Tourist Tax – bill passes Stage 1

Following our note about the proposed bill to establish a visitor levy in Scotland yesterday, it has passed the first voting stage at The Scottish Parliament.

This is the broad framework for all 32 local authorities to enact in their area in their own way. Each council may or may not charge a tourist tax and can decide how the revenue from it will be spent.

In Edinburgh the council has calculated that around £37 million could be raised from charging either a percentage or a flat rate fee on those staying in hotels and other accommodation. The local authority is running a consultation on the way the money should be spent until Friday at this link here.

There is also more information about the proposed tax here.

Read more here.

Cinema in Craigmillar

Craigmillar Now is screening three films from Thursday.

Made up of three short black and white films, The Bill Douglas Trilogy follows the experiences of a young boy named Jamie growing up during and after the Second World War in an impoverished Scottish mining town and his eventual departure to start a new life

Free but booking is essential.  Book here

The Bill Douglas Trilogy comprises:

My Childhood Thursday 18th January 3pm

My Ain Folk Thursday 25th January 3pm

My Way Home Thursday 1st February 3pm

The Bill Douglas Trilogy: My Childhood (PG)
Thursday 18 January at 3pm
46 minutes with English subtitles
Black & White

In My Childhood (1972), eight-year old Jamie lives with his granny and elder brother in a Scottish mining village in 1945. With his mother in a mental health institution and his father absent, he is subject to the hardships of poverty.

The cinema film programme is funded by The City of Edinburgh Council.

Post Office scandal

The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain, KC, appeared at Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon to make a statement to MSPs.

The content of the statement can be read here.

Following the statement MSPs were invited to question the Lord Advocate. Edinburgh Southern MSP, Daniel Johnson asked: “The scandal hinges on the fact that the Post Office continued to investigate and prosecute people after it knew that evidence from Horizon was flawed. I push the Lord Advocate on her timeline. She is saying that it was not until 2019 that the Crown Office was told that the evidence was unsound or that it had reason to doubt it. However, that is simply the point at which it was proved in a court of law, which is different from knowing and having reasons to doubt it. Indeed, the Crown Office’s timeline suggests that.

“In 2013, the Crown Office said that it needed to carefully consider evidence. In 2015, it stopped the prosecutions. There were public questions published in Computer Weeklyas long ago as 2009, and there were questions in many national newspapers. When did questions regarding the safety of the evidence first arise in the Crown Office? What steps to investigate that did the Crown Office take, because that was clearly before 2019? When did the Crown Office know that the evidence was not safe? Was that before or after the decision to stop the prosecutions?”

The Lord Advocate responded that the prosecutions stopped in 2015 but it is important to distinguish between what the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service knew and the work of the reporting agency (the Post Office).

She said: “In the period from 2013 to 2015, the agency indicated—through its experienced staff, through witness statements and demonstrations of the operation of Horizon and in meetings with Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service representatives—that there was no problem with the Horizon system and that, in previous cases that had been prosecuted by Scottish prosecutors, there were no concerns about the accuracy of the evidence that had been submitted by the Post Office.

“Following 2013, when the issue was raised in meetings because of public concern, Scottish prosecutors were assured that the Horizon system was robust and that it would have no impact on the evidence that was available to Scottish prosecutors and the safety of that evidence.

In relation to what Scottish prosecutors knew, they did not know through that period of time—from 2013 to 2015—that there was any difficulty whatsoever with the Horizon system. That continued to be the position of the Post Office thereafter. It said that there was no problem with the Horizon system, and it was only after the adjudication of the courts in England and Wales in 2019 that that was asserted as being positively wrong.

“It is quite clear from the reported decisions of the court of criminal appeal in England and Wales that, until 2019, the Post Office refused to accept that there were problems with Horizon. It is clear from the reported decisions that that is the case.”

Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western asked: “It is clear from the Lord Advocate’s statement that the Crown Office—like members of the public, the press and Government officials—was repeatedly lied to as part of an industrial-scale deception. The Lord Advocate confirmed to Anas Sarwar that any criminality by the Post Office will be considered after the public inquiry concludes, if complaints are made to Police Scotland. Will that consideration apply solely to the Post Office as an agency as a whole? Could it apply to specific individuals in the agency? Can Police Scotland act directly on the inquiry’s findings or would a third-party complaint be needed to begin legal proceedings?”

The Lord Advocate responded: “A complaint of criminality on the part of Post Office officials or the corporate entity of the Post Office would be considered by the Scottish police and investigated and reported in the normal fashion. In addition, when there is a complaint of individuals’ criminality, a report should be made to the police, and the normal processes of police investigation and reporting to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service should be carried out.”

Ceilidh on

The White Heather Ceilidh at Bonnie & Wild in St James Quarter falls on Burns night, so on Thursday 25 January B&W will be ramping things up to celebrate Scotland’s National Bard.

The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio will be joined by a bagpiper for the evening, while many of their kitchens will be putting on Haggis specials, including Kochchi, Stack & Still, Creel Caught, El Perro Negro and east PIZZAS.

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And if you have any stories then do get in touch. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

The bill to introduce powers for local authorities to impose a transient visitor levy or tourist tax has passed the first voting stage at The Scottish Parliament.

This is a broad framework for all 32 local authorities to enact in their area in their own way. Each council may or may not charge a tourist tax and can decide how the revenue from it will be spent.

In Edinburgh the council has calculated that around £37 million could be raised from charging either a percentage or a flat rate fee on those staying in hotels and other accommodation. Hotels in Edinburgh noted a 92% occupancy rate over Hogmanay, and this is an important part of the city’s economy.

The local authority is running a consultation on the way the money should be spent until Friday at this link here.

There is also more information about the proposed tax here.

Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “I strongly believe that a visitor levy can be a force for good, offering councils the opportunity to use the proceeds to invest in their local economy, bringing benefits to residents and visitors alike.

“This Bill is about giving local government a new power, which they can use as appropriate. It fits with our ambition of fiscally empowering local government and strengthening local democracy, and the New Deal for Business and the New Deal for Local Government are at the heart of the Scottish Government’s approach to this measure.

“We have already taken on board the helpful input we have had from business, councils and others and I am committed to continuing that meaningful and constructive engagement as we move forward.”

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “I am delighted to see the progression of the Visitor Levy Bill through Parliament. The introduction of visitor levy powers is a small but significant step towards maximising the revenue raising powers available to local government, enabling those closest to the community, your democratically elected councillors, the power to decide what works best for their local communities, and recognising the great diversity of needs across Scotland.

“The revenue raised by the levy has the potential to provide much-needed additional investment in our communities, in areas from the natural environment to cultural and leisure facilities, at a time when local government is facing significant strain on resources. Meanwhile, we are keen to ensure that this additional revenue stream helps us to maintain Scotland’s position as a world-leading tourist destination.

“We are fully committed to further joint work with the Scottish Government as the Bill continues its journey through Parliament, as well as continued engagement with colleagues across our important tourism industry.”

Lothians MSP Miles Briggs, Conservative, said: “We are opposed to the SNP-Green Government’s plans to introduce the measures in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill. We believe that the bill could have a significant negative impact on an industry that has suffered, especially during the pandemic. We want to ensure that ministers listen to the concerns that have been raised and do all that they can. I genuinely hope that, in a spirit of consensus, ministers will reach out beyond the parties that support the bill in an effort to ensure that we put things right. I have led many conversations about the exemption schemes in the committee. I want to ensure that that is taken forward.

“Ministers have stated that the purpose of a visitor levy is to generate revenue for local government in order to support and maintain tourism-related infrastructure, services and amenities. However, we are still not clear about how those funds will be ring fenced to help to achieve that. Who will take forward the decision making on where the moneys are spent?

