justice is served for all wrongfully convicted postmasters and that we are compensated for everything we have been through.”

Scott Whyte, Watermans managing director, said: “For over 20 years, Rab has had the shadow and the shame of this conviction hanging over his and his family’s head. It has been a huge burden that he has had to shoulder for far too long.

“We will now be taking his case forward to seek the compensation that he is rightfully entitled to. Whilst no amount of money will make up for all that Rab and his family have been through, it is essential that the Post Office and all involved in these malicious prosecutions are held fully to account and made to pay for the destruction they have caused to Rab and his fellow-postmasters.”

“The winter of discontent was beginning to thaw and the life that lay torpid began to stir itself.” The hopeful words of Henry David Thoreau.

In 1845 he took himself off to live in the woods by Walden Pond, Massachusetts, and wrote one of the first “environmentalist” books in the English speaking world. 

A visit to the snowdrops at Dawyck in the Borders this week gave me that same hopeful feeling that we are through the worst of winter.  Easter is just over the Lenten horizon.  My enthusiasm for spring even saw me plant a beech hedge in my back garden on Tuesday. The spindly twigs look so fragile, so torpid, but I eagerly await developments.

There’s no such long term thinking about our National Health Service.  And that’s a point being made this week in the latest, and desperate, report on the NHS by Audit Scotland.  It takes up the call already being made by the doctors’ organisation the BMA, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Nursing for a public debate about what the NHS should be providing.

After listing the well-known stresses on the NHS – long waiting times, shortages of staff, health board budget deficits, a huge maintenance backlog – Audit Scotland concludes: “there is a risk that Scotland’s NHS will take up an every-growing chunk of the government’s budget.” Already that stands at £19.9bn a year, or almost 40 per cent. What is needed, say the auditors, is “a long term vision for the wider health system that sets out national priorities.”

This is all a highly taboo subject for the politicians and, of course, they lack the courage to face it. Are there limits to the treatments the NHS should offer – like dentistry, or hip replacements, or expensive drugs or free prescriptions, or mental health services, or preventive medicine? Should we adopt an insurance model of health care, as in much of Europe or the USA?   

I don’t suppose William Beverage, when he envisioned the NHS in the 1940s, ever considered that so many people would live into their 80s and that the treatments on offer would be much more than accident and emergency services and GP clinics.  It was all going to be paid for out of National Insurance, not general taxation. He would, quite rightly, be shocked that the NHS takes up 40 per cent of the Scottish government’s budget, leaving other services squeezed like education, police and fire, transport, social services, waste disposal, arts and sport.  

All our main political parties are pledged to an NHS service “free at the point of delivery” but they don’t define what that NHS service should be. They allow it to grow in the imagination of the public into “free good health for life” but then don’t fund it. So doctors, nurses and all health staff, are put under huge pressure to deliver the impossible. 

In the absence of anyone else making any suggestions for reform, including the BMA and the Royal Colleges and, of course the politicians, let me mention three of my own.  Prepare to be shocked.

We should pass many of the NHS responsibilities over to the Social Care service (whether national or local) and fund them through a retirement levy. These might include convalescence, knee and hip replacements, eye cataracts and end of life palliative care.  Dentistry should be allowed to go private, with a subsidy scheme for those on welfare benefits. As for prevention services, these should be taken over by local council social services departments, funded by an increase in the council tax. 

The council tax, by the way, is an overlooked source of council revenue. The amount raised could be increased by as much as £1bn a year, if the value of properties were up-dated.  But the current SNP/Green government is heading in the opposite direction, promising a council tax freeze.  It’s true it is offering councils a share in £200m compensation, but that only equates to a 5 per cent increase. So far only Argyll and Bute has had to courage to turn down the offer, saying it needs to increase council tax by 10 per cent to avoid cuts in services.

To me the brave councillors of Argyll and Bute are like snowdrops in the political landscape – harbingers of better times to come.  I wish I could say the same about the other big political story of the week, the chaos at Westminster over the SNP’s motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. It ended with the SNP calling for the resignation of the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle because he allowed their motion to be overtaken by a similar motion from the Labour Party.

The scrum on the floor of the House of Commons on Wednesday night will only be overtaken in my mind’s eye by the rugby game this weekend at Murrayfield between Scotland and England. Don’t tread on the snowdrops boys, for you tread on my dream of a fourth victory in a row for Scotland.   

The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to retain council tax at the same rate in the capital for the next year, ensuring that it will receive in return £16.1 million from The Scottish Government in compensation. 

Band D council tax will be set at £1447.69 from 1 April 2024.

Around £27 million will be set aside for schools and young people and £12.5 million to spend on roads and pavements. £25,000 will be used as seed funding for The Big Hoose to help families in poverty to obtain household items, and around £3 million will be applied to funding to tackle homelessness. This part of the council budget rose to £64.5 million in the last financial year.

Parking charges in the city centre will rise by 22%, and monies will also be spent on climate improvements and coastal flood prevention.

The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, announced the council tax freeze in a surprise move at the SNP conference last autumn which provoked a stern response from councils and COSLA, the body which represents Scottish councils. COSLA said that the announcement made without consulting Council Leaders breached the Verity House Agreement signed between the councils and the government just last summer.  The Deputy First Minister and Finance Minister, Shona Robison announced additional funding overnight just ahead of the budget meeting.

All 63 councillors met (some of them still working from home) to fix the council’s spending for next year, and it was the Labour administration, with amendments made by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives whose proposals were backed by 34 votes.

Council Leader Cllr Cammy Day told The Edinburgh Reporter what the headlines of the administration budget are this year. He said: “We’ve reversed the £8 million of education cuts, we accept education is really important. We’ve put another £3.5 million into Edinburgh Leisure to make sure they can pay the real living wage and protect all our leisure facilities across the city. We’ve put over £12.5 million into fixing roads, pavements, footpaths, and encouraging active travel models across the city. We’ve just put an additional piece of money into welcoming The Big Hoose project into Edinburgh to help deal with poverty and much, much more. Our budget’s online, if you want to take a look at that. We’ve put £100,000 into helping any of the third sector projects who may be genuinely struggling but our budget’s online and I would encourage people to have a look at that have not already done so.”

Cllr Kevin Lang the Liberal Democrat group leader told us he was most happy about the provisions for bus services included in the budget. He said: “The budgets were published last week, and over the course of the last week, there’s been a whole series of discussions between the political parties, and I’m very pleased that the Labour administration accepted the proposal from the Lib Dems to put in an extra £2 million into Edinburgh schools.

