Today The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, has announced that its new cohort of Fellows which will include His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Save the Roseburn Path campaign denied that they had put up either a poster or indeed a sign on the path with their group’s name on it.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson the Transport and Environment Convener became aware of the sign at the weekend and advised that such a sign would have needed permission. He has asked officers to remove it.
A poster on the wooden board implied that it was an official Spokes poster – but that was also denied. Spokes are however happy that the notice is to be removed by the campaigners in the first instance.
However the campaigners who do not want the council to build any tram extension on any part of the path have now said it is imperative that the “upcoming consultation is conducted fairly and properly with controls in place to account for any undue bias or influence”. The council has said it will establish a consultation to consider the two options – building a north south extension to Granton on the roads including Orchard Brae and Dean Bridge, or creating a spur off the line at Murrayfield and using a stretch of the Roseburn Path. The council has confirmed that alternative cycling options would be a part of that second option.
Spokes said that its position on the tramline extension remains unchanged. It is possibly one of the topics which will be up for discussion at its public meeting on 30 April. Details of that here.
Meet Adrian below. He is a photographer with a difference on the Royal Mile. For a tip he will take a photo of passers by with his “old-fashioned” camera – and it will be printed in his magic suitcase before you know it – as a newspaper.
Go and see him and have your photo taken. He said he will be here for this week, but he is always moving on to other cities.
Tickets are now on sale for Restless Natives: The Musical at Leith Theatre from 12 to 21 June.
This will be the new musical version of the cult classic film with Scotland’s favourite Highland-Highwaymen The Clown and The Wolfman. Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson says he is thrilled to see the musical leading the summer programming for the venue: “We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building. Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special. We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.”
RSE announces The Duke of Edinburgh as a new Fellow
The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, has announced its new cohort of Fellows which will include His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
The RSE elects Fellows for their exceptional achievements and acumen in the world of science, mathematics, business, and the arts.
Professor Sara Brown of the University of Edinburgh has been elected for her exceptional work as a clinical academic dermatologist, researching genetic predispositions to inflammatory skin diseases. She said: “It is a great honour, and I feel very privileged to have been elected. The diverse range of expertise and experience in the Society gives a real opportunity to progress with the aim of ‘Knowledge made useful’ for Scotland and beyond. I look forward to contributing to this work.”
David Field, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, who run both Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park has also been elected as a Fellow of RSE. He previously served as chief executive of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, zoological director of the Zoological Society of London and curator of Whipsnade Zoo.
He said: “The RSE inspires the world in scientific endeavour so to be recognised and elected as a Fellow is a true privilege. I am excited and challenged to now use my experience in conservation and zoology to further the aims of the RSE and more especially to feel worthy to sit alongside that incredible network of Fellows that embodies the RSE.”
President of the RSE, Professor Sir John Ball PRSE, said: “It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of our new Fellows – from the worlds of academia, public service, business, and the arts – to Scotland’s National Academy.
“They represent excellence in their fields and will reinforce our ability to tackle the challenges that Scotland, and indeed the wider world, faces now and in the future.
“Across a range of disciplines, they have each shown an unshakeable commitment to their research, work or craft, and it is exactly this superlative level of accomplishment that makes them belong as Fellows of the RSE.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our new Fellows, and I hope they will avail themselves of all that our great National Academy has to offer them.”
The Duke of Edinburgh has been made a Royal Honorary Fellow of the RSE, joining the Society’s patron His Majesty King Charles III, The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal.
Detectives using “every tool and tactic” at their disposal in gang war investigation
Police Scotland have provided an update on the recent major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh.
A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry.
Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.
On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.
A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive on Sunday, 23 March is now also being investigated.
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.
“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.
“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.
“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.
“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Hibs players “absolutely devastated” after Sky Sports Cup Final loss to Rangers
Hibernian Women’s captain Kirsten Reilly says the players are “absolutely devastated” following their Sky Sports Cup Final loss to Rangers yesterday.
After the match the midfielder was open and brutally honest in her evaluation of the 90-minutes.
“We are all absolutely devastated,” Reilly told Hibs TV following the defeat.
“We never gave the performance we wanted to. We are absolutely gutted with the result.
“It will be good to get back into training next week,” she added. “And obviously, dust ourselves down after this result.
“We’ll analyse it, get training again, and hopefully we can put in a good performance next weekend.”
While the defeat is a heavy blow for the team after getting so close to sealing silverware, there is an opportunity to bounce back next weekend.
Th team who sit atop the SWPL league table, visit sixth-place Motherwell on Sunday 30 March, and will seek a victory to rebound from their first defeat in 11 matches.
“We are all really disappointed right now, but we will rally round each other.
“We’re get ourselves picked up again and hopefully get a good result next weekend.
“We’re in a great position, top of the league, so we just need to go again in the league.”
Edinburgh STYLE takes place next weekend
Edinburgh STYLE 2025 is back from 28 to 30 March featuring a line-up of talks, fashion shows, and beauty masterclasses.
Everything takes place on Mother’s Day weekend and the event is billed as bigger than ever before.
Weekend tickets offer the chance to dip in and out of the events including talks from some of the UK’s fashion experts.
Plum Sykes who is former American and UK Vogue contributing editor as well as being a novelist, will share some of her industry knowledge.
Navaz Batiwalla (Disneyrollergirl) will discuss the way style has influenced her career from fashion editor to international blogger. CEO of Harris Tweed, Margaret Ann, will provide a unique insight into the Brand’s recent Dior partnership, and share how Harris Tweed Hebrides takes a design-led approach to collaboration and partnership. Timorous Beasties, Pam Hogg and more are also confirmed to share their stylish secrets during the weekend.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said:“Edinburgh STYLE has been a key event for St James Quarter for the past four years, continuing to evolve with additional experiences and new collaborators. We are delighted to be joined by a new line-up of partners in 2025, who will add exciting new elements, as well as having our friends from Grazia return for a third year.
“From the ultimate fashion weekend at the W Edinburgh, to amazing shopping experiences around the Quarter, through Multrees Walk and down George Street; along with fashion talks, beauty masterclasses, runway glamour and more, – what a way to welcome spring and spoil mum! STYLE is always around the Quarter.”
The food hall at St James Quarter, Bonnie & Wild, is also taking part in the Edinburgh STYLE weekend with a chance for would-be models to “get spotted”.
There will be a series of glamorous events with Scotland’s modelling agency Colours hosting special scouting days in Edinburgh and also in Glasgow. Talent spotters will be looking out for potential new models – who might get the chance to take to the catwalk in the runway show hosted by Grazia on 29 March.
Colours Agency will be at Bonnie & Wild on 28 and 29 March when potential models can meet the talent scouts and find out more about becoming a model, with potential to secure contracts with the agency.
Fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie is hosting a VIP champagne brunch on 30 March and she will be in conversation with former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, who now works as a radio presenter. Anyone attending will be able to see an exhibition of Siobhan’s designs and ask Ms Mackenzie questions about her career in fashion. She began sketching outfits as a teenager and now dresses the stars including Justin Bieber, Shania Twain and Alan Cumming.
Narrow win for Sotland to kickstart their 2025 Women’s Six Nations campaign
Scotland defeated Wales to kickstart their 2025 Women’s Six Nations campaign in front of 4,000 fans at Hive yesterday.
Wales took an early lead whenCarys Phillips who crashed over the whitewash and Keira Bevan converted.
The Scots responded with a penalty from Helen Nelson in the 15th minute to reduce the deficit.
Seven minutes later, after Wales conceded three penalties Rachel Malcolm touched down in the corner and Nelson added the extras from an acute angle appeared to give the home side a three point advantage.
However a TMO replay showed the maul had been illegally set up, and despite the Scotland skipper’s protest, her effort was chalked off.
a few minutes before the break, Bonar touched down from close range while Evans was sent to the sin-bin for collapsing the maul.
Rowlands added the conversion which gave the hosts a three point lead heading down the tunnel.
After the restart Thomson appeared to have extended Scotland’s lead but following another review McLachlan was shown to have obstructed the defence in the build-up and the score disallowed
Evans returned to the field and within a minute was show a second yellow card for a challenge on Chloe Rollie.
Moments later Emma Orr capitaised on a Welsh mistake and tan in from the 22, breaking one tackle and touched down near the posts leaving a simple conversion for nelson.