“In the coming weeks, Scottish Conservatives will work to try to limit the damage that the bill might cause our tourism businesses and to improve the bill by making it fairer and limiting its impact on those who might be captured by it, such as people who are visiting loved ones in hospital, young people, those who are on education visits and vulnerable families. I hope that we can work across the Parliament to take that forward to stage 2 and finally to stage 3.”

Scottish Greens welcome the move

Allowing councils to apply a visitor levy will raise vital funds for local services which are often under huge pressure due to tourist numbers, says Scottish Greens finance spokesperson, Ross Greer MSP.

The comments come as The Scottish Parliament prepares to debate Stage 1 of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, which would empower local councils to introduce a visitor levy to hotels and overnight accommodation, similar to schemes already in place across Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. 

The scheme was secured by the Scottish Greens during budget negotiations in 2019 but was one of a number of bills postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

Mr Greer said: “Scotland is incredibly fortunate to be such an attractive tourist destination, but this puts a huge strain on local services ranging from public toilets to bin collections. Tourists obviously don’t pay council tax, so a small levy on their overnight stays is a fair way to ensure that local residents aren’t left picking up the bill. 

“Visitor levies are already common across Europe and beyond, including in top destinations like Paris and Barcelona. It is a small charge that will make a big difference here in Scotland.

“This is just one of the steps Scottish Greens are taking in government to give more powers to local communities, alongside the ability to double council tax on holiday homes and the upcoming cruise ship levy.”

Lothian under-18 badminton team excelled when finishing runners-up to the hosts, Yorkshire, in the Railway Institute Octagonal team competition at York.

Lothian were the sole Scottish representatives in a competition played in converted railway sheds and featuring strong English counties Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Warwickshire, Surrey and Leicestershire as well as two sides from Yorkshire.

The team featured players from Edinburgh and all the Lothians – Mid, East and West – and comprised Callum Jack, Jacob Glass, Lingyun Xiao, Fraser Banks, Ben Ross, David Campbell; Sophie Walker, Lucy Degg, Tushara Senthilrajaram, Amy Hunter, Qing Yang Xiao and Deepti Vijayakumar.

Irene Blair coached the team who were also accompanied by Sethu Vijayakumar who said: “It was an excellent performance by Lothian especially fielding a very young team.”

One of the two Warrender water polo teams — playing as Warrender Gold — took first place in the under 15 Scottish Championship beating Dunfermline 6-2 in the final.

Hosts Stirling placed third while the other participating clubs were Edinburgh trio Portobello, Stingrays and Warrender Platinum as well as Aberdeen, Menzieshill and Western.

With only 30 seconds left it was 4-2 until the game’s high scorer Ben Maclean scored two of his four goals to put the trophy firmly into Warrender’s hands. 

Warrender Gold coach Andrew Jessiman said:  “This team was so easy to coach.   They played with an intelligence and attitude far beyond their years and the Championship is a tribute to everyone putting their all into playing as a team.”   

Warrender Gold players took a couple of prestigious individual prizes; Andrey Teplechuk was named Most Valuable Player while Zach Johnston was Best Goalkeeper.

Captain Teplechuk was at the heart of a strong defence also featuring Bram Stenhouse and  Frankie Vere. They helped restrict opponents to a mere four goals in five matches.   

Andrey said:  “This was my final tournament in the under 15s category, in which I have played for three years. This is the first time we have come away as champions, so it was particularly special for me, as captain in my final tournament. To be voted “most valuable player” is very flattering, but to me water polo is a team game and my pride in this victory is reserved for our whole team, and our coach!“ 

Zach Johnstone added:  “It was a really great tournament, I was a bit nervous about the competition as there are so many good teams but our’s played really well; the defence was just perfect and it was great fun. I’m very proud to win top goalkeeper, (as) it’s a great achievement and I was very happy to take that trophy home.”

Another Warrender Gold team member, Wilf Braban, summed up: “The cup final was a tough game until we started scoring more goals. That gave us more confidence and it was two very good teams. The win was a big one and I felt great after I realised we had won.”

A glowing accolade came from Neal Rayner, tournament director who said: “These were the best and most exciting Water Polo Championships I’ve ever seen in Scotland.   All the players and coaches should be immensely proud of their performances.”

• As we reported several weeks ago Warrender girls took their under-15 title in a penalty shoot-out with Dunfermline so it was a notable double for the capital water polo club.
• The Scottish under-14 water polo development squad for 2024 has been named and includes the following locally based players – Fraser Bailey, Charlie Carver, Jakub Lisicki, Matthew Sinclair (all Portobello), Reuben Corson, Murray Simpson, Andrew Sligo (all Stingrays), Cairn Lake and Matthew Cox (Warrender).

Badgers ate thousands of tulips which had been gifted to Scotland’s leading botanical garden and planted there.

More than 10,000 tulip bulbs were donated to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) by a generous supporter.

Horticulturalists planted them on the approach to the historic Botanic Cottage, anticipating a stunning display of flowers.

But only a few hundred grew as more than 9,000 were dug up and devoured by hungry badgers living in and around the Garden.

Raoul Curtis-Machin, RBGE Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience, said: “From time to time we get big gifts from other nurseries and individuals.

“We had a fantastic donation of about 10,000 tulips that went in the ground but only about 700 actually appeared because, who knew, badgers love them.

“We were looking forward to the wonderful display. It was still very attractive but just not as impactful as it might have been.”

The RBGE has a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals including badgers, foxes and squirrels.

There are several badger setts. Although the omnivores are rarely seen by staff or visitors, at night they target slugs and snails and make holes in the lawns looking for worms.

In the past, staff have tried putting out pairs of flashing “night eyes” in a bid to prevent the badgers from uprooting and eating plants.

The “eyes” — red lights triggered by movement sensors — were supposed to trick the nocturnal creatures into thinking there was another badger there. But the clever animals finally rumbled the ploy and began to ignore them.

Mr Curtis-Machin added: “We celebrate all the wildlife in our gardens — even the stuff that’s eating our plants.

“Badgers are protected so you wouldn’t think of moving them anyway, but because we’ve got them in the neighbourhood we just accept that they are part of the population.

“It’s just one of those things. Everything you think is a baddie in the garden does have a positive as a general rule.

“We just don’t plant as many tulips and focus on plants they don’t eat.”

Edinburgh Libraries want everyone to know that they can have instant access to free online library services without even having a library card.

If you would benefit from free access to ebooks, audiobooks and magazines, but aren’t a member of the library, read on.

This New Year you can get free instant access to Edinburgh Libraries Libby service without a library card. Thousands of best-selling titles for adults, teens and children are available to read on your phone, tablet or computer. It’s a good way to make the most of your electronic devices and to save money.

No library card? No problem. For a month from 16 January if you are over 16 years old you can sign up for an Instant digital card in seconds. All you need is a mobile phone number and the access code – Library2go. To find out how to get started go to www.edinburgh.gov.uk/IDC

The Instant digital card gives you access to Libby for three months. However, you can keep on using the service for free by joining the library and receiving a permanent membership card. Join online through www.edinburgh.gov.uk/joinourlibrary

Contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk if you have any questions about the library’s downloadable services.

Following questions asked at First Minister’s Questions the Lord Advocate appeared before MSPs on Tuesday afternoon to make a statement relating to the Post Office scandal.

After appearing in the chamber for almost an hour and a half and answering many questions from MSPs, Ms Bain left without making any further comment to the waiting media.

In the address Dorothy Bain KC explained what Scotland’s prosecutors have done in relation to Scottish subpostmasters and subpostmistresses accused of wrongdoing in relation to the Horizon IT system.

The statement is as follows:

Presiding Officer, Members, I am grateful to the Parliament for inviting me to address this very important matter.