“And let me give you a really great example from my own ward. There’s been a lot of concern over whether there was enough money in the budget to maintain the network of supported buses that exist across the city. These are buses that serve rural remote disadvantaged communities. But there was real concern that was not enough money to sustain these. Thanks to the Liberal Democrat amendment we’ve got extra money, hundreds of thousands of pounds more to make sure that not only do we retain those services, but we actually get extra new bus services starting.”

Cllr Phil Doggart the Conservative Group finance spokesperson said: “I suppose the big one for us is looking at the impact of the service review in the homelessness service. We do waste a huge amount of money on what we provide.

“We’re firmly of the opinion that we would get much more value for money by having a deep review of the service. So that will cost money in the short term. But we think that the gains in the long term will be significant both in financial terms, but more importantly, in actually getting more people into the right type of accommodation rather than having to rely on temporary unsuitable short term solutions.

“The big thing that we can do is increase the number of properties that are available to the homelessness service, making sure that we have a very low void rate. It’s ridiculously high at the moment it should in practice. rather than no more than 3%, which is acceptable for allowing for turnover of people using the service. So we think that there’s huge opportunities afforded by reviewing what we do, how we do it, and making sure that we can provide a service that is appropriate for the people who need it.”

The motion by the administration here sets out the level of fees which the council will charge for everything from hiring the City Chambers to the charge for hiring a locker in the bus station – which has risen by around one third.

The House of Commons Speaker under fire after the SNP debate calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is overshadowed by procedural rows

Midlothian MP Owen Thompson spoke of his disappointment at the “disgraceful scenes” at Westminster, after an SNP led debate calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza descended into chaos.

The MP called on the Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt to investigate “very very serious” claims that the Speaker Lindsay Hoyle was bowing to pressure from the Labour party to change parliamentary rules and allow a vote on the Labour amendment, to avoid an expected rebellion in the Labour ranks.

The SNP opposition day is one of three parliamentary days per year that the SNP gets dedicated time to take forward business of their choice, as the third biggest party. The motion they chose to debate had called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and Israel, along with “the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people”. Labour instructed their members to abstain but faced the prospect of a significant rebellion, after 56 Labour MPs had defied the Whip to vote for another SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire last November. Labour’s amendment reworded the original motion to call for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” while noting “Israel cannot be expected to cease fighting if Hamas continues with violence”.

There were widespread reports the Speaker had been pressured to call the amendment. BBC Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt tweeted “Senior Labour figures tell me @CommonsSpeaker was left in no doubt that Labour would bring him down after the general election unless he called Labour’s Gaza amendment” While it is acknowledged the Speaker met with party Leader Keir Starmer, Labour strongly deny that there was any undue pressure or threats.

Mr Thompson said if there was any truth in the claims it was “an affront to any democracy”.

Amidst furious scenes during the debate on Wednesday night. Business Leader Penny Mordaunt said the decision “undermined” the parliament and the Conservative Party withdrew their support for the vote, while the SNP Leader Stephen Flynn repeatedly called for the Speaker to come to the Chamber and explain the decision, with both groups walking out the Chamber.

The farcical scenes and procedural rows overshadowed the subject of the debate itself. After the governemnt withdrew, the Labour amendment was carried without a formal vote, with no opportunity to vote on the SNP motion.

Speaking during Business questions on Thursday morning, Mr Thompson called for an investigation into what happened and action to protect the debating time of the smaller parties. He said:-

“On our opposition day, our voice was silenced when our vote was not able to be taken, and that was incredibly disappointing for me and for the significant number of my constituents, and I know constituents of colleagues from across the Chamber, who wanted to support that motion.

“I think it’s critical that all Members of this place, whatever their position or status, are protected from bullying and intimidation. I think it’s entirely unacceptable, if reports across many media outlets are to be believed, that there was significant pressure put on Mr Speaker to come to his decision yesterday. Can I ask the Leader of the House what steps she is going to take to investigate these very very serious claims?

“If there is anything of substance to these, that is an affront to any democracy, where a Party Leader can direct the Chair of this place.

“As Chief Whip I’m involved in a number of conversations on how business comes forward and I had direct assurances that I would have a vote on the words of my motion yesterday. Everybody knew the potential outcome at the end of the debate well in advance so to suggest that nobody knew is utter nonsense.

“The reason we were in the position we were in was because the normal conventions and standing orders of this House were overruled, against the advice of the Clerks and that only happened because the Labour Party wanted to get dug out of a hole, and that is unacceptable.”

In an unusual display of consensus between the SNP and Conservatives, Penny Mordaunt said she was “sympathetic” to the call for further time for another SNP led debate to be scheduled.

Other parties have criticised the SNP’s handling of the debate, accusing the SNP of not seeking consensus and party political game playing. Edinburgh South’s MP Ian Murray said on Twitter the party were “Submitting a motion to deliberately fail” rather than reaching out to win the vote, although in response Owen Thompson says, as Chief Whip, he was not approached by anyone from the other parties to work together.

Meanwhile the Speaker has accepted he made a mistake, apologised and met with people from all parties, but questions over his future remain. At the time of writing a motion of no confidence has gathered 67 signatures from SNP and Conservative MPs.

The brand-new Burger King restaurant opened at Craigleith has created 30 new jobs in the local area.

The new restaurant offers table service and diners can use the app to order their food and drink. Download the Burger King® app here. 

Alasdair Murdoch, CEO of Burger King® UK said: “We know the people of Edinburgh love the great-tasting food of Burger King, so we’ve listened to their requests and are very excited to bring all their favourites to their neighbourhood. Our home – of the Whopper! – is their home.”

The new part of the tram line extended to Newhaven has meant millions more customers who have chosen the tram as their public transport option.

Unsurprisingly Edinburgh Airport was the busiest stop on the whole network last year, but The Shore was the busiest stop on the new part of the extended line.

More than seven million tram journeys were recorded in the year from June 2023which is double the patronage in the previous year.

The Edinburgh Trams team says it is dedicated to ensuring residents, visitors and local businesses all benefit from the £207 million investment in the line extended from York Place to Newhaven.

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, said: “The completion of the Trams Newhaven project on time and on budget was a remarkable achievement, but the positive impact of the new route on the communities it serves has been equally impressive.

