Two of the best known Edinburgh family businesses have collaborated in a sweet new deal.

Mimi’s Bakehouse has several cafés in the capital and Charlie Miller Hairdressing has been tending to the locks of many Edinburgh men and women during the last 50+ years. The two businesses have joined forces to offer bespoke gold mini cupcakes throughout September to hairdressing clients.

The cakes made by award-winning Mimi’s will be discounted to Charlie Miller customers at all four city branches all month long. Both companies will hold a joint social media giveaway featuring a Cut & Colour appointment at Charlie Miller and an Afternoon Tea for Two voucher from Mimi’s Bakehouse.

Charlie Miller salons are heading towards their diamond anniversary as the company which was founded in 1965 by husband and wife team Charlie and Janet Miller in a Prestonfield housing estate continues under the direction of their two sons. Mimi’s was founded by Michelle Philips who sold her family home to start the business in 2010 having dreamed of a bakery which “gives people a hug” when they walk through the door.

Jason and Josh Miller, Managing Directors of Charlie Miller, said: “From classic favourites to modern twists, Mimi’s Bakehouse has baking wonders that tantalise the palette. We’re delighted to be partnering with this fabulous brand to bring our clients this exclusive offer. It’s a fantastic way to thank them for their ongoing custom.” 

Michelle Philips, owner and founder of Mimi’s Bakehouse, said: “Mimi’s Bakehouse is excited to launch this partnership with another Edinburgh heritage brand with a family business story and supporting the local community at its core. By embracing new opportunities like these, we hope to make our family business an institution for generations to come like Charlie Miller.”

Mimi’s Bakehouse has branches at Royal Mile, Corstorphine, the City Art Centre, Comely Bank and Lauriston Castle as well as a concession at Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian.

Charlie Miller has branches at Stafford Street, Stockbridge,Holy Corner and South St David Street.

Edinburgh City Council has called on the Scottish Government to stump up cash needed to fix crumbling school roofs, as councillors fear vital services could face cuts if funding is not provided.

The discovery of ‘bubbly’ concrete experts say is at risk of collapse in the city’s schools, amid a UK-wide crisis, is likely to see the cost of repairs spiralling into many millions.

The council, which is already grappling with a £5.5 million education budget shortfall, said last week reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) had been found in seven schools, and since then an eighth, Lorne Primary School, has been added to the list.

And there could more could follow as building surveys continue across the capital – and the entire country – amid growing concerns for pupils’ safety.

Prior to the UK Government’s decision to shut more than 100 schools in England, prompting panic about the potential scale of the problem, action had already been taken in Edinburgh, where some pupils have been moved into temporary classrooms and parts of buildings deemed unsafe have been shut-off. No schools in the city have been completely closed as of yet.

The estimated cost of remedial work to remove RAAC, a cheaper alternative to standard concrete used to construct roofs, walls and floors between the 1950s and 1990s but has a lifespan of around 30 years, and make schools safe is not yet known.

West Lothian Council has already started repairing its affected buildings, after approving to £10 million fix the ‘historic construction issues’ in February.

Edinburgh councillors passed an emergency motion on Tuesday to officially request funding from The Scottish Government “to be made available to carry out these urgent and necessary safety repairs”.

The council leader is also to write to the UK Government to “strongly lobby for any UK spending to rectify RAAC in English schools to result in Barnett consequentials to be passed to The Scottish Government”.  

The motion passed by the Education Committee said the crisis had resulted in “huge pressure on schools, with learners being displaced, and large parts of some schools being inaccessible for many months to come”. 

It added: “At present, all costs associated with RAAC are unplanned and unbudgeted, including rehousing of pupils, building works and other associated costs, which are creating additional financial pressure on the council.

“Since no additional funding has been provided by the Scottish Government yet, this may result in cuts to other vital areas of council spending to meet the pressure.”

The UK Government has said it will pay for emergency work and funding and longer-term refurbishments for over 600 schools in England.

The Edinburgh sites where RAAC has been identified are: Cramond Primary School, Trinity Primary School, Lorne Primary School, Pentland Primary School, Fox Covert Primary School, St Andrews Fox Covert RC Primary School (one site but two schools), Colinton Primary School, and Currie High School.

by Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Stellar Monarchs star Craig Cook has been suspended for 30 days according to a statement from the Speedway Control Bureau (SCB).

The statement issued on the official website on Wednesday said: “The promotion of Edinburgh Speedway have informed the SCB as from 1st September 2023, Edinburgh rider Craig Cook has been withholding his services and has refused to ride for the Edinburgh club.”

This breaches SCB Regulation 018.2, according to the statement, and it says: “Failure to attend a meeting duly listed on the Official Fixtures List.”

And the short statement added: “Due to this breach, Mr Cook has received a 30-day suspension of his SCB Registration as of the 1st September 2023 and Edinburgh have been granted a facility for the same period.”

Cook, aged 36, (pictured) is based in Whitehaven, Cumbria, and is in his second spell with the Armadale-based club and is a former captain of the squad and an ex-Scottish Open champion as well as being a former Premier League Riders’ Champion and British Champion.

There is a changing of the guard at Tynecastle following the club’s exit from Europe, with the structure reverting back to the one which was in place at the end of last season.

Steven Naismith becomes head coach on a permanent basis with Frankie McAvoy (pictured) returning to the post of assistant coach.

The moves were confirmed by the club’s chief executive officer, Andrew McKinlay, on the club’s official website and he thanked McAvoy for his efforts over the past few months.

McKinlay stressed that McAvoy remains a key member of the coaching team and added: “He is well-liked amongst the players and his experience of top-level football has been invaluable.”

He stressed that it was vital that all the energy was now targeted towards taking the club into the top end of the cinch Premiership with European qualification next season a focus.

Qualification for a third straight season would, he said, be a first for the club.

Naismith said confirmation of the post was a proud moment for him but he stressed that McAvoy, Gordon Forrest and Paul Gallacher, the goalkeeping coach, were a team.

He added: “We work together tirelessly and the announcement does not change that. Job titles have changed but the core of what we’re trying to achieve has not.

“We want to build this team up to play attacking, front-foot football that wins games.”

The First Minister Humza Yousaf was in Craigmillar on Wednesday morning to speak to people who work for and who receive care for themselves or their relatives from Thistle Foundation.

Part of the purpose of the visit was to pledge an increase to £12 an hour for private and voluntary sector staff working in social care and childcare.

Thistle is a charity which offers one-to-one support, wellbeing courses, community groups and supported physical activity to people with a range of life challenges.

The First Minister was accompanied on the visit by Health Secretary Michael Matheson MSP, and both listened to the very personal stories which people shared in small groups sitting in the atrium of the beautiful Thistle building.

The salary uplift could mean an increase of around £2,000 for some staff in April 2024, but Thistle Foundation Chief Executive Mark Hoolahan said that he supports the demand for this to be backdated to April 2023. Mr Hoolahan referred to the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland and their 4 Steps to Fair Work Campaign. He explained that one of the four demands is for a minimum of £12 per hour from 1 April 2023.

The other demands are to ensure equal pay for equal work, to value all staff who play their part and for the government to give them hope of equality.

The Scottish Government is working along with COSLA and local authorities on this commitment and will report back in “the coming months” on the pledge which is based on paying the real Living Wage.

The First Minister said: “Up to 100,000 workers will benefit from this policy. They fulfil a vital role in society, and we are immensely grateful for the contribution they make. Pay and conditions are of great importance in the wellbeing and retention of the social care workforce, and that is why we are committing to make sure staff in these vital services are paid at least £12 per hour.

“Four out of five people who will benefit from this uplift in pay are female. Increasing pay not only helps the workforce in question, but will also help achieve our wider priorities on child poverty, fair work, and post-Covid recovery in the health and care sector.”

NHS Scotland has begun its winter vaccination programme by vaccinating more than 3,500 people in Lothian on the first day, Monday.

Everyone who is eligible has already been sent an invitation to book or attend an appointment for a flu vaccine. This would arrive in a white NHS Scotland envelope or by email or text.

Flu and Covid vaccines will be offered to the most vulnerable and where possible will be delivered at the same appointment. Everyone aged 65 and over will be offered both vaccines now in addition to other groups as set out below.

To prevent the spread of flu and Covid-19, the advice remains to stay home with any respiratory symptoms and to wash hands regularly.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care who oversees the delivery of the winter vaccines programme in Lothian, said:

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and flu this winter. Flu vaccines are available to 50 to 64s, people aged 18 to 49 with an eligible health condition and health and social care workers now.

