Nicola Benedetti to receive the Edinburgh Award

Later today Nicola Benedetti, CBE, will receive the Edinburgh Award at a reception at the City Chambers. Nicola Benedetti will be presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and have her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers.

These are the recipients of the award in the last ten years:

• 2022 Sir Geoff Palmer
• 2021 Fergus Linehan
• 2020 Alexander McCall Smith
• 2019 Ann Budge
• 2018 Doddie Weir
• 2017 Sir Timothy O’Shea
• 2016 Ken Buchanan MBE
• 2015 Sir Tom Farmer 
• 2014 Thomas Gilzean
• 2013 Richard Demarco

Housing Committee meets today

The City of Edinburgh Council has published a draft action plan to help it tackle growing homelessness in the capital and this will be discussed at today’s Housing Committee.

After officially declaring a housing emergency earlier this month – as nearly 5,000 households now seek temporary accommodation while the shortage of affordable housing grows – the start of a 25-point Housing Emergency Action Plan will be considered by councillors

The plan proposes the council turns void homes around more quickly and spot purchases ‘off the shelf’ homes, to increase affordable housing supply at pace at a time when construction costs have risen exponentially. If agreed, a more detailed strategy featuring costings and specific targets will be created and brought to a full council meeting in February, with input from industry and voluntary organisations from across the city.

Ahead of the meeting Cllr David Key, SNP housing spokeperson said: “We’ve seen a year and a half of disastrous failure under this council administration. In that time they’ve almost halved the pipeline of new affordable homes, slashed new council house building by £1.3bn and left 1,500 council houses sit empty while thousands of families experience homelessness and wait on lists for more suitable accommodation. 

“Labour and their allies have failed by every possible measure. We’ll offer constructive input as opposition councillors but for many this will simply be too little too late from an administration asleep at the wheel.”

Watch the meeting online here or attend in person from 10am at the City Chambers.

Bake at home with the Bearded Baker

The Bearded Baker on Rodney Street will close for Christmas from 23 December until 6 January. While they are gone you can buy ahead some bake at home cinnamon rolls to cook fresh each day of the holidays.

Pandas adieu

The two giant pandas which lived at Edinburgh Zoo for the last twelve years have left on a cargo plane to go back to China. The most fun fact that we ever read (and published here in black and white) was that Tian Tian liked to go up to the top of her enclosure at night – after the public had left – and watch the zebras….

Read more here

And Read our coverage of the departure here.

Subscriptions

Please do subscribe to our monthly newspaper if you can – we deliver by mail in compostable envelopes, and the subscription helps us to keep on bringing you the news for free. So far this year we have produced eleven issues and a new one is out today.

Sign up here.

Larry Longlegs is a five-year-old Lurcher with a real passion for life. Larry is in search of an active family that shares his enthusiasm for staying on the go and plenty of snuggles.

Larry thrives in an environment with a secure garden where he can play off-lead. He is well-suited for families with children over 14 who can appreciate the presence of a loving canine companion. As he settles into his new routine, Larry should be comfortable being left alone for a few hours, provided it’s built up gradually, as he seems content in his own company.

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If you think you could provide a home for Larry Longlegs or any of the 40+ dogs currently available for rehoming, please contact us on 01506 873459. You can also follow us on Twitter @DT_WestCalder & Instagram @dogstrust_westcalder.

Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking new foster carers across the whole of the Lothians & Scottish Borders. If you could open your home to a dog in need, please email HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk for more info.

The rehoming centre is also recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles. This season they are predominantly looking for reception staff that are IT savvy and like to meet and greet with customers to act as the matchmakers for our canine residents.

Anyone interested should email Volunteer Coordinator at Garry.Lee@dogstrust.org.uk

The UK’s only pair of giant pandas left their home at Edinburgh Zoo on Monday to board a flight back to China – after exactly 12 years in the Scottish capital.

Yang Guang and Tian Tian – also known as Sunshine and Sweetie — arrived in Edinburgh on 4 December 2011 as part of a ten year loan arrangement that was later extended.

The black and white bears, hailed for their “incredible impact” in transforming millions of people into lovers of nature, will now spend their “twilight years” in their homeland.

Yang Guang, followed by Tian Tian were transported from their enclosure in specially made travelling crates, by forklift truck and loaded onto the back of an articulated lorry along with bundles of bamboo at 8.30am.

Keepers who have looked after the animals for up to 12 years said a final goodbye before the zoo’s star attractions made the 15 minute journey to Edinburgh Airport to board a midday China Southern flight to Chengdu in southwest China, 5100 miles away.

The animals’ departure marks the end of an era at the zoo. Now 20 years old, their lives – including the annual attempts to produce an historic panda cub in Scotland – captured the imagination of millions of people.

David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity that runs Edinburgh Zoo, admitted he would have loved to keep the pair, but said it was “very important culturally for the Chinese that pandas spend their twilight years back at home”.

He said the RZSS would “keep informed about how our wonderful pandas are getting on”, while the zoo will eventually bring in another “exciting” species.

Mr Field added: “With more than a million species at risk of extinction and our natural world in crisis, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have had an incredible impact by inspiring millions of people to care about nature.

“Although the pandas will be missed, in their wake we have the opportunity to help protect a new species through our expertise in conservation science and research, public engagement here in Scotland and in the wild by working with global partners.”

Yang Guang and Tian Tian arrived in Edinburgh as part of an initial ten-year arrangement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), under which the RZSS paid the Chinese an annual “donation” of one million dollars – around £750,000. The RZSS later negotiated a two year extension to the end of this year.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is that the pair will return to China without having any offspring. Tian Tian, the female, produced twins prior to coming to Scotland, but attempts at natural breeding and artificial insemination since 2013 have failed. Yang Guang was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018, and was later castrated.

Breeding attempts were cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and, while there were high hopes of success in 2021 by artificial insemination, no further attempts have been made.

Mr Field said recently that the pair appeared to be a perfect match when they arrived in 2011, but the animals just didn’t click, adding that “if it was Tinder, perhaps Tian Tian wouldn’t have swiped right if she had the choice”.

Dr Kirsten Wilson, reproductive scientist at the University of Edinburgh, who monitored Tian Tian, said: “What we know now about pandas is that mate choice is really important… When females have a line up of panda males in front of them, when they can choose, they are proven to be more likely to be successful at having babies.

“In this situation we had one female and one male, there was no choice and if they naturally just don’t get on then they just don’t get on.”

Yang Guang and Tian Tian were last on show to the public on Thursday and have spent recent days in training for their flight. They have eaten and slept in their travelling crates so that they feel they are flying “in their beds”.

Precise details of their departure were kept a closely guarded secret for security reasons, until the last minute.

The animal VIPs were accompanied on their flight by familiar faces including RZSS senior animal keeper Michael Livingstone and veterinary surgeon Dr Stephanie Mota, who were able to check on them and provide water, bamboo and other snacks during the flight.

Mr Livingstone, who will spend several days in China with the animals to help them settle into their new home, said: “It’s an emotional day for us keepers that have been fortunate enough to care for Yang Guang and Tian Tian over the years.

“It has been the highlight of my career to work with this amazing species and I will definitely miss them.

“I’m lucky enough to be travelling on the plane with them to China to help them settle in and I think it will be nice for them to hear a familiar voice as they get used to their new home.”

He added: “We will have access to the pandas the whole flight so we will continuously check them and feed them bamboo so they can eat as much as they want, and treats like carrots, apples and honey.

“We’ll stay with them for a few days (in China) to see how they settle in and be familiar faces for them. It’s normal for animals in zoos to move around but we’ve worked so closely with these two individuals for so long that I think it will be quite emotional. I feel very lucky and privileged to be able to take them back to China.”

Darren McGarry, Head of Living Collections at RZSS, who accompanied the pair from China to Scotland 12 years ago, said: “I know we will all miss Yang Guang and Tian Tian here at the zoo.

“In early next year I’ll be visiting them in China to see how they are settling in. It has been a privilege to work with giant pandas for over a decade and I am proud of everyone who has played a part in the pair’s story at Edinburgh Zoo.

“We have learned a lot about giant panda reproductive cycles which will help to save the species in the wild.”

Professor Simon Girling, Head of Veterinary Science at RZSS, said: “Yang Guang and Tian Tian are two lovely characters and we’ve got to know them really well.

“I’ve been working with them since they arrived in 2011 and went over to China to see them before they came to Edinburgh.

“Although it’s sad to see them go, through scientific research by our expert veterinary and keeper teams, working alongside the University of Edinburgh, we have made a significant contribution to our understanding around giant panda fertility, husbandry, and veterinary care — which has been of real benefit to efforts to protect this amazing species in China.”