“In June 2023, our ‘Cleaner, better, faster, longer’ launch campaign helped the extended services get off to a flying start, and new stops such as The Shore and Ocean Terminal are now among the busiest on the network.

“We’ve also established partnerships with businesses and attractions along the route, including Royal Yacht Britannia, Port of Leith Distillery and Cruise Forth, which have also helped attract visitors while driving up customer numbers.

“The past year has seen the Edinburgh Trams go from strength to strength, but we’re never complacent and constantly striving to deliver an even better experience for customers while finding innovative ways to make the tram an increasingly attractive travel option.”

The total number of passenger journeys in 2023 was 9.3 million which was a 90 per cent increase on the previous year. When Harry Styles visited Edinburgh in May the number of passengers using the tram in one day reached a record high.

Commenting on the clear success of the new route, George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: “Forming the backbone of an integrated transport network, the expanded tramway is also helping us to meet our target of becoming a Net Zero city by 2030.

“Since the opening of the line, we’ve seen an increasing number of people discover the benefits of public transport and take advantage of a swift, convenient and reliable way to get around our great city for business or leisure.”

Just before the day that The City of Edinburgh Council agrees its budget for the next year the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, has announced further funding of £62.7 million for Scottish local authorities.

Ms Robison has held discussions with COSLA and the government says that this award means the total funding for councils has now reached the highest level on record.

As well as this the government will also pay a further £17.7 million in a General Revenue Grant and will pass on the Barnett consequentials of £45 million. While this is ring-fenced for Adult Social Care in England it will not be restricted when paid over in Scotland.

Council Leader, Cammy Day, said in response to the letter to Council Leaders: “Potential’ back down from the SNP/Green government ‘potentially’ provide a trickle more funding to local authorities after COSLA demands more. An email from SNP/Green government and acceptance that council tax freeze is NOT fully funded.”

Finance Convener, Mandy Watt conceded that this extra funding means that the council tax freeze is almost fully funded, but not quite.

Cllr Watt said: “More money for councils is always good news. But the not so good news is that Ms Robison is to pass through what they called Barnett consequentials from a decision that’s been made by the UK Government.

“For each council in Scotland, it’s actually not a lot of money, depending on how it’s divided across councils.”

She explained that out of the £45.5 million from Barnett consequentials, Edinburgh will receive around 8%, so around £3.5 million could be available to the council out of that pot. But she said: “We’ve got a £67 million gap in our adult health and social care provision. So while £3.5 million (and the other funding) will be welcome, it doesn’t really touch the sides.”

The text of the letter to all councillors in Scotland is as follows:

Dear Councillors 

Further to our recent discussions, including the conversation with the First Minister on Friday 16 February, and following your correspondence received on 19 February 2024, the First Minister and I have discussed COSLA’s position on the Council Tax Freeze and the Local Government Settlement more generally.  

We have reflected on the view of Leaders that, in that context, the £147 million allocated to fund the Council Tax Freeze is not sufficient, in particular COSLA’s position that the General Revenue Grant is £62.7 million lower than last year. We have also heard your call for a compromise to be reached, as reiterated in my meeting with the Vice President, Cllr Hagmann and Group Leaders this afternoon.  

In the light of these discussions, I am prepared to commit that, subject to the overall funding position improving following the UK Government’s Spring Budget on 6 March, the Scottish Government will not only pass through to local government the £45 million expected as a result of the recent announcement on ring-fenced Adult Social Care funding in England, and any consequentials received for increased teacher pension contributions, but we will also increase the local government General Revenue Grant by a further £17.7 million.  

As I stated in our meeting earlier today, the £45 million which is expected as a result of Michael Gove’s announcement on adult social care funding, is being passed through to local government in Scotland as general revenue funding. We are not imposing the same conditions on the use of that funding, or compelling councils to produce productivity improvement plans as part of that package. 

In making this decision we will be allocating an additional £62.7 million to councils in Scotland for them to use as they see fit. In the context of the wide range of demands on the Scottish Budget and challenges across the public sector, I consider that this is a significant offer of compromise.  

It will mean that the £147 million in funding allocated will be wholly additional funding. This compromise, in the spirit of honest and constructive discussions we have had in recent weeks, represents a significant protection and improvement in the funding position for local government, which no other portfolio is benefiting from. It is also a demonstration of our commitment to the Verity House Agreement. In return for this significant compromise, I reiterate the position that the funding is conditional upon the freezing on the Council Tax. 

It is also my intention that the funding for a Council Tax Freeze will be baselined in future years into the General Revenue Grant for all councils which agree to freeze their Council Tax in 2024-25.  

I would highlight the priority placed on Local Government in recent years. Since the Resource Spending Review was published, Ministers have been required to take very difficult in-year decisions including the Emergency Budget Review in 2022-23 and more recently an in year budget savings exercise in 2023-24. Councils were not only fully protected from the challenging decisions taken in those processes but with the addition of the £62.7 million confirmed today, the core Local Government resource budget in 2024-25 is now over £730 million higher than the £10,616 million position published in the Resource Spending Review. 

In addition, the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning has today communicated to relevant councils our intention, subject to the funding position after the Spring Budget, to increase the Islands Cost of Living fund by £4 million. We have been listening closely to the island authorities, communities and businesses, and have recognised the needs of islands throughout this budget. This further step is being taken in recognition that there is a review underway led by COSLA and the Improvement Service on the Special Islands Needs Allowance, but that review will take time to complete. This is a small step but one which we hope will aid the island authorities to support their communities in the short term.  

Finally, two further matters were raised in my meeting with Group Leaders earlier today and which I committed to clarifying.  

Group Leaders raised with me their views about the need for a dialogue on teacher numbers and the wider education workforce, it is my view that the proposed Education Assurance Board needs to be rapidly established and begin its work to best enable those discussions to take place. A date for the first meeting of that Board should be identified as soon as possible.  

In addition, in respect of delegation of services under the National Care Service, I can confirm that there is no intention to consider the requirement for the delegation of homelessness services as part of the NCS.  We are committed to ensuring a clear interface between social care reform and other initiatives designed to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and the letter simply intended to restate that commitment.  

I trust that this confirmation on funding supports those councils still to make a decision on their Council Tax and budget setting in that process, and that the clarifications above help us to move the discussion on other matters forward in the spirit of the Verity House Agreement.  

