A vastly improved Hibs were cruelly denied a draw in stoppage time at Easter Road as Celtic scored their second penalty of the match to win 2-1.

Hibernian went into the game looking to bounce back from Saturday’s horror show defeat to St Mirren.

Head Coach Nick Montgomery made several changes from the weekend’s 3-0 loss, Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller went straight back into the team after returning from the Asia Cup.

Dylan Vente and new signing Nathan Moriah-Welsh were also brought in as Montgomery set his side up in a new formation.

It was a nightmare start for Hibs who conceded a penalty just five minutes into the game after a nasty clash of heads between Nectrios Triantis and Alistair Johnson.

Adam Idah faced a long wait before he could take it as the game stood still to allow Johnson to be stretchered off.

It didn’t faze the January signing though, he converted it, sending David Marshall the wrong way, scoring his first Celtic goal in the process.

Hibs’ first and only chance of the half fell to Elie Youan after a cross from Jordan Obita rebounded off Boyle and landed at the Frenchman’s feet.

His effort blazed over the bar, ricocheting off a Celtic defender for a corner when he really should have scored.

Celtic continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the half, but the Hibs defence stood firm and kept the visitors out.

Hibs came out from half-time and started brightly, threatening to break on a couple of occasions, and got their reward as they equalised with an hour on the clock.

The ball fell perfectly to Dylan Levitt on the edge of the box after a knockdown from Will Fish, and the Welshman finished superbly into the bottom corner on the half volley.

That goal ignited Hibs into life, and they almost scored again minutes later, but Joe Hart did well to keep out a superb acrobatic effort from substitute Myziane Maolida who was superb after coming on.

Hibs could – and probably should – have gone ahead with a couple of great chances in the last ten minutes.

Lewis Miller saw a brilliant opportunity flash wide after a teasing cross from the left and Will Fish’ nearly scored after a mix-up between three of his teammates in the Celtic box.

With minutes left in game the and just as Hibs looked like they were going to get their well-deserved point, the game stopped because of a VAR check on a potential Celtic penalty.

A Joe Newell challenge on Kyogo on the very edge of the box was deemed a foul, and the visitors were awarded their second penalty of the match.

Idah dispatched cooly again in front of the travelling away support, sending them wild in the process.

Montgomery was proud of his team’s performance, which was a stark contrast to Saturday’s game, frustratingly for him, however, it was two penalty kicks that separated the sides.

He said: “We didn’t deserve to lose the game, I thought we were more than worthy of three points tonight. I thought we had some great chances. Really proud of the boys’ effort.”

The decision to award Celtic their second penalty of the night was met with boos by the home support, Montgomery said: “But the second one, I’ve watched it once. Maybe it looks like it’s just outside the box. Joe (Newell) pulls out. Again, I just think that not one person or anybody in the stadium thought about asking for a penalty.”

Once the challenge was made, there was a lack of appeal from any Celtic players, despite this, VAR intervened, Montgomery said: “Somebody’s called the ref to have a look on VAR. That’s the most frustrating thing because I think if the ref had been called over a couple of other times, especially the Martin Boyle challenge, we would have had no option but to give a penalty. It’s just inconsistent on that.”

Next up for Hibs is a visit to Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, kick off is at 3pm. 

A group from Currie Primary School pictured with Maree Todd, MSP, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport were among 100 local schoolchildren who took part in the official opening of the £4.5 million Oriam Tennis Centre at Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton.

The youngsters were able to enjoy tennis related activities under the direction of Oriam’s Tennis Manager, Danny Curtis.

Also in attendance were Forbes Dunlop, CEO sportscotland, Prof. Richard Williams, Principle and Vice Chancellor, Heriot Watt University, Blane Dodds, CEO Tennis Scotland, Sophie Curthoys, Head of Facility Investment at the Lawn Tennis Association and Ross Campbell, Executive Director, Oriam.

SHARING DISHES TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN DALMORE INN’S VALENTINES DAY MENU

With fourteen years under his belt as Head Chef at the Dalmore Inn and restaurant in Blairgowrie, Iain Naysmith knows a thing or two about what his customers like.

His Valentine’s Day special menu is full of delicious combinations, showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients, which Iain uses with skill and imagination.

As a starter try a sharing platter – a hot honey baked camembert served with crusty bread and chutney. Or opt for a sweet chilli king prawn skewer with orzo pasta salad. There is plenty of freshness and colour in the third choice, a smoked chicken salad with watermelon, pomegranate and pinenuts.

For main course, the Dalmore has a fillet of salmon with Parma ham, served with asparagus, crushed potatoes and hollandaise sauce, or Iain’s home-made Thai green curry. There’s also a butcher’s hotdog, served with fries and homemade coleslaw.

Known for his home-made desserts, Iain has pulled out all the stops for Valentine’s Day, with a choice of either a passionfruit and mango posset with coconut sorbet, or another sharing option, the “Four Play” which provides four mini desserts to share together.

The Dalmore will also be offering its full regular menu, as well as the specials on the Valentine’s Day menu.

“Make sure you book soon, and don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate Valentines Day here at the Dalmore Inn,” said General Manager, Arnaud Merrouche.

“We have “specials” every day, as well as our regular menus, as we like to offer as much choice as possible,” he continued.

“We’ve certainly upped the ante for Valentine’s Day, and very much hope our customers enjoy the dishes. If couples really want to make it a sharing experience, they could have the camembert to share, then a main course of their choice, and then our playful four play dessert. Who knows, we may get a couple in on a first date, and they will find this experience a real ice breaker.”

Call 01250 871088 to book.
www.dalmoreinn.com

Two political groups, the Greens and Liberal Democrats have lodged emergency motions on education which the Lord Provost has accepted for debate on Thursday.

These ask for an urgent briefing note to be prepared by officers on the provision of teaching for children with additional support needs (ASN). This has given rise to recent confusion on the part of many parents.

Historically, education has been provided in Enhanced Support Bases (ESBs) which have been rolled out to nine schools in the capital in recent years. These allow children attend the units situated in mainstream school and where appropriate to attend classes in the mainstream school.

Parents were invited to make applications on behalf of their children and all of those we spoke to have had their applications for a place in an ESB rejected, with the offer of a mainstream school place for the child “with enhanced support provision”.

This is a term which parents have told us they do not understand and say it has been newly coined by the council but means nothing.

The Liberal Democrats explain that ESBs are “an invaluable part of educational landscape which allow children and young people with additional support needs to receive tailored support in many subjects whilst taking advantage of many of the opportunities that mainstream provisions can offer them”.

We explained the experience of several parents here.

The council has denied that any cuts in the provision of education for these children is being made.

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson, has tendered his resignation to the First Minister today, months after the matter of the £11,000 bill for data roaming charges for his government iPad first came to light.

The First Minister has accepted the resignation and thanked Mr Matheson for his work. This is the second Cabinet Minister to resign this week – the other, Elena Whitham was previously Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister resigned due to ill health.

First Minister’s letter to Michael Matheson:

“Dear Michael,

“It is with sadness that I accept your resignation from the role of Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health, and Sport.

“It is right that, having requested that the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body review your data roaming charges from last year, that you fully engage with that process as it comes to its conclusion.

“I agree that it is therefore best for you to now step down to ensure you are able to give the Parliamentary process the attention it deserves without it becoming a distraction to taking forward the Government’s agenda.

“You have set out some of the highlights of what has been a distinguished career in government. I know that your work in Government will be felt for many years to come. In Net Zero, Transport and Energy, you launched the five-year plan to help build Scotland’s hydrogen economy, backed by more than £100 million of funding – an effort that will contribute greatly towards a just transition for Scotland. You also took forward a new Transport Scotland Act to transform Scotland’s transport system and ensure it is cleaner and more accessible for the future.

