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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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

Figures released show that more people stayed in hotels and patronised retail and leisure businesses in Edinburgh over Christmas and Hogmanay.

The Business Improvement District, Essential Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Hotels Association have both agreed their satisfaction with the numbers, although trading figures for city centre businesses have not yet been released. In December footfall on Princes Street increased by just under 10% on December 2019 statistics and by 15.4% on 2022 traffic. In all the footfall on Rose Street increased by 10.2% over the whole month of December compared to 2022 and on Princes Street by 1.1%. This was well ahead of the Scottish high street index which was down by -2.1%.

In Edinburgh hotels occupancy rates were recorded of up to 92.5%, confirming the city’s reputation as a Christmas and New Year destination.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh who run the city centre business improvement district, said: “The figures show the positive impact of year-round tourism for the city and the important contribution to our economic wellbeing that tourism makes. We continue to play it down at our peril and we over-tax it at our peril.  It is so important to the city we need to invest in tourism and support it heavily, including shouting from the rooftops about how important it is to us. And we need our local and national governments to do the same and mean it.”

“Yes, we have new openings and are gathering good footfall but overheads have been and still are increasing a lot and we know from the sector profits are certainly not going up – you only need to look at the number of business closures across the UK in these sectors. Government at all levels needs to understand the need to support these sectors who are huge employers in the city and generate vast tax revenues for the Government, essential to funding our public services.”

“It is perplexing that so many politicians talk about the need for economic growth but are then pretty silent on the potential of growing tourism, something which is already a massively important contributor to our economic wellbeing.”

It is the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors which were among the worst hit during the pandemic, with other factors including Brexit, energy costs, high inflation and labour shortages also cited as challenges.

Neil Ellis, Chair of Edinburgh Hotels Association, said the sector was happy with the room rate over the three evenings of Hogmanay, particularly the high of 92.5% on New Year’s Eve which was an increase on the previous year of almost 20%, despite the opening of additional hotels.

He said much of this was expected because of the increased capacity for the Street Party and the wider access created by the programme. “Edinburgh continues to attract visitors, all year round from all over the world. This is only achieved via a huge team effort and of course continued product development in our fantastic array of hotels, bars, restaurants, attractions, museums and retail.”

“We are trying to remain optimistic about the future but the recent Scottish Government Budget has done nothing to help hospitality businesses with many disappointed at the lack of support. There are still huge cost pressures with still relatively high general inflation, food inflation stubbornly higher than that and the increase in the Living Wage in April which will result in an untenable position for some.  This is on top of additional regulation around calorie labelling, proposed restrictions on alcohol advertising and the rearing up again of the deposit return scheme.”

All three outlets of Pizza Geeks in Haymarket, Leith and on Easter Road have a January offer available to customers.

Kyber Mondays
90 minutes of all-you-can-eat, unlimited pizza for £15. Dare to try every pizza on our menu, or stick to your favourites. The choice is yours.

Terms and conditions – Dine in only. All guests at a table must take part in this offer.

To keep your pizza fresh and prevent waste, Pizza Geeks will bring over extra pizza when your previous serving is finished. No takeaway boxes for unfinished pizza & not available in conjunction with any other offers.

Lunchtime Pizza & Drink | £9
Choose any of the regular sized pizzas & a soft drink or coffee for £9. Dine in, takeaway or collection only. Available Monday – Friday 12pm-4pm

• Terms and Conditions – Not available for delivery, Collection & dine in only. Add-ons and extras incur an additional charge. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.

App Orders

20% off through January using codes “LIGHTSIDE” for first time users and “BACKTOTHEGEEKS” for returning customers, if you’re smart you can get 20% off more than one order. 
Delivery & collection only – must be ordered through the Pizza Geeks app. 

While they are selling pizzas the company is also donating pizzas to those in need – so far they have given away 39,188 pizzas to those who need them. In 2018 they launched Pizza for the People and simply by dining with Pizza Geeks, you are contributing to their initiative that combines their passion for pizza with their commitment to supporting the local community.

www.pizzageeks.co.uk

A new exhibition opens on Saturday with a very long name – the 143rd Open Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW).

