The Student

The oldest student publication in Europe which was set up by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1887 is encountering tough financial times, but the good news is that their fundraiser has been very successful since it began last week.

The Go Fund Me page has exceeded the original target of £1,000 which will enable the volunteers to “print two editions and keep the title secure until the end of the semester”. The volunteers have confirmed that the balance above their original target will be used for future issues.

The loss of a major print advertiser in the spring cast a shadow over the publication and the editors worried that the future of the paper which continued through two World Wars and the recent lockdown, was under threat.

Joe Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief of The Student, said: “Our campaign is looking to raise funds to carry out a full fortnightly print run this semester.

“We hope that the confidence this gives our print advertisers will allow us to secure more reliable funding on our own for down the line.

“We are looking to raise £1000 to cover the cost of one print issue this year, and some incidental costs of running the publication.

“Any money donated over our target will be invested back into the publication, so that future generations of students can benefit for years to come. 

“Some potential areas for funding include improving our editing software, investing in better equipment and taking steps to put The Student on a more reliable long-term financial footing.”

Lucy Jackson, President at The Student, said: “I’m devastated that the landscape of print journalism has proved to be so rocky for us. Unfortunately, we’re at the point where sheer dedication and passion for journalism simply isn’t enough.

“This isn’t unique to us, we know that journalism as a whole is struggling and whilst we’re adapting to the new digital age, we can’t abandon print – it forms such a central part of our identity and our university experience.

“The Student is often the first place students will get to try their hand at journalism. It’s vital we remain open and accessible to all, so that future generations of young journalists have the space to develop and grow.”

Councillor was disrespectful – but cleared of code breach

Former councillor John McLellan was cleared by the Standards Commission for Scotland of breaching the Councillor’s Code of Conduct despite “on the face of it failing to behave with courtesy and respect” during a meeting in October 2021. As a councillor the commission found that he was entitled to enhanced protection of his freedom of expression and so concluded that a formal finding of breach could not be made.

Even though Mr McLellan used a mobile phone during the meeting when asked not to the panel accepted the argument that he was entitled to enhanced right to freedom of expressions afforded to politicians under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

But the panel did consider that his use of the phone and his offering of it to one of the solicitors, in the context of him mentioning contact with a journalist was “both entirely inappropriate and disrespectful”.

The Panel found that former Cllr McLellan’s behaviour was not sufficiently offensive, abusive or gratuitous as to justify a restriction on that enhanced right to freedom of expression, that a finding of a breach of the Code and imposition of a sanction would entail. As such, the Panel concluded overall that a breach of the Code could not be found.

Section 3 of the code which sets out guidance on general conduct provides: “I will treat everyone with courtesy and respect. This includes in person, in writing, at meetings, when I am online and when I am using social media.”

Read more here

Digital Book Club

The city libraries are running a digital book club until 24 October with unlimited access to ebooks and audio books through the  Libby app or Libby website.

This month they recommend reading Yellowface by R.F Kuang a story in which one author steals the other’s masterpiece after her untimely death. How far will she go to keep what she thinks she deserves?

To get going on Libby you can access some help on the Libby help pages or contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

Fruitmarket on Friday

BIG HOT MESS at Fruitmarket
On 13 October from 8pm–Midnight. £10–20. Book here

Eschewing big-name guest DJs and performance acts in favour of a back-to-basics approach, the party’s success derives from two simple factors: ecstatic, dramatic and arousing music, from tear-drenched orchestral disco to high-NRG alt-80s classics and bleepy psychedelic techno; and the devoted crowd of dancers who make the party a playful taps-aff delight month after month.

It’ll be the biggest Hot Mess party there’s ever been.

Book tickets here.

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Our October issue is now published. You may subscribe to receive your own copy by mail by clicking on the image below.

Scottish Book Trust has opened nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award 2024.

The reading and writing charity runs the annual award in association with Walker Books.

This is an award which seeks to honour those who make a real difference to the lives of the young children, families and communities they work with.

Anyone living in Scotland can nominate a librarian, early years worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work for the award.

The winner will be celebrated with a short film made about their work, a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500. Nominations can be made on Scottish Book Trust’s website until Friday 10 December.

Bookbug, delivered by Scottish Book Trust, is the biggest nationwide universal book gifting programme in the world, through which every child in Scotland receives four free book bags between their birth and first year of school. Around 375 Bookbug Sessions take place each week in libraries and community spaces across Scotland, and Bookbug for the Home practitioners support families on a one-to-one basis.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Bookbug reaches children all over Scotland, providing vital access to books. Without the work of Bookbug practitioners, many families would not discover the fun and lifechanging benefits of sharing stories, songs and rhymes. It is fantastic to be able to recognise this important work through the Bookbug Hero Award, for the fifth time. Our thanks to Walker Books for their continued support in recognising these heroes.’

The team at Walker Books added: ‘We really appreciate all that Bookbug and the heroes who run the programmes do for communities, and we are really pleased that we can continue to show our appreciation and support of that work by sponsoring the award. We love that it shines a light on those practitioners who champion reading, and work tirelessly to change lives through stories and can’t wait to hear more about the next winner.’

A former Edinburgh councillor has been criticised by a standards watchdog for being “entirely inappropriate and disrespectful” during a meeting with junior lawyers – but was cleared of a breach of the councillors’ code of conduct due to his “enhanced  right to freedom of expression”. 

John McLellan was brought before the Standards Commission for Scotland after it was alleged he “lost the plot” and turned “as red as a tomato” in response to councillors being urged not to “seize upon” a report on historic sex abuse in the council “for political gain”.

The former Conservative councillor told a hearing he was “shocked” at the recommendation made to elected members and raised his voice so his points were “heard clearly”.

However, he denied shouting, banging his fists on the table and ‘wagging’ his finger in anger – which it was claimed made a young female solicitor feel “really uncomfortable, nervous, upset and distressed” during the meeting in 2021. 

In a report, the Commission said Mr McLellan, who did not seek re-election last year, behaved “in an inappropriate manner by raising his voice and expressing views on [the report] in an  aggressive and challenging manner”. 

But the panel concluded a “formal finding of breach could not be made” as he was “entitled to the enhanced  right to freedom of expression afforded to politicians commenting on matters of public interest” under Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights. 

Following the decision, Mr McLellan said: “I am satisfied the panel recognised the right of councillors to challenge clearly political material in official reports which seeks to influence the terms of public debate.

“This has been a difficult process for me, but an important point of principle has been reaffirmed.”

The former councillor is also a journalist and former editor of The Edinburgh Evening News and The Scotsman, director of Newsbrands Scotland, and a High Constable was invited to read a confidential report on the council’s mishandling of complaints of sexual abuse by former social worker Sean Bell along with two other councillors at the offices of Pinsent Masons, who conducted the inquiry.

Julian Diaz-Rainey, a partner at the law firm, wrote to the council afterwards reporting “manifestly unacceptable behaviour” by Mr McLellan, who was accused of shouting and banging his fists in protest at a section of the sensitive report which stated findings should not be “seized upon by elected members or their parties and used for political gain”.

Mr Diaz-Rainey also said it was “disgraceful” the former councillor had listened to a voicemail from a journalist during the meeting despite being asked not to use his phone and jokingly asked one of the two female lawyers present “shall I just pass the phone to you to comment?”.

He added at the hearing this week: “It’s a shame that conduct took place, particularly during such a sensitive matter, an important matter for survivors.”

Alexander Richardson a solicitor with Pinsent Masons, who was in the room next door at the time of the incident, told the panel he heard a “raised voice” through the wall.

He said: “I do remember thinking to myself ‘that’s quite odd, I wonder what that’s about.”

Mr Richardson said there had been an insinuation by Mr McLellan there was “some form of corruption on our part which is frankly outrageous” adding: “We had nothing to gain whatsoever from the issue.”

He said: “There is no vendetta against Mr McLellan – there is no conspiracy.” 

Hannah Beaumont, who was another of the lawyers in the room at the time, said he “raised his voice to a level that exceeded what I think was acceptable”.

In a statement submitted to the Standards Commission she said his face went “as red as a tomato”.

She said another female solicitor, who did not appear before the panel, was “shocked, taken aback and shaken” following the incident. 

Ms Beaumont added: “I thought it was inappropriate to be speaking in that manner and to be shouting about a particular recommendation, particularly in light of the nature of the report and why we were all there.” 