“As Justice Secretary your work on Domestic Abuse, in particular the strengthening of powers to tackle psychological abuse have the changed the lives of people who are in desperate need.

“I know your most recent role as Health Secretary is one that you have given your all. Under your watch a new 10 year Cancer Strategy has been developed and is being implemented, innovations like Hospital-at-Home are being rolled out further than ever before, and vital support staff like Link Workers have been protected.

“One matter that should not be overlooked is that you secured a fair deal with our NHS Scotland Junior Doctors. Your efforts have ensured that Scotland continues to be the only nation in the UK that has not lost a single day to strike action.

“You have given your country tremendous service in Government, and I know that you will continue to represent the people of Falkirk West with that same energy and dedication.

“I wish you and your family only the very best.

“Yours, for Scotland”

Mr Matheson joined the Scottish Government in 2011 as Minister for Public Health. He was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Justice in 2014, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity in 2018, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport in 2021, before being appointed as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care in March 2023.  

At each month’s council meeting councillors have the opportunity of posing questions to Conveners for written answer. This month there are 33 questions on a variety of matters.

The questions and answers are now published on the council website and we publish them below.

Subjects range from detailed drawings of the central site at Picardy Place, cleanliness champions, manholes and utility covers installed on Trams to Newhaven project, budget proposals, people who were decanted from Fountainbridge in 2019 and who have not been allowed back to their homes, historic child abuse as far as it concerns the council, allegations of safeguarding failures, Thriving Greenspace, the number of empty council homes, pedestrian crossing on Clermiston Road, on street assessment of shoogly pavements, bin collections, hot meals served on the days the council meets, the problems of GPS and Greenside Lane, speed limits in the west of the city, enquiries to the Advice Shop about heating and energy, Braidburn Pool, Education Welfare Officers, the legal process for double yellow lines, Spaces for People, homelessness, and noisy bin hubs.

Members of the public can attend the City Chambers to watch meetings in person or watch proceedings either live or recorded by clicking here. And it is also possible for additional questions to be asked during the meeting.

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Health chiefs warn closing the budget gap will involve cutting “into the muscle” of the region’s health services

Dealing with the financial shortfall could lead to longer waiting lists, staff reductions, cancelled operations, less money for medicines, and even greater difficulty in seeing a GP, NHS Lothian health chiefs have warned.
An NHS Lothian board meeting heard this week it was the “tightest financial situation” the organisation has faced in decades.
It comes after the Scottish Government announced a two-year freeze on any new capital funding for health boards, casting doubt over the future of Edinburgh’s replacement eye hospital and new cancer centre at the Western General, as well as plans for a new treatment centre at St John’s in Livingston — projects regarded as vital to cope with the region’s rapidly growing population.
Representing 7 per cent of the overall budget, the projected £133m gap in 2024/25 is more than double the 3 per cent saving usually required by NHS Lothian, having increased following the Scottish Government’s budget announcement in December.
Health chiefs have warned measures set to be taken to balance the books would “cut into the muscle” and not be “small scale”. But they said arriving at a balanced financial position was vital in order to be at the “front of the queue” when the government resumes spending on new hospitals and treatment centres.
Addressing board members on Wednesday (February 7) director of finance Craig Marriott said the gap “could continue to move up”. He said a 0 per cent uplift in funding for NHS Lothian delivered by the government’s settlement would mean “no new money for drugs, no new money for demographic growth, no new money for additional procedures”. He said: “We’ve not been in that position before where we’ve not had any uplift.”
He added the board was also expecting no additional funding for “small scale” projects such as desperately-needed GP practices.
In addition funding for maintaining existing hospitals and medical centres would need to be “spread much further across the organisation”. Mr Marriot continued: “We can’t kid ourselves on that this is all going to be delivered all through efficiencies.
“This will be about cutting into the muscle; this won’t be about small scale things that won’t have an impact – they will have an impact on performance.”
NHS Lothian chief executive Calum Campbell told members the plan to bridge the gap, which will come forward next month, would contain “things a lot of us will not like”.
He said: “We don’t get to that number without staff reductions.
“It is going to be tough. But actually procrastinating on these things is not a good thing – we need to get stuck in.”
Mr Campbell then clarified there would be no redundancies.Employee director Tracy Anne Miller, who has worked for NHS Lothian for over 40 years, said it was the “tightest financial situation I’ve ever known”.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh City Council’s representative on the board, pointed out 84 per cent of Scotland’s population growth over the next ten years will take place in the Lothians.
He told the LDRS a growing population “will need hospitals, health centres and GP surgeries”.
He added: “When the Scottish Government removes capital funding and essentially forces the board to accept a £133m 7% cut to its 24/25 budget, what does this actually mean?
“It means there won’t be a new eye hospital, a new national treatment centre at St John’s, a new cancer centre at the Western General and an expansion of the Royal Edinburgh hospital.
“And means there won’t be any new GP surgeries built – and that is just capital spend. The drugs budget will be cut, surgeries will be cancelled, waiting times will increase and seeing a GP will become even harder. Worst of all, as the staff budget will be cut this will lead to redundancies for the very people who helped get this country through the worst of the pandemic.”

NHS Lothian insisted there would be no redundancies in line with NHS Scotland’s policy of no compulsory redundancies. 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is providing over £14.2 billion for NHS Boards in 2024-25 to support services.

“Despite this significant investment, NHS Boards, like other public services, are under unprecedented pressure as a result of inflation, Brexit and Covid and we are continuing to work with each Board to recover and reform services and address the financial challenge this year and beyon

A special sharing menu with cocktails and live music on offer at The Botanist this year

Stuck for ways to treat your special someone to a night of romance, without breaking the bank this Valentine’s Day? The Botanist has launched a Valentine’s Date Night Menu for two, running on Wednesday 14^th February, and it’s made up of three courses for only £60, including a cocktail each. 

The menu has been designed for savouring the moment together and begins with a refreshing strawberry and elderflower mojito upon arrival, followed by a whole melted camembert baked in a sourdough loaf with sweet onion marmalade and crispy garlic croutons to start.  

Valentine’s Day at The Botanist wouldn’t be complete without those three little words, ‘famous hanging kebabs’. For main course, the sharing kebab includes either chicken, lamb kofta and Thai red prawn, or the vegetarian option of crispy halloumi, teriyaki mushroom and vegan meatball, on a triple-skewer rack. Both are served with coleslaw, houmous and flatbread, perfect for two to tuck in to.  

For dessert, The Botanist’s signature warm cookie dough is served with a choice of either s’mores, Oreo, Crunchie or salted pretzel toppings, complete with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and two spoons. 

Live music will soundtrack Valentine’s Day evening with talented resident musicians performing from 7pm onwards. With grand interiors, twinkling fairly lights and exposed brick walls adorned with impressive hand-painted artwork, it’s a secret garden you can get lost in together. 

The set menu runs on Wednesday 14^th February alongside the standard menu, for those who fancy their favourite Botanist dishes. 

To book your table visit The Botanist Edinburgh

Scotland’s senior women’s hockey team edged Spain 2-1 last summer in the European A Division in Germany, and they jet to Spain on Monday for three matches against their hosts who are preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris having recently qualified.

It’s a tough test for the new-look squad who will parade some fresh faces as bosses look to extend their Pathway development process by allowing young talent to rub shoulders with experienced internationals.

Chris Duncan (pictured during training last weekend at Peffermill), head coach, and his assistant, Jimmy Culnane, will not be able to call on Scotland’s Great Britain squad players for this trip, and results are not top of the agenda.

