Soldiers from the so-called ‘Forgotten War’ also appeared in the projection, as well as a quote from Hansard announcing the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953.
If you see anything which is not on the list then let @EdinTravel know.
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Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel
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Held throughout Summerhall, the Big Weekend will build on the popularity of its annual Christmas Market – 90 stalls of locally curated businesses will make for a bigger, better, and even more festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
A full weekend of Christmas creativity and fun for the local community, Summerhall’s Big Christmas Weekend will see events, activities, performance, stalls, and more take place. Highlights include Adrenalism Theatre’s A Very Crypto Christmas (with Christmas Karaoke and bar service); Crispmas Confessional; Après Ski Bar with raclette and German beer; Carol Singing from Summerhall’s very own community choir; a Friday night Christmas Ceilidh in collaboration with The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club; and Wreath Making with Ollie and Ivy using locally and sustainably sourced materials – as well as a wide range of high quality food and mulled wine and cider vendors.
Welcoming all at only £3 entry to the market and free for Under 18s, this is a full weekend of Christmas creativity where special gifts can be bought and made, culture enjoyed, and the festive spirit found at every corner.
Summerhall Events Manager Steph Leach commented: “Summerhall’s Christmas Market has always been popular, but every year we want to make it bigger and better so we can showcase even more local talent and makers. We are calling this year’s programme our Big Christmas Weekend to really encapsulate how much there is to enjoy! We were keen to make this year a bit different by working with multiple local organisations and offering more than just a market.
“We’ve been really lucky in finding lots of amazing collaborators to work with this year, like The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, Ollie and Ivy, and Adrenalism Theatre, as well as increasing our available capacity for exhibitors at our market – nearly 90 this Christmas! I really feel that this year is already demonstrating the importance of collaboration and community for all Edinburgh creatives.”
Summerhall CEO Sam Gough said: “What I love about the Summerhall Christmas Market is just how authentic it is – local makers, boutique sellers and high-quality produce. It really is the highlight of the month and will be so much fun.”
The council’s £200,000-a-year contract with Capability Scotland to help after school care providers meet the needs of children with disabilities was abruptly ended just before the new term in August, as the authority said it was bringing the service in-house to achieve best value.
Affected families told a previous council meeting they were “blind-sided” by the decision, with some unable to send their child to after school club for weeks after school resumed.
A report has revealed why the deal with the charity was axed after 13 years – and lists repeated failures by council officers to identify major issues with how the contract was being delivered.
Senior Education Officer Donna Murray told councillors after being put in place the contract was “extended and extended” which created “an assumption…that this would continue forever”.
She said a “Miss Marple job” was used to “join up the pieces” and determine what had gone wrong with the contract and why problems were not identified earlier.
The report said information gathered to “ascertain the impact” revealed the objectives were “not being met”, with several youngsters funded not meeting the criteria originally set out. Furthermore, it added since the service was outsourced in 2009 the number of children being supported dropped from 77 to 28 and the key function of charity “appeared to be distributing funding to services who applied” rather than “building capacity in the sector” as was specified in the contract.
Among the reasons given for why it hadn’t been terminated sooner was that officers involved in monitoring the contract “did not have contract management experience or training” and there were previously “no formal process in place” to inform bosses “of the performance of the contract”.
SNP councillor Simita Kumar said the reported contained a “litany of failures” during the Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday.
Ms Murray said a commissioning and contract team had since been set up “to support contract management”.
Cllr Christopher Cowdy said he was “slightly surprised that all of this was not picked up during an official CEC tendering process back in 2016”.
Responding, Ms Murray said that in the intervening seven years staff in the department had “moved on” and retired.
She added: “We’ve gone through quite a change in our central team. The contract management – the handover, the officer left who had set up the contract and then that contract was put in place and extended and extended, creating that assumption…that this would continue forever and this service would go on.”
During the meeting she apologised to families for delays in being informed about the changes which Education Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths previously blamed on Capability Scotland for “failing to supply us with the necessary details”. She said families “continue to receive support if they wish to” and a further six children have begun accessing the service since it was brought back under council control.
Ms Murray admitted officers were “on the back foot” and “playing catch-up” to determine which providers were being helped by the service but many were difficult to contact as it was during the school holidays.
But Cllr Kumar said she was still getting emails from parents “who have received some confirmation verbally but not written,” adding there were still “lots of issues around it”.
She said the families had been through a “really really difficult time” as a result.
She added: “I appreciate that some of the providers were closed because of the summer holidays but that meant that a parent or single parents who are already juggling a million things, have pupils with additional support needs, were suddenly lost in terms of their provision.”
Ben Bradbury, Operations Manager with Capability Scotland, said: “Capability Scotland’s primary concern has always been to serve those living with additional support needs, and our commitment in delivering an exemplary service has been evident over the last decade through our work with Edinburgh Council.
“Despite regular communication with the council during our tenure, no concerns were raised to suggest we were delivering below the expected remit of the contract. In the year 2022/23, 48 children and young people were successfully included in mainstream childcare settings.
“We successfully procured the contract on two separate occasions through an open tender process based on meeting the local authority’s objectives, and our reliable track record. This year when we were informed that the contract would not be renewed; we were told that this was due to “other pressures within the Council”, at no stage to date have the Council approached us to discuss any of the perceived failings which have been set out in public.
“While we are saddened this contract has now come to an end, we will continue to do what we have done for 77 years – to deliver exemplary care, support and education.”
by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter
The canine companion of Duncan Veitch, who rehomed him three years ago after a career racing around Ireland and at the Newcastle track under the sobriquet Palatine Ander, Mossie’s owner has been recommended to now enter him for the prestigious Crufts Dog Show.
Mossie even has his own website which is a must-read for anyone considering rehoming a greyhound.
Owner Duncan said: “Mossie was entrusted to my care just over three years ago by Rehoming Retired Greyhounds (Scotland). I went to meet him and was told I “may not want him because he’s a big dog”. He came bounding out all smiles and tail wagging. As they say the rest is history.
“I can’t thank (kennel owners) Ian and Janis Carmichael and re-homer Alison Brown enough for bringing him into my life.
“In the three years in my care Mossie hasn’t put a foot wrong and endears himself to everyone he meets. As a companion I can’t imagine anything coming close to the connection that comes with a greyhound.
“Mossie is a credit to himself. I’ve had no issues whatsoever to contend with. He’s a great ambassador for the breed and all the work done by everyone at Rehoming Retired Greyhounds Scotland.”
Some 85 greyhounds headed for Lockerbie Town Hall including from Sunderland, Carlisle, Ayrshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Duncan added: “There wasn’t an angry moment. With so many beautiful hounds I was astonished when he was announced Best Dog, quite overcome when he was declared Best in Show!”
The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums lead a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers followed by veterans, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and representatives from the three Armed Services.
The One O’Clock Gun fired at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, as the country fell silent for two minutes in memory of those who have fallen in conflicts across history.