Evie Gallagher was shown a yellow card which was subsequently upgraded to red.
And in the 54th minute the Welsh responded when Abbie Fleming crashed over from the side of the rolling maul. Bevan converted.
Ten minutes later Scotland extended their lead after a wonderful break from Orr and Thomson which eventually culminated in a try for Leah Bartlett’s right under the posts, once again leaving a simple conversion.
Then with six minutes remaning Gwenllian Pyrs touched down for a converted try making the deficit only three points.
Wales pressed forward in the later stages but the Scots held on to secure the victory.
Nelson was rightfully named player of the match.
After the final whistle Scotland head coach Bryan Easson told BBC Scotland: “It played out the way we thought it could. These games over the last five or six years have gone down to underneath seven points and it was exactly the same.
“I think Wales came out and showed that passion and fire, that new coach bounce that we kind of expected.
“We were disappointed however that we left points out there in the first half when we had 63% possession.
“I thought there were times when we played really well and times when we let Wales back into the game a little bit.”
Wales head coach Sean Lynn added: “What I asked the players to deliver this week, to bring energy and passion, I couldn’t fault them out there today.
“We talked at half-time to try and play a more territorial game because our set piece and driving maul had gone really well, and they delivered that.
“I’m super proud of the group.
“There were some defensive system errors which we feel are easy fixes moving onto next week, and with England we’ll definitely need to.”
This is the most up to date list of roadworks, road closure and events leading to road closures or diversions for traffic in Edinburgh for the next week or so.
If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel or otherwise you can check on the Scottish Roadworks register which is a comprehensive list of places to avoid.
League leaders Hibs have “no time to wallow” following Cup defeat
Hibernian Women’s head coach Grant Scott says his side has got “no time to wallow” following yesterday’s Sky Sports Cup Final defeat.
And despite his disappointment he took time to congratulate Rangers who deserved to lift the trophy.
Rangers opened the scoring just before half-time after Hibs had squandered a few promising openings, allowing the Glasgow side to take control in the second 45 and go on to earn a 5-0 win.
“I’m obviously very disappointed,” Scott told Hibs TV after the final whistle .
“I have to congratulate Rangers, they were good on the day. We don’t feel we were so good.
“Credit to them, they capitalised when they had to. For us, it’s disappointing. I don’t feel that we, as a group, have turned up in the best form of ourselves today.
“I don’t think we got to the game’s pace and intensity. It’s one of those. We didn’t really give ourselves a chance today.”
The heavy defeat comes off the back of an impressive run of 10 consecutive victories across all competitions for Scott’s Hibs side.
An opportunity to immediately bounce back next Sunday is on the horizon, as Hibs travel to K-Park to take on sixth-place Motherwell in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League.
While the loss will be a shock to the system, Scott is certain his experienced and strong-minded squad will be ready for their return to league action.
“We’re going to have a couple of days of hurt, there is no doubt about it. We’ve got no time to wallow in it.
“As difficult as it is, we need to take the pain of it all. It’s already in the past now. Our focus has to be on a dangerous opponent next week.
“We’re not getting too high in the high moments, we’re not getting too low with this one.
“It is sore. But the players are professional, we’ll be ready for a tough game next week.”
Liberté and 1819 – Edinburgh’s Newest Destination Restaurant and Bar Shines
Many years ago, more than I care to remember, I was involved in the PR for the Apex Hotels but hadn’t set foot in the doors since.
What a delightful surprise awaited when I visited their recently refurbished ground floor at Apex Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, which now houses their brand-new destination restaurant Liberté and cocktail Bar 1819.
Tucked away on Waterloo Place just off the bustling east end of Princes Street, Liberté combines a stylish bar with a brasserie restaurant and private dining area called La Belle.
The name “Liberté” draws inspiration from the Scottish spirit of freedom, blending Scotland’s passionate energy with elegant European influences. Meanwhile, “1819” pays homage to the year when Waterloo Place, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built hotel designed by famed Scottish architect Archibald Elliot, was completed.
I must confess to rarely considering hotel restaurants and bars as obvious choices for meeting friends, but this visit has certainly changed my perspective. The venue has undergone a £2m renovation, with eye-catching design delivered by ISA, one of Edinburgh’s leading architectural firms.
The new day/night venue exudes European style with stunning Georgian interiors inspired by the Palm Courts of the 1800s. The renovation has also benefitted from expert input from hospitality specialists Stuart McCluskey (former co-owner of the Bon Vivant and current owner of ‘Paz’ and ‘Little Capo’) and Ian McLaren, former Bacardi digital director.
Bar 1819: Cocktail Excellence
Bar 1819 is stylish and buzzing with what appeared to be a mix of hotel guests, locals meeting friends and family, and colleagues enjoying post-work drinks.
Our waitress Mayada, who hails from Tunisia, was delightfully welcoming and guided us through the cocktail menu, promising that their Adelaide mixologist, Aija, would create something special. And deliver she did. We started with the floral and aromatic Elderflower Hugo Spritz, while I sampled the Shagliato Bianco, a Milan-inspired creation featuring Cochi Americano, Dolin Blanc, Bitter Truth Lemon Bitters, Prosecco, and Soda, beautifully garnished with rosemary, lemon and olive. Both were elegant long cocktails and the perfect way to begin our evening.
They were so delicious that we ordered a second round, asking Aija for recommendations. I was presented with a Passion Fruit Gimlet, while my dining companion tried the Botanical Spritz—a cocktail bursting with berry flavours and herbal complexity named after the famous botanist Asa Grey who stayed at the hotel in 1839. Fittingly, as my friend and I had met while working for Scottish Courage, the drink contained Lindemans Framboise Lambic, a Belgian fruit beer.
Liberté: Scottish Produce with European Flair
Liberté’s menu showcases the very best from Scotland’s larder, using European influences and modern cooking techniques.
We were greeted by restaurant manager Erick, a familiar face who used to co-own Zucca, who ensured a warm welcome and attentive service from his team. With his Sommelier badge and Sabrage qualification (a ceremonial technique for opening Champagne with a sword), Erick is worth consulting for wine recommendations. On his advice, we selected a Malbec from Cahors in South West France.
I started with Burrata with Single Malt Heather Honey, Hazelnut and Thyme Butter, while my companion chose the healthier grilled Baby Gem with Bacon, Garlic, Pecorino and Sourdough Crumbs.
For mains, my Ox Cheek in Red Wine with Potato Puree, Bacon and Gremolata was rich and unctuous—slow-cooked until tender and falling apart and melt in the mouth. My dining companion declared her Sirloin Steak with Frites and Peppercorn Sauce perfectly cooked to her liking. Our shared side of Tenderstem Broccoli, Winter Greens, Pecorino and Truffle Oil was generous and ideal for sharing.
The prices are comparable with other Edinburgh restaurants, though the wine list is on the steeper side.
Somehow, we managed to find room for desserts. The menu features trendy Matcha and Miso, which seems to be winning favour with Gen Z diners. We decided to “get down with the youths” and opted for the Matcha Tea crème brûlée and a Dark Chocolate Mousse with Miso Caramel, which is theatrically poured tableside, melting into a molten lava of pure deliciousness. The vibrant, pistachio-hued Matcha Tea crème brûlée was large enough to share and received our approval, though we weren’t convinced we could taste the Matcha element!
Final Verdict
All in all, we had a fabulous, relaxed evening. Both the restaurant and bar were buzzing with a great atmosphere. If I had one small criticism, it would be to dim the lighting in the restaurant, but this didn’t detract from a wonderful experience where the food, drinks, and attentive, knowledgeable staff were the true stars—shining examples of hospitality done exceptionally well.
Liberté opens for lunch at 12:00 noon, serving food until 22:00. Bar 1819 opens at 8.00am until 1.00am Monday to Saturday and 8.00am until 11.00pm on Sundays.
For booking details and further information please visit the Liberté website
Love Your Business names its new charity partner
Ahead of this month’s meeting, Michelle Brown founder of Love Your Business, the capital’s business networking group, has announced its new charity partner for 2025.
The group will donate funds raised from its monthly meetings to SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health). The next meeting will take place on 27 March at Black Ivy in Bruntsfield when the speaker will be Helene van den Ploeg, CEO of The Grassmarket Community Project (GCP), who will talk about the charity and its purpose. She will also outline the challenges of setting up a coffee shop during Covid and her own entrepreneurial journey, including her biggest achievements and learnings along the way.
GCP was founded 22 years ago to support some of the most vulnerable in the city, and help them flourish.
In past years charities which have benefited from the support of Love Your Business include Make 2nds Count, Support in Mind Scotland, Epilepsy Scotland, Invisible Cities, Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh, Carers of East Lothian and this year, Scotland’s largest mental health charity, SAMH.
SAMH, which was founded more than 100 years ago, operates around 70 services in communities in Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addiction and employment services, suicide prevention training and physical activity and sport programmes.
SAMH also works to reduce mental health stigma with See Me, and support anti-bullying initiatives with respectme, helping support thousands of people each year.
Michelle said: “We’re delighted to be able to support SAMH this year to help raise awareness of the amazing work they do for people who are struggling with their mental health and for carers of loved ones who are having a difficult time, and also to raise funds from a percentage of ticket sales.
“It was great to welcome, Catriona Wilson, SAMH Community & Events Fundraiser, as our speaker last month who gave us an insight into some of the projects and campaigns they are working on, the support they provide and how much-needed funds allow them to be able to continue delivering their services.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them this year to ensure even more people are aware of the vital support they can receive.”
Catriona Wilson, Community and Events Fundraiser at SAMH, said: “We’re thrilled that Love Your Business has chosen SAMH as their chosen charity partner this year.
“We believe connecting with others is key to supporting positive mental health. This can be with friends and family, but also by connecting with other entrepreneurs and peers to help share experiences and the challenges of running a business.
“The funds raised by Love Your Business will help us provide mental health support in communities across Scotland, as well as promoting vital conversations around mental health in the world of business.”
Helene said: “I am really looking forward to speaking at this event for LYB – it is always so inspiring to meet with other entrepreneurs, sharing the challenges we all face each day, new ideas and approaches, and the energy to learn from each other to build our successful businesses.”
Tickets for the next networking event on Thursday, 27th March at Black Ivy Hotel in Bruntsfield are £20 with10% of all tickets going to SAMH.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said that this week’s UK Spring Statement should “reject austerity” and protect public services,
Ms Robison talks about her concerns around the cuts to the welfare system proposed by the UK Government, and warned that public services and businesses are facing significant costs of meeting the upcoming rise in employer National Insurance contributions.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s statement by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, Ms Robison said: “The failed approach of austerity must be rejected, with vital funding for public services and infrastructure prioritised. If the Chancellor makes cuts to public spending then this will affect the funding we have in Scotland.
“Disability organisations have been frank in their fears that welfare changes will harm the most vulnerable in society. A proper consultation must be carried out urgently to ensure people’s incomes and wellbeing are protected.
“It is vital that the UK Government works with the Scottish Government to provide clarity given the potential impact of their changes on the delivery of our devolved benefits and our budget.
“These cuts to the support for disabled people comes on top of the deep concern that remains across the public sector, third sector and businesses in Scotland about the impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions.
“We have estimated that this will cost public services in Scotland more than £700 million. The additional funding that we expect to receive, which is yet to be confirmed, falls far short of this and puts at risk services such as GPs, dentists, social care and universities. I again call on the Chancellor to fully fund these additional costs.”
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will present the Spring Statement in Westminster after the Office of Budget Responsibility publishes its revised forecasts for the UK public finances and the economy. Ms Reeves may also make announcements on tax, although that was not her original plan as she only wanted to make major tax announcements once a year. But in light of world politics, the UK has just announced increased spending on defence, and the UK economy is not growing as much as previously thought, although the government says it is prioritising this area.
The government did announce last week potential savings of £5 billion on its benefits spending in a Green Paper which you can read here.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison PHOTO courtesy of The Scottish Government
Jacob bowed as Zverev serves up a masterclass
Jacob Fearnley was given an insight to what it will take to reach the dizzy heights of men’s tennis as he bowed out of the ATP Miami Masters today at the second round stage.
The 23-year-old Scot, from Edinburgh, was beaten 2-6, 4-6 by Alexander Zverev, top seed and current world No 2.
German Zvervev, 27, produced a serving masterclass as he hit 90 per cent of his first deliveries – a phenomenal statistic – and Fearnley was denied both the chance to gain a foothold in the match and develop any sustained rhythm. It is no exaggeration to say he was constantly playing catch up.
The consolation is that few, if any, players could have lived with Zverev who, ironically, took to the stadium court with question marks against his form since finishing runner-up in the Australian Open during January.
These were answered emphatically and there was little Fearnley could do but hang in.
Fearnley had his moments but early on there were signs that the sheer power of Zvervev’s shot making was putting him under extreme pressure just to live at the required standard.
Neverthless, it has been a good tournament for Fearnley who came through two qualifying ties and then defeated a player ranked 20 places above him in the current rankings.
It is expected he will now return to Europe for the clay court swing though the opening tournament in Monte Carlo next month will likely see him have to qualify.
Jacob Fearnley was overwhelmed by world No 2 Alexander Zverev
Strange Times: Pandemic Art Exhibition at Summerhall
A key aspect of art is the creative articulation of deep seated fears and trauma.
The lockdowns prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic were a period of national trauma. A ‘pop-up’ exhibition, Strange Times, at Summerhall focuses on how 17 different artists responded to the various discombobulating aspects of lockdown. The event coincides with the fifth anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, which began on 23 March 2020. Is it really 5years?!
Artistic responses
The exhibition features evocative photographs, landscape paintings, videos, and collages all trying to express their feelings during and after the pandemic. Also, exploring how it impacted mental health and society today; the ongoing effects. The excitation is well set out, making great use of the space and the natural light streaming in from the Meadows. The darker spaces remind us of being trapped indoors during pandemic, cabin fever taking hold.
What comes across strongly is the very different experiences people had, depending on where they were and what they were doing at the time. Those are the front line, such as those working for the NHS, how to far more intense experience than others. For many, the experience was intensely isolating and this feature prominently in the art. Those who lived alone often had a tough time.
Some of the photographs focus on the emptiness of places that would usually be full of life and activity. This aspect is well captured in Neil Johnson’s ‘Sub[Urban]’ shots. That was all stripped away during the lockdowns, especially during the most severe periods, when leaving the house was limited to as little as an hour a day. During that time, familiar places took on a strange feel. The photos pick up on this post-apocalyptic aspect, capturing spaces emptied of life. At the same time, the real value of parks and other green spaces became evident. Going out for a local walk took on immense significance. Beautiful outdoor places feature prominently in the work exhibited. Their importance underlined during those strange times.
Disruptions
Cairistiona Fletcher, a fashion graduate and one of the organisers of the exhibition, spent much of her lockdown on her native Islay. This was, she admitted, an ideal place to spend such a period, especially as she was back staying with her family. However the pandemic arrived just in the middle of her studies at Edinburgh College of Art, causing her course to be pushed online. Thus depriving her of the crucial creative interactions that artists need to stimulate good work. Many students across the UK experienced a similar disruption to their studies, not getting the full college or university experience.
While the exhibition will do, as it did in my case, is dredge up memories of that very strange period. Fletcher was keen to discuss these experiences with each person who visited the exhibition, keen to see what it triggered. A photograph of the Royal Mile brought back memories of wandering through the Old Town one morning during lockdown.
On such a sunny morning, the place usually would be thronged with tourists. In contrast, it was deserted, not a soul to be seen or heard. In similar fashion, it was very strange to walk through the Cowgate in August 2020, in an area that usually would be packed with Fringe-goers and flyerers. The idea that something as huge as scale as the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe could be completely cancelled would have been hard to imagine in 2019. Summerhall was one of those usually packed places, thrust into silence.
Lets face what we went through
Cairistiona Fletcher felt that the 5th anniversary of the lockdowns was something that we ought to mark. She remarked that this extreme experience is very rarely talked about; it’s almost as if it’s been deleted from our public conversation. As the exhibition poster puts it, “lets face what we went through”. Yet, many lives asked are still marked by the event. Many had their lives turned upside down and not just those directly affected by the virus. It’s a pity perhaps that the exhibition only lasts for a couple of days. Perhaps it will be repeated at a later date. Hopefully, the lockdowns won’t!
Strange Times Summerhall Open 10am-6pm on Sunday 23 March only.
Rangers win Sky Sports Cup with 5-0 victory over Hibs
Hibs Sky Sports Cup hopes ended with a comprehensive 5-0 defeat to Rangers at Fir Park this afternoon.
Grant Scott’s team went into the game on the back of a log unbeaten run and as league leaders, but the Glasgow side proved too strong on the day.
Scott swapped his keeper from their 1-0 victory over Glasgow City with Erin Clachers replacing Noa Schumacher.
15-year-olds Isla Taylor and Jessica Ramsay were named on the bench alongside Kirsty Morrison, who took a nasty knock against City.
For Rangers, Leah Eddie returned from injury to replace Tessel Middag.
Rangers comfortably beat Hibs 5-0 in the final of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup at Fir Park, Motherwell. Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.
David Gray, Malky McKay and Barry Ferguson were among the fans. Others included Judy Murray and Rose Reilly.
Hibs played in their away strip of white tops and green shorts. Rangers played in their traditional blue top with whte shorts.
Tegan Bowie created the first chance of the game with a cross from the left, but former Hibs keeper Jenna Fife caught the ball.
At the other end Brogan Hay fired over the bar from 20-yards.
Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.
Rangers were dominating possession without testing the Hibs goal before, against the run of play, Eilidh Adams shot deflected of Nicola Docherty and bobbled into the arms of Fife.
Clachers then denied Kirsty Howat from close range as play raged from end to end.
In the 22nd minute Rangers’ Camille Lafaix was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Ciara Grant in the centre circle.
Moments later Hibs Michaela McAlonie latched onto an Adams pass before firing the ball past Fife but the midfielder was clearly offside when she received the pass and the ‘goal’ was correctly disallowed.
On the half-hour mark Hibs came within inches of taking the lead when a lovely lay-off from Adams found Kathleen McGovern but her strike was just wide.
Hibs Siobhan Hunter joined Lafaix in the referee’s book for a foul on Kirsty Howat.
Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.Credit: Ian Jacobs.
Rangers took the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute after the Hibs defence were unable to clear an attack and Katie Wilkinson volleyed the ball into the net from eight yards after her initial shot was blocked.
In added time at the end of the first-half Rangers almost doubled their lead when Howatt broke clear but Clachers produced a fine save and Hunter managed to clear the danger with Lizzie Arnot poised to pounce.
Just after the restart Rangers doubled their lead in controversial circumstances when Lafaix ran through and fired the ball past Clachers although there were two Rangers players in an offside position but the officials deemed they were not interfering with play.
And a minute later it was 3-0 when Hibs skipper Kirsten O’Reilly turned the ball into the back of her own net trying to defend Howat’s cross.
In the 55th minute goal scorer Lafaix made way for Jodi McLeary.
Hibs fought back though and Ciara Grant’s free-kick was parried away by Fife for a corner.
On the hour mark Grant Scott made a double change with Rosie Livingstone and Ellis Notley replacing Lauren Doran-Barr and Hunter.
Moments later a stunning double save from Erin Clachers denies Rangers a fourth. Her initial save from Howatt fell to McLeary but the Hibs keeper managed to save her effort from point blank range.
Clachers did well to save an Arnot strike from the edge of the area as Rangers pressed for more goals.
The Hibs keeper then produced another great save to deny Howat and another to deny Arnot.
In the 68th minute Wilkinson and Arnot were replaced by Rio Hardy and Olivia McLoughlin.
Ciara Grant sent in another dangerous free-kick and the ball fell to McAlonie on the edge of the six-yard area but Fife was able to gather the ball.
With 10-minutes remaining Clachers produced another great save to deny Hardy.
Two minutes later Rangers extinguished any slight hopes Hibs had of a comeback when Howat fired the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Goal scorer Howat and Kathy Hill were then replaced by Laura Rafferty with Jane Ross.
Notley was booked for a tug on Ross then managed to deflect a Liv McLoughlin’s shot just wide.
Kirsty Morrison and Abbie Ferguson replaced Bowie and McGovern and Lia Tweedie replaced McAlonie with two minutes left.
In added time Hardy added a fifth to put the icing on the cake.
Poster sending people down the wrong path to be removed
A Save the Roseburn Path noticeboard on Roseburn Path at the entrance near Ravelston Dykes will be removed on the instructions of the Transport Convener.
A poster had been stuck to it created with a Spokes header – but it has been denied that it was an official Spokes poster.
A spokesperson for the Lothian Cycle Campaign, Spokes, confirmed it was not produced by them.
The notice appeared to infer that the cycling campaign group invites comment from those who oppose using part of the Roseburn Path for a north-south tram extension.
The Edinburgh Reporter has been told that Spokes’ position “remains unchanged”.
Their views are set out below.
A member of The Save The Roseburn Path campaign group had highlighted the poster on their Facebook page, but Save The Roseburn Path have confirmed they did not either make the poster or put it on the notice board on the side of the path. They have since denied that the notice board is theirs although the message on it is clear.
Transport Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson has now said he will ask officers to remove the whole board as he believes it would have needed planning permission.
Spokes said that “we contacted Save Roseburn Path, who promptly replied to say it was not them and that they would take it down, for which we are very grateful”.
Last April a sign was put up just further up the path at Wester Coates suggesting it was closed for tram works. There is nothing further from the truth. The council still has to put the matter out to consultation, apply for funding and do a lot more before there will be a spade in the ground.
The Spokes public meeting taking place next month will be an occasion when all manner of transport topics can be discussed. The Spokes Public Meeting will take place on 30 April at Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson the Transport Convener and Deborah Paton Head of Transport Strategy and Partnerships at The City of Edinburgh Council will both speak.
The Edinburgh Reporter spotted Cllr Jenkinson and other councillors trialling some bikes which might yet be brought to Edinburgh in a new cycle hire scheme.
Happened upon @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social and his colleagues trying out some Lime Bikes….
Spokes position on the Roseburn Path and the tram extension is unchanged.
The council is due to commence a consultation on the proposed extension anytime soon, and there has been no official confirmation of the start date as yet.
Spokes says it has always supported cycling “as part of an environmentally sustainable transport and access strategy” not purely cycling for its own sake. “We are very supportive of public transport, walking, wheeling, reduced car use, and reducing the climate-crisis impacts of transport.
“It is also worth remembering that, although Spokes has around 1000 members, many of whom are sufficiently concerned about cycling conditions that they lobby their councillors, our influence is pretty limited when it comes to the basics of huge decisions such as whether, where or when to build a tramline. However, we can certainly hope to achieve improvements to how cycling is treated within any scheme.
“Given all the above, Spokes has always engaged with the Council to try to ensure that if a tram is built along Roseburn path, then there is high quality cycle/walk provision alongside. We had extensive discussions in the early 2000s, when tram plans reached the planning application stage (although eventually only Airport to City Centre was built). Those plans and a tramline design manual are here [paras 0712 and 0601]. For example, this drawing showing a path cantilevered against the Water of Leith viaduct (although single-track tramline is another option at that location).
“The path is already very well used for cycle journeys. The automatic counter near the Coltbridge viaduct counted roughly 340,000 trips (in either direction) in 2023, i.e. on average nearly 1000 journeys per day on the Roseburn path.
“In 2005, Spokes surveyed members on a number of controversial issues, including the then tram proposals, which were for a complete loop including the Roseburn path. The results are in Spokes Bulletin 90. A remarkable 95% of respondents supported the tram provided cycle lanes remained in Princes Street and provided that a 3m+ path remained on Roseburn. Even if the path had to be raised to road level, with light-controlled crossings, at a few narrow bridges, 55% still supported the tram.”
Rugby community descend on Scottish Gas Murrayfield to celebrate 100th anniversary
Members of the rugby community descended on Scottish Gas Murrayfield yesterday to mark 100 years since the stadium opened in 1925.
Scots young and old were treated to an array of rugby activity on the hallowed Murrayfield turf and inside the confines of the century-old stadium.
An Entry of the Greats made their way out of the tunnel to the acclaim of hundreds of local school children and hundreds more from across Scotland, each famous Scottish player welcomed to the sound of bagpipes and rapturous applause.
To showcase each of the past 10 decades, the rugby greats – or family members of those no longer with us – walked out, each dressed in resplendent jerseys from when they were capped.