However, the Spanish are still smarting from a 2-1 defeat by in Monchengladbach last summer. Duncan has yet to confirm the travelling party heading for the popular resort of Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol, but they have already had training at windswept and rain-soaked Peffermill Playing Fields, home of The University of Edinburgh, a contrast to the conditions they hope for in Spain.

Culnane said: “We are off to Spain for three games and they are coming off the back of an Olympic qualifier and re-building and it should be a good trip. There might be a bit of a legacy from their defeat by us in Germany, but both groups have agendas that are looking forward.

“We are introducing some fresh faces and, for the Spanish, they are looking forward to the Olympics. The big picture is the important thing for us, this is our starting point for this summer and the European qualifiers, and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to play a quality side at this time of the year.”

Duncan said that Scotland have made a big change to the way their Pathway into the senior squad is structured and he added: “We are trying to identify those players with a high potential.

“It is great to see a new look around the squad, there is real energy, real vibrance and it is massively exciting as we are not just looking at the next few weeks or the next few months, we are looking much further ahead and how we can be a sustainable nation, playing teams at the top of the tree.

“We are also attempting to show young players with talent that there is a way into the senior team and that it is not so far away. Take Eve Pearson, she has played in the Commonwealth Games at the age of 21, she has also played in the European A Division.

“We have 18 and 19-year-olds in the squad and the years flash by and we must make sure that they get the opportunity to play and that they are ready to compete. It is also not just what we do with the senior team, it is about how successful the under-21 squad is and also through our age-groups so we create a stronger nation, not just a strong senior international team.”

Duncan also wants to stoke ambition with players in club sides, the ambition that they could possibly aspire to being named in an international squad, and he said: “One of the biggest drawbacks we have is that we do not spend as much time as we would like with our athletes, but if the element of competition flows down into the domestic game then we benefit.

“We want that competition, we want people to see that they can challenge and we want more people to put their hand up to say: ‘I want to be part of it.'”

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has called for sustained action to secure a train station for Winchburgh.

Winchburgh is an expanding West Lothian community, with Winchburgh Developments Ltd delivering thousands of new homes and some new schools. However, a train station has not been delivered, as a new railway station was not a condition of planning permission.

As a result, homeowners in Winchburgh have been left without commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, leading to a campaign to get the station built. Foysol Choudhury, Labour MSP for Lothian, has been pursuing the issue on behalf of constituents and has addressed the issue in the Scottish Parliament with Ministers, as well as making enquiries with other stakeholders such as the Council, local councillors and the Developers.

Mr Choudhury visited Winchburgh along with other politicians including cross party MSPs Sue Webber and Fiona Hyslop who is the Minister for Transport. There he heard for himself the story of the missing train station. The ambition by Winchburgh Developments is to deliver the railway station as part of a group project. See the presentation about the station here.

Mr Choudhury has raised concerns that he has written to three successive Ministers for Transport – Jenny Gilruth MSP, Kevin Stewart MSP and Fiona Hyslop MSP – to ask them to meet with him and other interested MSPs so that they can all work together to try and find a solution for constituents.
Mr Choudhury says he was disappointed to have only received a response on 10 January 2024, which referenced the correspondence sent to Ms Gilruth, Mr Stewart and Ms Hyslop and said that as Winchburgh is in Ms Hyslop’s constituency, she has recused herself from this project.
The letter said that the issue now lies in the Ministerial Portfolio of Patrick Harvie MSP, who says he cannot meet with Mr Choudhury at this time. 

Mr Choudhury has written back to Mr Harvie highlighting the importance of meeting to discussing this issue, for the sake of constituents, and has asked to be invited to an upcoming meeting with the relevant stakeholders.

Mr Choudhury said, following issuing this response to the Minister: “It is incredibly disappointing that I have had to write to so many Ministers, only to finally receive a response which did not offer a meeting.

“We must all work together to secure a station for the people of Winchburgh, who were sold homes on a belief it would be a commuter town – I cannot understand why the Scottish Government has ignored my requests to this extent so many times.

“I even previously invited the Minister to come and see first-hand why a railway station is needed and the importance of clean and sustainable transport links for Winchburgh, yet the Scottish Government still do not seem to be taking this seriously.

“I am glad that other stakeholders, including MSPs, local councillors, the local community and the developers Winchburgh Developments Ltd, are instead taking this seriously where the Scottish Government are not.

“We were able to come together earlier this week to have a very productive conversation on how we can work together towards a new station for Winchburgh and I am hopeful that together, we can get this done!”

Mr Choudhury says he remains committed to continuing to pursue a new Winchburgh train station on behalf of all his constituents.

Full council meets today

The full council of 63 councillors meets today at the City Chambers. There is a full agenda and you may either attend in person to sit in the Public Gallery or watch online as it happens or as a recording after it has finished. Councillors have posed a list of 33 questions for written answer by the various conveners – the answers will be published at the foot of this page here by the time this article is published online. The topics are wide and varied and include meals, coffee and biscuits for councillors at full council meetings, jet washing of streets, the legality of double yellow lines, the number of empty council homes and once again the rearrangement of Picardy Place.

The first part of the meeting will be devoted to the proposed redrawing of the boundaries of community council areas and the Phase 2 consultation which will begin on 12 February if councillors agree. The idea is to reduce the size of population which each community council represents to around 14,000 residents or less. For example Corstorphine and Drum Brae Community Councils would be split into three new areas – Corstorphine and Carrick Know, Gyle and East and West Craigs. The changes are intended to create better representation by community councils.

In the case of the active New Town and Broughton CC there was no consensus on the way the boundary might be redrawn and no amendments will take place at this point. There are to be elections for community councils at some point this year, although timing will depend on The Prime Minister calling a General Election, but it is thought best if the boundaries were redrawn in advance.

On the agenda of the main meeting there are provisions set out to set up a recruitment committee to replace the Chief Executive Andrew Kerr who will retire on 14 June. The salary for this position is set nationally and lies in the band between £191,413 and £200,617. In addition a further fee is paid in relation to election counts.

The Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Kevin Lang has asked that the Council Leader writes to the First Minister demanding that the additional £45 million which will come to Scottish councils as a result of Barnett consequentials (if funding for certain matters is awarded in England then similar funding has to come to Scotland) is paid over in full. This money would help to address the shortfall which will arise if Edinburgh Council complies with the Government’s direction to freeze council tax. Council officers have said that if council tax rises by the same amount as last year, five per cent, then the shortfall will be £1.4 million. COSLA claims the Government is not fully funding the freeze for all 32 local authorities, although the announcement by the First Minister stated that it would be paid for by The Scottish Government.

Cllr Nois-McVey has also raised the matter of the building at Anchorfield above the Prom Bar which was evacuated on 22 January. Advice had been given to the council at the beginning of December that the building was unsafe. The question is posed as to whether nearby tram works have caused this building damage, and the councillor wants more information on the condition of the tenement and an investigation into the cause.

Cllr Fullerton congratulates Hearts on their 150th anniversary and asks the Lord Provost to mark the anniversary, presumably by holding a Civic Reception, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron notes the centenary of the Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Cllr Dalgleish notes the 120th anniversary of McDonald Road Library, and Culture Convener Cllr Val Walker mentions the 30th anniversary of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

The meeting begins at 10am

Cycling Scotland training at Bridgend Farmhouse

At Sighthill Library

Do you love musicals? Then on Monday there is an event at the Sighthill Library which could just be for you.

Heritage visit to Leith Theatre

Visit Leith Theatre this month to find out what the team behind the restoration are doing to revive the theatre which has become increasingly important over recent years.

Our February issue

Our February issue is out now. With more on our exclusive story about Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed in our centre spread and our new columnist Líam Rudden to entertain you with news of all the theatre you must see, we are pleased with this month’s issue. We hope you like it too.

