The Red House Hotel in Coupar Angus is celebrating another employee’s long-term service.
Front of house Carol Anne Keys celebrated thirty years’ service last year at the family run Hotel, and this time it is Chef George Arnott who has also reached the milestone of thirty years service.
Originally from Crieff, fifty-nine year old father of three George trained as a chef at Perth College, remaining in the career ever since.
His first cheffing job was at the Murray Park Hotel, in Crieff, where he crossed paths with a young, as yet undiscovered, Ewan McGregor who was a kitchen porter at the same time. Spending ten years at Murray Park, he then moved to the Belmont Arms, along the road in Meigle, where he spent two and a half years, before coming to the Red House hotel in 1994.
George has a lifelong passion for all types of Scottish game. He loves cleaning, preparing, and cooking for the Red House Hotel’s many shooting parties. But when pressed on his own favourite meal, George plumps for mince and tatties, good old-fashioned Scottish comfort food.
As a collector of whisky decanters, George was delighted to receive one as his long service gift from Red House Hotel owner, Alan Bannerman.
“I’m delighted to be celebrating thirty years here at the Red House Hotel,” said George. “I very much enjoy working here. We have a great team of people, and yes, we are known for being loyal and sticking around as the Bannerman family are fantastic employers.”
“I’m really pleased with my new decanter. I love to collect them and have nine different ones now. I also enjoy making airfix models in my spare time, military ones such as planes and so on – I’ve been doing this since I was a boy. That’s when I’m not cooking of course!” added George.
Red House Hotel owner, Alan Bannerman said: “George is another stalwart of the Hotel – he’s in with the fixtures and fittings now, just like many of my other long-term staff members, such as Carol Anne, and my Assistant Manager Sarah Cooper, who is just behind them both in terms of time worked here.”
“They really are fantastic employees, and I’m so grateful to them all for the loyal service. George is someone who is always smiling, and never lets us down with his enthusiasm and hard work ethic. My congratulations go to him from all of the family. We are delighted to award him this decanter to mark his 30 years. We are very pleased to hear that he says he has no plans to retire yet either! That is very good news for everybody who enjoys his food.”
Calls to re-open Gorgie Farm ‘as soon as possible’
A year on from its closure, an Edinburgh councillor has called for Gorgie Farm to be re-opened “as soon as possible”, as it was revealed over £140,000 of public funds have been spent on improvements.
The urban farm was shut last February as previous operators Love Learning handed keys back to the council and the 50 animals – including sheep, pigs, snakes and lizards – were re-homed. Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) were subsequently appointed by the local authority to “support the transition and development of a community led solution” for the attraction and given £150,000 for the project. One year on, local councillor Dan Heap said: “Gorgie Farm is a much-loved institution both in Gorgie and across the city and considerable public funds have been used so far to develop a new vision. “The public rightly expect that new vision to include a plan to re-open the farm as soon as possible.” Cllr Heap, Greens representative for Sighthill/Gorgie, will table an amendment to that effect this week, which states “not re-opening the farm soon, even if only partially at first, would represent a significant reputation risk to the council”. He told the LDRS: “£141k has been spent and it’s stil closed – we can’t spend the best part of 150 grand and still have the doors closed.”
The £141,530 expenditure to date is split between £88,230 on ‘staffing’, ‘£9,000 on ‘activity costs’, £7,400 on ‘EVOC staff management/overhead costs and £36,900 on ‘facilities costs’. A blueprint on the future of Gorgie Farm is set to be unveiled by EVOC in July, but Cllr Heap pointed out as the organisation was using offices on the site and some local gardening groups had been granted access that “at least some of it must be safe”. He added as a result something “low maintenance” such as “a garden with chickens and ducks” should be made available to the public before the whole site re-opens eventually. An update going to the council’s culture and communities committee on Thursday, February 29, said there were “immediate maintenance issues requiring attention when EVOC took over the lease”. Among these were multiple burst pipes, replacement and repair of ceilings outside the toilets in the main building, deep clean, painting of offices in the main building, removal of high levels of different types of waste from site, ongoing pest control, pest related repairs and service and replacement of fire alarm parts, a report said. “A full re-opening of the site will be dependent on the nature of the future model presented to the council as land owner. The current role of EVOC and the steering group is to establish if the farm is viable to reopen and develop a plan to support that if it is, and if not, to propose other models for consideration.” Cllr Heap’s amendment said local councillors were declined a seat on the steering group, which includes representatives from EVOC, Edinburgh Social Enterprise, Volunteer Edinburgh, Edinburgh Zoo, the council, Health and Social Care Partnership and other local organisations and businesses. If passed by the committee it will ask officers to “contact the steering group to request that a Sighthill/Gorgie Councillor is able to join it, and any successor body”. An initial public consultation on the farm’s future found that respondents “want to see an improved café area with a shop”. The report said: “They would also like to see spaces the community can access and which organisations can use at low rent. “People are looking for the site to bring education and training opportunities to the community whether this is through classes, volunteering, work placements, or skill development opportunities. “Food was mentioned in a lot of the answers. This was related to gardening on the site as well as people sharing food, cooking together, and learning about food.” It said “most people” want animals back on site but alongside “other activities and facilities”. Meanwhile 41 per cent said they would be “willing to pay in some way”. Any model which involved paid entry to the farm would “be done in a way that is not stigmatising or uncomfortable”. However it was acknowledged that “not everybody could afford this” and the attraction would “remain free from the point of access”. EVOC was contacted for comment.
by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter
Gorgie City Farm
Five things you need to know today
Celebrating St Giles’ Cathedral 900th birthday
A motion has been laid in The Scottish Parliament recognising St Giles’ Cathedral as “a prominent part of the life of Edinburgh and Scotland for 900 years”.
It commends the “iconic” cathedral, which was probably founded by King David I in 1124, for “its various projects, designed to reach out to people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths across the city”.
The citation continues stating that “1.5 million people from around the world visited St Giles’ in 2023, underlining its status as a dynamic centre celebrating Scotland’s heritage and culture, as well as being an active place of worship”.
The motion was laid down by Miles Briggs, a Lothian MSP, and will now be circulated for other MSPs to sign.
Rev Dr George Whyte, the interim moderator of St Giles’, said:
“We very much appreciate the recognition given by the Scottish Parliament and we remain committed to continued service in the years ahead.”
To find out more information about the 900th anniversary, check for updates on the St Giles’ website.
The actual day is 8 March but Edinburgh Tool Library are holding a DIY basics session over the weekend which is free and which they are opening to women and non binary people to learn basic skills and develop confidence with power tools. It is billed as a day for learning, a day to celebrate all the women and non binary makers who have used their workshops over the years.
One for next year’s diary with the announcement that The Tina Turner Musical will come to Edinburgh Playhouse ein November 2025.
This will be part of the first ever UK and Ireland tour of the show which has been running for five years in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre.
Producer Tali Pelman said, “Tina Turner played to packed out arenas across the UK and Ireland throughout her extensive career. We’re thrilled to now be able to bring her extraordinary story to stages across the UK and Ireland for the first time with TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, celebrating the life and times of a truly inspirational woman whose story continues to move and elate audiences around the world every night.”
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the story of legendary artist Tina Turner who died in May 2023, the twelve-time Grammy Award winning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, including The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Private Dancer and River Deep, Mountain High, the musical is an inspiring true story of a woman who dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and defy the bounds of age, gender, and race to conquer the world against all odds.
Our March issue is officially published tomorrow although some of our stockists will already have copies – delivered to them by the lovely crew from Farr Out on their distinctive cargo bikes. The new paper is filled with more local news, although here for the last time we show you last month’s front cover.
We are really pleased to be nominated for an award for our newspaper which will be announced in March.
If you wish to buy a copy and have it delivered to your home or business then please subscribe here.
Looking back at March in history with The Old Edinburgh Club
Looking back at March in years gone by with the Old Edinburgh Club there were many notable events
Date
Event(s)
1st:
In 1567, placards linking Mary Queen of Scots & Lord Bothwell in adultery and in Lord Darnley’s murder began to circulate in Edinburgh. And in 1682, the Advocate’s Library (now known as the National Library of Scotland and situated on George IV Bridge) was opened by its founder, Sir George Mackenzie, the Lord Advocate.
2nd:
In 1625, following the death of James VI, Charles I presented a new series of Articles concerning the burgh church (St Giles) organising the people into congregations of approximately equal size.
3rd:
In 1847, Alexander Graham Bell was born at a home in South Charlotte Street.
4th:
In 1756, artist Sir Henry Raeburn was born in Stockbridge which at the time was but a suburb of the city. And in 1890, the Forth Bridge was opened by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
5th:
In 1662, the gardener, John Thomson, agreed to plant trees, herbaceous plants, and flowers of the best sort in the grounds on the south side and east end of Parliament House.
6th:
In 1457, King James II decreed in an Act of Parliament that there should be regular target practice and military parades and that “football and golf be utterly cried down and not used”; this was the first time that the games had been mentioned in Scottish documents. And in 1462, Bishop Andrew Muirhead of Glasgow promulgated a bull of Pope Pius II dated 23 October 1460 authorising the annexation of the Poor Hospital of Soutray to the Collegiate Church and Hospital of Holy Trinity in Edinburgh.
7th:
In 1744, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers was founded; the oldest known golf club in the world, it produced thirteen “Rules of Golf” for its first competition which was played for the “Silver Club”; the club played on the 5 holes at Leith Links for nearly a century. And in 1924, sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi was born in Leith.
8th:
In 1859, Kenneth Grahame, author of “The Wind in the Willows”, was born in Edinburgh. And in 1940, an artillery shell was fired into Leith from Inchkeith Defensive Battery! Here’s the report: ‘Several people had remarkable escapes when a 100lb shell crashed through the walls of this house in Leith, Scotland. The shell which had been fired from a costal battery across the bows of a trawler, struck the water, ricocheted, skimmed the housetops, went through a factory roof and struck a house.’ The picture shows the local police inspecting the damage; the story ‘allegedly’ was that a young lieutenant arrived on Inchkeith with the Royal Artillery during these dark war years and the gun crew were ordered to fire a salvo across the bows of the trawler; despite the attempts of the gun crew who tried to tell this young officer that the shells were not blanks, the officer dismissed their protests and curtly ordered the crew to fire resulting in the shelling of Salamander Street; thankfully no one was injured; it was amusingly known in Leith as the ‘Battle of Salamander Street’.
9th:
In 1566, David Rizzio was savagely stabbed to death at Holyrood, in front of the heavily pregnant Mary, Queen of Scots, by Patrick Ruthven, accompanied by Darnley and the Earl of Morton’s men. And in 1907, Edinburgh-born faith healer John Alexander Dowie died in the USA.
10th:
In 1748, John Playfair, clergyman, geologist, mathematician, a professor of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, and a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh was born in Edinburgh. And in 1792, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, who was born in Parliament Square, Edinburgh, and who was the first Prime Minister of Great Britain from Scotland following the Act of Union, died.
11th:
In 1889, Jessie King (or Kean), known as the Stockbridge Murderess, was executed in Calton Jail for murdering two children whom she had adopted for a monetary consideration; she was the last woman to be hanged in Edinburgh. (The new prison and Duguld Stewart’s Monument, Calton Hill, 1887. Photo: The Cavaye Collection of Thomas Begbie/City Art Centre/Capital Collections.)
12th:
In 1971, an explosion at 11.43 AM almost totally destroyed the Bell’s Mills in Dean Village; Bell’s Mills was the last water-powered mill working in Edinburgh. (Pictured before the destruction.)
13th:
In 1650, Bailie John Binnie reported that Bessie Hutchison was to arrange the meat, drink, coal, candles, and clothes washing for the residents of Trinity Hospital at the foot of Leith Wynd.
14th:
In 1314, in the dark of night, Thomas Randolph and 30 of his men surprised the garrison of Edinburgh Castle after scaling the treacherous face of Castle Rock and successfully retook it back ending 20 years of occupation by English forces. And in 1941, seventy incendiaries were dropped at Abbeyhill.
15th:
In 1596, King James VI prayed in front of the General Assembly of the Kirk. And in 1689, Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh founded the Advocates’ Library “equipped with works written by lawyers”. Also in 1765, Dr John Thomson was born; in 1804 he was entrusted with the cataloguing, labelling, and presentation of the collections at the Surgeons’ Hall.
16th:
In 1655, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, ordered several companies of soldiers out of Edinburgh into England in order to suppress a suspected revolt. And in 1914, oceanographer John Murray, who set up the UK’s first marine laboratory in Granton, died in Edinburgh when his car overturned.
18th:
In 1689, the Earl of Leven formed the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regiment in Edinburgh; the regiment was created to defend Edinburgh from the forces of King James VII. And in 1857, William Henry Playfair, architect, died in Edinburgh.
20th:
In 1601, Alexander Hunter was sent by the city to England and the Low Countries to recruit Flemish people for the manufacture of cloth from Scots wool.
21st:
In 1859, the National Gallery of Scotland opened in Edinburgh. And in 1925, Murrayfield Stadium was opened; in the first rugby match, Scotland defeated England 14-11 and won their first Grand Slam that year.
23rd:
In 1597, King James VI drank with the bailies, the council, and the deacons whilst the bells were rung, trumpets sounded, and drums and whistles played as reconciliation between the King and the people of Edinburgh whose amity had been disrupted the previous December. And in 1848, Reverend Thomas Burns founded a Free Church Settlement in New Zealand, which later became known as Dunedin; architect Charles Settle was asked to aim to replicate the characteristics of the streets of Edinburgh, with a mixture of grand and quirky designs.
25th:
In 1810, the Commercial Bank of Scotland was founded in Edinburgh by John Pitcairn, Lord Cockburn and others; in 1958 it merged with the National Bank of Scotland to become the National Commercial Bank of Scotland; then ten years later the National Commercial Bank merged with the Royal Bank of Scotland.
26th:
In 1797, James Hutton, the geologist whose studies into the formation of the earth helped form the basis of modern geology, died in Edinburgh – he was buried in his mother’s family (Balfour) section of the Covenanters Prison; his grave was unmarked until the memorial plaque was added in 1947. And in 1832, the Caledonian Mercury reported on several cases of cholera throughout the city.
27th:
In 1498, speaking in the name of the King, the provost, bailies, and council banned anyone from the outlying villages such as Swanston, Currie, Under Cramond, and Hailes from entering the city due to an outbreak of contagious pestilence in those areas. And in 1871, Edinburgh hosted the first Scotland-England rugby match at Raeburn Place where 20 a side played; Scotland won.
29th:
In 1783, the Royal Society of Edinburgh was incorporated by charter.
31st:
In 1689, John Chiesly of Dalry shot and killed the Lord President of the Court of Session, George Lockhart, as revenge for an unfavourable judgement against the said Chiesly.
4th March4th March 6th March 8th March 11 March 12 March
Paolozzi’s Leith Athletic strip is pitch perfect
Artist Eduardo Paolozzi has netted a new generation of fans with his iconic designs inspiring a unique football shirt which is raising awareness and funds for Leith Athletic.
The football club, established in 1887 and which has spawned generations of talented players, has produced a ground breaking and eye-catching strip which is being snapped up by local fans and collectors the world over.
The Paolozzi shirt is the brainchild of Leith Agency designer Scott Dawson and has been four years in the making after he offered his services to help promote the popular club at the heart of the Leith community.
Working with club officials and after securing the support and approval of The Paolozzi Foundation, the result is a striking shirt which is true the club’s black and white colours but unlike any contemporary football strip.
More than 500 have been ordered for a new production run, including 250 shirts heading to a French company which will include the Leith Athletic top as part of a subscriber’s package sent out worldwide to collectors.
In addition to raising awareness in Leith and surrounding communities, funds raised will be used to establish a girls team and a ladies team to compete in league competition.
Leith Athletic chairman Leighton Jones, said: “When Scott produced his original designs and storyboard I just about fell off my seat. The strip was a standout and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“Paolozzi attended Leith Academy and we are all aware of the ‘big foot’ statue at Picardy Place, so it was a natural and brilliant connection to make with his local community.
“The initial run of the shirt caused a huge stir, our social media has exploded, we have gone from just two girls to 32 at the club and scarves with the same design sold out within one hour. We want to create a pathway for young girls to play football and to establish a ladies team and funds raised with help us do that.”
Pics by Neil Hanna
Scott Dawson said he approached Leith Athletic with the proposal because he has always been interested in the positive effect football clubs can have within their community.
He said: “This one just made sense, Paolozzi is from Leith and his family members are said to have played for the club in years gone by. It would have been his 100th birthday this year so, with the blessing of The Paolozzi Foundation, we pulled his iconic screenprint patterns into the Leith Athletic strip to create the special edition kit, with all proceeds going to the women and girls teams.
“So far we’ve had orders from places like England, France, The Netherlands, Australia, Brazil and America, it’s been huge for the club. We’re on track to sell way over 500 products (shirts and scarves) so it’s looking as though we’ll raise a significant sum for the cause.
Artist Eduardo PaolozziDesigner Scott Dawson
“Leith has such a creative history, so it’s great to see art and football come together like this. The best thing about the campaign so far is that it’s raised the profile of the club within the community and shown how supportive Leithers are of positive community causes. So this will hopefully just be the start of something bigger for the club.”
The son of Italian immigrants from Lazio, Paolozzi graduated from the Edinburgh School of Art and forged a hugely successful international career in a number of mediums, including graphic art, sculpture, ceramics as well as holding important European teaching posts.
He is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of pop art. His large scale commissions include the colossal statue Newton after Blake at the British Library and vibrant mosaics at Tottenham Court Road underground station in London, and Edinburgh’s Manuscript of Monte Cassino outside St Mary’s Cathedral, which was gifted to the city in 1991 by Sir Tom Farmer.
Adrian Barr-Smith, Trustee and Secretary of the Paolozzi Foundation, said: “The Paolozzi Foundation is delighted to support the club with the redesign of their football shirt, which reflects some of Paolozzi’s imagery.
“The artist was born and raised in Leith, where his family owned a sweetshop and in which he worked as a young boy. The Foundation has also donated a Paolozzi print for the Leith Athletic clubhouse.”
The Paolozzi at 100 exhibition, celebrating the centenary of his birth on 7 March, is on at the National Gallery of Scotland’s Modern Two gallery until Sunday 21 April, free admission.
Members of Leith Athletic Football Club girls team Ellen Jones, Rachael Bain, Ellie Malcolm, Ava Lynch and Yasmine Elbekhti pictured at the National Galleries Scotland: Modern. Photo by Neil Hanna.
Ice cool Shankland dodges objects to secure point
Lawrence Shankland kept his cool with the ball cradled under his arm as objects including a pie were thrown at him from the Hibs end as VAR considered a penalty claim deep into the first-half at rain-soaked Tynecastle.
After a lengthy delay and a visit to the pitchside monitor, referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot and Shankland fired the ball high into the opposition net to level at 1-1 two minutes into injury time.
It was his 26th goal of another productive season and the penalty was awarded after Will Fish was adjudged to have fouled Kenneth Vargas.
Both managers criticised the throwing of objects, but Nick Montgomery, Hibs’ manager, felt his men deserved three points but Myziane Maolida had a golden opportunity to claim Hibs first Premiership win at Tynecastle for five seasons with 20 minutes remaining, heading tamely wide after a pin-point cross from the left. He held his head in his hands.
Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, said both teams had chances and added: “Both teams could say: ‘We could have won that’. The quality was missing.”
He added: “Going behind, we showed good resilience to get back in it, but it was just that final moment. At times, we made the wrong choices.”
Vargas, was an example. The Costa Rican foward blasted over twice without testing Hibs’ goalkeeper, David Marshall, when in good positions during a frantic, fiesty game where football took second place.
Naismith said that Hibs have a lot of pace and they are physical but he said: “The last Derby was poor, but it is a Derby. We have young players experiencing this for the first time. so there are positives to take out of it.”