“There are a variety of clinics across Lothian covering evenings and weekends, and we strongly encourage you to book or attend your appointment when invited. 

“Coming forward as soon as you’re invited will ensure you’re protected and help alleviate pressures on the NHS over the challenging winter months.”

More information can be found at www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

The groups below are eligible for their flu vaccines this winter, with appointments starting from 4 September:

• aged 50 years and over
• aged 18-49 with an eligible flu health condition
• frontline health and social care workers
• carers (including unpaid and young carers)
• Teachers and support staff
• Prison population and prison staff

Those eligible for the childhood and school flu vaccination programme include: 

• All children aged from 6 months to 2 years in clinical risk groups (children must be aged 6 months or above on 1 September 2023)
• All children aged 2-5 years, not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2023)
• All primary school children (primary one to primary seven) at school
• All secondary school pupils (S1 up to and including S6) at school

The flu vaccine is given as a painless nasal spray for children and starts to provide protection within 10-14 days. 

The groups below are eligible for their flu and Covid-19 vaccines this winter:

• Frontline health and social care workers (appointments begin 4 Sept for this group)
• Residents and staff in care homes for older adults 
• Those aged 65 and over
• Those aged 6 months to 64 years of age who are at higher clinical risk from Covid-19 and flu
• Pregnant women 
• Carers aged 16-64 
• Household contacts of those with a weakened immune system aged 12-64

Plymouth Gladiators moved off the bottom of the Cab Direct Championship with a 45-44 win over Berwick Bandits in an eventful clash at the Coliseum.

The Devon-based side left it late as Bandits led by one point going into the last race but home skipper Kyle Howarth took the win over Berwick’s star man Rory Schlein (pictured after winning the Scottish Open) with guest Joe Thompson in a crucial third place over Jye Etheridge.

Howarth scored 13 from five rides for the Gladiators whilst James Pearson notched a vital 13 plus one bonus from seven races at reserve. Schlein, a former Edinburgh Monarchs star, scored 13 and Etheridge added 12 plus two bonus for the visitors.

The defeat sees the Borders club take over from Plymouth at the bottom of the nine-strong league.

Stevie Grubb said he was “not displeased” with his Grange hockey squad after their 4-4 draw with The University of Edinburgh in their first pre-season outing at Fettes College.

And the coach, who guided Grange to the Scottish Premiership title last season, declared: “I now know areas we need to work on.”

Grubb added: “It was a slow start from us (in the game) but we played our way back in. It was 3-0 for the students by half-time but we got it back to 4-3 with a few minutes to go before the game ended 4-4. For our first game as a squad this year I was not displeased.”

His opposite number, Hamish Imrie, takes his University of Edinburgh men to Durham this weekend for a two-game challenge boosted by a good performance from his new-look combine in the challenge against Scottish Premiership champions.

It was the students’ first outing and they led 3-0 before but the game eventually ended 4-4 and Imrie said: “It was a good, competitive game but this is still early in the pre-season.

“There were, however, a lot of positives to take out of the fixture and we head for Durham on Friday for another good challenge.”

PICTURE: Stevie Grubb on a cold day last season. Picture by Nigel Duncan

Riding of the Marches 2023

The organisers of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches which takes place on Sunday have issued a notice about the possible vantage points where spectators might want to gather to see the horses and riders passing by.

SPECTATOR VANTAGE POINTS
EDINBURGH RIDING OF THE MARCHES – Sunday 10 September 2023
If you or members of your family or friends wish to follow the 2023 Riding of the Marches in Edinburgh, some recommended vantage points can be found below.
👉Please note that all timings are approximate and there may be slight changes due to weather conditions or other issues out with our control.

❗️Spectators are requested not to venture into fields on the ride route and must at all times follow directions of ground marshals and observe parking regulations where they are in existence. Please take care not to impede the progress of the ride and support vehicles.
o The ride commences from ‘The Caravan Park’ 642 Old Dalkeith Rd, EH16 4SL within the Drum Estate. Please note that only equine vehicles may park within ‘The Caravan Park’.
o The ride will commence at 0930hrs SHARP.
o Drum Estate Canters can be viewed from Gilmerton Road near to Bernard Hunter’s Yard between 0930hrs and 0950hrs.
o The ride will proceed north on Lasswade road at 1000hrs.
o The ride will proceed along Captains Road between 1020hrs and 1025hrs. This is a good opportunity to view the full cavalcade.
o The ride will enter Mortonhall Estate at 1100hrs and will exit at 1125hrs. Canters here can be viewed from the cottages at Broomhills Road within the Estate.
o Final Drum Estate Canters can be viewed at 1200hrs – 1215hrs from within the Drum Estate.
o The lunch stop will take place at ‘The Caravan Park’ between 1215hrs and 1335hrs, at the conclusion of which, the ride will make its way out of the Drum onto Old Dalkeith Road at 1400hrs.
o It should also be noted that if spectators wish to see the ride on the Royal Mile, they should consider making their way there around this time.
o Entertainment begins on the Royal Mile at approximately 1230hrs.
o The ride enters Craigmillar Castle Park at 1430hrs. This section takes place between 1432hrs and 1440hrs and should be an excellent spectator vantage point. This section is new and should provide an interesting turn to the afternoon! Please note that vehicles CANNOT STOP on Craigmillar Castle Road.
o The ride will approach Duddingston at Old Church Lane at 1505hrs before commencing through Holyrood Park.
o George Watsons Pipe Band will form-up at the Broad Pavement car park at 1515hrs to await the cavalcade.
o The ride will fall-in behind George Watsons at 1540hrs between Parliament and Holyrood Palace.
o The cavalcade up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross takes place between 1545hrs and 1555hrs.
o The Cavalcade comes to a halt at the Mercat Cross at 1556hrs and the Captain and Lass take part in the return of the flag ceremony before the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and the assembled riders and spectators. This ceremony should take approximately ten minutes before the ride moves off up The Royal Mile, Johnston Terrace, Lady Lawson Street, West Port and into Grassmarket, where the ride concludes in King’s Stables Road at 1644hrs.

Score Scotland

The charity Score Scotland is setting up a new venture for young Arabic speakers aged 12 to 16 who want to improve their English and communication and social integration skills. Workshops will be run online and in addition there will be monthly and quarterly in person family cultural events.

This will be a way of sharing culture while also learning about Scottish culture and heritage.

For more information email info@scorescotland.org.uk

Calling all drama queens

Fierce Theatre Schools are holding an open day and auditions this weekend and everyone aged 11 to 16 years who wants to have a stage career is welcome.

Drew Gowland who founded the drama academy with his partner Murray Grant explained his own story of becoming an actor, fighting against the stigma of being gay and also against school teachers who told him that he could not do it. Both men are adamant that nothing will prevent young people progressing in a theatrical career simply because of lack of money.

Read more here

Every Friday

At Gracemount Mansion Gardens every Friday from 12.30pm there is a free community meal on offer. Everyone is welcomed to the meal by Transition Edinburgh South. Just turn up and join in.

Our September issue

Our September newspaper is freshly published and on the streets of the capital.

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who are taking riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches while inside we take up the story of Larah Bross and her chain of bagel shops which employ around 70 people in the city – some of which are now temporarily closed.

One of Scotland’s foremost insolvency experts has been appointed interim liquidator of debt-laden sandwich group Bross Bagels.

Blair Nimmo, formerly of one of the Big Four professional services practices KPMG, will attempt to scrape up the crumbs for creditors of the failed company which served up more than £1.2 million in debts.

Mr Nimmo, head of restructuring and insolvency experts Interpath Advisory, and his colleague Alistair McAlinden, were appointed joint interim liquidators of Bross Bagels Limited on 29 August and the firm’s registered office in Portobello is now listed as c/o Interpath Limited, St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

Following the appointment of the liquidator, Bross Bagels directors Larah Bross and Marc Millar no longer have control of the company or anything it owns, cannot act on or behalf of the company, and must hand over the company’s assets, records and paperwork.

The Edinburgh Reporter understands Bross Bagels submitted a liquidation petition to Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 3 August because the company could not pay its debts as they fell due and the business ceased to trade before the appointment of Interpath.

One financial expert told The Edinburgh Reporter: “It has been puzzling as to why it has taken so long for a liquidator to be officially appointed but Blair Nimmo is no slouch and their investigation into the company’s affairs will be robust. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.”