It started with Julie Beavon, granddaughter of Jimmy Nelson, 1925 Grand Slam hero, and continued through the ages with: 1930s and 1940s represented by Wilson Shaw’s son and Douglas Eliot’s daughter; at 98, Scotland’s oldest living internationalist, Lorn Cowie (1950s), accompanied by his grandson Tom; British & Irish Lions hero David Rollo (1960s); Scottish rugby royalty in the form of Andy Irvine and then John Rutherford (1970s and 1980s); Gregor Townsend, Kim Littlejohn and Scott Hastings from the 1990s, after Scotland Women’s inaugural match in 1993; cap centurions Donna Kennedy and Chris Paterson (2000s); fellow centurion Ross Ford and Sarah Law from the 2010s; and current Scotland stars Grant Gilchrist and Emma Wassell from the 2020s.
All in, the players that were on show have won an astonishing 930 Scotland caps.
Expertly hosted by Caroline Blair, the masses were then told to make some noise as Scotland’s stars of the future (18 schoolchildren) marched out to highlight that after 100 years of Murrayfield, there are plenty more memories to make in the future.
At the culmination of the Entry of the Greats, three more events were held across the Murrayfield campus to continue the centenary celebrations.
More than 220 children took part in the Scottish Gas Rugby Festival: Powering Rugby’s Future, where four stations were set up for rugby activity, fun skills tests and a behind-the scenes tour. The youngsters were drawn from nine schools from around Scotland: Montrose Academy, Lochaber High School, Northfield Academy, Kelso High School, Newbattle High School, Leith Academy, Biggar High School, St. Matthew’s Academy and St. Paul’s RC High School.
At the same time, Scottish Rugby’s retrospective capping campaign took in a further eight referees to now have been awarded a physical cap for officiating in a Test match involving a Tier 1 nation. Ken McCartney, Eddie Murray, Iain Ramage, Chuck Muir, Malcolm Changleng, Rob Dickson, Brian Anderson and Jim Fleming MBE.
After a brief lunch intermission, it was straight to the President’s Suite for the annual Community Recognition Awards, where some 36 unsung heroes were celebrated for their contribution to their local club’s successes over the past year.
And the day was topped by a huge group photo, involving many of those who helped make such a grand occasion a roaring success.
100 years on from that inaugural Grand Slam triumph against England, Murrayfield Stadium was crackling with the sounds and sights of rugby, as Scotland’s international stars, and perhaps those of the future, gathered as one to revel in a century of memorable moments.
Newhaven Festival will float Dame Katherine’s boat
Newhaven Coastal Rowing Club, a community-based club that gives local people a chance to get out rowing on the Forth in traditional skiff style boats, are preparing to welcome a special guest at a free festival in Newhaven Harbour on Saturday, 26 April.
Dame Katherine Grainger, chair of UK Sport, proud Scot and holder of a gold and four silver Olympic rowing medals will be on hand to launch three new boats, two from Newhaven’s club and one built by the Grassmarket Project which is a community of over 500 people working together to support positive change in one another’s lives.
The “Seafaring Spirit Festival” will celebrate the area’s rich history of coastal connection as part of a broader programme of events that mark 900 years since Edinburgh was officially established as a burgh.
The event will take place in and around Newhaven Harbour and the nearby Heart of Newhaven Community Centre.
Among the other highlights of the event:
Come and try rowing sessions
Skiff races
Interactive exhibitions depicting Newhaven’s changing relationship with the sea
Kirsten Reilly determined to lift silverware at Fir Park today
Hibernian Women midfielder Kirsten Reilly is determined to lift yet more silverware in today’s Sky Sports Cup Final at Fir Park.
A previous winner of the competition in both 2018 and 2019, securing each victory under current head coach Grant Scott, Reilly believes the opportunity to lift another trophy is something all her teammates should savour.
Speaking ahead of the game Reilly said: “Every team aims to win trophies and silverware. To put ourselves in this situation is great and as a group we love it.
“It would be great to win with the girls. It’s a big game and a big occasion.
“It’s something we are really excited for and we can’t wait for it to come.”
Experiencing a run of form that has seen the squad win 10 games on the bounce in all competitions – a remarkable feat sealed by securing a last gasp victory over Glasgow City last weekend at Petershill Park.
The chaotic triumphCity propelled Hibs to the top of the SWPL table with nine games remaining.
Reilly stated the team’s excellent current form will stand the team in good stead heading into Saturday’s showpiece occasion.
“It gives us great momentum. Obviously, cup games are very different to the league, so it’ll be a battle with only one winner at the end of the day.
“It’ll be a great game and we’ll take the performance from Sunday into this Saturday.
“Rangers are a great team,” Reilly added. “They’ve got a lot of experienced players, but we can’t play ourselves down.
“We’ve got a lot of good players ourselves. Some have experienced winning trophies and some have not, but it doesn’t change how much we want to win it.”
Supporters have magnificently supported the Hibees both at Meadowbank and on the road this season. Therefore a healthy crowd is expected to back the team this weekend as the girls seek silverware in North Lanarkshire.
In a final message to those dedicated Hibees, Reilly is keen for fans – both old and new – to head to Fir Park to support the team come kick-off on Saturday.
“The fans are massive. They come in week in, week out, home and away for us this season.
“We hear them every week. To see a big group of them here on Saturday would be great.
“We can’t wait to hear them.”
Dynamic Earth offers a new year round pass
Annual Pass will allow visitors more access to science
Dynamic Earth, the Science Centre and Planetarium in Edinburgh is changing the way visitors access its facilities with the introduction of a new year-round Annual Pass.
Visitors can now enjoy unlimited access for twelve months after buying just one ticket, making science education more inclusive and accessible than before.
In its 25th anniversary year, Dynamic Earth is reinforcing its position as a must-visit national attraction by ensuring families, residents, and visitors can explore science in fresh and exciting ways throughout the year providing unparalleled value for money.
Dynamic Earth has announced the move as part of its 10-year strategy, improving accessibility to science education and ensuring visitors can regularly enjoy the immersive galleries, seasonal programming, and a continually changing Planetarium schedule.
From Easter and Halloween trails to an enchanting Santa’s Grotto, as well as new screenings under the stars in Edinburgh’s only Planetarium. There is even more to explore at Dynamic Earth.
Mark Bishop, CEO of Dynamic Earth, said: “In our 25th anniversary year, we have our eye on how we can give everyone even more to enjoy in the years ahead. Our new approach to ticketing means science can become an even more regular activity for families. Pay once, visit as often as you like—our doors are open, and we’re waiting to welcome you in our ever-evolving programme!”
Dynamic Earth continues to lead the way in making science education more engaging, inclusive, and accessible. With this new model, it cements its role as Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, reaffirming its mission to inspire curiosity and discovery.
Key Benefits of the New Annual Pass:
Unlimited access for 12 months to the core attraction, allowing repeat visits and deeper engagement with exhibits.
Year-round seasonal experiences, including Easter and Halloween trails, and Santa’s Grotto (additional charges apply).
A constantly evolving planetarium programme, ensuring new shows, discoveries, and immersive films (additional charges apply).
Book online and save! Buy your tickets online now to receive a discount on our standard admission rates.
Commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, making science education more available to a wider audience.
Restless Natives: The Musical at Leith Theatre – tickets on sale now
Scotland’s favourite Highland-Highwaymen the Clown and the Wolfman take a whistle stop road-trip to celebrate “Restless Natives: The Musical”, which hits the road across the country in April including Leith Theatre behind the library on Ferry Road.
From a daring hold-up of a Rabbie’s Tours bus in Perth to spreading the wealth outside Leith Theatre, the boys turned heads in four of the cities which they will visit again later this year in the musical version of the film.
40 years on from their last ride (the original film was released in 1985), this hilarious and faithful new adaptation is produced by the same creative team behind the beloved classic Scottish film.
This is part of a three month long programme commissioned by the producers of the film, Andy Paterson and Wild Yak Productions along with Leith Theatre Trust.
Restless Natives producer Andy Paterson is thrilled to see the musical leading the summer programming for the venue: “We are so inspired by the Trust’s vision for this incredible building. Our memories of shooting key scenes from the film just a few hundred yards away on the Western Harbour make this new partnership all the more special. We can’t wait to bring the Clown and the Wolfman back to their actual and spiritual home in Edinburgh.”
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce Leith Theatre as the Edinburgh venue and to work in partnership to deliver this incredible three-month summer season, starting with Restless Natives: The Musical. Despite the challenges posed by our building’s health, we remain committed to being at the heart of cultural life in Leith. This theatre adaptation blends theatre, film and music which is everything we love, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome this exciting crossover and summer opportunity to our venue.”
Kick-starting from Perth Theatre in April, the new musical will tour to Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Eden Court, Inverness, Leith Theatre, Edinburgh and The King’s Theatre, Glasgow from 24 April until 28 June.
The Clown and the Wolfman take a whistle stop road-trip to celebrate “Restless Natives: The Musical coming to a stage near you this summer – photographed at Leith Theatre PHOTO Colin Hattersley PhotographyThe Clown and the Wolfman take a whistle stop road-trip to celebrate “Restless Natives: The Musical coming to a stage near you this summer – photographed at Leith Theatre PHOTO Colin Hattersley PhotographyThe Clown and the Wolfman take a whistle stop road-trip to celebrate “Restless Natives: The Musical coming to a stage near you this summer – photographed at Leith Theatre PHOTO Colin Hattersley PhotographyThe Clown and the Wolfman take a whistle stop road-trip to celebrate “Restless Natives: The Musical coming to a stage near you this summer – photographed at Leith Theatre PHOTO Colin Hattersley Photography
The Atholl Highlanders are off to New York
The UK’s only private regiment, The Atholl Highlanders, raised and commanded by the Dukes of Atholl, and based at their ancestral home of Blair Castle in Highland Perthshire, have announced that they will be taking part in New York’s Tartan Day Parade on 5 April 2025.
This will be the fourth tour of the US by the Atholl Highlanders, and the last tour took place in 2012.
The 62 strong contingent of Atholl Highlanders, including its Pipe Band and support staff, will visit Washington, Boston, and the Massachusetts town of Athol, which claims a historical connection to the Atholl Highlanders, and New York City for the parade when the Grand Marshal will be Scottish actor, Alan Cumming.
The Atholl Highlanders have not marched in the Tartan Day Parade before, and will take part with their band, which consists of ten pipers and nine drummers.
The contingent will arrive in New York on 3 April, wearing Clan Murray Tartan, ready to march in the Tartan Day Parade on 5 April, before attending a ceilidh on Saturday evening. The following day the Highlanders will parade at the British Embassy in New York.
Touring the East Coast of America, to coincide with New York Tartan Week, was the idea of His Grace, The 10th Duke of Atholl, who funded the very first trip in conjunction with the Murray Clan in 1987, visiting Boston, Athol, Concorde, the Loon Mountain Highland Games, New York, Washington, plus the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington and Williamsburg.
After the 10th Duke died, and the title moved to John Murray in South Africa, an Atholl Highlanders’ Council was created, which went on to operate a Tour Fund. It allocated money that the Atholl Highlanders received as payment for Duties at the Keepers of the Quaich, and through the Atholl Gathering, towards overseas tours, which usually had a link to the Murray family and/or Blair Castle itself.
Subsequent tours followed, in 2000 and 2012, visiting other destinations such as Quebec, Toronto, and Bermuda, along with the Massachusetts town of Athol, an approximate 90 minute drive from Boston.
In the mid 18th Century, Athol was chosen as the place to settle by an emigrating Scot, John Murray. Becoming a prominent businessman and landowner, he named the town Athol to remind him of his Scottish roots in Highland Perthshire. Although his connection to the Murray Clan remains unfounded in Blair Castle archives, the town, has, since the Atholl Highlanders first American tour in 1987, developed close links with the Regiment, and Blair Castle. After the regiment paraded at The State House, Boston, during its 2012 tour, a ceremony officially recognised the town of Athol’s 250th Anniversary, and 6 June was declared “Athol Day”.
On this forthcoming tour, local Athol families will host pairs of Atholl Highlanders in their own homes for four nights, before the regiment returns to Scotland. The organising committee reached out to Athol three years ago realising that hosting provides a more personal experience than a hotel, and enables everyone to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s culture.
The host families will be instrumental in organising cultural and educational visits to local schools and businesses in Athol and the surrounding area. They will also transport the Atholl Highlanders to parades, and other trips and activities during their time with them, including the Girardi’s River Rat Race, a canoe race on the Athol-Orange River. Once again, as on previous trips, the Athol Highlanders will take part in the State House Parade in Boston on 11 April.
Their packed itinerary includes a parade at the British Embassy in Washington, a Black Rose Dinner in Athol, and a Legion Spaghetti Supper.
With Atholl Highlanders often recruited through their family lines, there are presently six sets of brothers in the regiment and its band, together with three sets of father and sons.
RSM Graham Jack, an Atholl Highlander since 1977, and a veteran of three previous USA tours, commented on the forthcoming trip: “We are all really looking forward to this incredible trip. Although many of our members have been on a US tour before, each one always offers something new. This time, it’s the honour and privilege to march in the Tartan Day Parade, which came about through our previous Adjutant, John Bullough, planting the seed of the Regiment joining the Tartan Day Parade in New York. It will be an amazing experience for us all, one that we will never forget, and particularly poignant and memorable for the Atholl Highlanders attending for the first time with their sons, and for our many sets of brothers.”
Graham, who can trace his family ancestry regarding the Murray Clan back to the Battle of Culloden, went on to say: “On behalf of the Atholl Highlanders, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank the extremely hospitable host families in Athol who look after us so well. Many of us have become firm friends, with visits taking place outwith official tours, something we are sure will continue into the future. This year’s itinerary in Athol will be particularly fun with some of our members taking part in the Athol Rat Race, a break from the formality of other tasks. We always welcome the chance to get right into the heart of the community through the school and business visits too.”
Graham said: “We’d say to any of Americans who love their history, and who’d like to find out more about the Atholl Highlanders, to make the very worthwhile trip over to Scotland to visit us at Blair Castle. May is a fantastic time to come, as we have our annual Military Parade and take part in traditional Highland Games. It’s a true Highland spectacle not to be missed!
“The regiment was actually formed to fight American Independence on behalf of the Crown, which is another fascinating fact. However, they ended up in Ireland and never made it over to get involved in the conflict. Now, we are happy to say that we enjoy the best possible connections to the USA!”
Stephen Leckie, Chair of VisitScotland, said: “For VisitScotland, New York City Tartan Week has proved a valuable means of engaging visitors and businesses through a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture. Tartan Week offers VisitScotland not only the opportunity to promote Scotland as a destination but to also showcase our fantastic cultural ambassadors such as the Atholl Highlanders.
“North America is Scotland’s largest international market, and we know that our history and heritage are a huge draw for our American visitors. We wish the Atholl Highlanders well as they bring a taste of Scotland to the US east coast.”
Spend Saturday night at The Causey
On Saturday evening 22 March the Causey will light up with a one-off exhibition, the first 2025 event intended to highlight the potential of the area.
The exhibition will begin at 7pm outside Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church on East Crosscauseway. The art is the result of workshops conducted in collaboration with storyteller Claire McNicol. The intention is to foster community ties with Scottish folklore. From 7.30pm the projections will light up the buildings around the area which Causey Development Trust (CDT) want to transform into a public space which could be used for community events. The campaign has now been running for 17 years.
CDT has plans ready to be acted upon, changing the area by reducing vehicular traffic and introducing a rejuvenated police box, planters, seating and trees. The plans produced by award-winning landscape architects Ironside Farrar would make events like that to be held on Saturday night much easier to plan in future.
Sarah Drummond, Chair of Causey Development Trust, said: “We can’t wait to host our first on-street projection event of the year at The Causey thanks to the incredibly talented Beetroots Collective CIC. These events exemplify why this space is so important for the well-being of Edinburgh residents, to help foster community spirit and breathe new life into underused parts of our city. We are very lucky to enjoy the support of locals and supporters hailing from all kinds of backgrounds and countries, and we are excited to see their work brought to life this Saturday 22 March, at The Causey.”
The live storytelling and on street projection is produced by Beetroots Collective CIC and Causey Development Trust.
CDT want to reconfigure The Causey to promote “everyday walking and cycling while giving local people, students and visitors an attractive and accessible space that can be used for community-inspired events, neighbourliness, socialising and simply soaking up the historic surrounds”.
Free travel on railways for companions to blind Scots
A trial of free rail travel for blind Scots and their companions has begun.
Sight loss charities have hailed a pilot scheme that will provide free rail travel for the companions of blind and partially sighted individuals on all Scotrail train journeys as life-changing.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans say this initiative will reduce loneliness and isolation, fostering independence, and enhancing mental well-being.
Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, officially launched the pilot scheme at Anniesland Station earlier this week, and was joined by Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, along with representatives and campaigners from Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, both of which have driven the successful Fair Rail Campaign.
Under this new pilot scheme, individuals holding an eye +1 National Entitlement Card (NEC) will be able to travel with a companion at no additional cost starting 01 April 2025. The pilot scheme, which will run for one year, aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers by introducing a consistent, nationwide policy for free companion rail travel, aligning with existing concessionary bus and ferry travel across Scotland.
Ms Stewart said: “I am genuinely delighted to be launching this pilot, which is testament to the hard work by all those involved in the campaign to bring this about. Making rail travel more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss is an important step in helping them access communities, education, and employment.”
ScotRail
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “At ScotRail, we are committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that our services are as inclusive as possible for all customers. This trial initiative is an important step towards making travel easier for those who rely on assistance when using our services.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing this pilot. After over two years of campaigning, this is a significant achievement for our Fair Rail Campaign. Thanks to collaboration with ScotRail and Transport Scotland, rail travel will become more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss across Scotland.
“For many visually impaired individuals, public transport is essential, yet travelling alone is often not an option, and the cost of a companion ticket can be prohibitive. This new policy will make a real difference, supporting rehabilitation, promoting independence, and ensuring that people with vision impairments remain connected with their communities.”
Joe Tottenham, a 92-year-old army veteran, who is supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “I’m so proud to be part of the Fair Rail campaign led by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans who have campaigned tirelessly on this issue. Knowing no matter where I’m going in Scotland that my companion can travel with me at no extra cost will change my life. As a blind person, having someone to help me get on and off the train is vital – I’d be lost without them.”
Colette Walker, who is visually impaired and co- chair of Sight Scotland’s policy group, adds: “This will make such a difference to me financially, as well as to my safety and quality of life.”
Fair Rail Campaign
The Fair Rail Campaign was launched over two years ago, calling for a national policy to provide free rail travel across Scotland for the companions of those with a National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons card. Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans were approached by many individuals with sight loss who were concerned about rising travel costs and the confusion surrounding various concessionary schemes. The charities brought the issue to the Scottish Parliament, where it was debated in a Members Debate brought forward by Graham Simpson MSP and considered in the Fair Fares Review, ultimately leading to this pilot scheme.
Mr Simpson said: “I welcome the launch of the fair rail campaign pilot. This is long overdue after many years of campaigning by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, who first brought the issue to my attention several years ago.
“I held a Members’ Debate in the Parliament on this issue in 2022. Last year, the Fair Fares Review made a loose commitment to a pilot project, so I am pleased to see that the Scottish Government is finally addressing this important issue.
“For many blind and partially sighted people, having a companion can mean the difference between travelling or not travelling. This pilot is a step in the right direction, but I would urge the Scottish Government to get on with implementing a national policy that entitles the companions of people with sight loss to free rail travel, to make our rail network more equitable and accessible for everyone.”
Kaukab Stewart MSP on left Picture – Chris Watt Photography
Scottish Budget boosts housing but may not be enough
Housing leaders warn that older people remain at risk as support services struggle
Scotland’s housing sector has welcomed The Scottish Government’s latest budget, which restores crucial funding for affordable housing and increases support for medical adaptations.
But despite this progress, local services remain under severe pressure, as rising council tax bills have failed to prevent cuts to housing support and social care services.
Speaking at the CIH Scottish Housing Festival, Angela Currie, Chief Executive of Hanover Scotland, warned that while the budget contains good news, Scotland is still not acting fast enough to meet the needs of its ageing population.
Angela said: “The Scottish Government has responded to our concerns, and it is encouraging to see funding for affordable housing restored and the medical adaptations budget increased to £20 million – this is a welcome step forward.
“However, despite this, local authorities are still making cuts to housing support services as they battle rising costs. That is deeply concerning, particularly when we face a demographic time bomb.”
Scotland’s population is ageing rapidly, and the country is nowhere near prepared to meet the demand for housing that supports older people to live independently. By 2040, more than 730,000 people in Scotland will be aged 75 or over, a figure that will place immense strain on housing, health, and social care services.
Yet, specialist supported housing – including sheltered housing and extra care facilities – makes up just 1% of Scotland’s total housing stock.
This shortage leaves many older people trapped in homes that no longer meet their needs, forcing them to rely more heavily on already overstretched social care and NHS services.
The number of single-person households aged 55 and over has risen sharply in recent years, increasing by more than 104,000 since 2011.
At the same time, accessible housing remains in desperately short supply, with only 1% of homes in Scotland fully suitable for wheelchair users. The crisis is particularly severe for disabled people, as 10,000 disabled Scots are currently stuck on housing waiting lists, unable to find suitable accommodation.
With so many older people living in homes that fail to meet their needs, the knock-on effects on health and social care services are undeniable. Scotland already has the widest health inequalities in Western Europe, with people in the poorest areas living, on average, 12 years less than those in the most affluent parts of the country.
The gap is even more pronounced when looking at healthy life expectancy – people in Scotland’s most deprived areas spend over a decade longer in poor health before dying prematurely.
Angela added: “The connection between housing, health, and social care is undeniable. Yet, despite this, we still do not have a joined-up strategy that ensures older people can access the right homes and the support they need as they age.
“England’s Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government recently set out 10 key recommendations to tackle similar challenges. Scotland must follow suit and take decisive action now before the crisis deepens.”
The Scottish Government’s Housing to 2040 strategy includes commitments to review design standards, introduce an Accessible Homes Standard, and increase the supply of adaptable homes. However, with the number of older and disabled people rising fast, housing leaders are warning that these changes must be accelerated and properly funded.
Without sustained investment in housing with care and support services, Scotland risks a growing crisis – one that will increase pressure on the NHS and social care, deepen inequalities, and leave thousands of older people struggling without the support they need to live independently.
For over 40 years, Hanover Scotland has been a leading provider of safe, secure, and affordable housing for older people. With more than 4,500 homes across Scotland, the organisation continues to advocate for urgent action to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency and ensure people can live well, safely, and independently in later life.
Lifetime honour for bowler Paul
Paul Clark has been awarded life membership of Postal Bowling Club and is pictured with his certificate.
A member since 1980 Paul served as Secretary for 12 years along with two spells as President of the club.
Paul Clark – Postal Bowling Club life member.
Parents furious over holiday hub u-turn
Furious parents are demanding answers after being told a vital holiday hub service was closing – only to learn that its future is still in the balance.
Parents were told in a letter from city staff on 7 March that councillors had decided the city would no longer run the Braidburn holiday hub – but the city has now admitted that councillors never made such a decision.
After backlash from councillors, the future of the Braidburn holiday hub will now be decided at a committee meeting on Tuesday, where councillors will choose whether to have the city keep running it, and for how long.
Officers are recommending councillors agree that the city should stop running the holiday hub site after Easter, and seek a private contractor to run it.
If a suitable provider cannot be found, students would be placed in other holiday hubs sites, which could constrain further the limited number of weeks available to each pupil.
At present, each family is guaranteed three weeks of care, down from 10 when the scheme started.
Denise McGee-Dewar, a parent of a pupil who uses Braidburn and a representative of advocacy group REPAIR, said: “We were shocked [by the letter], and also, we were wondering if anyone knew about this. You know, we must have missed this.
“This was saying that this is happening, but it had never been mentioned up to this point. And when everybody else had said, no, we’re not aware of this, we knew it was another bolt out of the blue.
“When we got in touch with the councillors, they weren’t aware of it either. So it’s really disappointing, and caused a lot of panic for parents in terms of what that would mean for their families.”
An emergency motion by SNP councillors to discuss the letter sent to parents and the possible closure of the holiday hub was not taken for debate at Thursday’s full council meeting.
Officers say that having the city run the holiday hub site is unsustainable due to its use of staff from the Seaview children’ s respite service, and warn that if the city continues to run the Braidburn holiday hub that the Seaview scheme may need to close over the summer.
