People who want to learn or improve traditional skills will be able to apply for funding in a move to help save buildings in decline in East Lothian.

Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has launched a new bursary programme to support people who want to learn the skills needed to restore and maintain older buildings including stone masonry, joinery and metalwork.

The new scheme will open for application from April 1 and aims to ensure many of the town’s traditional buildings can receive the care they need.

East Lothian Council said traditional buildings – those generally built before 1919 – make up about 20% of Scotland’s dwellings and the appropriate skills needed to work on these buildings are in decline, so they are often repaired in an inappropriate manner which can accelerate the deterioration of the
historic fabric, often causing irreversible damage.

The Dunbar CARS Traditional Skills Bursary Scheme is designed to be
flexible, supporting a wide range of courses, workshops and seminars linked to building conservation and traditional skills.

Among course providers offering activities and events related to the work are  the Scottish Lime Centre Trust, the Engine Shed (Historic Environment
Scotland), the Institute for Historic Building Conservation and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Applicants to the bursary scheme can apply for up to £2,000 to support the cost of attending identified courses including fees, travel costs and accommodation if needed.

A number of hands on activities will be held in Dunbar in the coming weeks to promote the scheme and give people a chance to find out more.

They include a Close Repair and Refurbishment event in Purves Close, in Dunbar High Street, between Tuesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 10 with morning and afternoon sessions where people can learn about raking out, pointing and plastering a rubble wall.

A Hot Lime Workshop is being held in Black Bull Close, Dunbar High Street on  Saturday, April 26 and there will be trainers available for Q&A and tasting sessions, which can be booked.

Local social enterprise, Forge and Equip, will carry out demonstration sessions outside the Museum and Town House on Saturday, April 26, on how to repair and look after rusty gates or railings, with drop in sessions running between 11am and 4pm.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Claims that turning a cottage site into two homes will  ‘meet demand’ for a place to live in a village have been called out by locals who pointed out more than 500 new houses are already being built.

Edinburgh-based B&Y Developments applied for planning permission to demolish a cottage in Longniddry and build two new modern homes on the site.

The firm said the coastal village was facing a ” significant increase in demand for family housing due to its growing population and appeal as a desirable community”.

Longniddry Community Council has lodged an objection to the proposals challenging the claims the two four bedroom homes would meet a need for housing in the village.

Instead, a report by planning officers said, the community council contested the claims pointing out “there are around 500 houses presently being built in Longniddry.”

The plans to demolish the cottage, known as Davanmore on Gosford Road in the village and build the two homes one in front of the other on the land were recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers.

However it will be brought before the planning committee next week after local councillor Lachlan Bruce called it in following the community council’s concerns.

The village group also questioned whether the two houses proposed was an over development of the site.

The application received five letters of objection from members of the public who also claimed the large housing estate currently being developed on the edge of the village meets any local demand along with being out of character.

The planning officers report said objectors had pointed to ongoing house building in the village as well as the new town of Blindwells being built on neighbouring land.

Officers recommended the plans for approval saying it fitted in with the surrounding residential landscape, which is not part of the designated village conservation area.

It will be brought before the planning committee next week for a decision.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Nancy Scott, a 25-year-old doctor from Edinburgh Athletic Club triumphed in the annual Scottish half marathon championships in Inverness  in a time of 01:13:24.

In adding to a recent spell of success Nancy had a bit to spare from  Midlothian’s Naomi Lang (Carnethy Hill Racing Club) who clocked 01.14:46 – a personal best.

The men’s champion for 2025 is Jame Crowe (Central AC) who ran 01.05:19.

Nancy set her PB of 01.12:51 at the Barcelona half marathon in mid-February then finished second in the National XC at Falkirk the following week.

‘I am happy with my time as I expected to be a bit slower and I was glad to be able to finish strongly,’ said Nancy, adding:

‘I took it quite conservatively early on as I knew the hills were coming, but they actually weren’t too bad. I just didn’t want to go too fast in case I blew up.

“Overall, I’m delighted. I’m going to take a bit of a break from racing and my next big target will be the Scottish 5k at Silverknowes in May.’

Scott picked up a second gold by leading her club to the national team title with backing from Kirsty Walker who finished fourth in 75:31 on her debut at this distance, while Lucy Naga completed the scoring when finishing 25^th in 86:02.

Some 3,335 athletes signed up for the Half Marathon with another 1,500 enlisted for a 5k.

Northern Bowling Club, Warriston, have arranged an Open Day on 27 April (12-4pm) aimed at encouraging those interested to try bowls for free.

Everyone is asked to turn up with flat-soled shoes but other equipment will be provided and registered club coach Garry Harrison will be in attendance, making sure things are fun and friendly for newcomers.

Alasdair Mitchell, who’s been playing at Northern BC for the past two years as a relative newcomer to the sport himself is organising the Open Day.

He said: “I’m really aiming at people in their 30s and 40s who live within a mile of the club, but it’s open to everybody of all ages. Last year was the first season that we were able to put together a ladies team and enter them into the Edinburgh Bowling Association leagues so it’d be great to see that section grow even more but we could always do with some new blood too!

“In that regard a junior section is being proposed.

“My father did get me into bowls as a child but in my teenage years I drifted away and developed other interests, as can happen. But rediscovering the sport in my 30s has been brilliant. Not only has it added more routine and a new passion into my life, but I’ve met a bunch of great people. I think that after COVID lockdown a lot of people were feeling like they could do with something to reconnect them to their communities, and it’s really been the perfect thing for that.

“As someone with an autism diagnosis I’ve also found bowls to be very inclusive and welcoming as well an ideal sport for training focus while being social around a structured activity.

“I just want more people to experience the joy that you can only get by seeing a bowl bend perfectly towards the jack, as well as benefiting from their local community, social gatherings, and gentle aerobics benefits.”

Councillors in West Lothian have been awarded hefty pay rises of more than 20 per cent following a review by the Scottish Government. 

Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick will see his salary rise to more than £50,000 a year following a review, while a basic salary for a councillor will rise 21 per cent by £4,637 to almost £26,000 a year. 

The increases have been agreed following the first review of salaries since 2011. They are based on the recommendations of the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee (SLARC), which was commissioned in 2023 to look at how the role of councillors has changed and grown in recent years. 

SLARC said that the growth of social media means that councillor’s workloads have increased significantly and being a councillor should not be considered a full time job. 

The Scottish Government says the increases are also needed to attract a wider cross section of the public to stand for public office. 

Pay for councillors has slipped significantly in the last 18 years compared to surging salary packets for MPs and MSPs, the leader of West Lothian Council told a meeting of   the council’s executive this week. 

 The SNP group leader called for senior councillors to have their work reviewed in the way any council employee earning the proposed salary of £37,000 would. 

Councillor Janet Campbell asked: “How do we ensure that portfolio holders are carrying out the role properly and competently? 

“Senior councillor remuneration here is stated as £37,059 for the year 2025/26. For any other person, including persons working for this council who receive a salary of this magnitude, their competency would most definitely be taken into account and they would have regular supervision to ensure that they are carrying out their role properly.” 

She told the leader of the council, Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick: “It would appear you don’t feel that should happen in this case.” 