If you would like to make sure that you don’t miss any of our monthly newspapers then sign up here. 

Into Work, a charity dedicated to making work more inclusive for disabled people, celebrates gaining the prestigious ‘Gold’ status for employee support.

Since 1993, Into Work has been working towards creating a world where disabled people have equal opportunity to take up employment and receive fair treatment in work, by helping disabled and neurodivergent people and those with long-term health conditions to achieve their goals of finding and keeping a paid job.

After maintaining a silver ranking for the past three years, Into Work is delighted to have progressed to achieve gold status. This recognition underscores the organisation’s commitment to improving work conditions for everyone within the company.

The Investors in People assessor, in their report, highlighted the exceptional qualities of Into Work, noting, “Fundamentally what I found was that Into Work is a great organisation both externally and internally. The people that work there are so passionate about what they do and the organisation they work in.”

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, congratulated Into Work, saying, “Gold accreditation on We Invest in People is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Into Work in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Senior Manager Rebecca Allen remarked, “I am thrilled that we have received this accreditation. I am especially proud that we achieved a platinum score for the ‘Living the organisation’s values’ indicator. Our values are so important to us and are at the core of everything we do, so it was fantastic to see this recognized.”

Into Work provides employment support to disabled people across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as employer training on autism and neurodiversity inclusion. If you are interested in Into Work’s services, find out more at www.intowork.org.uk 

In-form Lawrence Shankland slotted his 22nd goal of the season as Hearts edged St Johnstone 1-0 at McDiarmid Park.

The strike following a long ball from defender Frankie Kent after 55 minutes secured a sixth win in a row for the Jam Tarts and they are now unbeaten in nine in the cinch Premiership.

The closest Saints came to scoring was through a header from Nicky Clark but it was that man Shankland (pictured by David Mollison) who cleared the ball off the line.

Hearts enjoyed 53 per cent of the possession against 47 per cent from the home side and had 493 passes against 455 from Saints.

His 50th goal for the Tynecastle team moves Hearts on to 48 points from 25 games, 12 clear of Kilmarnock who beat Livingston 1-0 at Rugby Park. 

St Johnstone are tenth with 24 points from the same number of games and the win sets Hearts up for their televised fifth round, Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup tie at the Excelsior Stadium against Airdrie on Sunday with a 5pm kick-off. It’s on BBC Scotland. 

Elsewhere, Hibs were beaten 2-1 by pace-setting Celtic at Easter Road. Adam Idah scored from a penalty for the visitors after ten minutes, his first goal for the Hoops, but Dylan Levitt levelled on the hour.

Idah scored the game-winner also from the penalty sport in the second minute of injury time leaving Hibs seventh in the 12-strong table with 26 points from 24 games.

Food at Little’s Restaurant is never run-of-the-mill, and no more so than Valentine’s Day, when chef proprietor Willie Little, and his talented team, have pulled out all the stops to create the new menu.

To begin diners will be served a glass of sparkling wine, and will enjoy a choice of starter options including shelled Langoustines on a skewer with pineapple and chilli salsa.

Alternatively pigeon breast will be served on a bed of brown lentils, with port wine gravy, or there is a delicate seafood crêpe glazed with hollandaise sauce, or marinated fruits with warm honey.

It is said that oysters are the food of love, so two delicious oysters served with or without spice, and accompanied by a citrus sorbet also feature.

Main courses include monkfish rolled in coconut flakes, served with asparagus risotto and crisp Parma ham, or a grilled sirloin steak garni, with hand cut chips.

Vegetarians are well catered for with a Gateau of aubergine and oven dried tomatoes, with dauphinoise potatoes and creamy mushroom sauce.

To finish the meal there is pecan pie with vanilla ice cream, or passionfruit soufflé with a hot chocolate sauce – a truly romantic dessert.

Willie Little said: “We love to lay on special menus for significant days and have put a great deal of care and attention into this romantic Valentine’s Day menu.

“Come along to Little’s to celebrate – we have the romantic ambience and atmosphere that you’re looking for in our stunning converted church. It really comes into its own in the evening with our beautiful stainglass windows and soft lighting. Make sure you book soon to get a table!”

Little’s has also announced that it’s holding a special dinner dance on Friday 23 February at 7pm.

Willie said: “We thought we’d bring back old-fashioned dinner dances which used to be all the rage in the 1970s.

“We’ve done some customer research, and many of our customers want to see the return of such an event to liven up a cold winter evening. We hope it will be a big success.” 

www.littlesrestaurant.com

Call 01250 875358 to book.

With Valentine’s Day the perfect time to indulge yourself and your loved one by dining out, Jack Coghill, Head Chef at Jack O’Bryan’s Bar & Kitchen in Dunfermline, has made two special additions to his menu, to help diners celebrate.

As well as mastering every section of the kitchen, Jack is also a skilled pastry chef and chocolatier, with his visually stunning desserts and chocolates, made fresh on the premises, which has become a real talking point at the restaurant.

The first new taste sensation is a dessert entitled “Champagne & Roses” consisting of a rose petal mirror glazed forced rhubarb mousse, tempered white chocolate, mini sugar doughnut, and Champagne Sorbet.

The second is a tempting “Porn Star Martini” chocolate – inspired by the popular cocktail and featuring flavours of passion fruit and vanilla.

Jack’s chocolate collection features beautifully decorated chocolates in a range of flavours, such as After Dine Mint, Passionfruit Caramel, and Pistachio.

The chocolates can be purchased, boxed in sleek and sophisticated black packaging, in the restaurant, with customers choosing their own selections from a glass cabinet on the bar.

“Jack’s Chocolate Box” is a popular option on the menu. A choice of four or six of Jack’s handmade chocolates are presented to the customer in a novel wooden presentation box. The box was made for Jack by his Great Uncle Neville. Accompanied by a hot drink, Jack’s Chocolate Box is the perfect way to round off any meal at Jack O’ Bryans in style.

Jack said: “We can’t wait for Valentine’s Day.

“With the new dessert special, inspired by the rose, the most romantic of all flowers, and my passion fruit cocktail chocolate, we are ready to offer a couples an unforgettable meal in the most intimate of surroundings.

“If you want to spread the love throughout the year, we also have our Jack O’Bryans gift vouchers available.”

www.jackobryans.com

Rory McIlroy will defend the Genesis Scottish Open he won last year when the event returns to East Lothian from July 11-14. Tickets on sale at etg.golf/GSO24Tickets to watch the world No 2 in action.

The four-time Major winner produced a birdie-birdie finish on the final day at The Renaissance Club last season to edge out home favourite Robert MacIntyre by one stroke.

Eight of the top ten players in the world competed last summer and McIlroy’s win in East Lothian saw him notch up another piece of golfing history. He became the first player to triumph in the national opens of both Scotland and Ireland as well as The Open.

After that, the man from Northern Ireland went on to top the season-long Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex for the fifth time and second consecutive season.

Looking back at his Scottish Open win, McIlroy said: “It was special to win the Genesis Scottish Open for the first time last season and to do it with such great support from the Scottish fans made it a memorable week.”

The Genesis Scottish Open is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, counting on both the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and the FedExCup, and boasts Genesis, the luxury automotive brand from South Korea, as title sponsor. 

The popular tournament benefits from the continued commitment of the Scottish Government, managed by VisitScotland, and retains its place in golf’s global calendar the week ahead of The Open.

A range of ticket options, including daily general admission tickets, season tickets, Ticket+ and Green on 18 premium hospitality packages, are available at etg.golf/GSO24Tickets

PICTURE: Rory McIlroy with the Scottish Open trophy. Courtesy of Getty images

Ticket+ options for all four tournament days sold out well in advance in 2023 and Green on 18 packages are already sold out for Friday of this year’s event so fans are encouraged to buy their preferred ticket option early.