The show includes 370 new paintings by more than 150 artists, some of whom are the country’s most highly acclaimed painters.

There are also more than 100 paintings submitted from non-members, and a showcase of international work collated by the National Watercolour Society based in California.

The 40 paintings in the international section include artists from Singapore, Netherlands, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the US.

President of the RSW, artist Angus McEwan, said: “We are looking forward to a great show, which promises to be as varied as ever.

“We have a huge range, from work by some of the finest artists working in traditional watercolour,right through to work by artists who are really pushing the boundaries.

“I have been to watercolour exhibitions all over the world and the work we have in Scotland is more highly coloured, more expressive, more daring than most.

“I don’t think we like to be hemmed in, maybe that’s part of the Scottish psyche. We enjoying pushing the envelope and trying things out.”

This year, the RSW Annual exhibition will share the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) Upper Galleries with the National Galleries of Scotland’s show of watercolours by J. M. W. Turner. At the same time, an exhibition on William Gillies, a past President of the RSW, will take place in the lower galleries, organised by the RSA.

McEwan said: “We are honoured to be showing alongside these watercolour heavyweights. Gillies was an inspiration to many as a teacher at Edinburgh College of Art and a prolific painter in watercolours.

“January has always been the time when the National Galleries of Scotland shows the collection of Turner watercolours left by Henry Vaughan, and this year they will be displayed alongside some of the best paintings in water-based media by contemporary artists.”

The 143rd Open Annual exhibition will be accompanied by a parallel online show featuring one work by all the participating artists, on www.rsw.org.uk

Mistakes continue to prove costly for Fife Flyers, according to coach Tom Coolen, as he attempts to drive his men into the top eight of the Elite League.

The Kirkcaldy club host Guildford Flames on Saturday (face-off 19.15) and they are desperately in need of points. Fife have met Guildford on five occasions so far this term. In the league the Scots lost 2-0 in Surrey in early December and 5-2 at Guildford on November 5 but won 3-0 at Kirkcaldy on October 21.

In the Challenge Cup, Flames won the first-leg 3-1 at Kirkcaldy on December 6 and took the second-leg 3-2 in Surrey on December 132.

Coolen (pictured), however, continues to remain up-beat despite dropping two points at home last Sunday to Nottingham Panthers, a side who arrived on an eight-game winless streak and short-benched, and the potential loss of a key defenceman.

Captain Jonas Emmerdahl’s inclusion will be a game-time decision.

Again last Sunday, two Panthers goals came as a result of players not blocking shots. Emmerdahl is a key element on penalty kill and the team overall.

No 1 goaltender Shane Owen, sidelined through injury for recent games after being hurt at Belfast Giants just before Christmas, has been back on the ice and Coolen said Emmerdahl and Owen would be game-time decisions. He has emergency goalie cover in Kevin Lindskoug. He formerly played for Flames.

Coolen’s goal is a place in the top eight at the end of the regular season and he said: “When we are healthy and rested we can compete with teams in this league.”

Against Panthers, he said, his men made “a couple of mistakes” and he has gone into that aspect ahead of Saturday’s home joust. 

The coach added: “Ice hockey is a game of mistakes. Minimise them and score a big goal or two then you are in business. It is difficult, however, to play a perfect game. We’ve won two out of three and we’re hoping to make it three out of four on Saturday. Yes, we are disappointed at not taking four points last weekend after our great win in Belfast but injuries left us short of cover.

“We need everybody to be fit and healthy to be successful but I’m not going to dwell on that. We’ll wait until game time to decide on Emmerdahl and Owen but we have cover for Owen in Kevin Lindskoug who played against Belfast and Nottingham.”

For the record, Flyers head for Coventry Blaze on Sunday (face-off 17.30) and Coolen said: “Guildford are a very good team with speed and we’ll deal with Coventry after Saturday’s game at the Fife Ice Arena.”     