This game, however, cried out for a player to put his foot on the ball and dictate play, but physical replaced finesse.
There were, however, touches of quality. Emiliano Hansen displayed calmness before he was substituted with 11 minutes left, while others darted around the pitch.
He picked his spot to fire home a rebound following a goal-line clearance by Hearts’ defender Nathaniel Atkinson from a shot from quicksilver Martin Boyle after 28 minutes.
That opportunity was a reward for a strong press from the visitors who also forced Hearts’ Scottish international goalkeeper, Zander Clark, to save another effort from Emiliano, this time from close range.
Dylan Vente had two efforts cleared which appeared to be on target and Jordan Obita came close in the dying minutes.
Montgomery said he was disappointed for the fans and the players and added: “I thought we were brilliant.
“You have to give them credit, they blocked a lot of stuff and cleared four off the line which were goal-bound. We had enough chances to win two games. We deserved three points.
“I thought we deserved a clean sheet. I was proud of the boys efforts and I thought the atmosphere was outstanding.”
So, both sides move on. Hearts host a rampant Celtic on Sunday (noon) and they claimed a 7-1 victory over Dundee at Parkhead with seven different scorers, six of the goals coming by half-time, while Hibs are at home to Ross County on Saturday (15.00) having earned four points from their last two games.
PICTURES: Shankland and Emiliano celebrate after scoring at Tynecastle. Pictures by David Mollison
Lumo looking to extend route to Glasgow
The all-electric train operator which has caused a stir on the Edinburgh to London route is looking to run trains to Glasgow perhaps from next summer.
FirstGroup which owns Lumo has said that the company is in discussions with Transport Scotland and Network Rail to extend the routes on to Glasgow after the trains arrive in Edinburgh. This would for example offer passengers a direct link between Newcastle and Glasgow.
The low fares have made Lumo very popular and the company says it has carried more than two million customers since it launched in October 2021, playing its part in reducing emissions by moving customers from air to rail.
FirstGroup plc Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland, said: “We are very pleased to be looking at options to grow our popular Lumo train service by extending the service from Edinburgh to Glasgow from next year. We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with new open access connections, including the significant environmental benefits of passengers switching to rail. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we refine this opportunity and our case for this new offering.”
The new route is subject to approval and the train company will continue to discuss with Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road.
Doddie’s Grand Slam Team to cycle Edinburgh to Rome in nine days
Two teams of rugby fans began a nine day cycle to Rome from Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Wednesday – during which they will visit all the Grand Slam stadiums on the way.
These are just two of the 20 teams taking part travelling from their own locations all aiming to get to Rome the night before the Italy v Scotland match.
Some of the team members are former players like Scottish cap and British Lions winger Roger Baird who is Team Ambassador, former England fly-half Huw Davies and England flanker and Wasps legend Paul Volley. Others are just rugby mad and wanted to take on the charity challenge to raise money for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation. Doddie Weir, OBE, died in 2022 after a diagnosis of MND in 2017. Since 2017 when he and his fellow trustees set up the charity, My Name’s Doddie, more than £11 million has been raised to support research. Doddie Weir was capped 61 times for Scotland and also played for the British Lions.
Doddie’s Grand Slam Team have responded to former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright who invited them to take part in the All Roads Lead to Rome 2024 challenge. This ride from Edinburgh to Piazza Navona in Rome by 5pm on Friday 8 March aims to raise £1 million for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
The fundraising has already reached £100,000 before the group set off and now the team which is carrying the Match Ball for the Italy v Scotland fixture has just added a further stop on the way. They will visit the palace in Monaco where HSH Prince Albert of Monaco will treat them to a VIP dinner. There the team will hand the Match Ball over to former Italian international rugby player Marcello Cuttitta whose team will provide some extra pedal power and group morale for their final leg into Rome on 7 March.
Ian Barr, team co-captain and former SRU president, said: “I knew Doddie, I considered him a friend. He was just such an inspirational guy, a larger-than-life character. MND has affected quite a few high profile people in the rugby community, but it’s not a rugby illness. It’s in all different sports and walks of life. “We did the ride last year and Rob Wainwright kind of threw it out there that the following year we’d potentially go to Rome. Then one of the other guys said they’d like to go around all the stadiums. Rob Boyns and I put our heads together and said, you know what, let’s do it!. “We’re working very closely with Rob Wainwright and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s going to be challenging, particularly at the end of February, but I’m looking forward to it. What drives people on is to make that difference, to make it better for somebody else. So when we’re feeling tired or sore, we have to remember that we’re not suffering like some others with MND are suffering. If we can help raise some money, raise awareness and make their lives better, that’s what will drive us on.” Rob Boyns of Doddie Aid Wales said: “The challenge for the majority of the team will not be the riding, but probably the lack of sleep. We’re covering a huge amount of miles every day, with each pod doing between 60 and 70 miles, so it’s going to be tough. “My ultimate aim is is to inspire young people, engage with communities, complete the ride, get to Rome and have lifelong memories and lifelong friends. And of course raise lots of money for MND research. “MND has no barriers, it’s an international disease. As Doddie said, some people say it’s incurable, it’s not incurable, it just needs funding. And I think raising money and asking people for sponsorship is one thing, but raising awareness leads to funding which becomes perpetual until we can crack it. “By doing something and by engaging with the young people of today, if we can inspire them to either do something similar to what we’re doing, become sports people of the future, or become scientists of the future, then we’ve achieved something.”
For full details of All Roads Lead to Rome, to follow or donate to Doddie’s Grand Slam Team or to take part in the Race to Rome home challenge, go to www.doddiesgrandslam.com
The route (28th February – 7th March) Day 1: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Biggar (50km) Day 2: Biggar – Cairnryan Ferry Terminal (154km) Belfast – Aviva Stadium Dublin (225km) Day 3: Holyhead Ferry Terminal to Principality Stadium Cardiff () Day 4: Cardiff – Newhaven via Twickenham Stadium () Day 5: Dieppe – Auxerre via Stade de France Paris (372km) Day 6: Auxerre – Grenoble (400km) Day 7: Grenoble – Monaco (364km) Day 8: Monaco – Livorno (399km) Day 9: Livorno – Stadio Olimpico Rome (300km)
The teams will ride in four groups of four cyclists riding in relay against a strict timetable to reach ferries, stadiums and events planned along the route. The team has a support crew of 15 helping them all to keep going.
When the Match Ball is delivered to the stadium in Rome the team will join the crowds to watch Scotland play.
Student flats rejected over fears they would ‘become an island’ if flooded
Plans for an 87-room block on Westfield Road were rejected by Councillors, with concerns over flood risks.
Councillors refused the developers’ bid to bulldoze the Murrayfield Sports Bar and replace it with flats, with one raising concerns over disabled students living on the ground floor being “abandoned” if evacuation plans failed. Despite objections from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the local authority’s own flooding experts, planners backed the application, saying on balance it was “compliant with the development plan”. The Westfield Road site was confirmed as being at risk of flooding “from a 1 in 200-year event in the future”, with the likelihood increased with climate change impacts factored in. One councillor pointed out the frequency quoted was not exact and the most recent such event was only last year. While the 87-room block was thrown out at the development-management sub-committee on Wednesday February 28, the developers now have the option to appeal to the Scottish Government. Gorgie-Dalry Community Council, which was among 80 objectors, said the development would cause an “excessive level of student population in the local area” which was disputed by planners. SEPA’s objection was made “on the grounds of flood risk from the Water of Leith which they expect to put people or property at risk of flooding”.Officers said if a serious flood occurred it would block safe access to the building which “in effect would become an island”. Councillor Chas Booth said: “I think there is something fairly wrong if we’re effectively saying we’re relying on something that can’t be controlled by planning, which is there will be an evacuation plan. We can’t control that. “We’re sort of basically trusting them to not abandon the disabled users who will be on the lower floors – admittedly not at immediate flood risk, but still we need to be able to have confidence they can get out. Our own flood prevention officers don’t have that confidence and I’m not sure that we should either.” A report said: “While the front of house parts of the building would flood, accommodation at the ground floor and upper levels would not flood due to mitigation in the form of higher ground floor levels.” Supporting the application, Councillor Fiona Bennett said the accommodation “could be a place of safety” for others in the area in the event of extreme flooding for which there would be prior warning. Taking the same position, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I do have trust in our emergency services. I think actually the people in this building might be safer than people living in the tenements immediately opposite who won’t have any of these [flood] mitigation measures put into place.” Councillor Jo Mowat said: “If there was that one in 200 year event actually those occupants would be safe while the flood waters came and went. “That tends to be quite a quick process.” However, Councillor Neil Gardiner pointed out it was “very rare” for flood officers not to be on the same page as planners. He said: “The residents have to stay in their rooms in a flood event and I think that would be quite concerning if I was locked in my room, particularly if I was in a wheelchair, unable to get into other rooms – there’s no common space on the ground flood that’s not flooding and I don’t think we should be putting the residents through that.“ The site could be developed but this particular design doesn’t really deal with the flood issue properly.” The application was rejected by eight votes to three.
by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for student accommodation on Westfield Road
Plan to tackle housing emergency ‘doesn’t go far enough’, council told
Tenant’s union Living Rent welcomes the Council action plan to cut homelessness – but says it needs to go further
A new plan aimed at reducing homelessness in Edinburgh “does not go far enough,” councillors have been warned. Tenants’ union Living Rent welcomed the council’s formal declaration of a housing emergency but said most of the actions put forward in response “have already been proposed prior to the declaration”. The action plan, agreed at the housing committee on Tuesday, February 27, includes reviewing the council house allocation system, reducing the number of empty homes and improving the relationship between housing officers and tenants. It’s hoped the measures will result in 500 fewer households classed as homeless and living in temporary accommodation, of which there are currently around 5,000 in the capital, by March 2025. A target has also been set to bring 629 ‘void’ council-owned homes back into use in the next 12 months, which would almost halve the 1,279 currently sitting empty across the city. Housing convener Jane Meagher told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was “a fair point to say some of the measures were already being undertaken”. However she said the plan was “a work in progress”. Boasting 76 different ‘projects’ she said it presented a more “comprehensive and cohesive” approach. “It also gives it a turbo-charge, having this approach where it’s up-front, accountable and it’s driving forward,” Cllr Meagher added. Addressing the housing committee, Living Rent member Elise Corry said: “We welcome the council is trying to tackle the housing emergency through the introduction of this action plan. “We are glad to see steps are being taken to significantly reduce the number of void properties across the city. These properties should never have become voids in the first place.” She told councillors the union was concerned the plan “simply does not go far enough”. “Whilst all the actions within the plan are welcome, from our understanding a majority of these actions have already been proposed prior to the declaration of the housing emergency. We need this housing emergency action plan to go further, to be more ambitious and to truly change the landscape,” she said. Criticising the recommendation “to increase the use of private sector leasing” she said this was “expensive and typically low quality”. She also urged the council to “look at what powers it has in regard to compulsory purchasing the almost 7,000 empty properties in Edinburgh”. ‘Housing Emergency Action Plan 2024-29’ is divided into six priorities: simplifying access to housing; quality housing; data and partnerships; customer experience; specialised support, and finance and funding. It states: “The plan itself is the first step in responding to the housing emergency declaration, with 76 projects and actions identified for completion over the next five years. “These projects focus on reducing homelessness, improving access to housing and housing advice, improving the supply and quality of housing across the city, preventing harm and improving the experience of tenants in council housing.” The council hopes the actions will see a significant reduction in the amount it spends on temporary accommodation, which was £49m in 2022-23 – a near 200% increase in three years. But critics say they will barely scratch the surface without mass council house-building, which won’t happen without a huge cash injection. Of the 25,000 new affordable the council wants to see built by 2027 just 8,000 have been constructed so far, and current levels of grant funding from the Scottish Government are only sufficient for the local authority and its partner housing associations to deliver around 500 each year. Furthermore the council’s ‘potential development programme’ of around 11,000 new affordable homes in the next five years has a £665m shortfall – nearly four times the amount of grant funding set out in current resource planning assumptions. In a bid to address this the action plan proposes ‘maximising funding of new homes and ensuring best value for revenue and capital budgets’ by ‘working with partners to deliver accommodation funded by social investment’ as well as ‘investigating models of housing co-operatives’ and ‘developing innovative finance models to finance housing delivery’. Cllr Meagher 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, however it has to be said we are limited by the funding.”
by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporting Service
Living Rent member Elise Corry addresses the Housing Committee
Sculptor offers to pay for Jawbones to go to Shetland
A sculptor with family links to the jawbone arch which was gifted from Shetland to Edinburgh in the late 1800s has offered to pay towards the cost of bringing the bones back north – if the city’s council wishes to get rid of them.
Helen Pollock, who lives in New Zealand, said the four jaw bones – which are currently in storage in Edinburgh – would be a “magnificent exhibit” inside or outside a museum in Shetland.
But she has also offered to help The City of Edinburgh Council restore the bones in the first instance if it decides to reinstall them.
However this appears to be very unlikely.
An update on the fate of the historic bones will be given to an Edinburgh council meeting on Thursday.
A report to councillors says officers will move to suggest installation of a jawbone arch interpretation panel at the site with – potentially – a surviving section included.
However no final decision on disposing the remainder of the bones will be actioned until concerns from Edinburgh World Heritage have been discussed in more detail.
The whale bones stood tall in an arch for more than a century at the Meadows in Edinburgh, forming a unique landmark at an entrance to the park – getting the nickname ‘jawbone walk’.
The bones formed part of a Shetland and Fair Isle Knitters stand at an international exhibition of science and art at the Meadows in 1886.
They were then gifted to the city by the knitters.
But in the mid-2010s the arch was taken down over safety fears, and last year Edinburgh councillors were told the condition of the bones was deteriorating further.
The bones also have 25 centimetre wide bronze bands bearing the inscription The Zetland and Fair Isle Knitters Edinburgh Exhibition 1886.
There have been campaigns in the past to conserve the bones, including from the Edinburgh World Heritage organisation.
Pollock said she is a descendant of the Colvin family of Lerwick, with her late relatives running the old knitting business Schoor and Muir in the centre of town.
They coordinated the Shetland and Fair Isle knitters taking the four whale bones to the exhibition in Edinburgh in 1886, making a “tent like structure” to exhibit their knitting.
“They attracted the interest of international visitors, and buyers, including royalty, and they obtained Royal patronage for the knitters and the Schoor and Muir shop in Lerwick,” she explained.
Pollock said she has visited Val Walker, convener of Edinburgh city council’s culture and communities committee, to discuss options for the jaw jones.
She said she has offered her services as an experienced sculptor for their restoration, should the council decide to reinstall the jawbones.
Pollock has suggested coating the bones with a clear liquid epoxy resin, and using a framework of steel or bronze to support the structure.
However, she has also offered to make a “substantial donation” towards the cost of sending the bones to Shetland, and their installation, should they end being surplus to requirements in Edinburgh.
“They would be a magnificent exhibit inside or outside the Shetland Museum, or one of the other smaller Shetland museums, and the story associated with them is very much of interest and relevance to locals and visitors,” Pollock said.
A report on the arch went in front of Edinburgh councillors in August last year, which made for fairly grim reading regarding the fate of the bones.
It suggested the bones be disposed of, with cross-section pieces potentially kept in museum collections, while a bronze replica structure could be installed as a replacement.
The report to councillors also said there had been interest from artists in using part of the bones, including from Scottish artist and sculptor Will Maclean.
The end result of that meeting was to dispose of the existing jawbones which are deemed unviable for suitable public display – but to continue to explore creative conservation solutions until October 2023.
Councillors had also agreed to contact art organisations regarding the potential re-use of jawbone as an art medium.
An update on the project is going to an Edinburgh council meeting this Thursday.
It said: “Officers have researched, within reason, opportunities for relocation and found no interested parties.
“This is a reflection of the state of the jawbones and ongoing responsibilities required for safe display and maintenance.
“The recommendation to explore alternative use by artists also hit a buffer as the whale jawbones are classified as hunted species and therefore protected – artists would not be allowed to sell any work containing such material.
“Further dialogue is required with Edinburgh World Heritage which is opposed to the report findings and recommendation, and no final disposal decision will be actioned until those concerns have been discussed in more detail.
“Response from the local community has been muted. There was little appetite for a replacement as recommended in the report, and officers will move to suggest the installation of a jawbone arch interpretation panel with (potentially) a surviving section.”
This is being presented to councillors as information, with no decisions being taken on Thursday.
Jawbones being dismantled in 2014 PHOTO Neil Roger
Wildcats beef up for business end of season
Fourth-placed Watsonians entertain title contenders Western Wildcats at Tipperlin in one of the feature games on Saturday’s card in the Premiership and the Auchenhowie men are back to full-strength with the return of Andrew Lochrin, Hamish Galt and Luc Hermsen who were all missing for the entire first-half of the season.
Captain Rob Harwood warned the Edinburgh club: “They three are key players who will make a huge difference to our run-in.”
And the Scotland international added: “We are feeling confident after a very successful indoor campaign, retaining the title for the third year running and finishing a very respectable fifth in the European indoor B Division.”
Harwood admitted that it was good to be back outdoors last weekend and second-placed Wildcats recorded what he said were “two solid wins” and he said: “Saturday is a must-win game for us, being four points back from the top of the league.”
Pace-setting Grange, who lead the table with 31 points from 11 games, having won ten and drawn one, re-visit fifth-placed Hillhead, a club which drew 1-1 with them just two weeks ago.
Grange coach Stevie Grubb the club’s performance in demolishing Inverleith 8-0 in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup last weekend was much the same as it was in Glasgow v Hillhead fixture, expect that the Captial combine turned pressure into goals.
Then, Grange had the ball in the net three times and failed to convert a penalty flick as well as having a number of short corners which were not capitalised on.
The Stockbridge club have concentrated on finishing since the hiccup against Hillhead and Grubb said: “A lot of good work on goal scoring paid off against Inverleith. We look forward to the return fixture and hopefully can turn our pressure into goals.”
Women’s league leaders Watsonians host struggling Inverleith looking for win No 10 having won all nine of their games so far for 27 points, firing 61 goals and letting in five. Inverleith have won once and scored 14 goals and let in 37.
Second-placed The University of Edinburgh travel to Hillhead, who are second bottom, looking to keep the pressure on Watsonians. They have 25 points and have scored 60 goals and lost eight. Hillhead have one once, scored nine goals and conceded 42.
Saturday: Premiership: men: top six: Hillhead v Grange (15.45); The University of Edinburgh v Uddingston (13.25, Peffermill); Watsonians v Western Wildcats (12.30, Tipperlin, George Watson’s College). Bottom six: Inverleith v Dundee Wanderers; FSEG Clydesdale v Kelburne; Erskine Stewart’s Melville v Grove Menzieshill.
Saturday: Premiership: women: Watsonians v Inverleith (13.00, Tipperlin, George Watson’s College); Hillhead v The University of Edinburgh (15.30, Upper Windyedge). Sunday: Premiership: Inverleith v Uddingston (13.00, The Mary Erskine School); Western Wildcats v Watsonians (14.30, Auchenhowie).
PICTURE: Action from Watsonians v Grove Menzieshill at The University of Edinburgh Playing Fields last Saturday. Image from Nigel Duncan
Cochrane: ‘we understand the importance of Derby win’
Alex Cochrane admitted losing to Hibs was not a nice feeling but he assured Hearts supporters that the squad have recovered from Saturday’s 5-0 reverse in the cinch Premiership at Ibrox.
And, on the eve of the club’s cinch Premiership clash with their Capital rivals, the popular player stressed: “We understand the importance of this game to fans.”
Brighton-born Cochrane desperately wants a win over their arch rivals and said: “We set our standards and we know what is expected of ourselves and of every player.”
The performance of the side during the Rangers game was not an acceptable according to the defender who added: “To go there on the form we have been on and to concede five poor goals, especially when we have been defensively solid this season, was disappointing.
“This game (against Hibs) is the perfect game to come back to. If you ask any player what game they would like after that (the Ibrox defeat) then it would be a Derby.
“It is one we all want to play in and it is one where you can get up for the easiest. It is a game with the best atmosphere and it is one we are looking forward to.”
Derby clashes, he argued, can be frantic, “100 miles and hour”, and the outcome is important for the fans and players who have Celtic on the horizon at Tynecastle on Sunday (noon).
Hearts won at Easter Road in the last Derby after a draw at rain-soaked Tynecastle and 23-year-old Cochrane, who has only lost in one Derby since the England under-16 and under-20 cap arrived at Tynecastle in 2022, said: “We need to be ready for it. It will be tough, but we have to go into the game with confidence.
“We expect to have a fast start in every game but, on Wednesday night, we need a fast start, a good start, but Hibs have a threat and we need to be aware of that.”
He argued that each game changes, especially in a Derby, which, he conceded, can get “fiesty” and Cochrane added: “Sometimes football goes out of the window. It is about who battles the hardest, but we know what we need to do on the night. It is an important game for both teams, but it is about us and making sure we deliver.”
PICTURE: Alex Cochrane by Ian Jacobs
Moss to launch rebranded new store in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter
The 172-year-old menswear brand has dropped the ‘Bros’ as it re-enters the Scottish market.
A new Moss store is set to open in the shopping galleria, St James Quarter on March 7th. The 2,372 sq foot, Scottish flagship space is the latest addition in the brand’s retail expansion plan which seeks to combine modern design with timeless elegance.
Moss has decades of tailoring know-how and a history of innovating to meet the changing needs of the menswear customer. In line with its new direction, everything is stripped back to show off the product in a simplified way. The brand recently had a name change – dropping ‘Bros’ from its moniker of old to just Moss. The move reflects the modern, more diverse, digital, omni-channel retailer, Moss is today without losing its heritage. A business that now provides a much broader offer than Hire and formalwear alone.
“This store is a celebration of everything Moss stands for today; modern, diverse and accessible,” said Brian Brick, CEO. “We are excited to reintroduce the brand to the discerning shoppers of Edinburgh, a city rich with culture and heritage, offering them a space to explore our product and experience our expertise first-hand. We’ve leaned into our 172 years of expertise to land our most modern tailoring offer yet, alongside a range of premium casual styles to form a really considered collection. We’re not just a suit brand that sells some casualwear, or vice versa, Moss has transformed into a competitive menswear destination for both occasions and daily wardrobes.”
Central to the store launch is the new SS24 Collection. Softened tailoring and relaxed profiles match the energy of laid-back summer living. Trousers are pleated for unstudied comfort, whilst open knits and slouchy fits lead the way to savour the season’s more leisurely pace. All new seasonal style solutions are covered to meet a growing demand for suiting, be it workwear, weddings, races, proms, or black-tie events.
The SS24 Wedding Collection has been curated in light fabrics and airy fits. Double-breasted suits deftly tailored in copper-toned boucle and powdery blue cord for a memorable turn down the aisle. The Hire collection matches the easy-going elegance of ready-to-wear, in new seasonal styles and sun-washed shades. Whether it’s a singular hire or all-in package, the retailer’s service and styling offer has something to suit every big day.
Moss has employed an expert team of local in-store stylists and knowledgeable staff to help new customers discover and enhance their unique style. It will also house the ‘Custom Made’ tailoring service, allowing customers to create a bespoke suit tailored exclusively to them.
In 2023, the brand opened 10 stores under Moss branding, including the Manchester Flagship. The Scottish Flagship takes the total to 109 stores in the UK.
The Edinburgh store is located at Unit SU107, Level 1, St James Quarter, St James Crescent, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD.
Moss launches rebranded new Scottish flagship store in St James Quarter on March 7
Sue Webber chosen to contest Edinburgh South West for Conservatives
Sue Webber has been chosen as the new Scottish Conservative candidate for Edinburgh South West at the next UK General Election.
She says that the General Election in Scotland should be about SNP failure and the continued threat of nationalism.
Currently a list MSP for Lothian and The Scottish Parliament’s education committee convener, Sue Webber was chosen at a selection meeting last week. The seat has been held by the SNP’s Joanna Cherry since 2015.
Ms Webber said: “This election in Scotland is all about SNP failure… our hospitals face record waiting times, standards in our schools are plummeting, the police are underfunded, and our roads are an utter disgrace.
“Joanna Cherry might be a thorn in the side of the SNP leadership, but she still represents the SNP and the Nationalists have let down the people of Edinburgh South West for nearly 20 years. They have neglected our services because of their unrelenting focus on independence and the only way to end this distraction is for voters to stop supporting their candidates.
“Every constituency needs a strong opponent to take them on and I have a proven track record of delivering for local people and for standing up to the SNP, particularly in the battle to save Currie High School.”
Ms Webber was a City of Edinburgh councillor for five years until 2022 and was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2021. As well as convening the Scottish Parliament’s education committee, she is the Scottish Conservative spokesperson on drugs and alcohol policy, and locally she is the vice-chair of the Juniper Green community hub.
She was brought up in the constituency, where she still lives, and attended Currie High School. She later studied at Edinburgh University and subsequently ran her own business supplying equipment for health care services.
Chamber chief Barbour hails ‘resilience’ of local businesses
The finalists in the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards have been revealed by the organisers with over 30 businesses making it to the final with the awards dinner schedule for Thursday, March 7 at Eskmills, Musselburgh.
The awards are a highlight of the business calendar and offer East Lothian and Midlothian businesses the opportunity to promote major achievements and celebrate success.
Keith Barbour, chamber president said: “The chamber team would like to say a huge thank you to every business who entered and the calibre of entries and finalists has been phenomenal.
“This shows just how resilient, innovative and adaptable the East Lothian and Midlothian businesses are to these challenging times.”
Finalists are: High Growth Business of the Year: The Aerial Man, Flowcopter Ltd, Ingenza Ltd, MadeByOrocco. Best Innovation in Business: The Aerial Man, Alive Photos Ltd, Brand Satellite, Melville Golf Centre. Best Environmental Impacts: Agilico, NSD Labels, Saltire Hospitality, Stewart Brewing.
Best Commitment to Youth Development: CSY Architects, Ingenza Ltd, Pigeon Penguin, Wild Cairns. Best Community Impact: Midlothian View, Penicuik Storehouse, Teapot Trust SCIO, WanderWomen Scotland. Best Tourism Business: Dalkeith Country Park, Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Seabird Centre, WanderWomen Scotland.
Food & Drink Producer of the Year: Belhaven Smokehouse, The Crumbleologist, Stewart Brewing, Winton Brewery. Best Eatery: Parrilla Argentinian Grill, The Radhuni, Rosslyn Chapel Coffee Shop (by Saltire Hospitality), Secret Herb Garden Café & Bistro. Family Business of the Year: The Brand Family, Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd, Saltire Hospitality, True Potential Wealth Management.
New Business of the Year: Fidra Scaffolding Ltd, Gensource, Healthcraft Herbs Ltd, Table Sense Technologies Ltd. Micro Business of the Year: Beyond Green, Edinburgh Cider Co, Learn to Grow Ltd, Macmac Cleaning Services Ltd, Station House Bakery. SME of the Year: Audio Light Systems Ltd, CSY Architects, MNB Networks Ltd, Saltire Hospitality.
PICTURE: Flashback to last year’s awards ceremony at Eskmills. Picture by Lee Live
Scotland women’s carp team look to the future
Scotland’s ladies carp team is still recruiting despite naming a new captain and vice-captain and adding two new members to the squad.
Catherine Robertson is the new captain after Joanne Barlow stepped down and Eleanor Mitchell is her vice-captain and the team have recently welcomed Kimberley Lee and Lynne England.
Kimberley only picked up a carp rod last year after a day fishing with team member Margo Robinson. Lynne started fly fishing about 12 years ago in Aberdeenshire but then moved to Yorkshire and discovered carp fishing.
Catherine said: “We met Lynne through our bait sponsors, Nutrabaits. We were invited to their ladies social weekend which included a friendly match that Lynne won.”
The squad are now forward planning and they have already ruled out competing in this year’s World Championships in Latvia as that is deemed too soon after the loss of Joanne and Ruth McCormack who also competed in the world event in France last Autumn.
Two possible matches in the pipeline, a fixture against The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineeers (REME) in England and also a tri-nations event in Northants. Scotland won silver last year at Wyreside, near Lancaster.
She also has two other matches pencilled in, one with another Scotland team member, Niki Wildman from Wishaw, who fishes locally at Drumtassie near Blackridge, in March at Wyreside and another further south with Eleanor.
The now skipper confirmed: “We thought we would by-pass the worlds this year, however, we will have competitive matches as we have new pairings to work out. Our intention is to have an experienced member of the team along with a newcomer as that has worked for us in the past.”
PICTURE: Catherine (left) with a carp caught during the Tri-Nations at Wyeside near Lancaster last year. Eleanor is holding the plaque. Contributed.
Penicuik Community First Responders Mark 18 Years of Lifesaving Service
Lifesaving volunteers from Penicuik Community First Responders recently celebrated the group’s 18th anniversary.
Penicuik Community First Responders (CFRs) are a group of volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives.
They cover the EH26 postcode and surrounding areas, and currently have six members who meet up monthly and have been involved in the group for several years.
Yvonne Mitchell, Co-ordinator for Penicuik CFRs said: “We are immensely proud to mark our 18th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the support from our community.
“We train as CFRs to help others who live in our area, whether it is being first on scene at a cardiac arrest, or providing a listening ear and holding someone’s hand while the ambulance crew is on route.
“We look forward to many more years of serving our community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”
Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to the Penicuik community first responders on this fantastic achievement.
“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities, starting treatment while an ambulance is on route as every second counts, particularly when a person suffers a cardiac arrest. We are thankful to each and every one of them.”
City lawyers Balfour+Manson have strengthened their commercial property and private client teams with two new hires.
Kevin Currie joins the commercial property team as an Associate, while Robin Grace has been recruited from Thorntons as a Senior Solicitor to add expertise to the private client team.