However the other councillors who were present, Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross and Cllr Joanna Mowat, said they did not see Mr McLellan shouting, banging his fists or ‘wagging’ his finger about as had been claimed.

Cllr Mowat, also a member of the Conservative group, said in a statement if she thought staff were made to feel threatened or uncomfortable she would have “torn strips off” Mr McLellan.

She said: “He reiterated his point asking why this had been put in there, what it was doing in there and could this be changed?

“There was shock and urgency in his voice…I didn’t perceive that as shouting, just deep concern over what he had read. 

“There was nothing that I saw that needed to be intervened or stopped in the room.”

Upon being questioned by the panel Mr McLellan said he raised his voice so his “points were heard clearly”.   

He said: “I couldn’t understand why the inquiry team felt it necessary to give instructions to councillors.

“What I sought to do was explain to them why I thought it was in everyone’s interests for that paragraph to be taken out. I think my voice was above conversation level but I did not shout.”

He said he had played the incident “over and over in my mind over the last two years” and added: “I’m still convinced I did not shout.”

He said: “I may have used hand actions but I did not jab my finger at anybody. Whether my face was as red as a tomato, I would need a mirror to know that.

“I explained that it would be in the company’s interests to remove that paragraph because there had been suspicion the relationship between the council and the company had been too close. I left the room thinking nothing untoward had happened.”

Mr McLellan also admitted listening to a voice message and offering the phone to one of the lawyers but said claims he was “pressing a junior member of the inquiry team to answer a call” in a provocative manner was a “gross exaggeration” of a “light-hearted moment”. 

He said the allegation had been “devastating” as it had been suggested he was “an abuser of young woman” which was “as appalling as it gets”.  

His lawyer, Campbell Deane, told the panel the the team of lawyers “took the hump” following the alleged outburst, and that an “inexperienced solicitor” had “overreacted” to the situation. 

Paul Walker, Standards Commission Member and Chair of the Hearing Panel, said: “In this case, the Panel found that former Cllr McLellan’s conduct towards the solicitors present at the meeting was inappropriate.

“The Panel emphasised that the requirement for councillors to behave in a respectful and courteous manner towards members of the public is a fundamental requirement of the Code, as it protects the public and also ensures public confidence in the role of an elected member  and the council itself is not undermined.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to allow taxis and coaches access to a busy Edinburgh city centre pedestrian area so that a new five-star hotel can “show off” celebrity guests have sparked “serious safety concerns”.

The W Hotel wants to give passenger vehicles permission to drive up to its main entrance at the St James Quarter when it opens next month, with managers of the luxury 12-storey development arguing it is needed to facilitate “red carpet events” and to improve access for guests with mobility issues, according to a council report.

But there is opposition from councillors, including the city’s transport convener who said the shopping complex had a “fantastic” underground car park – and joked the red carpet could be “rolled out down there”.

Another said he feared there would be a risk to the public with “large vehicles turning in an enclosed area of high pedestrian footfall”.

Officials have recommended the Transport Committee to approve an ‘experimental’ traffic order which would allow two taxis or one executive coach at any one time to enter St James Square through automatic bollards at the end of Elder Street.

The measures would be in place for an initial two-month trial and extended if there is a “positive outcome” of a review.

A report said the Square is “designed primarily as a pedestrian environment” and has “limited room available for vehicular movements without giving rise to conflict with pedestrians and cyclists”.

It added: “The developer was advised that careful consideration needed to be given to the size of vehicles permitted to enter the square, the number of vehicles that could be in the square at any one time, and the arrangements that would need to be in place to safely manage the square in the interests of all users.”

The council said hotel bosses and developers indicated during discussions they wanted the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to accommodate “visitors with mobility issues” and to “show off A-list guests, say if they had red carpet events”.

Labour Transport Convener Scott Arthur said he felt “uncomfortable” with the proposed arrangement as the space had “huge potential”.

He said: “It looks like quite a good public space, and there’s not a lot of spaces in Edinburgh that are like that.”

Cllr Arthur added: “We’ll have to decide if we should design the city around people or celebrities.

“The St James Quarter has a fantastic car park, it’s quite famous – surely the red carpet could be rolled out down there.

“There’s a difference between having arrangements for individuals who have particular access needs to just allowing taxis to generally rank in the area, not that that’s what they’re proposing, but that’s the reality of how it’ll work.”

SNP city centre councillor Finlay McFarlane said: “We all know that pedestrianised space in the city centre is at a premium and where we have it, we must protect it.

“We can’t ignore that the St James Quarter is mere seconds away from the coach station, and is incredibly well served by bus, tram, train, on foot and even by private vehicle through the substantial underground parking provision. If we cant make the case for maintaining a pedestrian space here as a council, where can we?”

“I have serious safety concerns about large vehicles turning in an enclosed area of high pedestrian footfall in addition to the impact these proposals and increased vehicles would have on the residents of Elder Street and St James Square.”

The Transport Committee will decide on whether to progress the ETRO a meeting on Thursday.

St James Quarter was approached for comment and Martin Perry, Managing Director, Development Europe at Nuveen, said: “St James Quarter is extremely surprised by the ill-informed comments from councillors in relation to this proposal.  We want to clarify that the land in question belongs to St James Quarter and already has detailed planning consent for taxis and small executive coaches to drop off at the hotel.

“This proposal has passed all safety audits by road management experts, including those appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council, for either two taxis or one executive coach dropping off at any one time at a controlled speed of 5mph or less.

“The experimental traffic regulation order is in place to trial the planning consent, ensuring that there are no conflicts with the very limited pedestrian and cycle movements in the area. It is apparent from the comments of councillors that they have not been made aware of these facts or have misunderstood the information that’s been presented to them.”

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

After a day long hearing before the Standards Commission for Scotland, former councillor John McLellan has been – on the one hand – found to have breached the Councillors’ code of conduct, but the commission conceded that a formal finding “could not be made”.

Paul Walker, Standards Commission Member and Chair of the Hearing Panel, said: “In this case, the Panel found that former Cllr McLellan’s conduct towards the solicitors present at the meeting was inappropriate.”

The Panel heard that former Cllr McLellan had attended a private meeting organised to allow councillors to read a report on alleged historic abuse within the council, which had been prepared by solicitors from an external legal firm, Pinsent Masons.

Having heard from several witnesses at the Hearing, the Panel was satisfied, on balance, that former Cllr McLellan had been unhappy with one recommendation in the report and had behaved in an inappropriate manner by raising his voice and expressing views on it in an aggressive and challenging manner.

As such, the Panel found that former Cllr McLellan had failed to treat the solicitors present with courtesy and respect, as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

The Panel noted that it was not in dispute that former Cllr McLellan used his mobile phone during the meeting to listen to a voicemail from a journalist. The Panel was satisfied that former Cllr McLellan advised the only solicitor present in the room at the time, that the journalist wanted to know what was in the report and when it would be made public, and asked whether the solicitor wished to speak to him.

The Panel noted that former Cllr McLellan’s position was that he had done so as a joke and in seeking to be open. The Panel was satisfied, however, that former Cllr McLellan had been warned that the use of mobile phones during the session was not allowed due to the sensitive nature of the report, and the need to ensure it remained confidential.

The Panel agreed, in the circumstances and in the context of the contents of the report, that former Cllr McLellan’s use of the phone and his offering of it to one of the solicitors, in the context of him mentioning contact with a journalist, was both entirely inappropriate and disrespectful.

The Panel accepted, nevertheless, that former Cllr McLellan was entitled to the enhanced right to freedom of expression afforded to politicians commenting on matters of public interest, under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Panel found that former Cllr McLellan’s behaviour was not sufficiently offensive, abusive or gratuitous as to justify a restriction on that enhanced right to freedom of expression, that a finding of a breach of the Code and imposition of a sanction would entail. As such, the Panel concluded overall that a breach of the Code could not be found.

Mr Walker said that: “The Panel emphasised that the requirement for councillors to behave in a respectful and courteous manner towards members of the public is a fundamental requirement of the Code, as it protects the public and also ensures public confidence in the role of an elected member and the council itself is not undermined. Failing to uphold the values the public are entitled to expect only serves to contribute to poor standards of public debate.”

A full written decision of the Hearing will be issued and published on the Standards Commission’s website within 7 days.