I wish to take a moment at the outset to acknowledge the harm caused to the people in these cases who have suffered a miscarriage of justice.

The wrongly accused and convicted sub postmasters and postmistresses are due an apology from those who have failed them, and I do that today as head of the system of criminal prosecution in Scotland. The Post Office is part of that system and I apologise for the failures of those in the Post Office who were responsible for investigating and reporting flawed cases.

As a prosecutor, preventing and correcting miscarriages of justice is as important to me as inviting a court to convict for a crime. That is fundamental to my commitment to the rule of law.

Today, I shall set out what Scotland’s prosecutors have done to protect the rights of postmasters, and what they have done to uphold the proper administration of justice. There is a great deal which could be said on this but I am limited in time. However, I am determined that the public should understand the issues which have arisen, and I am committed to future transparency and the publication of information when I can appropriately do that, being mindful of ongoing legal processes.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is the only public prosecution service in Scotland.  It acts independently and makes prosecutorial decisions in the public interest. It receives reports of alleged offences from over 70 investigative agencies, including the Post Office.

The relationship between a prosecution authority and an investigating agency must be based on absolute candour and trust.  As an investigating agency, the Post Office must act fairly, and this includes an obligation to reveal to prosecutors all material which may be relevant to the issue of whether the accused is innocent or guilty.

It is clear that the Post Office failed in its duty of revelation and as a result some individuals were prosecuted when they should not have been.

Where miscarriages of justice have happened, it is because prosecutors in Scotland accepted, as they were entitled to, evidence and explanations at face value from the Post Office.

When it became clear that these explanations could no longer be relied upon, prosecutors changed policies, dropped cases and subsequently supported the work of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, the Court of Appeal in Scotland , and the UK Public Inquiry.

To help Parliament understand the impact of the Post Office’s failures in this duty of revelation, I shall summarise the history of the work of Scotland’s prosecutors when dealing with the Horizon cases.

Between 2000 – 2013 there is no record of prosecutors having been made aware of the bugs and error in the Horizon system that we know now, significantly these bugs and errors impacted the reliability of evidence submitted by the Post Office. 

In May 2013 the Post Office, via its external lawyers, first contacted prosecutors to address public concerns that had been raised regarding the Horizon system. In the months that followed, the Post Office and its external lawyers sought to provided assurance to prosecutors that the system was robust. In providing these assurances, Post Office lawyers referred to two reports, one of which had been prepared by the independent auditor, Second Sight, which concluded that there were no systemics defects with the Horizon system. Further, Post Office advised prosecutors that it had instructed an independent law firm to review all potentially affected concluded Scottish cases and no concerns about the accuracy of the evidence submitted by the Post Office in reporting these cases for prosecution were raised.

Despite these assurances, in particular, the independent report which concluded that there was no systemic issue with the system, on 7 August 2013, recognising the continuing public concern, Scottish prosecutors were advised to carefully consider any Post Office case to determine if Horizon impacted it whilst information was awaited.  That advice was shared to assist prosecutors to consider how best to proceed.

On 5 September 2013, a meeting took place between Scottish prosecutors and Post Office officials including their external legal Counsel.  At that meeting, Post Office officials repeated their assurances to Scottish prosecutors, but moving forward, it was agreed that Post Office would obtain expert evidence and a further report to support the integrity of Horizon evidence.  Meantime, Scottish prosecutors continued to follow the approach set out in the advice issued on 7 August 2013.

Post Office failed to deliver these assurances timeously and as a result, in the months that followed, prosecutors took the decision to take no further prosecutorial action in several newly reported cases.

Post Office and Crown Officials again met on 06 October 2015.  During that meeting, Post Office officials advised that they remained confident in Horizon.  Indeed, the then CEO of Post Office Limited had given evidence to that effect at a Parliamentary Select Committee in February 2015, advising that they remained confident in the Horizon system.  Notwithstanding that, Post Office confirmed that they were unable to provide a final expert report or provide expert evidence which would support the integrity of the Horizon system and defend challenge in Court. 

At that stage, in light of the failure to provide a final Second Sight report or provide any expert evidence regarding the Horizon evidence, Scottish prosecutors formalised their cautious approach.  On 22 October 2015, prosecutors were advised to assess all Post Office cases and report for Crown Counsel’s instruction with a recommendation to discontinue or take no action in cases which relied on evidence from the Horizon system to prove a crime had been committed.

During this period, the Post Office did not disclose to Scottish prosecutors the true extent of the Horizon problems as they are now known to be.  Scottish prosecutors received assurances that the system was robust.  These were assurances that prosecutors, without the benefit of hindsight, were entitled to take at face value.  They would not have known, nor indeed suspected, that the Post Office may not have been revealing the true extent of the Horizon problems. 

Because of the failures by the Post Office, we know that a number of people in Scotland may have suffered a miscarriage of justice.

In circumstances such as these, our justice system enables those who may have suffered a miscarriage of justice to appeal a conviction by virtue of an application to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission who may themselves review and refer a case to the High Court of Justiciary for appeal.

The findings in the English group litigation headed by Alan Bates which were later endorsed in 2021 by the English Court of Appeal when quashing 39 convictions of those it held had suffered a miscarriage of justice are significant.  It was these judicial determinations which identified and confirmed, beyond doubt, the extent of the problems with Horizon and the adverse impact these had on prosecutions across the United Kingdom.

In September 2020, supported by Crown Office, and with information provided by the Post Office, the SCCRC wrote to 73 individuals who may have been convicted in Scotland on the basis of unreliable evidence from the Horizon system with the purpose of inviting an application for their case to be reviewed. To date, to the best of my knowledge, 16 individuals have come forward to the SCCRC.  This has resulted in 7 referrals to the High Court, 4 of which have resulted in convictions being overturned. 

In addition to those individuals who have been written to by the SCCRC, in recognising the role it can play in assisting the SCCRC in its work, Crown Office identified potentially affected cases with a view to identifying whether any other individual may be impacted to ensure that no possible miscarriage of justice is missed.  This was the basis for the recent information from Crown Office that around 100 cases may be Horizon cases. Work is ongoing to review these cases and as of today that number has reduced to 54 cases which are being considered by prosecutors as potential Horizon cases most of whom have already been written to by SCCRC.

It will be noted that, of those written to, only a small portion of people have come forward to identify themselves as possibly affected.  This may be indicative of the fact that not every case in which Horizon evidence is present will represent a miscarriage of justice.  It is important to recognise that in Scotland, there is an established route of appeal in circumstances such as this.  That route involves the SCCRC considering cases in the first instance prior to referring appropriate cases to the Court of Appeal.  This is an important process because not every case involving Horizon evidence will be a miscarriage of justice and each case must be considered carefully and with regard to the law.  It is also important to recognise the important and established constitutional role of our Appeal Court in Scotland and that due process must be followed.  Scottish prosecutors have taken appropriate steps to expedite those Appeals where possible.  This has included obtaining a Court order against the Post Office in order to recover essential documentation relevant to the appeals.

Presiding Officer, before I finish, I want to say this:

I am very deeply troubled by what has occurred, and I remain acutely concerned that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was repeatedly misled by the Post Office.  Assurances which were just not true were repeatedly given.

To those wrongfully convicted, I understand your anger and apologise for the way you have been failed by trusted institutions and the criminal justice system. I stand beside you in your pursuit of justice. 

I want to assure this Chamber, those wrongly convicted, and the people of Scotland that I will do all I can to prevent such an affront to our justice system from ever happening again and to right the wrongs which have occurred. 

I commit to transparency in the information which is held by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, subject to the restrictions of the ongoing Appeals and the ongoing Public Inquiry. 

