Anglers still want to cast a line, even if we are heading into winter, and top coarse angler Rob Wootton provides some hints and tips for those who fish small commercials, particularly for F1 and carp, and want to add more fish to their net.

The biggest piece of advice the England international can provide is to scale down bait choices as the fish are not likely to be aggressive as they were in the summer months.

Wootton (pictured) was in the Drennan Team England Aqua team which recently won in the European Feeder Cup and the angler said: “Water temperatures are going down, it is getting colder, and the fish are not feeding as aggressively as they were a month ago, so you need to scale down your bait choices.

“When you are fishing with a hybrid feeder you can’t go anywhere without some 2mm soaked miscos, this is the staple for putting around our feeder. That does not mean it is the only thing going around the feeder, but that is what we are going to start with and 2mm Swim Stim original micros are the staple. They soak up water perfectly.”

Wootton, who won the individual competition in the Feeder Cup with team-mates Lee Kerry second and Steve Ringer third, also suggests a fish meal-based groundbait, Swim Stim black, and he added: “If make a little mix, putting a couple of handfuls in a little tub with a couple of handfuls of grounbait and that makes a separate mix.

“That will provide enough bait for 20 minutes or so of fishing and I do that tto see if the mix works. If it doesn’t, I go back to pellets or groundbait but, by using the working pot, I control what is going in the swim.” The other benefit, he said, is that it does not wreck a batch of bait.

Hookbait is really important, said Wootton, who is a consultant for Dynamite Baits, as that is what fish are going to pick up. For fish from 8oz to 2lb, the 3mm Wowsers are superb and there is a selection of colours. He prefers pink and yellow, but other colours can work on different days.

Generally, Wootton starts on a pink or yellow but, the important thing, is the size, and 3mm small baits are recommended for this time of year. Why? We are targeting fish with small mouths.

On the top of the feeder you can, possibly until Christmas, feed a few pellets, 6mm are suggested, and two or three can “make a rattle on the surface” and put extra food in the swim.

Loading a feeder is also important. Wootton presses in first layer firmly and donsn’t mind if he reels back and finds the layer still there. Then he loads the Wowser and adds a new product, Wowser spray, which has just come on the market. 

He said: “We know what it is like when the water is really coloured, and the water is really cold, we need something just a little bit extra to help get a response. A wee spray with the concentrated spray, and you can smell it right away. 

“In coloured water, you need to add something extra to your bait and cover the top of the bait. I don’t want to see any hook bait poking through. I want a layer of pellets over the top.”

Scotland men, including Barry McEwan from Port Seton, are currently lying in 17th place out of 21 countries in the World Shore Angling Championships in Sicily with two days to go.

Portugal lead the chase for silverware with Ireland second and The Netherlands third. England are sixth and Wales tenth.

Top rod for the Tartan team, sponsored by Ultima Sea, is Billy Buckley from Uddingston and he is in 42nd place with Calum Culbert (Aberdeen) next best in 76th, McEwan on 86, Michael McLoughlin (Cumbernauld) 92nd and Nuno Santos (Glasgow) three places below him.

McEwan is treasurer of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League based in East Lothian and Jamie McHale won the fourth round of the club’s winter league on a difficult night.

McHale from Gifford had one fish for 1lb 11oz in the event, a Dunbar Rover, which means you can pick where you want to fish, with Scottish international Chris Empson (Dunbar) three ounces behind in second spot and Stuart Fairbairn (Haddington) third with a fish of 14oz.

Club chairman Alan Brown (West Barns) had a fish of 7oz and Neil Anderson (North Berwick) one of 5oz.

The next match is opn November 22 at a venue to be decided.

PICTURE: Barry McEwan fishing at Dunbar Harbour in a round of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League. Picture by Nigel Duncan

Jamie Green could be a marked man as Grange square-up to The University of Edinburgh in the feature clash in the men’s Scottish Premiership at Peffermill on Saturday (13.25).

The 18-year-old bagged his first senior hat-trick as Scottish Premiership pace-setting Grange beat FSEG Clydesdale 9-0 in Edinburgh last weekend, but the highly-talented teenager didn’t celebrate because he has grown up in the Clydesdale family, playing in all the youth teams before moving along the M8 during the close season to Grange.

The triple whammy came in seven glorious, first quarter, minutes at Fettes and underlined the development of the rising star who broke into the Scotland senior squad last summer.

His treble arrived at the right time as Grange prepare for possibly their biggest test so far this term. The students are second in the table and going well.

Grange, however, have not dropped a point so far this term, winning all nine matches and scoring 42 goals and conceding only seven, and this is a potentially season-defining clash.

The hard-running students edged Western Wildcats 6-4 at the same venue last Saturday, holding a 5-1 lead at one stage in the contest which proved to be one of the games of the season so far, before edging Uddingston 3-2 in Lanarkshire to close to within six points of Grange with a game in hand.

Imrie’s men have also scored 39 goals and lost 12 for the second best goal difference in the 12-strong table. Green, who is on a four-year business course at Heriot-Watt University, hence the move to the East of the country, said: “The outcome could be huge.”

Saturday’s fixture is also Grange’s final one in the first-half of the season before the winter break and it could be psychologically damaging to surrender the 100 per cent record in such a key fixture and have until February 17 to reflect.

The quicksilver player from Busby near Glasgow said: “It would be really good to get a positive result on Saturday.”

Grange coach, Stevie Grubb, is leaving nothing to chance and he was an interested spectator at Peffermill to see The University of Edinburgh against Western last Saturday.

The champions, however, into the clash minus former university captain, Robbie Croll, who suffered extensive bruising to his shoulder in the recent win at struggling city rivals Erskine Stewart’s Melville.

Grubb confirmed that David Nairn is also missing and added: “We had two additional players available for selection this week which left us the challenge of maintaining the balance of the squad that was successful last week. Hopefully, we have managed that.

“I watched the Edinburgh University game last weekend and get a feel for how Hamish (Imrie) has them playing this season and, from what I saw, I think we can all look forward to an exciting game of hockey.”

Hamish Imrie, player/coach to The University of Edinburgh, said the prospects were for an exciting game against Grange and also a challenge to see how his men can compete against the champions from last season.

Imrie has a few injuries from the 6-4 win over Western Wildcats and he said: “We’ll see how they recover in the next couple of days.” 

Rob Harwood, skipper of Western Wildcats, said it was a tough defeat at The University of Edinburgh last Saturday. They are now playing catch-up but he added: “We are looking to bounce back. It is important the squad sticks together and it is now about doing our job and hoping we get help from elsewhere.”  

Hamish Galt, A J Lochrin, Nikki Homfray and Luc Hermsen are missing this weekend as they travel to play Glasgow rivals Kelburne and Harwood said: “They will all be back in the second-half of the season which will be a real boost as they are big losses.”

Paul Taylor has injury concerns ahead of Inverleith’s home clash with Uddingston which he says is a massive game for the club.

Coach Taylor said: “We have a few unavailable, unfortunately, but we look forward to the game and know that if we want to be playing top six hockey (in the second-half of the season) then we have got to get a result.”

FSEG Clydesdale coach Ciaran Crawford reports that Steven McKnight and Euan lindsay picked up knocks last week but otherwise he has a full squad available for their home game against Hillhead.

Watsonians women’s coach Keith Smith confirmed he is closer to having a full squad but there are still two missing ahead of their clash with Capital rivals Grand Edinburgh Ladies.

Anna Logan is on a career break and is travelling so will be unavailable until after the winter break.

Smith added: “Grange have plenty of talented youngsters and have added a number of players with Premiership experience this season to bolster that. It will be a good contest and results so far have shown how dangerous Grange can be so we’ll need to make sure we are ready for that.”

Scottish Premiership: Saturday: men: Edinburgh University v Grange (13.25); Erskine Stewart’s Melville v Dundee Wanderers; FSEG Clydesdale v Hillhead; Grove Menzieshill v Watsonians; Kelburne v Western Wildcats (12.20); Inverleith v Uddingston (13.30). 

Women: Clydesdale v The University of Edinburgh; Grange Edinburgh Ladies v Watsonians; Hillhead v Gordonians; Inverleith v University of St Andrews (11.45, Loretto School);

GHK v Uddingston (14.15, Old Anniesland); Western Wildcats v Glasgow University (14.30, Auchenhowie). Sunday: Clydesdale Western v GHK; Hillhead v Inverleith (13.00, Upper Windyedge).

PICURE: Grange cruising to victory over Capital rivals ESM in a recent Premiership clash. Picture by Nigel Duncan

Recruitment has begun for all kinds of roles in the new store coming to Princes Street.

Uniqlo will open on Princes Street in spring 2024, introducing Edinburgh to its lifewear clothing for all genders and ages in one shop.

The new 1,430 square metre space on two levels will open at the same time as a new store on Oxford Street in London, bringing the total Uniqlo shops to 19.

Alessandro Dudech, COO of UNIQLO U.K said: “We are excited to take this next big step in the U.K.’s expansion plans with the Edinburgh store opening in Spring 2024. It’s an honour to be opening in not only a new city but a new country, Edinburgh is a city of great cultural and historical heritage, we have many existing Scottish customers who shop through our e-commerce site, and Edinburgh has such a strong footfall from both locals and tourists.

“UNIQLO is proud to be expanding our presence in this important retail location, we look forward to bringing LifeWear to Scotland in 2024.”

To apply and to find out more information about the recruitment sessions, visit the website: 

UNIQLO Edinburgh: https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/content/edinburgh.html 

Will Aid is running this month, reminding everyone of the importance of writing a will while at the same time supporting a charity.

Solicitors all over the UK volunteer their time by writing wills in November, and it represents a great opportunity to tick a Will off your to-do-list, and ensure your family’s future is protected.

The annual nationwide fundraising campaign shares its proceeds between nine of the UK’s leading charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland).

Appointments are now available with MHD Law and McEwan Fraser Legal in Edinburgh. There are also several firms that can take your instruction remotely, so wherever you are you can get your will written through Will Aid this year.

Visit www.willaid.org.uk to find your solicitor – bookings will close at the end of November.

Will Aid has been running since 1988 and is open to all adults. The campaign has encouraged more than 350,000 people to write their Will with a regulated and insured solicitor and, in so doing has raised over £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies. The suggested voluntary donation is £100 for a single Will and £180 for a pair of mirror Wills.

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “The money raised each year is incredibly important for each of our partner charities. It was inspiring to see our committed solicitors, continue to volunteer their time to raise vital funds last year.

I encourage anyone who does not yet have a Will to use this opportunity to protect loved ones and causes close to them, while supporting nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.”

Jonathan Chase, Chair of Will Aid, added: “We are very grateful to all the solicitors, new and returning, who selflessly volunteer their time to write thousands of Wills without their normal fee each year.

Not only does their philanthropy help thousands of local people protect their loved ones and causes close to them with a professionally written Will, but it also helps the Will Aid partner charities continue their life-changing work.”

Canadian defenceman Adam Holwell has left Fife Flyers as head coach Tom Coolen bids to solve defensive issues in the team which sits second bottom of the Elite League.

The Kirkcaldy club have shipped 26 goals in just eight league games despite having Shane Owen, one of the most highly-rated netminders in the ten-strong division.

Sean Giles, who impressed in a tough European league, is the man Flyers hope will help tighten up at the blue line.

The 6ft 1in player from Colorado joins the Kirkcaldy club in his fourth season as a professional player after spending last year in the top tier of the Slovak Extraliga with HC Prešov, registering 26 points (five goals and 21 assists) in 50 outings. 

Giles has previously iced alongside current Flyers player Ben Hawerchuk in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) during the 21/22 season with the Jacksonville Icemen. There he collected 14 points in 64 games. 

And he played with former Flyer Jacob Benson with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). 

Giles stated: “I am really looking forward to the opportunity ahead in Fife. Tom Coolen (Flyers’ head coach) and I have spoken about the goals of the team moving forward and I want to help build that success.” 

Coach Coolen said: “Sean played top minutes in all situations in the Slovak Extraliga. He skates well and will be a big addition to the Fife Flyers blueline group.”

Holwell has been released with immediate effect he 26-year-old arrived in the summer after a spell with ECHL side Newfoundland Growlers and Holwell, a former Memorial Cup winner, played in eight Elite Leauge and six Challenge Cup games for the Fife club.

PICTURE: Adam Holwell in action at Kirkcaldy courtesy of Fife Flyers and taken by Jillian McDougall

MORE THAN six in 10 of rurally based LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland feel that their local area is not a welcoming place.

The damning figure has emerged as the largest ever piece of research involving LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland finds that rural environments are the least supportive for community members.

A survey of nearly 1300 LGBTQ+ youth from local authorities nationwide, found that homophobia and transphobia were more prevalent in rural settings than in towns and cities.

The stark findings come as part of the latest instalment of the 15-year-long Life in Scotland study created by prominent charity LGBT Youth Scotland.

Dr Mhairi Crawford, LGBT Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “LGBTQ+ young people deserve to flourish and thrive no matter where they live, and this report highlights that there is more to be done across Scotland, especially in rural environments.

“The findings from this report underline the unique challenges isolation presents LGBTQ+ young people living in rural areas.

“This is further intensified by the absence of dedicated support services, which simply isn’t good enough.

“If we want to champion LGBTQ+ equality in every part of Scotland, we must amplify the voices of the young people in rural Scotland who know these communities best.

“Their lived experiences must shape every policy decision, steer each new initiative, and lead the charge for progress.”

The report has called on the Scottish Government as well as local authorities for greater investment in LGBTQ+ awareness and education programmes, as well as long term youth work to help improve inclusivity.

MSP for Minister for Equalities, Migration & Refugees, Emma Roddick said: “LGBT Youth Scotland’s Life in Scotland report is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people, understand the challenges that they face, and measure the impact of our work to build a fairer Scotland.

“It is clear that many LGBTQI+ young people in rural areas face unique challenges, simply because of where they live. This is unacceptable.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders, including funding LGBT Youth Scotland to continue their research, to improve the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people no matter where they live.”

The study highlights a profound sense of isolation due to limited resources, sparse social support, and transportation difficulties.

Alarmingly, only 37 per cent of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas felt that there were safe spaces available for socialising and expressing their identities, in contrast to 48 per cent in non-rural regions.

Additionally, the report acknowledges that despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ education across Scotland, many young people in rural areas have yet to benefit from inclusive education initiatives.

And people experiencing LGBTQ+ hate crimes have expressed a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to handle such incidents, prompting calls for Police Scotland to enhance support for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and improve the reporting process for hate crimes.

Speaking on the actions required to provide greater support, Dr Crawford said: “It’s crucial for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and funders to invest sustainably in youth services for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas.

“While digital tools are vital, physical gatherings are needed to combat isolation and build community and improved wellbeing.

“Inclusive services, workplaces, and education, supported by programs like the LGBT Charter, are essential for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and welcomed in their communities.

“Every LGBTQ+ young person should have the chance to flourish, irrespective of their geographical location.

“If Scotland is to become a place where personal young people can thrive, it is imperative that decision-makers and service providers really listen to the insights of LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and engage in collaborative efforts with local communities to craft effective solutions.”

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25. LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential and LGBT Youth Scotland works alongside young people to remove those barriers; working with young people individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.

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

https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/

Cramond Angling Club, who have a nine-mile beat on the River Almond, have confirmed that their 2023 annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 22 (7pm) at Cramond Boat Club.

All members of the club are entitled to attend and general members, senior members and student members are entitled to vote.

Nominations for election to the committee should be received by email to secretary.cramond@gmail.com by 15 November and they should include the names of the proposer and seconder.

Proposed motions, including details of proposer and seconder, should be received by email to the club secretary for consideration of the committee no later than November 15.

A spokesman said: “It would be great to see as many members as possible at the meeting. It is your club and we want to hear your views and comments.”

Members should note that all catch returns should be completed by November 30 and they can be completed using the online forms on Fishing around the Forth website. (www.fishforth.org).

The spokesman said that you navigate to the Cramond Angling Club section and, at the bottom, there is a link which will take you to catch returns. You should complete the form online and submit.

He added: “This is a mandatory requirement of the club’s leases and MUST be completed, particularly for migratory fish. Note also that those days when you have fished but not caught anything must also be recorded as NIL return.

“This is important for accurate measurement of Fishing Effort and helps to keep the clubs fees to Forth District Salmon Fisheries Board as low as possible. Your help in this is appreciated.”

PICTURE: One of the sections on the River Almond near Cramond. Picture by Nigel Duncan

Fife Flyers coach Tom Coolen urged the club’s fans to come out in force when their favourites square-up to Dundee Stars in a re-arranged Elite League clash at The Fife Ice Arena on Friday, November 10 (19.30).

The Canadian (pictured) said: “Having good crowds is really important to us going forward and we would urge local people to come out and support us on Friday. The fans really matter to us.” 

It looks as if forward Ben Hawerchuk will return to duty for Flyers. The 25-year-old North American winger, son of the late Ben Hawerchuk, who was the first National Hockey League player to reach 1,000 career games before turning 31, missed Sunday’s league clash at Guildford Flames which Fife lost 5-2.

Hawerchuk’s return is a welcome boost for coach Coolen who is determined to snap a five-game losing streak.

Stars, sponsored by Trade-Mart, also come into the game on a downer having lost 5-2 at home to Coventry Blaze only 24-hours after beating the same team 5-3 in the Midlands.

The pair have met in the Challenge Cup, Fife winning 6-3 at Kirkcaldy and also 4-2 at The Dundee Ice Arena.

Coolen, one of the most experienced coaches in the league, said Dundee’s strengths include good forward and good speed and he added: “We have to make sure we defend well.

“We’ve been working on that in practice this week and, naturally, we’ll be looking to exploit what we believe are their weeknesses.”

However, he added: “Our focus is on our team, not theirs. We want to play our game and to minimise our mistakes.”

Fife have had a clear week to prepare and Coolen conceded: “That has allowed us to work on things and we have Ben (Hawerchuk) back in the line-up. Injuries have hit us in recent weeks and so has the travel, but we have battled on and will continue to battle on.

“We naturally want to win our home games but we have been in most games we’ve played this season. We were in the game Saturday (against Clan) and we got a point in a 3-2 overtime defeat.

“We wanted two but we got one but we’ve been in most games we’ve played this season and we’re looking for a good crowd to back us on Friday.

Across country, Glasgow Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, have confirmed that Troon-born winger Jordan Buesa has been released to pursue another opportunity with immediate effect.

Clan said that after initially approaching the club to move on a two-way deal, it has now become apparent that a permanent move to the National Ice Hockey League is best for 23-year-old Jordan and all involved.

After the Clan and the NIHL’s Leeds Knights reached an agreement, the transfer will see Jordan see out the remainder of the 2023/24 season in Yorkshire.

At St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place

There will be an event on Monday by Scotland’s oldest interfaith organisation, the Edinburgh Interfaith Association (EIFA), and The Oxford Foundation promoting peace.

The evening will include music, meditation, messages and prayers designed to promote greater lasting peace in all faith and non-faith communities in the capital.

United for Peace: Edinburgh’s Communities United Against Hate will bring the whole city together to combat hate with the tools of understanding, respect and love.

The event is free and open to the public.  To register visit   https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT

Professor Joe Goldblatt, Chair of EIFA said: “I am personally looking forward to coming together with hundreds of my fellow local citizens to do something positive about the many crises we are now seeing throughout the world.  In my faith of Judaism we call this tikkun olam which means ‘to repair the world’.”  I am personally grateful to The Oxford Foundation for helping us discover new tools to repair what some believe is an irreparably broken world.”

Luath Press popping up

Local publishers Luath Press will pop up next week in John Lewis offering readers an opportunity of getting to know the people behind it and their books.

There will be meet the author sessions and some book related gifts on offer. The pop up will be in the 4th floor beside the Christmas shop.

Tilly the Tram

Tilly the Tram is back with a new story featuring key destinations such as St James Quarter, the Port of Leith and the Royal Yacht.

The book is written and illustrated by members of the staff at Edinburgh Trams and follows volume one launched in 2018 as part of a safety campaign.

Dozens of free copies of  ‘Tilly the Tram’s New Adventure’ suitable for children up to age five will be distributed to schools in Leith, Ocean Terminal, and Newhaven.

Revenue from any sales will be donated to charity.

Read more here.

More calls for a new Eye Pavilion

Two of Scotland’s oldest sight loss charities, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, have launched a new campaign calling for a new eye hospital in Edinburgh. 

The charities, who are warning that people’s eye health is being placed at risk due to the current poor facilities, are asking people to sign a petition calling on the Scottish Government to commit to funding the new eye hospital in Edinburgh, without any further delays.

Sarah Boyack MSP continues to chip away at the Health Minister Michael Matheson to get a firm date for a new building, first promised by The Scottish Government in 2018.

She said: “The current eye hospital building is a grave area for concern with real risks to patient safety due to leaking roofs and broken lifts. With growing numbers of people living with sight loss and median waiting times for ophthalmology now at 14 weeks, a new eye hospital in Edinburgh is desperately needed.

You will find the petition here.

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Cox & Co, Scotland’s first property investment house, has expanded its operation to include an estate agency division.

The new arm of the Edinburgh-based business has five brokers covering the city and surrounding areas, with staffing set to quadruple in the next 24 months as the firm extends across the country.

The new team comprises property professionals Moni Tagore, Jenny Purves, Andrew Cramond, Mantas Lozys and the recently-appointed Director of Sales, Judy Shields.

As well as the capital, they cover West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian, Glasgow and the Borders. The East Neuk of Fife, Dundee and Aberdeen are also all on the radar as part of an ambitious growth plan being rolled out by owner John Cox.

The new sales set-up complements the existing investment, lettings and mortgage departments run from the firm’s headquarters on Castle Terrace in the city.

“To now be able to offer a bespoke estate agency proposition in Edinburgh & the Lothians and beyond is a hugely exciting development for the business and it is only the start as there are plans for extensive growth over the next two years to cover the majority of Scotland,” said Mr Cox.

“The aim is to keep growing across the central belt over the next 12 months, by which time we will have doubled our team of property brokers to 10. Ultimately, I’m looking at creating 20 jobs over the next two years as we extend our reach.”

The move comes just after two years after Mr Cox became majority shareholder of the business, which was originally set up in 2014 through the amalgamation of two family companies – his father’s mortgage brokerage and his own jointly-owned letting agency.

The firm has since gone from strength to strength and now has over 300 properties under management with the majority of landlords holding portfolios.

Specialists in private acquisitions and property investment, the expansion was the obvious next step for Cox & Co which is offering an American realtor-style ‘one-stop shop’ service.

“It has been a very natural evolution into the estate agency field but I want to do things differently and offer a more holistic service to prospective buyers and sellers,” added Mr Cox.

“We offer a property service unlike any other sales team in the country. By specialising in selling, sourcing, buying and trading in property for our clients, our brokers offer a service that is similar to the ‘USA realtor’ or ‘Dubai property agent’ models – a direct point of contact for our clients, tailored to their requirements; someone who can walk them through every step of the process with ease and professionalism.

“There needs to be assistance for buyers and not just for sellers. The cloak-and-dagger approach to closing dates and trying to get a price above the home report is so dated and that’s why I believe this model will be of huge benefit as the market continues to evolve.

“Collaboration is key and I want to get to the point where all of us in the sector are working together as we continue to adapt to a more volatile industry.

“At Cox & Co we know property and I want to offer a true turn-key service for people wanting to buy, sell, rent or invest in property in Scotland. We buy and sell, off market as well as on the open market, and our new service offering is well suited to the Edinburgh property market.

“We have a list of buyers across the globe we are helping to source property for and we are now listing properties on the open market for local, national and international clients.

“We also specialise in assisting with the transition from short-term to long-term lets so are ideally placed for what I believe will be a mass exodus in the short-term let market, which is already starting to have a devastating impact on the sector.”

There will be a foot stomping programme of events for everyone to enjoy on New Year’s Day in Edinburgh with music curated by award-winning musician and composer, Aidan O’Rourke.

The programme is funded by The Scottish Government’s Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.

The schedule includes First Footin’ which is a culture trail and Sprogmanay an event to tire out the younger members of the family.

These two fabulous events are aimed at people of all ages looking to bring in 2024 with some music and dancing during the day – and after the razzmatazz of Hogmanay on Princes Street and in the Gardens.

The music will be live and performed by a variety of bands and musicians and organisers say the mood will be love, friendship and resolution – all remembered and fêted at Hogmanay.

Musicians will include: Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Coth, Fergus McCreadie Trio, Grace and the Flat Boys, Graeme Stephen, Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band, Her Picture, Hot Chip (DJ set), Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer, Kathryn Joseph, Lau, Mira Benjamin, No Windows, Sean Shibe, and Tam Dean Burn.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to support this year’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations with £130,000 from our Festival Expo Fund.

“The free events programme is at the heart of the capital’s winter festivities and provides a high-profile platform for talented performers based in Scotland.”

Aidan O’Rourke, of Lau, and guest curator said: “The first day of the new year. Normal rules don’t apply. Emotions are big and wobbly. Hopes are high. The light seems different. Resolutions are … pending. We might feel refreshed but also (possibly) heftily hungover. A special sensitivity! A perfect day for listening, resetting, turning off the phones and sitting still for a moment or several. It’s been a joy to curate these free concerts: incredible musicians playing in up-close, low-key and immersive settings.”

First Footin’ highlights include:

An exclusive collaboration between pioneering folk trio Lau, who will be joined by special guest and cult singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph for a New Year’s Day party like no other at St Giles’ Cathedral, greeting their first-footers with songs and a warm welcome
A special day time club event at Virgin Hotel with very special guests Hot Chip (DJ Set) and guest DJs
An afternoon of award-winning jazz from Fergus McCreadie Trio and special guests Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer at Greyfriars Kirk
Edinburgh born guitarist and recipient of the 2022 Leonard Bernstein Award Sean Shibe and special guest violinist Mira Benjamin at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Live music score performed by the Graeme Stephen Trio to classic silent movies, at the new St Andrew Square Spiegeltent
An afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Mull’s Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom
Plus an evening of revelry at the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer taking place in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs and bars
In a special collaboration with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award and partners Stirling Council, First Footin’ will this year welcome a selection of 2023’s Shortlisted artists to the live music trail, with nominees Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Cloth, and this year’s Sound of Young Scotland winner No Windows performing at the Assembly Rooms Music Hall. Named amongst the 10 most outstanding Scottish Albums of the Year, this showcase of SAY Award alumni presents the very best in contemporary Scottish music.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I’m delighted to see the announcement of this year’s First Footin’ and Sprogmanay. Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the start of 2024 with an eclectic, exciting and free programme of events. From experimental folk music, to award-winning rap, all the way to arts, crafts and family activities there is truly something for everyone of all ages.

“I’d like to thank the organisers for their efforts, and I can’t wait to experience what this year has in store for our city.”

A spokesperson from UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce our free New Year’s Day activity thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund. With family events at the National Museum of Scotland and Assembly Roxy, and an eclectic music trail across the city, there’s hopefully something for everyone to enjoy.

“This is the second year of our First Footin’ Culture Trail – an opportunity for music fans to see some of Scotland’s best local talent alongside international acts right on their doorstep. The Festivals Expo Fund has enabled us to continue this new tradition, showcasing the amazing artists performing in Scotland year round and the incredible live music venues that support them.”

First Footin’ takes place at venues throughout the city (St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk, Virgin Hotel, Fruitmarket Gallery, Assembly Rooms, St Andrew Square Spiegeltent, Scottish Café Bar & Restaurant, Cold Town House, Auld Hundred, The Black Bull, Boozy Cow, Copper Blossom, Element, and The Huxley) from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day.

A full line-up of artists and venues along with First Footin’ trail map will be released in early December, for participants to plan a fun-packed New Year’s Day.

Celebrations for families and young revellers run throughout New Year’s Day with the return of the hugely popular Sprogmanay in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland. Enjoy lively performances and activities for all the family with a vibrant free programme including; music performances from Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock, arts and crafts, and the ‘Resolution Tree’, where children are invited to write their hopes and ambitions for 2024 on a star – sure to be a special moment for families on the first day of the New Year.  

Dance the day away at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh hosted by the incredible Fruin Ceilidh Band at Assembly Roxy. The fun, relaxed environment is the perfect chance to embrace tradition and introduce the kids to a classic ceilidh for the first time with an expert caller on hand to ensure everyone of all ability can join in. Running all afternoon, families are invited to stay for the afternoon or drop in and out of sessions to catch their breath! 

Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail round off four days of world-class celebrations in Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.  

Celebrations begin on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession and Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, plus the Night Afore Disco Party and Night Afore Hoolie on 30 December. On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels with its all-night ceilidh, makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 50,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests Hot Chip (DJ set). 

Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30^th anniversary celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Tilly the Tram is back with a new story featuring key destinations such as St James Quarter, the Port of Leith and the Royal Yacht.

The book is written and illustrated by members of the staff at Edinburgh Trams and follows volume one launched in 2018 as part of a safety campaign.

Dozens of free copies of  ‘Tilly the Tram’s New Adventure’ suitable for children up to age five will be distributed to schools in Leith, Ocean Terminal, and Newhaven.

Revenue from any sales will be donated to charity.

Gianni Mastrangioli, Edinburgh Trams Events & Communications Assistant, explained: “We’re beyond delighted that Tilly is back, and we’re looking forward to working with schools along the new route to Newhaven to deliver some important messages to pupils.

“With the help of Tilly and her friends, we’ve found an engaging, educational, and fun way to offer youngsters in some of the most populated areas the information they need to safely navigate the tramway.

“The new line has opened a wealth of opportunities for Edinburgh and we will continue to work with the communities along the route to help them make the most of the service we provide.”

Laura S. Thomson, Victoria Primary School’s Headteacher, said: “The children at Victoria Primary are very excited that the tram terminus is so near the school and we have already used it for school trips!

“We love the Tilly the Tram book and there was great excitement to share the story and spot familiar landmarks. It also gives us a focus to talk about safety around the trams. Thank you for giving us copies for our school.”

Tilly’s latest edition can now be purchased at the Travel Hubs at Shandwick Place and Waverley Bridge, with all proceeds being donated to Edinburgh Trams’ Charity of the Year, Breast Friends and Family.

Montpeliers Group have teamed up with Turn the Tables to introduce DJ masterclasses to Coco-Boho on George Street.

Robbie Tolson set up the social enterprise Turn the Tables to create positive futures for anyone who is affected by homelessness or poverty. The music workshops are used to build mental health resilience, overcome many different life situations and improve quality of life.

Now he is hoping to fill a gap in the market by staging an interactive DJ experience when those taking part can spin their favourite tunes. The classes will take place at Coco-Boho which was formerly known as Lulu. The sound and light system is one that any DJ would “dream of playing on”.

Tolson was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list this year. He said: “Prior to setting up Turn The Tables I was a DJ working every other night in the hospitality industry. Getting bombarded with requests for tunes and to give customers a shot on the decks. So it makes perfect sense to take those requests and let them inspire an experiential entertainment venture to raise funds for Turn The Tables. The money raised has the potential to take us from a small organisation helping a hundred people per year to helping thousands.

“My first ever DJ residency was actually in Lulu before the new refurbishment 11 years ago, so this feels full circle to me. Coco-Boho is the perfect venue to host YOU.ME.DJ, its new layout allows for such a great platform to host a masterclass and I can’t wait to start.”

Darren Downing, Coco-Boho General Manager, says: “What an exciting concept to be involved in and I’m proud to offer such a unique experience in our venue that will be great for both our customers and to the local community. We have no doubts YOU.ME.DJ will be the next big thing in experiential entertainment and we can’t wait to get started with Robbie and the Turn The Tables team.”

There is a special launch masterclass on 23 November and will run monthly and hopefully then weekly.

To book your place go to: www.cocobohoedinburgh.co.uk or email info@cocobohoedinburgh.co.uk

More than 400 women in Edinburgh ate lunch and drank fizz at Prestonfield House raising £127,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) in the process.

The popular annual event was hosted by Forth One’s Arlene Stuart, entertainment by Massaoke and singer Elyssa Tait who reached the semi-finals of The Voice Kids UK.

Rachel and Michael Ross were guests of honour sharing their most personal story of Aaron, their sone who died in 2018. They were supported by CHAS and Rachel House both before and after his death.

CHAS High Profile Events Manager, Diane Alton said: “I am thrilled to announce that with the generosity of our guests, sponsors and donors, we managed to raise an incredible £127,000. This means the event has raised over £1.6 million in total over the past 11 years with all funds going directly towards helping children with life-shortening conditions and their families supported by CHAS across Scotland.   

“Our heartfelt thanks go to all our guests, volunteers, our host, Arlene, all our entertainers, staff at The Prestonfield and of course our CHAS parents Rachel and Michael who so touchingly shared their story on the day. Thank you also to our sponsors, Artemis and our other corporate supporters including Eden Scott, Home Report Company, Shadi Kirk Coaching and Gilson Gray.”

Unbeaten Edinburgh boxer Robbie Graham, 28, is aiming to re-enter the ring in the New Year on a double mission.

Firstly, the former Scottish professional welterweight champion wants to honour the memory of a late, much lamented, fan in his family.

And he also wants to prove that succumbing temporarily to mental health issues does not mean throwing in the towel on dreams of further sporting glory.

Robbie said: “It’s been a difficult year with a death in the family and some struggles with anxiety and depression.

“But, helped by visits to the gym every day and training at Meadowbank Sports Centre, I am ready to fight to reclaim the title I voluntarily gave up in March after beating Andrew Smart (Elgin).

“When my auntie, Helen Callan, sadly passed away I was devastated as she was my biggest supporter and things just got the better of me for a while.

“But my mindset is that I’m ready to go again and as well as honouring Helen’s memory I want to inspire others who have been down the same road as me.”

To that end Robbie, who works as both a delivery driver and chef, has a “gentleman’s agreement” with the promoter that he will fight the winner of Alfie Poole (Clydebank) and Ben Barlett (Dingwall) who meet in Aberdeen on 25 November to decide who lifts the title he vacated.

“I still feel that title belongs to me and want to prove it. I’d love, if possible, for that fight to be in Edinburgh.

“In looking to be an inspiration for anyone who is struggling my intention is to return with a bang and add to a pro record showing five wins from five including a knock-out” adds Robbie who says his mettle and determination can be gauged by overcoming a broken rib early on as well as an opponent last time out.

Linlithgow Loch has been granted an extension so anglers can now fish on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm during November, and the prospects look good.

Tom Lambert, secretary of the Forth Area Federation of Anglers, who run the fishery, said that floating lines can work on the East Side of the lake which is shallower while other areas have produced with intermediate lines and lures.

Booking is advised but not essential.

Nearby, Millhall near Polmont report that their regular season is over but fishing continues at weekends.

A spokesman said that the loch “fished its socks off” last weekend with lots of big catches reported by multiple anglers.  

Floating and midge-tip lines were in use by the majority of anglers with damsel, Ally McCoist, FAB, blob, buzzer and cormorant patterns all accounting for fish.

Egg and shimmie patterns also worked under a bung.

Top rods included Robbie Gibson who returned 22 fish, B Heggie with 21 fish, S Merrier had 18 fish, G King and R Weir each had 16 fish, S Pozzi had 14 fish and J Whitlam and D Merrier returned 12 fish each.

Bowden Springs near Linlithgow is also fishing well. Peter Dancer from Oban has not fished for some years but cast a line and landed seven on yellow dancer while Mr McGeechan had two of 6lb on app and buzzer patterns.

On to sea fishing and Aquamarine Charters of Eyemouth say they have angling spaces on Saturday, November 11, leaving the dock at 7.45am. Ring 07860 804316 if you are interested.

And Stewart Falconer has confirmed that the East Fife Open Pegged Match will be on Saturday, November 25 from 3pm to 8pm on Elliot Beach near Abroath with registration from 1pm to 2pm at the Railway Bridge Car Park. Ring Stewart on 07759 379978 or Mike on 07912 842665 to book your place.

And a reminder that Mike and Chris are holding their annual Winter Heaviest Cod League starting on Saturday, November 18, registration at the Victoria Car Park, Arbroath, from 14.00 to 14.30 and fishing from 15.30 to 20.30 with boundaries from Carnoustie to Ferryden. Call Chris on 07872 944807 for more details. Four more rounds are scheduled after that.

PICTURE: Mike Horn one of the organisers of the Winter Heaviest Cod League. Picture by Nigel Duncan on Kirkcaldy Beach

Musselburgh Racecourse raised the curtain today on a £1 million National Hunt season which also features the first £100,000 jumps race at the East Lothian track.

The 10-fixture season boasts record prize money of £1 million and the premier bet363 Scottish Cheltenham Trials weekend in February is assured to draw the UK’s top trainers with more than £400,000 on offer.

Long established as a valuable trials test for top performing horses aiming to compete at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals, the bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials is one of the most anticipated jumps weekends on the racing calendar, justifying ITV’s coverage of seven races.

Prize money for the bet365 Edinburgh National has been doubled from last year to £100,000, while the Sunday meeting on 4 February will host a new race, the two-and-a-half mile £75,000 Scottish Champion Handicap Chase.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “This will be without doubt our best ever jumps programme at Musselburgh and our first £100,000 National Hunt race will be a top draw for the country’s leading stables.

“The cards over both days are jam-packed with prep races for Cheltenham and Aintree and if racing fans want to see the very best horses and jockeys warming up for the big Spring festivals, they should come to Musselburgh.”

Other National Hunt season highlights include the hugely popular New Year’s Day meeting and Farnsworth is hoping to attract a sponsor as Musselburgh welcomes in 2024 with another 6,000-plus sell-out crowd.

Jumping ahead to next April, Musselburgh ends on a high as a finals weekend venue (with Kelso and Carlisle) for the Racing Post Go North festival which features eleven finals worth £30,000 each over three days.

Farnsworth added: “At the start of the National Hunt season, owners and trainers are hoping their horses will progress to make it to what is effectively the Olympics of horse racing at the Cheltenham Festival, but of course, at lot of them will not achieve those heights.

“The Go North weekend is a fantastic way to showcase those horses which have featured across northern tracks over the winter and this is a fitting finale to mark the contribution they have made.”

Musselburgh starts the jumps season on a high after a successful Flat season which has seen better than expected attendances as crowds flocked back to post-Covid racing.

Total attendances over the 27 meetings were 60,737 compared to the last full pre-Covid season in 2019 when 57,864 visited the East Lothian course – a jump of 5% despite moving the sell-out Ladies Day fixture from a Saturday to Friday and cutting back the maximum 10,000 attendance to 7,000.

He said: “It has been a fantastic Flat season because we were forecasting to record a significant loss but have managed to turn the ship around. It’s partly down to people getting Covid out of their system, they have gone on holiday, attended delayed weddings and celebrations, and have come back racing.

“The weather has played a huge role and despite it being a wetter than usual year, we were extremely fortunate in that all of our ‘big’ race days – from Easter Saturday, the Edinburgh Cup, Ladies Day and through to our September finale – benefited from excellent weather.

“Consumers are not cash rich, they are very choosy on how they spend their money, but if the sun is shining – and we deliver great hospitality and entertainment – then a day at the races is a highly attractive proposition.”

The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, addressed the SCVO conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) first thing on Wednesday morning, making it clear the Scottish Government are considering longer term funding for third sector organisations in its budget deliberations.

This has already been used in the case of The Yard in Eyre Place Lane, where the government has promised funding of £2 million over three years and which he used as an example in his speech. The charity that provides support to disabled children and young people had pointed out to the First Minister that this funding model – rather than just a one off annual sum – would offer some stability to their work.

Mr Yousaf said to the audience at the SCVO Conference: “The challenge from The Yard to the government was not just the pounds and pennies, important as they are, but the point that the team at The Yard continue to make was stability. They said: ‘We need to know, we cant just live with one year funding sources, hand to mouth, chasing our tail, thinking what we have to do next, how do we fit into project funding’ as opposed to getting on with what they do best – transforming and saving lives.

“When I visited The Yard I heard that time and time again from parents. They said to me they would not be here – literally not here – if it was not for the support from the charity.”

The First Minister confirmed that potential multi year funding is being worked on at this “pivotal time” – just ahead of the budget. He said: “I can absolutely give you a firm assurance that work, consideration of how we give you stability in terms of funding and multi years funding is very much underway.”

He confirmed that he and the Social Justice Secretary have instructed officials around the current funding process and it “should include a greater number of two year grants” for more charities.

Chief Executive of The Yard Celine Sinclair said when the funding was announced: “We are absolutely thrilled that First Minister has committed to working with us to grow our services in Scotland. This announcement is transformational for disabled children and their families, and we look forward to working with our partners to ensure that our children get the support they need to get the best start in life and thrive.”

The First Minister’s speech is here in full.

New Berwick manager Stewart Dickson has told Bandits success-hungry fans: “I want to make Shielfield a fortress.”

Bandits finished second from bottom in the Cab Direct Championship last season, losing five of their eight league matches at Shielfield Park, and that trend has been the norm since the sport resumed after the world-wide pandemic.

Dickson (pictured) said: “It is important to build a team which can turn Shielfield into a fortress. Doing that will qualify you for the play-offs and put you in contention at the end of the season.”

The former Glasgow Tigers supremo added: “I can guarantee you that the team will be putting everything into every race and that I will be quick to react tactically if it is not working. I can’t promise miracles, but I can assure you it will be better than the last few seasons.”

Trussell Trust report increased demand for food banks

The Trussell Trust has issued new data on Wednesday which reveals that 128,490 emergency food parcels were provided to people in Scotland between April and September through their 130 food banks, representing a 9% increase on the same period last year.

The new report shows that a majority of these parcels were given to families with children, and at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Gathering on Tuesday it was revealed by members of a panel which discussed the Scottish Government’s Cash First initiative to ending the need for food banks, that a staggering 3 in 4 people using food banks are disabled or have a disabled person in the family.

The Trussell Trust says that food banks are at breaking point as more and more people find themselves unable to afford essentials.

Shirley-Anne Somerville Minister for Social Justice said on Tuesday afternoon: “We cannot forget the wider value of food in all our lives. So a Cash First approach doesn’t just mean cash only. As many of you said before – I’ve met folks in the sector, and when I’ve been visiting projects around the country – when poverty affects an individual a family is not just about material things. It’s the lack of dignity, its the isolation, and it’s the feeling that you have failed when actually it is the state that has failed you.”

Polly Jones Head of the Trussell Trust in Scotland said: “Surviving is expensive.”

She also said when revealing the report that despite the rising numbers “there are some positives in Scotland. The Trussell Trust recently welcomed the Scottish Government’s support for an Essentials Guarantee, the publication of its plan, Cash First: Towards Ending the need for food banks, and the launch of its Cash First Fund. These are significant steps towards a future where no one needs to use a food bank. However, at a time when need for emergency support is greater than ever, the scale of the hunger and hardship faced by thousands in Scotland must be met with significantly scaled up action this winter and beyond.