Shona Robison

Fixtures: Friday: Scottish Cup: Hillhead v Western Wildcats (19.15); Grange v Inverleith (Fettes, 19.30). Saturday: Watsonians v Grove Menzieshill; FSEG Clydesdale v Kelburne (Titwood, noon).

Women: Saturday: Premiership: University of St Andrews v The University of Edinburgh. Sunday: Premiership: Clydesdale Western v The University of Edinburgh (Titwood, 14.00). Scottish Cup: Clydesdale Western v Hillhead; Glasgow University v Western Wildcats; Uddingston v Edinburgh Ladies Hockey Club (15.00, Uddingston Cricket and Sports Club.)

Turkey: Thursday to Sunday: Watsonians in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup (Alanya).

Grange coach Stevie Grubb looks back on last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Hillhead in the Scottish Premiership and conceded that his men did a lot of things correctly.

The Edinburgh side had the ball in the opposition net on three occasions but the efforts were chalked off but Grange failed to convert on a penalty flick and they did not deliver from several short corners.

Grubb said: “Unfortunately, only one goal was allowed. Hillhead scored first early on from a poor pass from us that was turned over. They then proceeded to defend and did so well.”

Their rivals did have a couple of breakaways but that was dealt with by Grange who move into Scottish Cup mode on Friday night when they host Inverleith at the Fettes Playing Fields (19.30) in the quarter-final.

Grange whipped Inverleith 6-0 in the league earlier this season and arer favoured to progress.

Watsonians are on duty on Saturday when they entertain Grove Menzieshill, the sides drew 1-1 in the league, while cup holders Western Wildcats travel Upper Windyedge to face Hillhead boosted by that draw with Grange.

Abroad, Keith Smith is with the Watsonian women in Turkey for the EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup. The games are in Alanya and the Scots have a tough task as they are up against some of Europe’s top sides featuring a host of international players. The tournament starts on Thursday and Smith said: “It would be a huge challenge to finish third or fourth in our group and then win a crossover tie just to stay in the top division.”

His squad lost 5-3 in their opener to Spanish cracks Sanese Complutense. Katherine Holdgate gave the Scots the best possible start with a goal after two minutes but the Spanish side equalised six minutes later and moved 2-1 ahead seven minutes after that from a penalty corner.

The Capital combine replied through Genevive Hussell after 24 minutes but another penalty corner saw the Spanish side moved 3-2 in front. Time: 27 minutes. Back came Watsonians and Sarah Jamieson levelled three minutes after that.

But goals in the final two minutes, one from a penalty corner, took the final scoreline to 5-3.

Hearts head for Ibrox on Saturday (kick-off 15.00) and statistics show that Rangers have won four of the last five games between the cinch Premiership rivals. There has been one draw.

Rangers are on a high having climbed to the summit of the 12-strong table with last weekend’s win at St Johnstone. The men from Govan have 64 points from their 26 games, an impressive record which includes 21 wins, one draw and four defeats.

The Gers have scored 56 goals and lost a miserly 13 during that spell and they now head Old Firm rivals Celtic by two points. Celtic have also played 26 games.

Hearts are third with 51 points from 26 games. They have won 16 fxtures, drawn three and lost seven and have scored 35 goals and shipped 22.

Even Ibrox Noise admitted that the Gorgie team’s form since they lost 2-1 to Aberdeen at Pittodrie on December 9 is “frightening”.

That run of 12 matches includes 11 wins, including Saturday’s hard-earned 2-0 victory over a physical Motherwell side at Tynecastle, and one draw.

And, of course, during that run the Jambos travelled to Parkhead and recorded a 2-0 win over The Hoops on December 16, a significant result and a massive confidence boost.

Former Ibrox old boy, Steven Naismith, has created a team capable of winning on the road and Rangers will not want to slip-up here.

They will also have taken note of razor-sharp Lawrence Shankland’s form and the Glagsow-born striker’s goal against The Steelmen, ghosting into the box to latch onto a free-kick from Alan Forrest to break the deadlock last Saturday.

Ibrox Noise believe that snuffing out Shankland will sunff out Hearts as an attacking force. So, this is a massive test for Shankland and also both clubs. 

The clash is also the start of three huge matches for the Men in Maroon. After the trip to Glasgow, Hearts entertain Hibs on Wednedsay, February 28 (19.45) and then Celtic on Sunday, March 3 (noon) before their Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup, quarter-final at Greenock Morton on Monday, March 11 (19.45). 

Meanwhile, the Cappielow club have confirmed that capacity of their ground for the tie against Hearts is just over 8,500. The match is also on BBC Scotland. 

PICTURE: Action from Hearts v Motherwell by David Mollison 

A bollard appears

The newest bollard in town has been put up at the top of Greenside Lane which has been the site of a few road incidents over recent weeks.

The problem was that although the new road layout means that anyone in a vehicle entering from Greenside Place has to cross a cycle lane and a pavement, GPS advised that it was still possible to access Greenside Lane. But it is not. And now the council has put up a bollard to put an end to any doubt.

Council budget

Today the council sets its budget for the next year – or it will get down to business to do so after hearing from eleven deputations only some of which are written.

Colinton Community Council have written to the council asking that the budget for fixing roads in the city – and particularly in Colinton – is increased. The community council advise of two incidents caused by potholes, one of which involved a cyclist on Bridge Road, and the other a car driver on Gillespie Road.

Trinity Primary School Parent Council has asked the council to prioritise funding of schools. They refer to their earlier deputation last month when they responded to the possibility of £8.2 million of cuts to the education budget. While that cut has been deferred the parent council remain concerned about any future funding cuts on behalf of their 580 children enrolled at the school.

James Gillespie’s High School Parent Council want the council to know how concerned they were about the proposed £8.2 million cuts and they question the basis on which the proposed reduction in spending was made given the swift u-turn. James Gillespie’s Primary School have also written to councillors saying how pleased they were that the spending cuts did not go ahead, but they have concerns about the lack of transparency about the financing of new proposals.

Stockbridge Primary School Parent Council has also said how relieved they are that the cuts are not going ahead but at the same time they question the budget proposals by the various political groups. They say that the proposals show a “lack of understanding and knowledge of the current state of city education”. The parents also question in particular the SNP group’s suggestion about Friday afternoon after school care apparently made without any concrete information about where the £5.11 million to pay for it would come from. They also point out that there are already other activities using the classrooms on Friday afternoons.