Prof Girling said the failure to produce an historic panda cub in Scotland was disappointing, but revealed important discoveries had been made thanks to research of Tian Tian during her failed pregnancies.

He said: “The species is clearly endangered so there is a need to preserve the species by breeding in captivity. It is disappointing that we were not able to successfully breed Tian Tian but that was never the be all and end all.

“We think we’ve cracked how long the gestation — the actual true pregnancy of the panda — is. We now think it’s 42-54 days. Before it had often been quoted that the pregnancy period was 100 to 180 days because they do delayed implantation, but the actual point at which the embryo implants and develops we think is 42-45 days and that had never really been recorded before.”

He added: “We also did a lot with refining anaesthetic techniques so we’ve got a really good anaesthetic that now panda centres around the world are using.

“We believe that a lot of the research and conservation that we’ve done here has significantly improved the prospects for panda conservation going forward.”

There are currently no plans to bring new pandas to Edinburgh, but Mr Field refused to rule it out in the future and insisted he would welcome talks.

He said: “What a wonderful opportunity (that would be). Sadly it’s not our decision — it would be a decision of Chinese colleagues in the CWCA.

“But they are wonderful animals. We have got a great deal of knowledge which we will continue to share and work with the CWCA and, well, who knows? Perhaps.

“They’ve been incredible. Could there be another chapter? I wish there were more pandas coming. There are no plans to bring pandas back, but it’s ‘never say never’. I’d be delighted to have discussions.”

It seems no sooner does one restaurant or food and drink establishment door close in Edinburgh then others are waiting in the wings to take their place.

Some recent casualties include the fabulous Aurora on Edinburgh’s Great Junction Street, which has recently announced that it will be closing its doors on 31 December as the owner prepares to “make room for more adventures” after seven years of service. I hope this won’t be the last we hear from Kamil and his team – the meal I had there was one of my standouts in 23 years of dining across the city – innovative, inventive, and out of this world. They will be sadly missed.

The ownership of sandwich shop ‘Fed’ on Forth Street, is now up for sale as the owner prepares to move on, after building up an “excellent reputation” in the capital.

Edinburgh cocktail bar, 63rd + 1st on Frederick Street which made a brief appearance for just over a year, is now replaced by Rosa’s Thai, a new concept of Thai dining. This is my review here.

What was once the nightclub Bourbon on Frederick Street has now been replaced with a new late-night bar Freddy’s with live music and DJs and an extensive cocktail selection.

Caledonian Heritable, which owns the Dome and Archerfield has opened Encore in the West End. Described as ‘spectacular and lavish’, this late-night speakeasy sits below the West End Brasserie on Hope Street. Encore echoes the Parisian vibe, taking inspiration from Paris’s Moulin Rouge and La République district, and promises a range of “vivid, playful drinks” and a signature menu of Scottish and French classics.

And exciting news recently announced and something to look forward to in the new year is RUSK & RUSK’s Spanish Butcher, famed for its distinctive Galicia meets Brooklyn proposition, is due to take on a starring role on North Castle Street in spring 2024.

It’s kind of Delicious and Wonderful

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of whisky. Ever since I won the Best Reader’s Recipe at the Observer Food Monthly Awards in 2016 for my Whisky, Orange, and Almond Cake (yes, I’m still dining out on that accolade), I’ve been on a mission to try to get all my friends to appreciate Scotland’s national drink.

A technicolour world

I was invited by Glenmorangie to step into its technicolour world at their Wonder Hotline, an immersive pop-up which was at St James Quarter.

Transforming a classic British phone box into an imaginative whisky adventure, decorated in Glenmorangie’s bold signature orange, saturated further with kaleidoscopic colour, the experience was great fun, we were invited to strike a pose in the seriously Instagrammable orange phone box.

A Glenmorangie coin was dispensed which I then exchanged for a ‘Decadent Old Fashioned’ made with Glenmorangie Lasanta, which is aged for 12 years, and is finished with a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It was full of Christmas flavour.

Signalling the start of Glenmorangie’s countdown as they bring in the festive season across some of the capital’s top bars with a measure of deliciousness, a dash of wonder and a journey of intrigue, they certainly transformed an everyday experience into a magical moment.

While the pop-up experience may be over, you can still join in with the fun with a Glenmorangie cocktail as 20 of the city’s best bars get ready for the capital’s season of celebrations. From the hidden gem, Nightcap (a particular favourite of mine), to the playful sophistication of Commons Club and the relaxed fun of Eve, both at Virgin Hotel, there are delicious and wonderful Glenmorangie cocktails on offer to enthuse your senses.

And for more decadent adventures head to any of these bars for some exciting more Glenmorangie cocktails.

The Glasshouse, 2 Greenside Place
Nightcap, 3 York Place
Hawksmoor, 23 W Register Street
Lady Libertine, 25 W Register Street
Bramble Bar, 16A Queen Street
Superico Bar & Lounge, 99 Hanover Street
Le Petit Beefbar at IHG Hotel, 21 George Street
Hoot The Redeemer, 7 Hanover Street
Herringbone Abbeyhill, Royal Terrace Gardens
Baba at IHG Hotel, 130 George Street
One Canon, 1 Canonmills
Commons Club at Virgin Hotel, 1 Victoria Street
Eve at Virgin Hotel, 18-20 Cowgate
Under the Stairs, 3A Merchant Street
56 North, 2 W Crosscauseway, Newington
Hey Palu, 49 Bread Street
Caley Bar at Waldorf Astoria, Princes Street
The Voyage Buck, 29-31 William Street
The Lioness of Leith, 21-25 Duke Street
Nauticus, 142 Duke Street

Merry Christmas!

MSP says progress is needed beyond the end of Islamophobia Awareness Month

Following the end of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2023, which aimed to raise awareness of Islamophobia and its prevalence in Scotland, figures show that many people are still subject to Islamophobic abuse.

This abuse can include harassment, hate speech, violent attacks, religious profiling and prejudice against Muslims. IAM seeks to demonstrate the effect of Islamophobia and how it can be tackled, in addition to the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK.

The Scottish Parliament raised awareness of Islamophobia Awareness Month by hosting photocalls and drop-in sessions, for MSPs to learn more about the challenges faced by Muslims in Scotland and how these challenges could be tackled.

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, also lodged several questions in The Scottish Parliament, including asking The Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure scrutiny of Education Scotland and the Race Equality Action Plan, in light of the recommendations of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland.

The inquiry, originally published in 2021, recently published an update on its recommendations to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial & Religious Prejudice, including recommendations that the improving on the reporting and recording of Islamophobia in schools should be urgently progressed.

Mr Choudhury, who is also Convener of the CPG, asked The Scottish Government what it is doing improve the reporting and recording of Islamophobia in schools, colleges and universities. He also questioned the government about initiatives to tackle the gendered nature of Islamophobia and the support offered to Police Scotland to help them identify and tackle Islamophobic abuse.

Mr Choudhury said :”This month has been promising in raising awareness of Islamophobia and the abuse faced by many Muslims in Scotland. 

“I hope that this increased awareness and resolve to tackle the issue encourages more people to come forward for support, as well as more initiatives to eradicate Islamophobia in Scotland.

“I have been raising in the Scottish Parliament many questions about how the Scottish Government can tackle Islamophobia in different areas of our society, including within schools, and I look forward to their answers so we can all work together to build a better society for our next generation to grow up in.

“However, progress is clearly still needed, two years on from the 2021 inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, and we must keep the pressure on the Scottish Government beyond Islamophobia Awareness Month to increase initiatives to tackle Islamophobia and all religious hatred and intolerance in Scotland.”

He said the next CPG meeting will be an opportunity to brief members on Islamophobia Awareness Month in terms of what was a success and what needs to be pursued throughout the next year.

He said that he hopes this will keep momentum going and lead to positive sustained change for all constituents affected by Islamophobia in Scotland. He said: “It is my hope that this will then create a more peaceful Scotland for everyone, free from any kind of religious intolerance or hatred.” 

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-23364
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-23365
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-23363
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-22685

Islamophobia Inquiry:

Scotlands_Islamophobia_2023_Update.pdf (mcb.org.uk)

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole Hamilton called into Decision Time at The Scottish Parliament from outside the Parliament Bar which is barely a few minutes walk from the chamber.

His appearance on the large TV screen on 23 November 2023 resulted in laughter from his parliamentary colleagues seated in the chamber who realised where he was calling from to make a point of order.

The Scottish Sun first published the story online on Sunday evening and carry it on their front page today. Mr Cole-Hamilton told the paper that he had apologised to Deputy Presiding Officer for not arriving in the Chamber in time to vote in person.

He said: “I take the proceedings of Parliament very seriously. My voting record speaks for itself in casting my ballot every time that I possibly can. MSPs regularly vote remotely and on this occasion, fewer than a third were present to vote in person.