Mr McLellan, who is also a journalist, and former editor with The Edinburgh Evening News and The Scotsman, as well as Director of the industry body, Newsbrands Scotland, told The Edinburgh Reporter: “”I am satisfied the panel recognised the right of councillors to challenge clearly political material in official reports which seeks to influence the terms of public debate.

“This has been a difficult process for me, but an important point of principle has been reaffirmed.”

The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has written to the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly asking for a humanitarian corridor to be set up in Gaza to allow civilians to leave.

Mr Yousaf told Gina Davidson of LBC on Monday about his parents-in-law who are in Gaza. Following the events of last weekend the First Minister said he feared for their safety.

The text of the letter follows:

To: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly
From: First Minister Humza Yousaf 

“I am writing concerning the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas over the weekend, and the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza.

“The Scottish Government and I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist actions of Hamas. Israel – like any other country – has a right to protect itself and its citizens from terror.

“Too many innocent people have already lost their lives as a consequence of these completely unjustifiable and illegitimate attacks by Hamas. However, innocent men, women and children cannot, and should not, pay the price for the actions of a terrorist group. Collective punishment of innocent civilians cannot be justified and will do nothing to set the conditions for peace in the region.

“As the number of civilians displaced in Gaza increases and with supplies restricted, innocent people are being affected and conditions will worsen. The United Nations Secretary General has called for “relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip” and the international community to mobilise to provide support. I support this view.

“As a close friend and ally of Israel, I therefore ask the UK Government to call on the Government of Israel to ensure innocent civilians are protected and to put in place an immediate ceasefire to allow the safe passage of civilians through the Rafah border. Furthermore, it should open a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to allow supplies, including food, fuel, water and medical supplies, for those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave. 

“Finally, I call on the international community to be proactive and work towards an immediate ceasefire and a long-lasting peace that sees Israelis and Palestinians treated as equals.

“I am grateful for the ongoing engagement of Lord Ahmad, who has briefed me on the situation concerning UK nationals in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government stands ready to assist any efforts to support those who find themselves caught up in this tragic situation.”

Artist Peter Howson has told an audience in Edinburgh how pop legend David Bowie once fell asleep while modelling for a portrait.

The Glasgow-based painter, 65, said the pop icon dozed off while posing for him in his studio, and fell off his plinth.

He said the Starman singer, who died in 2016, tore his shirt and ended up on the floor.

Howson, whose retrospective at the City Art Centre in Market Street closed last week, said: “David Bowie came to the studio. I did a drawing of him. I asked him to pose for me so he said ‘fine’. He took off his coat and I put him on a plinth and he fell asleep.

“He fell asleep as he was posing, fell off the plinth and ripped his shirt. It was quite a weird feeling to have Bowie, this godlike creature, lying on the floor.”

Howson met Bowie after the musician bought one of his Bosnian war paintings at an exhibition in London. He later invited the pop icon, who became a supporter, to sit for him.

Howson, who always works to music, added that when Bowie visited his studio he had browsed his collection, adding: “He was looking for his own CD, but he couldn’t find it.”

He said: “I play quite a variety of music, mainly classical but it could be anything from Bob Dylan to Engelbert Humperdink.

“Classical-wise it’s mainly renaissance church music or Bach. Bach sends me into a different world altogether.

“In the studio I get to be in a state almost like ecstasy really, it’s an amazing feeling. The music does affect me, and it affects my work.”

The biggest ever retrospective of his work, “When the Apple Ripens: Peter Howson at 65”, closed last week. The exhibition, which included one of his portraits of Bowie, was visited by more than 25,000 people during its four month run at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.

Howson said he was now “moving on to other things”, including commissioned work.

Controlled parking is coming to Gorgie.

I’m writing less than two weeks before the 23 October ‘live date’ for Controlled Parking Zone S6(E), which runs from McLeod Street to Robertson Avenue and takes in all the streets of densely populated tenements in between. 

Those tenements are now dominated by private landlords and an increasingly transient population. Those streets are the most fly-tipped in Edinburgh, and suffer from substandard street cleansing and daily struggles with communal waste. Small businesses on Gorgie Road are struggling to make ends meet, evidenced by the high turnover of shops and compounded by a recent spate of break-ins and vandalism, thought to be related to an increase in drug dealing. 

Understandably, relations between residents and the Council are fraught. “The Council doesn’t give a damn about the likes of us”, says one Wardlaw Place resident, who has lived in the area for over half a century. “They just want money to buy their toys: trams, hotels, cycle lanes. They want more money from us to buy those things while they leave this place to rot – just look at the state of Gorgie Farm”. 

This resident has received no contact from the Council in relation to the CPZ. She has heard about the ‘Live Date’ through word of mouth and is worried about how her son will park when he comes round on Tuesday afternoon to assist her with food shopping. She’s heard that he will need a ‘visitor permit’ to park on the street, but she has no idea how to go about applying for one. 

In 2023 there have been substantial changes in this part of Gorgie, with the introduction of ‘bin hubs’ earlier in the year and now the works to install the Controlled Parking Zone. There are definitely upsides to these changes: communal bins are now contained away from the pavements and controlled parking will improve access for bin lorries. But public realm improvements have not come in alongside the projects; a deep layer of filth runs along the kerb of every side street, and mini middens have been left to accumulate around some bins. Reports of vermin continue, drains are blocked, the road surfaces are some of the worst in the city – and that’s saying something. 

Gorgie residents have learned to live with this level of neglect, it’s not new. What is new is that the Council has now got the brass neck to rock up and request payment for the right to park on their dilapidated streets. For many, it’s a step too far. 

Another resident I spoke to lives in a housing association flat on Newton Street. His mobility is impaired, and he only uses his car for weekend visits to family in West Lothian. “It’s just a money-making exercise for the Council”, he says, visibly angry. “This is an area of deprivation in a cost of living crisis and they’re coming here to take money off us, while the services they provide get worse. I can’t afford to shell out £150 for a permit, and if I choose to pay quarterly it’ll cost £50 extra over the year. That’s just punishing people for being poor”.

Many of my constituents have pointed out that while Gorgie is getting a fully-fledged Controlled Parking Zone, residents in wealthy parts of the city, such as Murrayfield and the Grange, continue to benefit from a system of ‘Priority Parking’, where the restricted times are shorter and permits cost around a quarter of the price. This inequity feeds into a broader feeling in the area that the Council does more for wealthier parts of the city. If that feeling is not quite borne out in the ‘Strategic Parking Review’, which will likely result in an ongoing expansion of Controlled Parking Zones across the city, it is obvious to anyone who takes a cursory look at the streets and green spaces in Gorgie and compares them to their equivalents in Stockbridge or Morningside. 

And it’s obvious when you hear the howls from Corstorphine and Craiglockhart about changes happening in those areas, that some voices in the city are louder than others, and Council resources sometimes follow the din. 

In many ways, Gorgie/Dalry should be fertile ground for many of the changes the Council wants to make in relation to transport and environment. The 2011 Census showed that less than 38% of Gorgie/Dalry households had access to a car, compared to an Edinburgh-wide figure of over 60%. For households with multiple cars, the gap is even wider – just 4.7% of Gorgie/Dalry households had more than one car compared to an Edinburgh-wide 17.2%. Given the changing demographics of the area, I expect the results of the 2022 Census will show that car ownership will have reduced even further over the past decade.

In this context, the Council’s City Mobility Plan, Circulation Plan and the 2030 target of reducing car use by 30% all stand to benefit Gorgie/Dalry residents more than most. In those plans, Gorgie Road is identified as a priority for ‘place, walking and wheeling’: this means improving the street environment, creating better conditions for walking and a safe environment for cycling alongside a reduction in bus journey times. 

I’m fully on board with this vision, which has the potential to help address many of the public realm issues identified above, and I’m ready to champion radical policies in the face of inevitable vocal opposition. But if we’re going to take people with us on that journey then communication needs to improve drastically.

That’s why I’m so angry about the atrocious communication around the implementation of the Controlled Parking Zone.  The letter that confirmed the ‘Live Date’ and the process for permit application was not delivered to many of the affected residents and businesses. For those who did receive the letter, no information is provided about how to apply offline, no phone number is given, and there is no information about visitor parking. That’s just not good enough.

So controlled parking is coming to Gorgie, and there’s no stopping that now. But the Council needs to reflect on this botched implementation and change the way we’re treating Gorgie residents. We have an administration that loves to talk about ‘getting the basics right’, but in Gorgie at the moment, the most basic standards of respect and communication are not being met. 

Editor: The council advised plans for a CPZ in Gorgie in 2021 – read more here. https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/13086/new-parking-controls-proposed-for-leith-gorgie-and-shandon

And the council has been asked for comment.

New Town development takes shape ahead of 2024 launch.

The historic site of one of Edinburgh’s original tram depots is set to become the city’s latest high-profile housing development, with a sales launch on track for early next year.

Construction is well underway at Square & Crescent’s Henderson Place development, which will create 42 contemporary homes on the previous Silvermills Tram Depot.

Bordering Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, the development located between Stockbridge and Canonmills will comprise a mix of homes – from studio flats to four-bed apartments.

Multi-level biodiverse roofs will add greenery and contrast to the use of traditional red brick and building techniques. Striking ironmongery helps reflect the character of the surrounding area, which includes the neighbouring former Royal London office building on Henderson Row, the last remaining portion of the former depot.

Euan Marshall is Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Square & Crescent, which is renowned for taking on challenging projects to create some of Edinburgh’s prime residences.

He said: “There is a real responsibility in bringing forward a new build development in such a prominent and historically significant location.

“We’ve worked with our architecture partners to create something that we believe will be a fitting next chapter – and nods to the past use of the site while bringing in highly contemporary touches.

“The green roof spaces should add a further point of interest and they reflect the low carbon building techniques and sustainability at the core of this project.”

Fittingly, the development is in a prime location offering extensive connectivity. Situated just half a mile from Princes Street, residents will have swift access to Dundas Street, Stockbridge, the new tram network and Waverley Station.

In the late 80s, the original depot building was demolished and transformed into office blocks, which will now be replaced with the thoughtfully redesigned residential apartments. The former Royal London offices on Henderson Row preserved the last remaining portion of the original depot.

Reaching a five-storey high point, the dynamic development will feature private terraces and balconies, as well as private patios on some of the ground floor properties.

Simon Cook, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director said: “The site certainly has a rich history and that has been at the forefront of our minds throughout. The use of materials like traditional red brick with a precast stringer aims to preserve as much of that history as possible while adding a visually impressive building to the area.

“As we continue work on the project, we’re looking forward to bringing a broad mix of high-quality homes to the market, in a fantastic area.”

This is the latest project underway for Square & Crescent, which recently started construction works on its landmark Royal Meadows development, which will see the careful transform of the old Royal Hospital for Sick Children building into luxury apartments and townhouses.

Founded in 2013, Square & Crescent has since gone on to build a strong track record and trusted reputation in providing some of the best residential conversion projects over the past 10 years, making a move in recent years into developing unique new build homes, providing exceptional and sustainable modern living in a variety of different locations within Edinburgh.

It is now a widely regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development, and refurbishment of high-quality homes.

https://squareandcrescent.com/developments/henderson-place/ 

The Scottish Youth Film Festival took place recently offering practical workshops to young people who want to get involved in film.

As a photographer at any event my job is to compose images that tell the story, and to do that well I think you really need to tune in to the vibe, listen to the conversations and feel a connection with the audience and the speakers as well as the team running things….but I didn’t expect to get quite so enthralled.

This wasn’t some self-congratulatory celebfest, but a practical hands-on series of workshops, panel conversations, outright silly fun and a showcase awards ceremony for the best films created by our young people.

More than 160 travelled from all over Scotland – from Shetland to Dumfries – and were joined by actors, directors, producers, experts and professionals from Film, TV, Theatre and Games. The workshops were across a wide range from sound design, acting for screen, animation, scriptwriting, gruesome make-up, careers advice – but with added invaluable insights from working professionals who would answer ANY questions the kids could think of.

Dave Barras and Scott Mackay founded the Scottish Youth Film Foundation charity and in 2023 partnered with the Connery Foundation to take their work to new heights, into new classrooms and to fill more young minds with the power of the possible.

The vibe at their festival was “Just try it” and the speakers and experts were saying “I’ve done it” and “this is how you can too”.

In a country where a government can just pull away the funding for creative organisations at the drop of a hat we should be very thankful for folk like David, Scott and the charity’s manager Heather Bowry for their relentless encouragement of Scotland’s youth, and for their own creative and persuasive skills in providing such a fantastic free resource for all of our young people.

Being creative is a superpower that we have as kids but is too often drilled out of us by school and conforming to the norms of life. What was so very refreshing was to see creativity being celebrated, hear it being positively encouraged and feel the confidence in these young voices grow as the day progressed.

The messages at this festival were loud and clear. Keep playing, experiment, do daft stuff, film it, write it, record and edit it. Take things you can only imagine and turn them into stuff we can see, hear and feel. Even ordinary folk can make magic.

Scottish Youth Film Foundation can be found at www.syff.scot

Here we present an introduction to dealing with estates and executries in Scotland: an interview with Mike Davis who is the founder of My Probate Partner.

This is a Scottish company which helps first-time executors to successfully apply to the courts and then deal with the estates of their deceased relatives themselves.

The company has adopted the English legal term of probate which it thinks is better understood by people without a legal background. In Scotland the terms are that the deceased person leaves behind an estate, which is administered by executors who obtain Confirmation which is the legal document listing all assets. This is then their title to distribute the assets in terms of any will or in terms of succession legislation.

1. How long have you been working in the probate/legal sector? 
    
   In 2014, I joined forces with my father in his small legal auditing firm. Our primary offering was setting fees for solicitors by reviewing their work. It was during this time that I saw thousands of cases related to dealing with a deceased person’s estate. After experiencing the extreme difficulty of navigating the Scottish legal system first-hand, together with the expensive (and often poor) level of service offered by solicitors, I officially launched My Probate Partner in 2019.  

    

2. What was the inspiration behind My Probate Partner?  
    
   As a legal auditor, I witnessed thousands of cases where solicitors would deal with someone’s estate after they die. The majority of these cases were relatively straightforward, but people were still paying thousands of pounds for a solicitor to complete a lot of admin work that they could do themselves. Because of this, I knew I could help people navigate the probate process without the use of a solicitor, whilst saving a small fortune as a result. 
3. Tell us a bit more about your company and services?  

   My Probate Partner provides an alternative, cost-effective way to do probate that allows individuals to stay in control of the process, without needing to spend time learning about how it works – whilst also saving money. We help people navigate the administrative process after someone dies, without using expensive solicitors. Our paid-for services help people with the court application which is required in around 50% of deaths and is almost impossible to do without professional help.  

4. What is the difference between probate in the UK and Scotland?  
    

   In Scotland, probate is referred to as ‘Confirmation’ and is processed by the local Sheriff Court. There are a few technical differences, but in reality, they have the same function: to give the person named in a Will the authority to deal with certain assets. The English process was updated in 2019 to include a new and relatively easy to use online platform, however, the Scottish process remains paper-based and requires antiquated language and specific formatting that is not made clear to the applicant. 

    

5. What is the difference between the service provided by My Probate Partner against appointing a solicitor? 

   Before My Probate Partner, the options available to bereaved people were to either ‘go it alone’, scraping together information from the internet that has an English focus, or to hand everything over to a solicitor to deal with – which comes with a hefty price tag and long delays. My Probate Partner offers a middle ground solution that provides the best of both worlds – empowering people to navigate the process themselves with expert guidance, but without the cost and delay associated with using a solicitor.  

    

6. What makes My Probate Partner different from other probate services? 

   All other probate service suppliers in Scotland are solicitors, and most solicitors offer a wide variety of services, with no motivation to change or improve the experience of bereaved people. My Probate Partner is a consumer-focused probate specialist company that works hard to make the process more accessible to bereaved people. We are able to help in over 90% of cases – our unique online qualification tool advises people if they will need to use a solicitor in less than 2 minutes. 

    

7. What message do you want to tell the Scottish public about probate?  

   Shop around for services that are required after someone dies. Funeral directors and solicitors have had a captive market for hundreds of years, which shows in their uncompetitive and old-fashioned business models, often with eye-watering prices and poor service. There are a host of newer companies out there trying to do things differently that offer more choice to consumers to deal with the aftermath of someone’s death. My Probate Partner is currently the leading alternative probate service provider in Scotland. 

    

8. If you could choose three words to describe your business, what would they be?  

   Innovative, helpful and effective. 

    

9. What are your plans/ambitions for the next 3-5 years? What do you hope to achieve? 

   We want to become the go-to provider for probate information and services in Scotland. Our aim is to position My Probate Partner as a ‘Money Saving Expert’ type platform specifically for probate in Scotland, making the process as transparent as possible and allowing people to make informed decisions about what is best for them and their families at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

World Homeless Day

The Simon Community reports that there are 80 people sleeping rough in Edinburgh on any night and that the demand for their services has risen by nearly 20%. The organisation deals with support requests from people needing somewhere to stay for the night as well as longer accommodation needs, benefits and financial advice.

Read more here

Money found to fix the Pride Bridge

When the council’s Transport Committee meets on Thursday it is expected to approve the plans to save the Lindsay Road Bridge – the Pride Bridge.

The council has applied to Transport Scotland for funding of £232,700 through Sustrans to replace the bridge deck. The council will then appoint a designer and it is expected to take around a year to complete the work.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m delighted that this funding award gives new hope for the future of Pride Bridge.

“This structure is a local landmark, a link to Leith’s industrial past and a reminder of the pandemic, but above all else for me it is a celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. It also provides a safe and convenient walking and cycling route between North Fort Street and Newhaven area.

“Thanks to all those involved who have campaigned for its preservation.”

Ultra race run in ultra wet conditions

More than 300 runners completed the gruelling Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon on Saturday despite the driving rain.

The weather conditions were horrendous and so it is testament to all those who completed the 56 mile race.

Read more here.

Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust West Calder invite everyone for a chat about rehoming and fostering at our “Can You… Be My Person?” event on Saturday 28 October at 12-4pm at the centre.

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, you can also email HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk for more information.

The rehoming centre is also recruiting new volunteers – anyone interested in volunteering should email Volunteer Coordinator, Garry Lee at Garry.Lee@dogstrust.org.uk

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Bring it on at The Bay

The popular Fife venue announces its 2023 Festive offering – with something for all the family

The four star Bay Hotel at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Kinghorn, has released details of its full and varied schedule of festive events. Once again, these cover festive fayre dining, Christmas Party Nights – including one for children – and a Hogmanay Party.

After a gap of several years, The Bay Hotel is delighted to see the return of dining on Christmas Day itself, with a delicious three course feast, priced at £70pp for adults, with children under 12 priced at £18.95

Served between noon and 4pm on the big day, guests can look forward to choosing from starters including kiln smoked salmon and leek tart, spiced lamb and apricot terrine, and spinach & ricotta bavarois.

Main courses include everyone’s favourite festive bird – traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings – but if that is not for you, there’s succulent scotch beef fillet, poached fillet of codling, or a baked applewood, onion and leek tart.

Rounding things off to perfection are a choice of biscoff cheesecake, traditional Christmas Pudding, a light and creamy lemon meringue tart, or a white chocolate and raspberry blondie, served warm with clotted cream anglaise.

Restaurant Christmas Fayre will run from 1st to 24th December, 12 noon to 9 pm each day, in the Horizons Restaurant, with its stunning views across the Firth of Forth. Two courses are priced at £22.95, with choices including crispy filo pastry King Prawns, creamy garlic mushrooms, traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, and tempura battered smoked haddock fillets.  A festive dessert can also be chosen from a wide menu at an additional cost.  Horizons Festive Fayre is a great opportunity for a sociable get together with family, friends and work colleagues.

The Bay Hotel Christmas Party nights are always a calendar highlight, with excellent food and a top class disco.

Running on the 15^th and 16^th December at 7pm, the Party Nights are priced at £39.95 per person, a price point held from last year to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy them.

The three course meal is served before the dancing begins, with partygoers sure to work it off on the dance floor! 

Younger family members are catered for with a special Children’s Christmas Party on the 16^th December from 6-8pm. This includes a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Tickets are £10 for children, and a £1 for each adult – which has not been increased since last year.

Known for laying on a fabulous night to welcome in the Bells, The Bay is once again offering its Bring InThe Bells Hogmanay Party from 8pm to 1am. Adult tickets are £30 each, with Children at £20.  Entertainment is provided by Elite – Dancing through the Decades, with popular act Chris Wainwright also performing, along with a piper to pipe in the new year. A complimentary buffet box is provided after the Bells. 

“We are delighted to reveal our 2023 Festive Line up, of which we are very proud,” said General Manager Janet Murray. “We have ensured that we have included all the elements for which The Bay Hotel is known – the delicious festive food, the feel good entertainment which never disappoints, and the mix of events for all ages.”

“We are very pleased to be offering Christmas Day dining this year, as we know that this was very much missed in the past few years,” added Janet. “For many families, including those who own a holiday home on the park, coming here on Christmas Day is a real festive tradition. Anyone can book and enjoy our festive events though– you don’t need to be a resident on the park to do so. It’s very much a case of bringing the local community together at this time of the year.”

Janet finished by saying: “We are very grateful to all our loyal customers for their repeat business over the years. That’s why it is important to us to be offering the same prices as last year for many events. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Bay Hotel and Pettycur Bay Holiday Park this festive season.”

Booking is recommended for all festive events.

Call 01592 892222 to book.

www.pettycur.co.uk 

www.thebayhotel.net

Joppa Tennis Club held their prize giving dinner at the King’s Manor Hotel with former Wimbledon umpire John Frame as guest speaker.

The event saw recognition given to the club’s two main singles winners for 2023  – Camille Sicre who beat Iona Senew in the final and Richard Murray who overcame the final challenge of David Greig.

Pictured, left, is Lynda Banks, one half of a successful ladies doubles partnership with Emma Devine. They beat Sarah Thomas and Jen Connell in the final.

World Homeless Day 2023: Scotland’s homeless charity the Simon Community Scotland warns that rough sleeping in Scottish cities is on the increase.

The charity also reports a surge in demand for their services.

More than 80 people were recently found sleeping rough in Edinburgh by their volunteers, and 35 people in Glasgow, with a single evening snapshot reflecting the scale of the challenge faced by the charity. This number does not include those housed in emergency shelters or temporary accommodation. Driven by the cost of living crisis, the charity reports that the number of people rough sleeping in Scotland is continuing to spiral, with no end in sight.

Simon Community has witnessed a nearly 20% increase in people seeking their help, placing a huge demand on their frontline support team. In September alone, at Simon Community Scotland’s Glasgow Access Hub – one of their two hubs across Scotland – the team handled over 2,000 support requests, including helping people with accommodation needs, benefits, legal and financial advice, and wellbeing challenges. 

Gillian Drysdale, Service Lead at the Edinburgh Support Hub, said; “Our team saved lives last winter. We got through some dark times. This winter is set to be even darker. It’s only October and our frontline teams are feeling it. We are seeing 100 people a day through the door of our Hub.”

To help cope with increased demand, the charity is today launching an emergency appeal titled ‘A Safe Place’, reflecting how the provision of safe places is crucial to helping people facing homelessness. 

The charity provides end-to-end support, including street teams on the front line, who build relationships and direct people to further support, right through to Simon Community owned properties, which give people a permanent tenancy. 

Simon Community Scotland are looking to raise £200,000 with this emergency appeal, with funds directed to their safe places, including community hubs, street teams and accommodation, as well as basic life essentials for people they support, including; warm winter clothing, food parcels and toiletries.

Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The number of people our frontline teams are supporting is reaching record levels, again. Last year we helped over 8,000 people and this year we are set to support over 9,500. We’re doing our very best to provide people with a safe place to access support and keep people safe from harm. But we are very stretched and desperately need more help. Whether you can support us as an organisation or as an individual, please consider supporting Simon Community Scotland’s ‘A Safe Place’ appeal.”

Fiona Williamson, Head of Services in Edinburgh, said: “Safe places for people experiencing homelessness has never been more important. In our hubs, emergency accommodation service, our own SCS Homes and through outreach support we can provide a safe place for people to talk, to listen, to heal, to build trust, to be. Safe places for a few moments, or for years.”

The charity has support hubs, street teams, accommodation and helplines across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and North Lanarkshire, employing 275 staff and a team of 100 volunteers. 

This winter, Simon Community Scotland are increasing their efforts and are calling on the public to help prevent more casualties from homelessness. 