Councillor Fitzpatrick responded: “From time to time and it has happened   in the past, if someone is considered not to be fulfilling that role prudently and adequately, then it is up to the council to remove that person.” 

Councillor Campbell continued: “This is a concern that has been raised by numerous people within West Lothian who, at the end of the day, pay council tax to West Lothian Council, so I think it’s a fair and reasonable question to ask, how do we ensure that portfolio holders are carrying out the role  competently and properly.” 

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “No-one’s raised that issue with me and I’m in regular contact with constituents through parent councils and community councils etc, but remember that political scrutiny is through PDSPs.” 

He added: “The position in our council is the same in all 32 Scottish local authorities.” 

 Councillor Sally Pattle, the Lib Dem for Linlithgow   told the meeting: “I think it’s very uncomfortable to be discussing giving ourselves a pay rise when we know the cuts and the difficulties the service across the council have, but I think also that, for a very very long time, putting yourself forward to be a councillor has been almost the reserve of a select group of people  because the remuneration is just not there for the amount of extra responsibility  we take on within our communities since we have become elected members. 

“The remuneration is probably still not what a lot of people would consider to be an average salary for the type of work that we undertake. I appreciate that this is difficult on paper, but I do think councillors deserve to be remunerated for roles and responsibilities that they carry out for their communities.”  

In a short debate Councillor Fitzpatrick told members of the executive that councillors’ pay   had been £15,400 in 2007. It will now rise to £25,982.  In contrast an MPs salary has risen from  £60,675 to £93,904 in the same time, more than £33,000 more. An MSPs salary has risen £21,000 to more than £74,000 in the same time frame.   

While the basic salary rise amounts to a 21 per cent increase. The £7,365 rise in the council leader’s pay will take Councillor Fitzpatrick’s salary to from £42,698 to £50,063. This represents a 17 per cent increase.  

Labour’s Tom Conn said: “I think it’s unfortunate that Councillor Campbell focuses on pay of councillors.” He suggested that she had “diminished the wider investigation” of the pay review by SLARC.  

“I would draw her attention to where it says that one of the biggest barriers to elected office is payment and increasing the payments available for councillors, aims to encourage under-represented groups such as women, those with disabilities, people under 55 and those from less affluent backgrounds to consider standing for election.” 

Linlithgow SNP, Councillor Pauline Orr said:  “If you work in a bank or any other organisation there is an expectation that you have annual reviews etc, so that you can pick up what you’re doing well and what you’re not doing well. That is the point of being transparent to the public.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel will join Andy Farrell and his coaching staff this summer on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. 

Dalziel has been rewarded for his work with the national team and has been selected by the Lions ahead of their 10-game tour this year which gets under way in Dublin on Saturday 20 June against Argentina. The tour will culminate in three tests against the Wallabies. 

Dalziel joined the national team as assistant coach in August 2020 following a successful stint in a similar role with Glasgow Warriors.  

Previously he had been head coach of the Scotland 7s national team as well the head coach of Scotland U20, leading them to a best-ever finish of fifth at the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.  

The side contained current full internationals Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn and Matt Fagerson. 

As a player, Dalziel represented Scotland Sevens on the World Series and played his club rugby with Gala, London Scottish, Border Reivers and Melrose, before moving into coaching, where he enjoyed great success with the latter. 

He joins head coach Andy Farrell along with fellow assistants Simon Easterby (Ireland), John Fogarty (Ireland), Andrew Goodman (Ireland) and Richard Wigglesworth (England). 

After being chosen in the coaching team for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour Dalziel said: “Being selected as assistant coach for the British and Irish Lions is the pinnacle for any coach and is something I’m hugely honoured about. It’s a real pinch yourself moment. 

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about the Lions and grew up watching the tours and documentaries. This will be more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced given the frequency and importance of the games. It’s a massively exciting opportunity. 

“I am appreciative of Scottish Rugby for the experiences I’ve been given here which has allowed me to be selected. Throughout my time here I’ve always focused on keeping my head down and working hard to be the best coach I can be for Scotland. I’m fortunate that someone has seen something in that work to appoint me in this role.” 

The squad for the British & Irish Lions tour will be announced on Thursday 8 May. 

Dalziel said: “We have our first coaches meeting this week in London and I would imagine the topic of selection will be high on the agenda. The players still have a lot of rugby to be played between now and the final selection so even guys who missed out on the Six Nations through injury could still make a case to go on tour. 

“The depth and quality of the players we have in Scotland is really encouraging and I’m optimistic that we’ll be well represented.” 

A weekend away that feels more like a week – that’s our experience of Brighton.

From our parking space in Buckingham Road – booked through Just Park – we have driveway parking and can forget about the car altogether. 

We stay at Leonardo Hotels in Stroudley Road, near the railway station. It’s a nice modern structure with clean lines inside and out. A contrast to that more traditional architecture, it is very welcoming and so are the staff. Two bathrooms, each with a bath, as well as a shower in our interconnecting rooms. 

Aside from the Regency architecture, which reminds us of Bath, there are some steep hills. Great for Henry’s scootering. 

It’s now time to walk to Bistro du Vin in Ship Street, which is down the other end of the city by the seafront. Bistro du Vin is a beautiful old building, superbly maintained. Our waitress for the evening is Paulina, who greets us and takes our coats. This is sophisticated dining celebrating French cuisine. When Paulina expertly pours the Pinot Grigio she does so with one hand behind her back, cradling the bottle in her other hand, ensuring that she doesn’t lean over the diner. These little things make for a superior dining experience. The cutlery and glasses are pristine and the white table cloths are crisp and immaculate when we arrive (not when we leave…). For starters Henry has melon and a red berry compot as do his sisters, Heidi and Harriett. Henry loves the melon. Curry soup for Caroline, prawn cocktail for me. It’s the main course where Bistro du Vin really excels. Caroline goes for Beef Provençale and the beef melts in the mouth, one of the diners on the next table agrees. “It’s the best meal I’ve ever had,” says Caroline.

“What, better than my spaghetti Bolognese?” my bottom lip droops, only playfully though!

My cod and vegetables can’t be faulted. The accompanying glazed carrots, parsnips and French fries make for a really delightful meal. Henry enjoys his two Cumberland sausages and chips. The girls have chicken. A sundae follows for Henry’s dessert while the girls have crème brûlées. 

Back at our warm hotel we all get ready for bed and I have a luxuriating bath. This is so nice. We all have a good night’s sleep thanks to Leonardo Hotels’ Dream beds and pristine white bed linen. In the morning Henry is up at seven o’clock ready to look out of the window at the railway station opposite. Trains coming and going and…

“There are lots of police about,” he reveals. “Look at them all.”

“They’re looking for you son, for waking us up so early,” I mutter from under the covers.

Room service rings half an hour later, which is just as well because we’ve got lots to do today. By eight-thirty we’re in the brightly coloured, modern dining hall having a leisurely breakfast – we don’t need to check out until eleven. There’s so much choice, continental, full English and vegetarian. I have to try a little of each and it’s all very good. The children love the self-service experience because it gives them control. 

The Sealife Centre is the oldest aquarium in the world. It is housed in quite a magnificent Victorian building, too where some of its large windows are cleverly incorporated into some of the fish tanks. Here we have a great educational experience. As we arrive we have photos taken by eventsphototeam.com. There are so many sea creatures here, of all shapes, colours and varieties. We’re mesmerised at the power of nature and saddened at how man continues to destroy it. 

Virtual reality from ImmotionVR helps us to further immerse ourselves at Sealife. We each sit down and strap a headset on, which introduces us to Manta rays and makes us feel like we are actually in the boat speeding through the water in somewhere like the Maldives, diving down, seeing the shark bite in a Manta ray’s tail and getting close up to a pregnant one. With the headset on you can turn and see all the way round as if you’re actually there. 

At The Royal Palace we learn that this India inspired dome-roofed John Nash architectural wonder was built from 1787 to around 1815 for King George IV as a party palace and that the artist Constable, who lived in the city for a while, couldn’t stand it. As you might expect, this once royal residence is lavishly decorated with exquisite wallpapers and chandeliers. The banqueting hall is massive.

Our time in Brighton draws to a close but it’s been an enriching experience.

• For more information:
• leonardohotels.co.uk
• hotelduvin.com
• visitsealife.com
• immotionvr.com
• eventsphototeam.com
• justpark.com
• brightonmuseums.org.uk

• Royal Pavilion, Brighton BN1 1EE. Tel 03000 290900
• Open daily Apr-Sep 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission 5pm) Oct-Mar 10am-5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm)
• Admission fee payable.
• Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz

Coinciding with World Theatre Day on Thursday, Vue venues in Edinburgh are screening a selection of British productions this spring.

The National Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove will begin the season. BAFTA Award winner, Steve Coogan, takes on four different roles in this bold stage version of the film – an explosively humorous satire. From Emmy winning Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow), Dr. Strangelove follows the US government and an eccentric scientist as they scramble to avert global destruction after a rogue U.S. General triggers a nuclear attack…

Marking its 20th anniversary, the musical adaptation of the Academy Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical will be pirouetting onto the big screen from 30 March. Filmed at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London’s West End, it tells the story of a young boy in the 1980s who discovers a passion for ballet and dance, inspiring his family and his community. With the original creative team from the film and music from British legend Elton John, this funny and uplifting theatrical experience is not one to miss.

Arriving next month, the big screen debut of the Tony award-winning box office smash-hit SIX the Musical Live! heads to Vue for a one-off showstopping cinematic experience from 6 April. This global theatre phenomenon, filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, reunites the original cast in a new take on the long-misunderstood wives of Henry VIII as they strut out of the shadow of their infamous husband to reclaim their own stories in their own words.

Finally, to mark National Shakespeare Day on 18 April, an all-star production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth brings an immersive take on the The Scottish Play to Vue – filmed especially for the big screen. Starring acting royalty David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record), catch Shakespeare’s beloved tragic tale masterfully performed at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “World Theatre Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the magic and the marvel of theatre – in every shape it takes.  We’re thrilled to offer theatre and musical fans the opportunity to catch some of the most acclaimed productions and performances all from the comfort of their local Vue venue.”

To find out more visit https://www.myvue.com/big-screen-events/theatre.

Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller started for Australia last night in their 2-0 victory over China at the Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium which strengthened their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. 

First-half goals from ex Hibs player Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay were enough to secure the three points. 

The result means that Australia finish the March window second in Group C, on 13-points with their nearest challengers Saudi Arabia three points behind them in third.  

Their remaining two games in Third Round Qualifying will take place in the next international window in June. 

The Hibs pair along with team mate Nectar Triantis who was not in last night’s squad are on their way back to Scotland and should be available for Saturday’s home game against St Johnstone. 

Miller player 76-minutes before being substituted and Boyle was replaced after 91-minutes. 

HNH, the deal advisory specialist, has added to its expanding Edinburgh team following its recent move to a new office.

Sean Parr, 30, joins as an associate director, while Tom Parker, 26, joins as an assistant manager.

Both are hired from Deloitte and will be reunited with ex-Deloitte colleague Roger Mayor who joined HNH as a partner a year ago.

On the back of the recent move to their larger office on Hanover Street, the new recruits take the Edinburgh team to seven, continuing the growth of the firm both in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Neal Allen, partner and head of deal advisory, said: “The fact we are recruiting says something about our ambition to be the number one dealmaker in Scotland. We may bring some more people in at the end of the year, both here in Scotland and across the wider firm.”

Mr Allen added: “We have about 20 live mandates spanning technology company fund raising, debt advisory and company sales, across a diverse size range of clients.

“We have enjoyed a strong period, with some high-profile deals, and despite some challenges in the economy this is an exciting time for the business.”

Image shows Tom Parker (l) with Sean Parr.

Pic credit: DB Media Services.

Daljit Singh has departed his role as Executive Director at the Hibernian Community Foundation.

Mr Singh joined the Hibernian Community Foundation in 2022 and drove the strategy to raise funds and help increase the reach of HCF throughout Edinburgh and the wider community.

During his time, he played an integral role in the Christmas Appeal, the 24-hour Ron Gordon Challenge, the cycle from Hampden to Home and more.

On the departure, Steve Smith – the chair of the Hibernian Community Foundation – added: “Firstly we’d like to thank Daljit for his contribution to the Community Foundation over the last three years.

“He has driven a number of successful initiatives that have proven to be extremely popular and engaging with people in the local community.

“Daljit has made the decision to leave the Community Foundation, and we wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

The Hibernian Community Foundation will be continued to be led by Steve Smith and the Foundation Board.

The consultation on the two possible routes for the north south extension of the tramline route will begin in the middle of August.

The Transport Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, mentioned the update in a briefing to media on Tuesday.

The council has already promised to consult on two possible routes to extend the existing line to the north in Granton where around 3,500 new homes are being built – one using the former railway line along part of the Roseburn Path and the other using Dean Bridge and Orchard Brae. The technical details of each option will be set out with the pros and cons for members of the public to offer their views in a consultation paper on the council website.

There is nothing in the council papers to confirm the position, but the Transport Convener confirmed the consultation on the design for the north-south extension to the tram project will begin in mid-August.

Cllr Jenkinson said he is giving officers and consultants “the space and the time to look at all the options on the table for Granton to Bioquarter and there will be a full 12 week consultation which will then form the basis for a report to be considered by the Transport Committee probably in early 2026”.

He said that he had agreed the timing for the consultation with council officers to avoid school holidays and that he wants it to be as “robust as possible”.

The Transport Convener said that he has not yet seen the consultation document but confirmed that all officers were briefed that options from Granton to Bioquarter had to be considered. He said: “I also want to ensure that it’s content is detailed, accurate and fair so that it is above question that the consultation period will be open, honest and fair with everybody encouraged to take part in it. I am confident that the delay until August is justified. I think we want to be sure that we give ourselves every opportunity to do justice to the strategic business case by allowing as many people to take part in that consultation as possible.”

Signs on the Roseburn Path

Referring to the sign which he ordered council operatives to remove over the weekend, Cllr Jenkinson said: “Concerns were raised with me that people who currently use the Roseburn Path maybe don’t want to be bombarded with campaign literature while they’re cycling or walking the dog there.

”I’ve spoken with the Save the Roseburn Path campaign about the matter in general many times on the phone and email.

“I’ve been absolutely clear on my position on the Roseburn Path and it hasn’t changed. It would be inappropriate for my position to change until I’m armed with the facts.”

There were two issues about the sign – the first is that Cllr Jenkinson confirmed it does not have planning permission, and the second is that a poster stuck to it appeared to be an official Spokes document. Spokes confirmed it was not their poster and that they have not changed their stance on the tram extension, but were appreciative that the Save the Roseburn Path campaign, who said they had not put up either the sign or the poster, had undertaken to remove the poster.

Are you one of the thousands of people who have given evidence for the prosecution at Edinburgh Sheriff Court? If so then you may wish to record your views on a recently established survey.

The survey asks prosecution witnesses to share their views and experiences of being cited to give evidence in Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
This is part of a joint review being carried out by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, and HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, is set to look into how the experience of being cited to attend court can be improved.

It will also consider whether there is scope to modernise and achieve greater efficiency in
the citation process. Anyone who has been cited as a prosecution witness for a sheriff court case in the last
three years – including at Edinburgh Sheriff Court – is being asked to complete the short
survey.

This includes members of the public who have been the victim of a crime or who have
witnessed a crime, as well as professional witnesses.

Responses to the survey will help shape the inspection’s findings and recommendations.
HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland, Laura Paton, said: “We want people to tell
us about their experience of being cited, what worked well and what could be improved.
“The survey will ask people to think about a recent case they were involved in. For those
who have been involved in several cases, there is also an opportunity at the end to tell us
more generally about all their experiences of being cited.
“Responses to the survey are completely anonymous. We do not ask for anyone’s name
or any personal details.
“All the information gathered will be used to help us assess how well the citation process
works.”
Two short surveys have been designed:
One is aimed at specifically at police officers and police staff – and will be available to
access only via the Police Scotland Intranet.
The second is for anyone who has been cited as a prosecution witness.

The deadline for responding to the survey is 5pm, Friday, 4 April 2025.
For more information and to complete the survey click here.

School crossing patrols to be discontinued at 17 schools

The council is planning to end school crossing patrol guides at 17 schools in the city, which will reduce the cover it provides at around 140 sites. This move has been suggested by council officers in areas where other road safety measures have been put in place such as pedestrian crossings, or roads have been closed as part of Spaces for People measures.

But the Transport Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, also confirmed this move, as part of the council’s Road Safety Plan, is also partly a response to the difficulties which the council has encountered in recruiting candidates for the 30+ vacant posts in the city. Only 14 guides have been recruited in the last 12 months, despite several rounds of recruitment.

Council officers have reviewed long term vacant sites and have identified 17 where there is no longer any need for a “lollipop” person. Council officers state: “A site survey of each location was undertaken to consider the current usage, road and traffic environment. Pedestrian and vehicle count surveys were carried out and collision data was considered for each location.15 of the noted sites are located at sites with formal pedestrian crossing infrastructure and two sites are currently on roads that have been restricted to vehicles.”

There are currently several jobs available in Edinburgh for School Crossing Patrol Guides with an annual salary of £24,346 per annum for a 12 hour working week over 38 weeks of the year.

A right royal reception

On Wednesday some 400 people from local media, (including the Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter, Phyllis Stephen), will congregate at Buckingham Palace at the invitation of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Buckingham Palace said: “The King and Queen will host 400 guests from a wide range of media organisations across the country, for a reception at Buckingham Palace, demonstrating Their Majesties’ support for local journalism in the UK. During the reception, Their Majesties will meet people working in many parts of the local media sector, from reporters, editors and apprentices to technical operators, producers and presenters.

“The King and Queen will hear from guests about their work bringing news to audiences across the UK and the crucial role local journalism plays in building trust and fostering community cohesion.”

We have been given special permission to film at the Palace although photos and video are not permitted during the event itself. It is a whole new playground for us and we will report back on what happens.

Join the Water of Leith Visitor Centre as they celebrate 25 years.

A Silver Anniversary event on 13 April from 1pm to 4pm will be packed with activities for all ages—immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of this community hub. Enjoy a guided walk along the river, get creative with crafts and a memory collage, or share your ideas for the next 25 years. Explore the wonders of the water with river dipping, discover wildflowers, and follow the silver thread walk. Warm up with homemade soup and baking. 

Whether you are a longtime friend of the Centre or discovering it for the first time, you are invited to go along to celebrate, explore, and be part of the next chapter.

More details about the free event here.

Please subscribe to our monthly newspaper

Subscribe to our paper here today and you will receive the new issue when it comes out on 1 April. 

Sign up as a canine foster carer

Dogs Trust West Calder is urging people in Edinburgh and the area to help support foster carers looking after dogs with training needs.   

The ‘Foster Train’ initiative aims to build on the success of the charity’s Home from Home fostering scheme by recruiting and training foster carers who will become skilled in helping dogs that require training. By completing a series of modules – with topics including teaching dogs how to be comfortable being left alone, when passing other dogs, and remaining calm when distracted – the foster carers will be able to support dogs that would greatly benefit from living in a home environment and lack basic life skills.  

Dogs Trust has witnessed an increase in dogs coming into its care that have not had the best starts in life, partly due to lockdown with puppies and young dogs not mixing with other dogs due to covid restrictions.  The charity now cares for more dogs that require extra help with training in a home environment before they find their forever new homes. 

Sarah Kellie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Our ‘Foster Train’ campaign aims to recruit more foster carers and develop their skills and knowledge in training dogs. With the help of these fosterers, we can give our dogs that require an extra helping hand valuable life skills that they can only learn in a home environment, increasing their chances of finding a forever home.” 

“Not only does our Home from Home fostering scheme help the dogs in foster homes, but it also frees up space in our kennels to enable us to help even more dogs in need. Thanks to this new initiative, we hope to see even more dogs flourish after spending time in foster care.” 

Last year 194 dogs were successfully rehomed from Dogs Trust West Calder after spending time in foster care.  

Fosterers receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, including everything they need to care for their foster dog, from food, bedding to covering veterinary costs. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can contact the West Calder Home from Home team at: HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk or call 01506 873 459.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has announced the next Artist in Residence, Athens-born Constantine.. the Artist, who will take up residency from March to May 2025.

The three-month Artist in Residence programme aims to nurture creativity for Edinburgh artists and provide a platform to showcase their creations. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers free access to a purpose-built art studio, The Unicorn Room, nestled within the old India Buildings’ turret, and exhibition space for guests and visitors to view the artists’ pieces.

The artist, whose work is deeply inspired by the mythological heritage of his hometown and his early surroundings, began his artistic journey while studying in Aberdeen. After a decade there, he moved to Edinburgh in 2018, drawn by the city’s vibrant art scene.

His work is not limited to one medium, from experimenting with inks and acrylics, during his residency, he will be working with oil sticks and pastels. The creative process is guided by transferring the vision in his mind onto the canvas, with the image dictating the medium respectively. His breakthrough came with his series “FLUXUS”, which resonated with his artistic ambitions and has continued to influence his latest pieces.

Influenced by everyday experiences, self-portraits, and figures reminiscent of Batman, Constantine..’s work aims to provoke social and philosophical conversations, using bold imagery and colour, as well as humour and theatricality. Constantine..’s residency at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will allow him to expand his “VIGILANTE”series, first conceptualised in 2020 and partially exhibited in 2023. This is not a simple art series it’s a satirical and introspective exploration of justice, power, and identity.

With the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series alongside never-seen before works, Constantine.. the Artist will be in residency until Friday 30 May throughout Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to welcome Constantine.. the Artist as our new Artist in Residence. Constantine..’s unique perspective and thought-provoking work will undoubtedly captivate our guests and visitors. This residency will provide Constantine.. with a special opportunity to expand his ‘Vigilante’ series and engage with the vibrant creative community in Edinburgh. We encourage everyone to visit and experience the powerful messages behind his art.

“The Artist in Residence programme marks Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting the creative community in Edinburgh, providing artists with a free gallery space within the hotel and the chance to sell their artwork, with all proceeds going directly to the artist. Applications are now open for creatives to apply for the next Artist in Residence vacancy.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will house the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series to date including the creation of never seen before works created exclusively for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – selected works will be available for purchase.

Constantine.. the Artist, Artist in Residence said: “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be selected as the next Artist in Residence at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This opportunity comes at a perfect time for me to delve deeper into my artistic journey and expand my ‘Vigilante’ series. The vibrant art scene in Edinburgh has always been a source of inspiration for me, and having access to The Unicorn Room will allow me to create some truly exciting new pieces.

“Coming from a non-traditional art background, this residency represents a unique chance to share my vision and provoke thought through my work. I am eager to meet the guests and visitors, to discuss my creative process, and to join me in the studio. I can’t wait to begin this exciting chapter and I’m truly grateful for the resources provided to artists by Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.”

Offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at his process, Constantine.. will be available during for guests to witness the creative process within The Unicorn Room. Visitors interested in meeting Constantine.. the Artist or learning more about his work can find him at the hotel or reach out via email at constantine.artist@gmail.com.

Applications are now open for aspiring artists who would like to be considered for the next Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence spot. For more information please email:artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com

Shops at Fort Kinnaird are offering visitors the chance of picking up a free houseplant on Saturday, just ahead of Mother’s Day.

There will be 500 houseplants available to brighten up a space in the home.

These will be on display near Boots between 11am and 3pm when visitors will be given a houseplant on a first come first served basis in return for signing up to Fort Kinnaird’s email newsletter.

Plants bring with them a range of health benefits, and help to boost mood, improve sleep, and purify the air.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know how important Mother’s Day is for so many of our visitors, so we wanted to do something simple but meaningful to mark the occasion. We hope this giveaway brings smiles to our shoppers and helps make the day even more special.”

Fort Kinnaird has a range of retailers where shoppers can search for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, including jewellery from Goldsmiths, sweet treats from Hotel Chocolat or candles from Homesense. There are also several restaurants at the shopping centre where family can spend time catching up, including Chaiiwala and Bread Meats Bread.

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, Christine Jardine, has called on the UK Government to scrap National Insurance changes ahead of the Spring Statement.

She said these changes are “dangerous”. She continued that schools, business and charities in Edinburgh West have expressed alarm at the impending changes in employers’ national insurance set to come into effect on 6 April. The hike also affects GP practices and hospices.

Ms Jardine has said it would be utterly unacceptable for the Chancellor to risk businesses, care providers and charities “going to the wall” because of this jobs tax and called on Rachel Reeves to scrap the increase at the Spring Statement.

Alongside scrapping the jobs tax, she has called on the Chancellor to deliver a statement that would overhaul the business rates system to unleash growth in the local economy.

Ms Jardine said: “I have spoken to countless businesses and organisations here in Edinburgh West who have told me about the dread they feel ahead of the jobs tax coming into force.

“I am very concerned with what this increase means for businesses in Edinburgh West, particularly independent care providers, GP surgeries and charities, all of whom are already under immense pressure.

“These dangerous proposals have the potential to cripple business and organisations by obstructing their ability to hire more workers.

“It must start by scrapping these damaging jobs tax and overhauling business rates to allow our local business and organisations to thrive.”

Queensferry high school is set to be expanded to deliver new school places in the west of the city, it has been decided.

Edinburgh council officers have projected that Queensferry High School, which also serves Kirkliston, will be over its capacity of 1,200 by 2027.

Some locals in Kirkliston have long wanted to see a new high school built there to meet the needs of the community, but others have expressed concerns over what this could mean for development in the area.

Council officers had raised their own concerns, around planning law and good value for money, over the development of a new building.

A new high school in Kirkliston would have likely had to be built on greenbelt land, with concerns this could lead to the strength of the greenbelt diminishing in this area, possibly leading to new housing construction.

The issue of cost was also stark – officers said an expanded school at Queensferry would cost £52 million pounds, while building a new Kirkliston high school would cost £91.65m.

It further said that the running costs of an expanded high school at Queensferry would be lower than that of a new school at Kirkliston due to the necessity for a new school to hire new administrative and other staff.

Officers will now go forward to further flesh out their plans on how to expand the school.

For a report reviewed by councillors, they drew up two different plans for building an annex to Queensferry High School, saying that building an extension to the school would be impractical.

One option would build a four storey annex to the southwest of the current school, on the site of several existing sports pitches.

Council officers said this was the less contentious option, but would require the relocation of some sports pitches elsewhere in the site.

The other option would see a four storey annex built to the north of the school, on the site of the building’s car park.

Officers said this option would be more contentious in planning terms due to its proximity to a conservation area, and require the school finding a new parking area.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

The University of Edinburgh will launch a new sports initiative on Thursday entitled “Capital Conversations” and initially featuring prominent figures in the world of rugby.

Former Scotland men’s captain Chris Paterson will take to the stage in the Pleasance Cabaret Bar alongside current Edinburgh and Scotland internationalists Matt Currie and Harry Paterson as well as international referee Hollie Davidson.

The event is open to the public.

Together, the illustrious quartet will share their personal journeys in rugby, reflect on the Men’s Six Nations, and look ahead to the Women’s Six Nations which got underway with a Scotland win over Wales at the weekend, offering unique insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

The plan is to host further discussions in April and May on sporting topics to be announced.

Doors open at 5pm and broadcaster Rhona McLeod will host.

Tickets available : Edinburgh University Students’ Association

The event takes place 27 March 2025.

A popular Edinburgh nightclub is being forced to close for a month after a series of license violations, including a violent incident involving staff and admission of under-age patrons.

Councillors have suspended the licenses of Garibaldi’s, a popular student spot located on 97 Hanover Street, for one month, meaning it cannot trade.

And, for four months after it reopens, it will be forced to shut at 1am, rather than its usual 3am. Further, its capacity will be permanently limited to 135, down from its current 180.

Police in attendance at a licensing board meeting on Monday, 24 March read out a series of incidents to assembled councillors, all having taken place this past winter.

In one incident, a patron was allegedly held up by one member of staff and struck repeatedly in the face by another, with the patron then falling to the ground and covering their face.

One of the two staff members was later arrested and charged in connection with the incident, with the matter being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

And in several other incidents, it was described how numerous underage people had gained entry to the venue.

In one case, a 17 year old girl was found severely intoxicated by police around 3am outside the club, having been ejected by staff.

And in another, it was described how police found a 17 year old boy inside who attempted to pass off a friend’s ID as his own, despite the fact the photo ‘did not resemble him’.

After a search, his provisional license showing his real age was found, and he was removed from the premises.

Police also reported numerous incidents where Garibaldi’s staff did not know the premises’ safe occupancy limit, and where the number of patrons in the venue appeared to exceed this amount.

A legal representative for the club in attendance said that the door staff at the venue had entirely been replaced since the incidents took place.

And Sebastien Ossywa, one of the club’s owners, told councillors over a video link that he was exploring the purchase of an ID scanning device to help catch fakes, as well as stronger policies on ID checks.

The lawyer for the venue had proposed a month suspension to officers during the meeting, saying that it would allow staff to be retrained, especially in the area of checking IDs.

Councillors agreed with this suggestion, and added the additional conditions of four months of limited trading hours and a reduced capacity.

The reduced occupancy limit of 135 is the one that was recommended by the council’s building standards officers in 2008, when the property gained its current licence.

Garibaldi’s did not respond to a request for comment.

A Livingston based charity has won a bid to take on the council building it occupies for just £1.

Council estate officers had backed the transfer of the former Almondbank Library in Craigshill to Spark, which started out as the  Craigshill Good Neighbour Network.

But officers had recommended a £60,000 price tag on the building – half of the market value.

Of the four council  buildings transferred under asset  transfer rules since 2016,  three were transferred for £1. The last capital asset transfer, of St David’s  House, a three story office building in Bathgate transferred to the town’s mosque at costs of £600,000-a 30% reduction of the market value.

Before that the former Low Port outdoor centre in Linlithgow had transferred to a local church for just  £1. 

Scott Hughes, the council’s Strategic Property Asset Manager said each transfer was made on its own merits. The last one  had been made after the asset transfer legislation had “ beefed up” the wording around recouping costs.

He told a meeting of the Asset Transfer Committee: “We as officers and you as elected members are consistently beating the drum telling members of the public that the council is experiencing severe financial hardships. In that context there are taxpayers out there who will and do justifiably ask why then are we giving away our land and property assets.”

He added:  “The recommendation  here is considered to be reasonable  middle ground that would provide comfort to the wider public that officers are seeking to secure income from the sale of its assets whilst recognising the important work that Spark does in and around Craigshill.”

Elsa Campbell, representing Spark,  said that the charity had applied to the Scottish Land Fund for funds that it had hoped would meet the costs of refurbishing the building and improving its energy efficiency.  The charity was unsure as to whether the fund would allow grant aid to be spent on purchase costs.

Councillor Harry Cartmill asked if the £60,000 could “be a dealbreaker”.  Ms Campbell replied “ For the Scottish Land Fund?, I don’t know, perhaps.” 

Spark had hoped to obtain the building  at no cost given the amount of social value  the charity delivers in services  across West Lothian. A measure of just part of the work the charity does suggested its social value was in excess of £500,000- nine times the £60,000 price tag officers had suggested. 

Charing the committee,the Provost, Councillor Cathy Muldoon proposed that the transfer, at a cost of £60,000 to Spark should go through as recommended.

Proposing an alternative, Councillor Craig Meek said: “I would like to move that we work as we have been constantly in terms of supporting these organisations  to take over buildings. Given the significant community benefit I would transfer in line with what we have done for others,  for £1.”

That charity will have to pay for decoupling the original electrical supply and setting up a new one and  installing a new heating system into the building.

Alex Fleming , Chief Officer of Spark told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:  “Yesterday’s decision to approve the transfer for £1 is fantastic for Spark as it means now the £60,000 initially requested can be invested back in to upgrading the building, employing another member of staff and ensuring some of the community asks which came out in our consultations can begin to be carried out.

“We are grateful to the officers at WLC for their advice in getting to this point and to the committee for understanding the broader impact of their decision to transfer for a nominal fee.”

As an organisation, Spark’s membership and volunteer numbers has grown significantly over the last 18 months, as has the number and type of activities and events it delivers. Events such as our inaugural Spark in the Park, last year which saw approx. 3,000 people attend a free family event in Craigshill. 

Mr Fleming added: “In order to deliver over and above our weekly activities, we work in partnership with lots of other third sector and community organisations and it is our plan to be able to establish a collaborative hub, in the additional space where organisations can work from and generate ideas based on community need which can be delivered in partnership.”

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council outlined  that a community asset transfer (CAT) is when a community group takes control of public land or buildings and uses them as a means of delivering positive outcomes for their community.

 They added: “West Lothian Council recognises that the ownership of property assets (land and buildings) can contribute to the empowerment of communities and can present opportunities for community groups to access external funding that is not available from or to the council.”

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter

The high number of pupils with additional support needs (ASN) in Midlothian schools has been partly put down to a desire from families to find homes with gardens and trampolines.

A meeting of the local authority’s police and performance committee heard  Michelle Strong, the council’s education chief operating officer, confirm the percentage of ASN youngsters in their classrooms was higher than neighbouring council areas.

And she said part of the reason was parents migrating into the county for better homes for their children.

Speaking after Councillor Kelly Drummond asked about a rise in numbers, Ms Strong said: “Midlothian has a higher percentage of children with additional support needs than many of our other local authorities. We have seen quite a sharp rise over the last couple of years.

“Part of that is migration from neighbouring local authorities to buy housing where there is a garden, for example, and they can have a trampoline and can support their children in a different way so our percentage is significantly higher and that does make it more challenging to be able to meet that range of need within one class.”

Her comments came as the committee heard levels of attainment in primary and secondary schools remained below the national average for literacy while secondary schools had seen a rise in numeracy attainment which kept it above the national average for the second year running.

A report looking at attainment levels across P1, P4, P7 and S3, said: “The improvements in primary combined Literacy and Numeracy which were
evident in session 2022/23 have been broadly consolidated in session 2022/24, with very little change in the overall figures, remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

“However, the figures are below both the National and comparator figures for 2023/24.

“In S3, attainment was higher in Numeracy than it had been in 2022/23, as well as being above National and comparator figures. In Literacy, attainment
decreased and was below National and comparator levels (but still above prepandemic levels).”

Councillor Derek Milligan, chairing the meeting, questioned whether the rising number of ASN pupils in mainstream classrooms was having an impact on attainment and whether it should be factored into the attainment targets.

A recent report by Audit Scotland said 40% of pupils in Scottish schools now have additional support needs.

Ms Strong said in Midlothian they were looking at ’40, 50 and sometime higher percentages’ in their classrooms.

She said: “We are looking at how we support the mainstream teacher in terms of their practice and some of the children are supported in the classroom with extra staff to support them to meet the expected levels.

“Additional support needs has risen across the country and we need to make sure Midlothian is doing as well as the national average if not better.”

In primary schools the average literacy level for last year was 72.34% compared to the national average of 73.99% and numeracy was at 76.82% compared to the national rate of 80.29% .

Literacy in S3 was at 84.43%  compared to the national average of 88.31% and numeracy at 91.59% compared to the national figure of 90.32%.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Furious Edinburgh councillors have approved a closure of a holiday hub site after being told a lack of staff gives them no other options.

The Braidburn holiday hub will see its provision by Edinburgh Council end before the summer, which will see some families excluded by the scheme due to the unique resources it has.

Carolyn Samson, a member of parent advocacy group REPAIR, said: “Does this council intend to put us through this again in 2026?

“When this closure goes ahead, a chunk of families will be cut out. This is a scandal.”

Parents recently spoke out with outrage after they were told by council officers early this month that councillors had decided to close the site.

In reality, officers had made the decision, and councillors had never approved it – something the council admitted last week

SNP councillors had lodged an amendment calling for the city to keep running the holiday hub, which provides holiday respite care for and relaxation with a very high level of support need.

But shortly before councillors voted on whether to support this, a council officer told the motion’s forwarder, SNP councillor Euan Hyslop, that because officers recommended the closure on health and safety grounds that councillors could not vote to keep the site open.

Council officers are now exploring whether other providers could take over the site – but due to the six month registration time for a new responsible person for the venue, this would have to come after the summer.

Officers have said that they do not have enough staff to run both the holiday hub and the Seaview summer respite service – an argument Samson says could be solved by better management.

She said: “Through mismanagement of Holiday Hubs, they are left between a rock and a hard place.

“You can’t cut respite care. It’s not fair to put us in this position.”

Cathy Haywood, the officer ultimately responsible for managing the holiday hubs, attended deputations by families of pupils who used the holiday hubs earlier in the day.

But she went home sick before the closure was debated, being replaced by another officer.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “Our priority for the upcoming summer holidays was to allocate Holiday Hub places and to confirm and communicate this to families as soon as we could.

“We know how much families need and value this vital support so updating them and offering peace of mind has been our key focus.”

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

Police have arrested and charged a 38-year-old man in connection with a spate of business break-ins around Edinburgh.

Seven businesses and premises were targeted between 30 January and 5 March, 2025 including a library, various fast food outlets, a hairdressers and cafes. Goods including cash registers and money was taken.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 25 March, 2025.

Detective Sergeant Derek Schulz said: “Whenever someone’s business is broken into the impact is considerable, leaving people feeling unsafe and at a considerable cost to the business. It also has an impact on the local community.

“Anyone with information about this kind of crime should call Police Scotland on 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

School crossing patrol guides are to be discontinued at 17 schools in Edinburgh where “lollipop people” have not been in place for years.

The council is planning to “decommission” school crossing patrol guides at 17 schools in the city, which will reduce the cover it provides at around 140 sites in the capital. One of the schools, at South Morningside, has not had a crossing patrol guide for 26 years. This move has been suggested by council officers in areas where other road safety measures have been established such as pedestrian crossings, or roads have been closed as part of Spaces for People measures, and the council is clear that children’s safety will not be compromised.

But the Transport Convener also confirmed this move, as part of the council’s Road Safety Plan, is partly a response to the difficulties which the council has encountered in recruiting candidates for the 30+ vacant posts in the city. Only 14 guides have been recruited in the last 12 months, despite several rounds of recruitment.

Council officers have reviewed long term vacant school sites and have identified 17 where there is no longer any need for a “lollipop” person. Council officers state: “A site survey of each location was undertaken to consider the current usage, road and traffic environment. Pedestrian and vehicle count surveys were carried out and collision data was considered for each location.15 of the noted sites are located at sites with formal pedestrian crossing infrastructure and two sites are currently on roads that have been restricted to vehicles.”

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “These 17 are long standing “gap sites” where we have had real issues in filling the posts. The council took on this list from the police and has not really been in control of it. Things have moved on in the last 10 years. I feel there is now a case to be made to reduce crossing patrols at these sites. As long as evidence and data is provided to say this is safe to do then I think this should be looked at.”

If councillors agree then the School Crossing locations which will be removed from the council list include the following schools: Craigentinny, Craigroyston, Stewart’s Melville, Flora Stevenson, Gracemount, George Watson’s, James Gillespie’s, Leith Academy, Oxgangs, Roseburn, Royal Mile, St Catherine’s RC, St Mary’s RC (two locations), St Peter’s RC, South Morningside, and Stockbridge.

There are currently several jobs available in Edinburgh for School Crossing Patrol Guides with an annual salary of £24,346 per annum for a 12 hour working week over 38 weeks of the year.

Bigger budget

Officers have broadly welcomed this report as it is based on a bigger budget than ever before with £6.6 million to spend.

There are three major projects included on the list, but it seems that only one is likely to receive attention in this financial year. The first is the Dalmahoy Junction where the council is buying a piece of land on which the signalised crossing will be built, and the report states that this has been moved to the 2025/26 programme. The cost of providing the scheme is around £1.3 million.

The second is the King’s Road Junction in Portobello where there have been fatalities and the junction is to be upgraded. This has been pushed back to next year as a budget has to be identified.

The third is the Davidson’s Mains minor roundabout where the council is to install three single stage zebra crossings. There is a note that this has been delayed until next year but that a signalised junction is now being considered as well as changes to make East Barnton Gardens one way exiting the junction westbound.

Improved infrastructure for Safe School Travel

Another key part of the Road Safety Plan is to improve infrastructure and road safety at schools by using a new process to audit school travel.

Council officers have pointed out that “the school travel plan process has been challenging, held up by the volume of travel audits, resource pressures and a historical convoluted sign-off process. The Council is currently responsible for developing and producing school travel plans for 140 schools in Edinburgh. Each school will now be able to complete their own travel plans independently. They will analyse travel surveys and draft the plan with help from council officers”.

Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025/26

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Ahead of the Hibernian Supporters AGM on Monday 7th April, members are invited to consider putting themselves forward for nomination to the Hibernian Supporters board. 

With five directors in post, there are currently two vacancies on the board, and members who feel they have the commitment, energy and expertise to help drive us forward are invited to seek nomination to join. 

With an exciting period in the club’s history ahead, HS are committed to engaging with as many fans as possible in order to grow their membership base, which will ultimately allow them to grow our financial support of the club. 

A voluntary position, the role of director with Hibernian Supporters focusses on the responsible running of the organisation with a minimum term of two years expected from interested applicants. 

While all levels of experience and professional backgrounds will be welcome, we are particularly keen to hear from members with knowledge of marketing, customer support, finance and the world of football business. 

Board meetings take place in person and online once a month, with week to week responsibilities divided up amongst directors based on availability and knowledge. 

New directors will be invited to commit as much time as they are willing to the role, with a minimum requirement that you are able to attend the majority of monthly board meetings and ad-hoc meetings and events with the club where appropriate. 

In order to be eligible for election, members are advised they will require nomination from 20 existing Hibernian Supporters members with more than six months of membership. 

Assistance will be available, where required, to help identify existing Hibernian Supporters members. 

In the event there are more than two eligible applicants for the role of director, with the required 20 nominations from fellow members, a vote will be taken at the AGM on Monday 7th April to determine the two successful candidates. 

If you would like to know more about the opportunity, please feel free to email any questions to info@hiberniansupporters.co.uk where we will be more than happy to help. 

A bid to create a new driveway in the front garden of a mid-terrace house has been rejected over plans to access it across a tiny area of public green space.

Plans to create the drive in the front garden of the house Sherwood Terrace, Bonnyrigg, required the creation of an access over a triangle of grass outside the house which are home to a cherry tree and were described by councillors as ‘valuable civic amenity’.

Applicant Andrew Wilson applied for permission to put down grass block pavers and drop the kerb to create an access to a new drive in his front garden.

However planners refused permission ruling it would be a loss of public land which was part of the visual amenity of the street, could put the trees on it at risk and lead to cars parking on the access strip itself.

They said: “The introduction of cars within the open space and potentially driving , including reversing, along the pavement presents a risk of conflict between pedestrians and user of the public open space and cars to the detriment of road/pedestrian safety.”

A meeting of the council’s Local Review Body this week agreed as it rejected an appeal by Mr Wilson against the decision.

Councillors raised concerns about the loss of the open space on the street while pointing out there were parking spaces available on the street itself.

Councillor Douglas Bowen said: “This proposal would put a driveway across a neighbouring property and remove a large section of grass and for that reason I don’t think it is a sensible development.

“There is a good deal of parking at the front and the rear of the property.”

Councillor Stuart McKenzie said: “I have concerns that we would be losing a valuable piece of civic amenity which is open to all residents of Midlothian to use as it stands.

“I think the applicant has good reason to ask for this but on balance I have to side with the civic amenity aspect of the land and that we retain it as a nice bit of garden.

And Councillor Colin Cassidy: “There is a mature cherry tree sits there which is just ready to come into bloom and we are losing too many trees.”

The review body unanimously rejected the appeal.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Schoolchildren from Forthview Primary celebrated the launch of this year’s Festival programme by recreating the cover of the Festival programme and launching their own paper boats in the pond outside The Scottish Parliament. 

The programme for the 2025 event goes live on Tuesday 25 March. The festival takes place from 24 May to 1 June 2025 and the shows on offer include circus, dance, puppetry and theatre for young people.

The festival aims to ensure that more children in Scotland can experience work that is deeply engaging, innovative and inspiring, regardless of their circumstances, access needs or location and this year’s highlights include:

• Intimate sensory works for babies that will delight young audiences with their beautiful design and gentle interactions. These includes Great Big Tiny World an immersive show filled with sounds and scents taking place in a space filled up with hundreds of plants, or Beneath the Snow which creates a world of white tissue paper from which emerge beautifulcreatures.

• Shows for both children and adults, with family pleasers such asGrown Ups and Double You featuring adults behaving badlywith hilarious consequence, while The Show for Young Mendepicts a funny and moving performance about friendship between a man and a boy.

• A regional focus on Flanders, with four stunning productions representing the vibrant and dynamic children’s theatre scenefrom this region.

• Two new Expo-funded commissions by Scottish companies, Tongue Twister and The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl, which will be touring Scotland in the lead-up to the Festival. Both focus on celebrating diversecultures and accepting difference.

Festival Director Noel Jordan said: “I’m very excited to be launching the 35th edition of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. 35 years have seen generations of children attend the Festival, with many now returning as parents to share cherishable and transformative experiences with their own children.

“This year’s programme features 13 productions from 7 countries, including two exciting Scottish commissions from both new and established artists. Woven through many of the performances is the simple joy of play – from children playing with gravity and rules making to adults’ hidden play and madcap exploration of what it means to be a grown up.

“Play is the cornerstone of childhood and this programme lets us freely imagine worlds and people beyond the immediacy of our own lives whilst connecting us with others.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of live performance and I’m grateful to everyone who has made the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival such a success over the past three decades.

“To have brought smiles to thousands of young people’s faces over 35 years is a truly heartwarming legacy and this year’s programme promises to be no less enthralling. I’m particularly delighted to see it includes two Expo-funded commissions with a focus on celebrating cultural diversity.
“The Scottish Government’s Expo fund is designed to help showcase Scottish artists and our festivals to the world, and I’m very proud to continue that support with £110,000 for this year’s Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.”

https://www.imaginate.org.uk

Full Listing – Edinburgh International Children’s Festival 2025

Great Big Tiny World (0-12 mths) – England
An immersive experience for babies, in a beautiful world filled with sounds, scents, music, shadows and over 300 plants.

Tiébélé (Nursery-P2) (18mths – 6 yrs) – Belgium/Burkina Faso
A gorgeous show about women in Burkina Faso and the marks they leave on their homes -combining earth and song, organic matter and poetry and the melodic sound of their voices.

Beneath the Snow (6 mths-6 yrs) – France 
An immersive experience in a world of white tissue paper from which emerge beautiful creatures, with two performers playing with the wonder of metamorphosis. 

Game within a Game (3-7 yrs) – Germany
A touching world of play with three dancers humorously going from one game to the next, exploring different rules, spaces and choices, and learning to get on and co-operate.

When the World Turns (PMLD) – England / Australia
An immersive, sensory performance featuring surround-sound, singing, scents, water and over 300 plants expertly crafted for and with disabled children with complex needs.

Shades of Shadows (4-10 yrs) – Germany/France
A humorous show of shadow and light with two pupeteers creating an unruly world where objects and their shadows come to life in a magical interplay of movement and illusion.

Not Falling (4-10 yrs) – Belgium 
An energetic performance with three dancers trying to escape gravity, in a fascinating interaction with film projections of children leaping and floating through the air.

Grown Ups (4-12 yrs) – Belgium
A hilarious and absurd tragi-comedy about what happens to grown-ups when children are not looking, featuring ladders, hammers, sparks and side-splitting performances. 

Tongue Twister (6-12 yrs) – Scotland
A humorous and colourful show featuring one man’s attempts to say tongue twisters in as many different languages as possible while trying to change into multiple dazzling costumes.

Double You (6-13 yrs) – Belgium
Combining circus with acro-dance, parkour and Chinese pole, this exciting show pokes fun at our FOMO, with the audience seating on both sides of a stage separated by a fabric wall.

The Show for Young Men (8-14 yrs) – Scotland
A funny and moving dance performance about friendship between a man and a boy, using playground games, risk-taking and mischief.

The Pale Baron (8-14 yrs) – Belgium
A musical tale about the friendship between two musicians during a regime that hunts down anyone that is deemed superfluous or different.

The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl(9-14 yrs) – Scotland
A visually stunning aerial show about two outsiders – a girl who wants to be a monster and a boy who wants to fly – celebrating difference and the joy of friendship.

Police have arrested and charged a 37-year-old man in connection with a number of recent housebreakings in the Bruntsfield area. 

The arrest follows an extensive investigation by officers. 

The man has been detained in custody and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. 

A Police spokesperson said: “Following recent housebreakings in the Bruntsfield area, officers carried out extensive enquiries and identified, a 37-year-old-male who has been arrested, charged and held in custody to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. 

The annual Capital League Skins night was held at Curl Edinburgh with 12 teams playing six one-end games and prizes available for each skin gained.

After a couple of hours play it all came down to the last shot of the last game and team Stretton emerged victorious with most skins won.
Niall and Graham Gunn had decided to re-purpose the Gunn Goblet as the trophy for this event and Niall did the honours with the winning team.
Pictured, left to right – Morna Aitken, Fran Stretton, Niall Gunn, Vicky Gumley, Jenny Barr
The event, organised by Aaron Forsythe, brought down the curtain on the competitive season at Curl Edinburgh.
* Champion curler Bruce Mouat – world, Olympic and European gold medallist – took time out from preparing to represent Scotland in the men’s world championships in Canada from 30 March until 6 April, along with his team, to make a presentation at Edinburgh Curling Club to Laurna Nicolson who has been running the bar for 20 years.

Bruce is pictured presenting Laurna with a card and flowers.