Other deputations will be made by unions such as Edinburgh Trade Union Council and Unite, Edinburgh Tenants Federation, Edinburgh EIS, and NLRP12 will also make a verbal submission to the meeting.

The amount which it has to spend is the same, no matter which political group has most influence over it when the decision is finally made. Last year it was the Liberal Democrat budget which was approved. This year there has possibly been a bit more talking and discussion among the various political groups.

All of the political groups present a budget and then speak to their proposals at the meeting. After due procedure the 63 councillors will vote and adopt the spending plans and rate of council tax rise which the successful financial outline proposes. This year the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, threw a spanner in the works by saying that there should be a council tax freeze. As long as The City of Edinburgh Council does not increase the rate of council tax (last year it rose by five per cent) then The Scottish Government will pay a sum of £16.1 million by way of compensation for lost income.

Anyone may access all of the papers and follow the meeting live from 9.45am or as a recording here.

New director of SHBT

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust have appointed a new director Dr Sam Gallacher.

Sam joins the Trust from his role as Keeper of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, the category A-listed modernist museum building and home to the world-famous collection of fine and decorative arts amassed by shipping merchant Sir William Burrell which was named Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2023 following a major refurbishment project. Formerly Assistant Director of the Medici Archive Project in Florence, Italy, more recently he worked for the National Trust for Scotland in Glasgow, Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders managing a broad range of historic buildings, capital projects, natural and designed landscapes, and art collections.

Get ready for Critical Mass this Saturday

Join in with a cycle ride for everyone ending up at The Causey.

Our February issue

Our February issue is out now and we are already working on the March issue. The February edition has more on Stephen Rafferty’s exclusive story about Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed in our centre spread and our new columnist Liam Rudden will entertain you with news of all the theatre you must see.

We are pleased with this month’s issue, and really pleased to be nominated for an award which will be announced in March. And if you wish to buy a copy and have it delivered to your home or business then please subscribe here.

Council chiefs in Edinburgh are set to overhaul the system used to allocate social housing in a bid to make it ‘fairer.’

Council chiefs in Edinburgh are set to overhaul the system used to allocate social housing in a bid to make it ‘fairer.’
A major review of the local authority’s points-based model which determines who gets prioritised for council and housing association properties is among a range of new actions aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
This would take around a year to complete and includes looking at the ‘fairness’ of the existing allocations policy, how assessments are undertaken and how easy the process is for people whose first language is not English.
The council said work alongside partner landlords to increase the rate of allocations to homeless households had “proven successful” but a stronger effort was required on preventing homelessness.
There are currently around 24,000 people waiting for council housing in the capital – however only 2,079 homes were advertised by social landlords between April 1 last year and January 1 2024, new figures revealed.
An average of 243 bids are received for each property. Average waiting times vary across the city depending on location and the circumstances of applicants, ranging from 27 weeks for those assigned ‘gold priority’ to up to more than 10 years for bidders with ‘no priority’.
EdIndex – the housing register used by the council and 17 partner housing associations and cooperatives – awards more priority points to people registered as homeless or threatened with homelessness, and fewer to those making an application because they live with family and not in their own home, have come out of a relationship or are having problems with their existing property such as dampness or issues heating.
In response to the housing shortage, increasing demand, spiralling rents in the private sector – and a record 5,000 homeless households currently in temporary accommodation – councillors unanimously declared a ‘housing emergency’ in the capital last November.
A plan drawn up in response, set to be agreed by councillors next week, proposes reviewing ‘all current housing policies and strategies to maximise the availability of housing’ and ‘mapping the homeless support available across Edinburgh to remove duplication’.
Developed through a series of workshops with stakeholders, other actions include:

• Reassess what criteria is used to define vulnerability when assessing housing needs
• Utilising modern technology to reduce the time taken to bring properties to lettable standard
• Investigating how many households are currently living in under-occupied tenancies to explore potential for freeing up larger homes
• Investigating system wide adoption of a default consent model for data sharing
• Developing a plan to reduce the number of families with children living in temporary accommodation, including targeted approach to prioritise permanent housing for those in unsuitable accommodation
• Increasing accessibility of money, benefit and debt advice services to support households across the city
• Investigating models of housing co-operatives, including for different characteristics; the funding models and advantages available and the possibility of introducing these in Edinburgh

Of a total 11,000 new affordable homes the council wants to see built by 2029 there is currently only capacity for around 6,200 to be constructed or approved by 2029, with less than half of those council or housing association-owned.
And to meet its target, the city needs a cash injection of around £665 million.
Jane Meagher, housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said: “What we’re trying to do in the council is as much as we possibly can within the constraints of the financial limitations we have to resolve the housing crisis – housing emergency – however it has to be said we are limited by the funding.”

Follow the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work committee meeting here.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

For the past 21 years Edinburgh Curling Club has run a charity Bonspiel in support of British Heart Foundation.

The latest instalment involved ten teams taking to the ice in a novel format and through player donations and a raffle some £879 was raised.
The winning club, pictured, was Midcalder who scored 31 points out of a maximum 37.
Representing Midcalder were, left to right, Anne Keron, Ian Keron, Anne Baird and Alan Russell.

An award-winning painting depicting what Edinburgh would have looked like under a 1949 plan for an inner city motorway is to be purchased for the City Art Centre.