Lorraine McGrath, CEO, said: “If you see someone you are concerned about, please call our freephone in Edinburgh 0808 178 2323 & Glasgow 0800 027 7466. If you can, please consider making a donation to our ‘A Safe Place’ appeal by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/asafeplace” 

The latest warning from Simon Community Scotland follows the release of the Scottish Government 2022/23 Homelessness in Scotland statistics which highlighted that there were 39,006 applications for homelessness across the country, a 9% increase on the previous year. Over 32,000 households were assessed as being homeless, including over 16,000 children. 

New Order fired up their set in full rock mode at Glasgow’s Hydro with the 2001 single Crystal, during a genre-hopping evening the band delivered a sublime Age of Consent.

Stephen Morris proves he’s still the fastest drummer in the West with his mile-a-minute playing during an excellent version of Ceremony. His wife on keyboards, Gillian Gilbert, remains serene and almost motionless throughout the set.

Bernard Sumner playing a Gibson SG moans about the Glasgow weather, suggesting it’s even worse than Manchester but remains on good form and in fine voice. He introduces a dance section of the show that features a show-stealing Vanishing Point from 1989’s classic album Technique.

The pulsating beat and light show, along with Sumner’s voice takes us back to the second summer of love for a few minutes at least. Post-Peter Hook tracks such as Be A Rebel and the Kraftwerkian Plastic prove the band still has plenty of life in them beyond the decade that they helped define. Towards the end of the set crowd-pleasing fixtures and hits, True Faith, Blue Monday and Temptation, are all assisted by stunning graphics and a mesmerising lights hat move the atmosphere up several gears.

For the encore, the band returned to their Joy Division roots while summoning Ian Curtis on the big screen during Decades, Transmission and Love Will Tear Us Apart. Another image of Curtis appears alongside the Campaign Against Living Miserably helpline, a charity to help those in crisis.

It’s a poignant moment.

New Order has faced many struggles but tonight feels like another triumph when you listen to the crowd in raptures, even Sumner seems genuinely thankful and emotional, it was one of those nights.

Evergreen Chris Harris powered to 14 points and a bonus as Glasgow Tigers opened up a 14-point lead over favourites Poole Pirates in the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final, first leg, at Ashfield in the West of Scotland.

Tigers, sponsored by Allied Vehicles, accumulated 52 points with Poole scoring 38. Pirates’ top riders both scored nine points and a bonus, Richard Lawson, a former Glasgow racer, and Steve Worrall who used to ride for Edinburgh Monarchs.

The return leg is in Dorset on Wednesday.

PICTURE: Chris Harris in the pits by Taylor Lanning

The second leg of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League’s winter series will be held on Wednesday night (October 11) and it is a Dunbar Rover which means that anglers can fish their favourite marks.

The boundaries are the toilet block at Belhaven to the toilet block at Whitesands and registration is at Dunbar Harbour from 6pm to 6.30pm.

Fishing is from 7pm to 10pm and secretary James Ogilvie reminded anglers that only sizeable fish should be brought to the scales for the weigh-in.

The scales close at 10.20pm and entry is £10 with prizes for the heaviest bag and the heaviest fish.

Three other matches to note. The Iain Reid two-day memorial match is on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 with registration for both days between 8am and 9am at the end car park at Kirkcaldy Promenade.

Only 50 pegs are being created for the measure and return match and the bait restrictions are lugworm and mackerel.

Entry is £40 and the match is a counter towards the Penn Sea League. Contact Davie Dobbie on 07940 111729 or Alan Combe on 07872 899791 for details and there are prizes for first, second, third, zone and heaviest fish.

The Arbroath Winter Cod Open is on October 28 and registration is at the Victoria Car Park, Arbroath, from 2pm to 2.15pm and fishing from 3pm to 9pm. Boundaries are Carnoustie to Ferryden.

The weigh-in is from 9pm to 10pm and there is a one rod, three-hook maximum. The heaviest cod prize is £250 and other prizes include the three heaviest bags.

Contact Stewart Falconer on 07759 379978 or Allan Saunders on 07387 655760. High tide is 14.40 and low tide 20.37.

Mike and Chris’s Winter Heaviest Cod League incorporates five sweepstakes on Saturday nights in darkness on November 18, December 2, January 13 and 20 and February 3. Boundaries are Carnoustie to Ferryden Lighthouse and entry is £10, Contact Chris on 07872 944807 for details.

PICTUE: Mike Horn with a fine fish. Contributed.

The oldest single malt whisky ever bottled at one of Scotland’s most famous reawakened distilleries, Brora, in Sutherland, fetched £400,000 at a charity auction at Hopetoun House.

The 50-year-old Brora Iris came in a 1.5 litre decanter suspended in a limestone sculpture to resemble the eye of a Scottish Wildcat, the animal emblem of Brora Distillery.

The only one of its kind, the whisky was donated by Diageo, the distillery’s owner, to The Distillers’ One of One Charity Auction at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh.

It was expected to attract bids in excess of £200,000, and was sold to an anonymous bidder for  £400,000 — equivalent to around £10,000 per dram.

The Distillers’ One of One was the second in a biennial series of auctions led by The Distillers’ Charity, the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, in partnership with Sotheby’s.

Proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Distillers’ Charity, principally to the Youth Action Fund dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in Scotland.

The historic single malt was the first 50-year-old and oldest whisky ever released from Brora Distillery, which closed in 1983 and reopened in 2021.

Jonny Fowle, Head of Whisky at Sotheby’s, said it was “a great pleasure” to be able to offer the “one off art piece and incredible whisky” for sale.

He added: “Having tasted it myself, I can say that this is a truly exceptional Brora.”

Brora Distillery, founded in 1819, garnered early acclaim for the quality of its spirit and craftsmanship.

When the stills fell silent in 1983, Brora earned world renown as one of the “lost icons” of the whisky world. Historic bottlings sought out by collectors at auction regularly fetch record sums.

In 2021 distilling recommenced at Brora after the distillery was meticulously restored as part of a major investment by Diageo.

It now welcomes small groups of visitors by appointment only in limited numbers and releases highly sought whisky from its “ghost” stock.

Brora Iris was distilled in 1972 and bottled last year after maturing for five decades.

Brora Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson described it as “a style that has come to define the Brora iconic status”.

The sculpture was hewn from the same limestone that was used to build Brora Distillery, by Scots-based sculptor and artist Michelle De Bruin. It is crowned by a bronze wildcat that doubles as a key to the decanter, cast by leading wildlife sculptor Jonathan Knight.

The winning bidder and new owner of the unique Brora Iris will be invited to explore the reawakened distillery with five guests, guided by distillery host Andrew Flatt through “an exquisite tasting experience”.

Javier Ferrán, Diageo Chairman, said they were “delighted to be able to support The Distiller’s Charity with the donation of Brora Iris” to the auction.

He added: “We look forward to seeing the industry’s contribution benefit the young people and communities that the charity supports across the length and breadth of Scotland.”

It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good and so it proved when Oskar Smykiel, owner of the Elite Warriors martial arts gym in Restalrig, suffered a leg injury which prevented him competing in Thai Boxing with its requirement to land blows by kicking.

Undeterred by the potential setback Polish-born Oskar turned to boxing and despite limited experience enjoyed gold medal success at Scottish Championship level.

That was back in 2017 and now Oskar is looking to use that knowledge in building up his business including by attempting to school a group of 20 Edinburgh University students in just eight weeks so as to be able to compete in a mixed martial arts competition next month.

Oskar said: “We do classes both for beginners and advanced athletes in Muay Thai, kick boxing, wrestling and Brazilian ju jitsu including women and kids.

“The idea is to strike a balance between training those who want to develop skills to competition level and those who simply want to get fitter.

“Martial Arts produces favourable outcomes for the body including benefits like weight management or loss,  achieving a well defined physique enhancing strength and resilience and providing cardiovascular protection.

“Getting the students ready for competition is a special challenge which I am enjoying.”

The Elite Warriors gym opening a year ago and Oskar is looking for help to take it to the next level.

Launching a sponsorship appeal Oskar said: “Our club is home to a community of dedicated fighters, passionate instructors and aspiring martial artists who are determined to reach the pinnacle of their abilities.

“By becoming a sponsor you will enjoy benefits like brand exposure, exclusive access to events (and) the satisfaction of supporting a thriving martial arts community.

Call the club on 07399 250079 to find out more.

OVER 300 runners completed the gruelling Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon on Saturday.

As you may have noticed, the weather conditions were horrendous and so it is testament to all those who completed the 56 mile race.

The race went from Glasgow, through Falkirk and then came into Edinburgh hugging the canes, It ended on the track at Saughton.

The first athlete home was Jarleth McKenna from Tyne Bridge Harriers who competed the course in 6 hrs, 49 mins and 12 secs.

The first woman home was Emily Mills of the UTS Run Club, who came home in 8 hrs and 27 mins.

It was testament to the durability of the athletes that they were able to finish whilst close to 80 runners did not finish.

The Reporter spoke to one athlete who had travelled up from Essex, where she had been enjoying an October heatwave!

Laura Prime of Harlow Running Club finished in a time of 12 hrs and 4 mins.

Laura said: “This was a baptism of fire! I started wet and then I got cold.

“Without my support crew Amanda, I would never have finished.

“Not finishing was never an option but that was so tough.

“I would like to thank the organisers for a brilliant event”.

The full set of results can be found below.

https://my.raceresult.com/185103/results?fbclid=IwAR0GYSSpPb6Aa9v3G1kMERd3H35irMfHRYpiPBJWq2xgtHkffg9Y7MThtok

Charlie Jack scored six goals as Inverleith thrashed Highland Hockey Club 12-1 in the men’s hockey Scottish Cup at The Mary Erskine School.

Inverleith coach Paul Taylor said it was good to win and great to score as many goals after being wasteful in front of goal in Saturday’s Scottish Premiership game at Erskine Stewart’s Melville (ESM) which ended 1-1.

ESM travelled to Aberdeen and dismissed Granite City Wanderers 13-0 in their cup game while Premiership side Uddingston strolled to an 8-1 victory at Dunfermline Carnegie.

RESULTS: Dunfermline Carnegie 1, Uddingston 8; Granite City Wanderers 0, Erskine Stewart’s Melville 13; Inverleith 12, Highland Hockey Club 1.

PICTURE: Action from a recent Scottish Premiership game between Inverleith and The University of Edinburgh by Nigel Duncan

John McLellan

Former Conservative councillor John McLellan will appear before a disciplinary committee today to ascertain if he breached the councillors’ code of conduct.

The hearing will be held in person at Lothian Valuation Joint Board, 17A South Gyle Crescent, EH12 9FL and will begin at 9.30am.

Mr McLellan is also Director of Newsbrands Scotland (formerly the Scottish Newspaper Society, a member of the High Constables and a columnist with the Edinburgh Evening News.

Read more about the complaint against him here.

Bike Buses

Jarlath Flynn is a volunteer who sets up bike buses. His latest is the Tuesday morning bike bus which goes to George Heriot’s reducing the carbon footprint of pupils travelling to school and also allows them to get exercise before and after school.

This new bike bus goes through the Meadows as you can see here. Does anyone know how many there are in Edinburgh now? If you would like to set one up then either contact Jarlath or read the guide here.

We know of bike buses going to Sciennes Primary School, James Gillespie’s Primary School, George Watson’s College (details here), and in a new move to involve students The King’s Building Bike Bus Commute (details here), Canal View Primary School, Davidson’s Mains Primary School. There was one at Blackhall Primary School (does anyone know if it is still operating?) and Prestonfield Primary School is about to start again.

With three or four more about to begin between now and Christmas this activity is booming – a fun way to start the day.

Colinton Community Council

The community council meets tomorrow at 7.30pm in Colinton Bowling Club. The agenda includes the Water of Leith footpath, Dell Bridges and Bridge Road/Spylaw Street and the proposed closure of Juniper Green Primary School.

https://www.colintoncc.org.uk

One of the improvements in the area has been to the Water of Leith Path which has been resurfaced and was officially opened by Patrick Harvie MSP recently. Read more by clicking on the image below.

Half term activities

We have our own list of suggestions for families to get involved in activities during the week long holiday from school which begins on 16 October. Read more here.

Subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter

Our October issue is now published. You may subscribe to receive your own copy by mail by clicking on the image below.

Title-winning boss Stewart Dickson, who spent a number of years at the helm for Glasgow Tigers, will be Berwick Bandits team manager for the 2024 season and he declared: “I’ll be giving my all.”

Dickson (pictured) took over as team boss and co-promoter at Leicester in 2019, masterminding their Premier League play-off victory over Tigers that season.

He remained there when the Midlands club moved into the Premiership two years ago and last season combined the Premiership job with that of team manager at Championship side Birmingham Brummies.

Now, he has been tasked by Berwick co-owners Scott and Jamie Courtney with masterminding the revival of the Borders club after a bitterly disappointing 2023 which saw them finish second bottom in the Championship. He will continue team manager at Leicester.

Steven Dews and Gary Flint will continue as promoters at Shielfield Park with Kevin Little, who along with Scott Courtney shared team management duties for much of last season, will return to his coaching role at the club along with kick-starting the club’s youth progression system alongside Academy boss Colin Easton.

Dickson used to be a regular spectator at Berwick alongside his late father who asked for his ashes to be scattered at his favourite spot on the seafront at Spittal, less than a mile from the Berwick track.

Dickson said: “When we came down to the caravan parks every year (at Spittal) he would also take us to the speedway at Berwick on the Saturday night.

“I’ve known both the Courtney lads a considerable time along with their dad, Mark and uncle, Sean, and have always had a great relationship with them.

“I always knew that I would be involved in Berwick at some point in my career and I can assure the Bandits fans that this appointment is no second choice/best to Leicester. I’ll be giving my all for both clubs.”

Dickson said: “I know the reason they are bringing me in. We have to get away from the foot of the table next season.

“What Scott and Jamie do for the club is unrivalled, but they need someone to manage the team allowing them to concentrate on promoting the club and keeping the ship sailing on race nights and behind the scenes.”

St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Brian McVeigh as its first Group Key Accounts Manager.

Most recently Sales Director with Woodbridge Timber, a leading UK importer and distributor of structural timber, he brings a wealth of experience to the newly-created role having spent 26 years with the firm.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, St Andrews has branches in Livingston and Paisley with a regional sales team covering the country.

The new position will see Brian enhance that area of the business, overseeing national and key accounts for all branches, while he will also be working closely with senior executives as the firm rolls out its strategic growth plans.

“This is a fresh chapter for me and I’m thrilled to be part of the team at St Andrews,” said Brian, who lives in Falkirk. “The way the business has evolved has been very impressive and they are held in the highest regard throughout the industry.

“I am very aware of how well the business has been built up. They have done an amazing job and with my experience from working in the timber and builders merchant industry since the early 1980s, I want to contribute to the future success of the company.”

Ronnie Robinson, managing director of St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies, said: “The industry is so fast-paced now that we see this as a key appointment which will help drive our growth plans for the business.

“Brian is hugely experienced, has been in the trade a long time and therefore has a lot of contacts and we are fortunate to be able to bring in someone of calibre.

“He will be out in the field bringing a more personal touch to our relationships with clients including national construction companies, house builders, timber frame manufacturers, and such like and I’m confident he will be a real asset to us.”

SV Kampong backed up their win over Dutch rivals Bloemendaal with victory over Glasgow-based Western Wildcats to take the last Euro Hockey League FINAL8 ticket on offer from Barcelona despite heroics from the Scottish side’s experienced goalkeeper Gavin Sommerville.

Howeverm the plucky Scots held the Dutchmen to 3-0 at the break. Kampong started well, Jip Janssen dragging home a penalty corner in the second minute then Duco Telgenkamp then made it 2-0, bouncing the ball into the pitch, twisting and turning onto his reverse and then unleashing a rocket of a shot.

Silas Lageman popped in No 3 after 27 minutes and the scoreline stayed the same until half-time, but the Dutch side fired eight in the second half despite finding goalkeeper Sommerville in outstanding form. He made a string of fine stops.

Telgenkamp added another in Q3 with a delicious lift over the sliding Sommerville for 4-0. Time 36 minutes.

Kampong cut loose from the 47th minute. Terrance Pieters, Sander de Wijn and Telgenkamp – for his hat trick – expanded the lead to seven, three goals in two nightmare minutes for the Scots. 

Janssen’s second corner, one from Boet Phijffer goal and Mats Marree brought the total to double figures and then Telgenkamp made the final score 11-0.

Steven Percy, Western’s coach, said: “It was frustrating as we held the score until the final quarter and the last period was a poor reflection of the game.”