Alistair McAlinden, head of Interpath Advisory in Scotland and Interim Liquidator, said: “Following our appointment, we are taking steps to assess the financial position of the Company, ingather information on its assets and liabilities, and effect an orderly wind-down of the Company. We will shortly make contact with the Company’s creditors to advise them on the liquidation process.”

A joint investigation by The Edinburgh Reporter/The Edinburgh Guardian previously revealed Bross Bagels were due His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) debts of £228,00 in National Insurance, £225,000 in PAYE and outstanding VAT payments of £173,000.

Other creditors included suppliers who are due an estimated £145,000, staff wages of £39,000 and we also revealed that more than £3,100 in Student Loan Deductions – collected from the salaries of staff who have student loans – remained outstanding to HMRC. The company was also due £62,000 by Larah Bross and Marc Millar for sums which had been withdrawn from the business as “director’s loans”.

As self-publicist Larah Bross enjoyed a family holiday in her homeland Canada in July, it was becoming apparent there was a large hole in the accounts of her business which traded on the catchphrase “FILL YOUR HOLE””.

A letter from HMRC dated 13 July warned that if a £574,000 debt was not paid by 3 August the company would be wound up. On 14 July Ms Bross, who dubs herself “Mama Bross”, set up a new company Hot Mama Bagels Limited in which she is listed as the sole shareholder,

Hot Mama Bagels are currently recruiting for part-time, full-time and permanent “Team Members” who will be paid between up to £11.42 per hour to promote “the culture of Hot Mama Bagels and acts as a brand ambassador” for an “ever growing company”.

Larah Bross founded Bross Bagels in 2017 in Portobello, quickly building up a cult following and opened branches across Edinburgh, including in Stockbridge and Bruntsfield, and culminating in the opening in 2021 of a flagship “deli” at the St James Quarter.

In October 2020 and again in September 2022 Bross Bagels launched a “Share Holer” crowdfunding initiative, ostensibly to help grow the business. Each £1,000 contributor would receive £100 per year in bagel vouchers and VIP event invites, with their money returnable after a four year period.

The list of creditors shows that more than £166,000 is attributed to Crowd Funding, but as “unsecured obligations” of the company it seems unlikely those crowd funding supporters will be unable to recoup their investment from the liquidation proceeds.

Creditors can find more information, including details on how to submit a claim on the dedicated Interpath portal here.

• Were you a supplier of Bross Bagels or a recent or current member of staff? Get in touch with The Edinburgh Reporter.

Meet Hugo, a handsome one-year-old Border Collie brimming with boundless energy and a zest for life who needs a new home.

This energetic young dog is always on the move, always eager to explore the great outdoors and indulge in his love of exploration. As a friendly lad who can live with children aged 14 and above, Hugo can say hello to other polite dogs when out and about, but he would like to be the only pet in the home.

Hugo’s heart belongs to the countryside, and he’s at his happiest when engaged in one-on-one training sessions or in gameplay, so he’d be the ideal companion for active owners who relish in the company of high-energy breeds and are ready to keep both his body and mind engaged by continuing his training.

Friendliness comes naturally to Hugo, as he happily greets everyone he encounters and effortlessly makes new friends wherever he goes. Despite his high energy levels, Hugo gravitates towards a calmer and more routine-oriented lifestyle when at home. He yearns for a tranquil space to call his own, ideally situated near green areas, where he can enjoy quiet and peaceful walks, as he can become worried around cars, traffic, or noisy environments.

Off-lead play is a must for Hugo, and a spacious garden filled with toys is his dream come true. It’s the perfect place for him to practice his training skills and engage in joyful zoomies.

If you think you could provide a home for Hugo or any of the 40 dogs currently available for rehoming, please contact the West Calder Rehoming Centre on 01506 873459. You can also follow Dogs Trust West Calder on Twitter @DT_WestCalder & Instagram @dogstrust_westcalder.

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

The rehoming centre is also recruiting new volunteers for a variety of roles. Anyone interested in volunteering should email Volunteer Coordinator, Garry Lee at Garry.Lee@dogstrust.org.uk

The response to the First Minister’s first Programme for Government is mixed, but broadly positive from the comments we have found.

There are a few caveats sprinkled among them, and one criticism is that this is a missed opportunity.

The programme which Humza Yousaf announced to The Scottish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon was billed by The Scottish Government as one which will tackle poverty and economic growth.

Debate about the programme will continue in the chamber on Wednesday.

Meantime the First Minister has written to all Cabinet Secretaries making sure that they all individually recognise their roles in achieving the aims of the programme. The letters are very similar and each one can be read here.

The comments include these:

INDEPENDENT AGE

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Today is a missed opportunity to help the 150,000 older people living in poverty across Scotland. Alarmingly, this figure has risen by 25% in the last decade alone, with the ongoing costs crisis squeezing the budgets of those in later life to breaking point. The First Minister should have used today’s Programme for Government to announce a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty and reverse this frightening trend. 

“None of us dream of a later life where, because of the cost, we risk falls by not turning on the lights or are forced to skip meals, yet this is now a reality for 1 in 7 older people. With over 3 in 5 over 65s on a low income currently cutting their food spending, and almost 3 in 4 reducing their heating, they’re terrified for the winter to come.  

“The Scottish Government should reconsider this glaring omission from today’s announcement and urgently announce a plan to reduce financial hardship in later life. They’ve said that tackling poverty is a key priority – older people must not be forgotten in this.” 

FOOD AND DRINK FEDERATION SCOTLAND

Food and Drink Federation Scotland’s Chief Executive Officer, David Thomson, said: “It has been a challenging few years for Scotland’s vital food and drink manufacturers. The Scottish Government must work with us to ensure our industry thrives in Scotland’s transition to a Wellbeing Economy.

“It is positive to see the First Minister’s commitment to work with Scottish businesses to remove regulations that are no longer required and to ensure that they are involved at the earliest stage of policy development.

“The establishment of a Small Business Unit is welcome. It is vital that our food and drink manufacturers – of which 95% are SMEs – are represented in this work to ensure their views are heard.

“The way in which new laws and policies are made over the next year will be a real test to whether the relationship between Scottish Government and business has strengthened.”

REFORM SCOTLAND

Alison Payne, Research Director of Reform Scotland, a public policy institute working to promote increased economic prosperity said: “There are some positive steps and measures to feel optimistic about in today’s statement. The apparent recognition that economic growth underpins better public services and other government expenditure, and the First Minister’s desire to inject more flexibility into the currently rather rigid childcare provision were both welcome, and we look forward to contributing to those agendas as they progress.

“Furthermore, the First Minister’s forthcoming request for the UK Government to devolve Corporation Tax is something which we enthusiastically support.
“However, the Programme was not without its frustrations. Empowering local authorities to levy a premium council tax on second homes is a move towards decentralisation, but a more fundamental devolution of local taxation is the only logical and acceptable end-point. Tinkering with council tax is just that – tinkering.

“Unfortunately, detail on the critical policy areas of energy, health and schools was severely lacking.

“So whilst the statement was largely encouraging, it was also largely vague, and we look forward to the First Minister and his team placing more flesh on the bones in the coming weeks and months.”

SCVO

Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (SCVO) Chief Executive, said: “The First Minister has today set out a Programme for Government (PfG) which outlines priorities for Scotland which voluntary organisations working in and for communities have welcomed. While the PfG recognises the contribution voluntary organisations make across different portfolios, it doesn’t move far or fast enough to address fundamental changes to the operating environment that would recognise the vital role of Scotland’s voluntary sector in delivering on government priorities. 

“Today’s PfG restates the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding for the voluntary sector, which we welcome. The Scottish Government’s current poor grant-making practice makes the focus on improving the clarity and consistency of existing approaches very important, but we must continue to work together to support the sector to be financially sustainable.  To secure the future of the invaluable work our sector delivers, we must not only address disappointing practice, but also implement the longer-term improvements that are so desperately needed. 

“We can’t forget that an on-paper commitment to Fairer Funding was made by ministers earlier this year. It is disappointing that progress on this commitment has been so slow. Today’s announcement commits to developing a plan, when urgent action is needed. Our long-term work on Fair Funding provides clear recommendations, based on the sector’s experiences, and a clear blueprint for next steps. 

“The PfG’s firm commitment to taking forward a wider review of charity law is also welcome, particularly the commitment to work alongside the sector. It is important that the review is comprehensive and independent and doesn’t shy away from fundamental issues. We need a holistic approach to regulating the voluntary sector that supports the role of modern charities. 

“With charities experiencing growing frustration at the funding relationship with Scottish Government and the impact this is having on organisations, staff, volunteers, and the services and support they offer, we had hoped for more action and urgency. The steps outlined will move us in the right direction, albeit slowly, and we will of course work with the Scottish Government to ensure that they do so in the ways that make the biggest difference to voluntary organisations across Scotland, supporting the invaluable contribution they make to Scotland’s economy and society.”

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS

A spokesperson for the National Union of Students said: “This Programme for Government includes many positive steps forward for students…We again welcome the scrapping of peak time rail fares, especially as a fifth of students have missed class because of the cost of public transport… We are also delighted with the Government’s announcement that part-time and flexible students will receive increased parity in financial support when compared to full-time students…We strongly welcome the introduction of long-term rent controls and increased rights for renters, as this will benefit the thousands of students renting in the private rental sector.” 

THE TRUSSELL TRUST

A spokesperson for The Trussell Trust Scotland said: “We’re delighted to hear @HumzaYousaf urge the UK Govt to deliver an Essentials Guarantee. Our social security system should always provide enough money for people to afford #OurEssentials #PfG. By endorsing the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee, the Scottish Government has shown the ambition for ending the need for food banks that we want to see replicated in Westminster” 

ASH SCOTLAND

Sheila Duffy, ASH Scotland:  “We welcome today’s Programme for Government announcement by the First Minister, @HumzaYousaf, that a consultation on banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes will be carried out by the Scottish Government.”

SCDI

A spokesperson for the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) said: “We support the focus on creating a wellbeing economy, on economic growth and the investment in childcare which is key to enabling more people to access meaningful work…Implementation of the new deal for business recommendations will contribute to regaining the trust of Scottish businesses and strengthen the partnerships needed to unlock sustainable and inclusive growth.”

ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND

A number of the announcements today will have a positive impact for single parent families, however in other areas the Scottish Government could have gone further and One Parent Families Scotland say they will continue to urge them to do so.

Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications at One Parent Families Scotland Marion Davis said:“We welcome the strong focus in the programme for government on the importance of tackling poverty, which we know impacts disproportionately on single parents and their children.

“We are pleased that social security benefits including Scottish Child Payment will increase in line with inflation and that the government will continue to invest in reaching more families with the Scottish Child Payment.

“However, it is a matter of urgency that this be increased to at least £30 and ultimately by £40 within this parliament if the government is to meet its targets on reducing child poverty and provide much needed support to families struggling with the cost of life’s basic essentials. 

“Alongside this, we and many organisations supporting children and families in Scotland continue to call on the government to provide targeted top-ups through the Scottish Child Payment to reduce the harms of unfair UK Government policies such as the lower rate of Universal Credit for under 25s and the two-child limit.

“It is encouraging that the government will invest in testing approaches to childcare from nine months throughout primary within six local areas and will expand access to childcare for two-year-olds. Increased investment in flexible, affordable, high-quality childcare is vital for single parents.

“However, this progress must be accelerated, and we would call on the government to provide clear commitments on timescales for rolling out these expansions across Scotland. Action is urgently needed to create a system of funded school-age childcare, with qualified staff, whilst committing to the ambition of up to 50 hours of early years childcare.

“We also strongly welcome the commitment to improving the wages of workers in the sector which is currently undervalued and predominantly female, this investment will be vital for gender equality, for giving children the best start in life, and for supporting an essential part of the Scottish economy.

“We were disappointed that other key actions which could have helped reduce inequality in Scotland were not announced, including fairer taxation to address the increased cost of living and climate crisis which is supported by the public and even by many millionaires.

“Furthermore, the government’s commitment to expand free school meals to primary six and sevens has been delayed until 2026. At a time when so many families are struggling to get by, this is a delay that many can ill afford.

“Overall, despite steps in the right direction and a positive understanding of the importance of supporting children and families, this is a programme of government which could – and should –  have gone much further in recognition of the bleak situation facing too many families today.”

UNISON

UNISON’s Scottish secretary, Lilian Macer said: “Public service workers will feel left behind in today’s programme for government. 

“Our public services are in crisis and the staff delivering them are burnt out. We have a staffing crisis in the NHS with the longest waiting lists in generations; schools and colleges face impending industrial action; and there is unprecedented pressure on social services due to continual underfunding of local government. Our emergency services face huge budget pressures with fire stations facing cuts, a crisis in ambulance waiting times and job freezes in Police Scotland.

“We had hoped for more from the First Minister programme today, it does little to meet the big challenges facing Scotland’s public services.”

Short-term let owners and operators gathered in Edinburgh on Tuesday to rally against new rules they say will “wipe out” the sector and destroy businesses.

The demonstration took place less than a month before new legislation which will require all holiday lets to be licensed – and have planning permission if an entire property is being used – comes into force.

Pressure from within the tourism industry to seek another pause to the scheme has grown over recent weeks as the 1 October deadline by which time applications must be lodged with local authorities edges closer. Last week a cross-party group of 37 MSPs joined calls urging Humza Yousaf to announce another delay, however this was quickly ruled out by the First Minister. The National newspaper reported that a third of those MSPs who signed the letter “have interests in the housing and rental sector”.

“Save Scottish jobs” was chanted by the angry crowd on Tuesday as those affected by the regulations held placards with phrases including ‘destroying us will not fix the housing crisis’ and ‘are you a pogrom parliament?’

Linda McDonald-Brown, who manages 15 Short Term Lets (STLs) in Edinburgh and East Lothian through her business Edinburgh Concierge Company, said she hadn’t yet submitted licensing applications but would do so by the end of the month.

As of last week, only 278 had applied in Edinburgh.

Ms McDonald-Brown said she expected there to be “a flurry at the end of the month”.

She said: “I think the council are going to go ‘whoa’. They don’t have the resources and I think they want to backtrack but they can’t.

“Everything I own, my house and everything like that is totally built on my company.”

However she said the council “are not giving licences” and that the real intention behind the legislation is to “destroy the industry”.

She added: “They are literally banning people – they just want us gone.

“I don’t think we ought to have planning in place, definitely not. They ought to just go for the licensing because many of us have been going for years so we don’t need planning for a change of use.”

Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan said 6,323 applications for the scheme had been made across the country, claiming just over half have been issued with a licence “but none have been refused”.

He said: “Over the last decade, the short-term sector has grown significantly and changed the nature which has brought economic benefits but also raised concerns about consistency of quality and the impact on local communities.

“Following to public consultations and independent researchers, Parliament passed licensing legislation in January 2022.

“All existing properties will need to have their application in before 1 October to continue trading, having had 20 months to apply.”

Debbie Klein, who owns one holiday let in Edinburgh, said she would be likely to get planning approval as she had run the property as holiday accommodation for over 10 years, but attended the protest “for everybody that isn’t in my position”.

She said: “This is unfair. I am a single parent with three boys. I downsized my own house in order to fund a short-term let in Edinburgh – my boys went without at the time in order for me to build up this business.

“The word pogrom means to destroy, to wreak havoc upon and to violently demolish.

“It’s often associated with the Nazis and their treatment of the Jews, but if you look at the actual definition of the word, that is what they are doing to this sector.

“They are the parliament of pogroms. That is how I feel.

“Even if I wasn’t a host, I would be here for my right to choice for my holiday and for everybody else’s holiday.

“These are not second properties that sit empty for most of the year, these are businesses.

“My house was a product of right to buy from Margaret Thatcher which decimated our social housing stock.

“Every single council in the whole of the UK promised they would rebuild on the back of the money they made on that. They did not do that. It is not my problem, it is not anyone else’s problem here to solve their housing problem.

“This is my pension, selling it is not a pension. And I will not sell.”

Ms Klein said it took her “days” to get through the planning process.

“It’s extremely, extremely stressful,” she added. “I have filled out the licensing but have not submitted it yet, I’ll be hanging back to see what happens here because I feel as though there should be changes made.”

Mr McLennan recognised short-term let accommodation was “vital to Scotland’s tourism sector and wider economy” and said the regulations “aim to protect the reputation of responsible operators and ensure the sector is regulated in line with other accommodation such as hotels and caravan parks”.

He said councils were “working pragmatically to support new licensees through the application process”.

However property manager David Nicoll, who oversees 14 STLs in Edinburgh including one he owns, complained there was “no clear guidance” for operators who want to share their home with guests for part of the year and let it out entirely for the rest.

Mr Nicoll, 52, said: “I’ve asked many different people and they can’t give me a specific answer as to how many days they need to reside in the property and how many days they can let it out.

He said his clients were “spending a lot of money to potentially fall flat on their face” and there was a “good chance” every single one will leave the sector if the legislation is not changed.

He said: “Some [properties] are being sold, some are going onto the long-term rental market – there’s a mixture. Some owners haven’t decided so they may sit empty until they see what the landscape is, because it seems to be constantly changing.”

Sheila Averbuch, who owns and runs several holiday lets in the capital alongside her husband Ralph who was a party to the recent Judicial Review, said the new rules imposed on the sector had had a “horrendous” impact on her mental health.

She said: “I’m not sleeping, my husband is not sleeping.

“We have a couple of self-catering properties in the New Town and the Old Town. These are not places that people would want to have domestic housing – this is prime downtown tourist Scotland.

“As far as I’m concerned, there’s only question to be asked which is does The Scottish Government want to remove self-catering as an option for people to stay in Edinburgh or have a family holiday in Scotland?

“Unless they pause this legislation and talk to us we have to conclude that’s what they want – they want to wipe out this sector.

“We have not yet applied, we did apply for something called a certificate of lawfulness and we got those but that was a very expensive, lengthy, confusing process.

“We are afraid to apply for a licence because 98 per cent of people are being refused.

“Anybody who tells you this regulation is about health and safety are lying. This is not regulation, this is decimation of the sector.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Top performing arts students take centre stage at graduation ceremony

One of Scotland’s leading performing arts schools is celebrating its latest cohort of aspiring performers.

MGA Academy marked the achievements of its 2023 graduating class in a ceremony held at Mansfield Traquair. The event saw the graduates joined by their families, faculty and friends as they celebrated their achievements.

This year’s graduating class of 66 students successfully completed rigorous training to attain BA (Hons) Degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance for Commercial Performance.

Renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional training in the performing arts, MGA nurtures young talents, and prepares them for promising careers in the entertainment industry.

The school is Scotland’s only fully accredited performing arts college, holding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD) certifications.

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of The MGA Academy said: “Graduation marks the beginning of an exciting journey for all our graduates as they step into the professional world of performing arts.

“We are immensely proud of each one of our graduating students and their outstanding achievements during their time at The MGA Academy.

“Their hard work and dedication have been evident in every performance and project they’ve undertaken during their time at the academy. We have no doubt that they will go on to make a positive impact in the world of performing arts.

“This year’s graduating class marks the end of an era as this will be the final cohort who will graduate from our Balgreen Campus as we move to our new headquarters in Livingston.”

The Livingston campus is set to welcome its first intake of students in September, marking the beginning of a new era for The MGA Academy.

The move to the purpose-built 30,000 sq ft campus will allow the centre to triple its student intake to more than 500 and to extend its educational programme to 11 BA degrees, two post-graduate Masters degrees, and strengthen foundation courses.

It will retain its footprint in Edinburgh, with its existing Balgreen campus becoming a dedicated hub for junior age groups between 4 and 18, with Livingston the focus for college, degree level and postgrad students.

To read more about the talented students at the MGA academy of Performing Arts, please visit their website here: The MGA Academy of Performing Arts

The weather on Tuesday continued to be bright and sunny and many people in Bruntsfield took to the Links to sunbathe or play.

Stellar Monarchs race three home matches at Armadale this week to end their regular season in the Cab Direct Championship and, in the process, hope to clinch sixth place and guarantee a slot in the Championship play-offs.

Current league pace-setters, Poole Pirates, visit on Wednesday (7.30pm) and Monarchs then host a double-header with bottom club Plymouth Gladiators and Birmingham Brummies, who are seventh, on Friday starting at 7pm.

Sixth-placed Monarchs closest play-off rivals are Birmingham and Plymouth and there are several other relevant matches this week before the deadline on Sunday night.

Monarchs’ No 1 Craig Cook (pictured) misses out and Richard Lawson has been booked to guest in Friday’s double-header but the guest for Wednesday has still to be confirmed.

Lasse Fredriksen returns after breaking a wrist and this means that his injury replacement, Max Clegg, drops out.

Bastian Borke will miss Wednesday’s match as his presence is required by his Danish club in what is Denmark’s agreed race night. Jacob Hook stands in.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ team manager, said: “We never go into any match at home to do anything other than win the match but, obviously, Poole will be a hard fixture.

“Whatever happens in that, we must win the matches in Friday’s double-header and we are certainly not underestimating our opponents in that one.”

Wednesday and Friday’s matches will both be live streamed for those who cannot attend and details are on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

STELLAR MONARCHS: Guest or rider replacement for Craig Cook, Lasse Fredriksen, Kye Thomson, Paco Castagna, Josh Pickering (captain), Mason Watson (guest), Jacob Hook (guest).

WESSEX MARINE PIRATES: Richard Lawson, Anders Rowe, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Steve Worrall (captain), Kyle Newman, Joe Thompson.

The First Minister was on his feet for just over half an hour on Tuesday afternoon introducing his first Programme for Government.

At the end of that opposition party leaders including Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservatives Leader, Anas Sarwar leader of Scottish Labour and Alex Cole Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats responded to the statement which they had already had sight of.

The government billed the new programme for legislation as a way of reducing poverty, delivering growth, tackling climate change and providing high quality public services.

The year long programme includes the following:

• expanding access to funded childcare from nine months
• paying social care workers in a direct care role and frontline staff providing funded early learning and childcare in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector, at least £12 an hour from April 
• speeding up renewable energy projects with a new deal for the onshore wind industry
• delivering a new £15 million support package to unleash entrepreneurial talent 
• expanding free school meals in primary schools

The programme includes 14 new bills which will be added to the 11 already before parliament.

Other headlines include a pilot scheme to remove peak-time fares on Scotrail to make rail travel more accessible and affordable and also a ban on single use vapes.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government will always be on the side of the people we serve. Scotland is – certainly should be – a land of opportunity, but I know it doesn’t always feel like that to people bearing the brunt of the UK Government cost-of-living crisis, to families living in the poverty, to struggling businesses, to those who still face consequences of discrimination and inequality. I get that.

“This Programme is an opportunity to be explicit about the driving mission of this government. So let me make it abundantly clear, we are a government who will maximise every lever at our disposal to tackle the scourge of poverty in our country.

“But let me be equally clear, we also need to support economic growth. Not for its own sake but so we can tackle poverty and improve our public services. And we will be unapologetic in taking the action necessary to ensure a sustainable future for our children and planet.

“The unfortunate reality is that the Scottish Government is currently operating with one hand tied behind our back. In the last five years we have spent more than £700 million in countering the impact of UK Government welfare cuts alone.

“That’s why this government will never stop believing that decisions about Scotland should not be made by a government based in Westminster, but by the people of Scotland. In proposing the case for independence we will set out a positive vision for Scotland’s future.

“Scotland’s economy already performs better than most parts of the UK, we have world-class universities and colleges, and significant strengths and potential in many of the key economic sectors of the future. Today’s Programme for Government sets out how we will build on these strengths, to make people’s lives better.

“In the year ahead, we will support more than 300,000 children with more than £1,000 a year through the Scottish Child payment. We will expand the availability of high quality childcare – providing funding in six early adopter local authority areas to offer increased access to childcare from nine months through to the end of primary school. And we will invest in raising the pay of childcare and social care staff.

“We will also safeguard the rights of tenants, promote payment of the living wage, and provide help for disabled people with complex needs, so that they can live independent lives.

“We will do all of this – first and foremost because it is the right thing to do. And also, as I know well from my own family history, because providing people with support and security helps them to contribute to society and to create opportunities for others. This Programme for Government shows how we will make progress towards a fairer, wealthier and greener Scotland.”

Scottish Conservatives

The Scottish Conservatives said that Humza Yousaf is a poor Nicola Sturgeon tribute act indicating that there is not much which has changed even with the change of leader six months ago.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Humza Yousaf could have come to Parliament and offered Scotland a fresh approach by focusing on the big challenges we all face, not the political obsessions of the SNP.

“He could have been the First Minister and not the First Activist.

“Yet instead he has decided to follow in the footsteps of his disgraced predecessor.

“All Humza Yousaf can offer Scotland is a poor Nicola Sturgeon tribute act.

“He’s still diverting public money towards campaigning for independence when families are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.

“At next year’s General Election, the Scottish people have the chance to make the SNP pay the price for this and their other numerous failures in office – and in swathes of seats across Scotland it’s only the Scottish Conservatives who can unseat them.

“Humza Yousaf’s toxic alliance with the extremist Greens makes a mockery of his claim today to be on the side of business.

“After abandoning North Sea oil and gas, failing to pass on the rates relief available south of the border, and making Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK, it’s amazing he kept a straight face.

“Just today we’ve seen a demonstration outside parliament against his plans to decimate the short-term letting industry, while his statement contained no timetable on dualling the A9 and only a passing mention of the SNP’s ferries scandal.

“Against this background, it’s little wonder just nine per cent of Scottish businesses believe Humza Yousaf’s government understands them.

“While the scandal-ridden SNP are distracted by their internal civil war, the Scottish Conservatives will focus on Scotland’s real priorities – the global cost-of-living crisis, unacceptable NHS waiting times and economic growth.”

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The Energy Saving Trust Foundation has opened its next grant round in conjunction with Airbnb offering grants of up to £40,000 over two years for projects taking action on the climate emergency.

UK charities and organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the north of England, (which must have an annual income of under £1 million) facilitating these projects are now invited to apply.

Jim Metcalfe, chair of the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s board of trustees, said: “We want young people to feel more confident about taking action to address the climate emergency and making their voices heard. We encourage organisations to think creatively and embrace new approaches to make climate change relevant, accessible, and engaging to young minds.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “Airbnb is committed to helping Hosts and their communities become more sustainable, and we know many young people share this goal of a greener future. We are proud to extend our support to organisations across the UK that inspire young people to drive change in their communities and help tackle the climate emergency.”

The deadline for applications is 27 October 2023.

Application forms and more information can be found online: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/about-us/our-corporate-social-responsibility/the-foundation/apply-for-a-grant/

The RNLI has reminded everyone that it is essential to stay safe during the spell of hot weather.

Lifeguards remain in place at Coldingham Bay and at Silver Sands on weekends only for a large part of this month before standing down for the winter.

Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, Michael Avril said: “With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast.

“The peak season has now finished for RNLI lifeguards in Scotland, with our current lifeguard service only available at Silver Sands in Aberdour and Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders on the weekends, so we’re asking people to continue to take care and be aware of the dangers. Even though we’re experiencing warmer weather, it’s important to remember that the water is still significantly colder than the temperature outside.

“If you are planning on swimming at a lifeguarded beach, we highly recommend you swim between the red and yellow flags as this is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.

“If you can, swim with others and stay close together. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.

“If you see someone in difficulty on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Only last weekend beachgoers, and in particular those on stand up paddle boards at Coldingham Bay kept the RNLI busy. The lifeguards entered the water three times to bring people back to safety.

Senior Lifeguard Rose McTavish said: “In an offshore wind, Coldingham Bay can feel very sheltered, but as you move further out of shelter the wind can increase in strength. It can be very hard to paddle against, making getting back to shore difficult or even impossible.

“As we’re only here during the weekends in September, and the weather is forecast to be warm this week we’d like to remind paddleboarders to be prepared. Always wear a leash and buoyancy aid, a wetsuit can keep you warm if you fall in the water. Carry a waterproofed means of calling for help and avoid offshore winds. In any coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

In 2022 the RNLI as a whole saw a 126% increase in the number of call outs to paddleboarding incidents. In the past 5 years this number has increased 422% with 77 paddleboarder’s lives being saved, 32 last year alone.

For more information on paddleboards and how to keep safe, visit the RNLI’s paddleboarding safety page here.

The cost of living crisis has seen some school pupils in Midlothian take on ‘almost full-time’ jobs and skip classes to earn money to help their families, it has been revealed.

A report on education has revealed attendance rates, particularly among high school students, have failed to return to pre pandemic levels with more than one in ten not turning up.

And a meeting of Midlothian Council’s cabinet heard that pupils as young as S3 are already worrying about finding a job to support their family with older students already in employment.

Responding to a question from Cllr Dianne Alexander, who asked if the cost of living crisis was affecting pupils’ attendance, Michelle Strong, chief operating officer education, said it was beginning to take its toll.

She said: “a recent visit to one school where there had been ‘significant concern’ about S6 pupils not attending classes, found some were instead working.

She said: “A recent visit to a high school which had indicated significant concern around S6 attendance at school found part of that was around some of our sixth years holding down almost full time jobs as well as continuing in their education.

“So I think the cost of living crisis we are currently in is beginning to show impact in terms of patterns of behaviour.”

However she added each school was different and the department was looking at a range of different reasons for a fall in attendance and ways to support them.

The meeting was told that attendance rates at primary schools in Midlothian was at 93 per cent while in secondary schools it was 87 per cent.

Ms Strong said the figure was below pre pandemic rates and reasons behind it were complex with anxiety about coming back to school after lockdowns also playing a role in the absences.

She said: “Attendance at school is complex and that is why it is important to look at each individual case.

“For those children where there is anxiety we are working with families where there are barriers and working on how we can engage them in learning.”

She added there were ways for pupils to take part in learning remotely but said: “there is no substitute for actually being in a school building and engaging face to face with teachers”.

Cllr Kelly Parry, council leader said: “I think it is incredibly sad to see those figures around S6s and the impact of the cost of living.

“It is the first time I can recall as a councillor seeing this drop, particularly in S6 where pupils are normally quite focused on academia.

“Even young people I have spoke to recently in third and fourth year are concerned about getting a job and helping their family and I think that should inform our work.”

by Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The first side from Scotland to win a national (UK) age-group cup, Carlton under-15 cricketers will be the centre of attention when the Grange Loan club hold their annual junior prize giving and barbecue on Friday evening.

Captained by Fergus Foley, the squad – 15 players were used on the journey through to Saturday’s final victory over Banstead (Surrey) – are pictured on the famous Lord’s dressing room balcony.

Fergus won the toss and although the decision to bat brought a slightly below par total of 107-7, not for the first time in the competition the bowlers rose magnificently to the challenge and contributed massively to an eventual eight run win.

Banstead, whose former players include England Test caps Rory Burns and Jack Richards, came to the concluding two overs needed 18 and then 9 runs to win. But pressure told leaving Carlton to celebrate on the famous Lord’s turf.

It all started with a bet pledged during a drinking session in New Zealand and now Timbersports is an international event with a man from the Lothians set to appear in two major events for Great Britain.

Graham Turner (pictured competing) from Penicuik heads to Wales this weekend for a training session ahead of an invitational event in Paris in two weeks followed by the world event in Stuttgart in November.

Basically, its about how quickly men cut their way through big chunks of timer with a hand-held saw and also a chain saw, and it is dangerous as the competitors wear chain mail in some of the tasks.

The 37-year-old, self-employed fencing and forestry contractor has form. He was second in the National Pro Championships in 2022 and was in the British squad which finished seventh in last year’s world championships.

This year, Turner was fourth in the British in June but was disappointed with his performances in the Royal Welsh Show and at a STIHL-backed European Trophy in Poland.

The Great Britain squad are, however, determined to improve on last year’s position when they travel to Stuttgart later this year for the worlds.

Turner said that all events simulate actual felling and wood chopping of trees and he added: “The events spring from a 50 dollar bet between two men who were out for a drink in New Zealand.

“It then became a series in the 1980s in America and now it is world-wide. There are six tasks, three with an axe and three with chain saw. The axe we use is really sharp, you could shave with it, and the chain saw is hand-held and tuned by the user for maximum effect. You must be able to carry it on stage and start it with a pull chord.”

Competitors wear chain mail when we use the chain saw and Turner said the event is “fast and furious” with time the key element.

There are five men in the British team and they have high aspirations. Turner added: “We have a really strong team this year and we are looking to improve on the seventh we recorded last year. That was our best for around ten years. Indeed, we are looking to finish as the top team in Europe this time and we are training hard.”

The Centre Livingston is establishing a new book club for all ages, featuring a different author each month. This follows the installation of a book recycling vending machine in the shopping centre which allows everyone to share books they have read.

Announcing the new venture just ahead of National Read a Book Day on 6 September the book club will begin during the October half-term holidays. There will be two authors during the week from 7 to 14 October for children between 4 and 14 years old.

On and 14 October at 11am and 1pm, former journalist, Linda Erskine from West Lothian, who has written four books for ages 4-9, will be reading George and Mildred: ‘Life’s a Beach’, which sees George, a timid boxer dog, step out of his fear to become a superhero and also ‘Limitless’ which is about dreaming big. The sessions are interactive and kids are encouraged to dress up as superheroes. 

Linda said: “I’m delighted to be involved in The Centre, Livingston’s first-ever Book Club. My goal has always been to inspire children to realise their full potential and lead them to become the heroes of their own life’s story and embrace their uniqueness. 

“Sharing my stories is a fantastic opportunity for me to encourage kids to be brave and enjoy new adventures, which I’m really looking forward to.”

From 1 to 14 October at 11am and 1pm, award-winning author Justin Davies from North Queensferry will take over the reading chair for some interactive book fun. 

In the morning sessions, suitable for ages 7 and up, he’ll be sharing extracts from Help! I Smell a Monster, which won the Fantastic Book Awards in 2021, and Whoa! I Spy a Werewolf.  Both books are packed full of monsters – good, bad, big and small. They also feature a brave hero called Alice who has to face all her worst phobias almost at once.  Children will also be able to create their very own monster-tastic character.

In the afternoon sessions, suitable for ages 9-14, Justin will read from his new, darkly comic mystery adventure, Haarville, a story packed with secrets, seaweed and scoundrels! He will also share some top writing tips and get kids to create a ‘seaside-themed menu’.

Justin said: “I’m thrilled to be involved with The Centre’s new Book Club. Meeting young readers and helping to inspire a love for reading is the best thing about being a children’s author. I can’t wait to share my books with everyone and maybe even some of my top tips for writing super stories!

Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “There’s so many benefits to taking time out and enjoying a good book or reading an exciting story to your children which is why we wanted to launch our very own, free monthly ‘Book Club’ at The Centre, Livingston.  

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming our first two authors, Linda Erskine and Justin Davies, who both have fantastic books they’ll be reading from in sessions which are interactive with a wonderful superhero theme and thereafter welcoming a different author every month, catering for all ages, who’ll read not only from their own books but will also share some of their favourites with us too.”

Authors will take up residency in the Book Club, which is located across from Waterstones, on the third Saturday of the month, to share their own stories and read from some of their best-loved novels, and also take part in Q&A sessions.  Details can be found on The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com

The Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) has confirmed a record-breaking 8,234 people attended ScottishPower Women’s Premier League matches in August.

This represents nearly a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year when the total stood at 6,391.

The 2023/24 season so far has featured four rounds of matches and three rounds of Premier League 2 and the highest attendance was recorded at the Matchday 4 fixture between Rangers and Champions Glasgow City at Broadwood Stadium on Sunday, August 27.

A crowd of 1,196 spectators watched the top-of-the-table clash which was also screened live on BBC ALBA and there was also a record-breaking crowd of 459 for Montrose on opening day. They faced Celtic at Links Park in what was their first ever top-flight match

Fiona McIntyre, SWPL managing director, Fiona McIntyre, said: “We are thrilled, at this early stage in the season, to observe a significant increase in attendances across the league.

“The SWPL and our clubs strive to continually improve the product on and off the pitch and we are delighted that more people than ever before are choosing to attend ScottishPower Women’s Premier League matches.

“Last season, total attendances exceeded 100,000, which was a huge milestone for the league to reach in its inaugural year and we know that games moving to major stadiums over the course of last season played a significant part in breaking the 100,000 mark.

“We are confident, given these strong opening numbers and the success of matches in major stadiums  last season, we’ll see even more in 2023/24.”

She said it was “fantastic” that Tynecastle and Easter Road have been confirmed as venues for the upcoming derby matches between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian.

And this Sunday’s clash at Tynecastle(kick-off 16:10) provides, she said, a fantastic opportunity for fans to watch elite women’s football in one of the best stadiums in the country.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank fans for their continued support of the SWPL, their clubs, and the whole women’s game. For anyone who has never been to a game before, there has never been a better time to get involved and you can find all the match information on our website at www.swpl.uk.”

PICTURE: action from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League courtesy of the league and taken by Colin Poultney

The co-founder of one of Scotland’s leading junior stage schools has called on young people interested in a career in the performing arts to attend two days of auditions and masterclasses which the school is holding this weekend.

Drew Gowland, who founded Fierce Theatre Schools with his partner Murray Grant, urged anyone aged 11-19 with aspirations of a stage career to attend the open day on Saturday 9 September and auditions on Sunday 10 September.

Drew, who also co-founded the MGA Academy of Performing Arts, said the aim of Fierce was to help talented young people prepare for full-time training in the performing arts. “We tailor the training towards transitioning from kids’ drama classes and fun and games to serious career preparation,” he said. “It’s like a pre-school for drama school or musical theatre school.”

Scholarships are available for talented students who may struggle to foot enrolment fees, which Drew said was important because both neither he nor Murray would have had the careers they’d had without financial support.

He said: “I can vividly remember my high school careers teacher telling me people from my background couldn’t afford to go to drama school. So we’ve always tried to make sure that if a young person shows talent, they’re not prevented from progressing because of money. People tell them it can’t happen but we say ‘no, both Murray and I got scholarships to go drama school and have had successful careers’.”

Drew, originally from Leeds, planned to join the Royal Air Force and train as a pilot rather than have a career in the performing arts, but decided against joining the military after being told he would have to lie about his sexuality.

“I was going to be a pilot, but in 1999 it was illegal as a gay man to join the Air Force. I went to my careers advisor and they said you can’t join unless you lie about your sexuality and even back then I thought ‘no, absolutely not, I’m not doing it’, so I went back to school and my teacher said ‘why don’t you do the summer musical, it might cheer you up?’ I did and from that I got a scholarship to go to drama school even though I hadn’t even thought of a career in the performing arts.”

Drew later joined 603 Squadron in Edinburgh as a reservist in 2012 and is now a sergeant in the RAF police. In 2010, he and Murray founded MGA in a former pub in Balgreen, Edinburgh, later adding two further venues as the academy grew. MGA will open a new purpose-built campus in Livingston next year.

In 2022 Drew and Murray sold their interest in MGA and have since led Fierce Theatre Schools, whose graduates include Rory Macleod, 22, who is about to make a homecoming to Edinburgh in the title role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and Caitlin Tipping, 26, who is currently starring as Elsa in Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

Drew, who is also head of entertainment and enrichment for the luxury cruise company Explora Journeys and is based in Geneva, said the aim of Fierce was to help young people overcome potential obstacles and prepare them for the realities of full-time training in music and drama. 

He said: “Every school has loads of students and lots of fun and invariably there’s two or three that show real promise but that school might not be equipped to prepare them for drama school or they’re not pushed because the other students aren’t interested. So what we do before they leave or lose interest, we audition them, they come to us and we nurture them. So when they arrive at drama school, they hit the ground running; they know how to work hard, take direction and focus and they know how to behave in a rehearsal room.”

Fierce Theatre Schools’ Open Day takes place on Saturday 9 September from 9am-midday while auditions take place on Sunday 10 September from 10am-1pm, with discussions on scholarship opportunities available to parents and guardians thereafter. All activity will take place at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, 207-209 Balgreen Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2RZ. To register interest, email edinburgh@fiercetheatreschools.com

Scholarships are available for talented students who may struggle to foot enrolment fees.

Auditions can also be arranged online by emailing edinburgh@fiercetheatreschools.com

Country is experiencing an ‘industrial renaissance driven by the space

SCOTLAND has been heralded as the cornerstone of the UK’s space sector expansion as the Government’s Science Minister suggests the country could be the first to launch satellites into orbit from European soil.

George Freeman MP hailed the country as a critical component to the UK’s increasing influence in the commercial space sphere, and believes the surge is reminiscent of the nation’s ship building and oil producing heritage.

The minister shared these views on the long running online space networking webinar, SpaceBar, created by UK-headquartered space marketing firm AstroAgency to help the industry engage outside of its sector and discuss the latest market developments.

Hosted by renowned science broadcaster Dallas Campbell and planetary scientist Professor Suzie Imber; Freeman was asked about what was impressing him in the Scottish space scene.

He said: “We (UK) are a £17bn turnover sector with around 46,000 employees; the Scottish sector is 8,500 staff, but more than that, Glasgow is now known as ‘satellite city’ and for a good reason.

“I went up to see the sector the other day – I saw a whole raft of companies, and I met 18-year-old girls from Glasgow high schools working on satellite tracking devices – I mean its extraordinary, and I think space in Greater Glasgow and Strathclyde is driving manufacturing, optics, photonics. It really is an industrial renaissance driven by the space sector.”

Freeman discussed on the show’s 67^th edition how the UK, and in particular Scotland, was well positioned to be a major player in satellite launches for years to come.

He added: “I am really excited about next year. In Scotland we have launch sites in Sutherland and Shetland, and I think Scotland could be the first country in Europe to launch.”

When asked about what the UK can learn from other countries in the space sector, the minister expressed much was still to be done in the country, but the UK can play an important leadership role on the world stage.

Freeman said: “We don’t have a SpaceX, but I’ve described the UK space sector like a Formula One pit lane without a car – but there are a lot of cars coming along – we have got some amazing companies that are really poised and I think the key is international collaboration.

“This sector is becoming an open international structure, so my big mission is making sure we are on the front foot of the international network in growing skills of science, of shared data, of collaboration because we are really good at that.

“As a country we tend to beat ourselves down, but when you go abroad and represent our country in science – boy are we respected. In engineering, in science and research, and it’s an incredible thing to see.”

This was the second appearance from Freeman on the SpaceBar after discussing strategic plans within the sector last year alongside representatives from the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency.

The online meet up was established by Edinburgh headquartered commercial space experts AstroAgency during the Covid-19 lockdown to help the sector stay connected internally and share opportunities externally, with complimentary sectors, jobseekers and investors. It has since grown an international audience, with participants as far as Canada, the US and New Zealand tuning in monthly.

Rebekah Russwurm, a Project Manager at AstroAgency who leads on SpaceBar planning for the Scottish firm, stated: “It was a delight to welcome Minister Freeman back to SpaceBar as well as Jodi Bartin from Citicourt & Co, who gave us an insight into how companies can engage in the space sector.

“As the original space communications firm with close to 60 clients around the world – including multiple national space agencies, SpaceBar is something we created in our free time to help the sector through isolation during the pandemic. However, we’ve found it to be an incredible way to connect with people interested in space, with many having thanked us for helping them find employment in the sector.

“We’re enjoying the buzz around the new format and the views on our YouTube channel are growing all the time. We’ve got some incredible guests lined up for the rest of the year and it’s exciting to see where SpaceBar goes next!”

SpaceBar is a free of charge event in line with AstroAgency’s brand values around inclusivity, diversity and educational outreach. Earlier this year the online webinar, which has also been held ‘in person’ during UK Space Agency conferences that brought the format to the physical stage, won sponsorship from internet services and communications giant Viasat, while delivery partners include space news platform Spacewatch Global, production partners Chaos Created and student space community UKSEDS.

With the sponsorship, the show moved from its Zoom format to a more engaging style to reach new audiences outside of the sector, SpaceBar is now streamed live and recorded on YouTube, allowing viewers to interact on topics and ask questions to the guests. Every episode is followed with an “after party” on Zoom to reflect upon guest comments and provide the audience with an opportunity to share challenges, look for jobs or find collaboration partners.

SpaceBar explores a variety of themes across the space value chain, covering everything from the launch supply chain to the benefits of satellite data insights for non-space companies, the economy and the environment, with the latter being a continuous theme due to the multitude of ways that satellites can support the battle against climate change. The 68^th show will take place on September 28 at 7pm, to register your interest for the next show visit: https://chaoscreated.live/spacebar/.

AstroAgency offers space organisations a unique combination of strategic marketing support, brand building techniques, space media coverage, detailed technical knowledge and business development informed by market intelligence.

For more information on AstroAgency, visit: https://astroagency.co.uk/

FESTIVE MARKET ANNOUNCED AT PETTYCUR BAY

Pettycur Bay Holiday Park is to hold a special Christmas Market on 4 November from 11am to 3pm, teaming up with a number of local stallholders throughout the entire Kinghorn and Burntisland community.

Having only recently announced the event was to take place, 27 stalls were quickly filled within 24 hours. Donations will be given out to three different charities as a result of the Christmas Market – the RNLI, Guide dogs for the Blind and The Wolf Hirschhorn Trust

It is thought that the Market, which will be held in the Images Entertainment suite of the Holiday Park, will be the first festive market of the season to be held in the area.

“We are delighted to be hosting the special Christmas Market benefiting these three worthy charities,” said Janet Murray, General Manager at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park. “As we are setting it all up indoors, it will be nice and cosy, and won’t matter what the weather is like. We’ve got lots of space in Images so much so we will be having face painters and Rocking Rudolf to keep the children entertained.

Janet added that there were many owners on the park who always run stalls at Pettycur’s annual caravan show held every May.

“They have some amazing products and homemade items to sell. We’ve also attracted a good number of small artisan producers and local charity stalls from the area to get involved in this,” she said.

“There will also be mince pies, mulled wine. Let’s all get into the festive spirit, shop local for Christmas gifts and raise money for charity at the same time!”

www.pettycur.co.uk

The Edinburgh Award

Nominations are now invited for the 2023 Edinburgh Award – and the criteria have been widened to include people not born or living in Edinburgh but who have a substantial connection to the city. Previously anyone not born in Edinburgh or who had not lived here was excluded.

Read more here.

Lothian bus drivers’ success in Blackpool

Two local bus drivers were named among the top three of the UK’s best bus drivers in this year’s UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals held in Blackpool at the weekend.

Gary Black (Lothian Buses) and Thomas Gilhooley (East Coast Buses) finished second and third respectively, with Gary also scooping prizes for Best Driver from a Scottish Depot and Best Placed Finisher by an ALBUM (Association of Local Bus Company Managers) Member.

Read more here

Dr Bike

The mobile bike repair service Dr Bike is coming to Haymarket Terrace in front of the Four Points by Sheraton hotel on Saturday 9 September from 10am to 1.30pm when skilled bike mechanics will check over bikes and make minor repairs. Police Scotland will also offer bike marking from 10am to 1pm. And a competition will run in conjunction with local shops.

Spokes will have a stall where you can buy the latest East Lothian map.

Work continues on the CCWEL with the contractors ready to resurface the A8 and Haymarket Yards junction in two phases during September. There will be alterations to traffic islands and thankfully (and at long last) resurfacing of the bus stop outside Haymarket Station. The bus stop will be temporarily moved during this work.

Phase 2 will be carried out overnight from 18 September to 22 September and will include resurfacing all the way to Coates Crescent.

At Leith Depot this month

Our September issue

Our September newspaper is freshly published and on the streets of the capital today.

Our cover story is about the Lord Provost and Council Leader who are taking riding lessons to allow them to take part in the Riding of the Marches while inside we take up the story of Larah Bross and her chain of bagel shops which employ around 70 people in the city – some of which are now temporarily closed.

When the pandas arrived in 2011 there was a great fuss and anticipation about panda cubs being born in the Scottish capital, but sadly that did not happen.

Now Edinburgh Zoo has announced that the giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian, billed as “rock star” attractions will return to China in early December 2023.

After almost twelve years at Edinburgh Zoo, the wildlife conservation charity said the giant pandas have had an “incredible impact” by connecting millions of people with nature. Sadly their own interactions came to naught, despite a number of unsuccessful attempts at artificial insemination.

The pandas were sent on loan from China as part of a ten-year agreement between The Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, which was later extended by two years mainly due to Covid. The date of their departure is to be finalised which will bring the arrangement to an end under which the Zoo paid £750,000 annually to China to keep the pandas here, in addition to their board and lodging.

Alison Maclean, carnivore team leader at Edinburgh Zoo who has looked after the pandas since they first arrived, even visiting them in China before their journey, said: “We are making arrangements with our partners in China for Yang Guang and Tian Tian to return in early December, possibly during the first week.

“Visitors to the zoo can expect to see them indoors and outside until the end of November, after which viewing will be outdoors only until they leave.

“Having cared for Yang Guang and Tian Tian since they arrived in 2011, I will be travelling back to China with them, to help them settle into their new homes.

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

“Through scientific research alongside the University of Edinburgh, we have also made a significant contribution to our understanding of giant pandas, which will be of real benefit to efforts to protect this amazing species in China.

“It is encouraging that in recent years the outlook for giant pandas in the wild has improved, which gives real hope for the future.”

The giant panda habitat at Edinburgh Zoo will become home to a new species RZSS can support in the wild, which will be announced next year.

“Our vision is of a world where nature is protected, valued and loved, which is why we have made an important pledge to reverse the decline of at least 50 species by 2030.

“We have reached significant milestones recently with the release of wildcats, pine hoverflies and dark bordered beauty moths in the Scottish Highlands.

“With a fantastic home at Edinburgh Zoo, combined with our international expertise in conservation science and research, we have an opportunity to help protect a new species through public engagement here in Scotland and in the wild by working with global partners.”

The temperature at Portobello reached around 25° on Monday and locals took full advantage of the sandy beach.

And it looks as though there is even more to come this week, although it remains about 10° warmer in the South of England than it is in Scotland. UV levels are estimated to be high – so follow the advice of Baz Luhrmann – and Wear Sunscreen.