“We are also calling on the UK Government to urgently confirm in the Autumn Statement that benefits will rise in line with inflation next April, and to reduce the burden of debt deductions which drive unacceptable levels of hardship.” 

Number of emergency food parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell Trust network in Scotland in the mid-year periods of 2023/24 and 2022/23. With top five local authorities by parcels distributed in 2023. 

At the Court of Session today

The second Judicial Review brought by representatives of those who own or manage Short Term Lets in Edinburgh is being brought in the Court of Session today.

The petitioners in the largest crowdfunded legal action in Scotland declared victory in June this year when Lord Braid issued his decision in the first petition for Judicial Review of Edinburgh’s licensing scheme for short terms lets.

But it was not a complete victory.

His Lordship did not decide that the whole scheme was unlawful, rather that parts of it were – restrictions on using tenement properties, the refusal by the council to issue temporary licenses and requirements for landlords to have carpets in any holiday let properties.

The decision dealt with something called a ‘rebuttable presumption’ – in other words the council said it would presume that any applications for a short term let licence for houses or flats in tenement stairs would not be granted. The policy did not provide for temporary licences (even thought it would grant temporary licences in other cases). The decision determined this would be an inconsistent policy as the council would normally grant permission for secondary short term lets – even those in a tenement stair.

The second petition in the name of Iain Muirhead & Another will determine whether the council’s move to implement a city wide short term let control area, (as the council agreed in April this year), is lawful in respect of retrospective applications. The imposition of a control area means that anyone owning an STL in the capital requires both a licence and planning permission to use the property in this way as it is a “material change of use”.

Local Democracy Reporter Donald Turvill will be in court and will report on proceedings later.

First King’s Speech in 70 years

For the first King’s speech for seven decades there was an amount of interest and political response. Some said there was little content which would help deal with the cost of living.

For the whole picture read more here.

The Bonnie Barista

The Bonnie Barista is opening a new shop at 80 Bruntsfield Place EH10 4HG on Saturday from noon. There will be cake and treats for dogs as the coffee shop is dog friendly. You are promised good coffee and treats.

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The Trussell Trust has published figures today showing that 128,490 emergency food parcels were provided to people in Scotland between April and September by food banks in the charity’s network.

This is the highest number of food parcels that the network has ever distributed at this point in the year and is a 9% increase on the same period in 2022.

Low incomes, especially as a result of reliance on social security, debt, health conditions, and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions were the main reasons that people had no option but to turn to a food bank for help.  

A record 41,878 food parcels were provided for 21,000 children living in families who could not afford the essentials. This shows a 4% increase compared to the same period last year, and demonstrates the continuing rise in need for the support provided by food banks.     

 The new data also revealed that 59% of all the parcels provided by food banks in the Trussell Trust network between April and September this year were for families with children.  

The charity has reported that 26,038 people have had to use a food bank for the first time during the past six months. The Trussell Trust said that food banks are at ‘breaking point’ as more and more people in Scotland find themselves unable to afford the basics.

The charity said that it believes the situation is unlikely to change in the coming months with this stark new data leading them to forecast that food banks in their network will distribute more than a million emergency food parcels in the UK between December 2023 and February 2024 the equivalent of providing a parcel every eight seconds this winter.  

Fiona Dalgleish, Manager at Peeblesshire food bank, said: “We are dreading the winter to be honest. Last year was bad enough, but people are now completely exhausted and demoralised on top of being cold and hungry.  We are feeling pretty helpless – we can provide food, but we need some hope. There needs to be a light at the end of the tunnel for people.”

This situation is likely to keep getting worse, unless the Scottish Government invests further in policies proven to help people buy food and other essentials, while working towards a long term goal of a Scotland where no one needs to use a food bank. The Scottish Government has announced a new policy of Cash First

Polly Jones, Head of the Trussell Trust in Scotland, said: “It is alarming that an increasing number of children in Scotland are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive. A generation is growing up believing that it’s normal to see a food bank in every community. This is not right.  

“Rising hunger and hardship have devastating consequences for individuals and our communities, damage the nation’s health and hold back our economy. People in work, as well as people who cannot work, are increasingly being pushed into debt and forced to turn to a food bank to survive.   

“Despite this, there are some positives in Scotland. The Trussell Trust recently welcomed the Scottish Government’s support for an Essentials Guarantee, the publication of its plan, Cash First: Towards Ending the need for food banks, and the launch of its Cash First Fund. These are significant steps towards a future where no one needs to use a food bank. However, at a time when need for emergency support is greater than ever, the scale of the hunger and hardship faced by thousands in Scotland must be met with significantly scaled up action this winter and beyond.

“We are also calling on the UK Government to urgently confirm in the Autumn Statement that benefits will rise in line with inflation next April, and to reduce the burden of debt deductions which drive unacceptable levels of hardship.” 

The Trussell Trust is encouraging people to show their support for people facing hardship by signing a petition urging UK political party leaders to support the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee to ensure that the basic rate of University Credit at least covers life’s essentials, such as food and bills. You can find out more here: Guarantee our essentials – The Trussell Trust   

The government’s Cash First Fund was announced by Ms Somerville earlier in the year and the first round of funding closed at the beginning of September. This Fund is to end the need for food banks by improving access to emergency financial assistance as the “first port of call in a crisis”.

The government said that it was a more proactive approach: “Providing money advice and holistic support services alongside cash-first responses can help to prevent future hardship. Taken together, these actions can help to maintain dignity for those experiencing hardship by enabling them to have choice over how to access the food and other essentials they need, and can start to reduce the need for emergency food parcels”

The two year project will fund eight local partnerships in Scotland with up to £200,000 each to improve urgent access to cash and to generate evidence to share and shape future policy.

Scotland is the first nation in the UK to publish a plan towards ending the need for food banks.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said:“There are 1.7 million fewer people in absolute poverty than in 2010, but we know some families are struggling, which is why we are providing a record support package worth £3,300 per household. This includes the latest cost of living payments paid directly to over eight million households this month and our decision to raise benefits by over 10% earlier this year.

“We also know that households are at least £6,000 a year better off in full-time work than out of work on benefits, and to help people out of poverty through work we are also increasing the National Living Wage again and investing £3.5 billion to help thousands into jobs, grow the economy and bear down on inflation.”

SAS: Who Dares Wins star Billy Billingham, MBE, QCB, will be bringing his new tour entitled ‘Always A Little Further’ to the Queens Hall on 28 November.

Billy is as tough as they come. Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Paratrooper, decorated SAS leader, and a bodyguard to Hollywood superstars, he has seen extreme combat and gruelling missions aplenty. Spend an evening with Billy, as he shares his incredible and inspirational story.

He said: “I’m looking forward to sharing my stories with the audience and offering an insight into my action filled life as a Special Forces operator as well as my exciting career on and off camera. I’m also looking forward to meeting fans and taking audience questions on the night!”

Billy has had many astonishing experiences; from leaving school at 11 and running with gangs in Birmingham before joining the Royal Marine cadets and Parachute Regiment, to rising to the rank of sergeant major in the SAS and undertaking hundreds of classified and extremely dangerous missions.

He spent more than 20 years serving in countless warzones, winning a commendation for bravery, and being awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II, before embracing the life of a bodyguard to celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sir Michael Caine, Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe.

Billy will also take us behind the scenes of SAS: Who Dares Wins, where he has gained a reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity, supporting his fellow DS, but also intimidating and inspiring the contestants who take on the demanding challenges each week.

Educating, entertaining, and enthralling in equal measure, and with the chance to pose your questions to the man himself, this event will inspire those wishing to seek a challenge and conquer it – the SAS way.

www.fane.co.uk/billy-billingham

The first King’s Speech in 70 years held little for Scotland except new licences for oil and gas extraction, according to the SNP’s leader at Westminster, Stephen Flynn MP.

The speech included much to increase sentences for serious crime, an abolition of shorter sentences.

Ahead of the speech it was heralded as an agenda for Parliament to “put in the right laws, where we need them, to safeguard the future prosperity of the United Kingdom, seize economic opportunities and deliver a brighter future”.

Earlier in the week Mr Flynn called for the transfer of powers relating to energy, employment and the economy in a step up for devolution which he said would allow the government at Holyrood to be more effective. He said that the Tories have not delivered any new powers and nothing in the speech would help The Scottish Government to help people deal with the cost of living or boost economic growth.

SNP Economy spokesperson Drew Hendry MP said: “This threadbare King’s Speech shows the Tories are bereft of ideas and have completely abandoned people in Scotland.