Megan Keith, European under-23 10,000m record holder, and winner of the European Cross Country title in the same age-group by a record margin, heads a list of Scottish champions and prospects who will benefit from a scholarship programme.

Winning Students 100 aims to ensure studies can be balanced with high performance training and competition with grants of up to £3,000.

Re-launched with a new injection of funding from sportscotland and the Scottish Funding Council the programme will also work with respective colleges and universities to offer additional support such as academic flexibility.

New scholars for the revamped programme include current Olympic champion, Hailey Duff (curling), Paralympic medallist, Lewis Stewart (cycling), Commonwealth gold medallist, Grace Reid (diving) and Britain’s first ever Para Nordic World medallist, Scott Meenagh (biathlon) as well as Megan Keith.

Established in 2008, the original Winning Students programme saw over 1,700 scholarships awarded during its first phase of funding with noteworthy alumni including Olympic medallists Laura Muir (athletics), Duncan Scott (swimming), Vicky Wright and Bruce Mouat (both curling) benefitting.

With funding secured until 2028, it is expected 500 scholarships will be awarded over the period with the programme also introducing a hardship fund to offer additional support to eligible student athletes.

Some 106 scholarships have been awarded for 2023-24 across 28 different sports and 21 universities and colleges.

Megan said: “I really appreciate the generous support from Winning Students 100 for the upcoming year. In what is looking like an exciting year of competitions, the scholarship will help fund the travel required to train and compete to the best of my ability”

List of Winning student awardees continuing from 2022-23 include the following locally based competitor:

University of Edinburgh – Kara Hanlon (swimming), Niamh Hunter and Eilidh Campbell (orienteering).

Heriot Watt University –  Lisa Aitken (squash).

Latest recipients:

University of Edinburgh – Megan Keith, Alyson Bell, Sarah Calvert (all athletics), Isla Bethune (canoeing), Grace Reid, Danny Mabbott , Angus Menmuir, Clara Kerr (all diving), Ellen Buckley, Isaac McKerr (both fencing), Sophie Hinds, Kerr Robb, Lunjika Nyirenda, Calum Douglas (all hockey), Oliver Short (judo), Hannah Supple, Alexander Paton, Grace Dawson, Isla MacCallum, Josephine Briggs, James Deardon, Freddy Foxwell, Oliver Holme, Joshua Matthews (all rowing). Shona Campbell (rugby sevens), Lucy Evans (shooting), Archie Goodburn, Thomas Carswell, Ciara Scholsshan (all swimming), Isla Hedley (triathlon).

Napier University – Lauren Bell (cycling).Edinburgh College – Jaimie Cook (fencing), Samuel Downie (swimming),

Heriot Watt University – Sunny Doig, James Gray and Jacob Callaghan (all judo), Andrew Goodall (climbing), Andrew Glen (squash).

• Other capital athletes may have been recognised out of academic institutions around Scotland.

Our city bus operator Lothian has announced the passenger numbers for 2023 which have increased by more than 17% from the previous year.

In 2022 the number of passenger journeys on the buses was 94 million and last year the number had increased to 110 million.

The combined passenger numbers across Lothian, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses reflect a positive year for the Group. Other key numbers in 2023 include:

• 63 daytime services, 19 night bus routes and special event services413 drivers recruited and trained by Lothian’s dedicated training team100,000 contactless taps recorded in a single day in August369,688 downloads of Lothian’s journey planner app1,225,251 visits to Lothian’s journey planner webpage26.7 million miles operated throughout 2023

Lothian’s Managing Director, Sarah Boyd, welcomed the figures and said: “Lothian is at the heart of our city, delivering reliable, inclusive and accessible public transport for the hundreds of thousands of customers who choose to travel with us daily. We’ve been really pleased by the increased patronage over the course of the past year despite facing operational challenges across our network.

“A thriving public transport system is vital for everyone who travels around Edinburgh and the Lothians, and this strong commercial performance is a testament to our people on the frontline and behind the scenes, who day in, day out, strive to deliver an exceptional service for our customers.

“2024 is set to be a big year for Lothian as we look to grow our network to meet increasing customer demand, welcome new electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to our garages and continue to invest heavily in our people and the future of our business.”

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These figures demonstrate the commitment all at Lothian Buses have shown to get Edinburgh moving and our economy back on track again after the pandemic. Key to this has been that everyone in Edinburgh, no matter what their background, feels safe and at home on a Lothian Bus. Not only does Lothian provide millions of reliable journeys to passengers every week, it also supports efficient, sustainable public transport, and our net zero 2030 goals, the impacts of which will benefit the city for generations to come.

“Lothian Buses are part of what defines Edinburgh, and I will do all I can to support their continued success and growth as we get Edinburgh’s transport system ready for the future.”

Lothian Buses is wholly owned by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Forbes Travel Guide has once again awarded The Balmoral five stars in its 2024 guide, retaining its position for the fourth year in a row.

The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel, was first awarded the rating as a hotel where luxury and hospitality are key in 2021. General manager Andrew McPherson took up the reins of the 167 room and 20 suite hotel in 2023.

He said: “It is a wonderful honour to be able to share that we have retained our five-star Forbes rating for the fourth year running. Forbes truly requires the very best standards for guests and we are extremely proud to be recognised with one of the most renowned hospitality awards in the world. 

“Edinburgh’s most iconic hotel is highly regarded not only for its incredible architecture, history, restaurants and bars but also for the world-class Scottish hospitality delivered every day. The Balmoral team works hard to provide our guests with memorable experiences, and we look forward to continuing to deliver world-class service for our guests.”

A gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel rating recognises the world’s finest properties. Anonymous inspectors check into a hotel for at least two nights, then test up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences. 

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com

Police Scotland has announced that sadly around 11am on Wednesday 7 February 2024, a woman’s body was recovered from the sea at Gullane, East Lothian.

A formal identification has been carried out and the woman has been identified as 50-year-old Alison Campbell who was reported missing from Edinburgh yesterday Tuesday, 6 February, 2024.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Hilda Miller was impressed by Founder of the Steps to Hope charity, Richard Roncero, who recently slept rough for eight weeks to raise funds – so much so that she came up with a couple of ways to keep his spirits up.

First of all she recorded a video message to wish him Happy Birthday. Roncero celebrated both Christmas and his 40th birthday while he lived on the streets in eight cities over eight weeks.

Hilda sent him the video message on his birthday congratulating him on his success with Steps to Hope. The fundraiser has now reached £215,000.

Hilda then decided to do a walk around Holyrood Park, visiting The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Scottish Parliament on the way and then making her way back home to her nearby flat. During the walk her photo was taken at various places to confirm that she had indeed completed what she set out to do, and she sent the photos to Richie to keep him going during his Sleep Rough campaign.

Hilda said: “I had heard about Richie and I have also met him. I wanted to just send him a message of support.”

The main thing you need to know about Hilda is that she will celebrate her 100th birthday on 12 June…so her achievement is all the more remarkable.

Hilda’s neighbour Jacqueline Baillie walked with her round the park for company, and to make sure the energetic pensioner completed the full route – which was much further than she normally walks each day. Jackie said: “Hilda is an inspiration to me. She goes to church on a Sunday, she goes out for a daily walk, and she has some very good friends.” Hilda also lives independently in her own flat which is kept as neat as a pin.

Hilda was born in 1924 at the east end of London Road near Gayfield, and first lived with her mother-in-law for four years before she and her first husband Bob McCoy moved into their own home on Edina Place in Restalrig. This was “handy for Bob” as he worked in Edinburgh Crystal alongside his brothers. The couple then moved round the corner onto Brunton Place.