Showing a six-lane elevated ring-road tunnelled under Calton Hill and encircling the city centre, the piece is inspired by a vision for the capital’s future drawn up by town planners more than 70 years ago.
After being recognised as the ‘most outstanding view of the city in any media’ at last year’s inaugural Scottish Landscape Awards, Robbie Bushe’s 2023 artwork is set to be bought for the council-owned City Art Centre’s collection for £7,000.
The purchase is set to be confirmed by councillors on Friday, February 23, at a meeting of the Jean F Watson Bequest Committee, which acquires Scottish art for the city’s collection with funds donated by the late art enthusiast.
The oil painting is based on the 1949 ‘Civic Survey and Plan for the City and Royal Burgh of Edinburgh’ which envisaged the construction of an inner city motorway, which would have seen much of the historic Old Town demolished.
While some changes contained within the re-imagination of Edinburgh went ahead – including the construction of a city bypass – the more radical and  contentious elements such as the city centre motorway depicted in Bushe’s work, the rebuilding of Princes Street and a freight railway under the Meadows were eventually scrapped.
Created by Patrick Abercrombie and Derek Plumstead, who were enlisted to help shape post-war Edinburgh, the ‘Abercrombie Plan’ stated:
“A plan for Edinburgh must needs be a hazardous undertaking: there can be few cities towards which the inhabitants display a fiercer loyalty or deeper affection. Even its blemishes are venerated.
“The planner who dares to propose improvements must go warily.”
‘Towards St James and Calton Hill (reimagining the Civic Survey and Plan for the City & Royal Burgh of Edinburgh)’ is part of a series of panoramic paintings by the Liverpool-born artist responding to the survey.
A report to this week’s committee said: “This ambitious historical survey proposed dramatic changes to the topography of central Edinburgh, including a six-lane elevated ring-road encircling the Old and New Towns.
“In his work as an artist, Robbie Bushe explores the potential implications of this survey, had its proposals been approved. The painting under consideration presents an alternative, re imagined vision of the city, with the futuristic ring-road slicing through the historic architecture beneath Calton Hill.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Following the declaration of a housing emergency in the capital, The City of Edinburgh Council has reported a huge increase in the funds allocated to deal with homelessness which rose from £28 million to £64.5 million in the last year.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “Every single person deserves a safe and affordable place to call home which is why our number one priority remains helping everyone find a suitable place to stay. We have already declared a housing emergency, which is drawing widescale attention to this issue, but the reality is that the demand for temporary accommodation in Edinburgh far outstrips supply.

“We are making the grant funding we do have available stretch further, improving older council homes and building and buying as many new affordable homes as we can afford. When the council sets its housing revenue account budget on Thursday, I hope the housing emergency remains at the forefront of every councillor’s mind as we consider other means of increasing housing supply.

“We’re truly at a point where urgent, united action must be taken to do right by the most vulnerable in our city but we can’t do this on our own. I will continue to fight for fairer funding from the Government.

“Our stark and rising spend on temporary accommodation is a symptom of the housing and homelessness crisis Edinburgh is now facing. Our city and services have been affected by the cost of living crisis and the terrible war in Ukraine, with refugees fleeing from Ukraine and other parts of the world to Edinburgh. Plus, Edinburgh is a growing city which has long been experiencing housing pressures like nowhere else in Scotland, with the lowest proportion of social housing in the country and biggest, most expensive, private rented sector.

“With only 14% social housing in Edinburgh, compared to a national (Scottish) average of 23%, Edinburgh squeezes around 10% more households into the private rented sector.

“We all know that renting a house in the city is very expensive with an average two-bed flat now costing £1,362 a month, up 78% in a decade. Similarly, the cost to the council of sourcing temporary accommodation from the private sector has risen, and in order to support growing numbers of people presenting as homeless we of course need greater resources and staffing, which adds to our costs.”

ACTION PLAN

The council has drafted an action plan to respond to the housing emergency which draws together the key actions it will take. Council officers have held 14 engagement workshops with partners such as Cyrenians, Living Rent and Edinburgh Tenants Federation, to establish what the council’s priorities should be.

The £63 million funding pays the costs involved in putting a roof, however temporary, over someone’s head. It includes all related expenses such as the cost of the council staff dealing with the public as well as all other practical costs involved in offering housing. The council has a statutory duty to house people as one of the hundreds of services it provides.

At present there are around 5,000 households in Edinburgh – equivalent to around 7,000 people – who live in temporary accommodation of all kinds from B&Bs and hotels to temporary homes each night. Of these, around 1,300 people live in temporary housing which is deemed unsuitable. There is little option for the council but to use all available hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses as there are simply not enough council homes available to house everyone, although officers suggest in the action plan that one way would be for the council to return more empty homes more quickly to the available stock.

In addition there are a further 2,000 households who are assessed as homeless but who are not actually “accessing accommodation” as yet.

Finance

Cllr Meagher continued: “What we’re trying to do in Council is as much as we possibly can, within the constraints of the financial limitations we have to resolve the housing emergency.”

In the next five years the council through its affordable housing partnership plans to build 9,500 new affordable homes. Cllr Meagher outlined that the recent cut of £196 million to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for 2024-25 by The Scottish Government creates another problem for the council.

It represents a cut of around a quarter of funding made available in the previous year, and it is the second year in a row there has been a reduction in funding. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation responded to the government that it was “baffling that the affordable housing supply programme should be the victim of such a brutal cut” and called for The Scottish Government to reverse the cut and put the “programme back on a sustainable path”.

Until the council sets its budget on Thursday the Housing Convener and council officers say they have no set funding calculations but the draft plan does state that the council wants to “maximise funding of new homes while ensuring best value”. After Thursday’s meeting the draft financial calculations will be finalised and then reported to councillors next week.

The Housing Convener is suggesting a seven per cent rise in rents for council tenants in the capital which she says is “broadly in line with adjacent and other authorities”, but it is much more than the three per cent agreed last year.

The action plan suggests ways of increasing funding and revenue by, for example, investigating the use of housing cooperatives, increasing the number of empty homes brought up to lettable standard and possibly also establishing innovative rent models. Rents have always been set on the number of bedrooms which a home has, but the council is open to this being changed and rents assessed on the basis of the location of a property for instance.

There are 75 actions which the council will focus on when helping homeless people in future, ranging from the way that customers are dealt with either face to face or on the phone and email, to ensuring that anyone at the margins such as refugees and care experienced people receive the service and support needed.

Some of the priorities include simplifying the process of accessing council homes, potentially redesigning the allocation system, but the council confirms it is firmly committed to continuing the Housing First model. This government backed scheme is an attempt to change the system by providing “ordinary settled homes for people with multiple needs” which goes further than just bricks and mortar. People who have become homeless because of factors such as addiction or domestic abuse need more help and advice than simply a home. Housing First is a personalised form of support provided to a homeless person and an attempt to avoid repeat homelessness or rough sleeping in certain cases.

Practical suggestions

The council owns around 20,500 homes although only 20,250 are immediately available for let. The council uses the letting system Edindex which prioritises who is highest on the waiting list and ultimately who is offered a permanent home, and some of those who attended the workshops raised the perceived unfairness of the allocation system which the council may review.

In drafting the plan the council has also mapped out the way the homelessness system works in the city in an effort to avoid duplication of work by the council and its partners in another bid to streamline the process.

Using data is one way that the council feels it could actively prevent homelessness from happening in the first place, and also speed up the process of placing a tenant in a new home. By using all the facts at hand the council also wants to investigate how it could free up larger properties by identifying anyone who is living in a house which may have become too big for their needs.