I can also advise this Parliament that I have sought urgent advice on the continued status of the Post Office as a reporting agency in Scotland. I know there are calls for allegations of criminality in the Post Office to be investigated. That is a step which requires to be tackled at a UK national level. The consideration of any criminality in Scotland on the part of those responsible for the failures of the Post Office will require to wait until the public inquiry has concluded and the full scale of their actions is understood. 

A new vehicle charging hub will be set up at Ocean Terminal as part of the redevelopment there.

The hub will be located at the front of the building adjacent to what is currently the south car park, and will have six EV chargers powered by traceable clean renewable energy provided by SSE able to charge up to a dozen vehicles at any time. Two of the bays will be available for accessible parking and the ultra rapid chargers of up to 150kw will charge up car batteries within an hour.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Ambassador Investment Management, the Scottish owners of Ocean Terminal, said:

“Having recently received planning consent to deliver our Masterplan for Ocean Terminal, we are delighted that our vision for a new neighbourhood on Leith’s waterfront with sustainability at its core is taking shape so quickly as we bring this new EV charging hub to the area. 

“As the future of Ocean Terminal changes, so too do the needs of our centre users and we are proud to be working with our partners at SSE, a company which is at the forefront of decarbonisation solutions, to meet modern requirements for clean fuel and green travel options.

“And with the new hub able to charge an electric vehicle in an hour, it will provide the perfect reason to visit the new and improved Ocean Terminal for a meal, film or browse of the shops!” 

Kevin Welstead, EV Director from SSE Energy Solutions said: 

“We’re proud to announce this site with Ocean Terminal which will provide ultra-rapid EV charging facilities for their customers to have at their disposal.

“At SSE, we’re dedicated to helping get people on the road to net zero. By providing high-quality EV Charging hubs we are supporting both the public and businesses across the UK and Ireland to make the transition to electric vehicles.

“This site is a perfect example of how drivers can conveniently and quickly charge their electric vehicle as they go about their day.”

This is the latest addition to the redevelopment of Ocean Terminal which will include new homes, health and leisure facilities and new active travel options.

https://www.oceanterminal.com/latest/opening-up-the-waterfront-34

The Accounts Commission has said that councils in Scotland will have to make hard decisions about service cuts owing to financial pressures.

The report just published assesses the finances for this year to April 2023 and looks at the way services can be funded beyond that. Although the commission found that councils received more funding in cash terms for the current financial year high inflation means that there was a three per cent cut in real terms. More than half of the 32 local authorities are using their savings and reserves to balance budgets which only pushes back the costs to a future time.

In spite of more core funding from the Scottish Government for next yea there is a gap between that and what councils will have to spend as there is an increased demand for their services as well as inflation and increases to the cost of living. Capital budgets for buildings and infrastructure are also under strain.

The Accounts Commission report found that: “Councils recognise the risks ahead, but they need to innovate at pace and make difficult decisions about cuts to services to remain financially sustainable. Some councils have experienced opposition from within their communities when seeking to reduce services to balance budgets. This reinforces the need for frank consultation and engagement with communities when planning change.”

Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission said: “There are intensifying pressures on council finances and services. Given the funding position for councils, there is increasing reliance on reserves and savings to deliver balanced budgets. This means councils are already making difficult decisions about future service delivery and the level of service they can afford. Having leadership and a workforce with the right skills will be crucial to deliver on this. 

“Local government is the second largest area of Scottish Government spending, but despite rising demand for services, the proportion of funding to councils has reduced over the last decade. Urgent progress is needed to agree a funding framework between Scottish and Local Government. This will bring much-needed clarity and certainty of budgets for future years.” 

Read the full report on the Audit Scotland website.

Tourist Tax

Today at The Scottish Parliament the stage 1 debate on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill is on the agenda.

This is of importance to Edinburgh, which hopes to be the first city to use the legislation to impose a Visitor Levy to raise extra income for the capital from anyone staying overnight in the city in certain types of accommodation.

Although launched in March 2020 as a national strategy following a consultation in the last quarter of 2019 it was paused by the pandemic and only revived as a bill in May last year.

Each local authority is to be allowed to decide if it wants to introduce a charge, what the level of the charge should be, and whether it should be a flat rate or a percentage of the accommodation cost which applies in some of the larger cities in Europe.

It is still not fixed what the income from the national 17.5 million visitors would be used for, and it is up to each council to decide how to use it. The Scottish Government’s approach is to have a “broad national framework within which a local authority would set out a local visitor levy scheme”.

The Cockburn Association has published its comments here in response to the council’s online survey which remains open for everyone to have their say until 19 January.

The online survey is here.

Goodies are reopening

Farrah Maryam CEO of Goodies SCIO has been in touch with their news of reopening next week: “We are a charity called Goodies SCIO based in Edinburgh, we are primarily a food charity but we save anything that’s surplus that can be redistributed to those in need. Working with Edinburgh university and a large number of supermarkets and businesses.

“On the 22nd January we will be reopening our café community hub and warm space at the Southside community centre in Newington where we will serve tasty low-cost meals, offer a free food pantry and bring the community together through various activities and mental health awareness talks and support etc.”

Apply for a college course

There’s still time to try something new as places are available on a wide range of January-start courses at Scotland’s capital College.

Edinburgh College’s January courses start later this month – meaning potential applicants still have time to book their place and take the next step in their education and career journey.

Places are available in subject areas including: Music, Computing, Cookery and Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Business, Science, Health and Care and Sport and Fitness.

In addition to full-time courses, a variety of flexible study options – including evening and part-time – are available to suit the needs of those with family commitments or those in employment.

Courses are delivered by expert lecturers across the College’s four campuses: Granton; Midlothian; Milton Road; and Sighthill – all of which house state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

As well as high-quality learning, students also have access to extensive support services including: funding, learning support and wellbeing during their time at the College.

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal, said: “We’re looking forward to launching our January-start courses for 2024. It is always an exciting time for us to welcome new students to our Edinburgh College community.

“Our courses are delivered by expert teaching staff and are designed to provide students with the skills they need to either continue their learner journey or achieve their chosen career. We look forward to supporting our next wave of students to take their next step.”

Thrift Sale next week

A Thrift Sale is being held at the Wee Red Bar next to the Edinburgh College of Art on Lauriston Place next week. Details below.

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The Jim More Memorial Trophy has been held every year since 1980 at Grange Squash Club to commemorate one of the founding members.

This year the silverware went to Martin Lydon, left, after a hard fought 3-1 final success against Chris Lumb.

Greg Edwards, left, defeated Archie Acheampong in the plate event, which provided further competition among those making an early exit.

Edinburgh pro cyclist Sean Flynn, 23, is in Australia this week competing for Netherlands outfit Team dsm-firmenich Post NL.

And success in the Santos Tour Down Under – first pro event of the season – could mean Sean moving closer to competing in the iconic Tour de France.

In his first year at the top level Sean, who is joined in the team by fellow Scot Oscar Onley from Kelso, raced at the Tour of Spain.

Depending on performance over the coming months he could again be selected for that race as well as being in contention to compete at the Tour of Italy and the blue riband French event.

Sean joined Team dsm-firmenich PostNL in 2023 emerging from under-23 ranks where he had a successful few seasons and took a brilliant win at the Istrian Spring Trophy in early 2022.

Introducing Sean, the team web-site states: “Sean isn’t from a cycling family as such but from a young age everyone around him has been active and pursued sports in one way or another. His first passage into the sport was from watching some downhill mountain biking and he joined a local cycling club near Edinburgh at around the age of ten. Starting in cross country mountain biking, Sean then also took up cyclocross which was followed by road and track and in his younger years he “basically did any type of cycling he could” before more recently fully focusing on the road.”

Sean made it clear that his feet are firmly on the ground while showing the necessary – and natural – ambition.

He said: “It’s all the start of the next step, it’s not like I’ve made it yet. I know it’s going to be hard but I’m really looking forward to it, getting stuck in and working hard so that hopefully I can make it all the way to the top.”

Career highlights so far include representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games where he helped his team-mate Finn Crocket to a bronze medal.

Also, being part of the team time trial success on the opening stage of his debut Vuelta a España.

The Santos Tour Down Under runs until Sunday throughout South Australia.

A pub with a history stretching back over 300 years is to be turned into flats as locals say it will be a “great loss” to the community. 

The Newbridge Inn, one of the city’s oldest public houses, will be partially knocked down and subdivided to form two apartments after revised plans put to the council were approved.

Four new houses will also be built on the site as part of the project.

However heritage experts have said the proposals fail to demonstrate “a sufficient understanding of the importance of this listed building or its history”. 

The Inn closed its doors for the last time last April due to the business struggling to recover after lockdown and running at a loss, previous operators said.

Local councillor Kevin Lang said there had been hopes that a new operator would “come in and return the Inn back to its former glory,” but added: “Now that won’t be possible”.

The existing C-listed building was constructed in 1895 however some portions date back to the original pub founded in 1683 on land owned by Archibald Hope of Raukellour.

Last year the plans were revised to reduce the height of the new houses and give them a “traditional aesthetic that is characteristic of the area” after concerns were raised by planners. The application was then resubmitted to the council and the green light was given earlier this month.

Some locals wrote to the local authority to object to the loss of the historic Inn. “The pub is big part of the village and would be a great loss to everyone in the area,” one said. “I don’t feel changing it to two flats would benefit the community. The pub is a local meeting point and has always been an inn.”

Another wrote: “The Newbridge Inn is the hub of our community and the only public house in this village.”

The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) said the building makes a “significant contribution to the history and character of the area”. 

It said removal of the inn’s original front door, chimneys and fireplaces would be “highly objectionable” and added that overall the proposal “would be of detriment to the building and does not exhibit a sufficient understanding of the importance of this listed building or its history”. 

This view was not shared by city planners who concluded the works were acceptable and would “preserve the character and setting of nearby listed buildings”. 

Councillor Lang, who represents Newbridge, said: “It a real shame that what was once a popular and well used place for local people to meet is going to be lost.

“There’s a significant need for new housing here, which is why I opposed the recent decision of SNP and Conservative councillors on the Planning Committee to turn over land allocated for new housing in the village to an industrial storage park. However, communities also need facilities and services.

“There had always been hope that a new operator would come in and return the Inn back to its former glory. Now that won’t be possible.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter.

Edinburgh author Colin Burnett has just published his second book entitled Who’s Aldo?. The sequel to his first book, A Working Class State of Mind, in which the main characters were introduced, is already receiving glowing reviews.

The new story follows Aldo who is an Edinburgh gangster, but the crime novel is written with some laugh out funny moments throughout. In this story the career criminal is accompanied by kind-hearted Staffy, Bruce as the pair career around town between Leith, the city centre and Midlothian.

“Aldo is determined to become a better person. His best pals Dougie and Craig and the four-legged love of his life, Bruce the Staffy, do their best to keep him on the path to redemption but his lawless nature and chaotic home life propel him into a series of comical, exhilarating, occasionally brutal adventures.”

Colin said: “There is a lot of violence and drugs in the book, but readers have liked the comical parts. I think it’s like the Scottish version of The Sopranos. I hope it gives a much-needed voice to the working class people living here.

“I am autistic and dyslexic and I hope my story as a writer might encourage others living with similar disabilities to pursue a career in the arts. My debut novel was regarded as Trainspotting for a new generation.”

Who’s Aldo is published by Tippermuir Books. There is a link to buy the book and to listen to an extract of it below.

A new show apartment in Musselburgh was designed by a celebrated Scottish Interior Designer.

Set along the banks of the river Esk, Dundas’ The Wireworks comprises of an exceptional home design with luxury fitted kitchens, bathrooms, and high-quality finishes.

Tasked with bringing the show apartment to life, leading Interior Designer Carol Yates was inspired by the site’s industrial heritage.

Carol said: “When taking on a project such as this, I always start with the buyer’s profile along with a brief from the client to give me as much inspiration as possible to create a unique design.

“When I start the design, I’ll look closely at floor plans to see how features, such as full-length windows, and open-plan living can be used to best determine how the furniture will be laid out and what I want the interior will be.

“In this case, I was able to take advantage of the fantastic open plan space, encompassing the kitchen, living room, dining area and full-length windows in all the rooms. It allowed me to create something quite different for Dundas, and unique in East Lothian.

“I’m impressed with how picturesque and peaceful this area is and I believe this will be perfectly suited for urban commuters who want to return to a peaceful home after a hard day of work and downsizers who are seeking a beautiful, calming environment.”

The spacious open-plan living area features a custom watercolour-style blossom mural, hand-painted directly on the wall, which sets the neutral tone for the rest of the light-filled apartment.

To maximise light and space, Carol opted for an open layout. Textural elements like woven throws and velvet cushions add warmth to the apartment without compromising the spacious arrangement.

Carol added: “I enjoyed creating a light and airy feel using neutral tones, sheer curtain window treatments rather than heavy drapes, and minimising solid fabrics. It helps maximise the spaciousness of the open floor plan.

“The bedroom was my favourite room to design because lighting, textures and colours can shape the whole atmosphere and mood. I played with different tones from dark and moody to light and neutral along with shutter and lighting options.”

The kitchen and bathroom feature chic metro tiles and brass accents, while the bedrooms continue the pared-back aesthetic for a relaxed yet elegant retreat.

The new show apartment offers potential homeowners a glimpse into the upmarket lifestyle that awaits at one of the region’s most hotly anticipated developments in years.

The Wireworks is a £35 million redevelopment of the former Brunton Wireworks site in the Honest Toun, and will bring to market a range of high-spec one to three-bedroom apartments, and stylish penthouses.

Dundas has a mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston and proudly Scottish, it has a track record of building well-designed homes that are higher spec than a vast majority of competitor properties.

The award-winning Scottish property developer’s main aim is to always make the buying process one that’s smooth and stress-free.

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/the-wireworks

The Edinburgh Boiler Company has launched a new era with the appointment of Dougie Bell as managing director, with previous MD Mark Glasgow becoming chairman.

Bell, who steps up from his role as operations director, also becomes a partner in the Dalkeith-based firm.

Mr Glasgow has been at the helm since setting up the company in 2015.

The move into a new strategic role will allow him to focus on further growth plans for one of Scotland’s leading heating and renewables specialists, which has seen a major uptake in private solar PV and heat pumps since expanding its services last year.

It will also allow him to become more heavily involved in the expansion plans of the Energy Training Academy, which he set up in 2022 with the aim of upskilling gas engineers into renewables while also delivering training programmes for youngsters setting out on their own employment journeys.

“This is by far the most significant appointment I have made since setting the company up nine years ago,” said Mr Glasgow.

“It’s been a journey I will never forget, from starting out as basically a man and van to employing 40 members of staff as we moved away from just installing boilers to establishing ourselves at the forefront of solar PV and heat pump installation.

“This is the start of a new era for the business and is the right decision for its ongoing development.

“Dougie came in as our first operations director nearly 18 months ago and has been responsible for a lot of our progress to date, particularly achieving the ISO and MCS certifications. He will bring fresh energy, vision and impetus. He commands respect from the staff, is firm but fare, and is perfectly suited to the position of managing director.

“I am fortunate to have someone of his capabilities in this position and my new role allows me to focus on further developing the Edinburgh Boiler Company, help progress the exciting plans we have for the Energy Training Academy and work harder on our involvement with the local community, which is a big driver for me.