“After decision time, I immediately sought out the deputy presiding officer to apologise for not arriving at the chamber in time.”

Mr Cole Hamilton appeared on screen with his shirt unbuttoned and can be seen constantly trying to smooth his hair while on the call.

The Edinburgh Reporter explained earlier this year that the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader was under pressure after convening an event during lockdown which broke Covid restrictions. Read more here.

In the two weeks since Edinburgh’s Christmas opened more than 750,000 people have visited the attractions in East Princes Street Gardens alone.

Community events at the Ross Theatre have welcomed audiences of more than 10,000 people. These have included the Edinburgh’s Christmas Opening Concert, Edinburgh’s Diwali, and St Andrew’s Outdoor Ceilidh.

December is going to be a busy month for the attractions and residents and visitors are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. There are limited tickets available for weekends throughout December and everyone is encouraged to visit on a weekday, preferably during the day, to avoid crowds if possible. From Santa Stories in St Andrew Square to the Big Wheel and much more there are many attractions in four different locations.

In the spirit of the season more than 5,500 free tickets for attractions at Edinburgh’s Christmas have been allocated to community groups from across the city. This ensures that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the festivities.

Looking ahead to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the city will be treated to a four-day programme of events. Alongside the main schedule, the Assembly Rooms will present a host of free and ticketed events, including family events, live music, ceilidh dancing and comedy.

The Torchlight Procession will be the official start of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations on 29 December. The Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral on 31 December is the first event for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to have already sold out.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will ring in the bells with Pulp headlining the Concert in the Gardens. Tickets for this are selling fast and booking ahead is therefore important. 

There are also limited EH Postcode Street Party tickets remaining which give residents a £5 discount.

More information on programmes, schedules and tickets can be found on the websites for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

This is the handy guide which can also be found in the centre pages of our December newspaper.

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker said: “The success of Edinburgh’s Christmas in the first two weeks is truly impressive and a testament to the stellar reputation of our festivals, and the hard work of the organisers and Council colleagues who have my sincere thanks. “To see three quarters of a million people passing through East Princes Street Gardens in such a short space of time is fantastic.
“It’s great to see our residents and visitors getting into the festive spirit as we gear up for December and the return of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. From the Torchlight Procession, to the Night Afore Hoolie, all the way to Pulp seeing us into 2024 at the Concert in the Gardens, and beyond to the First Footin’ we’re in for a real treat.”

Edinburgh’s Christmas Co-Directors Dani Rae and Al Thomson said: “It’s been a wonderful start to festivities in the city this year and we’re well on our way to seeing over 3 million people come and celebrate Christmas with us. With just three weeks until the big day, there’s plenty still to enjoy at Edinburgh’s Christmas, including a Nativity Carol Concert and When You Wish Upon A Star’s Santa Fun Run.
“The countdown to Hogmanay has begun in earnest with bring four days of events to celebrate 30 years of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. There’s something for everyone in this year’s programme and we cannot wait to welcome in the New Year as only Edinburgh can.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay are created and designed by collaborators UniqueAssembly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.

Both giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have now left Edinburgh Zoo on their way home to China.

The pair left in crates loaded onto a truck bound for Edinburgh Airport where a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777 was waiting to fly them home to China. Their keeper for the entire twelve years of their stay Alison Maclean is accompanying them on their journey. Read more here.

East of Scotland men have set the bar high going forward with victory in the first UK inter-county padel championship held at a 14 court complex in Bristol.

Twenty teams took part and the East won all four group games before progressing to knock out stages where they defeated Yorkshire in the final.

Team member Vincent Hivert, Growth and Participation Director at the Game4Padel organisation, says:

“Selection was based on the latest rankings but the great thing about this success is that there is so much depth in East padel we could have picked another five players and felt confident of doing well.

“We were captained by Sam MacNeil (an East county tennis player) and he is now ranked among the top two or three padel players in the UK.”

The East line-up, left to right: Ross Murdoch, David Holmes, Philip Blythe, Vincent Hivert and Sam MacNeil.

A PR agency has been recognised for its commitment to long term excellence and creativity on behalf of its clients.

The team at Leith-based Holyrood PR celebrated with a double haul of golds when the industry’s CIPR PRide Awards made a return to an in-person ceremony for the first time in four years.

The 12-strong agency, which has been operating in Edinburgh for 21 years, won Gold for Best Long-term Campaign (with the national Learn to Swim programme) and Best Long-Term Client Care (with walking charity, Paths for All).

Scott Douglas, Managing Director, said: “The PRide awards featured two categories dedicated to delivering long-term value to clients and for us to win them both is an outstanding result. 

“We fight for our clients and work tirelessly to keep the work that we do fresh, imaginative and inspiring. More than half of our clients have worked with us for more than three years and it is testament to this approach and our team for buying into it.” 

Holyrood PR works with a hosts of blue-chip clients and household names, including Scottish Water, Cala Homes, Mackie’s of Scotland, Musselburgh Racecourse and Capability Scotland.

The Best Long-term Campaign award recognised the agency’s work in creating Scotland’s “generation swim” as part of the innovative and hugely successful Learn to Swim programme. Created in partnership with Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, the project has seen more than 100,000 Scottish youngsters take part in vital swimming lessons.

Holyrood PR was also recognised for Best Long-term Client Care in recognition of its work with national charity Paths for All to help Change Scotland’s attitude to walking.

As well as the two Gold awards, Holyrood PR also claimed a Silver, when Account Manager Fergus Robb was runner up in the prestigious Young Communicator of the Year category. Holyrood PR staff have won the sought-after prize on four occasions since 2008.

In total, Holyrood PR was shortlisted in seven separate categories at the PRide Awards. The others included Best Corporate Communications Campaign; Best Healthcare and/or Wellbeing Campaign; Best Integrated Campaign and Best Use of Media Relations.

The latest Gold awards mean that the highly successful PR agency has now secured wins in at least 17 different PR award categories. 

Fife Flyers’ head coach Tom Coolen anxiously awaits word from the medical staff ahead of Wednesday’s Challenge Cup, quarter-final, first-leg against Guildford Flames at Kirkcaldy (19.30).

His No 1 and No 2 top scorers and several defencemen are injured and that contributed to the club’s 2-0 defeat at Guildford Spectrum on Sunday, according to the coach.

Coolen was proud of the effort shown against Flames who he described as good team with good speed and it was Brett Ferguson’s two goals which made the difference.

The opener came after 13 minutes and the 33-year-old Canadian followed up with a second 24 seconds from the end of the middle session, both on the power play as Fife had men in the sin bin.

Fife have now lost their last three league games but Coolen felt his men could have scored had they received what he termed “puck luck” on the night.

Flames had 33 shots and Fife responded with 26 and the sides meet again in the first-leg of the Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Fife slip to ninth position in the ten-strong league with 14 points from 16 starts, only one point ahead of bottom club Coventry Blaze, but the Midlands combine have three games in hand.

Guildford are eighth also win 14 points and they have played 15 games.

PICTURE: Action from Guildford v Fife on Sunday by John Unwin and courtesy of the Elite League

Goalkeeper Andrew Coulson picked up a Most Valuable Player award as the Scotland under-14 water polo team distinguished themselves at an inter-regional tournament in Walsall featuring Irish counterparts and a string of crack English opponents.

The young Scots won three, lost two and drew one of their six matches to come out with credits.

Andrew Coulson said: “Thanks to my coach Ruaridh (Henderson) for helping me improve as goal keeper. And a big shout-out to my teammates – we are a great team and I’m proud to be part of it.”

While Andrew turns out for Dundee side Menzieshill the majority of the side were from Edinburgh and Fife.

Warrender’s Bram Stenhouse, age 12, said: “It was an incredible experience taking part in this tournament. I’d like to that our team managers and our brilliant coach, Ruaridh, who has taught us so much.”

Bram’s club-mate Charlie Grey, age 13, added: “It was a great experience for all of us. We learned so much and hope to have the opportunity to come back again next year.”

Finally, Portobello’s Dominic Moodie, age 13, summed up, saying: “The atmosphere in the pool was amazing when the crowd were cheering us on, especially when I had to take a couple of penalties.”

Old Manor Hotel offers first Hogmanay Gala since change of ownership.

Having announced its first major Hogmanay Gala Dinner since its change of ownership – an extravaganza evening consisting of a five course dinner, entertainment and piper at the Bells – the Old Manor Hotel at Lundin Links is looking forward to showing off its recent refurbishment, including its newly renamed lounge.

Now called the 1864 Lounge, the new name is in recognition of the year that the building housing the hotel was first constructed.