“While the SNP is helping families with a council tax freeze and progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment, the Tories are offering no help at all with the cost of living and no new powers for the Scottish Parliament – showing why independence is essential to deliver economic growth and boost household incomes.

“Millions of households in Scotland are suffering from a Westminster-made cost of living crisis. With Sunak and Starmer wedded to Brexit, Tory cuts and economic decline, it’s clear independence is the only way for Scotland to build a wealthier and fairer future.

“Independent European nations like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK – so the question is, why not Scotland?”

SCOTTISH LABOUR

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar MSP said: “This King’s Speech was the last gasps of a morally bankrupt government, out of ideas and running out of road.

“Across Scotland, people want an end to Tory incompetence, chaos and division and help with making ends meet.

“Instead, they have a government which has doubled down on putting the status quo before helping working people.

“While Rishi Sunak reaches for culture war politics, people across Scotland are crying out for meaningful change – to make work pay and put money back in their pockets.

“At the next general election, every community can choose that change with Labour so that we can boot the Tories out of Downing St and build a better future together.”

SCOTTISH GREENS

Scottish Greens climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP branded it a “polluters’ charter” and a missed opportunity for advancing the renewables sector and tackling high energy bills. 

Mr Ruskell said: “The Prime Minister seems determined to follow a scorched earth approach to our climate and with this polluter’s charter his UK Government is failing in its duty to protect people from harm.

“Their short-sighted actions can only make climate breakdown worse, and will continue to do so at the expense of future generations unless they can be prevented. 

“There was nothing in this speech to suggest he is taking the climate crisis seriously, but everything for oil and gas firms to be jubilant about, when the focus could have been on advancing our renewables sector.”

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

Edinburgh West MP, Christine Jardine, MP said: “I had hoped to hear fresh ideas for tackling the biggest issue for people in Edinburgh West – the cost-of-living crisis.  

“People desperately need support with soaring mortgages and rents, sky-high energy bills, and high food prices forcing families to make difficult decisions. 

“I also wanted to see urgent action on major national problems – investment in public transport, better support for bereaved young people, and more to help our major industries like hospitality and tourism. 

“Instead, all we got were empty promises and recycled ideas in a King’s Speech that proved the Tory Government is out of touch with the people of Edinburgh West. 

“From the cost-of-living to the climate and conversion therapy, I will be pushing the Government on their missed opportunities in Parliament next week.” 

CHARITY RESPONSE

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age said: “With more than two million older people living in poverty and at least another million living on the edge, systemic change is needed, and unfortunately, the government didn’t reveal anything in today’s King Speech that will tackle the injustice of pensioner poverty, which has been gradually rising for a decade. 

“Inflation is still extremely high and causing misery for people on low incomes in later life up and down the country. Our helpline receives regular calls from frightened older people making desperate cutbacks just to get by. We have heard harrowing stories of people sitting in the dark or washing less to save money, one person even resorted to eating dog food because it’s less costly. As older people in financial hardship brace for another tough winter, the UK government has failed to recognise their plight by not setting out how it will tackle stubbornly high costs into next year and beyond.  

Edinburgh Police have issued an appeal for help to trace Euan MacArthur, 22, who has been reported missing from Corstorphine.

Euan was last seen in Colinton Road around 10.40am on Tuesday, 7 November, 2023.

He is described as white, 6ft4, of medium build with curly brown hair which is shaved at the sides.

He is believed to be wearing a black beanie hat, a black jacket, dark grey bottoms and carrying a black rucksack.

Euan has links to the Cramond area and we believe he may have travelled there.

Inspector Dougal Begg said: “Police along with Euan’s family are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and we are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward.

“We are also appealing directly to Euan to please get in touch with someone to let us know he is ok.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1585 of Tuesday, 7 November, 2023.”

The Christmas Pop-up is now open at Art & Craft Collective.

The Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC) is expanding with the creation of a dedicated air source heat pump division which will create up to 15 jobs in the coming year due to rising demand for renewable sources of heating.

Graeme Porter has been appointed as operations manager to lead the new arm of the business as the firm increases its focus on transitioning towards more sustainable heating solutions.

A former area heating manager for Polypipe and business development manager for PDM in East Kilbride, he arrives from Richmonds Plumbing & Heating Merchants in the capital where he was technical sales manager.

Tranent-based Porter will oversee every part of EBC’s heat pump operations, managing a team of surveyors, installers, and office staff to ensure that EBC’s customers experience the highest standards of service, from the initial inquiry through to project completion.

He will also play a pivotal role in ensuring that EBC meets all the necessary MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) standards, solidifying the company’s reputation for quality and reliability in the renewable energy sector.

He said: “I’ve been working in the industry since 1990 and am delighted to have joined such a progressive and fast-paced company at what is a key time for the sector.

“I’ve joined a strong team and there is a real feelgood factor in the company. Coming in at the start and being able to build and lead the heat pump division is a really exciting opportunity for me, particularly with so much funding being made available by Home Energy Scotland.”

EBC’s operations director Dougie Bell said: “We are well positioned to become a prominent player in the heat pump industry and are delighted to have Graeme as part of the team.

“His role is integral to our ongoing expansion and as the demand for heat pumps grows, he will work closely with our leadership team to identify areas requiring additional recruitment which will allow us to adapt accordingly.

“Sustainable energy solutions will not just be a preference in the future but a necessity and thanks to his unparalleled understanding of heat pumps, I’m confident Graeme will help drive the business forward.”

https://theedinburghboilercompany.com/renewables/

Public sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to attend an event that will share vital information on a major framework geared towards improving the safety of social housing and public buildings.

Taking place at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston on 23 November, those attending will gain vital information about the new framework that launched in September this year.

SPA’s new framework aims to support public sector organisations in safeguarding their buildings, covering a range of works like asbestos removal, gas works, fire safety and water hygiene.

Known as the Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC1) framework, SPA’s 120+ partners will learn how the framework can help them meet government regulations and initiatives in the most cost-effective way.

Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at SPA, Scotland’s largest free to join procurement organisation said: “There is a huge mountain to climb for the public sector right now. With major government targets looming, it’s important we are bringing valuable and accessible frameworks to the fore at the right times.

“The timing of this framework has aligned perfectly with ongoing consultations on social housing regulation in Scotland and its very much at the forefront of our partner’s minds.

“With rising inflation and broader cost pressures stemming from rent freezes, contractor sustainability issues, slowing private housing sales due to mortgage rates, and increased demand for social housing, public sector organisations face significant challenges ensuring their buildings comply with safety and property protection regulations.”

“By bringing together life safety and property protection requirements, as well as maintenance needs, this framework is designed to enable public bodies to achieve compliance at scale while achieving the best value for money.”

ASC1 consolidates three existing frameworks and encompasses five critical public sector safety and compliance workstreams.

It will run until 3 September 2027 and is valued at up to £100 million in England, £20 million in Scotland and £15 million in Wales.

The latest framework covers five workstreams including asbestos consultancy and removal, property protection and associated services, water testing, treatment, and management, heating and air conditioning compliance and electrical testing and services.

Lesley added: “Theres been a host of field research and insight analysis from our regional business units across the UK to help shape this framework and we’ve been working closely with specialist suppliers and public organisations in Scotland from the outset to get the right end product.

“By incorporating what we’ve learned from on-the-ground studies as well as gaining an understanding of local and regional requirements, we’re certain this framework delivers the best possible results for the construction industry as well as communities across Scotland.

“The launch event will offer a brilliant chance to learn more about the framework and the suppliers that have been awarded a place. With presentations offering valuable information on essential aspects of housing and building compliance requirements, delivered by the framework suppliers.

“The presentations will cover asbestos, property protection, water safety, HVAC and electrical with the aim of helping asset managers and building owners understand their responsibilities.

“We want to give partners the information they need on this framework so they can take full advantage of it and help keep social housing and public buildings in Scotland as safe and secure as possible.”

As a committed not-for-profit organisation, SPA reinvests its surpluses into local communities through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), in partnership with the dedicated charity Lintel Trust.

SPA currently has more than 600 active projects valued at £1.1 billion, benefiting the 300 suppliers that offer works and services to its associates.

Additionally, these partners have complimentary access to a range of value-added services, such as expert technical, procurement, and social value advisory support.

Since 2017, the CBF has distributed more than £1.7 million in grants and matching funds, assisting community groups, charities, and various causes. This initiative has generated a social value exceeding £3.9 million.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/asc1-framework-launch-partner-invitation-tickets-743400319367

Social Print and Copy CIC (SP&C), the Edinburgh-based social enterprise, has become the latest accredited Living Hours employer in Scotland.

Living Hours accreditation requires employers to pay the real Living Wage to all their employees over the age of 18 and commit to providing at least four weeks’ notice for every shift, with guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this notice period.