From Elaine Kinnell, NSPCC Scotland Schools Service Manager

Dear Editor,

This month, the NSPCC is calling on people across Scotland to help us deliver vital child safeguarding messaging to local schoolchildren.

Speak Out Stay Safe uses age-appropriate language and workshops with our friendly mascot Buddy to help children aged 5 to 11 understand how to recognise abuse in all its forms.

We have some amazing volunteers here in Scotland and during the last year they have delivered Speak Out Stay Safe to over 70,300 children in 373 schools across Scotland.

However, we want to reach every child in every classroom, and to do that we need more volunteers. 

Our Schools Service feels like being part of a family, with volunteers meeting like-minded people and delivering workshops to help children understand that it is never their fault if they experience abuse, that they have the right to be safe, and how to get help from safe adults and the NSPCC’s Childline service.

Volunteers receive full training and support and are only asked to visit two schools a month, but can make a real difference to children’s lives.

To apply, visit https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers or for further information contact volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk

Yours sincerely,

• Elaine Kinnell
• NSPCC Scotland Schools Service Manager

The developer behind the student flats at Eyre Place Lane lodged an appeal with the DPEA, The Scottish Government planning and appeals division, just before Christmas.

A Government Reporter has now been appointed to hear the appeal on proposed development of the former Jewson’s yard by CA Developments, but there is still time for the public to comment.

This appeal came hot on the heels of a unanimous decision by the council to throw out the revised planning applications for purpose built student accommodation and townhouses which was considered at the beginning of last month. There are two appeals – one for the student accommodation here and one for the townhouses here.

This is the fourth time that residents have had to gather their papers together and mount a defence to a scheme which they think is wholly inappropriate for the site.

Anyone can comment on the appeal until 18 January 2024.

The founder member of the Eyre Place Lane Owners Association, Vince Meiklejohn, has already lodged his objection saying amongst other things that the developer has “failed to understand the importance of traditional and social housing that is needed in the area”. He continues that the site is wholly unsuited to student accommodation which owing to the transient nature of students will “weaken community bonds to the detriment of long term residents”.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke with Hannah Edwards, another resident and member of the Association. Ms Edwards said: “What we’re focusing on is that it was a unanimous decision to reject the applications and it’s very popular. There’s no support within the community or local politicians.

“It is just not the best for that site, it needs a better design. I have done a lot of work on the daylighting where I’ve found inaccuracies. In the latest submission I found inaccuracies, then the developer resubmitted it to answer my findings. I realised that to get the daylighting studies they had used plans for the old student accommodation along with the new plans for the townhouses, so as to create a bigger gap. It looked as through they were giving better sunlight to the little townhouse.

“They have created a design for maximum profits and now they’re trying to fudge the figures to make all these policies fit their design, but it should be their design which fits policy guidance.”

Hannah says she has had her eyes opened on the way planning works in Scotland. She said: “There’s a lot of trust in this process but not much regulation around it. You think that the documents are submitted by professional people with integrity – until you really start to scrutinise the data.

“At the Development Committee Management Committee on 6 December there was a strong message to the developer that they should start engaging with the community.”

If the developer had spoken to residents they might find that there is not blanket opposition to the scheme, just the design. Hannah said that if the design incorporated cluster flats (apartments for several students sharing) rather than individual studios and huge open roof terraces which will be noisy there might not be so much opposition. She said that with the high density development in the plans the daytime sunlight which streams through windows of nearby homes will be lost as well as sunshine in the garden – a community space that is well used by residents.

She said: “Neighbours and locals are interested to see what the site could be. After all it is going to be developed. It is a great opportunity for something, but it just seems to cause too much harm to surrounding people this big building. There was never such a big building on that site so a residential development with a row of townhouses and some flats for students – just something more sympathetic to its surroundings would be better.”

Cllr Vicky Nicolson said: “It is disappointing that the applicant, again, wasted no time in lodging an appeal, this time against the unanimous decision of the Development Management Sub Committee at the hearing on 6 December.