SNP councillor Euan Hyslop, who sits on the Education, Children and Families Committee, said: “What this shows is that there is no leadership from the convener for the committee, or from the administration on this issue at all, and that’s been a recurring theme.
“Over the last number of months, they’ve been allowing officers to lead on this, even now when it’s become recognised as a particularly important issue among the public, they’re still not treating the issue, and the parents, with the respect that they deserve.
“They’re not recognising the fact that, because it’s an issue of real public concern, that it should be handled by councillors.”
Cllr Hyslop added that this situation would have a substantial impact on the other holiday hubs in the city.
In the city budget agreed last month, £100,000 was added to the budget for the holiday hubs service, but this was not to increase the level of provision.
Rather, it was to hire two new managers to help run the scheme. McGee-Dewar said that she and other parents of pupils who use the holiday hubs wanted these new managers hired quickly.
Labour councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “Our priority for the upcoming summer holidays was to allocate Holiday Hub places and to confirm and communicate this to families as soon as we could.
“We know how much families need and value this vital support so updating them and offering peace of mind has been our key focus.”
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter
Continued police presence in Pilton after firearm discharged
Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was discharged at a property in Edinburgh.
Around 7.55am this morning, Friday, 21 March 2025, officers received a report of a firearm possibly being discharged in West Pilton Bank.
Officers attended and there were no reports of any injuries.
From investigations carried out so far, officers believe this was a targeted attack and extensive enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for this dangerous act as soon as possible. I would urgently appeal to anyone with information to please get in contact with us.
“We believe this incident may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other and extensive enquiries are ongoing into this line of investigation.
“We have a dedicated team who are trawling CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
“I would be keen to hear from anyone in area who has dash cam, private CCTV or doorbell footage from Thursday night into Friday morning.
“There will continue to be a police presence in the area while our investigation is ongoing.”
Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “Thankfully no one was injured in this incident but I understand this will be very worrying for the people living in this community.
“Officers will remain the area and I would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“I want to reassure the local community we are fully committed to tracing the person responsible as soon as possible.
“If you have any information or footage that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
Anyone with any information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025 or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
Climate network joins Move for Good festival in Linlithgow
Active travel and more sustainable public transport is on the route map for West Lothian’s climate action hub when it takes part in Linlithgow’s first Move for Good Festival next weekend.
A team from West Lothian Climate Action Network (WLCAN) will ask residents for their top priorities for Linlithgow for transport and climate hopes.
The focus on local transport stems from the major topics in town including High Street parking and traffic flow/ pollution in the town centre.
Only last year Linlithgow completed a lengthy air quality management monitoring programme which had seen pollutant levels from vehicle drop in the last decade- despite the number of vehicles using the High Street increasing in the years following the Covid Lockdown.
Climate hub staff will have a stall at Saturday’s festival and will use an interactive vote to gather residents’ views on the key climate action issue of transport.
Neil Barnes, WLCAN’s senior development worker and also a resident of Linlithgow, said: “Previous local consultations led by Linlithgow Community Development Trust and others have shown that car parking in the High Street was one of the biggest and most controversial issues locally.
“The latest regional data and analysis from the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service shows that the two biggest sources of emissions in our region are cars and gas boilers. I’m sure that is the same for our town.”
WLCAN will also be asking visitors to share West Lothian weather related stories as part of information gathering for experts who will use this to plan adaptation for extreme weather events. The climate stories also reveal how weather patterns have changed in the area, feeding into a national picture that is being built.
Changing weather patterns are already beginning to affect decision making in Linlithgow, and other parts of the county, with planning applications being considered in terms of flood risk. Some applications already refused in the ancient burgh because of increasing flood risk.
The Move for Good Festival is a first for the town. It has been organised by Linlithgow Community Development Trust’s active travel programme @moveforgood and includes opportunities to explore sustainability for everyday journeys through a programme of creative workshops, talks, activity taster sessions, workshops and guided walks.
Move for Good events will take place at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit, adjacent to Linlithgow’s Xcite centre, The Cross, Cross House and the Vennel.
WLCAN will have a stall at the Kirk Hall in Cross House, Kirkgate. 12.30-3.30pm.
It will also be a chance to hear more about the climate hub’s network of organisations across West Lothian who are tackling climate change at local level. These include West Lothian Bike Library and Linlithgow CDT.
The hub hopes to run a climate summit in Linlithgow in May, replicating an earlier localised event in Bathgate to pin down the issues facing particular areas such as flooding, pollution, land contamination and nature depletion.
WLCAN is a membership of community grass-roots organisations. Helping the network and distributing funding, the company, or Hub is funded by the Scottish Government. Its aim is to galvanise local activity into meaningful improvements in the quality of life and physical environment of West Lothian, through activities that mitigate climate change.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
Neil Lennon appointed manager of Dunfermline Athletic until end of season
Former Hibs mananger Neil Lennon has been appointed manager of Dunfermline Athletic on an initial short term deal, until the end of the season.
Lennon won the Championship during his Easter Road tenure before leading the club to a fourth place finish in the top-flight.
He also won five titles at Celtic, four Scottish Cups and one League Cup and won the Championship and in Cyprus the national cup competition with Omonia.
The 53 year old was born in Lurgan and as a player made over 700 senior appearances, initially making an impact at Crewe Alexandria, then at Leicester City and Celtic. A central midfielder, he won 40 international caps for Northern Ireland.
Joining Lennon will be coach Iain Brunskill. After serving as assistant Academy Technical Director at Liverpool for a decade, Brunskill spent time at Norwich, Blackpool, QPR and most recently Rapid București as assistant coach under Lennon.
Pars Chairman and CEO David Cook said: “Firstly I’d like to welcome Neil and Iain to KDM Group East End Park. We very quickly identified Neil as the outstanding candidate for the role. Having managed at the very highest level in the country he will bring a huge wealth of experience to the club.
“Whilst it’s been a team effort in securing the services of such a high calibre manager, this wouldn’t have been possible without James Bord’s personal involvement in the negotiations.
“Neil has already started work preparing for next Saturday’s match with Ayr United and with seven matches remaining we know our supporters will get behind Neil, Iain and the rest of the staff and squad as we fight to maintain our Championship placing.”
Lennon added, “I’m very excited about the prospect of joining Dunfermline Athletic Football Club. Once I spoke to James Bord he put across a very compelling proposition on his ambitions for the club. However, short term our aim is obviously to be in the Championship next season.
“Having watched the match against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup it’s clear there’s talent in the squad, perhaps just a little low on confidence at the minute.
“What we want to do is bring an energy, confidence and an exciting brand of football. It may not happen instantly but we want to play on the front foot, excite supporters and get the players believing in what we’re doing.”
Pathhead Farm steading plans rejected over floor size
A bid to turn a farm steading into housing has been rejected over plans to more than double its floor size.
Midlothian planning officers refused to allow the only farm building still to be converted on a courtyard near Pathhead to be turned into two new houses saying the extension proposed for it was too big.
And they criticised the design of the conversion saying it was neither “traditional nor contemporary” and was “not of sufficient quality given this highly sensitive area”.
The application had pointed out that all other steadings on the site had been converted into housing over the last 30 years and the remaining building had not been used for agricultural purposes for decades.
It argued the steading was too narrow for modern day living and extensions were required.
It said: “All the other stone buildings of the original Georgian steading have already been converted into homes. There are now nine homes at Crichton Mains and this conversion of the last original farm buildings will increase the number of homes to 11.
“The increase is considered appropriate and in proportion to the size of the steading. The additional two families will help sustain this rural community. The applicant has no use for the redundant buildings which were last used for agricultural purposes over 25 years ago and now used very inefficiently for storage.”
Planners said the building currently had a footprint of 150 square metres and the application proposed adding a front extension which also had footprint of 150 square metres and a proposed rear extension with a footprint of 98.5 square metres. The extensions are more than double the floorspace of the existing
They said: “This is substantial in terms of floorspace created and extension to the original fabric of the building.”
Refusing permission for the new housing, they said: “The proposed extensions and alterations are not in keeping with and do not respect the historic and rural character of the existing building and layout in terms of siting, scale and design.
“The proposed extensions would substantially alter and extend the original fabric of the former steading building to its significant detriment.”
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