Living Hours employers also provide a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours every week (unless the worker requests otherwise), and a contract that accurately reflects hours worked.

SP&C, a gold partner at this week’s SCVO-organised The Gathering, the largest free voluntary sector event in the UK being staged at the EICC, is helping lead digital change in Scotland by providing technology solutions through its community well-being programme.

It is also a trusted training platform and expanded earlier this year with the opening of a new Glasgow hub where it hopes to create up to 30 new jobs by 2025.

The firm, which was shortlisted in the Tech For Good category at the recent Social Enterprise Awards Scotland, has been an accredited Living Wage employer since 2021 and the new recognition underlines the company’s commitment to setting standards for fair work.

The announcement comes as the country marks the start of Living Wage week and Ian Gray, SP&C chief executive, said: “I’m very pleased to now have Living Hours accreditation as this is something we have been aligned to since the inception of the company four years ago.

“We pride ourselves on our values at Social Print & Copy and it’s important for us to deliver not just the minimum wage but the living wage or above for our employees.

“Part of what we wanted to do was deliver fair work, space, skills and remuneration for people as they come through their training so they don’t have to worry about the monetary aspect outwith coming to work.”

Claire Brownlie, SP&C’s finance and office manager said: “Although Social Print & Copy has always provided regular hours that haven’t changed, it is of great security to me as an employee that this cannot be changed from one week to the next. This makes me feel even more a part of the Social Print & Copy family.”

Living Wage Scotland was established in April 2014 by the Poverty Alliance, the national anti-poverty network in Scotland, with the aim of increasing the number of employers in Scotland who are recognised for paying their staff the real Living Wage.

It is a partnership with the Living Wage Foundation and is funded by the Scottish Government.

Recent research published by the Living Wage Foundation showed that over 9% of workers in Scotland (approximately 250,000) are in insecure work and paid below the Living Wage.

The Living Hours standard was created to ensure that people have predictable working patterns and income, enabling them to better plan their lives.

Christine McCaig, Living Wage Scotland’s Projects Co-Ordinator, said: “There are over 3000 Scottish-based employers that are committed to paying at least the real Living Wage, and it’s fantastic to see Social Print and Copy CIC take further steps to protect their workers from low pay and insecure work by becoming Living Hours accredited.

“The values that led them to commit to the real Living Wage are the same values that have led to their expanded commitment to fair work at a time when workers need it most.”

Accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland span private, public and third sectors, with SMEs making up 75% of the total number of employers. The UK Living Wage is currently £12 per hour, with a separate London Living Wage rate of £13.15 per hour.

The Saltire Society has announced this year’s recipients of the five 2023 Fletcher of Saltoun Awards. 

Dr Scilla Elworthy, three times Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her work with Oxford Research Group receives an award for Public Life.

Great Tapestry of Scotland designer, Andrew Crummy, receives an award for Public Life.

Zoe Shipton, Professor of Geological Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, receives an award for Science.

Actor Maureen Beattie and poet Rab Wilson receive awards for Arts & Humanities.   

The awards will be presented in a ceremony at Òran Mór in Glasgow on Tuesday afternoon.

The Fletcher of Saltoun Awards, established in 1988, recognise and celebrate the innovators and entrepreneurs who shape the cultural landscape of Scotland in the fields of Science, Arts & Humanities and Public Life.  Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun (1655-1716) was an accomplished patriotic Scots writer, politician, soldier, Commissioner of the Old Parliament of Scotland and an innovative thinker and intellectual visionary.   

Previous recipients include Professor Sir Ian Boyd, John Byrne, Dame Evelyn Glennie and Professor Devi Sridhar.

Sarah Mason, Executive Director of the Saltire Society, said “We are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate the innovators and Authorities in their fields we have in Scotland, and to recognise their impact.   Since 1936 the Society has worked tirelessly to ensure Scottish culture is recognised, lived and fought for.  The 35 years the Fletcher Awards have been running has seen over 65 people recognised and we are pleased to see five more exceptional people celebrated in 2023.”

Dr Scilla Elworthy has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with Oxford Research Group in developing effective dialogue between nuclear weapons policymakers worldwide and their critics. She now leads The Business Plan for Peace to help prevent violent conflict and build sustainable peace throughout the world.  Elworthy founded Peace Direct in 2002 to fund‚ promote and learn from local peace-builders in conflict areas‚ was awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003 and the Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2020.  She has recently been named the recipient of the Goi Peace Award.

Andrew Crummy trained as an illustrator at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee before completing an MA in Design from the Glasgow School of Art.  He became an illustrator and lecturer based in London until 2000. His work developed into large scale murals and since 2013 he has been the designer of 21 tapestries including The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Over the years his work has developed into large-scale community art projects that are rooted in his childhood experience in Craigmillar.

Andrew Crummy said, “It is an honour to receive this award. As a community artist I am very aware that these tapestries are created by many people, bringing their knowledge, creativity and pride to my drawings and taking them to another level. It has been an honour to be part of these projects and to have worked with so many wonderful people.”

Zoe Shipton is Professor of Geological Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde. Her early career focussed on the structural and permeability architecture of fault zones, geological processes of earthquake rupture propagation and constraining uncertainty in geological models. Her recent research focuses on applying geological understanding to engineering the subsurface: for instance in geothermal energy, energy storage and Geological carbon storage. She, together with colleagues from academia and industry across Scotland, is exploring the use of abandoned and flooded coal mines in Scotland for geothermal heat extraction and energy storage, for use in domestic and industrial heating and to also generate jobs and income.  

Zoe Shipton said “I am delighted to receive this award, and slightly start-struck by the calibre of the other award winners!  I am particularly delighted to see that the nomination mentions that the work I do is part of a team. Achieving the large-scale changes in our energy system and society that are needed to meet (and ideally exceed) our net zero targets requires close collaboration between academia, industry, government and civil society across a very wide range of disciplines. My work has been supported by excellent researchers and colleagues from across science, engineering, social science disciplines and end-users from a wide range of applications. Without this partnership approach I could not have achieved the research and research outcomes  honoured in this award, so I consider this as an award  for the team”. 

Maureen Beattie trained at what is now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduating in 1974 with the James Bridie Gold Medal. Her most recent work was in Duet for One at the Orange Tree theatre in Richmond; playing Celia in As You Like It at the RSC; and she has just finished work in a new play, Disfunction, for A Play, a Pie and a Pint at Òran Mór and the Traverse. She was President of Equity until July last year and was made OBE in the 2020 Honours List for services to the entertainment industry. She received an Outstanding Woman of Scotland award from the Saltire Society in 2018. She is the daughter of the late Johnny Beattie, the comedian and actor, and on 22nd October this year she took over from her father as Patron of the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr.

Maureen Beattie said: “My award as an Outstanding Woman of Scotland from the Saltire Society in 2018 was one of the highlights of my life and career. To find myself in the same company as the present and past recipients of the Society’s Fletcher of Saltoun Awards seems almost unbelievable. I will endeavour to prove myself worthy of the faith the Society has placed in me.”

Rab Wilson is an authentic and original Scottish voice who has written poetry including transliterations of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and the Odes of Horace into Scots.  His poetry ranges from lyrical verses to political satire and frequently uses classical forms.  His latest book, published in 2019, was ‘Oor Big Braw Cosmos’, a collaboration with the then Astronomer Royal for Scotland, the late Professor John Brown. His work appears regularly in poetry magazines and periodicals and in the daily poetry column of The Herald newspaper. Rab is also a very active social justice campaigner and ex-NHS whistle-blower; for this work he was was nominated for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. He has been a previous Robert Burns Writing Fellow in Dumfriesshire and was, until recently, ‘Scots Scriever: Writer in Residence’ at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Ayr.

Rab Wilson commented “Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun is described online as a ‘Patriot’. In September, 1716, his last words were ‘Lord have mercy on my poor country that is so barbarously oppressed’. Fletcher leeved his life as an advocate fir the country o Scotland, and the people o Scotland. In accepting this year’s Fletcher of Saltoun Award, sae generously awarded bi the Saltire Society, ah’d like tae think ah’m acceptin it in the spirit o the man fir whom it’s named eftir. Ah’d alsae like tae think that wi ma poetry, an activism fir social justice, that ah in some sma wey alsae act as an advocate fir Scotland and its people. Oor Makars still aye-an-oan scrieve fir the ‘sma fowk’… lang may their lums reek!”

The Fletcher of Saltoun Awards have acknowledged over 65 individuals in their thirty-five year history, advocating the brilliance, significance and impact of Scottish Culture. 

Nominations are taken from across the Saltire Society membership to ensure a broad spectrum of individuals.  

The Trustees of the Saltire Society, with the help and advice of independent experts in each field, select the recipients.   

https://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/pages/category/fletcher-of-saltoun-awards