Void Homes

Edinburgh Council says it has around 1,280 empty or void homes at present – houses which need to be refurbished before a tenant can move in. This is an obvious source of properties which could be used to address the homelessness issue.

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership says there are around 47,000 empty homes in Scotland with about 28,000 empty for more than a year. These are not solely council homes, but it is indicative of the assets spread about the country which could be used in a more practical way.

The Partnership runs the Empty Homes Advice Service providing advice in its Neighbour Toolkit to anyone – from those who own the properties, who live next door or who want to invest in the properties. The body also works collaboratively with local authorities who have the powers and tools to contact the owners and encourage them to take action.

If there is an empty home near you then the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership want to hear from you.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee meets on 27 February at 10am. The papers are here as well as instructions on watching the meeting either live or as a recording afterwards.

More than 30,000 uninsured drivers have been sent warning letters by Police Scotland after being caught by hi-tech cameras.

Police Scotland joined Operation Tutelage, a UK-wide initiative aimed at reducing the number of uninsured drivers on the roads, in April 2021.

Officers using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) were able to check whether or not drivers had valid insurance and caught out more than 31,000 motorists hitting the roads without it.

According to a Police Scotland performance report, from the launch until the end of August last year, the most recent month for which data was available, a total of 31,416 letters had been sent out to drivers in Scotland. The letters led to 83% complying within 14 days.

The report says: “The Criminal Justice-led initiative centres on identifying uninsured vehicles using ANPR and subsequently writing an insurance advisory letter to the registered keepers to inform them that driving without insurance is an offence.

“Working on the principle of behavioural compliance, the operation is designed to encourage the majority of compliant individuals to insure their vehicles.”

Police Scotland say the key road safety benefits of the crackdown include reducing the number of uninsured vehicles on Scotland’s roads using “positive engagement and resolution”.

Motorists driving without insurance can receive a fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on their licence if they are caught driving a vehicle that they are not insured to drive.

However, if the case ends up in court, there is the possibility of a fine up to £5000 and being banned from driving altogether.

Police also have the power to seize and sometimes destroy a vehicle being driven without insurance, while drivers can face higher insurance premiums for a number of years.

Research conducted by comparison website iCompario, showed that Scotland had a rate of uninsured drivers of one in 131, with Motherwell in Lanarkshire found to be the area with the highest rate of uninsured drivers at one in 110.

According to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, “uninsured and untraced drivers” are responsible for 130 road deaths and 26,500 car crash injuries every year in the UK and are calculated to cost more than £400 million.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “Op Tutelage is an effective way of reducing the number of uninsured vehicles on our roads.

“There are a number of reasons why a vehicle may show on the Motor Insurance Database as holding no insurance and Op Tutelage provides an opportunity for registered keepers to take action as necessary.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the roads safe in collaboration with key partners and this operation allows our officers to take action against those who deliberately break the law and put other road users in danger.”

Plans also approved at the budget meeting include a £5million refurbishment of Tranent’s Loch Centre and a doubling of council tax on second homes

Residents in East Lothian will face a 10 per cent rise in council tax next year after councillors agreed to support a freeze in this year’s budget.
A special meeting of East Lothian Council to set the budget for the coming years saw the Labour administration’s plans to freeze council tax for the year ahead but introduce the increased rise next year approved.
The Scottish Government has offered local authorities who freeze council tax additional funding equal to just under a five per cent rise.
However at the virtual meeting of elected members on Tuesday, finance chiefs said when the grant was included with the rest of the national funding it was closer to a three per cent increase.
The administration budget included priority funding of £5million for the Loch Centre, in Tranent, to carry out a major refurbishment and reopen its swimming pool which was welcomed by councillors from all parties.
And there was universal support for plans to make owners of second homes pay double the council tax paid by residents.
But there were disagreements about other proposals from the Labour group, with plans to reduce instrumental music services and encourage school children who have nationally funded Under 22 free bus passes to stop using school passes challenged by opposition groups.
During a meeting in which all main political groups accused others of ‘hiding’ proposed cuts until the last minute instead of working together, amendments introduced by the SNP and Conservative groups were dismissed by the administration.
The SNP called for the withdrawal of the school bus pass to be introduced through a planned reduction, warning bus companies would require support to implement the change.
Meanwhile the Conservative group opposed any reduction to music services which would see pupils given less choice of the type of instruments they had access to or number of spaces available.
And there were disagreements over funding for area partnerships which were established in East Lothian to distribute community funding on a devolved basis to projects most in need.
The Conservative group wanted the funding withdrawn describing the six partnerships which cover Musselburgh, Fa’side, Haddington and Lammermuir, Dunbar and East Linton, North Berwick Coastal and Preston,Seton,Gosford, as ‘bureaucratic bodies”.
Instead they wanted more funding to be given to community councils, while the SNP wanted the funding distributed on a basis of areas of most deprivation rather than a blanket amount.
Councillor Lachlan Bruce, Conservative, said the partnerships were supposed to be there to ensure funding helps deprivation in their areas.
But he said: “The area partnership in North Berwick funded heritage lampposts in Dirleton. It is hard to see what that has to do with deprivation.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Labour, described the comments about area partnerships as “disrespectful”.
Councillor Andy Forrest, Labour, said: “The money we put into our communities and grants come back to us twentyfold.”
The Labour administration budget was approved by 11 votes to ten after independent councillor Kenny McLeod backed Labour councillors, while Scottish Greens councillor Shona McIntosh opposed it alongside SNP and Conservative councillors.
Measures approved include funding cuts to The Brunton Theatre Trust of £200,000 and a reduction in the community grants fund of £100,000, leaving £1,4m available while area partnership funds will be reduced from £50,000 to £45,000 for the smaller ones while Musselburgh’s £100,000 grant will be reduced to £90,000.
The council’s arms length leisure firm enjoy will see its annual £2million funding reduced by £100,000 and moves will be made to encourage sports clubs to take over management and maintenance of the facilities they use with golf courses such as Winterfield, in Dunbar, and Musselburgh, potentially considered for the change.
Library funding is being reduced with smaller libraries asked to look at ways to adapt to offer more community facilities and museums asked to reduce hours of opening.
Council leader Norman Hampshire said: “This has been the most difficult budget that I have ever been involved in.
“We are dealing with massive growth pressure due to the new housing we are required to deliver by the Scottish Government. We are also dealing with high
inflation and interest rates due to the mismanagement of the economy by this failing Tory Westminster Government.”
He added: “We are trying as hard as we can to focus on core priorities – including tackling poverty, giving children the best possible start in life and vulnerable people.
“But, when income is not keeping pace with the rising cost of delivering services, difficult decisions which inevitably impact on services are being taken so that we are on a sustainable financial footing.
“The bulk of council funding comes from national government with council tax income amounting to approximately a quarter. Our grant from central government is the third lowest in Scotland per head of population. There is no recognition of East Lothian’s increasing population and additional costs, including the staffing and running of new schools.
“I would like to thank local residents for their patience understanding – as well as our hard-working council staff for their commitment.”

by Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Scottish soprano Marie McLaughlin to lead Samling Artist Programme Masterclass at Marchmont House.

Scottish soprano Marie McLaughlin has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than four-decades at the top of the operatic profession. She returns to Scotland on Saturday 2 March to share her experience and insights in an up-close and personal afternoon of song and opera in the exquisite Arts and Crafts music room at Marchmont House in the Borders.
Marie McLaughlin has collaborated with some of the world’s greatest conductors including Daniel Barenboim, Bernard Haitink, Sir Antonio Pappano, Leonard Bernstein and Giuseppe Sinopoli, and appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Opéra National de Paris and Salzburg and Glyndebourne festivals. She’ll be joined on stage by pianist James Baillieu and writer and director Susannah Waters. 

James Baillieu is one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation, specialising in song and chamber music and appearing across the world with artists including Benjamin Appl, Lise Davidson, Ian Bostridge and Dame Kiri te Kanawa. At the start of his career, James took part in the Samling Artist Programme and now regularly returns to Samling Institute as a leader to guide the next generation of musicians. Susannah Waters has been telling stories through opera, dance, theatre and literature, first as an opera singer and subsequently as a stage director and writer. 

Marie, James and Susannah will work in masterclass with eight young artists who are on the brink of impressive international careers. Together, leaders and artists will coach, challenge and channel their talent, giving a unique glimpse behind the scenes of classical music, showing the creative process in action and demonstrating what it takes to give a truly world-class performance.

Marchmont House is a Grade-A listed Palladian Mansion, with later refurbishments by Scotland’s finest Arts and Crafts architect Sir Robert Lorimer, and stunningly restored by its current owners. The house is only open to the public for special events such as this and as Marchmont’s guests, the audience will be invited to take refreshments in the exquisite reception rooms along with the artists and leaders.

This event comes at the end of an intensive residential week that many previous participants have described as ‘lifechanging’. Crucially, the Samling Artist Programme is provided at no cost to the artists – talent and dedication are the only criteria for admission. Tenor Hugo Brady who is currently studying at the Royal College of Music and is one of the lucky few to have made it through the rigorous selection process for this year’s programme said:

‘It has always seemed to me that during the Samling weeks, Marchmont House becomes a little bubble of music making, text, and artistry. I’m looking forward to being enveloped in that, surrounded by colleagues and leaders whom I admire, digging deeper into music which I’ve known for a long time, and exploring other music which is newer to me’.

During the week, the eight young artists on the programme have been refining every aspect of their artistry under the guidance of the leadership team and taking inspiration from the art that surrounds them in the house and from the visual creative artists resident on the Marchmont estate. Over the course of the week, the Samling Artists and their leaders build up a unique trust and rapport, making this final public event a masterclass like no other. 

Saturday 2 March 2024, 1.30 – 4.30pm
Tickets £22
samling.org.uk/events/samling-in-masterclass-march-2024/

Boroughmuir Thistle, Scotland’s largest female football club, has a new sponsor for its under-16 Elite Talent Development Environment (TDE) squad.

Crosswind Developments  will provide just under £1,500 to finance a new away kit for Thistle.

The property developer are behind the proposed ‘Elements Edinburgh’ development which would develop, subject to planning consent and following a period of community consultation,  Edinburgh Airport’s disused runway into a thriving commercial and residential hub.

Chris Summersell, Performance Academy Manager for Boroughmuir Thistle, said: “We are uniquely positioned to drive opportunity through women’s and girls’ sport. We are delighted to have Crosswind, a business with a strong stake in Scotland’s future, supporting our work.

“This partnership opens up access to resources that will enable us to nurture future football talent, and we are extremely grateful to Crosswind for partnering with us.”

Lesley Sawers, a non-executive director of Crosswind Developments, said: “We are committed to sustainable and inclusive placemaking …  but it also goes beyond that. We are truly invested in Edinburgh’s wider community, and in ensuring that its young people are provided with opportunities to thrive and grow.

Vivienne MacLaren, chair of Scottish Women’s football, said: “Girls’ participation in sports is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing, and it instils valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Scottish women’s football has come a long way since the dark days of the 50-year ban on women’s participation. Today we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every girl and woman in Scotland has the opportunity to be part of this beautiful game. Boroughmuir Thistle is doing remarkable work fostering young talent.” 

Three independent publishers in Edinburgh have been included in the shortlist for the British Book Awards.

The three are:

• CharcoPress|Edinburgh
• 404Ink|Edinburgh
• ScotlandStreetPress|Edinburgh

The British Book Awards 2024 Small Press of the Year, sponsored by CPIBooks, celebrates the independent presses dedicated to imaginative, forward-looking and diverse publishing. The presses—all with a turnover of less than £5m—will compete to win their region first before contending for the overall prize, when The British Book Awards ceremony returns to Grosvenor House London on Monday 13th May 2024.

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges forThe British Book Awards, says: “I’m always incredibly happy to see the breadth of Small Press publishing across the UK and Ireland. These presses have ridden out the pandemic peaks and troughs, and have emerged into the new age stronger than ever with some first-class publishing backed by an acute understanding of who they are and how to find their customers. The vast majority of publishers on this shortlist reported list and sales growth, alongside many successful funding applications, with investment put into both authors and their businesses. Publishing remains insafe hands –many of them.”

Sponsored by CPI Group, CPI Books’ m.d. Tanya Dunbar commented: “CPI is proud to sponsor the Small Press awardagain this year.The small publishers are an essential and creative part of the publishing ecosystem, and we are delighted to be part of their continuing success story.”

The regional and country winners of the Small Press of the Year award will be announced on Monday 11 March.