Kevin joins partners Stephanie Nichol and Stephanie Zak (who returns from maternity leave in April) in the commercial property department. He previously headed up a team at Cullen Kilshawin Galashiels where he has worked since qualifying in 2020, after completing his traineeship with Anderson Bain in Edinburgh.
David Short, Executive Chairman of Balfour+Manson, said: “Kevin is an excellent lawyer with wide-ranging commercial property experience. He will be a great asset to the team, and they are delighted to have him on board.
“We’re also pleased to add Robin Grace to the private client team. He’s a superb young lawyer and has significant experience at both Thorntons and previously Gillespie Macandrew.”
Kevin is already in post, while Robin starts work on 11 March.
Mr Short, Balfour+Manson’s Head of Litigation, recently took over as Executive Chairman from Elaine Motion. He added: “We continue to strengthen all our teams with high-quality young lawyers, and I’m really pleased to see how the firm is shaping up in a busy and competitive marketplace.”
Calls for parking charge scheme in East Lothian to be scrapped rejected
A bid to scrap plans to introduce parking charges in East Lothian’s town centres has been overwhelmingly rejected.
A consultation in North Berwick, which is the first town to see a Traffic Order drawn up to introduce the charges, as well as permit zones, drew hundreds of objections and saw a petition with more than 4,000 signatures produced. And at a meeting of East Lothian Council on Tuesday, the Conservative group put forward a motion calling for the entire scheme to be dropped and the £500,000 set aside for it to be reallocated. However their call was dismissed by the Labour administration, SNP opposition and the council’s sole Scottish Greens councillor, who all insisted town centre parking needs to change. A report from council officers had revealed the North Berwick Traffic Order received 659 responses with dozens of different themes, ranging from the impact on the High Street to one in 10 objectors saying there were no parking problems and concerns it would encourage motor home parking. Officers said the amount of documents made available as part of the order had also caused a problem saying the volume of information was ”large and technically challenging, which drew negative feedback from the public, with some expressing the view that the information was incomprehensible.” They asked councillors to let them withdraw the order and draw up a new one adding lessons learned from the first consultation would help speed up the process when it came to consultations in other towns. However Conservative Councillor Jeremy Findlay tabled a motion, instead, calling for elected members to note the high level of objections and drop plans to proceed with parking charges in any town in the county. And he said the decision by officers to reject a petition signed by thousands as ‘incompetent’ was seen by the town as ‘ignoring them’. The local ward member for North Berwick Coastal told the meeting: “The overwhelming opinion in North Berwick is that no new Traffic Order should be promoted. “To proceed with a new order is a waste of officers’ time and money. It has cost at least £136,000 so far and that is before it takes into account all of the officers’ time spent on this ill-fated project.” Mr Findlay pointed out North Berwick Business Association was ‘wholly opposed’ to parking charges believing it would be damaging to members adding: “Who are we to argue with them?” He was backed by fellow Conservative councillor Donna Collins, who said she believed the money involved in the scheme could be better spent. However council leader Norman Hampshire (Labour) accused his fellow councillors of ‘playing politics again’. He said: “They are acting like the ostrich with its head in the sand. Towns in East Lothian have all had to deliver significant growth and the number of people trying to access our town centres has grown greatly. “People are using their cars to get in there and the situation is serious in some town centres.” The council voted by 16 votes to three to allow a new Traffic Order and reject the amendment.
by Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
East Lothian Council headquarters John Muir House Haddington pic Google Maps
Five things you need to know today
Professor Stephen Salter, MBE, FRSE
The Edinburgh Reporter is sad to hear that Professor Stephen Salter, MBE, FRSE, has died.
Salter who was emeritus professor of the University of Edinburgh fought all his life to develop new ways of dealing with climate change.
He has four inventions in the National Museum of Scotland, notably the Salter’s Duck which is a rotor from an experimental model of a wave machine, and three objects all on loan from the National Mining Museum Scotland – a balsa wood duck model made in 1974, a wide tank duck model and a duck-type wave maker paddle.
His influence at the University of Edinburgh led to the wave tank being built there.
More recently he turned his masterful mind to dealing with the effects of climate change with marine cloud brightening. He was frustrated by the lack of support to make his idea come true, but kept working on the project which involves building unmanned ships powered by Flettner rotors to ‘patrol’ the oceans spraying sea water into the air above the sea surface.
The result would be to make the clouds whiter and so more reflective, sending the sun’s energy back to space. This will have the effect of cooling the earth or sea beneath, and might lead to complete reversal of the melting polar ice caps and other aspects of global warming.
Stephen said during our 2019 interview: “The end result would be that we would be going back to the climate that we had in pre-industrial times. We could moderate hurricanes making them less aggressive, save the coral in the Barrier Reef, stop sea levels rising and stop losing the Arctic ice. That is probably the most important thing to do in the short term because if we lose the ice we warm up the seabed and we warm up the permafrost around the Arctic. That releases methane which is a very much nastier greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. We could get a very unpleasant positive feedback where warmer seas make more methane and more methane makes warmer seas. That could be very dangerous indeed.”
Even more recently Stephen bought and set up a workshop where young engineers could literally get their hands dirty creating things which was something he felt was lacking from their education. He no longer had access to his workshop at King’s Buildings where he had taught so many students over a long career.
Professor Salter was one half of an outstanding academic duo with his late wife Professor Margaret Donaldson who died during the pandemic, and who wrote the text book, Children’s Minds, which is a seminal work in her chosen field of developmental psychology.
She made history as the first married woman professor, and theirs was a long marriage of 47 years, peppered by sparky conversations and discussion on a wide range of subjects, with each supporting the other to the hilt.
On Thursday evening Spokes the cycling campaign group are holding a public meeting about Edinburgh’s Future Streets and the place of cycling.
The speakers will include Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener, who will talk about the Future Streets policy, journalist Laura Laker who writes about cycling, transport and environmental matters, and there will be a Q&A chaired by Ewen Maclean who organises Blackford Safe Routes. There is a possibility that the event may be livestreamed on YouTube.
The event will be held at Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge EH1 1EL at 7.30 until 9.30pm. Doors open at 6.45 pm for coffee. Questions fror the speakers may be emailed to spokes@spokes.org.uk
The hashtag will be #SpokesMtg
If you plan to go then you might have a bit of homework to do first of all to keep up with what will undoubtedly be a lively discussion.
On Saturday 2 March there will be a Pianosharing session at The Pianodrome Warehouse at 28 West Harbour Road Granton EH5 1PN.
The monthly session is a chance for anyone to perform a piece even if it is not performance ready.It is a good way of meeting other pianists and get a chance to play on the performance grand.
The session begins at 4pm and all experience levels are welcome.
Edinburgh Science Festival – Shaping the Future
Edinburgh Science Festival begins on 30 March and runs during the Easter school holidays until 14 April.
The 35th anniversary event will return to the City Art Centre where there will be five floors of science to choose from for all ages and tickets are on sale now.
In addition the Festival will include events, talk, workshops and exhibitions taking place at the National Museum of Scotland, Dynamic Earth, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh Zoo, Summerhall, Bayes Centre and many others, with new additions of Panmure House, Mary’s King Close and The Biscuit Factory.
Maria Tolzmann and Andrew Jenkins of Edinburgh Science Festival getting ready for the Festival to take over the Scottish capital this Easter break.
PHOTO Ian Georgeson
Our February issue
Our March issue will be available very soon. We are excitedly waiting for the papers to arrive in the capital.
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 for our newspaper 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.
Hibernian have announced that AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s 25% minority investment into the club has been approved by the club’s shareholders.
The Hibs board presented the investment to shareholders their Annual General Meeting this evening (Tuesday 27th of February), and the majority chose to vote through the proposal.
As a result, Black Knight Football Club – led by Bill Foley – have acquired a 25% stake in the club and will now invest significant money into Hibs on and off the field.
Hibs also join Foley’s multi-club network alongside AFC Bournemouth, FC Lorient and Auckland, as partner clubs.
They will share a scouting network, and Hibs will have access to players that would otherwise be out of their budget, evidenced by Emiliano Marcondes joining on loan from Bournemouth in January.
In an official statement, Bill Foley said: “We are excited to announce a strategic partnership and investment in Hibernian FC today, we look forward to partnering with the Gordon Family and other shareholders to accelerate the success of Hibernian FC and BKFC.
“We believe this partnership, with our commitment to invest in player development and infrastructure, can help BKFC and Hibernian FC reach new levels of success and help Scottish football continue to grow.”
The Gordon family will continue as Hibernian’s majority shareholders, led by the late Ron Gordon’s wife, Kit, and his son, Ian, and will retain full control of the club.
In a statement, the family said: “We are delighted that the partnership with Bill (Foley) and Black Knight Football Club has been ratified; a partnership that’ll greatly benefit the long-term future of Hibernian FC.
“We share the same values and ambitions as BKFC, and it was always part of Ron’s vision, and long-term plan, to bring in a minority partner. As a family, we have an unwavering commitment towards Hibernian FC and to building a winning, successful club.”
Investment from the owner of another club is the first of its kind in Scotland, the club had to receive approval from the SFA before it could go through, CEO Ben Kensell said: “This deal is ground-breaking in Scottish football and game-changing for Hibernian Football Club, so I’m really pleased it was ratified this evening.
“This is a really exciting time for everyone involved with Hibernian FC. The future looks very bright and fans should be excited.”
Bill Foley previously stated that Hibs can expect a six-million pounds investment in the summer, if he heeps his promise, Hibs summer transfer business should be fascinating, particularly as they are now partnered with clubs across the globe.
Looking to Easter Road
The astronomical sky over Edinburgh in March
An equinox, a selenelion and the start of British Summer Time all occur in March. Plus, the devil’s comet continues to brighten to naked-eye visibility.
The headline grabbing astronomical event of March is, of course, the equinox. From the Latin ‘aequus’ meaning equal and ‘nox’ meaning night, the northern hemisphere vernal (spring) equinox is when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, travelling northwards, and occurs on 20 March at 3:06 am in Pisces. This is the magical moment when, broadly speaking, day equals night and the Sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west for everyone on Earth no matter where you live. We can anticipate many cultural festivals and ceremonies across the globe in celebration of this event.
On passing through the March equinox the Sun traverses the First Point of Aries. This is the zero-point of the astronomical co-ordinate system but it isn’t static: it moves in time. So, the First Point of Aries is now in Pisces (The Fishes) and has been since 70 BCE. Today we can calculate that the First Point of Aries will enter Aquarius in the year 2597 and will not return to Aries until around the year 23315!
Yet we get ahead of ourselves for the Sun starts the month in Aquarius and enters Pisces on 11 March at 5:54 pm. Daylight lengthens from 10:45 (10.747 hours) on 1 March to 13:05 (13.081 hours) on 31 March so we lose 2 hours and 20 minutes of night time by the end of March. Let’s not forget, also, that British Summer Time (BST) starts on 31 March at 1 am and the clocks go forward by 1 hour.
Mercury becomes visible as an evening object starting after sunset on 14 March at -1.2 mag in Pisces. Although low in the sky (5° altitude in the west) it is 174 million km from Earth. Some 3 days later, it also reaches perihelion (closest to the Sun) at 44 million km. By 20 March, it gets closer to the Earth at 151 million km but, contrarily, fades in magnitude to -0.6 mag because the fractional area of the planet’s (apparent) disk illuminated by sunlight has decreased. On 23 March at 3:52 pm, Mercury reaches dichotomy when exactly half the planet’s surface is illuminated by the Sun. Finally, on 24 March it reaches greatest eastern elongation (furthest angular distance from the Sun) at 18.7°. Venus, meanwhile, recedes from both the Earth and the Sun. Indeed, it reaches aphelion (furthest from the Sun) on 19 March at 9:48 pm when it is 109 million km away. In March, it is a daytime object rising within civil dawn every day and so is lost in the Sun’s glare.
Mars, also, remains a daytime object too close to the Sun so remains unobservable. Jupiter dims slightly from -2.2 to -2.1 mag as it recedes from the Earth by some 58 million km. It is highly visible in Aries after astronomical (evening) twilight, all month long, for several hours but sets before midnight. On 13 March at 10:47 pm, it conjuncts with the waxing crescent Moon being separated by 3.3°. Since Saturn’s conjunction last month, it is unsuprising that it remains lost in the Sun’s glare (as a daytime planet). Uranus still follows Jupiter very closely in the night sky and sets about an hour after the giant gas planet. However, as a thought experiment: imagine you were a resident of Uranus with access to a superb telescope … why? Then, you could observe a transit of Mercury across the Sun on 13 March at 3:07 pm! Alas, Neptune is also a daytime planet and hides behind the Sun on 17 March at 10:31 am when it is in conjunction. A day later and it reaches it’s furthest distance from the Earth all year at 4.6 billion km.
The Moon enters last quarter on 3 March at 3:23 pm in Scorpio. Lunar perigee (closest to Earth) on 10 March at 6:59 am finds the Moon some 356,895 km away from Earth—around 27,505 km closer than average—subtending an angle of 33.5 arcminutes. The new Moon appears on 10 March at 9:00 am in Aquarius beginning a new synodic (Lunar) month. The first quarter of the new cycle shows up on 17 March at 4:11 am in Taurus. The waxing gibbous Moon conjuncts with Regulus in Leo (The Lion) on 22 March at 4:46 am as both set. Lunar apogee (furthest from Earth) occurs on 23 March at 3:32 pm and takes the Moon to 406,306 km away from Earth—around 21,906 km further than average—subtending an angle of 29.4 arcminutes. The full Worm Moon makes an appearance on 25 March at 7:00 am in Virgo.
The prominent event in this month’s Lunar calendar is a penumbral eclipse on 25 March. This occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s partial shadow. The double whammy for Edinburgh and Lothian, however, is that the eclipse begins between nautical and civil twilight and when the Moon is setting. Being so low on the horizon, starting around 10° altitude in the west-south-west, the eclipse maximum occurs after moonset. Sunrise at 6 am will also hamper observing but since both the Sun and Moon will be above the horizon at the same time, this is called a selenelion. Still, the eclipse starts at 4:53 am and for the first hour you should see something as the lunar surface darkens.
For comets, you might catch a glimpse, through binoculars or a telescope, of C/2021 S3 PanSTARRS as it reaches closest approach to Earth at 194 million km. It will be at 26° altitude, south-east, in Serpens Cauda (The Serpent’s Tail) on 15 March at 4 am around 7.2 mag.
The devil’s comet though, known formally as Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, should be visible with the naked eye by the end of the month. Our skymap is tailored to 8 pm mid-month so this can aide us in finding the comet. On 1 March at 8 pm, it can be found in Andromeda (The Chained Maiden) shining at 7.3 mag and 252 million km from Earth. A week later it gains 0.5 mag in brightness and comes 4 million km closer to Earth, 13 million km closer to the Sun. On the 13 March, still in Andromeda, at 8 pm it will be 1.5°N of the star δ-31 at 6.4 mag. On 22 March at 8 pm, it can be found 3°S of M33 (the Triangulum Galaxy) at 5.6 mag having crossed into Pisces. By 30 March, at 241 million km from Earth and brightening to 5.2 mag (6.3× brighter than the start of the month) it should be visible with the naked eye (at a reasonably good site) 1°W of Hamal, the principal star in Aries. Once the devil’s comet passes perihelion next month, it will not return for 71.3 years so, perhaps, take an evening stroll on Arthur’s Seat to see it without optical assistance?
The phenomena known as the ‘zodiacal light’ is visible during March. Caused by sunlight scattered off inter-planetary dust, it appears are a diffuse triangular glow extending from the Sun along the ecliptic. It may be observed in the western spring sky after sunset.
At the time of our sky map, some constellations visible are Orion (The Hunter), Monoceros (The Unicorn), Bo ̈otes (The Herdsman) and Cepheus (The Seated King). The ecliptic hosts Virgo (The Maiden), Leo (The Lion), Cancer (The Crab), Gemini (The Twins) and Taurus (The Bull), Aries (The Ram) and Pisces (The Fishes). Two fake constellations are visible in the south-west: the ‘Winter Triangle’ (Sirius, Betelgeuse, Procyon) and the ‘Winter Hexagon’ (Rigel, Aldebaran, Capella, Pollux, Procyon and Sirius).
Circumpolar constellations—always above the horizon—include Cassiopeia (The Seated Queen), Draco (The Dragon), Ursa Minor (The Little Bear), Ursa Major (The Great Bear) and Cepheus (The King).
If you are up for a challenge in March, and own decent binoculars or a modest telescope, consider completing the Messier Marathon. Around 9 March, all Messier objects can be observed within a single night—the Messier Marathon—for latitudes 20°–50°N so Edinburgh and Lothian is just on the edge. Even if you don’t complete the marathon but knock-off, say, over 100 you can claim to be an advanced Messier Bagger!
Big goal for Edinburgh South’s charity footballers
Edinburgh South under-10 footballers will be hard at work in Inch Park on Sunday afternoon raising funds for Bethany Christian Trust’s efforts at ending homelessness as well as partly financing a once-in-a-lifetime club tour of Majorca in October.
The target is to raise £10,000 with the money to be split evenly between the charity and the football tour.
To fulfil that objective the team will aim to dribble football’s non-stop for 5k and already the scheme can claim success having taught the players about real life challenges facing many in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland.
Team member Jenson, 10, is up for the challenge, saying: “It is going to be hard work but it is totally worth it for a brilliant cause.”
Head coach Paul Barr, added: “We are really proud of how hard the boys are working for this once in a lifetime football tour. We are also so pleased that half of the money is going to the brilliant work of Bethany.
“Any donation would be so appreciated.”
The club have launched a crowd finder page which is at:
Midlothian: ‘Grown up council’ passes council tax freeze and rent rise
Council tax bills and the cost of school meals frozen for the coming year as rent for local authority tenants rises by just under five per cent.
Councillors had worked behind the scenes to agree the budget for the year ahead before meeting to approve it, in a move which was described as ‘grown up’. But while they were able to agree the general services budget which includes a possible five per cent council tax next year there were questions raised over a capital plan which saw plans for a new high school in Gorebridge ‘removed’. A paper on the capital plan said the removal of Gorebridge High School and extensions to some primary schools, would save the council £80million in investment. However Councillor Derek Milligan, Labour group leader, said the proposals which were due to be debated in private later in the meeting would not be supported by his party without more details being provided. And Councillor Ellen Scott, SNP administration spokesperson for education, objected to the use of the word ‘removal’ in the paper insisting it was a project which would be revisited in the future. It was later confirmed no decision was taken on the private paper asking councillors to approve the changes including shelving the high school, which will be brought back to council at a later date. Supporting the general services budget, Council leader Kelly Parry said she was proud of the balanced budget which she said supported local residents. She said: “During this cost of living crisis the pressures on residents has been intolerable. “That is why I am pleased in this budget we will freeze the cost of school meals for the financial year. While we are reviewing our catering and leisure services we are freezing the cost to residents and do so while taking on the inflationary pressures ourselves. “There is much to debate about the council tax freeze but this will also relieve pressure on families and those in in-work poverty.” Councillor Parry pointed to an increase of 5.5 per cent in payments to foster carers as a sign of the local authority’s appreciation of the work they do and praised fellow councillors from all parties for working together on the budget plans. An amendment brought by the Labour group which requested an addition £2.5million council funding for Midlothian Integration Joint Board to support work helping children with complex needs moving into adult services and support the elderly was agreed by elected members. Councillor Colin Cassidy told the meeting: “I think this is a good day for Midlothian Council. It is the first time I have walked into the chambers on budget day without crowds of protestors outside and staff and workers in fear of losing jobs. “This is a grown up council we have here and one of the few in the country to return a budget like this to date.” Councillor Milligan said: “I am really proud of the fact that around this table we do go into business transformation, we do work in other areas together and we put politics at the back of us to put the people of Midlothian at the front of us. “When you see how other councils are struggling to get people to sit together in the same room, I think it is more comfortable to be sitting here.” And Conservative Councillor David Virgo added: “I commend the collegiate working of my colleagues.”
by Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
Cllr Kelly Parry, Leader of Midlothian Council
Sleeping Beauty – and not a wicked stepmother in sight
On a dark, damp afternoon it was lovely to head to Sleeping Beauty on Alva Street for a welcome facial.
While I do enjoy these beauty treatments, and have tried a few, I have never experienced an Elemis treatment so I was excited to learn about the benefits of the one intriguingly named ‘Pro-Glow Smooth’.
Before getting started, my therapist, Emily, introduced me to the Elemis Skin Lab which combines state-of-the-art technology in facial mapping analysis followed by a consultation which offers skincare solutions. This takes just 15 mins and is truly fascinating. Essentially, your therapist takes a photograph of your face which is then transposed into several different images highlighting everything from skin damage and fine lines to dehydration. All of this allows her to recommend the perfect products for each client. I loved it!
Then we moved downstairs to the cosy treatment room where my treatment started. Described as ‘the HIIT workout for your skin’ this 50 minute process starts with a double-cleanse using Energising Marine Cleanser for the first and followed by Superfood Cica Calm Cleansing Foam and Balancing Lavender Toner. All products are thoroughly removed with hot mitts, something I always find very therapeutic. As she worked, Emily carefully explained the benefits of each product.
Next the manual exfoliation using the deliciously named Papaya Enzyme Peel. A plant-based product, it was the final step in prepping my skin for an ‘infusion of hydration’ which came via the Pro Collagen Marine Mask. As I lay on the bed allowing it to work its magic Emily gave me a lovely hand and arm massage which, as someone who spends many hours in front of a keyboard, I thoroughly enjoyed.
The face mask was followed by two others, the Ultimate Hydragel Eye Mask and the Ultimate Lift for Jowl and Chin. Again, as these two products got to work, Emily gave me a relaxing decolleté massage.
After cleansing again with the Lavender Toner she applied Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Cream, Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence, pro-Collagen Rose Oil and finally, Pro-Collagen Cream SPF 30 (phew!).
As I left the salon and headed out into the evening air I definitely felt my skin plumper and more hydrated and the following day the tightening effect was visible.
My treatment cost £78 plus an additional £10 for the Skin Lab.
Man taken to hospital following assault in Pilrig Park
A 23-year-old man has been taken to hospital following an assault which took place in Pilrig Park.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We were made aware a man having been assaulted at a park on Pilrig Street in Edinburgh shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, 27 February.
“The 23-year-old man has been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and enquiries are ongoing.”
27/2/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Police cordoned off the area following a serious assault in Pilrig Park27/2/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Police cordoned off the area following a serious assault in Pilrig Park27/2/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Police cordoned off the area following a serious assault in Pilrig Park27/2/2024 Picture Alan Simpson Police cordoned off the area following a serious assault in Pilrig Park
Cyrenians launches new Edinburgh HQ
A charity hub has created a purpose-built HQ for one of Scotland’s most important organisations dedicated to ending homelessness.
Cyrenians has already spent 25 years based in Norton Park in Edinburgh but was spread across several units in the former school, which is home to 21 third sector organisations.
When a rare space came available in the building – know as the home of charities in Edinburgh – bosses at the hub bent over backwards to ensure it was refitted to perfectly suit the needs of Cyrenians.
Now the 220-strong charity, dedicated to tackling both the causes and consequences of homelessness has moved into a space almost double the size of its previous offices, which had become cramped as the organisation grew steadily.
Last year alone Cyrenians supported over 10,800 people experiencing or who were at risk of homelessness.
Catherine Bromley, marketing and communications manager with Cyrenians, heaped praise on Norton Park – a charity in its own right – as a brilliant landlord providing specialist and affordable offices space to those in the third sector.
She added: “Being in Norton Park, we are close to many other organisations who are striving towards similar goals. That opens us up to so many opportunities for collaboration, which has been fantastic.
“The facilities and amenities at Norton Park enable our staff to collaborate more effectively as we work to make real, lasting change in the lives of people in Scotland.
“We are launching a strategic plan for 2024 to 2027 and the move to the bigger space is very much consolidation for us as we strive to focus on and strengthen the services we offer at a time when Scotland is facing a housing emergency and we have never been more needed.”
The milestone move for Cyrenians means the organisation is now based in 3100 sq feet of space at Norton Park, where previously its team were spread across 3 units in the building with a total footprint of just 2800 sq ft. It also has offices in Falkirk and the Borders.
Since moving into Norton Park in 1999, Cyrenians has undergone significant expansion, currently providing 63 essential services across seven local authorities.
It attributes the expansion to the growing need for its services as a result of the persisting housing crisis and rising cost of living, leading to heightened levels of homelessness and temporary accommodation placements for many Scots.
Norton Park, in the heart of Leith, was a primary and secondary school which catered to generations of Edinburgh youngsters since 1903.
However, it later fell into disrepair until 1998, when it was rescued by the former Albion Trust (now known as Norton Park SCIO) which was founded to transform the building.
Continued investment means it now boasts a campus of modern shared offices, serviced with a reception – and fully accessible conference meeting and events spaces. Its conference centre, housed in a converted church adjacent to the school, provides space for up to 120 delegates.
It provides rent and services to charities significantly below market rates, enabling them to put more money back into their various missions.
Yolanda Wringe, Chief Operational Officer from Norton Park said: “Over the past 25 years we’ve had the privilege of accommodating Cyrenians and witnessing its remarkable growth as an organisation.
“Our aim to create a supportive community for these vital organisations so they can focus on their mission-driven work.
“From charities with a two people-strong team to 220 people, our premises enable sharing of experiences and resources which can help enable organisations like Cyrenians to grow.”
Norton Park is Edinburgh’s first office complex exclusively for charities and social enterprises, offering discounted rates for registered charities, community groups and public sector organisations.
The eco-friendly building offers flexible leasing arrangements and specially designed spaces to foster productivity and cooperation among nonprofits.
Cyrenians staff at Norton Park
Naismith fully ‘focused’ on Edinburgh Derby
Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, admitted his disappointment at the 5-0 reverse at Ibrox last Saturday, and his frustration at the way the goals were conceded, but declared: “We’ll prepare for Hibs.”
Only Yutaro Oda is ruled out of the squad for the Tynecastle clash (kick-off 19.45) on Wednesday with a calf issue, but Naismith said that there were lessons to be learned from the Ibrox defeat.
His squad has, since then, been focusing on the clash with Hibs, looking at their threats and in possession how Hearts can hurt the opposition, as well as reflecting on the defeat by Rangers.
The former Scottish international stressed: “We need to be competitive in the game when it is 0-0 and we were makers of our own down-fall at times (at Ibrox).”
The coach was frustrated as the general statistics of the game “turn out alright”. He added that the lesson the squad needs to learn is not to concede a goal after two minutes, not go 3-0 down after the first-half and not conceding another goal two minutes into the second period.
Naismith said: “We have been on a good run of form, but you have come up against the best team in the league at the moment and a team who played really well as their manager said after the game.
“Like every game, we look back at it and we do what we need to do. we review and we try to improve ourselves, but we know the game on Wednesday will be a different game, being at home.”
He added: “The 11 we think will do best in the game (on Wednesday) will be the ones who play. Again that is how we have worked consistently all season.
“There have been times earlier in the season when results haven’t gone our way and we have had to make decisions on the starting team, but the squad does not become poor overnight, individual players don’t become poor on the back of one performance.
“We have a competitive group but you need to be performing and doing things right to stay in the team.”
He disagreed that Saturday’s 5-0 defeat was “a wake-up call” for the Jambos and said: “You can never be off it. If you are off it at points you will get punished when you are playing against the best team in the league and that is what happened.
“I am not sure that there are any of the five goals that we are sitting going: ‘That’s brilliant play.’ Every goal we had a big part to play in it and it is about improving on that.”
Wednesday is, he said, a big game and the positive is that there is a cinch Premiership fixtures which is scheduled quickly after the heavy road defeat.
Naismith added: “So far, to this point, it as been a good season, we are in a comfortable position in third and it is about continuing on that progress.
“We just need to keep our levels as high as possible and the results will take care of themselves.”
Looking back, the Irvine-born former striker felt the last Derby lacked “a bit of quality” but overall he said: “They have been entertaining games. “We won the last one and we shot ourselves in the foot in the first one but we have been in good places throughout the games and I want us to start fast have energy and ultimately make it an atmosphere that is intimidating.”
Naismith said: “Every game you want to start fast and get control and stamp your authority on it. We have shown over the course of the last three months that we are a good team.”
PICTURE: Steven Naismith faces the media at The Oriam ahead of the clash with Hibs. Picture Nigel Duncan
Aldi expansion to bring 251 new jobs to Edinburgh & Lothians this year
The UK’s fourth largest supermarket is on the lookout for people of all levels of experience to fill roles across the region
The recruitment push is part of a nationwide expansion drive, with Aldi pledging to create a total of more than 5,500 new jobs across the UK in 2024. This includes 251 ‘colleagues ‘ in Edinburgh & Lothians, as the company opens new stores and updates others in the region.
Roles will include full and part-time positions such as Store Assistant and Deputy Store Manager. Store and Warehouse Assistants at Aldi receive a starting salary of £12.00 rising to £12.95 nationally.
Aldi currently has 105 stores in Scotland and employs more than 3,500 people. The supermarket chain opened its first Scottish store in Kilmarnock in 1994 and will celebrate 30 years in Scotland this year.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard, and they are without a doubt a huge part of our success at Aldi. We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores every week, not just because of our unbeatable prices and local sourcing, but also our amazing colleagues.
“We are looking forward to welcoming even more colleagues up and down the country to Team Aldi during 2024 and this is another step in accelerating progress towards our goal of making affordable, quality food accessible to everyone.”
Aldi recently committed to opening 500 more stores across Britain and is investing more than £1.4 billion throughout 2023 and 2024 as it progresses towards hitting this long-term target. This investment includes work to expand its distribution and store network as well as further improving existing stores and technology infrastructure to support growth.
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