She married her second husband Alan Miller (“a lovely man”) when she was 84 and he was 87. They had met on holiday, but sadly he died a few years ago. She has now lived at the Viewpoint Housing complex at Croft-an-Righ for 32 years and we are told her nickname is “Queen of the Croft” – something she absolutely denies.

Looking ahead to her own big day this summer Hilda said: “I don’t have any children and only very few relatives but I will be going out for a meal with them to celebrate my 100th. I had a party here last year but this year it will be a private celebration.”

Asked if she had ever worked she exclaimed that yes she worked “all her life”. She started out as a shorthand typist having studied on a commercial course at Bellevue, and during the war she attended night school at The Royal High to increase her typing and shorthand speeds.

Hilda said: “Through the years I moved to a few jobs and stayed a long time in each one as you did in those years. You never left a job until you had another one to go to.

“I finished up going to the council in the housing department. Before I went to work there they would have single typists in each department, but they wanted to set up a typing pool where all correspondence had to be typed. It was in the days at the start of word processing and I had to go to the South of England and be taught on a huge word processor. I came back and taught two of my girls.
“We were in an office on the High Street and at first we sat on dining room chairs before we then we moved into the City Chambers. Of course in the days of Maggie Thatcher we didn’t have lights because of the strikes. We looked out onto one of the sets of stairs that go down to Cockburn Street and we were supposed to be able to type up the handwritten versions which I had already checked for spelling and grammar. We wondered how we would be able to work at that point. They said they could get us candles!”

Hilda congratulated Richie on his efforts to help homeless people. She said: “It’s ridiculous. There should be more places built to take people off the streets. It is amazing that Richie at 40 years of age was sleeping out on the streets and raised that amount of money. He did very well.”

Richie arrived home in Edinburgh at the weekend and he has sent Hilda his thanks for her support.

All photos of Hilda on her walk are courtesy of Jacqueline Bailie

GO OVER THE BRIDGE TO CELEBRATE THE DAY OF LOVE   

Love is in the air at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park & The Bay Hotel at Kinghorn in Fife, and at its sister business, the Old Manor Hotel at Lundin Links near Leven.

A special Valentine’s Day menu is on offer in Horizons, Pettycur’s restaurant, available on Saturday 10th of February 7 till 9 pm, and on Valentine’s Day itself, Wednesday the 14th, 6 to 9 pm.

Should couples wish to make a night of it on the Saturday, the Park has laid on professional entertainment in its Images suite, between 8 and 11 pm.

“With Valentine’s Day being a Wednesday, we thought that we would start the celebrations early, so that if you’re in for a lovely meal on the Saturday, you can then head through to Images if you like, and take in our professional entertainers,” said General Manager, Janet Murray.

“James McKay, our Head Chef at Horizons, has created a delicious, fine dining menu for this year’s Valentine’s celebrations. It has something for everyone, from steamed mussels, and slow braised beef cheeks, to a woodland mushroom risotto, to a Ballotine of chicken.

“For dessert, we are particularly proud of James’ amazing – and very romantic – creations, which include a Terrine of Three Chocolates, a Strawberry & Cream Cheese cheesecake, and a light passionfruit panna cotta – all are delightful ways to end a meal.”

Along at Lundin Links, the Old Manor Hotel is pulling out all the stops with a five course Valentines meal, on Valentines Day, from 5pm. Priced at £64.96 per couple, and kicking off with canapés and a glass of fizz on arrival, couples can then choose three courses from the menu which is full of the best local seasonal produce. To delight the tastebuds, there’s crispy ham hock, roast lemon and thyme chicken, haggis bon bons, flat iron steak and Chocolate Fondant with boozy cherries. The meal ends with tea or coffee and petit fours.

Enjoy the views in the Old Manor’s aptly named Seaview Restaurant. Refurbishment continues at the Hotel which now has a new look bar.

Book for Horizons at Pettycur on https://www.pettycur.co.uk/restaurant.asp

For Old Manor Hotel please call reception on 01333 401000.

www.pettycur.co.uk

www.theoldmanorhotel.co.uk

Edinburgh artist Graeme Clark has won a competition designing medals for athletes competing in the World Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, from March 1-3.

The Championships will feature over 700 athletes as they compete across 26 events with up to 108 medals being awarded.

The first time the event has been held in Scotland, this is reflected in the design of the medal, which incorporates the thistle inspired event brand complemented by a selection of well-known Glasgow landmarks around its outer rim, giving athletes a little piece of Glasgow to remember their triumph, long after they leave the city.

Graeme said: “As a man from Edinburgh, I’ve always enjoyed trips through to Glasgow for various exhibitions, gigs, and shopping. It’s a city full of culture and serves as a great creative inspiration for designers like me.
“It’s also a place full of inspiring talent and iconic architecture.

“I’ve worked with many Glaswegian brands over the years and the city always seems to birth amazing things. The city has a lot of iconic monuments and structures that served as the inspiration for the design.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life who co-ordinated the design competition said:
“When we issued a callout to the Scottish craft and design community we knew the standard of submissions would be high but we were hugely impressed with the quality of the response.

“While we had a tough decision to make Graeme’s design stood out as the clear winner and we are delighted to be able to create a medal that incorporates so much of Glasgow’s iconic skyline and has a distinctly Scottish feel.”

The medals have been produced by specialist manufacturer Toye, Kenning and Spencer who have produced a range of high-quality championship medals including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where the company is based in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.

In addition to the gold, silver and bronze editions a pewter coaches medal has been made to recognise the coaches of the winning relay teams.

Amongst the first to set eyes on the medals were young athletes from the team that represented Glasgow at the European City Challenge last October, as well as Shettleston Harriers and Victoria Park Glasgow Athletics Club.

They were given a sneak peek, by event Ambassador, World and Olympic medallist and European champion, Eilidh Doyle, prior to attending the official opening of the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA) exhibition that is being staged at the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow from now until the end of the Championships.

Eilidh Doyle said: “As an athlete it is always exciting when the medals are revealed as you know the championships are getting close, so it creates a real buzz. And when you see them for real, it really makes you want one and spurs you on that little bit more.”

Those joining Eilidh as a MOWA guest of honour included Edinburgh-born Allan Wells and Musselburgh reared Yvonne Murray-Mooney.

Allan won the 1980 Olympic 100m while Yvonne was successful over 3000m at the 1993 World Indoor Championships.

Also on hand was Bellshill’s Tom McKean, a former 800m champion and the latest Museum of World Athletics heritage exhibition helps celebrates over 170 years of indoor track and field athletics history.

Displays contain clothing, shoes, equipment, trophies, and medals donated by more than 30 world champions and/or record breakers.
The exhibits are supported by giant wall graphics, text, photographs, and videos which take the visitor on a journey from the world’s first ‘indoor’ meeting in 1849 to the present day.

Appropriately, given the exhibition’s location, the displays have a distinctly Scottish feel. As well as the competition items which the guests of honour provided at the opening ceremony, running spikes from Scottish world champions Liz McColgan (Tokyo 1991) and Jake Wightman (Oregon 2022) are also being exhibited.

Life-sized photographs of Scotland’s two Olympic 400m champions Wyndham Halswelle (London 1908) and Eric Liddell (Paris 1924) adorn the windows and walls of the exhibition.

Greeting visitors at the entrance is a large photograph of Laura Muir winning the first half of a 3000m / 1500m double at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019.

As usual, stunning video material is incorporated into the displays including highlights of past editions of the World Athletics Indoor Championships and a cinematic edit of the Birmingham 2018 edition.

For the first time in a MOWA exhibition is an experimental touch screen via which visitors can select videos from a small initial library of clips from past championships.