“The foundations are now in place for us to really kick on. With me becoming chairman and Dougie having a free role as MD, it’s a powerful combination which will keep driving us forward at pace.”

Last year EBC won a place on the £728 million Warmworks framework which will deliver The Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Scotland National Scheme, which launched in October 2023 and will last for a minimum term of five years.

Mr Bell, who is based in Galashiels, said: “We want to be at the forefront of creating eco-friendly heating solutions and creating local jobs that meet the growing demands of a more environmentally conscious market.

“It’s a real honour to be made managing director of a company which commands such a strong reputation among our clients and peers.

“It’s a significant step up in my career and represents a genuine professional milestone. It’s a huge vote of confidence in my abilities to steer the Edinburgh Boiler Company into its next chapter, for which I am extremely grateful.

“We have strong foundations in place thanks to the great work done by Mark and the team over the years and I’m very much looking forward to accelerating further growth while continuing to deliver the quality and reliability which has underpinned our success to date.

“Community engagement and working with local charities will be at the core of our business ethos as we keep making a positive impact both locally and in the broader industry.”

https://theedinburghboilercompany.com/

Scottish walking charity urges the public to get moving in the winter months 

An increasing number of Scots are using walking as a means to boost their mental health and beat their winter woes. 

The 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland, commissioned by charity Paths for All, reveals that an increasing number of Scots are taking short strolls to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.  

Specifically, the percentage of respondents citing mental health as a motivation for walking rose from 78% in 2019 to 84% last year. 

Louise Bursle, Communications & Marketing Manager at Paths for All, said: “A brisk winter walk releases feel-good endorphins that can help relieve stress and boost your mood. 

“The results from the 2023 survey are very encouraging. They show that more and more Scots recognise the incredible benefits that walking brings to both their physical and mental health. 

“Walking with friends or family also gives you that social connection we all need for good mental health. So, we encourage everyone across Scotland to get outside, enjoy nature, and walk off the winter blues.” 

Walking has proven mental health benefits, especially during the dark winter months. The survey suggested that although the physical health benefits tend to be more widely recognised and often a key motivator to increasing walking; more people described the emotional and wellbeing benefits of regular walking. 

According to the national survey, 80% of Scots agree that walking helps them relax, and 77% say it clears their head and helps them concentrate. 

Paths for All facilitates over 850 health walks across Scotland, with more than 14,000 dedicated volunteers leading and assisting the groups. 

Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day. 

 https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/ 

Coming into season now, cod roe is a real delicacy.

With a sweetbread like appearance it’s very popular in Scandinavia, and now you can learn how easy it is to cook. With his extensive love and knowledge of all types fish and seafood, Willie Little, chef/proprietor at Little’s Restaurant in Blairgowrie, is keen to shine a spotlight on cod roe which always features on the menu at Littles at this time of the year.

As Willie says, it’s an ingredient which was popular with his parents and grandparents – they wasted nothing and were keen to eat cod roe as it is highly nutritious, and an excellent source of vitamin D and omega three fatty acids.

Cod roe with capers and lemon butter

Ingredients

• 200 g cod roe per person
• 100 g capers
• 200 g butter
• half a lemon
• chopped parsley
• a pinch of pepper

Method

heat the pan but not too hot. Melt half the butter and gently place the cod roe in it – cook for two minutes, turn and cook for two more minutes on the other side. Add the remaining butter and allow to froth, then add the capers, chopped parsley, a pinch of pepper and a squeeze of the lemon. Cod roe does not need salt. Serve immediately.

This week’s meal suggestion is from Willie Little of Little’s Restaurant in Blairgowrie

www.littlesrestaurant.com

The Scottish events industry is invited to a meet up at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) next month when they can learn from each other.

The EXPERIENCEit initiative is intended to support the growing market for “experiential events” and will encourage partnerships through engagement, education and collaboration.

Exhibitors at the event will include Vue Cinemas, Social Jungle, Topgolf Glasgow, Iventis, Kimpton Hotels, Newsquest, Daniel Thwaites Group, Nook Event Pods, Create and Calm, Power of Events, and EventWell.

Judith Wilson, Events Director of EVENTIT said: “EXPERIENCEit will celebrate the best of the best that the events industry has to offer here in Scotland and across the UK and we are pleased to announce some of our fantastic exhibitors. 

“Spots are still available for exhibitors who want to join us at the EICC for a true showcase of creating and delivering events with greater impact– you won’t regret it.”

Exhibitors are encouraged to create immersive and experiential activities, offering delegates a glimpse into the future of event experiences.  

Esme Walsh, Head of Marketing, Saltire Hospitality said: “Saltire Hospitality are thrilled to be part of this dynamic new initiative. We can’t wait to showcase our award-winning hospitality services in this unique environment so our future clients can immerse themselves in our offerings.”

EXPERIENCEit will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2024 from 8.30am – 4pm at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Edinburgh with tickets costing £75 plus VAT. 

eventit.org.uk

Veterans Housing Scotland have commissioned their first TV ad which will air on STV from today for two weeks.

John Tonner is a Visiting Officer with the charity which has its main base in Edinburgh and shares his story and that of the disabled veterans who benefit from the charity’s work.

John (30) joined the military in 2012 and served for ten years including two operational tours in Afghanistan. After joining the RAF in 2012, he underwent training and was posted to 58 Squadron RAF Regiment based at RAF Leuchars.  When he arrived, the squadron was training to deploy to Afghanistan where he went at the age of 19 as Force Protection supporting a Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT). 

John said that he enjoyed the operational tour however he had no idea of the impact serving on the MERT during the tour would have on him in later life. He transferred to 2 SCOTS and was promoted to Lieutenant Corporal.

He said: “I was able to work my way into a trusted position within the signals platoon and was selected to move to C Coy where I worked within the company’s signals detachment.  I completed another seven years’ service in 2 SCOTS including another operational tour in Afghanistan. During which I suffered a severe head injury when medical evacuation was a real possibility.

“Ten years’ service and two operational tours began to take its toll on my mental health and around the start of 2021 I began to think that something was wrong.  However, fearing being seen as weak and worrying about not being able to deploy, I kept this quiet.  My mental health had been impacted by the horrific injuries to the casualties I had seen and delt with on my first tour supporting the MERT.

“My cry for help came in the summer of 2021 when I attempted suicide.  I felt that I had no one to turn to.  I was very lucky that a stranger helped me.

“After months of reviews and treatment I was diagnosed with PTSD and told that I was being recommended for a medical board review.  At that time, I would learn if I was able to carry on my career or if I would be facing medical discharge.  This created additional stress and anxiety.  All I had ever wanted to do was be in in the armed forces.

“On the day of my Medical Board I learned that I was being medically discharged.  I didn’t know what I was going to do or where I was going to live.

“It was around that time that I heard about Veterans Housing Scotland. One of the best days in my journey.

“It was the Personnel Recovery Centre that introduced me to VHS.  There was the perfect property for me and my family available in Hawick.  The application process included an interview to be sure that the property was suited to my needs.  It was.

“I was over the moon to be able to move into the property quickly.  Everyone at the charity helped make my transition and move as easy as possible – and the support didn’t stop there.  I had regular calls and visits from my Visiting Officer who just wanted to keep in touch and ensure that life was getting back on track for me.

“One of the highlights of these calls was telling him that after a short time I no longer needed the property as I had been able to buy my first home.  The benefit of the rent reduction offered by VHS had helped me significantly to reach this truly memorable milestone.

“With help, the move-out was just as straightforward.  In addition, I felt that by moving out I was able to help support another veteran and their family with a home so that they too could have a better, brighter future just like me.