Originally named Airthernie House, it was built as a home for two local spinster sisters, the Misses Rigg, and their niece. It became a children’s home years later, and then finally a hotel.

Steven said: “We’re aiming our Hogmanay Ball very much at the local market,” said Operations Manager, Steven Carleschi. “We hope to attract lots of local people to come along and join us seeing in the Bells. We are right on their doorstep. Perhaps some of them used to come here to celebrate Hogmanay in the past. We are sure that many locals will remember when this hotel was called the Beach Hotel back in the 1960s.

“Our owners have been refurbishing The Old Manor for over two years now – they have pulled out all the stops with many common areas given a fresh new look, plus many of the bedrooms. There was a lot to do, but we are getting there, and feedback has been very positive,”

“Hogmanay is one of those nights on which you often don’t want to travel too far, so we hope to see lots of locals coming along to celebrate with us.”

For £85 per person, the Hogmanay Gala Dinner Ball offers a set five course menu, showcasing local produce, and offering a spin on the traditional New Year favourites of smoked salmon, steak pie and cranachan.

Kicking off with glass of fizz and handmade canapés on arrival, guests will be served a starter of beetroot cured salmon, accompanied with Gravadlax and hot smoked salmon, before going on to enjoy an intermediate course of Cock a Leekie soup. The main course is Fillet of Beef Medallions, served with a Maderia, wild mushroom and tomato reduction. To finish off the meal in style, dessert is a Cranachan Verrine whisky panna cotta on a raspberry compote with heather honey jelly and toasted oatmeal shortbread. Coffee and petit fours will also be served.

To book please contact The Old Manor on 01333 320368.
Further details www.theoldmanorhotel.co.uk

Tragedy in Baberton

An 84-year-old man died after an explosion at a house on Baberton Mains Avenue on Friday evening.

Two others, a man aged 54 and a woman aged 43 were taken to hospital.

The pensioner who died, named by locals as James Smith, lived in the house next door, and when the blast occurred it destroyed his neighbour’s house.

Critical Mass Sunday Social

On 10 December Critical Mass who organise the mass cycle rides in the city are holding a Sunday social.

It will begin at 10.30am at Leith Customs Wharf outside Customs House. Bring a warm drink and some snacks.

At the Queen’s Hall

Prize-winning poet & Edinburgh University Writer in Residence, Michael Pedersen talks to the former First Minister, and soon-to-be author, Nicola Sturgeon about the books that sustained her over her near decade-long service to Scotland.

Tickets here.

At the Usher Hall

The star studded and Christmas favourite Love Actually, will come alive on 7 December at Usher Hall with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to screen.

Love Actually In Concert has become an annual festive tradition for many, gathering numerous sold out audiences in previous years. The 2023 tour will begin at Bath Forum, before heading across the country to Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Nottingham and many more before a finale show just before Christmas at London’s Eventim Apollo.

There may still be tickets left here.

Subscriptions

Please do subscribe to our monthly newspaper if you can – we deliver by mail in compostable envelopes, and the subscription helps us to keep on bringing you the news for free. So far this year we have produced all of these issues below… and a new one has just been published.

Sign up here.

Scottish communities rally to support increasing number of people requiring food assistance.

Food bank provision across Scotland is on the rise. As one of the members of the Scottish Beacon, we share what’s happening in communities in Scotland by bringing together stories from our publication partners.

The Trussell Trust charity recently revealed that they had distributed 128,490 emergency food parcels in Scotland between April and September this year. This is more than ever before for this six-month period and a nine percent increase compared to the same period last year. Of this number, 59 percent went to families with children. 

Some of the reasons cited for this need included ‘low incomes, especially from social security, debt, health conditions, and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions’. Many people are using a food bank for the first time as they find themselves unable to afford essentials. The trust predict that things will continue to get worse over winter. 

Polly Jones, head of the Trussell Trust in Scotland said: “A generation is growing up believing that it’s normal to see a food bank in every community. This is not right. 

“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.”

As partners of The Scottish Beacon, we are in the unique position of being able to share what is happening in communities all over Scotland by bringing together stories from some of the 22 independently owned-community based publications which are our partners. 

Free food provision in communities around Scotland 

In our most northerly region, Shetland News heard that as the demand for emergency food parcels during the ongoing cost of living crisis rises, thanks to the generosity of local people the shelves at its St Magnus Street base continue to be well stocked, so that the volunteers can distribute more than 1000 emergency food parcels to local people annually.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to the Association of Ukrainians Great Britain in Edinburgh who have been supporting Ukrainians displaced by the war to connect through food, whether at communal meals or on fruit picking outings. They also partner with Edinburgh Community Food to provide culturally appropriate food parcels and signposting to information services. 

Also in Edinburgh The Broughton Spurtle found out how the Edinburgh Food Project hands out around 2000 food parcels each month and has seen use more than double in 2023 compared to the previous year. 

Many local community organisations rely on the support of donations and volunteers. C&B News included a story from the Currie and Balerno District Round Table have supported their local food project with a donation of £3,000.

In Glasgow, religious institutions such as the faith-based emergency relief charity Al Khair and the Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church providing much needed food parcels to those in need around the Southside of the city. 

Also in Glasgow, Migrant Women Press went along to the Garnethill Multicultural Centre, which extends a warm invitation to its diverse community with three weekly free vegetarian community meals where New Scots, those seeking asylum and the local community converge. 

Food banks are not the only means of free food provision. Food larders offer a community solution, and do not require referrals, but instead aim to serve the whole community – no matter what the personal circumstances are – and reduce food going to landfill. The Kyle Chronicle reports how, in Sutherland, a number of food larders are set up to serve rural communities. 

Crail Matters reported how residents must travel three miles to reach the nearest food bank. However lunch clubs an community groups provide a much needed service that helps to counter isolation and provide hot meals to those in need.

Charities providing emergency food aid in West Dunbartonshire, have seen an increase in pensioners and working families accessing their services. The Clydesider spoke to Maureen Cummings, founder of Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels and Chatty Café, who said: “Twelve months ago we had very few working families coming to us; now 25 percent of those coming in are employed. We’ve also seen a 10 percent increase in the number of pensioner households using the service.”

In Argyll, The Lochside Press shared how firefighters in Arrochar who have their own beehive have donated 12 jars of honey to Helensburgh Foodbank. The team at the community fire station have also been producing homemade lip balm from the beeswax, selling it together with honey to raise money for local charities.

Meanwhile in Orkney, recognising the impact that it’s not just people who are affected by rising food prices, Orkney News spoke to a woman who set up a pet foodbank, to ensure our four legged friends don’t suffer as people are increasingly forced to choose between heating and eating. 

Got a story to share?

We’re keen to hear from our readers about food related projects where you are.

Please take a moment to let us know how your community is dealing with this issue by filling in this short survey.

A new play area has been created at the south western corner of Bruntsfield Links adjoining Muriel Spark Walk.

Friends of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links (FOMBL) identified the need for more play equipment for younger children between two and six years old more than five years ago. The group has now realised the ambition with the new addition of two new pieces – a wooden loghouse and train for children to enjoy.

Neil Roger is project manager for the community group and he set about organising the installation of new play equipment at the existing three playgrounds. In total five pieces of play equipment are now in situ.

Mr Roger said: “I realised that there was a lack of play equipment serving families who live around the South area of the Links and, after consultation with local families’ I raised sufficient funds to install two simple pieces of wooden equipment in the form of a covered log house and a wooden train on a special safety mat.

“The site chosen was considered ideal as it is a completely fenced area with one access gate thus minimising dog entry and toddler escape! There is also a FoMBL wildflower meadow which we hope can be used by the children to plant their own bulbs and seeds.

“At present the seeded soil around the play area is taped off but soon we hope to provide wood chip access paths to prevent damage to seeded soil as well as muddy feet.”

Mr Roger is pleased with the way the playground has turned out. He said that he “thinks it meets the needs of younger children and families”. Although children have already been playing on it there is still some work to do by the council’s parks team.

Funds for the new play area were provided by a generous donation by nearby Forbes Nursery, the CEC community fund, The Scottish Government and from FoMBL.

The contractor was Landcare Solutions and organisation by Alan Grevers of the council.

The Johnnie Walker flagship whisky attraction in Edinburgh has been named the World’s Leading Spirit Experience in a leading industry awards.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street took the award at the World Travel Awards (WTA), dubbed the “tourism Oscars”.

The eight-storey landmark, which opened in September 2021, was created as the centrepiece of Diageo’s £185million investment in Scotch whisky experiences.

Designed to put Scotch and Scotland “at the pinnacle of global food and drink tourism”, it has established itself as a leading visitor attraction, welcoming over 700,000 visitors from 131 countries.

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said yesterday [SAT]: “Everyone associated with Johnnie Walker Princes Street is enormously proud of this award.

“When we set out to create Johnnie Walker Princes Street, we had the ambition of putting Scotland at the forefront of global food and drink tourism, and this award is recognition that we have made great strides towards that ambition.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “This achievement recognises the investment and time that has been put in by Diageo and the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to create a truly world-class visitor experience.

“Research continues to show visitors love to connect with the people and places associated with our iconic food and drink. Whisky has huge international appeal, and this award confirms the important role it plays in the Scottish tourism experience.”

The 71,500 sq ft attraction explores the 200-year history of Johnnie Walker with various experiences across its eight floors, from guided tastings and tours to a retail area complete with a “fill your own” station.

When Redpath Albion coach Irfan Sheikh headed back to Mumbai, India, for a family visit he was able to maintain a sequence of international aid provided by the Pilrig Park-based football club.

Irfan took with him some used Albion kit for needy village kids who were delighted to accept the donation.

Club chairman Bryan Maughan said: “As well as the boys’ team we were able to kit out a girls team who have just played their first ever match, winning 3-0. Given the dustbowl pitch our UK players are so lucky with their facilities.”

A couple of years ago Redpath Albion showed similar generosity using Irfan as the conduit but their gestures go back much further.

Redpath Albion’s first donation was a shipment to the North Australian outback in 2001 where it was appreciated by the local Aboriginal community. In 2006 they helped out a team in Tanzania.

Each year Capital Theatres invite more than 600 children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) to enjoy a relaxed performance of the pantomime, which this year will be in early December.

A spokesperson for the theatre company said: “Pantomime is one of Britain’s greatest festive traditions and Capital Theatres believe everyone should be given the opportunity to enjoy the magical childhood experience.

“Due to additional needs, pantomime and indeed theatre generally, is largely inaccessible for children who attend ASN schools and the relaxed panto is often their only theatre experience.”

The term relaxed means a less formal performance, and includes a dialling down of sound and light, (roving lights which might be shone at the audience will most likely not be used), but it may also affect the script or the content of the panto. Pantomime is a very loud event so the actual sound level is turned down from start to finish but specific moments may also be looked at. Some teachers may be invited to watch a performance beforehand to assess if there are any trigger points or anything which could be overwhelming and which would impact on the young audience. Those invited to the special performance will, for example, include children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability, but there are also audience members with physical disabilities.

It is possible to offer the free tickets for this performance thanks to support from Cash for Kids. There are also some free tickets for children with care experience and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and all members of the audience are invited along with a carer or teacher.

This is a performance which the cast and crew at Capital Theatres enjoy a great deal. Usually there are around a dozen ushers working at each performance, but for this one day around 25 volunteers from all areas of the company come forward to treble that number. Each school is then assigned one member of the front of house team to look after them during their visit to the theatre.

The auditorium is made to feel quite different as the house lights are not fully dimmed as they would be for other performances. Some young people can find it too intimidating to be in full darkness, and it allows anyone who might need to get up and walk around to do so more easily. There are few expectations of “proper” audience behaviour – and keeping quiet and still is not one of them.

Children and carers are able to feel relaxed, free to make noise, move around, be themselves and enjoy the pantomime in a way that suits their needs.

The audience comes from Edinburgh and beyond and will be welcomed to the production by the main cast members coming out on stage at the beginning and introducing themselves, so that any nuances in their character are made known. If someone is a goodie or a baddie then they must declare themselves at this point. And if there is something which could be a bit scary about their character then they will outline that and give a bit of background.

The sound levels during the show are reduced from start to finish, and loud bangs and sound effects may be removed if thought necessary. The production crew look at anything which could be overwhelming or which could be triggering for certain conditions such as epilepsy.

As well as in the auditorium, the theatre creates some breakout spaces where anyone who needs to leave the theatre can feel safe. Some of these have a TV screen so that young people can still watch the production albeit from a distance.

Capital Theatres was the first organisation in Scotland to produce a fully accessible Relaxed Performance in 2012, and these have become an essential feature in their annual programme. 

Below you will see some of the photos from last year’s relaxed performance.

It is all about swashbuckling adventure and high flying at the Festival Theatre this December where the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will play until Hogmanay. 

Join the boy who never ages in a new telling of an old tale complete with special effects, stunning sets, colourful costumes and a lot of laughs and fun. 

The trip to Neverland is one which will captivate audiences young and old with the well-known cast which includes Allan Stewart appearing as his 25th panto dame, Grant Stott as the big bad Captain Hook who fights off Jock the Croc, and Jordan Young as Smee. Clare Gray makes a welcome return to the panto and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless will form the Pirate Crew.

Three members of the cast are locals – Kieran Lynch (23) is from Portobello and plays Peter Pan. He said: “I went to the panto since I was 5 years old and watched Allan and Grant on stage. Now getting to be in it, in the rehearsal room, getting to fly to Neverland with them is amazing.”

Kieran actually only went to dancing classes to get back at his wee sister Chloe, and until then played football. He said that “everyone he has ever met” along with Chloe and his parents will all be at the Festival Theatre to cheer him on in his first big character role of his career. He said: “The best bit is the energy. I am having so much fun – flying is so exciting.”

Rebecca Stenhouse who is photographed top right above plays Tink and told The Edinburgh Reporter she used to visit the panto with her school – St Mary’s RC in Leith – each year. Rebecca was Kieran’s dance teacher and they were members of the same amateur company at one stage. She was very clear that with a little pixie dust and some happy thoughts she can actually fly. She said that staying with her folks while she is here is a definite advantage as well as looking forward to time at the Christmas market and seeing friends.

Robyn Whyte is a new graduate from the Urdang Academy in London, and studied at the Central School of Ballet in South Queensferry.  She previously appeared in the ensemble in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Jason Manford at the Festival Theatre in 2016. She said that on the first night of the panto run her family had booked out the entire front row of the stalls to give her their support. She said: “It is lovely to be here  in Edinburgh. I really have been made to feel welcome by all the cast.” 

capitaltheatres.com

New Year’s Day first footers at Musselburgh Racecourse will have a chance to win a Golden Ticket which secures an annual Grandstand Membership to 24 of the East Lothian course’s 2024 race meetings.

Musselburgh’s New Year’s Day meeting is one of Scotland’s largest sporting events held on 1 January and it is heading for a 6,000-plus sell out attendance. The £100,000 fixture of competitive jumps racing includes the £40,000 feature race, the Auld Reekie Handicap Stakes, and the £30,000 Hogmaneigh Hurdle.

To celebrate the New Year, 24 envelopes with fantastic prizes will be hidden around the course – with one containing a Golden Ticket which provides priority entry and exclusive grandstand viewing and tickets to other race days throughout the year.

Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We are starting off 2024 with a flying start and promise to keep the festive fun going well past the bells. Each year we are adding exciting and fun elements to this day, perfect for a post-Christmas get-together that has something for everyone. 

“The Golden Ticket hunt is a new and exciting addition to what will be a fantastic start to the year and eagle-eyed guests have a chance to win entry to all of our exciting race days over the next 12 months.”

The racecourse is making it easier for racegoers and revellers to join the celebrations, putting on  “first footer” ticketed bus travel from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington and central Edinburgh to ferry guests to and from the East Lothian venue.

Aisling added: “New Year’s Day is one big party at Musselburgh and I would encourage people to get their tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as the event usually sells out and we predict this year will be no different.”

The entertainment continues off the track too in the heated Highland Fling Marquee with live music from Kilter Ceilidh Band and marquees will have TV screens showing all the racing action.

Gates open at 10:30am, and provisional times for the first race and last race is 12.25pm and 3.20pm. For more information and to book tickets and travel visit https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/fixtures

Looking back at the memory laden past, and forward to a less certain future, scores of church-goers and visitors attended a coffee morning and special exhibition at St Michael’s church on Saturday. All were celebrating the kirk’s 140 years this weekend, where the message was one of hope for the establishment’s future survival.

Amid the doubt within the Church of Scotland community of ongoing presbytery reform plans, Reverend Andrea Price and her elders had decided to mark the 140th anniversary with a weekend-long showcase of the church’s commitment to community and worship over the decades.

Regular members of the local congregation attended alongside others from the local community, browsing the 18 display boards in the church itself with photos, stories and memorabilia of 140 years of church history and community.

From behind a stand of home-baking on sale in the adjacent hall, St Michael’s session clerk, Douglas Bannatyne, said: “I am delighted to see so many turn up. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the planning of the church’s 140 years, which has served its congregation and local area. St Michael’s is a place where there is a true sense of community.”

The Slateford Road church is claimed to have Edinburgh’s longest aisle which has made it popular for weddings over the years – one of the kirk’s longest-serving current elders, Helen O’Brien, took her vows at St Michael’s in 1960 and has been in the community ever since.