Usual MOWA favourites such as giant pole vault and high jump graphics set at their current world indoor record heights, and a colourful display of national athletics singlets, also feature in  the Glasgow exhibit.

The MOWA Indoor Athletics Exhibition Glasgow 24 on the ground floor of the St Enoch Centre, St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4BW, is open daily to the public from 11am to 6pm closing on the final day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 on Sunday 3 March.

Joining MOWA at St Enoch on the first floor is Commonwealth Games Scotland staging the Team Scotland Exhibition celebrating 10 years on since the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Council denies making cuts to education for children with additional support needs

We have been contacted by several parents all complaining that their applications for children with additional support needs – children with Down Syndrome, autism or physical disabilities have been rejected. The council has denied this is a cut to provision and has said some applications for places in Educational Support Bases have been granted. None of the parents who contacted us knew anyone whose application has been approved.

Read more on this story here.

The Birthlink Bins

When we called to drop off a stock of newspapers the other day at Birthlink on Lower Gilmore Place there was a dreadful mess outside. And it is nothing new. The bins from the whole street appear to have moved to take up a position outside the Birthlink charity shop.

But they were overflowing. And although the bins were emptied at the end of last week, by yesterday they were full again. Hopefully this situation will be rectified soon.

Groundhog Day at Greenside Lane

Another van driver (or two) has followed their GPS and turned into Greenside Lane beside the Playhouse – which is no longer accessible by vehicles. To get to this lane a vehicle has to be driven across two stretches of pavement, kerbs and the cycle lane.

Cllr Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener, said: “The footpath in this area is incredibly busy, so these incidents are really concerning.

“While we would expect drivers to use common sense in a situation like this, we are going to install temporary barriers this week to prevent it happening again.”

The Georgian House is hiring

Our February issue

Our February issue is out now. With more on our exclusive story about Chief Constable Jo Farrell revealed in our centre spread and our new columnist to entertain you with news of all the theatre you must see, we are pleased with this month’s issue. We hope you like it too.

If you would like to make sure that you don’t miss any of our monthly newspapers then sign up here. 

Children from across Scotland have joined the Presiding Officer to sign a joint commitment to increase their involvement in the work of the Scottish Parliament.

The commitment is a working in partnership agreement between the Scottish Parliament and the Children’s Parliament. It will help develop children’s knowledge and understanding of the workings of the Scottish Parliament and support them to build the skills and confidence to inform and influence legislation. 

Members of the Children’s Parliament (MCPs), including Eva and Millar from Fife, Cara, Lewis and Evie from East Lothian, Waldah and Michael from Clackmannanshire, Arden from Edinburgh and Rida from Aberdeen were invited to the Scottish Parliament to sign the agreement and to hear more about the work of the Parliament.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP, said: 

“This agreement has been written with children, for children. This commitment signals our aim to ensure that children in Scotland know that they have a voice in their Parliament.

“MSPs and Parliament staff work extensively with schools, in Holyrood, in local communities and online to engage with children about the work of the Scottish Parliament. This agreement will help us to do even more. Children in Scotland should be treated as valued and equal citizens with a voice in issues that affect and impact them.” 

Arden, an MCP from Edinburgh who attended the event, said:

“Younger children are just bursting with creative ideas and solutions. They are just waiting to be given an opportunity where they can be listened to. It’s just about giving them the space, time and support.”

Director of the Children’s Parliament, Cathy McCulloch, said:

“Having MCPs sign the partnership agreement with the Presiding Officer sets us on a path to new awareness and understanding of children’s human rights throughout the Parliament. This is another sign that Scotland takes children seriously and is committed to realising their rights to be healthy, happy and safe.”

The agreement will see information provided to help MSPs and Scottish Parliament staff increase their understanding of children’s human rights – in line with the UNCRC – and commit to ensuring Parliamentary processes create a safe and friendly environment for children to participate with dignity and respect.

Mayfield’s Yvonne Weighand Lyle will work with community groups to design and create commemorative Covid benches across Midlothian, as part of the “Remembering Together” project.

The national Scottish Government funded project will see Covid memorials installed in all 32 local authority areas across Scotland. Having been chosen as Lead Artist in Midlothian, Yvonne Weighand Lyle is excited to be representing her home county to deliver the project, as she explains:
“It is a real honour to be commissioned to co-create a Covid memorial for Midlothian. Being from Mayfield, this is very much “ma bit”, so I am very proud to have the opportunity to realise the ideas and ambitions of local people and commemorate the pandemic in a sensitive and accessible way.  

I will be working with community groups to co-create designs for both the commemorative benches and small gardens, with the goal of creating new spaces in public parks and greenways with natural planting, where people can sit, reflect and remember.” 

Yvonne was also the Lead Artist for the first phase of the project, where she conducted research to identify what type of memorial residents wanted to have in their local area. She said: “By engaging people of all ages from primary schoolers to pensioners, I discovered that people in Midlothian wanted our memorial to be accessible, environmentally friendly, outdoors, and sited in several places across the county. 

As a permanent and utilitarian memorial, these accessible installations will provide a long-term resource, featuring solid benches and natural planting. The interventions will be environmentally friendly, in tune with the landscape, and will require minimal ongoing maintenance.”  

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for green spaces, Councillor Dianne Alexander said: “It’s lovely to have our local artist Yvonne Weighand Lyle working with our communities to create the memorials for Covid for Midlothian as part of the Scottish Government – funded programme Remembering Together. To have local people take part in the choice of memorial and their design will make them special to residents in Midlothian. 

“These benches will create beautiful memorials, and places where we go to remember those who we lost during Covid. They will be accessible and outdoors, making places where people can pause on their walk and take a rest to enjoy views of Midlothian and beyond. Hopefully they will also be places where friends can meet and friendships made.” 

The Midlothian benches and gardens will be designed following a community co-creation process. A number of workshops and events will be held with community groups in early 2024, allowing people of all ages to contribute design ideas. The benches and gardens will then be installed at multiple sites across Midlothian in Autumn 2024. 

At Edinburgh Zoo Scotland’s youngest chimpanzee has just celebrated her fourth birthday

Masindi, a critically endangered Western chimpanzee, opened presents filled with her favourite treats including peanuts, sunflower seeds and chickpeas.

Born on 3 February 2020, Masindi was only the second chimpanzee born in Scotland in more than 20 years, after her older brother Velu, who will turn ten this year.

She shares her home in the Zoo’s award-winning Budongo Trail enclosure with her mother Heleen, brother Velu and 12 other chimpanzees.

The enclosure is designed to represent chimpanzees’ natural habitat in the rain forests of West and Central Africa.

A Zoo spokesperson said fun-loving Masindi was “adorable” as she celebrated turning four years old.

Masindi’s life at Edinburgh Zoo has not been without drama however. At just one year old it was feared she would die after she sustained a head injury.

Keepers feared the worst after she was found unconscious and suffered seizures. She made a full recovery thanks to the quick reactions of keepers and expert veterinary staff.

The Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) is a subspecies of the common chimpanzee — one of the five types of great ape along with gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and humans.

Highly intelligent, they are the closest living primate to humans, sharing 98% of our DNA, and live up to 60 years in captivity.

Masindi was named after the nearest town to the Budongo Conservation Field Station in Uganda, where the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has funded vital efforts to protect the species since 2005.

One of Scotland’s top housing providers has officially launched an online customer portal which is set to improve access to a range of services and encourage independent living.

As part of an ongoing commitment to digital transformation, Bield Housing and Care worked with a number of tenants to test a new online customer portal, which has launched on Tuesday as part of Safer Internet Day.

The portal gives Bield tenants 24/7 access to make paying bills, reporting repairs and viewing individual information easier and more convenient.

Tenants involved in the trial were tasked with testing the quality and usability of the software using laptops, tablets and smartphones. The group also considered the functionality, design and general use of the portal with their feedback helping to inform the final product.

Following a soft launch at the end of 2023, over 170 tenants have already registered on My Bield.

Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy and Customer Standards at Bield, said: “Technology is essential to the future of housing services and we need to ensure our interaction with customers meets their needs and expectations as we take our services to the next level.

“Getting tenants involved in the testing of the My Bield portal allowed us to find out exactly what they wanted to get out of the platform while making sure it was accessible and easy to use.”

Staff will continue to be contactable through more traditional methods for tenants who do not want to transfer to the digital option.

Tracey Howatt, Director of Customer Experience at Bield, said: “Developing our digital services is extremely important as we strive to continue improving the quality of housing and ultimately deliver better outcomes.

“The new portal will enable tenants to live more independently and continue to make important decisions regarding their tenancies.”

Everyone who registers for the My Bield portal will be entered into a free prize draw at the end of February for the chance to win one of two £50 shopping vouchers.

The My Bield portal forms part of Bield’s strategy to enhance customer experience and diversify methods of engagement with customers.

My Bield can be accessed via the Bield website by clicking the ‘My Bield’ tab at the top right hand side of the homepage.  From here, Bield tenants, their Powers of Attorney or Guardians can get in touch at a time that is convenient for them in order to view their rent accounts and correspondence, log enquiries and request and track repairs.  This will be particularly useful for customers who don’t have the opportunity or time to call or email.

In November 2023, Bield were awarded the ‘Excellence in Digital Engagement’ award at the 2023 TIS National Excellence Awards, which recognises housing organisations who have demonstrated creativity in developing meaningful digital engagement opportunities.  Bield have also been shortlisted for the Technology Enabled Independent Living Award at the upcoming Digital Health & Care Awards 2024.

Bield is dedicated to providing flexible and high-quality housing solutions and support for older people.

https://www.bield.co.uk/our-services/

Do you have a history of falling, or at risk of falling? A new aquatic exercise research study is looking for participants to get involved.

Aqua Steps, is a new exercise programme, developed by experts in the field from the University of Edinburgh, Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh Leisure. The programmes are delivered as part of a research project, and aims to improve the balance, strength, endurance, confidence, and independence of the participants.

One-third of people aged 65 years or over fall every year with more than 4 million people falling each year in the UK, which is approximately 11,000 people daily. Falls reduce quality of life, lead to nursing home admissions, cause about 90% of hip fractures and half of deaths due to injury. The annual NHS and social care cost for fall-related injuries is more than £3.3 billion.

Older adults who have some of the following: feel unstable/unsteady; have poor gait or balance, have a history of falling or are at risk of falling, have low bone density or previous fracture are encouraged to get in touch to take part.

Dr Stelios Psycharakis, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics at the University of Edinburgh said: “Aquatic exercise can improve many of these factors and has many benefits. For example, the buoyancy of the water reduces spine and joint loads and allows exercising without having to support one’s weight, while the pressure of the water on the body assists with balance and mobility which may be preferable for people who find land exercise challenging or have high risk/fear of falling.

Amy Fastier, Health Development Officer (Falls Prevention) at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. The study is looking to see if water-based classes have similar benefits as land based as there is no current research on water based activity in preventing falls.

“Participants don’t need to be strong swimmers as the exercises take place in shallow water and everyone will be encouraged to work at their own pace during the class, guided by our expert instructors. People who may have difficulty getting in and out of the pool without some help, are welcome to bring along a family member, carer, or friend. Pools hoists (for safe entry/exit from the water) are available at swimming pools and will be used when necessary.”

High-quality research on aquatic exercise in fall prevention is scarce. This programme will deliver an aquatic intervention for people with high risk of falls. The data we get will be used to look at the programme’s effects on falls risk and compare it with an established land-based programme, Steady Steps, which is delivered by Edinburgh Leisure to see whether there are similar benefits to the existing research on land-based classes.

The classes are free, with the cost covered by funding provided by the Chief Scientist Office for Scotland. The exercise sessions will take place in the shallow water only in one of five swimming pools in Edinburgh and Midlothian*. The pools are Warrender Swim Centre (Marchmont), Dalry Swim Centre (Dalry), Ainslie Park Leisure Centre (Inverleith/Pilton), Glenogle Swim Centre (Stockbridge) and Penicuik Leisure Centre (Penicuik).

Participants would be required to attend for two sessions per week (30 minutes in the water for each session) over a course of 16 weeks. Different time slots will be available.

The programme will start in the first week of March 2024 (last week of March for Penicuik).

Interested parties willing to take part should contact the Aqua Steps administrator, Diane Chirnside on AquaSteps@ed.ac.uk and will be assessed for their willingness/ability to participate and complete the intervention. Spaces are limited so people are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible, and ideally by early to mid-February.

 Pop culture figures partner with charity to support Scottish youth.

Two prominent Scottish celebrities are rallying support for a charity fundraising initiative aimed at raising LGBTQ+ youth awareness in Scotland, with a goal to bathe the nation in purple.

Taking place on 23 February Purple Friday encourages people to celebrate the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and allies by donning the colour purple and taking part in the Miles for Money Challenge.

Celebrating its ninth year, the LGBT Youth Scotland awareness day, with the support of Alan Cumming and Lauren Mayberry from CHVRCHES, is on a mission to raise £20,000 for LGBTQ+ youth.

Bafta-winning actor, Alan Cumming said: “I’m delighted to be supporting LGBT Youth Scotland in building a more inclusive Scotland this #LGBTHistoryMonth.

“Young people are our future and it’s so important that queer young people all over Scotland know that they are loved and valued for who they are.”

This Purple Friday, Scotland’s communities across the nation are encouraged to cover as many miles as possible in various activities, turning their efforts into funds for Scotland’s national LGBTQ+ charity.

The initiative will visually manifest on LGBT Youth Scotland Scotland’s website with a map of Scotland lights being lit up in purple. Additionally, historic sites such as Lerwick Town Hall and Perth Theatre and Concert Hall will light up in purple this year.

CHVRCHES’ singer Lauren said: “Myself and CHVRCHES are longtime supporters of LGBT Youth Scotland and the important work they do.

“As someone who seeks to be a visible and vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I hope that initiatives like Purple Friday can help encourage young people to live proudly as their authentic selves and be seen, accepted and celebrated for who they are.

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25.

LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential, and LGBT Youth Scotland collaborates with young people to remove those barriers, working with them individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.

Speaking about this year’s event, Dr Mhairi Crawford, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland said: “Visibility is so important for LGBTQ+ young people. When they see allies publicly supporting them, it builds self-esteem and creates safer, more inclusive communities.

“That’s why this year we’re asking people to be high-viz allies – to get active, have fun, and visually demonstrate that Scotland stands with its LGBTQ+ young people.

“The miles you move and money you raise through sponsorship will help us continue providing life-saving services and campaigning for equality. We want to ensure LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland grow up in a country where they are loved, included and free to be themselves.”

“It’s fantastic to have high-profile allies like Alan Cumming and Lauren Mayberry backing our campaign. It’s incredibly important for those with large platforms to use them as a force for good and Alan and Lauren are a big boost to us and I’m sure to many young people.”

The charity recently received the Participation and Youth Voice award at the National Youth Work Awards for its work with the Trans Rights Youth Commission, and a judge’s commendation at the Proud Scotland Awards for the Charity Initiative award.

For more information, and to sign up to support Purple Friday, visit: https://lgbtyouth.org.uk/purplefriday/

For more information on LGBT Youth Scotland, visit: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/