“Later that month I saw an opportunity for a Visiting Officer Role with VHS and applied.  I am passionate about supporting fellow veterans, to be able to share my story with them so that they too can see that there is hope and opportunity after leaving the armed forces. I was delighted to be offered the role and joined the team in November 2022.

“With the benefit of hindsight and never forgetting that I have support all around me from friends, family and colleagues, I’m starting to enjoy life again and look to the future.  I’m truly grateful to be in the position I am today, thanks to the help and support, I received from VHS.”

Kevin Gray, Chief Executive of Veterans Housing Scotland, said: “John has a remarkable story to tell and we are privileged that he has allowed us to share it as part of our awareness campaign.

“It is one of the founding principles of the charity that rents were to be kept as low as possible to allow veterans to devote more of their money to securing employment to help secure a better and brighter future. John’s story highlights all areas of the work of VHS and how in many respects we remain committed to our founding principles.”

www.vhscot.org.uk

Plans on view for abandoned bingo hall

The plans for development at the former bingo hall in Leith will be on display on Wednesday as part of a public consultation. The developers plan to convert the building within the Leith Conservation Area into student flats saying that “this is in response to a local desire to preserve the building, located in the Leith Conservation Area, and address a chronic undersupply of student accommodation in the capital”. 

The public consultation event will take place on Wednesday 17th January 2024 between 4:00pm and 7:30pm in McDonald Road Library, 2-8 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4LU. 

Exhibition boards detailing the project will be available at the event, as well as from the project website (www.manderston-street.co.uk) from 9am on the day of the event. 

LifeCare need entertainer

The Stockbridge based charity LifeCare is looking for an entertainer for their day clubs. at Cheyne Street. The person would come into their clubs on a regular basis to provide entertainment and fun for their clients – ideally on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Contact stevensmith@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk for more information.

The Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh need your pallets

The Cycling Gardeners need some pallets for a composting project and if you have some then you are asked to get in touch.

info@cyclinggardeners.co.uk

Tender Bodies

On 21 January 2024 from 1.30–3pm at Fruitmarket Gallery. Free. Book here

Fruitmarket presents award-winning director Jeanie Finlay in conversation with award-winning artist Hayley Morris Cafiero and best-selling author Aubrey Gordon to discuss their respective careers and bodies of work, and how their most recent creative practises have entered a similar, vital discourse.

Jeanie Finlay is one of Britain’s most distinctive artist and filmmakers. She creates award-winning work for cinema and television, telling intimate stories to international audiences. All of Jeanie’s films are all made with the same steel and heart, sharing an empathetic approach to bringing overlooked and untold stories to the screen.

Her latest film Your Fat Friend had its world premiere at Tribeca. This event will take place the same day of the Edinburgh premiere, before the screening at Cameo Picturehouse.

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And if you have any stories then do get in touch. editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

In a multibillion pound transaction Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) which includes Edinburgh Airport in its portfolio, is being sold to fund managers BlackRock with the deal due to complete in autumn 2024.

A “substantial majority” of the purchase price is being paid in BlackRock stock, namely 12 million shares of common stock along with a cash payment of $3 billion. The company also owns the UK’s second biggest airport, Gatwick, and Clydeport which controls 450 square miles of the River Clyde through its subsidiary PeelPorts Group.

The purchase will create a combined business of more than $150 billion. A spokesperson for GIP said: “We believe bringing GIP and BlackRock together will deliver to clients the benefits of broader origination and business improvement capabilities.”

BlackRock has also agreed to appoint Bayo Ogunlesi, GIP Founding Partner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to the Board at the next regularly scheduled board meeting following the closing of the transaction.

Laurence D. Fink, BlackRock Chairman and CEO, said: “Infrastructure is one of the most exciting long-term investment opportunities, as a number of structural shifts re-shape the global economy. We believe the expansion of both physical and digital infrastructure will continue to accelerate, as governments prioritize self-sufficiency and security through increased domestic industrial capacity, energy independence, and onshoring or near-shoring of critical sectors. Policymakers are only just beginning to implement once-in-a-generation financial incentives for new infrastructure technologies and projects.

“I’m delighted for the opportunity to welcome Bayo and the GIP team to BlackRock, and happy to announce our plans to have Bayo join our Board of Directors post-closing. We founded BlackRock 35 years ago based on a unique understanding of investment risk and the factors and forces driving investment returns. GIP’s deep understanding of the factors and forces driving operational efficiency for long-term value creation have made them a global leader in infrastructure investing. Bringing these two firms together will create the infrastructure platform to deliver best-in-class investment opportunities for clients globally, and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead of us.”

Bayo Ogunlesi, GIP Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO, said: “I’m excited about the power of this combination and the prospect of working with Larry and his talented team. We share with BlackRock a culture of collaboration, client focus, investment partnership, and commitment to excellence. Investors have adopted private infrastructure investing for its ability to provide stable cashflows, less correlated returns, and a hedge against inflation.

“Global corporates have turned to private infrastructure as a fast innovator and a more commercially agile owner of infrastructure assets that aren’t core to their commercial businesses. This platform is set to be the preeminent, one-stop infrastructure solutions provider for global corporates and the public sector, mobilizing long-term private capital through long-standing firm relationships.
“We are convinced that together we can create the world’s premier infrastructure investment firm.”

Popular Dayle Wood starts his second second season of National Development League racing with Stellar Monarchs Academy later this year with a point to prove.

Wood admitted he had doubts about coming back but added: “I have put in all the hard work, time, money and effort. Not to come back after a not so good first UK season would be giving up too easily. When Edinburgh offered me a spot I couldn’t say no.”

Wood has been racing in Australia over the winter and said: “My plans are to keep working hard, training on and off the bike and do as many meetings as I can so when it comes time to start the UK season I’ll hit the ground running and be ready to go.”

Scott Wilson, the team’s manager said the improvement in the rider from April to September last year was clear to see.

Wilson added: “I have spoken about him taking on more responsibility and leadership this year, which is something he is keen to embrace.

“It’s a big year for Dayle and, if the team is going to be successful, we will need him to perform at a heat leader level. He must do this to achieve his own goals and ambitions so he will be determined to be a big points scorer for us this season.”

PICTURE: Dayle Wood in action captured by Jamie Kenny

The Bass Rock Shore Angling League is back in business this week, weather permitting, with postponed Round Eight now scheduled for East Lothian on Wednesday, January 17.

It’s a North Berwick Rover and registration is at the harbour between 6pm and 6.30pm. Fishing is from 7pm to 10pm and scales close at 10.20pm.

James Ogilvie, secretary, said that only sizable fish should be brought to the scales and there is the usual £10 entry fee and 100 per cent pay out for heaviest bag and heaviest fish.

High water is 7.09pm.

Elsewhere, Midlothian-based Mike Kyle was third in Round 3 of Mike and Chris’s Winter Heaviest Cod League at the weekend with a bag of over 8lb. Chris Horn from Kirkcaldy, one of the organisers, was second with a bag of over 8lb 8oz and the winner was Willie Kennedy from Ayr with 9lb 2oz.

Gary Rezin from Aberdeen landed the heaviest fish, a specimen of 4lb 6oz on Usan beach, and the boundaries were Carnoustie to Ferryden Lighthouse.

Kyle has a busy weekend as he won the first leg of the Edinburgh New Year Shore Angling League with 20 fish with Steve Potts (Tyneside) second with 17 fish and Stevie Souter (Edinburgh) third with 14 fish.

All were caught at Newhaven and a total of 28 anglers caught a total of 231 fish in the three hours of the competition sponsored by The Edinburgh Angling Centre, The Fishing Megastore and Cox and Rawle.

Kyle and Alan Haggon, incidentally, tied the longest fish, 30cm.

PICTURE: The Bass Rock from our library

Fife Flyers had to accept second best for the second night running when they were edged 5-4 after overtime by Coventry Blaze in the Midlands, despite holding a 3-0 lead early in the second period.

Brady Norrish was in the right place at the right time to slot home only 52 seconds into the extra session with John Curran and Alessio Luciani setting up the chance.

It was a real blow to Fife who were beaten 3-2 at The Fife Ice Arena by Guildford Flames in overtime on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Dundee Stars beat Glasgow Clan 4-3 in overtime on Saturday but were thrashed 6-1 at Elite League pace-setters Sheffield Steelers on Sunday.

PICTURE: Fife Flyers v Coventry earlier this season. Picture by Jillian McFarlane and courtesy of the Elite League

Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating an alleged rape in Abbeyhill in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Abbey Street was closed off to allow a forensic search following reports of a sexual assault at around 4.30am.

Enquiries continue.

Edinburgh Eagles are through to the second round of the Betfred Rugby League Challenge Cup after coming from behind at the interval to defeat Lowca RL 28-22 in Whitehaven, Cumbria.

Eagles trailed 10-4 at the break but staged a second half rally to earn another away tie against Castleford Lock in a fortnight.

Captain Lewis Clarke was player-of-the-match and he contributed a try for the Capital outfit.

Other scorers were Ross Mawdesley, Apenai Kororua, Mark Robertson, Viliami Rokobull and Terry Logan.

Chair of One Democratic Palestine (ODP), Pete Gregson, went to Downing Street on Thursday to hand in a letter to the Prime Minister signed by 1,410 supporters calling for the removal of Hamas from the UK’s Proscribed List of Terrorist Bodies.

The open letter was created by means of a petition set up by ODP, an organisation with around 85 members. Mr Gregson had tried to deliver the letter in December but was told he had to “go away and fill in some more forms”. On Thursday accompanied by two fellow supporters he was permitted access to the famous black door to make the delivery.

The letter points out that whilst the Hamas military wing, the Qassam Brigades, were proscribed in 2001, the political wing was only added in 2021, following Priti Patel’s “secret meetings” whilst on an Israeli holiday. The Terrorism Act 2000 provides that any person affected by proscription may call upon the government to remove the proscribed body from the list. 

Originally Mr Gregson tried to lodge the petition through the Parliamentary Petitions website, only for it to be rejected because “It calls for an action relating to a particular individual, or organisation outside of the UK Government or Parliament”.

Gregson then approached GoPetition in the USA, who agreed to carry it.

He said: “In light of the fact that Israel has been using their massacre of the 7^th Oct as a reason to “wipe out Hamas” for deaths that Israel itself mostly caused, we feel it essential that the UK Government reconsider this listing.

“Hamas were elected by a big majority of Palestinians in 2006 – but excluded from their right to govern Palestine. All their requests to the Palestine Authority for fresh elections have been denied. Their “Document of General Principles and Policies” published in May 2017, makes clear that Hamas are committed to democracy, that their enemy is not Jews, but Zionism – and they would call a truce if Israel withdrew to their 1967 borders. However, their ultimate objective would be the end of Israel and its replacement with one democratic Palestine, with equal rights for all.

“The UN refuses to proscribe Hamas, as they recognise that Palestinians have a right to use armed struggle to end their 75-years of occupation against a colonising power that denies their rights. We will continue with this petition, which can be found at www.tiny.cc/hamas , until we have succeeded in convincing UK Parliamentarians that we must do as we did with Northern Ireland, when we kept speaking to Sinn Fein, even whilst the IRA were bombing Britain. Because we have proscribed Hamas, we leave the Palestinians – and most particularly the Gazans- without a voice.”

Until December Mr Gregson was an active member of Murrayfield Community Council (MCC) but he was asked to resign over social media comments relating to Palestine which the Chair felt breached the code of conduct for Community Councils. He has refused to comply with the request.

Mr Gregson told The Edinburgh Reporter: “Why should I resign? I have done nothing illegal; I have done nothing that would draw the MCC into disrepute. My right to freedom of expression is enshrined by law in Section 10 of the 1997 Human Rights act. The MCC is breaching that right, for I have never said a word about Palestine, speaking as a representative of MCC. If I had, there may be some reason to censor me. The MCC is simply over-reacting to a complaint. Why are they listening to a nutcase?”

The community council minutes reflect the view of the Chair and other members. The minutes state: “The Chair reported that P Gregson had recently attracted attention on social media by actively promoting his views on a particularly sensitive issue, namely the situation in Gaza. It was felt that this activity was potentially in breach of Paragraph 3.4 of the Scheme for Community Councils which obliges a Community Councillor to desist from conduct likely to bring the Community Councillor and/or the Community Council into disrepute. The office bearers had taken the decision to ask P Gregson to resign. He had refused and on the advice of the Governance Team at the City Council the office bearers had lodged a complaint, which would be determined by an independent panel and a decision given within 40 working days.”

Mr Gregson was instrumental in ensuring that the former public toilets in Roseburn Park were converted into café premises which opened in 2023, and has led on the move to erect a plaque honouring John Lennon and commemorating his association with Murrayfield.

He also stood as an independent candidate in the by election held in Corstorphine and Murrayfield last year.

A woman has been charged with a driving offence following an incident on The Mound during the pro-Palestine march held in Edinburgh on Saturday.

According to reports the 70-year-old driver drove her Seat Leon car into the crowd which was then surrounded by protesters and police. No-one required medical attention.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.30pm on Saturday, we were made aware of a road crash involving a car and a small number of pedestrians in Ramsay Lane, Edinburgh. 

“Officers received reports of minor injuries from pedestrians, but no medical attention was required. 

“A 70-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a driving offence. 

“A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The march continued to Bute House in Charlotte Square where a small crowd chanted and police remained in attendance until just before 5pm when the protesters dispersed.

Drum Property Group are heading up a consortium of developers who have submitted plans for a new residential area on a 200 acre site between the Park and Ride at Ingliston and Gogar Roundabout.

The plans are to create a 20 minute neighbourhood of more than 7,000 homes in a £2 billion development. Developers say that the homes will help the city address the declared housing emergency and that the plans comply with the council’s City Plan 2030 which earmarks this area for development.

Along with homes, schools, medical provision, bars, restaurants, cafés, retail and commercial premises, the 27 acres of green space will include a 5.5 acre central park and a wildlife corridor. The plans show a network of cycling, running and walking tracks and the area is served by the tram route where a new stop will be created.

The local developer Drum Property Group which was behind the redevelopment of Stead’s Place on Leith Walk formed West Town Edinburgh in April 2021 to lead development of this site which is considered one of the city’s most important.

Graeme Bone, Drum’s Group Managing Director said: “We now have the opportunity to make West Town an exemplar, sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood on a par with the best new developments taking place across the UK and Europe. “This planning application is a significant milestone in realising the ambition we share with the council both for the local area and for the city, further strengthening the long-term collaborative process that is set to deliver a major transformation of the west of Edinburgh. The amount of space on the site combined with its superb location allows for a natural extension for the city providing 7000 mixed-tenure homes and new jobs in a new 20-minute neighbourhood. West Town has direct access to some of the best public transport in Scotland – the tram line travels through the site and there are integrated rail, cycle and road connections, creating a strategic gateway to Edinburgh.

“Drum has a proven track record of delivering high quality large-scale communities across Scotland and our ambition for the area matches that of the proposed Edinburgh City Plan 2030. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council to advance our shared vision to create a new, sustainable urban quarter for the city.”

If approved the development would get underway by the end of this year with first homes available in two years’ time. Public consultation took place over the last year.

www.west-town-edinburgh.com