“The community are hugely frustrated that, rather than engaging with the community, the applicant appears intent on bulldozing their way through with a development with almost 400 objections. Local people fear that the unanimous rejection by Councillors of this development at the planning hearing will be overturned. I have been assured by CEC planning officials that the entire contents of the hearing will be contained within the Planning Authority Written Statement as part of the Planning Authority response for consideration by the Reporter.

“In addition, constituents and I shared a concern that the DPEA originally published the deadline for comments as 18 January on their website for both appeals. Subsequently, late on Friday 5 January, the date was updated to 11 January for comments by the council and members of the public which was very short notice. As it was not a guarantee that everyone would realise the deadline had moved, I wrote to ask for the deadline to be returned to 18th January and was relieved that this was honoured, and I urge people to use this opportunity to appeal.”

Cllr Max Mitchell said: “I find it deeply regrettable that the developer is once again trying to bypass local decision-making, and ignore the clear and genuine concerns put forward by the community.

“The minor tweaks made to the application were inconsequential as the potential impacts and risks to residents’ and the local area remained. The over 450 objections and the unanimous refusal by councillors provided a clear verdict. I hope this appeal is swiftly thrown out.”

The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Rugby have formed a new strategic partnership in a move hailed as a “huge boost” for the capital’s oval ball pathway.

The foundations of the new deal are said to be built on sporting collaboration, which will see the two institutions working closely together on player recruitment, development, education, and coaching, and to enhance the University’s rugby programme.

The partnership also will offer Edinburgh Rugby access to the University’s world class training facilities, equipment, and support services and will extend off the field, with expertise available on both sides to support in the areas of teaching, volunteer experiences and match day experiences as well as placement and internship opportunities.

The two institutions will also work together to explore further commercial, event and marketing collaboration opportunities, including showcasing The University of Edinburgh logo on the Edinburgh Rugby matchday kit.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, University Principal and Vice Chancellor, said:“We’re delighted with this new relationship which connects two of Edinburgh’s most successful institutions in a meaningful strategic partnership. We’re excited to work with Edinburgh Rugby to enhance the quality of our rugby programme and build and broaden our international sporting reputation.”

Douglas Struth, Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, added: “The many opportunities to work together are as deep rooted as they are diverse and, over the coming years, we aim to maximise our collective potential for professional development, player recruitment and education for life after, as well as facilities and expertise exchange. It’s a collaborative model that’s proven to be successful around the world and is certainly something we aspire to emulate to better support university and professional players at the various stages in their careers through a symbiotic relationship.”

Founded in 1857 The University Men’s Rugby Club were one of the eight founding members of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1873. One year earlier, in 1872, the first representative Edinburgh Rugby side would take the field to face Glasgow, with three of the University’s players named in that trailblazing side (C W Cathcart, J Forsyth and M Sanderson).

The University has a strong history of producing and supporting top class players including 55 Scottish, 12 Irish and five English Internationals, as well as currently having one of the leading performance rugby programmes in university sport.

The Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Club are at the forefront of the women’s game in Scotland with over 25 current students and alumni having represented their country.

Claire Cruikshank, Head of Performance Ladies Rugby at the University of Edinburgh, was recently appointed to lead the coaching team of the newly formed Edinburgh Rugby women’s team, which features eight current University of Edinburgh students.

The City of Edinburgh Council spent nearly £400,000 defending their short-term let policies which were eventually declared unlawful after two court cases in twelve months.

The costs were revealed in a Freedom of Information request (FOI) by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It showed that the council’s legal fees for two judicial reviews raised by letting operators totalled £243,470. Expenses paid out to the petitioners are understood to be in the region of £150,000.

Curbs on AirBnB-style accommodation in the capital have been introduced to manage the “number and location of STLs across the city”.

But parts of the authority’s approach to regulating short-term lets (STLs) through licensing and planning systems were struck down by the Court of Session.

Last June Lord Braid concluded that a presumption against granting licences for tenement flats was unlawful, before a second case challenging the city’s STL ‘control area’ resulted in the same judge rule that its implementation had been “unfair and illogical”.