Mrs O’Brien, 86, said: “I’ve got so many happy memories. We’ve had a lot of outings with, more recently, one to Dunfermline abbey, St Andrews, and Linlithgow this year – it was so cold. We had a picnic, and we were all freezing sitting around Linlithgow Loch.

“I just love my church life. Because we’re involved in so much, we’re all friends. It’s such a community. It’s great because I like talking to folk – I just love coming.”

And Mrs O’Brien’s granddaughters, who were helping out on stalls and serving coffee, said they had attended Sunday school and had pleasant memories of their time here when they were younger – they also said that their grandmother was always at the church, and are worried for her should it have to close.

Helen said: “The presbytery reform is very much a concern to me. St Michael’s is so much part of my life. If I’m not here on a Sunday, it’s because I’m ill in my bed or on holiday.

“I cannot bear the thought of not coming here.”

If St Michael’s closed, the elder, who has mobility issues and does not have a car, would be unable to walk to Polwarth church or take public transport to other nearby kirks for a Sunday service.

She added: “I just keep living with hope in my heart because I cannot bear the thought of not being here.”

A 2023 Church of Scotland report revealed that the faith has lost more than half of its members since 2000 and the average age of worship attendees today was 62.

St Michael’s musical director in post 31 years, Stuart Montgomery, said: “Congregations are falling; people are not going to church very much because they’re doing other things. The truth is churches wouldn’t need to unite or close if more people came on a Sunday. It’s as simple as that.”

He added: “For any church that closes, it’s not just about the church going: it’s about a community, a family, that loses each other. If St Michael’s, or Polwarth, or any churches in the group closed, some people that go to that church would never see each other again. It’s just unthinkable.”

Helen and Stuart commented on the evolving face of the congregation and how the local community had changed with attending families no longer necessarily staying in the area for long, moving out of the city for more space.

Stuart added: “But maybe now we have genuinely people who want to go to church, rather than people who thought they should go to church.”

In a kirk that Stuart felt “had something special”, he and Helen agreed it was the community ethos of the place that had kept its dwindling, but devoted, congregation returning in support of the church and of the many charitable causes it backed.

Presbytery reform continues into 2024 when the four local west Edinburgh churches, inclusive of St Michael’s, will be united into one congregation spread over two or three buildings.

Helen said: “I always just keep saying to them: ‘I’ve got keys to the church, so until they board it up, I’ll just let myself in anyway and have a wee hymn to myself,”

St Michael’s continues its 140-year celebrations today with a special service at 11am, coinciding with advent, followed by lunch – the dedicated exhibition will remain open to all until 4pm for all.

Kirsty Wilson, 15, of Edinburgh Judo Club, has been presented with Judo Scotland’s Young Referee Award for 2023 by Sam Ingram.

As well as being a 2012 paralympic silver medallist Sam, who has been visually impaired with Monochromatism from birth, is Judo Scotland’s Club Support Officer.

Kirsty, a student at George Heriot’s School, joined Edinburgh Judo Club aged three and a half. A dozen years later she has recently earned her brown belt and is looking to gain her black belt.

In October 2022 the club asked some of the young judoka if any wanted to attend a refereeing course in Glasgow. Kirsty  volunteered. At the course they were shown the basic elements of how to referee as well as the movements and terminology. She was also taught how to use the CARE System used to analyse and review at the mat side.

After passing the written test where candidates were given various scenarios and had to decide how they would react, Kirsty then had to gain practical experience by attending and refereeing at a variety of events from kids starting out to senior tournaments involving experienced judoka.

This has taken her throughout Scotland and culminated in her qualifying as an Area Referee. Often Kirsty will officiate in the morning, compete in the afternoon and return to officiate in the latter stages of the tournament.

Awarded her accolade at Judo Scotland’s Annual Gathering at Largs in September, it is first time anyone from Edinburgh Judo has earned this prestigious award.

The students of Balwearie High School won the Regional Final of the 2023 RTX Quadcopter Challenge held at St Columba’s RC High School.

Now in its eighth year, the RTX Quadcopter Challenge, supported by Culture of Enterprise, brought together S2 students from various Fife high schools, including Balwearie, St Columba’s RC, Queen Anne, Bell Baxter, and Levenmouth Academy. Working in teams, students designed and constructed a Quadcopter with guidance from Raytheon UK STEM Ambassadors, aiming to support emergency response.

After presenting their designs including costing and highlighting their teamworking skills to the judging panel, which included representatives from Raytheon UK, Fife Council, SSERC, and Brockwell Energy, the pupils then proved their flying skills ability and their concept as they took on a challenging obstacle course.
Alison Sinclair from Fife Council’s Economic Development team (Culture of Enterprise) remarked: “Programmes like the RTX Quadcopter Challenge play a crucial role in nurturing a culture that values and encourages enterprise, while promoting awareness and skills development in STEM careers.

“Our sincere congratulations go to the Balwearie Flyers of Balwearie High School – we wish them the best of luck for the National Final. The judging panel was extremely impressed with the calibre of presentations and designs this year, and we extend our gratitude for their support in attending this year’s event.”
Sam Hutton, Raytheon UK, STEM Site Lead for Glenrothes “Another successful year of the Quadcopter Challenge! This year’s challenge was to look at ways to support the emergency services and after seeing some of the great ideas and innovations on the quadcopters I believe we are in good hands with the next generation of engineers.”

The Balwearie Flyers will now advance to the National Final on 13 December representing their school and displaying their impressive designs.

www.investfife.co.uk

Scots band Young Fathers have been named the most influential Scots in arts and culture for 2023 in a new list.

The Mercury Prize and three time Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) award winners came top of The List’s Hot 100, ahead of comedians Fern Brady and Marjolein Robertson.

The Hot 100 was announced in The List, Scotland’s longest-standing arts and culture magazine’s December/January issue out today [FRI].

Novelist Martin MacInnes and actor turned director Adura Onashile make up the top five.

Edinburgh Book Festival director Jenny Niven; artist Sekai Machache; singer Paolo Nutini; Two Doors Down star and comic Kieran Hodgson; and Khaleda Noon & Sara Elbashir, of the charity Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS), complete the top ten.

The List’s Hot 100 has been curated by the free arts and culture magazine’s writers and editorial staff since 2003 to celebrate the one hundred cultural contributors of the past year.

Famous names featured throughout the decades include Franz Ferdinand and Ewan McGregor, with recurring names like Paolo Nutini, Brian Cox and Lewis Capaldi all featuring on the 2023 list.

Others featured include Gail Porter, singer Joesef, Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde, and another duo, The Proclaimers, who take the final place in this year’s list.

Young Fathers – the Edinburgh-based trio Kayus Bankole, Alloysious Massaquoi and Graham ‘G’ Hastings – recently won their third prestigious SAY Award for their album Heavy Heavy.

They are currently supporting Depeche Mode on the North American leg of their world tour.

Bankole said: “Compared with being down south where it feels like the epicentre for creativity, I feel like once you have something special that comes out of Scotland it feels really, really special.

“It feels more worthwhile because you don’t have the machine behind you over here, like you may have elsewhere. Your own steam is still enough to carry your art.”

Brian Donaldson, Editor at The List magazine, added: “It’s been another special year for
culture within Scotland and by those Scots who are plying their creative trade outside the
country these days.

“Last year’s high-flyers could very easily have replicated their positions at the top again, but we felt that the likes of Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Benedetti would be fine with stepping aside and letting a new bunch of stars take their spots.

“There’s nothing predictable or safe about our Top 10 and we believe it encapsulates what makes Scottish culture so unique and exciting.

“Where else would you have established players in their field such as Fern Brady and Paolo Nutini rubbing shoulders with rising stars like Martin MacInnes and Sekai Machache?”

Those eligible are Scots who are creative in any part of the world and non-Scots who contribute to the cultural landscape in Scotland.

The Hot 100 is announced in The List’s December/January issue out now.

The Hot 100 2023

1. Young Fathers – Mercury-nominated and SAY Award-winning trio
2. Fern Brady – Comedian and bestselling author
3. Marjolein Robertson – Five-star Shetland stand-up
4. Martin MacInnes – Booker-longlisted Invernesian novelist
5. Adura Onashile – Stage and screen actor turned debut film director
6. Jenny Niven – New director of Edinburgh International Book Festival
7. Sekai Machache – Talbot Rice artist-in-residence with immersive films at Mount Stuart
8. Paolo Nutini – Winner of Modern Scottish Classic album at SAY Awards
9. Kieran Hodgson – Two Doors Down star and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee
10. Khaleda Noon & Sara Elbashir – of Intercultural Youth Scotland helps foster talent in the local music and arts scene.
11 Liam Withnail & Christopher Macarthur-Boyd
12 Siobhan Mackenzie
13 Brìghde Chaimbeul
14 Solène Weinachter
15 Paul Laverty
16 Rachel Maclean
17 Janey Godley
18 Duncan Dornan
19 Eilidh Loan
20 Sadiq Ali & David Banks

21 Johnny McKnight
22 Liam Shortall
23 Hannah Lavery
24 Gary McNair
25 Imogen Evans
26 Tony Curran
27 Hazel Johnson
28 Tomas Gormley & Sam Yorke
29 Fred Deakin

30 Tinashe Warikandwa
31 Simone Seales
32 Joseph Malik
33 Mark Cousins
34 Ian Stirling & Paddy Fletcher
35 Neil Forsyth
36 Marge Hendrick
37 Susie McCabe
38 Rab Florence
39 May Sumbwanyambe
40 K Patrick
41 Helen Nisbet
42 Bee Asha
43 Audrey Gillan
44 Hanna Tuulikki
45 Frankie Elyse
46 Danielle Jam
47 Andrew Marshall
48 Gail Porter
49 Rachel Walker & Aaron Jones
50 Becky Sikasa

51 Simon Murphy
52 Chef The Rapper
53 Jude Coward Nicoll
54 Katie Goh & Katie Hawthorne
55 Hope Dickson Leach
56 Jamie Byng
57 Lewis Capaldi
58 Sam Gough
59 Maggie O & Farrell
60 Lorne MacFadyen
61 Andrew Fleming-Brown
62 Amy Laurenson
63 Chris Carse Wilson
64 Nicole Cooper
65 Sarah Smith
66 Hifi Sean
67 Joesef
68 Lynsey May
69 Queen Of Harps
70 Stuart Ralston
71 Laura Aldridge/James Rigler/Nick Evans
72 LJ Findlay-Walsh
73 Izuka Hoyle
74 Peter Ross
75 Simon Erlanger
76 Jasleen Kaur
77 Susan Riddell
78 Douglas MacIntyre
79 Lesley Hart

80 Padruig Morrison
81 Anne Lyden
82 Brian Cox
83 Kyle Falconer & Laura Wilde
84 Josie KO
85 Sharon Rooney
86 Amy Matthews
87 James Yorkston
88 Lois Chimimba
89 Lucy Ireland & Jim Manganello
90 Conor McCarron
91 Michael Pellegrotti
92 Dr Marian Bruce
93 Ainsley Hamill
94 Lawrie Brewster
95 Stuart McPherson
96 Terra Kin
97 Keith Ingram
98 James Ferguson & Alethea Palmer
99 Daniel Portman
100 Proclaimers

A Will Dennis own goal separated Hearts and Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and the somewhat fortuitous counter after 18 minutes earned the Jambos a fourth straight win in the cinch Premiership, the first time they have achieved that in five years.

Defender Kye Rowles began the move, sending the ball down the left, and Lawrence Shankland outstripped the Killie defence. The Scotland international made for the byline and cut inside before sending the ball towards goal.

Dennis, a loan signing from English side Bournemouth, allowed the ball to pass through him and slide into the net. Then the 23-year-old stopper saw yellow after a challenge on Yutaro Oda. A lengthy VAR review backed up the booking but pitchside observers felt it could have been red.

Eventually, battling Hearts left Ayrshire with a precious three points and a massive lift ahead of Wednesday’s home clash with Rangers (20.00). The Jambos move into third place in the 12-strong table, leapfrogging St Mirren who travel to Ibrox on Sunday to play Rangers. 

The goal at Rugby Park was not pretty and neither was the bruising game played on a tricky pitch in freezing conditions. Killie, who had 387 passes against 371 from Hearts, and who enjoyed 53 per cent of possession against 47 per cent from their rivals, could possibly feel hard done by.

They now slip out of the top six and into seventh spot with 17 points from 15 games, following a run which includes a draw, a win and three defeats in their last five starts.

The home side did, however, had a number of chances. Defender Corrie Ndaba had a clear sight of goal from a corner early on, incidentally Killie had seven corners to three from Hearts, but headed over, and, Daniel Armstrong, who proved a real handful on the right then on the left, set up a chance for David Watson which was spurned.

Defender Robbie Deas headed over from another opportunity created by lively Armstrong and Rowles cleared a dangerous ball with his knee from another run by the same player.

The midfielder, this time on the left, received a lucky bounce off Hearts’ substitute Toby Sibbick – he had come on for Liam Boyce after 27 minutes, the Irishman looking to have a right leg injury – and Armstrong drove towards goal before sending a ball across the six-yard box. Nobody was there to collect.

Ndaba then forced Clark into a save from a header at the far post and, deep into the second-half, defender Stuart Findlay headed over when in a good position then Hearts’ goalkeeper Zander Clark and substitute Cammy Devlin at the near post scrambled the ball clear under extreme pressure.

Hearts, however, stuck to their task. They also had chances, with Dennis called into action as the clock ticked down after a drive down the left.

However, the Jambos recent run of wins – Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone, plus the victory at Rugby Park – sees Hearts sitting pretty in the table with 23 points from 14 games, five behind Rangers who have a game in hand, and 13 adrift of pace-setting Celtic.

St Mirren have 22 points from 14 fixtures then come Hibs with 18 points from their 14 games with Dundee on the same points from the same number of games.

Steven Naismith, Hearts’ head coach, continues to say that small margins are the difference in tight games. A small margin made the difference here and the dice fell in Hearts’ direction.

PICTURE: Kye Rowles, who played a key role in Hearts’ goal, pictured by Ian Jacobs against St Johnstone

A council hearing on “new” plans for student flats at Eyre Place Lane will be held on 6 December 2023.

Residents of Eyre Place, Eyre Place Lane and Rodney Street remain opposed to the plans to build townhouses and student flats behind the tenements in which they live.

The developer has resubmitted plans not dissimilar to those which were refused permission by the government Reporter earlier in the year. The new plans reduce the tally by two townhouses and three student beds. This is an unusual case, but it is safe to say the residents have not run out of steam.

The plans were initially submitted at the beginning of the year and the appeal by the developer turned on “deemed refusal of the application in February 2023”.

The council had failed to consider the plans within a reasonable timescale.  The developer lodged the appeal, perhaps hoping for the plans to be passed without any objectors having the opportunity to put their views forward in a public forum. The opposition was fierce and hundreds of people had noted their objections online. 

Then – for the developers – the unthinkable happened and the Reporter refused their application. 

The company CA Ventures, which usually builds and develops student flats, regrouped and resubmitted their planning application which was a surprise for their neighbours. The developers say that the scheme has been revised in terms of design, scale and massing.

The application will now be considered afresh at a hearing of the Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday 6 December at 10am. The plans which the developer has resubmitted for 72-74 Eyre Place,, EH3 5EL include proposals to erect 7x townhouses with associated amenity space, access, cycle parking, car parking and landscaping – application no. 23/04046/FUL, and the erection of student accommodation with associated amenity space, access, cycle parking, disabled car parking and landscaping – application no. 23/04048/FUL.

The new application looks very similar to the first one and Vince Meiklejohn, who has until now been one of the leading lights on the campaign group, said there is one key difference. This time round the six storey block is one floor lower, and the number of flats has only reduced by three as the length of the building has been increased. Roof terraces are included in the plans as before.

Mr Meiklejohn said:”I think the general feeling having spoken to other neighbours and community groups is confused and outraged, actually. Obviously, the reporter’s judgement pleased everyone, and the door was left slightly open, but we’re astounded that this has come back in this format.

“I guess the hope was that the landowner Daltons would speak to some other developer and come back with some ideas on residential housing across the whole site in line with the original city plan, which hasn’t been adopted yet.

“CA have again attempted a land grab as the townhouse plans show the plans go outwith the legal boundary and therefore cause access issues for the garages at the bottom of the Lane and the Yard. 

“This was again documented by the Reporter when permission for the previous version of the townhouses was refused. It was noted that if permission had been granted, which it wasn’t, it would be a condition that there would be no access issues for the Yard or neighbours and that the proposal was unacceptable.”

Scott Baxter, another resident, will appear to speak for the residents at the council hearing. He will speak mainly to the part of the plans which deals with the townhouses and another member of the group will speak to the proposal for PBSA.

He said: “There are around 50 more objectors than there were to the original applications. Some 450 people have lodged objections. We were quite surprised by this and ready to accept that people might have lost impetus, but we were all very heartened to realise it was even more of an issue for residents.

“Our core action group feels that the developer has made as little change as possible, really just to incorporate any issues the Reporter mentioned. And after the hearing on 6 December we fully expect it could go back to the Reporter if it is refused on any basis. We get a feeling that this will keep going round and round until they get the decision they want.

“It is quite clear they are not trying to get the community on side in any way. They’re just trying to push through this proposal with little effort for maximum gain.”

The Yard is a Scottish charity supporting disabled children and young people aged 0-25 through adventure play. Celine Sinclair CEO of The Yard which has premises adjacent to the site said: “We are bitterly disappointed to learn that the potential for a major development of this nature is still being considered. The impact on local families has been well voiced and we have grave concerns in relation to health and safety of our children and families at The Yard. The site would be much better suited to residential housing. We are hopeful that planners will see sense.”

There has been an amount of political support for the residents.

Cllr Vicky Nicolson said: “I will be attending the hearing to represent my constituents in and around Eyre Place Lane.  The new student accommodation proposal is only a slightly modified version of the earlier proposal which was rejected.  The Scottish Government Reporter, on 14 June 2023, concluded that the 142 unit plan should be refused on the grounds of design and amenity and sense of place and scale.  Of course, this leads members of the Eyre community to whom I have spoken to, to feel the developer has little interest in proper community engagement or the local impact of such a development.”

Lothians MSP, Miles Briggs said: “There are a number of reasons why the proposed new development at Eyre Place would not be appropriate.

“The proposed site would include a high density of student flats which would not be suitable to local residents or for The Yard.

“As well as the potential for increased noise and disturbances, the development of the site at Eyre Place Lane could impact access for ambulances to the Yard, which are required from time to time. The previous application for planning for the development on Eyre Place Lane was rejected, so it is disappointing that a new application has been received.”

Foysol Choudhury, MBE, MSP, who has supported the residents previously, said: “The DPEA Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government refused permission just months ago, on the grounds of design and amenity, sense of place and scale. 

“It is very concerning that the same developer has put in another application which has been altered minimally and may even have a more negative impact than the previous design. 

“I have seen for myself what a crowded area it is and how narrow the lane is, already having a plenty of traffic, both motor and pedestrian, going to the Yard play centre at the end of the lane. 

“I will continue to support my constituents ahead of the Council hearing on the 6th December and represent my constituents’ concerns in their campaign for better community consultation on these plans.”

An 84-year-old man has died following an explosion on Friday night at a terraced house in Baberton Mains Avenue.

Two others a woman aged 43 and a 54-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment. 

Several properties were evacuated as a precaution and the road remains closed.

Edinburgh South West MP, Joanna Cherry, KC, said: “I am very saddened to hear overnight about the tragic explosion in Baberton Mains. My thoughts are with the families affected and I extend my sincere condolences following the sad death of one of the casualties.”

Roseburn has, in recent years, been the focus of some degree of public controversy. The City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), a cycle lane into the city centre, has caused a degree of disruption and disgruntlement. Many locals and local businesses have been adversely affected.

With roadworks now finished, can this area now recover? 

One thing that brings people to an area are good shops and cafes. Roseburn Terrace boasts three cafes, representing different eras of coffee. The Roseburn Café is a well established ‘greasy spoon’ (serving traditional fry ups), while Vigo is characteristic of the type of cafes common in the 1990s and early 2000s. Vigo serves traditional Italian style espresso, dark and strong. On the opposite side of the road sits Disposition Coffee, a representative of the contemporary coffee scene, serving excellent Third Wave coffee. Opened in 2022, Disposition has quickly established itself in the area. The shop was previously Ruth Davidson’s constituency office and prior to that a branch of Spar – and before that a restaurant. It’s evidence of change in the area. 

Disposition has a strong connection with the highly regarded Machina Espresso coffee bar and roastery (now based in Marchmont), who supply their beans. Recent highlights include the  fruity Nyabirongo, from the Ugandan Rwenzori Mountains. As an espresso it is balanced and smooth with distinct notes of blood orange, toffee, and marmalade. On my trips there, it’s been evident that the Disposition baristas are very capable of extracting the best from the high quality beans. The coffees I’ve had there have been consistently good, with plenty of character. Others I know who are into coffee have been pleasantly surprised to discover top class coffee in the area. Previously, they’d tended to head towards the city centre. Increasingly, good specialty coffee can be found outwith the usual hot spots. Other ‘outliers’ include Mr Eion in Trinity. 

My most recent visit was on a sunny Sunday morning;  the place was absolutely packed, with all seats taken. This meant that some customers had to take their coffee out. Luckily, Roseburn is, in terms of quiet walks through the city, one of the best situated places It sits on a connection point between the ex-railway paths (remnants of the old Murrayfield Station are evident in the undergrowth), and the Water of Leith Walkway. From Roseburn Cliff, walkers and cyclists can enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the walkway, taking them to the Gallery of Modern Art. Going out of town, the walkway takes you through Roseburn Park, past Murrayfield Stadium and to one of the ‘hidden gems’ of Edinburgh: the restored and improved walled garden at Saughton Park. Soon this area will be even better connected to the path network via a new link between the Union Canal towpath and the path junction at Russell Road. Work is ongoing at Sauchiebank Gardens, earth-movers carving out this new ‘green corridor. 

Disposition Coffee shares the premises with Hordeum Botanical Studio. This coffee and plants combination has become increasingly common across the city, including at places such as Grow Urban. Certainly, the foliage helps create a really lovely environment in which to enjoy your coffee. As Disposition describes it, their ‘space is one in which to relax, be present with yourself and others and fully appreciate the moment’. This may be true on a quiet day, but perhaps not at the weekend when it soon fills up. In addition to specialty coffee, Disposition serves a range of teas and tempting baking. For brunch, they offer a range of tasty grilled sandwiches, including a aubergine parm. They’ve recently introduced the Bertha sandwich, combining She’s a Company Bakery sourdough, with chorizo iberico, mature cheddar, artichoke, truffle acacia honey & aioli.

Disposition is a great new addition to the specialty coffee scene and a top spot to visit during, or prior to, a wander along the many wonderful paths that converge near it. 

Disposition Coffee

29 Roseburn Terrace,

Edinburgh EH12 5NQ

https://www.facebook.com/dispositioncoffee/

Time is running out for council tenants to give their feedback on rent proposals and information on the financial pressures they may face in the consultation which ends on 17 December.

Tenants across the capital are reminded to share their views on the rates which rent could be set at next year and how this money should be invested to create more and better housing.

The full scale of the city’s housing challenge was highlighted earlier this month when the council officially declared a Housing Emergency in Edinburgh. This followed news that as many as 5,000 households a night are now living in temporary accommodation due to homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing.

A budget strategy report published last month also reveals the gap between the amount of funding Edinburgh needs to improve housing and the budget available to achieve this, which is primarily funded by tenants paying rent and government grants.

By raising rent levels, the council said it could ensure homes meet statutory energy efficiency standards set by The Scottish Government, build hundreds of new affordable homes to help people who are currently homeless and improve the landlord service it provides.

Up to 80% of tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent, with costs covered by housing benefits or Universal Credit. The council intends to extend its Tenant Hardship Fund to support households who are not entitled to this support to access funding if they struggle to afford an increase in rent.

Cllr Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Providing a better service to our tenants, improving their homes, and building more places for people to live is at heart of our housing budget strategy.

“We recognise that this year will be particularly challenging for all residents with rising inflation, spiralling prices, and the wider cost-of-living crisis. These price hikes are affecting us too and we’re seeing the cost of running our housing services increase, at a time when we desperately need to invest in new and better homes and tackle rising homelessness. That’s why we have declared a Housing Emergency, so we can work with partners to help everyone who needs a safe place to call home.

“In our last consultation tenants told us they want us to invest in homes to make them more energy efficient and that they need more affordable homes. So, we are looking forward to hearing from our tenants again and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

Alongside charging a higher rent for newly built homes and newly modernised homes, the council is considering three possible rent increase options:

• 4.1% increase each year for the next five years to deliver the council’s existing plan. This would help to deliver 2,000 new social rented homes and upgrade 5,200 existing homes to modern and high energy efficiency standards in the next ten years. The average weekly rent would increase by £4.31.
• 5.0% increase each year for the next five years to be in line with inflation. It would help to deliver 2,300 new social rented homes and upgrade 5,600 existing homes to modern and high energy efficiency standards in the next ten years. The average weekly rent would increase by £5.25.
• 8.4% increase each year for the next five years to deliver the council’s pre-Covid investment plan. It would help to deliver 3,560 new social rented homes and upgrade 12,400 existing homes to modern and high energy efficient standards in the next ten years. The average weekly rent would increase by £8.83.

No decisions on rents or how the council spends the Housing Revenue Account in the next financial year will be made until February 2024, when the council sets a housing revenue budget as part of its wider budget setting process.

Find out more and share your views at the consultation hub.