Remembrance Sunday Edinburgh
PHOTO Alan Simpson
Remembrance Sunday Edinburgh
PHOTO Alan Simpson
Remembrance Sunday Edinburgh
PHOTO Alan Simpson
Remembrance Sunday Edinburgh
PHOTO Alan Simpson
Remembrance Sunday Edinburgh
PHOTO Alan Simpson
PHOTO Alan Simpson
PHOTO Alan Simpson
A parade led by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums marched from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Mile along with the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, veterans and other representatives from the three Armed Services, both young and old.
The First Minister said: “This to me is one of the most sacred days of the year. It’s an opportunity for all of us all communities to come together to reflect, to remember, and to honour all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we cherish every single day and I’m proud to be able – and honoured to be able – to take part on behalf of The Scottish Government.”
The One O’Clock Gun was fired at 11am to mark the beginning of a two minute silence in memory of those who have fallen, after which a bugler played the last post followed by Reverend Sigrid Marten Associate Minister at St Giles’ recited Binyon’s Lines:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
Rev Marten led a short service and wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the Rt Hon Lord Provost, the First Minister, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, and Baroness Annabel Goldie DL, Chiefs of all three Armed Services (Brigadier Muddiman RM, NRCSNI, Major General Robin Lindsay CBE General Officer Scotland, Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson CBE OBE ADC DL, Air Officer Scotland, and veterans associations.
The official party and the assembled audience then sang the hymn O God our help in ages past, the bugler sounded The Rouse and after the laying of all wreaths, The National Anthem was sung.
Two Ukrainian siblings, Marichka (16) and Sviatoslav (9) attended the ceremony to lay a wreath on behalf of the children of Ukraine and to remember their own father who died this year. They were accompanied by their mother Lesya whose husband Koli, a Ukrainian soldier, was killed earlier this year. Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk the Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in GB Edinburgh who laid a wreath on behalf of the organisation spoke of their loss. She said: “We have to remember. War is all over the world, all of the time. Our forefathers fought for our freedoms – we cannot forget that. If we fail to remember the mistakes of the past, we will never, ever learn.
“Lesya’s family are one of thousands that have experienced terminal heartbreak in the last 20 months. The loss of her beloved husband, and father to her children, Koli, brutally outlines why to fail to learn from historic mistakes creates nothing other than an unstable world full of horror, destruction and immense sadness.
“I know how proud Lesya is of Marichka and Sviastoslav, who today laid a wreath on behalf of all children of Ukraine who have lost a parent to this war.”
The CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong, said: “From the First World War to the most recent of conflicts, we must always remember those who Served. Many people have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to sustain our current way of life. Many more have made unthinkable sacrifices to maintain our freedoms. To them, and for them, we must say “thank you”, and we must remember them.
“United, today is a chance to do that. We wish, and we must, recognise the value of our Armed Forces community, and we must sustain the lessons of history.
“As we recognise the extraordinary sacrifices of our Armed Forces community, it is also a chance to express our hopes for a peaceful future.
“Lest we forget such sacrifice, and lest we hope for peace and prosperity on behalf of those that Serve.”
The First World War came to an end at 11am on the 11th of November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. Each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to the fallen from that and other conflicts at the same time.
Today, members of the public, veterans, and their families, fell silent for two minutes, after a single round was fired at Edinburgh Castle, as a mark of respect, gratitude, and Remembrance for those that have gone before.
Preceding the gun fire, at a small service at Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance, Bugler Iona Macfarlane, a medical student at the University of Edinburgh, performed the Last Post.
At the Edinburgh service, wreaths were then laid by the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.
Additional wreaths were laid by the CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong, the Director of Poppyscotland, Austin Hardie, the Chief Executive of Veterans Scotland, Colonel Jim Wilson, Edinburgh, Lothian and the Borders Area President of Legion Scotland, Alisdair Hutton OBE TD OstJ, and the National Chaplain of Legion Scotland, Reverend Dr Karen Campbell.
Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “It is paramount that, as a society, and as a community, we reflect on such a significant day in history.
“Armistice day was the day on which the ‘War to End all Wars’ ceased. Of course, the First World War was not the last. Today, 105 years on, there is war in Europe.
“We must remember the trauma, we must reflect on the barbarity, and we must remember that what many hundreds of thousands of men and women experienced in the First World War should be confined to the dustbins of history.
“But it isn’t. This is why, as a country, and as an organisation, we will never forget the sacrifices that have been made for so many, for the sake of so few.
“These sacrifices are made on a daily occurrence by our Armed Forces community, and they are made on our behalf. This selflessness should be remembered daily, and today, of all days, I wish to thank our Armed Forces community for their continued dedication to our values and our freedoms. “
This year, Armistice Day events occurred in conjunction with Poppy Saturday, when hundreds of Poppyscotland staff and volunteers line streets and supermarkets in a last push to raise as many funds as possible as part of the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The Scottish Poppy Appeal ends on Remembrance Sunday. The funds raised during the Appeal goes directly to supporting 5,500 members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland.
Flyers rallied and clawed their way back to level at 5-5 with 12 seconds of normal time remaining.
The sides could not be separated in overtime then Swedish star Johan Eriksson kept his nerve to net the game-winner in the shootout and snap a confidence-sapping six-game losing streak.
Fife outshot Clan 36-35 and earned their much-needed win despite losing the first session 3-1 and the second 2-1. They dug deep to win the final session 3-0 and then held their nerve.
The two points lifts Fife into eighth position with eight points from ten outings. Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, also have eight points but from two fewer games with Dundee Stars in sixth spot with nine points from the same number of games.
Earlier, Flyers opened the scoring through Brady Pouteau after four minutes but Clan levelled through Nate Kallen four minutes later. The home side scored again through Robert Lachowicz three minutes after that and slotted again through the same player after 14 minutes for 3-1.
It became 4-1 after Jake Bolton hit the rigging on a power play after 32 minutes but Collin Shirley reduced the deficit 13 seconds later.
Clan made it 5-2 through Gary Haden after 36 minutes and the scoreline stayed that way until the 47th minute when Troy Lajeunesse counted for 5-3 on a power play and that set up the late drama.
Kyle Osterberg scored Flyers’ fourth with less than seven minutes left and new American defenceman Sean Giles, in his second game in 24-hours after stepping off a plane from North American, levelled late-on.
The teams blanked the nerve-shredding overtime session and that left the stage clear for a hero. Step forward 30-year-old Eriksson and this result is a massive boost only 24-hours after a 6-4 home defeat to near neighbours Dundee Stars.
PICTURE: Tom Coolen on the bench in a recent Elite League game. Picture courtesy of the Elite League
Hibs went into the game on a frustrating run of form after conceding a late equaliser against St Mirren midweek to draw 2-2.
For Kilmarnock they were seeking their first away win in the league all season.
A lively start to the game saw Jair Tavares come close to opening the scoring in the 4th minute after he had done brilliantly to turn and almost bend his effort into the top corner.
Soon after, Boyle had the ball in the net but similarly to last Saturday at Hampden the goal was chalked off for offside.
After a hectic start, the game settled down and for most of the first half the teams appeared to cancel each other out.
Kilmarnock persisted with their high press that Hibs done well to pass through on occasions however failed to create any real chances.
On the 36th minute Martin Boyle showed great pace to burst through the Killie midfield and done brilliantly to stay on his feet after a poor challenge from Liam Donelly.
Boyle, whilst off balance, then fed the ball perfectly into Josh Campbell who struck it first time to finish low past Will Dennis into the net.
Hibs went into the break with a one goal advantage, hoping to avoid what they had done in previous league games and see out their lead to get the victory.
Second half, Kilmarnock persistently put the pressure on Fish and Bushiri but the centre half pairing, who are increasingly looking like a solid partnership, done well to avoid any errors.
Tavares proceeded to look lively throughout and could have scored a brilliant goal if not for a great save by Dennis in the 71st minute.
Killie threatened to find an equaliser throughout the second half and if not for some brilliant defending and a great save from David Marshall they would have done so.
In the closing moments Kilmarnock continued to push to find their goal but Hibs done well to defend their lead and see out the game for the win they desperately craved.
Kilmarnock failed to win on the road again, whilst Hibs picked up the three points in their final game before the international break which will give the squad a chance to recover after an action packed couple of weeks.
The win moves Hibs up to 7th in the Premiership table with 15 points after 13 games played, their next game is two weeks away against Dundee at home on the 25 November.
The club skipper (pictured in training) prodded the ball home from close range after 27 minutes and scored again on a counter-attack after 71 minutes, his fifth goal in five games.
Blair Spittal pulled one back after 78 minutes from the penalty spot but Stuart Kettlewell’s men have now lost seven of their last nine games.
Strangely, the Fir Park side have not registered a victory since edging the Jambos at Tynecastle by a single goal in early September but this victory is a boost for Hearts’ head coach Steven Naismith and his men.
It is only their second win in six fixtures and they have not hit their best form yet but the Gorgie side have now bounced back from their Viaplay Scottish League Cup defeat by Rangers at Hampden.
And they now have 17 points from 12 games and are just two points behind third-placed St Mirren who surprisingly lost 4-0 at Dundee who are fifth in the table and also on 17 points from 12 games.
Steven Naismith told BBC Sport Scotland: “It was a big win. We performed really well and were brave on the ball. It was a good afternoon.”
The league leaders started on the front foot, forcing the eager students back, and led 2-0 at the half-time break, but a third coming in the opening minute of the second-half gave Hamish Imrie’s hard-working students a mountain to climb.
They certainly tried, hemming Grange in for spells during the third and fourth quarters, and industrious Lucas Muller, a German-born player with much to offer, pulled one back, but it was not enough.
Grange kept possession and the frustrated students made errors and turned the ball over as they tried to force the game and, when they did break through, they found Grange’s Scotland international goalkeeper, David Forrester, in top form.
Indeed, he made several telling stops, the best following a penalty corner when Sam Hunt let fly from the top left of the D. Forrester’s left hand was lifted in the nick of time and the ball was cleared.
Grange’s captain, Alan Johnson, was a thoroughly satisfied man at the final whistle and he is delighted with the development of the side who introduced several newcomers, some in their teens, at the start of their title defence.
The champions, under coach Steve Grubb, have certainly come onto a game, showing clinical efficiency as the season progressed, and Johnson, a hockey coach at Fettes College, stressed that complacency will not be allowed to set in when the league season outdoors resumes next year.
This game was played on a sparkling Autumn day, with no wind and a clear blue sky, and the players warmed their fans – the thermometer hovered around 7C but out of the sun it was really chilly – with some fine early moves.
The champions were rewarded mid-way through the opening session when bustling Bean converted from a penalty corner in their first real attack. The students huffed and puffed and their frustration was evident when a breakway resulted in a ball which fizzed across the opposition D. There were no takers.
Grange continued to dominate possession and were rewarded from open play with Bean being in the right place at the right time to convert from close in, but they did not have it all their own way.
Suddenly, Forrester, who had been a virtual spectator, was confronted with a breakaway and advanced quickly from the goal line to thwart an attack following a defensive mistake and Grange had to reshuffle when on-field co-ordinator Cale Walsh, one of the club’s assistant coaches, dived to divert a ball near the Pavilion touchline and tweaked his hamstring. He took no further part.
Their goal one minute into the third quarter by Stephens, lurking at the far post, was a real kick in the teeth for the students. However, they showed much more aggression, battled hard and did threaten.
They were rewarded when Muller, who has a tremendous engine, scored, but Grange are streetwise and took the sting out of the home side’s play, passing the ball around and giving little away.
Yes, Muller had a sniff late on, latching onto a long ball delivered from midfield on the left side of the D, but his effort flew wide and, with it, went the students chances of salvaging something from the game.
Imrie withdrew his goalkeeper with less than three minutes remaining to have 11 outfield players, but that play failed to produce and Grange celebrated at the final whistle but are not getting carried away.
Skipper Johnson, naturally, had a smile on his face, but the 25-year-old has been around the block long enough to know that there is a lot of hockey to be played before anybody gets their hands on the silverware.
Elsewhere, Erskine Stewart’s Melville earned a welcome 3-1 win over Dundee Wanderers while Western Wildcats mauled Glasgow rivals, Kelburne, 7-0. Inverleith coach Paul Taylor stressed the importance of their home fixture against Uddingston as they battle to remain in the top six, and they earned a narrow 3-2 victory at Loretto School. A set-back for the ambitious Lanarkshire side but celebration time for Inverleith who had goals from Felix Schneider, Charlie Jack, who has been in fine form recently for the club, and Andrew Clark.
In the women’s Premiership, The University of Edinburgh were unable to complete their game at Clydesdale Western because of a frozen pitch. Scottish international Jess Ross had earned them 2-0 ahead with a double before it became too dangerous to continue. GHK did finish and they beat Uddingston 5-0.
Watsonians beat Grange Edinburgh Ladies at Fettes 3-3 with goals from Sarah Jamieson in quarter two, a penalty corner from Emily Dark at the start of quarter four and a third from Anni Arthur two minutes later.
Coach Keith Smith said his players were really good without the ball, pressing with real intensity, and this made it difficult for Grange to build and limited them to a couple of chances.
However, with the ball he said his players were too eager at times. He added: “We could have been more patient and created more clear cut opportunities. Having said that, as the game wore on, and it was still just 1-0, we managed to show that patience and the goals came as a result.” Elsewhere, Hillhead drew 4-4 with Gordonians.
PICTURE: Dylan Bean (white shirt) in the heart of the action at Peffermill by Nigel Duncan
Goalkeeper David Forrester goes down to halt an attack by The University of Edinburgh. Picture by Nigel Duncan
Dylan Bean theatens at Peffermill. Picture by Nigel Duncan
Grange break up an attack by the eager students. Picture Nigel Duncan
Grange on the attack at Peffermill. Picture by Nigel Duncan
Dylan Bean (left) and team manager Martin Shepherdson (right) join in the celebrations at the final whistle. Picture Nigel Duncan
It was a debut win for Duddingston in the 123-year-old event and on the way through they overcame Turnhouse, Silverknowes, Hailes, Dalmahoy and Murrayfield.
For Allyn Dick it was a sixth victory having won five times previously with Carrickvale.
A serial winner at the prize giving was Match and Handicap Director Chris Yeaman, pictured, who picked up the Killey Cup (Spring B scratch event) and Ford Trophy (Spring B handicap event) as well as the Coronation gold medal for best net aggregate scores.
Harry who has recovered from leukemia is an F1 Superman and he was delighted to receive a message from Max saying: “I’ve heard your story and also how hard you and your sister have worked to raise money for the charity that helped you. I think you’re amazing.” Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2019 but has since recovered with the help of charity It’s good 2 give, which is supportedby the STV Children’s Appeal.
Lorraine Kelly said: “Wow, what a night – as always. Every year, I know that the people of Scotland will go above and beyond and 2023 was no different. What an incredible total raised to help those across the country who need it most. A huge thank you to everyone who watched the show and donated last night – this money will have a life-changing impact.”
Paul Reynolds, Chair of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “As we come to the end of another fundraising year, it’s a pleasure to celebrate the efforts of so many brilliant fundraisers and charities through the STV Children’s Appeal Show, and reflect back on everything that has been achieved.
“Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our viewers, community fundraisers, corporate partners, STV colleagues and the people across Scotland, we have raised another huge amount of money for children and families affected by poverty. A big thank you to everyone who fundraised and donated to the Appeal this year; none of what we do would be possible without your continued support.”
Sean Batty and Laura Boyd were set with a challenge on the Isle of Arran where they had to get around the island by any means possible and back in time for the last ferry home. They used horses, alpacas, they were helped by schoolchildren, bagpipers, the ferry captain and locals. At the end of the day they undertook an abseil.
STV Children’s Appeal partners raised thousands of pounds this year through a variety of fundraising methods, including the Kiltwalk, golf days, running, cycling and customer donations.
Celebrities Robert Carlyle, Andy Robertson and Jean Johansson also lent their voices to the fight against child poverty, encouraging donations from STV viewers all week.
You can donate to the STV Children’s Appeal 2023 by visiting stv.tv/appeal. Watch the show on STV Player
Finn, 16, has been chosen as part of a nine strong Scotland under-18 team for the I.S.A. World Junior Surfing Championships in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, from 24 November – 3 December 2023.
They leave for South America on Friday.
And Finn, who works as a lifeguard at the David Lloyd Club at Shawfair, admits he could not have come on to the surf scene at a better time with Lost Shore, the largest inland facility in Europe, due to open at Ratho next year coinciding – more or less – with the sport appearing in the Paris Olympics.
“I am absolutely stoked at what the Ratho facility will bring to Scottish surfing and if I could make Team GB for the subsequent Olympics in Los Angeles (2028) that would be a dream come true” said Finn.
That would be some journey from where Finn trains as often as possible at Pease Bay on the East coast.
He says: “It started for me six years ago through my dad (Gene) who has always been into surfing and snow boarding.
“It with difficult at first … and then I discovered a thicker wet-suit!
“Surfing in Scotland is more popular that many would think and I’d estimate 400 regulars on the East of the country alone.”
Without doubt the capital of Scottish surfing is at Thurso and it was there that Finn met good friend Craig McLachlan who arranged for the pair to travel to South Africa earlier this year for essentially a training camp.
“That was an eye-opener in giving me perspective as to what I need to do. But conditions for surfing in parts of Scotland are comparable with anywhere – if a bit lacking in consistency.
“The prospect of competing in Rio has made me super excited and I’m grateful for about £28,000 of fund raising that has been done to allow the team to travel to what will be my biggest event.”
Earlier this year Finn won the Scottish under-18 title and acquitted himself well last week at the British Championships in Newquay where he was admitted to the adult category when the juniors were cancelled due to excessive water swell.
Dad Gene said: “All Finn wants to do is improve his surfing and we are fortunate to have a caravan at Pease Bay which allows extra opportunities.
“He’s done well, too, to qualify as a beach lifeguard as well as becoming a training pool lifeguard so as to be able in future to finance his surfing as and when required.”
Scotland surf coach Martin McQueenie adds: “The 2024 Olympic surfing will actually be held in Tahiti but it is the Los Angeles Games that are a realistic target for Finn who really is a stand out.”
They submitted an offer to the current owners on the basis of a formal valuation with plans to restore the building for use as a cinema, with funds provided by a private anonymous benefactor, the offer is not acceptable to the owner.
Chair of the Friends Mikey Davidson said: “We were naturally disappointed to have our offer rejected.
“It is sad to see the continued dilapidation of The George. Our aim remains to try and purchase the building and to restore it as a community asset, in line with the Vision we’ve outlined so we will continue to look at how this may be achieved.”
The Friends Steering Group now has twelve members with experience in a wide range of professions and has recently updated its Vision Document which you can read below.
Historic Environment Scotland has retained the building’s status as a C-listed building of historical and architectural interest, following the owner’s application to have the George delisted.
Friends of the George have asked local people for photos, artworks and memories of The George, and will show these in an exhibition in 2024 concentrating on the building and its special place at the heart of the Portobello community.
Everyone is invited to submit contributions by email (images as JPEG or PNG files only) to hello@thegeorge.org.uk
The Friends group will apply for charitable status in the next few weeks.
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The Uddingston angler moved steadily up the table during the event featuring 21 nations and 116 anglers.
Scotland’s next best angler was Aberdeen-based Calum Culbert who was 51st while Nuno Santos, who struggled early on, ended as the third best member of the Tartan team finishing in 60th position.
Michael McLoughlin from Cumbernauld was 62nd and Barry McEwan from Port Seton was 73rd after slipping down the rankings in the final day at Catania/Messina.
Dutch angler Frank Penne won the individual title and The Netherlands completed a double when they surged to came from behind and pip Portugal for the world title with hosts Italy third. England finished sixth, Ireland, who were in the top three at one stage, slipped to seventh and Wales completed the event in 12th position.
Behind Scotland, sponsored by Ultima Sea, were Algeria, South Africa, Lithuania, Brazil, Gibralter, Poland, Chile and Germany.
PICTURE: Barry McEwan at Dunbar Harbour by Nigel Duncan
Billy Buckley who finished 13th
Calum Culbert
Michael McLoughlin
Nuno Santos who finished 60th
Their latest reverse came on Friday night at the hands of their arch rivals, Trade-Mart sponsored Dundee Stars, who skated to a 6-4 victory at the Fife Ice Arena thanks to a treble from American hit-man Spencer Naas.
Tom Coolen, Flyers’ head coach, felt his men played well in the first period and in the last ten minutes his men also played well but he stressed: “It is a 60 minute hockey game.”
For 30 minutes, he said, Fife did what they wanted to do but he said: “It wasn’t good enough. I think that they (Dundee) felt they could come in here and if they stayed with their game plan for 60 minutes then had a chance to beat us and it happened.
“Just what we talked about not doing we did and it gave them (Dundee) opportunities and they took that lead. We showed some pushback and we scored a fourth one but that fifth one killed us.
“All in all our game was not good enough. We have to play 60 minutes. We can’t sit back and think we have got it made because we are not that good.”
Yet, the game started well for the home side who opened the scoring after 2min 41sec through Kyle Osterberg but Stars levelled four minutes later when Naas counted on the power play with Flyers’ skipper, Jonas Emmerdahl, called for tripping.
Collin Shirley edged the home side ahead six minutes later and the scoreline stayed that way until the first break but Stars took only 1min 20sec to level through Anthony Rinaldi and went 3-2 ahead through Nass after 29 minutes.
Back came Flyers with Troy Lajeunesse netting with 40 seconds remaining of the middle session but their joy was short-lived when Drydn Dow was set up by Naas for Stars fourth with 13 seconds remaining of the period.
And it got worst for the Kirkcaldy club when busy Naas claimed his treble on the power play with 49 minutes on the clock.
Flyers, however, refused to throw in the towel and Shirley netted to close the gap with less than four minutes left.
Coach Coolen gambled by pulling goaltender Shane Owen with 1min 27sec remaining to have six skaters and then called a time out in a bid to salvage something from the game but the moves failed when Dow was set up by James Phelan for No 6 with two seconds remaining.
PICTURE: Action from Kirkcaldy thanks to photographer Jillian McDougall and couresty of the Elite League
Josie-Wren Golder (pictured by Bobby Gavin) took bronze in the under-20 category at Lanark, finishing 18th overall in the women’s 4K race in a time of 14:28.
It continues a fine run of form from Josie, who took second place in the women’s 10K at the Great Scottish Run last month.
The result also helped secure bronze for the Senior women’s team comprising Josie, Kirsty MacAulay, Olivia Clarke and Kara McKenzie-Tait.
Kirsty finished 15th in 14:24, Olivia was 26th (and fifth in the under-20 category) in 14:49 and Kara was also inside the top 30, coming home 28th out of 281 finishers in 14:56.
The storming runs ensured the CAAC squad went one better than the fourth place sealed by Josie, Kara and Zoe Carruthers at the Lindsays East District Cross Country Relay Championships in October.
It also came less than five months after the senior women’s team – featuring both Kirsty and Olivia – won its first ever national team title at the Scottish Track Relay Championships at Scotstoun.
Enforcement will begin in January 2024 when drivers will be fined £100 if they park on pavements, at dropped kerbs or double park. The Transport Convener is adamant that everyone in the city will benefit from the ban and said that during the consultation for the City Mobility Plan 68% of residents supported the move. Edinburgh will be the first city in Scotland to implement a full ban.
This new regulation is welcomed by bodies such as Living Streets and Guide Dogs Scotland who have lobbied for the legislation. The council is implementing the controls as quickly as possible saying that this is a way of ensuring accessibility for everyone and that it is central to the desire for an accessible and sustainable city contained in the City Mobility Plan which was approved in 2021.
Delivery drivers will be allowed some leeway if there is nowhere else to park and if they can leave a 1.5 metre space for those on foot or using the pavement. Otherwise the only exemption is for emergency services.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Implementing these new parking restrictions is part of our commitment to ensure Edinburgh’s roads and pavements are accessible for all.
“Making sure our footways are kept clear will deliver real benefits for pedestrians and road users, particularly those who are disproportionately affected such as parents with pushchairs, older people and wheelchair users.
“We would expect everyone to adhere to the new prohibitions when the final regulations come into force to guarantee our streets are safer and more user-friendly.”
Council officers have assessed 5,217 roads in the city in preparation. This has identified some streets where “mitigation measures” may be necessary.
Transport Scotland will undertake an awareness campaign over the festive period hoping to encourage the change, and the council will also run a campaign to ensure drivers know what they can or cannot do.
Niall Foley, lead external affairs manager at Guide Dogs, said: “Parking on pavements is a nuisance for everyone, but potentially dangerous if you are a wheelchair user forced onto the road, pushing a buggy, or have sight loss and can’t see traffic coming towards you.
“When cars block the way, it undermines the confidence of people with a vision impairment to get out and about independently.
“We welcome the parking measures being introduced and look forward to working with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure the pavement parking prohibitions are a success.”
Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “Edinburgh is taking the right approach to the enforcement of pavement parking, recognising that footways are for people, not parking spaces for cars.
“Exemptions should only be applied in exceptional cases based on evidence, which can only be collected via careful monitoring and consultation. This is the best way to ensure those most affected by blocked pavements, including disabled people, have safe access to our streets.”
TWO FAMILY-run Edinburgh care homes are at the leading-edge of artificial intelligence (AI) – having implemented new technology that assesses tiny changes in expressions to understand residents’ pain and comfort levels.
One of Scotland’s top rated care home groups, Elder Homes Ltd has adopted PainChek’s technology across its two care homes in Edinburgh to assist staff in assessing pain levels for its 90+ residents.
PainChek uses AI facial recognition to analyse facial expressions from a smart device’s camera. It detects pain indicators like grimaces and winces and guides caregivers through observing other pain behaviours like vocalisations and movements resulting in an overall pain score to help monitor the effectiveness of pain management over time.
The app aims to improve the quality of life for those with cognitive difficulties who may struggle to communicate their discomfort, such as people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Residents and staff at Elder Homes have been using the app since July 2022, which has resulted in better pain detection and treatment, reduced reliance on pain medication as well as more accurate treatment plans.
Cheryl Henderson, Education and Dementia Coordinator at Elder Homes has been spearheading the implementation of PainChek, while ensuring relevant members of staff are trained to care for residents diagnosed with dementia.
Commenting on the success of PainChek, she said: “Treating our residents with dignity is one of our key aims. We want to ensure all residents feel at home, whilst receiving the highest standard of care.
“Using this technology, and other technologies across our homes has been extremely rewarding. We’re excited to see how the use of technology continues to develop and the benefits it can bring to care home residents across Scotland.”
The care home also utilises other innovative technologies including electronic medication system which assist in monitoring medication given to residents, and electronic charting.
PainChek is currently being used in 18 care homes across Scotland, as well as forming a pillar of the Care Inspectorate’s Quality Improvement Plan which sees a further 15 care homes trialling the tech.
PainChek’s Head of Business Development UK&I Tandeep Gill said: “Our latest figures reflect the value and impact of the PainChek technology in UK care homes and worldwide.
“Reaching over three million pain assessments is a real milestone for us – each one brings more objectivity and consistency to evaluating pain, whilst making a difference to care home residents and enhancing their quality of life.
“We’re delighted to see staff at Elder Homes leading the way in adopting PainChek and embracing innovation to improve pain assessment and deliver person-centered care.
“By achieving positive outcomes for care home residents and the care staff involved in the Care Inspectorate trial, we hope to gain the opportunity for a broader government-funded rollout across Scotland.”
Founded in Australia in 2016, PainChek is the world’s first regulatory cleared medical device for the assessment of pain, enabling best-practice pain management for people living with pain in any environment, from those who cannot reliably self-report their pain, to those who can, and for those whose ability to self-report their pain fluctuates.
Cluny Lodge was recently awarded top marks in a recent Care Inspectorate inspection for supporting its resident’s wellbeing.
The two Morningside care homes are currently home to 90 residents, who come from a range of backgrounds, all of which receive 24-hour care who according to the Care Inspectorate are receiving the best care possible.
Driven by a personal need for exceptional later in life care, Loren and Julie Hufstetler established the family-run Elder Homes in 1984. For almost 40 years, Elder Homes has provided individualised support and compassionate service to seniors requiring assistance with daily living.
To find out more about Elder Homes, please visit: https://www.carehomeedinburgh.co.uk/
Lord Hardie took nine years to write the report, it cost millions, but nevertheless, as the council officer responsible for Trams to Newhaven said to us today, the report is still of huge value. It was also pointed out that the team responsible for the next part of the line to Newhaven had the opportunity of listening to the evidence given at the inquiry – and to learn from it.
Next week’s Transport and Environment Committee will discuss a report setting out the council’s understanding of the failures identified by Lord Hardie when the council then delivered the first phase of the tram project. The report also sets out how lessons learned can ensure that future delivery of major infrastructure projects can avoid similar issues.
Legal action against previous contractors is virtually a given now that the report has been issued, but the council will not be taking any action against any employees named or unnamed. The first part of the line opened in May 2014, and many of the councillors – and a lot of members of staff – have changed since then.
The Council Leader, Cammy Day apologised again to everyone in the city who had been adversely affected by the building of the tram line but pointed this was the largest infrastructure project in the UK at the time and that the council was completely divided on it politically. And he also pointed out that when the tram was taken down Leith Walk for the first time this year, he was astounded to see people coming out of pubs and applauding the arrival of the new part of the line.
Lord Hardie’s recommendations relating to the Council, and an assessment of the consequences of the project’s failings, such as additional costs, disruption and impact on the Council’s reputation will all be up for discussion by councillors next week.
The report is accompanied by separate papers: the financial cost and reporting of the tram project; whether any action is to be taken with employees as a result of the Inquiry’s findings and assurance of arrangements in place for Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEO) and contractors; and an update on any possible legal action (the final to be considered in private).
These three reports will be considered by a variety of committees as determined appropriate – the Governance Risk and Best Value Committee (GRBV) on 28 November and that part, along with the report to Transport and Environment Committee, will be referred to December’s Full Council for consideration.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Since the start of the Tram Inquiry we’ve completed the line to Newhaven and launched passenger services, the success of which was down to the hard work of the in-house project team and partners. It’s also thanks to lessons learned from the first project, and our own improvements to project management and governance, communication and independent oversight.
“It’s worth noting too that in the nine years since the line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place was built, the service has flourished to become a hugely successful transport route for thousands of residents and visitors each day.
“While we broadly agree with Lord Hardie’s recommendations, prior to the inquiry’s announcement we had already introduced processes and strategies to help avoid some of the problems experienced in the original tram project. Not only have we applied this in the construction of the line to Newhaven, but these lessons are hugely beneficial to other major infrastructure projects.
“Of course, scrutiny of the Inquiry’s findings has allowed us to provide further, robust assurance that we understand the factors that contributed to the difficulties in the first phase of tram delivery, and to build confidence in future infrastructure delivery. We want to make sure we continue learning and improving.
“We know that serious mistakes were made in the construction of the original tram line, which caused a great deal of disruption and concern for residents and businesses, as well as impacting the Council’s reputation. Once again, I want to apologise for this.
“Ultimately, creating a better connected, environmentally friendly transport system is essential for a modern, successful city and we need to transform the way people move around if we are to achieve our net zero goals.”
The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry report provides an account of the original Edinburgh Tram project’s progress, identifying factors that contributed to difficulties in its delivery. The independent inquiry was commissioned by The Scottish Government following the completion of the tram line between the airport and York Place in 2014. Its remit was to establish why the project was delivered over time and budget and did not produce a complete line. At one stage councillors agreed to stop the line at Haymarket – only to reverse that decision the following week.
The Council’s response examines and acknowledges the findings made by the Inquiry, including those around governance, the need for independent legal advice and reporting practices. It also considers the implications for future project management, many of which have already been incorporated into the latest tram project.
While the report broadly agrees with Lord Hardie’s recommendation, it highlights that, since the original tram project, several processes and strategies have been put in place which have helped to avoid some of the problems experienced. It is the council says thanks to this approach, along with lessons learned from the original project, that the council has successfully delivered the Trams to Newhaven line.
The response from the players has been good and the coaching staff have worked hard this week preparing for what he believes will be a tough game away at Motherwell in the cinch Premiership (15.00).
Hearts are fifth in the 12-stong table with 14 points from 11 games having win on their last league outing and lost the previous two with a draw and then a win. Stuart Kettlewell’s Motherwell are two points behind but with 12 fixtures played. They only have two draws to show from their last five.
The Jambos have scored ten goals and let in 11 while the Lanarkshire combine have scored 14 and shipped 19.
However, history shows that the Fir Park side have won three of the last five meetings between the clubs with the Edinburgh side winning two and, of course, Hears lost 1-0 at home to Motherwell on September 3, Matchday four of 33, midfielder Callum Slattery netting after 29 minutes.
Records show that Hearts had 18 shots on the Well goal that afternoon with one on target while their rivals had four on target. Hearts enjoyed 69 per cent of the ball and had 528 passes against 245 from their opponents.
Recent games, Naismith feels, have shown the better side of Hearts, particularly in the performance at Ibrox when the Jambos were 1-0 ahead but lost to a late goal.
The head coach claimed: “There are positives within that. We need to get to a point where we are being consistent and there are not disappointing periods in games. We are hard to beat when we have not got the ball, but we are not causing problems.
“If we can get that kind of consistency then that makes everything that much easier. The boys get more confident.”
He added: “As a squad in general, we are in a position where, in a lot of games, we have a lot more possession than other teams but, when you play the Old Firm, that is harder as they are more aggressive teams. Their quality in the final third when you make a mistake gets punished more than in other games.
“That is where we have to be comfortable and the Livingston game was totally opposite to both the Rangers and Celtic games. We had a lot of the ball and the problems we came up against were different.
“Tomorrow (at Motherwell) it is about how well we move the ball, how quickly we move it and getting the ball in positions that will cause them problems. Ultimately, our job is to score goals.”
Naismith said the Fir Park side try to be comfortable on the ball and the head coach believes they carry a threat “up top”. He added; “They are quite aggressive and I have watched them quite a lot this season.
“They have possibly conceded some goals they will not be happy with but they are always a threat and been entertaining. I expect we have two teams who want to go out and win the game rather than not get beaten.”
On loan defender Odeluga Offiah (pictured at training recently by Nigel Duncan) will sit out with what Naismith described as “medical issues” but Japanese forward Kyosuke Tagawa is back into the group. Other players who have been on the long-term injury list are now working on grass and Naismith welcomed that extra competition.
The inaugural Punch Pong competition, hosted by syrup producer MONIN, brings the bartending and hospitality community together to share in the excitement of innovative cocktail making.
As part of their prize, Rory and Caron will head down to MONIN HQ in Bourges, France and Maison Ferrand Plantation HQ in Cognac, France, to learn first-hand from the brands’ experts about how the products are made and how different mixes are created.
Dipping her toe into the hospitality scene as a student in Aberdeen, looking for extra pocket money, Caron started life in the nightclub scene before moving her way up in the industry, working in a range of bars and pubs around the city. Caron also took her expertise up to the Balblair Distillery in The Highlands as a tour guide, before relocating to Edinburgh last year and starting at Panda & Sons in Edinburgh New Town.
Rory also started life in the Aberdeen hospitality scene in his late teens, working in restaurant kitchens before realising he was better suited in front of house. From here, Rory started working with drinks and his passion for bartending grew. When he relocated to Edinburgh at 21, he started working in bars and found an affinity with the hospitality scene where he felt he could truly be himself.
Rory and Caron competed alongside 50 other entrants. Across six regional heats, gathered in teams of two and, armed with bottles of MONIN syrup and Plantation Rum, they created an innovative and delicious low ABV rum punch. Entrants’ creations were judged by a panel of industry experts from MONIN and Plantation Rum.
Following Rory and Caron’s win at the Edinburgh heat, the bartenders attended the finalat Barrio, East Shoreditch, London, where all the heat winners plus two wild card teams, went head-to-head in a number of Punch Pong games, to crown an overall winner. All profits from purchased drinks were donated to The Drinks Trust, to the value of £1,000.
The winners had this to say about their Punch Pong experience: “We’re feeling electric! Punch Pong has been such a fun and inclusive way of getting to know people in the hospitality industry better and celebrating something that we’re all passionate about – bartending. The competition felt so different. Bartending competitions can be stressful, so it was fun having one where people could come along, have a laugh and make some new pals – all while throwing balls in tiny cups!”
Long before photographs, the Aurora were drawn on the cave walls of early man and on the parchments of ancient China. The Roman goddess of the sun gave them their name. In Celtic history they were known as the Merry Dancers, Na Fir Chlis, a macabre battle between noble warriors and dark angels, their blood dripping to earth in the “bloodstones” of the Hebrides.
In this country we can count ourselves lucky, the Northern Lights are just that, lights, not the rockets, bombs and drones that light up the sky over Gaza or the Ukraine. This being Remembrance weekend, we give thanks that we are at peace.
Personally, I don’t see why quiet ceremonies at cenotaphs or war memorials can’t be accompanied by peace marches on the other side of town. They are intended to give real effect to our pledge to end all wars. But is a large crowd waving Palestinian flags and calling for a ceasefire, a peace march or a protest against the actions of one side, Israel? I’d say it can be both. But the issue will be widely debated this weekend, just as it was last weekend when there were such marches in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
On a less existential level, the people of my neighbouring estate, Niddrie in Edinburgh, saw their own version of the Northern Lights on Bonfire Night. As unofficial firework displays took place, a crowd of 50 youths started throwing fireworks, petrol bombs and bricks at the police. Four officers were injured. The police say adults too had a hand in the troubles, providing youths with fireworks and Molotov cocktails. This was the worst incident but there was firework trouble too in Dundee, Glasgow, Kilmarnock and parts of West Lothian when youths attacked police and fire officers.
It’s all led to discussion about the sale of fireworks, the cut-backs to police and fire services, the collapse of community policing and the underlying causes of youth violence against authority.
As is all too common these days, the problems are all piled on the First Minister’s desk. Humza Yousaf has only just got his wife’s parents out of Gaza and is frantically trying to hold the SNP together in the face of dwindling support in the opinion polls. He is also facing pettifogging criticism from opposition parties over What’sApp submissions to the Covid inquiries. His instinct, in all of this, seems to be to resort to “reviewing the situation”.
This week we had two more examples, a postponement of the education reforms and the climate change plan. The Education Secretary, Jenny Gilruth, gave as the reasons for shelving the plan to change the exam system, the fact that schools are struggling against classroom violence and poor attendance. The Net Zero Secretary, Mairi McAllan, said the delay to the climate change plan was due to “reneging” by the UK government on the timetable for phasing out fossil fuel cars and replacing gas boilers.
Well if climate change does not end intelligent life on Earth, AI surely will. I was shocked to hear one of my colleagues remark that she had found Artifical Intelligence useful in summarising a well-known institution’s “aims and objectives” document. I’ve heard that AI can now write TV sit-coms or political speeches. And I suppose it could turn its hand to Kings’ Speeches, such as the one we heard this week at Westminster outlining the windfall we are all to get every year from selling oil-drilling licences in the North Sea.
But don’t worry, there is an Edinburgh company using AI to save the planet. “Space Intelligence” is using artificial intelligence to analyse satellite images of the world’s forests. It’s not just to count trees but to figure out ways of conserving them and protecting the species that live in them.
So there may be intelligent life in space after all. Perhaps it’s trying to contact us through the Aurora we’ve been enjoying this week.
Uddingston-based Billy Buckley has slipped into 20th position overall from 42nd after day two. Other anglers have also moved up the rankings with Calum Culbert (Aberdeen) now in 57th place. He was 76th after day two.
Barry McEwan, the self-employed carpet fitter from Port Seton, and treasurer of the East Lothian-based Bass Rock Shore Angling League, is now in 66th position going into the fourth and final day. He was 86th after day two.
Nuno Santos (Glasgow) is now 71st from 95 the previous day and Michael McLoughlin (Cumbernauld) has moved up from 92nd to 75 and the leader in the event is Portugal angler Nuno Barradas.
The overnight results indicate that the Tartan team, sponsored by Ultima Sea, are now 14th out of 21 nations in the event having moved up three places with South Africa, Brazil, Lithuania, Gibralter, Poland, Germany and Chile now below them.
Portugal still lead the chase for silverware with The Netherlands now second after moving up a place with Belgium third.
Ireland, who were second after day two, slip to seventh and England are now ninth having been sixth and Wales are in tenth spot in the event being held in Catania.
And for good measure there will be some discussion about the Tram Enquiry Report which will all be on the agenda at next week’s Transport & Environment Committee.
Picture Alan Simpson
Nine years after the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry was ordered by First Minister Alex Salmond Lord Hardie has issued his report which has cost £13.1 million.
The four volume report contains criticisms of several organisations whose acts or omissions were principally responsible for the failure to deliver the Edinburgh Trams Project on time, within budget and to the extent projected.
From Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd December, Summerhall will host the inaugural Summerhall Big Christmas Weekend. Held throughout Summerhall, the Big Weekend will build on the popularity of its annual Christmas Market – 90 stalls of locally curated businesses will make for a bigger, better, and even more festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
A full weekend of Christmas creativity and fun for the local community, Summerhall’s Big Christmas Weekend will see events, activities, performance, stalls, and more take place. Highlights include Adrenalism Theatre’s A Very Crypto Christmas (with Christmas Karaoke and bar service); Crispmas Confessional; Après Ski Bar with raclette and German beer; Carol Singing from Summerhall’s very own community choir; a Friday night Christmas Ceilidh in collaboration with The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club; and Wreath Making with Ollie and Ivy using locally and sustainably sourced materials – as well as a wide range of high quality food and mulled wine and cider vendors.
Welcoming all at only £3 entry to the market and free for Under 18s, this is a full weekend of Christmas creativity where special gifts can be bought and made, culture enjoyed, and the festive spirit found at every corner.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival today announced Stories and Scran will take place on Friday 1 December as part of the third season of Citizen WinterWarmer events: a community celebration bringing together local voices and authors and artists.
Taking place from 7-8.30pm audiences are invited to savour a sumptuous 3-course meal provided by the Scran Academy (included in the price of the ticket) and hear new writing from local people who have taken part in Citizen, alongside special guests including Chitra Ramaswamy.
This year’s event will take place at Fisherrow Centre in Musselburgh and will showcase the diverse voices and creative talent from local groups including illustrations from students at Edinburgh College of Art and the Book Festival’s own Adults Writing Group and The Citizen Collective.
https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/stories-and-scran-2
Creative Scotland has awarded £633, 396 in funding to the Edinburgh Festivals to support continued strategic development activity.
Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in arts and culture remains strong, which is why we have continued to provide support, through Creative Scotland, to Edinburgh’s festivals.
“Communities right across the city will benefit from almost £640,000 in PLaCE funding. We hope this will allow Festivals to continue their development and deliver more fantastic work in our schools and with our local communities.”
| Festival | Funding amount |
| Edinburgh Art Festival | £50,000 |
| Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society | £75,000 |
| Edinburgh International Book Festival | £53,450 |
| Edinburgh International Festival | £75,000 |
| Edinburgh International Film Festival | £75,000 |
| Edinburgh International Science Festival | £60,000 |
| Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival | £75,000 |
| Festivals Edinburgh | £19,946 |
| Imaginate | £75,000 |
| Scottish International Storytelling Festival | £75,000 |
| TOTAL | £633,396 |
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Adam recalled: “He instantly became a lovable hit with my little boy and the two of them were as thick as thieves. Zak had a wonderful life growing up and was often stopped and told how handsome he was and how well behaved he was.
“Fast forward to that horrible year for everyone – 2020 – and I had to make the heart-breaking decision to rehome Zak. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and I am not ashamed to say there was many, many tears for the next few days.
“Zak was successfully rehomed in a loving family and as the years passed we thought about Zak often, my son asked questions about him and I always told him he was up in the Highlands enjoying his life, running around chasing balls with a family there that loved him.”
But there was to be a twist in the tail when Adam’s partner, Lyndsey Rafferty, happened to glance up at the TV when the London Marathon was being screened.
He said:”At the perfect moment the postman came to drop off a parcel and Lyndsey took it into the living room where she glanced up and saw an interview with GSRS volunteer Derek Adamson who was raising money for the charity.
“We often looked on the charity’s Facebook page and website to check the good news stories about dogs being rehomed and remember how much Zak was helped, but it had been a while so Lyndsey checked the website and there he was, our Zak.”
It became apparent that Zak’s “new” owner had sadly passed away and the beautiful beast was back up for adoption.
Adam added: “When I got home Lyndsey showed me her phone and I froze. I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t think, I just saw him, slightly older, slightly greyer, slightly fluffier but unmistakably Zak. I could feel the tears again but I had to do it, I picked up my mobile and called the charity.
“I knew he had to come back home if it was possible. Life had changed, I had moved into a new home with Lyndsey, I no longer worked shifts, I had room again in my life to fill the Zak-size hole I could never bring myself to fill after the pain of rehoming.”
Meetings were arranged, Adam, Lyndsey and Connor were assessed for suitability to rehome Zak in Dunbar and a reunion date was set.
Adam said: “I didn’t know what to expect. Would he remember us, would he be happy to see us, has he changed, have I changed, could I hold it together in front of other people?
“Out he came, the handsome but slightly wilder looking Zak. He didn’t notice us at first, he went straight to the bush to do his business. Then he saw me and he bounded straight up to me and jumped up. He knew. I was overwhelmed and crouched down to have my moment and Zak did what Zak had always done in the past and still tries to do now – sit on my lap.
“It was decided Zak would be coming home! I couldn’t believe it, I was getting a second chance with my puppy and a chance to give him the life he should have had if the circumstances had allowed.
“I had to pinch myself repeatedly, just to make sure this was real. He was here and it was like he had always been here. He relaxed, he found his favourite ball and we were back to playing fetch in the garden just like things had never changed.
“I didn’t realise how much our new house was missing Zak until he was there. He slotted straight in, like the house was built with all four of us in mind. Zak is still loving his home life and has settled so well, it is honestly like he had never been away.”
To find out more about German Shepherd Rescue Scotland visit here.
In the final Charlotte photographed below defeated Harriet Balloch while Joel also photographed below overcame the challenge of Euan Ward.
But there was soon consolation for both runners-up; Harriet went on to partner Charlotte to success in the ladies doubles final against Bernadette Capaldi and Jane McCaulay.
Similarly Euan won the men’s doubles in partnership with David Reid against Graeme Milne and Duncan McFadzean.
* Bill Lothian claims to be an evergreen sports journalist published at home and abroad. Please share your local sports stories with him by e-mailing: billlothian1008@gmail.com
This is the 50th anniversary year of St Mary’s Music School and the Board have now appointed John Cameron as Director of Music on a permanent basis. He will have responsibility for all music activities at the school to ensure that musical excellence is upheld. He will be supported in his role by Kate Aitken the Music Department Manager.
Scotland’s only specialist music school has appointed as its Artistic Director, Robert Baxter. Robert will act as lead on the outward-facing activities of the school. Working closely with the Director of Music and the Music Department Manager, Robert will be instrumental in developing partnerships and joint projects as the school seeks to broaden its reach and remit.
Will Conway has taken up the post of Artistic Adviser and will continue to work closely with the school’s instrumental pupils, directing performances and creating opportunities for young musicians to work with musicians of international standing. Will Conway has worked at the school for the past sixteen years as Head of Strings and Chamber Music, acting Director of Music, Artistic Director and is delighted to be working in his new position alongside John and Robert in their new roles. He also enjoys a busy career as a cellist and conductor, most notably as principal cello of Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Artistic Director of Hebrides Ensemble.
John Cameron said:”In this exciting new role as the Director of Music at St. Mary’s Music School, I embark on a journey of innovation and purpose. My mission is to craft a diverse program that ignites the spark of excellence in our pupils. Despite the challenges of a rapidly evolving musical landscape, we stand tall, working at the highest level with remarkable results.
I”‘m deeply humbled by the opportunity to help shape the future of music education, not only within the school but also in our broader community. The challenges are opportunities, and I’m honoured to lead a team that consistently strives for excellence. As I step into this new role, I recognise the deep-rooted values that make this institution special, and I’m eager to contribute to its legacy.”
Robert Baxter said: “As the newly appointed Artistic Director at St. Mary’s Music School, I step into a role that holds immense potential and responsibility. My primary focus is to help develop the exceptional young musicians at the school into not just skilled performers, but also broad thinkers. I aim to empower them to rise to individual and collective challenges that they encounter, whether within our institution or in the dynamic music industry.
“My aspiration is for our pupils to not only excel in their craft but to truly love what they do. I believe that a profound passion for music can have a transformative impact on people’s lives, and I intend to instil in our students the importance of sharing that passion. Together, we’ll explore how music can be a powerful force for positive change.”
The next opportunity to see St Mary’s Music School perform is at the annual Christmas Concert: Monday 18 December at 7:30pm, at St Cuthbert’s.
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