PICTURE: flashback to Western v Grange. Picture by Nigel Duncan

NEW FESTIVE VIGOUR AT THE OLD MANOR

Lundin Links Hotel gets ready to celebrate its first Christmas season with a fresh new look 

With a new look to show off in many of its public areas, including the bar and Seaview Restaurant, not to mention many of its bedrooms, the four star Old Manor Hotel at Lundin Links has announced what is happening at Christmas.

Its full and varied schedule of festive events covers festive fayre dining in the Seaview Restaurant, including – brand new for 2023 – Festive Afternoon Teas – which will be available Friday to Sunday throughout December on the run up to the big day. There are also four Christmas Disco Party Nights, plus, to end the year on a high, the Old Manor Hotel Hogmanay Gala Dinner. 

Available from the 1st to the 23^rd December, the festive fayre menu offers two courses at £25, with three courses priced at £35. Starter choices include classic prawn cocktail, deep fried breaded brie and ham hock terrine, with main courses covering traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, puff pastry steak pie, and a grilled fillet of salmon dish. Festive desserts are often the very best part of the meal and at The Old Manor they can choose from classic Christmas pudding with rum and raisin ice-cream, milk chocolate & orange cheesecake, raspberry panna cotta or a mulled wine poached pear.

These delicious festive meals, at a very affordable price point, represent a great opportunity for a sociable get together with family, friends and work colleagues.

Running on the 8^th, 9^th, 15^th and 16^th December at 6.30 for 7pm, the Old Manor Hotel Disco Party Nights are priced at £35 per person, with a DJ and three course meal.

Afternoon Tea has continued to grow in popularity, and The Old Manor’s Festive Afternoon Teas cost just £19.95 per person. Enjoy one in the Seaview Restaurant, or the Lounge. You’ll be served a mouth-watering, freshly prepared selection of sandwiches with fillings including turkey and cranberry, honey roast ham & mustard, and roasted vegetable and mozzarella with sausage rolls, cakes and scones.

Finally, keen to lay on a fabulous night to welcome in the Bells, The Old Manor has pulled out all the stops to lay on its Hogmanay Gala Dinner, which will take place from 7pm for 7.30. Tickets are £85 each. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz and canapes, before sitting down to a sumptuous five course celebration dinner. The night will include entertainment and a piper to pipe in the New Year!

“After many months of hard work, The Old Manor is looking amazing – it’s definitely on the map as a destination for dining!,” said Steven Carleschi, the new Operations Manager.

“We are delighted to reveal the 2023 Festive schedule. We’re confident that everything will be very popular, especially the Festive Afternoon Teas which would make an ideal pre Christmas gift for a loved one. The Gala Hogmanay Dinner will definitely be the type of event the Hotel deserves now that it’s looking so good.”

Steven went on to say that three night residential packages were also available for those wishing to stay from 30^th December.

“What a fabulous three night stay guests could have at this time of the year!  We’ll welcome them with prosecco and Canapes served in the lounge, then a relaxed dinner will be served in the Seaview Restaurant. Enjoy a Hogmanay Breakfast the next morning and have some free time before getting glammed up for the Hogmanay Gala. On New Years Day enjoy a leisurely full Scottish breakfast before perhaps heading out for some fresh air, exploring the pretty coastal villages nearby. You’ll round off your stay with another three course dinner and breakfast again the next morning.”

Prices are from £900, per room, per stay, for a standard double room.

Booking is recommended for all festive events.

Call the Old Manor Hotel on 01333 401000 to book.

www.theoldmanorhotel.co.uk

The first leg of the Cab Direct Championship Grand Final between Glasgow Tigers and Poole Pirates is on Monday, October 9 (7.30pm) as Sunday’s planned staging was postponed due to a waterlogged track at Ashfield. The return fixture is at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

The Dorset club have, however, suffered a blow as key second-string Anders Rowe is ruled out of the first leg as he is struggling after a heavy crash at Scunthorpe just over a fortnight ago.

That left him with concussion and he is unable to race against the Allied Vehicles-backed Tigers at Ashfield and Pirates are set to operate the rider replacement facility.

Promoter Dan Ford said: “It is not a good position to be in, going into the Final a man down. We had hoped to have been welcoming Anders back into the fold after he missed the two meetings against Edinburgh but, sadly, that will not be the case.

“He has contacted me and advised that he is still suffering with signs of concussion that he sustained in that very heavy fall at Scunthorpe and there is no way you can take chances in these circumstances. We remain hopeful that after a prolonged rest period he will be back to full health for Wednesday night.”

PICTURE: Action featuring Tigers. Picture courtesy of Glasgow and taken by Taylor Lanning

Nick Montgomery, Hibs’ manager, told Elie Youan that he would be hooked after ten minutes of the second-half in the Edinburgh Derby if he did not up his game.

The result? The 24-year-old French-born forward grabbed two goals in 83 sensational seconds of the cinch Premiership clash to earn a 2-2 draw against their arch rivals at Tynecastle.

Nantes-born Youan said Hibs always believed they could force their way back into the game and get a result against Hearts and he said: “We are confident the last few games.

“When we conceded the two goals we knew if we stick together and play as we have been doing we would come back in the game and we did.

“The most important thing is the point and my second goal was my most important as a Hibs player as I know how important is at win in the Derby. If you score in the game you are a hero and it was important for me and for the team.

“We made a draw and we take the point. The 11 starters and the substitutes, everybody is involved in the game, and we are like a family, you know, we are confident and we work good during the week of the training.”

He added: “We stay confident in the game and and the gaffer say that we stick together whatever happens.”

He added that even at 2-0 down Hibs still believed and said: “Anything can happen in the game and you can score three goals in five minutes. I scored two goals in, I think, two minutes.

“When we got the second we felt we could get another but we should have done a better first half and if we played the first half like we did in the second then we win the game.”

He revealed that Montgomery spoke to the team and especially to Youan in the dressing-room at the break. The player said: “He (Montgomery) said if I didn’t play in ten minutes I would be off. There was a bit of pressure but I was confident and I know how I play and it was important to show our strength.”

PICTURE: Youan celebrates at Tynecastle. Picture Ian Jacobs

Alan Forrest’s spectacular left-foot strike after 28 minutes lit up dreich Tynecastle on Derby Day and the player now hopes it can boost his chances of a starting slot in the side.

The strike certainly brought the soaked Hearts fans to their feet and also brought praise from Hearts’ head coach Steven Naismith who spotlighted Forrest’s all-round performance in the media briefing post-match.

Indeed, Naismith said the 27-year-old was ‘the best player on the park’ in the pulsating match which was packed with incident and talking points.

Irvine-born Forrest has been a bit-part player for the Jambos having made only two starts and appeared on five occasions as a substitute in the cinch Premiership so far, but he has scored in his last two matches (previously in the 69th minute at Ross County) and has hopefully caught the eye of the boss.

He had mixed feelings after the 2-2 draw, but the player said he had been delighted to score. He said: “It is a hard one (result) to take, but it is a point. I think that has got to my best goal with the strike and the fact that it was in a Derby, it was a perfect goal.

“I am delighted but, as I say, the fact that we never got that win takes the shine off it. It was a good run from Toby (Sibbick) and he has opened up the space. I have come in and I thought right away, I have to hit it. It could have ended up going in the stand but I am right behind it and as soon as I left my boot I had a great feeling.

“Yes, there were a few openings in the game (later) and that’s where the frustration comes in as at 1-0 and 2-0 we could have got that third goal and that would have made it really difficult for them (Hibs) to get back in the game.

“If they get the next goal, and that is what happened, they got one after so it is a bit frustrating that we did not kick on and added more goals.”

Commenting on his situation so far this season, Forrest said it was the same for every player, they want to play regularly in the first team, and he added: “If you get your chance to play in the team you grow in confidence from playing games so I have come into the team today and I contributed where I could.”   

PICTURE: Forrest cuts in and shoots for goal by David Mollison

Celebration time for Alan Forrest after his spectacular left-foot strike. Picture David Mollison

Lawrence Shankland closes in on Jordan Obita of Hibs. Picture David Mollison

Lawrence Shankland at the other end of the pitch celebrating as Hearts hit the net. Picture David Mollison

Lawrence Shankland smiles better after a goal in the Capital Derby. Picture David Mollison