Conservative councillor Phil Doggart said: “This seems to be have been a wild goose chase exercise at a large cost to the taxpayer.

“The money might have been better put to uses that would benefit the rest of the city.”

However the council’s planning convener argued that defending the policies was “the right thing to do” as the outcomes “provided clarity going forward for both Edinburgh and other local authorities”.

Iain Muirhead, one of the operators who took the council to court, said it was time to “bring an end to expensive legal challenges and claims” and “draw a line in the sand with existing STL operators who acted in good faith so they can move forward fully licences”.

The council was able to quickly amend its licensing policy to comply with legislation, however the outcome of second review is likely to have a significant impact on the crackdown.

This is because the council can no longer that demand all owners of entire property ‘secondary’ STLs seek planning permission as well as a licence – and will have to look at each property on a case-by-case basis, prolonging the application process and stretching resources in council departments.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers said the “hefty legal bill “could have been easily have been avoided if Edinburgh Council had “listened to the sector about its legally unsound and disproportionate planning and licensing policies”.

She said: “The sad fact of the matter is that it should not have taken two instances of grassroots legal action from local business owners to arrive at this stage.

“The ASSC believes the Council has the necessary tools to fairly and effectively regulate short-term lets and it should update its policies and guidance as soon as practically possible to reflect the legal judgements.

“As ever, the self-catering industry, which contributes so much to the local economy, stands ready to work with them in a constructive and positive manner on its regulatory framework.

“Other Scottish councils should take note of what has happened in the capital and revise any legally unsound policies to avoid local taxpayers footing the bill for similar costly legal advice.”

The council has refused to publish the legal advice it received in advance of both court cases following a separate FOI by the LDRS.

Ms Campbell called on the authority to release the advice “in the interests of transparency”. The council has been asked to review the decision.

Cllr James Dalgleish, Planning Convener for The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We set out our short term let policies to help us manage the number and location of STLs across the city and to address anti-social related problems.

“Defending the Judicial Reviews was the right thing to do and we acknowledge their findings. As a result there is now clarity going forward for both other local authorities and stakeholders in the industry.

“A report detailing the implications of the Judicial Reviews, and what it means for our policies, including setting out recommendations for amending associated planning guidance, will be discussed at Planning Committee later this month. This will allow us to have a thorough discussion with an open and transparent debate around the next steps.

“A part of making our STL policies successful is to work across the spectrum of opinion on this issue and I look forward to reaching out to all political parties and stakeholders to do so.”

Councillor Adam Nols-McVey said that the council’s SNP group which he leads “remains fully committed to short term let controls”.

He said: “These are crucial to protect our housing in the city for residents and help tackle the city’s housing crisis. However we really need the administration parties to sort themselves out.

“The Labour Planning Convener is saying one thing, the Liberal Democrat regulatory convener is saying something else and the Tory councillor they put in charge of enforcement is saying something different too.

“This is fast becoming a farce. Labour have made public comments which risk piercing the confidentiality of legal advice, which would undermine the council’s position even further. We’re saying clearly to the Labour, Tory, Lib Dem administration they need to sort themselves out. We can’t risk losing these controls because of their incompetence.”

Cllr Alys Mumford, Edinburgh Greens co-convener, said it was “deeply disappointing” that so much public money had been spent, adding it “could have potentially been avoided if the legislation passed by The Scottish Government was clearer from the start”.

She added: “The STL industry, which claims to support reasonable regulation, could have worked with the council to create that reasonable regulation, but instead have simply resorted to the courts. Their cavalier attitude is partly to blame for this cost to the public purse as the council rightly does all it can to prevent the impact of STLs on spiralling housing costs.”

Mr Muirhead added: “Given the number of full time STL applications of only 1,800 are far below numbers envisaged by the council, with figures of 12,000 regularly quoted, it is clear that a sensible resolution could now be reached that will allow a reasonable supply of short term lets in the city.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter