Littles Restaurant has become a visitor attraction since it was converted into an 80 cover restaurant six years ago.

The building was formerly the Riverside Parish Church and it overlooks the River Ericht, at Rattray, Blairgowrie. The business has achieved several awards since the experienced restaurateur Willie Little bought it in 2015, investing almost £1 million in an ambitious restoration creating a modern restaurant space.

With 50 years in the trade behind him, Willie is keen to retire, and would like to pass the restaurant, with its awe inspiring stained glass window – the only one in the UK dedicated to the role of the Labour Corps in World War One – on to a new owner.

Willie said: “When I took the church on it was completely derelict, with dry rot everywhere, a daunting task indeed. I had the vision to see that it could be a fantastic dining space though, full of atmosphere and history, and with this amazing stained glass window – that very few people seemed to know about –  at it’s very heart. To say that it was challenging was putting it mildly, but I assembled a fantastic team and completed the work and opened, spreading the word on the church’s rich heritage as often as we could.

“Without our conversion, the window could well have been lost to the community forever.”

Over the years. “Littles in the church” has filled many column inches in the press, as Willie revealed more and more stories about the church’s history, revealing that he had named his bar and snug area “Borries Bar”,  after the rich Dundonian shoe factory benefactor who originally donated the money for the Methodist Church to be built.

He said: “It would be great to attract a buyer. The restaurant is busy with many regulars, and we have a great team of loyal staff who have been with me since before the conversion, sharing this journey.

“I’m proud to be leaving the people of Blairgowrie this legacy, as I’m sure visitors will continue to come and see the window. Finishing my career in this church restaurant has been fantastic, but the time has come for me to take off my apron and put up my feet. I look forward to seeing what interest we get in this historic building as it could be used for many things, but I must admit I would like to see it still continue as a restaurant, feeding the people of Blairgowrie, and across the whole area.”

Littles Restaurant is for sale through Cornerstone Business Agents, offers over £595,000.  Contact Barry McNeil on (07876) 831834 or 0131 445 7222.

www.littlesrestaurant.com

The Stellar Monarchs Academy lost for the second time this season on the Armadale track, going down 47-43 to Leicester Lion Cubs in the National Development League despite of an impressive return to action by Max Clegg.

He was outstanding for the home side with 15 points but other riders also showed real talent on the night, Max James, Ashton Boughen Dan and Joe Thompson.

Clegg admitted: “I surprised myself a little by doing so well, especially as it is four weeks I think since I had last ridden. I felt a bit rusty in my first ride but settled down after that.

“Leicester have a really good team so I think we did well to run them so close. I am looking forward to the return match next week when I feel we can give them a hard match.”

Clegg capped his performance by recording the fastest National Development League time of the season at 57.9sec in heat 1 and he was involved in probably the best race of the day in heat 6, his second ride, when he had to work hard to overcome a determined Joe Thompson.

Thereafter, he cruised to victory in three further heats and never looked like being beaten.

Adam Roynon (pictured) provided Clegg with the best back-up with 11 from his five rides and Academy manager Scott Wilson operated what was effectively a three-reserve line-up permitted by this year’s rules for No 8 riders and switched the trio (Wood, Lyden and Simpson) effectively, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Cubs’ attack.

James and Boughen are still only 15 and they are supremely talented prospects. James didn’t win heat 2, that went to faster gating Dayle Wood, but his win over Roynon in his next ride was a real eye-opener.

He reeled off further wins or paid wins in heats 4, 7 and 8 to put the Lion Cubs in command. A last bend fall in his final ride put a slight damper on things, but he has real talent.

The 15-year-old rising star is Boughen who recorded a point in his first two heats (falling in heat 5) but he found the winning groove to head his opponents in heats 8, 11 and 14.

By heat 11 Leicester were ten points ahead but the Monarchs Academy kept fighting, taking a heat 11 5-1 (Roynon and Simpson) and later an advantage in heat 15. It cut the gap to four points by the end.

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy (43): Max Clegg 15+0, Mark Parker 1+1, Adam Roynon 11+0, Alex Spooner 0+0, Danny Phillips 1+0, Dayle Wood 7+1, Karan Lyden 2+0, Mickie Simpson 6+2

Leicester Lion Cubs (47): Dan Thompson 12+0, Ashton Boughen 9+2, Max Perry 4+2, Tom Spencer 0+0, Joe Thompson 7+2, Owen Booth 0+0, Max James 15+1

Scotland coach Chris Duncan praised his women’s hockey squad following good performances against two of the world’s top ten teams during four games in The Netherlands as they prepare for the EuroHockey Championship.

China won 3-0 in the final game in Amstelveen following a 3-2 defeat 24-hour earlier to a side ranked seven places above Scotland, ranked No 17 in the world, and, of course, the Tartan Hearts lost 2-1 and 5-1 to Australia, ranked No 3 in the world, earlier in the week.

Scotland now face the Czech Republic in two matches as Peffermill in July and head coach Duncan said: “By the time the Czech Republic come to Edinburgh I’m confident we’ll be in a really good place.”

He described Saturday’s game against China as a good lesson in what it takes to be a top ten side and he added: “After an excellent performance (in the 3-2 defeat) it’s hard to back it up the next day when you play top teams.

“That’s something we’ll need to learn. We pushed them back in the second-half, and it’s frustrating not to score, but it’s pleasing to see that we kept coming back at them.”

Overall, he said: “There are a lot of positives to take away from this week. We’ve had some excellent performances against two of the top teams in the world and we’ve seen what’s expected of us if we want to be one of these top sides.”

Scotland created good chances against China but couldn’t find the net while China was clinical on the counter attack but it took their rivals until deep into the second quarter to break the deadlock.

A penalty corner found the net to make it 1-0, which was how things remained at half-time. In the second-half the Scots kicked on and pushed China back.

Katie Birch had had a penalty corner effort denied and Heather McEwan also had a penalty corner deflection blocked before China went 2-0 ahead late in the third quarter China and Scotland lost a third late in the to end the contest.

PICTURE: Heather McEwan in action for Scotland by Nigel Duncan

Cab Direct Championship: Berwick Bandits   44, Oxford Cheetahs  46

One of the cheapest components on a speedway bike cost Berwick Bandits dear on a night when tiny margins proved decisive.

Dane Thomas Jorgensen was left floundering at the start of heat seven but found the drive and straight-line to pass first Cameron Heeps and then Jordan Jenkins only for his engine to lose power entering the last lap, the fault traced back to a failed spark plug.

A shared heat became a Cheetahs’ 5-1, a six-point lead for the home side slashed to just two in the process, but Bandits maintained the margin for much of the night only to concede decisive back-to-back 5-1s in heats 13 and 14.

Despite guest Erik Riss and skipper Leon Flint combining in heat 15 to end the maximum hopes of both Scott Nicholls and Sam Masters, the points had already been lost.

The incident-packed match began disastrously for the visitors, Lewis Kerr picking up too much drive on the first turn and being thrown off his machine as it clattered into the barrier, narrowly missing Masters. Kerr withdrew  from the meeting with a knee injury.

Connor Coles and Jacob Hook combined to win the reserves’ race easily before Jye Etheridge bravely rode the fence to round Heeps while the slow-starting Jonas Knudsen battled into third for a 4-2.

Heat winners were scarce for Berwick – a problem not suffered by the table-topping visitors – with Masters or Nicholls who were winning races at a canter.

Indeed, Bandits would manage only four race winners all night but battling for the minor places kept them narrowly ahead.

Flint and Riss left Heeps and Jenkins floundering to open up what looked capable of being a decisive four-point lead, but Oxford pulled points back in 11 as Jorgensen continued to lack power and then reserve Henry Atkins put the cat among the pigeons by keeping Etheridge and Coles at bay in heat 12 after partner Heeps had fallen on the first bend.

Heat 13 was always likely to be pivotal with Masters and Nicholls both lining up unbeaten only for Riss to make an electric start. As home fans began to celebrate, the red lights came on, referee Dave Watters warning Maters to stay still.

The Oxford pairing took advantage of their reprieve to shut the German out of the re-run and suddenly Oxford led for the first time, sealing victory in the next heat as Atkins and Jenkins combined to leave an out of sorts Knudsen to race his own team-mate Hook to the line.

Flint and Riss at least ended the night on a positive note with their heat 15 heroics, but the match had gone.

Four points from the Danish engine room was not in the gameplan, neither was providing so few only four race wins but despite that, thanks largely to a rejuvenated Etheridge and a solid performance from the reserve pairing, Berwick could still have stopped Oxford in their tracks had fortune favoured them on at least two occasions.

Kevin Little, Bandits’ team manager, said: “It is hard to point the finger at anyone as even those who were struggling for points put a lot of effort in. Nobody has pushed Oxford this close in the Championship so there is plenty to be positive about despite the result.

“Again the reserves did their job and more while Jye looked very much the old Jye with some powerful and fearless racing while Leon played a real captain’s role.

“The decision to rerun heat 13 even though Sam Masters had handicapped himself by moving proved costly while TJ’s breakdown was one of those things you couldn’t have predicted. In a meeting of such small margins incidents like that are decisive.”

Bandits: Erik Riss 9+2, Leon Flint 10+2, Jye Etheridge 9, Jonas Knudsen 3+2, Thomas Jorgensen 1+1, Jacob Hook 6+1, Connor Coles 6+1

Cheetahs: Sam Masters 11+1, Lewis Kerr 0, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Jordan Jenkins 7+1, Scott Nicholls 13, Henry Atkins 9, Ryan Kinsley 0

PICTURE: Keeping it tight, Berwick’s Jye Etheridge and Connor Coles try to pass Henry Atkins and Cameron Heeps. Picture Nia Martin

Volunteers manning vital front-line services are witnessing their health and well-being put at risk as they struggle to provide help amid the cost of living crisis, it has been warned.

Volunteers provide everything from access to food, hospital transport and practical help to the aged and vulnerable.  They are often the vital sympathetic ear for troubles.

But as West Lothian’s Third Sector celebrated its hundreds of supporters during Volunteer Week  it was warned that the cost of living crisis could threaten the pool of willing support coming forward.

Studies have also shown what was long thought; that the young  and unemployed were among those suffering the worst  in  the crisis.

Research from Volunteer Scotland points to concerns that the cost of living crisis will impact volunteering activity in the future.

Alan McCloskey, CEO Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL) acknowledged the concerns but commented: “It is fitting that in Volunteers Week, the positive impact of formal and informal volunteering is celebrated and recognised. 

“Volunteers play an highly important role in the fabric of civic society and it can be extremely rewarding for individuals to know that they are playing a part in supporting those in need across local communities in West Lothian.”

Volunteer Scotland’s report highlighted key areas of concern.

The report outlined:  “The crisis is not affecting people equally – younger adults, social grades D and E, and the grouping of ‘students, the unemployed, those not working,’ are being disproportionately affected.

 “Volunteers’ own health and wellbeing is at risk – volunteers’ health and well-being may be even more susceptible, especially if they are undertaking demanding volunteer roles, and juggling their volunteering contribution with work and caring responsibilities.

“Recovery from Covid has been compromised, the cost of living crisis has extended the problems experienced during Covid.

 “Increased demand for services driven by societal needs, the increase in demand for core services and activities experienced by two thirds of TSOs is likely to increase the demand for volunteers.”

Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, the depute leader of West Lothian Council, said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to meet hundreds of local volunteers throughout my time as a councillor. In the past few months I have met litter pickers, sports coaches, befrienders, community councillors and activity organisers for older people amongst others.

“So many people don’t recognise themselves as volunteers but that’s exactly what they are when they give hours of their time every week to support individuals, groups and communities, without any expectation of thanks. So I would like to extend my personal thanks to the efforts of all volunteers who contribute so much to daily life here in West Lothian.

“I’d also like to thank the West Lothian Volunteer Network and the Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian who work tirelessly to promote volunteering and shine a light on the sterling efforts of volunteers in West Lothian.”

The VSG’s annual report said: “The important contribution of volunteers was particularly apparent during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when 64% of Scotland’s adult population gave their time.

“Volunteer-led services often focus on preventative and community-based interventions, helping to reduce the burden on our statutory health and social care services. The contribution of volunteers has also been vital in the response to the current cost of living crisis, with people in West Lothian and across Scotland giving their time to support access to food, warm spaces and essential advice for those who need it.” 

by Stuart Somerville Local Democracy Reporter.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

FINAL THREE BEDROOM ATTACHED VILLAS AVAILABLE AT ALLANWATER HADDINGTON

Luxury Kintail features open plan kitchen dining area with French doors.
Allanwater Homes is down to the last few luxury three bedroom attached Kintail villas at its popular Allanwater Haddington development.

The Kintail mid-terraced £259,995 (end-terraced £263,995), is a spacious, energy efficient design featuring an open plan kitchen dining area with French doors that open out onto the turfed rear garden. High quality finish with ‘as standard’ Bosch appliances in the designer kitchen which makes the very most of space and light. A good sized lounge and a convenient downstairs wc make up the ground floor layout. Upstairs in the Kintail, prospective buyers will find the principal bedroom with a double fitted wardrobe, a further double bedroom, and a single bedroom. The family bathroom, fitted with Twyford sanitaryware, makes up the overall accommodation.

Lynn McNair, Development Sales Manager for Allanwater Homes said: “Along with our luxury bungalows, which are now all sold, these three bedroom attached villas have been in-demand, a sell-out style in all of our other developments.

“To aid buyers at this time, we are currently offering paid LBTT and a contribution towards legal fees. This offer applies to Plot 13. We have other money saving incentives too, on these final Kintails, such as rear turf & a stunning Bosch integrated Fridge Freezer.

“The Kintail is an ideal family home, or can be a resizing property which still offers plenty of easy to maintain space, together with a high specification as standard,” added Lynn. “The principal bedroom has fitted wardrobes, another huge selling point which buyers really appreciate. It’s little wonder that we only have a few Kintails left for sale now, so I would urge interested parties to get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure this lovely home, which will also provide them with lower running costs.”

Lynn commented that as Haddington had been a new part of Scotland in which to introduce the Allanwater Homes brand, she had been delighted with the strong sales response seen at the development.

“Our energy efficient range of properties here in the charming market town of Haddington, which included much sought after detached bungalows, have been very well received. Our attached villas, at a lower price point than the bungalows, have enabled other levels of buyers to access this attractive development,” she said. “Traditionally, Haddington had limited new housing choices for family and re-sizing markets,”

To find out more about the final Kintail at Allanwater Haddington, which is in the Letham area of Haddington, please call the Sales Advisor on 07710 304482. Opening hours are Thursday to Monday 11am to 5.30pm. www.allanwaterhomes.co.uk

You can now book your stand at the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Expo 2023 which is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 (9.00 to 17.00).

Around 200 attendees are expected from across the region with over 50 exhibitor spaces available at the Eskmills Venue, Station Road, Stuart House, Musselburgh EH21 7PQ.

A spokesman for the organisers, Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce (MELCC), said this is an event that you will not want to miss. 

She added: “Your business can benefit by generating sales leads, promoting your company, finding new suppliers, networking with fellow business professionals and making new contacts.”

Your business will be included in the Expo exhibitor programme which distributed to all attendees and exhibitor stand space includes a 4ft table with cloth and two chairs, two two grab & go lunch boxes with tea/coffee and water, access to power (first come, first served basis) and free wi-fi.

The cost is £160 for MELCC members or £210 for non-members (excluding VAT) and book your place on https://www.melcc.org.uk/chamber-events/1033/

Fife Flyers and arch rivals Dundee Stars clash pre-season and the clubs will also face European opposition in the build-up to the face-off of the Elite League.

The Scottish ice hockey clubs square-up on September 9 at Kirkcaldy (19.15) and almost 24-hours later at Dundee Ice Arena (17.00).

Fife welcome much-decorated Dutch side Tilburg Trappers on September 16 (19.15) and then entertain Romanian side ASC Corona Brasov on September 17 (17.15).

Stars host Barasov on September 16 (19.00) and Tilburg Trappers (17.00) the following night.

Brasov is a medieval town packed full of churches and cathedrals, including Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel.
Wolves have won four Romanian League Championships, two Erste League Championships, five Romanian play-off championships and have twice made the final of Erste League Championships.

Wolves have had a number of ex-Stars at the club, including goaltender Ladislav Kudrna, defensemen Cody Carlson, Rory Rawlyk, Craig Cescon and forward, Mikael Lidhammar and also include former Flyers stars Chase Schaber, Evan Stoflet and Carlo Finucci.

Former Dundee Star, Connor Sills, spent time with Brasov last season but also iced with our other preseason opponents Tilburg Trappers, where he began the campaign before making the switch to Romania.

Trappers have been crowned Dutch League Champions on 14 occasions and Dutch play-off champions 15 times.

Ex-Stars forwards, Kevin Bruijsten, Jay Latulippe, Scott Kirton and Bobby Chaumont, who also iced with Fife, have all played for Tilburg, as well as other former Flyers such as Brett Bulmer and Kyle Just.

PICTURE: Action from last season by Al Goold

Berwick Bandits have booked German ace Erik Riss to guest when they entertain top of the table Oxford on Saturday (tapes-up 7pm) in the Cab Direct Championship.

The Redcar Bear replaces No 1 Rory Schlein who suffered severe back spasms during Steve Worrall’s testimonial at Poole on Wednesday.

The Australian pulled out of his last ride at Wimborne Road and, despite visiting a chiropractor and intensive physiotherapy, was also unable to line-up for Wolverhampton in the Premiership at King’s Lynn on Thursday or the visit of the Cheetahs.

Riss, a former captain of Stellar Monarchs, who only returned from a long injury lay-off against Berwick last Friday, dropped only one point from nine rides on his two Shielfield appearances for the Bears in 2022, including a maximum in the Knockout Cup tie between the sides.

Kevin Little, Bandits’ team manager, said: “Hearing that Rory wasn’t going to be fit was a big blow but that was softened when Erik agreed to the guest booking.

“He’s been a real thorn in our side at Shielfield both for Redcar and Edinburgh over the years but now the Berwick fans get a chance to cheer him on.”

PICTURE: Erik Riss (red Kevlars) racing against Jonas Knudsen by Colin Poole

Scotland women lost a goal four minutes from time to go down 3-2 to China in the first of two test matches in The Netherlands.

But they have a chance to avenge that narrow defeat when they meet again on Saturday in the second of two games against a side ranked No 11 in the world, six places above the Scots.

The game was fast and competitive and Scotland shut down the China threat, forcing them out of their stride and both sides created opportunities.

The second quarter brought some tactical changes from China and they paid off. A goal from open play, and a goal from a penalty corner, saw China take a 2-0 lead into half-time.

The third quarter saw Scotland come out quickly and they pulled a goal back through a Heather McEwan (pictured) penalty corner to make it 2-1 then a superb team move down the left was rounded off by Katie Swanson at the far post to level at 2-2.

Scotland went for the victory in the final quarter and some good goalkeeping kept them at bay but with four minutes to play a lapse allowed China to score.

Chris Duncan, Scotland’s head coach, said: “I’m proud of the performance. We’ve grown a lot over the last three games, and the players have shown great commitment and ability to compete with excellent higher ranked teams this week.

“The lesson for us is that it only takes one tiny error to lose a goal at this level and we have some fine details to nail down.”

Duncan added: “We’re creating chances, which is very pleasing, and to come back from two behind today shows what we’re capable of.”

And the coach also praised rising star goalkeeper Jess Buchanan. He said: “She has been tremendous and has really come of age in her performances this week against China and Australia.”

Cab Direct Championship: Allied Vehicles Glasgow Tigers 49, Edinburgh Stellar Monarchs 41

Glasgow Tigers team manager Cami Brown hailed one of the best races he’s ever seen as his side narrowly beat Edinburgh to complete a double-header over their arch rivals.  

The tight contest swung in the home side’s favour thanks to an epic Heat 13. After the lead had swapped on previous laps, both Ben Basso and then Chris Harris passed Monarchs guest Justin Sedgmen on the finish line to send the fans wild.  

Brown said: “It was a race that was off the scale. Race of the season, maybe race of the decade. It was the best race I’ve ever seen at Ashfield involving three riders like that.  

“Both Ben and Chris delivered when it really mattered. We needed them and they produced the goods in Heats 13 and 15 to get us the win.”

Brown added: “It was a strange night. Some of the boys couldn’t get it right and Edinburgh were outstanding. They came to our place with a depleted team yet put up a massive fight and full credit to them. 

“The main thing is that we’ve got all the points from our two meetings with them over the past fortnight. Job done and onto the next one.” 

The Monarchs, without top two Josh Pickering and Craig Cook, were excellent with young guns Lasse Fredriksen and new Danish rider Bastian Borke both impressive. 

However, Brown admitted that his team needs to be stronger at home, adding: “We need a bit more consistency. We’ve got Scunthorpe coming next week and they will be tough opposition. 

“Some of the boys are struggling with changing conditions. That’s the fault of no one but it is a problem we have to solve.”

Glasgow 49: Ben Basso 15, Harris 13+2, Tom Brennan 7+1, Marcin Nowak 4+2, Vissing 4, Lee Complin 3, Ace Pijper 3.

Edinburgh 41: Justin Sedgmen 11+1, Lasse Fredriksen 9+1, Paco Castagna 8+1, Bastian Borke 8+1, Kye Thomson 5+2, Dayle Wood 0.

The “most controversial” Edinburgh active travel measures brought in under the UK Government funded Covid measures, Spaces for People, are to be put to the public for further consultation.

Councillors said it would allow improvements to be made along routes based on feedback from residents, although it is feared removing segregated bike lanes and re-opening roads would be a backward step in terms of safety and climate action.

Spaces for People, subsequently called Travelling Safely, introduced various measures which had been rolled out under emergency powers during the pandemic to make walking and cycling easier across the city.

In April errors were discovered in the advertising of plans to the public to collect feedback on making the remaining 42 schemes permanent, meaning the process had to be begun again.

But now the four which “elicited the most negative feedback” in a previous consultation will be revisited, following calls from Liberal Democrat councillors to explore redesigning projects and re-opening some roads to traffic.

In particular Braid Road and the Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route and the measures introduced on Comiston Road, Silverknowes Road North and Silverknowes Road South will be looked at separately again.

The move was backed by six votes to five at the Transport Committee by the Labour administration and the Conservative group, who initially supported removing them altogether but withdrew their motion at the last minute.

However it was agreed the aims of the individual schemes “should not be diluted”.

SNP councillor Finlay McFarlane said it felt like “death by a thousand consultations”.

Local parent Neil Kemp, who helps to organise James Gillespie Primary’s bike bus, said the plan caused alarm and concern as the Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route had “undoubtedly reduced the amount of car journeys through the area, making our children safer”.

He told the committee there was “no appetite for rolling back measures” but rather support for expanding them.

Cllr Kevin Lang said: “I remember being told that once these schemes are in place people get used to them, it’ll all be fine.

“And that’s not the case – that is simply not the case. In Silverknowes we still have the road closed down to the promenade that forces people to take a much longer diversion, it has not reduced traffic down to the promenade.

“And we also still have this, as I described it, solution chasing a problem of the Silverknowes quiet route scheme which few – if any – people use because it takes such a ridiculously complicated and convoluted route through the Silverknowes estate.”

Green councillor Jule Bandel said: “Encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle is absolutely essential to reaching our target of 30 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030 and our climate targets and Travelling Safely is one of the key projects that will deliver that.

“I acknowledge that some of the designs are not perfect and will need adjustment before they are hopefully made permanent.

“But I am concerned that this motion has singled out schemes because of negative feedback without mentioning that many people have expressed support for these schemes.

“We need to provide infrastructure that makes cycling a safe option for cyclists of all ages and abilities and if that infrastructure is removed or even just weakened, some people will simply stop cycling because they don’t feel safe enough.”

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Police have said they used a taser on a man who threatened them with an aggressive dog during a house raid in Midlothian.

A report by Police Scotland has revealed the Midlothian Community Action Team (MCAT) were carrying out a search warrant on a house in Gorebridge when the incident happened.

It said: “Upon entry to the address the male became violent and threatened to set an aggressive dog upon officers. A police Taser was deployed in response to the level of violence and resistance presented towards officers.”

Speaking to Midlothian Council’s Police and Fire and Rescue Board meeting this week, Local Area Commander James Robertson said the incident saw a large amount of stolen property recovered along with cannabis and cash and an arrest made.

He also revealed that in another incident the MCAT officers were called to a restaurant on Newbattle where the theft of a large amount of alcohol had been reported with a very quick outcome.

He said: “En route officers observed an intoxicated and suspicious male. He was stopped and searched and found in possession of the stolen alcohol. He was arrested and charged with the offence.”

The report on police activity during the first three months of this year revealed break-ins were  down by just over 30 per cent with 90 fewer recorded incidents compared to the five year average with the detection rate of 25 per cent higher than the average for the rest of the Lothian and Scottish Borders division.

Antisocial behaviour incidents also fell by just over 17 per cent compared to the five year average but remained a ‘volume complaint’ with 4,854 reports.

Police said that following feedback from Midlothian communities on antisocial behaviour involving off-road motorbikes focus had been placed on the issue.

Mr Robertson said: “As part of Operation Jewel we have utilised successful new investigative techniques. This operation is currently ongoing across Midlothian and to date MCAT officers have seized four motorbikes that had been driven without insurance or licence, with the drivers reported for various offences.

“A further three no MOT driving tickets were issued by MCAT officers during routine patrols of Midlothian following proactive traffic stops.”

by Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Scots recognised in His Majesty’s first Honours list include senior officers in the emergency services.

Malcolm Graham, Deputy Chief Constable (DCC), Police Scotland has been awarded the Kings Police Medal.

DCC Graham joined Lothian and Borders Police in 1995. In May 2009, he became Detective Chief Superintendent with responsibility for organised crime and counter terrorism in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Scottish Borders. He was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable within Police Scotland in January 2013, where he had responsibility for major crime, public protection and local crime.

DCC Graham oversaw Police Scotland’s response to violence against women and girls. Under his leadership, the service improved Divisional Rape Investigation Units and developed the award winning ThatGuy campaign, which calls upon men to challenge attitudes and behaviours towards women. He also led the development of a new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and is an ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland, a charity that works to end gender based violence.

In May 2019, he was promoted to his current rank and the following year he led Police Scotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As DCC, he has worked with international partners on the investigation into the Lockerbie terrorist attack and he is a board member of a programme for sharing knowledge with colleagues in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. DCC Graham played an important role in the organisational response following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, liaising with the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver a successful operation that resulted in no security breaches.

He currently has responsibility for delivering local policing and leads five Assistant Chief Constables covering 13 divisions.

KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

Matt Acton, Area Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has served with distinction since 1994 and is currently the Area Commander for the City of Edinburgh. He has been responsible for the delivery of major events, notably the Hogmanay Street Party and Edinburgh Festival. Following the passing of Firefighter Barry Martin in January, he played an important role in planning the funeral, working with partners to co-ordinate security while minimising the impact on communities in Edinburgh.   

Area Commander Acton helped co-ordinate the SFRS work during Operation Unicorn, maintaining operational readiness and the safety of Edinburgh. He worked with partners to ensure appropriate security and access measures were in place to allow large events to take place in the city. His leadership ensured SFRS was able to respond appropriately to any incidents during the period of national mourning. In preparation for Operation Unicorn, he engaged over a nine-year planning period with partners including the Royal Household, military and Scottish and UK Governments.

KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL

Julie Shields, Head of Service for the East Region has been awarded this honour.

During a distinguished career of more than 27 years with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), Ms Shields has worked as an ambulance care assistant, technician and paramedic. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, she provided leadership in the National and East Regional cells. Recently, she played a leading role in work to give smartphone technology to all operational frontline staff.

She was instrumental in the rollout of 3,500 devices to improve diagnostic capability and make it easier to take care decisions at a local level. With her team, she also led the development of pathways to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care in the best setting. She provides leadership to her peers by chairing the SAS’s Head of Service Group and Ethnic Minority Forum.

Jane Elizabeth Walker (49) BEM is President, Edinburgh, Lothian and Fife, British Red Cross, and she has been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours for voluntary service to the Red Cross. 

• She has supported the British Red Cross through volunteering for the last 18 years on a national level. 

Jane said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for my work with the British Red Cross. I work with a dedicated team to raise funds for the organisation. Receiving this honour is also a testament to my colleagues.

“I really do feel I’ve accepted this award on behalf of every volunteer in Scotland who work tirelessly to help vulnerable people in crisis throughout our Nation.  The British Red Cross have given me so many opportunities to volunteer and I feel true my blessed.   The staff, especially Fran Smith and Sharon Anderson have been incredibly supportive to all of us fundraising volunteers in Scotland so thanks must go to them too.

“I am passionate in ensuring that the needs of volunteers are championed within regional fundraising, supporting the development of volunteering roles/experience whilst being an advocate for diversity.”

British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said: “We would like to offer Jane our warmest congratulations for being made an OBE. We are delighted that the boundless passion, tireless dedication and tremendous hard work given to the British Red Cross has been recognised. 

“This honour is extremely well-deserved and we would like to thank Jane sincerely.”

• Jane champions the Youth Education service and the Humanitarian Education Programme, regularly delivering talks to a variety of community groups in order to raise awareness of The British Red Cross. 
• In 2014 she took over the Chairperson role of the Lothian Ball. In 2022, it raised £83,000 with a further £250,000 personal donation from one attendee. The Ball has raised more than £1 million and requires a huge effort on Jane’s part, without her it definitely “wouldn’t happen”. 
• She has supported the Volunteer Recruitment Team, recruiting volunteers for the Covid-19 response. She conducted interviews throughout 2021-2 interviewing 196 applicants for a variety of vaccination roles. 
• Her support allowed the team to process a high volume of applicants during busy periods and often with short notice requests. 
• She volunteered as a National Telephone Support Volunteer, supporting vulnerable and distressed people by providing emotional and ƒ practical support, such as, access to food and medication. 
• In January 2020, she became Local President of Edinburgh, Lothians & Fife.
• She attends network meetings and offers peer support and recently organized a retail shop competition, offering a prize for the best performing shop which energised the retail group with competitive spirit. 
• She is a Fundraising Volunteer Representative and is passionate in ensuring that volunteers’ needs are championed within regional fundraising, supporting the development of volunteering roles/experience whilst being an advocate for diversity. 
• She assists in drafting newsletters and communications, and hosts drop in calls to welcome & update volunteers. 
• She participates fully in every meeting, supporting, encouraging, recognising success whilst working collaboratively with staff and volunteers to always keep focussed on the volunteer’s perspective from bucket shakes to the Ball. 
• She has participated in strategy sessions for not only the Volunteer Representation Model, but for the Fit for the Future plan too. 

Claire Miller, Senior Public Safety Officer with The City of Edinburgh Council, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Honours List. 

She has been recognised for “services in Scotland on the Demise of HM Queen Elizabeth II”.

Claire’s dedication, commitment and professionalism were instrumental to the success of Operation Unicorn (OU) in Edinburgh following the death of Her Majesty. 

Claire’s day job with the council is to run the public safety side of events in the city such as the Torchlight Procession when crowds gather and somebody has to look after them.

She said however that the events in Edinburgh last September which were part of Operation Unicorn – the plans for what would happen if Her Majesty The Queen died in Scotland – were different, pointing out that there had been a great deal of planning even before she took up her post, although “when you get to the day things change and a lot is done on the hoof”.

Claire said: “I’ve never been part of anything like it where everybody was just pulling together and making it happen. It was actually amazing to be part of. And being in the control room, being at the centre of it all was brilliant.”

One of the surprising things Claire was asked during the few days when Her Late Majesty lay at rest in St Giles’ Cathedral was that “the King would like to meet the public”. She continued: “Of course we made it happen but you just wouldn’t think you’d ever get asked that in your life.”

She admitted that everyone was working long days, and often working late after one day’s events were over to ensure everything was in place for the next day.

She provided us with a photo of herself and you will see below that Claire is standing between her two colleagues – on the left Superintendent David Robertson (taking photo) and on the right an events professional and tactical adviser, David Watson from London who had worked with Claire before on major winter events in Edinburgh. She said: “The three of us were in the thick of it all the time, and it was great having the two of them. We were all in it together and helping each other. Even after getting home my mind was buzzing. When the events were over it was like someone had taken the batteries out, after all the adrenaline.”

While there were people in the control room watching the CCTV screens, Claire said they also “did a little bit of CCTV watching, but there was also a public safety team out on the streets, and we had crowd managers from Scottish Rugby who came in to help too in case people had to be rerouted at any time.”

As anyone who watched the news broadcasts of HM being brought to Edinburgh will know there was one street which stood out for locals, and that is Queensferry Street around the West End. Claire admitted the resurfacing work there was “slightly expedited just to get it finished”.

• She took over her role in early 2021 when the events industry was in a state of turmoil, due to Covid-19, and has dedicated herself to guiding her team and the wider events industry, in Edinburgh, back to cultural normality. This frequently involves extended hours, sacrificing time with her family, to facilitate events safely in Edinburgh.
• Central to her work is building effective relationships with key partners such as Police Scotland, the major cultural institutions, and other stakeholders in the city.
• She has led for the Council on anti-terror programmes, in particular ensuring widespread use of deterrents such as hostile vehicle mitigation or barriers on our streets. This has involved her working at the highest level nationally, and then leading Edinburgh based partners to adopt permanent and temporary measures. 
• She took the challenge to heart, with a desire to deal with public safety risks and assumed responsibility for arranging Safety Advisory Groups, becoming the glue which held the city together both in planning and operational phases. 
• Once the barriers were put in place she was the Council’s lead in the Police Scotland Control Centre, and it was Claire representing the council and the duty Superintendent for Police Scotland who managed the streets of the city throughout the period of the operation. 
• She did so with huge commitment and worked round the clock to ensure Operation Unicorn was delivered to the highest degree of safety and security. 
• She called in a few favours to muster volunteers and event practitioners while she herself was troubleshooting issues, managing information to senior leadership and ground staff, pulling together a crowd safety team and volunteer marshals all at short notice. 
• Her role as a trusted partner would not have been possible without years of outstanding partnership working. Her professionalism was the bedrock of allowing the Scottish capital to pay an appropriate tribute to Her Majesty.

Paul Boyd (41) has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list which has just been announced.

Mr Boyd is both founder and Director of Morningside School of Music and has been recognised for “services to Entrepreneurship and to the Music Industry”.

He said: “It’s an incredible honour for someone like me to be given an MBE, something I never even dreamed of at all. But to be honest, the people who really deserve the award are those at the school – the students and the staff.

“They are the ones who make things tick and make Morningside School of Music the place it is. I hope this award helps us in our work to make learning musical instruments accessible to all, irrespective of age or background. Together with my wife Linda, it’s a huge privilege to run this school, and we look forward to continuing our work for many years to come.”

• Changing the face of music education through Morningside School of Music, he set the company up when he was just 18 years old. 
• Realising there were a lack of opportunities for young people to learn popular musical instruments, such as guitar, drums, keyboard and singing, he aimed to improve music education in Scotland as a whole. 
• Since then, Morningside School of Music has grown to be one of the busiest music academies in the country. 
• He managed to adapt and even grow his business significantly during the Covid pandemic by transferring all the music lessons online, keeping all his teachers in steady work when other musicians faced financial difficulties. 
• Drawing on his personal experiences, he assists at Heriot-Watt University, where his outstanding efforts have resulted in the award of an honorary professorship. 
• He provides his expertise free to anyone wishing to learn but would struggle with the financial commitment. 
• In addition he is a frequent contributor to charities. He regularly organises charity events to raise money for those in need. For example, the Dan Beattie Award, given in memory of one of the school students who lost his life in a plane crash. 
• Each year the award is presented by the student’s father to the musician who has strived for musical excellence. 
• All the funds generated are donated to the focus charity of the year, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Royal Institute for the Blind and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland by have all been recipients. 
• Mr Boyd also recently pledged £10,000 worth of free music tuition for children. 
• His work at Heriot-Watt University includes lecturing MBA students and he is also involved with the Edinburgh Business School’s incubator where he provides valuable advice as a panel member, selecting students who will use the services of the incubator each year. 
• As a Fellow of the Royal Society of The Arts and a Fellow of the Royal Scottish Society for the Arts, he is an important member of the music community.  In addition he was a Fellow of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs. a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain. 
• In the charity sphere he served as a non-executive director with the charities, ‘Moni Malawi’ and ‘One Kind’.
• He is also a keen supporter and donator of the SSPCA, Animal Aid and Animal Equality, and many other charities.

The Edinburgh founder of Cancer Card, which supports anyone affected by cancer, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.

Jen Hardy founded Cancer Card following her diagnosis of incurable breast cancer in 2017. She struggled to access the correct support for herself and her family, and made it her aim to ensure that no cancer patient in Scotland would ever have to face the same challenges. 

Cancer Card is a one stop shop which easily guides cancer patients and their loved ones to the services that will best support them. The charity’s online support hub allows them to find the help they need in one place. It also connects them with a community of people who are going through similar experiences which includes key sources of support helping with finance, transport to and from hospital appointments, complementary therapies and free gifts and experiences. 

Jen was instrumental in successfully campaigning to make the drug Pertuzumab (Perjeta) available through NHS Scotland. This is a drug which can help to extend life projections for cancer patients. Driven by her own frustration of finding out that the drug was available on NHS England but not NHS Scotland, she gathered support from other cancer patients and the Scottish communities. She succeeded in her goal to have Perjeta established in Scotland, and thousands of people in Scotland each year continue to benefit from her active and persistent campaigning. 

This award recognises Jen’s outstanding leadership skills and inspirational support for all those affected by cancer across the country. Despite navigating her own stage 4 cancer journey day-to-day, including regular hospital treatment, she continues to work tirelessly for the charity, driving the culture of openness, honesty, and genuine desire to help support those impacted by cancer.  

Jen said: “Cancer Card is more than a charity to me. It is a labour of love inspired by my own journey and driven by the desire to bring hope and support to others battling cancer. We understand that cancer affects more than the patient and are focussed on providing access to the support needs of partners, families and friends too as they try to come to terms with the world of cancer.

“Unfortunately Perjeta wasn’t available in Scotland at the point when it would have helped me. However I am so grateful that this drug, which is extending lives every day, is now available in Scotland.

“We are already seeing the difference that Cancer Card is making to so many people, by enabling them to access everything they need in one place and take less time out of their day-to-day lives to do so. Our team is so thankful for all of the support that we have received over the past few years and we are working to widen our impact even more, with the aim of ensuring that our physical Cancer Cards, which provide a fast-track QR code to our online hub, are available in all hospitals, GP practices, libraries and Maggie’s Centres throughout Scotland.

“Receiving this award is more than I could have ever dreamed of. It consolidates the importance and purpose of what we do everyday.”

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, said: “I would like to offer my wholehearted congratulations to Jen on being included on the King’s first Birthday Honours list for her services to the promotion of Cancer Awareness in Scotland. I have been inspired by her campaigning and determination to make a difference to other people’s lives. Jen has put in a power of work to help create a one-stop information portal for others who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. Her tireless work, along with that of her team and countless volunteers, has been an inspiration to all of us and the success of Cancer Card is a testament to this.

“Jen’s inclusion on the Honours list recognises her determination to help others and is no more than she deserves.”

Ian Pirrie, Chief Executive at Cancer Card, said: “Jen is truly one of the most inspiring individuals I know and there is nobody more deserving of this prestigious award. Unfortunately, more than 3 million people in the UK are living with cancer. The support that Cancer Card provides is helping to alleviate the unnecessary stresses that so many would have previously faced following their cancer diagnosis, whilst also trying to deal with the emotional toll that comes alongside this. The Cancer Card team and I are delighted that her hard work and sheer dedication to improving the lives of others has been recognised.”  

Cancer Card has recently been announced as a finalist for the Digital Leaders 100 Awards 2023 ‘HealthTech Innovation of the Year’ category. The final will take place in June and praises those who are driving transformational change by leveraging technology to improve healthcare provision and service efficiency across the UK. Voting is now open at https://digileaders100.com/healthtech-innovation. 

First Minister Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list, in the first announcement of awards since His Majesty’s Coronation.

In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life and in keeping with the Coronation theme of “The Big Help Out”, this year’s awards celebrate recipients who have contributed to their community and undertaken voluntary services.

Jackie Baillie, the Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, has been awarded a Damehood for political and public service, while those being awarded a CBE include, Thomas Evans, Professor of Molecular Microbiology, University of Glasgow, for services to healthcare during Covid-19 and Peter Lawson, Chair of Scottish Opera, for services to the arts.

Among those receiving an OBE is Fiona McKenzie, the founder of Centrestage, Kilmarnock, for services to the community in East Ayrshire. Gordon Reid, wheelchair tennis player, receives an OBE for services to tennis. The Head of Events and Exhibitions at The Scottish Parliament, Roy Devon, is recognised for services following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Those who receive MBEs include Sally Magnusson, broadcaster and author, for services to people with dementia and their carers. Annie McSween DL, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society, Isle of Lewis), for services to the Scots Gàidhlig language, and Dr Inderjit Singh, for voluntary and charitable services, also receive MBEs. The founder of Finding Your Feet, Corinne Hutton, receives an MBE for her work raising awareness of sepsis and amputees.

Archibald Jenkins, for services to charity and to the community in Peebles, and Anne McCreadie, for services to the community in Merkinch, Inverness, are among those honoured with a BEM.

Malcolm Graham, Deputy Chief Constable and Kenneth MacDonald, Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, both receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Matt Acton, Area Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Julie Shields, Head of Service for the East Region, Scottish Ambulance Service will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The First Minister said: “Those recognised have made outstanding contributions to communities across Scotland and beyond. Their service and dedication makes our country a better place for everyone and I am pleased to see this has been recognised.

“I also want to congratulate those personnel who have been awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Scotland’s emergency services keep us safe every day of the year and serve our communities with distinction. Their hard work and dedication is deeply appreciated.” 

Melville Street remains closed from the Queensferry Street end while the cycleways are completed and the road resurfaced. The option is to go via the beautifully resurfaced Alva Street or Drumsheugh Place.

Heriot Row has opened again after being closed for two week for resurfacing between Howe Street and Dundas Street.

There are a few roads which will get the council’s micro-asphalt treatment however – see the entries in blue in the list below which are the newest ones.

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If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

A Scottish Government Reporter appointed to consider the Eyre Place planning application has dismissed the developer’s appeal and refused planning permission.

Nearly 400 objections to the planning application 22/0384/FUL (Student Accommodation) 72-74 Eyre Place were received from residents. The residents were largely concerned with the overall scale of the development, its overbearing presence blocking natural light for neighbours, and dense accommodation which would overburden local infrastructure and amenities.

Many local people felt the proposal was not compatible with the character of the area in terms of use or design and could also increase noise and disturbance due to plans that the top storey of the flats would be dedicated to ‘entertainment’ and karaoke booths.

On 11 January 2023, it was agreed by the council that a hearing would be held, so that local residents and developers could make their case in the City Chambers, before a final vote was held. But the developers, CA Europe Operating Company, appealed, and a Reporter, (a lawyer appointed by Scottish Government Ministers), instead was tasked to decide on the merits of the planning application.

Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury raised deep concerns at the time about the fact that the public hearing would not take place and that the voices of local residents would not be heard, with local democracy being sidelined by the developer’s appeal.

Mr Choudhury said: “My constituents are overjoyed at this result and they should be congratulated for all their hard work in organising as a community, to ensure their concerns about this planning application were heard by elected officials.

“Many of my constituents told me that the community was in despair, not just because of the proposed development but because they felt the decision to sideline the public hearing led to their voices being silenced. 

“The developers attempted to bypass local democracy and failed in their appeal, which is of course a relief for my constituents, but we must learn lessons so that local democracy is not circumvented like this again in the future.  

“Nevertheless, I am glad that this deeply unpopular planning application has been denied. It’s great to see what can be achieved through the power of community!”

Local resident, Hannah Edwards, said: “Our community is delighted with the Reporter’s decision. It reflects what was obvious to so many when we first saw this aggressive proposal 18 months ago. A development of this size on a constrained site would have had a really negative impact on the lives of so many. We’re eternally grateful to each and every person who fought so hard to get the result we were so dearly hoping for.”

SCOTLAND’S LATEST RESIDENTIAL LODGE PARK – WEST LODGE ESTATE, CRIEFF – IS LAUNCHED

Partnering the very best of the UK’s leading luxury lodge manufacturers, including Omar and Pemberton, as well as Right Move estate agents, Scotland’s latest fully residential downsizing park – West Lodge Estate, just outside Crieff – has been launched.

Its launch is a sign that there is real vibrancy in the over 50’s downsizing sector, and that Scotland is finally starting to follow England in creating more developments specifically for this market.

With prices from £99,000 West Lodge Estate is a fully gated, exclusive park community, offering only 35 luxury lodges.

With a full residential licence, the park is geared up to cater for a downsizing community keen to enjoy an easier pace of life and a low maintenance lifestyle.

The park enjoys a most picturesque location, just outside Crieff, and offers buyers a stunning rural setting in which to enjoy their new lifestyle, but still within easy reach of Scotland’s major road network.

It is creating a proper community of like-minded people to live together and enjoy benefits such as on-site maintenance and a fully engaged customer service team.

The fully furnished and decorated luxury lodges at West Lodge Estate, priced from £99k, include WIFI, with the fully landscaped park having a secure gated entrance.

Peaceful and private, the park has chosen the very best residential lodges it can find in the current marketplace. Residential downsizing lodges of this quality are as well specified as new build bungalows, but at fraction of the price.

Buyers can move in straight away to luxury turnkey lodges and start enjoying that new lifestyle. Scotland’s finest Hotel, Gleneagles, is within easy reach, with Crieff Hydro just up the road. The lodges are extremely energy efficient and affordable to run, another major benefit in retirement.

West Lodge Estate is making it as easy as possible for current buyers to access their retirement dream with two years of site fees paid on lodge sales secured by the end of August, plus moving and relocation costs.

An additional exclusive group of properties will be added to the park in the coming months.

Models currently involved available include the Loch Lomond, an outstanding, highly specified double lodge, which includes a full size bath, freestanding American style fridge freezer, and a cosy snug area off the main living room.

Offering spacious open plan layouts, fully fitted luxury kitchens featuring top of the range appliances, private driveways, en-suites, utility rooms, private driveways, and fully decked outside space from which to admire the stunning views, lodges at West Lodge Estate represent an unbeatable proposition in the current marketplace.

Your Move Stirling (01786 451555) are handling sales, with all interested parties offered a bespoke tour of the luxury show lodges.

The estate can be contacted direct on 01764 670354.

www.westlodgesestate.com

MODERN NEW APARTMENTS AVAILABLE AT ALLANWATER STIRLING

Bright and contemporary apartments which have a high energy efficiency rating are available now at Allanwater Stirling. The luxury one and two bedroom apartments, priced from £137,995, offer significant savings on heating costs.

The are also well situated, being just seven minutes from the centre of Stirling, and in close proximity to the A91, M9 and M80.

Along with the Dee one bedroom design, two bedroom Esk apartments are from £157,995, with two bedroom Kelvin designs from £164,995. These apartments make highly desirable starter homes.

Each apartment benefits from upgrade Zanussi appliances integrated into a designer Roundel kitchen. A Zanussi single oven, induction hob and glass chimney hood as-well-as a fridge-freezer and washer dryer integrated within soft-close Roundel doors provides a high-quality finish and luxury feel.

Light & fresh open-plan lounge/kitchen/dining areas are complemented with good sized bedrooms with built in wardrobes, generous cupboard space and bathrooms by leading manufacturer, Twyfords.

Featured in the Kelvin and Esk apartments is an ensuite with a Bristan thermostatic shower and Mira shower tray and a bath in the spacious family bathroom.

Lynn McNair, Development Sales Manager for Allanwater Homes said: “We are delighted to offer these luxury energy efficient apartments at Stirling City, an exciting development appealing to a wide range of buyers here in Scotland’s greenest City of Stirling .

“We are confident that our apartments demonstrate a very good use of space, a fantastic specification, and are situated on an attractive development with convenient local transport links. It’s the ideal start on the property ladder for young buyers.”

Lynn added that she believed the inclusion on the development of convenient bike stores would be popular with the cycling community.

“Many people in Stirling cycle to work, or for leisure purposes, as Stirling is a great city to explore by bike, with many cycle tracks and green spaces nearby. Our bike sheds will protect your bikes from the weather.”

For further details on these properties at Allanwater Stirling City call 03301 247 695 to arrange an appointment to view.

The development is currently being sold from Allanwater Homes Cambusbarron development, Hayford Mills. The Marketing Suite is open by appointment 11am to 5.30pm Thursday to Monday.

Scotland’s seafood sector today launched a concerted campaign against Scottish Government plans to ban fishing, aquaculture and harvesting in at least 10% of the country’s waters.

Representatives from across the sector submitted a petition calling on ministers to drop its policy on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).

They urged people to support the petition in large numbers to underline the strength of opposition to the controversial conservation measures which would have a catastrophic effect on the sector.

Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament, Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, which represents around 400 vessels, said: “Banning fishing in at least 10% of our waters is the wrong approach.

“No evidence has been produced by ministers to show why HPMAs are necessary or that they will achieve their very vague aims.

“They are being introduced to appease the Greens in the coalition government and will cost jobs, devastate Scottish coastal and island communities and will push the seafood sector into the red.”

“It’s important that we push this message home, so we’re calling on people to sign the petition once it goes live on the Parliament’s website!”

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon and Scottish seafood are the best in the world, but HPMAs put this global success story at risk.

“There is scant scientific justification for the proposed HPMAs, and an outright ban on responsible sea activities is not the solution.

“The sustainable growth of our salmon farms and other sectors is vital for the well-being of our coastal communities, the overall economy, and the vision of the Scottish Government.

“These proposals present a significant threat to our rural way of life, and opposition is growing both inside and outside of Holyrood.

“That’s why we have joined forces with other seafood organisations to launch this petition, urging ministers to adopt an evidence-based approach that protects both the environment and the livelihoods of hardworking Scots.

“We encourage everyone to sign the petition and show their support for sustainable and fair policies that benefit our marine environment and coastal communities.

“The Scottish Government must base its decisions on evidence, science, and facts, rather than pandering to political pressures and appeasing campaign groups funded to undermine our sector.”

Elaine Whyte of the Community Inshore Fisheries Alliance said: “HPMAs are only the latest example of top down policies which threaten coastal communities and ignore the positive roles fishing communities play in providing low carbon, sustainable food to meet a growing demand for protein.

“HPMAs disregard local knowledge and undermine established sustainable fisheries management practices and the security of low carbon footprint food sources.

“Already 37% of Scottish waters are classified as protected, and we are still witnessing ambitious Marine Protected Area, Priority Marine Features proposals and regional closures as well as a potential inshore fishing effort cap scheme.

“We urge government to be mindful of our fishing communities’ resilience to survive and their breaking points, and work alongside them before communities are damaged beyond repair.”

Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, said: “While the government’s aim to protect Scotland’s marine environment is commendable  and over a third of Scotland’s seas are already designated for protection, concerns have been raised about the impact of HPMAs on rural communities and the businesses that support them.

“It is crucial that the Scottish Government listens to all stakeholders and takes into account their concerns and perspectives.

Furthermore, the government must not be beholden to any particular political agenda, including that of the Greens, and must ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are protected.”

Elspeth Macdonald concluded, “Nobody cares more about our marine environment than those who are dependent upon it for their livelihoods. Coastal communities the length and breadth of Scotland are united in their opposition to this ill-founded policy. We call on the Scottish Government to scrap their plans, scrap the ban and acknowledge that it’s time to think again.”

The petition can be signed in the coming days once it has gone live. Those interested in signing can submit their email addresses here and receive a copy of the petition once it is available.

The cremated remains of the Skye Terrier who starred in the 1961 Disney movie about Greyfriars Bobby were commemorated on Friday and placed in the custody of Greyfriars Kirk where a casket is now on display.

There is already a commemorative headstone in the cemetery to the famous dog.

Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, said: “Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial reads ‘Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all’.

“Countless visitors continue to see Bobby’s grave, his statue, and the many mementos of his life displayed in our Museum of Edinburgh. I’m delighted this further part of the iconic and timeless story of a little dog who would not leave his master’s grave, is going to be on display for visitors to discover. Bobby’s is a story held in enormous respect and affection by people around the world, as is the famous film it inspired. Bobby truly is a world-famous pet, holding a special place in people’s hearts and it’s lovely to be part of this special commemoration.”

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Archaeologist, explained the story. He said: “We’re here today to celebrate Greyfriars Bobby II – the central star of the 1961 Walt Disney movie, who was a major star actually in the 1960s and early 70s in his own right. He was buried in the Borders, I think in about 1974 after a very eventful life, I believe.
“And it’s really a case of local people gain in touch the heritage. The person who found it David Hunter is distantly related to the owner. He found out that the site was going to be redeveloped for housing and he said, Well, I’ve got to find the grave for this dog, you know, and make it more publicly known.
“And after a two year search, like all good stories, he found it on the last day apparetntly. David came to us at the Council to try and think about reburying it here in Greyfriars Kirk. We can’t bury animals in graveyards, as it’s against the law, but we thought we’ve got to to help out. And it’s been a real project between David ourselves the council, the Kirk which has been fantastic. And the Grassmarket Community Project who have made a fantastic purpose built casket for the cremated remains. So it’s just a fantastic story and we’ve taken, the remains of Bobby which have been donated to us. These will be kept as part of our archaeological collections, but we’re loaning it on a long term loan to Greyfriars Kirk to be put on display.”

Jo Elliott Session Clerk at Greyfriars said: “We’re expecting two million people to come through the kirkyard and we know they come because of Greyfriars Bobby.”

The film starred the Skye Terrier also called Bobby, which was gifted to the then Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, William Merrilees, by Mr Walt Disney after the film was released

Following the film’s release, Mr Walt Disney gave Bobby to his friend Chief Constable William Merrilees OBE. Mr Merrilees felt that it would be better if Bobby lived with a family, so he gave him to one of his senior officers – Chief Inspector John Turner. Bobby lived happily for the rest of his days with the Turner family in Morningside. Dean Turner who was John’s son said: “He was a lovely wee dog. We just treated him like any normal family pet, it was hard to believe he was a film star.”

Lead campaigner David Hunter said that he knew the dog was buried in land in Dolphinton about to be developed for housing. He was a relative of the Turner family, and led a community campaign to find out what happened to Bobby and have his ashes interred at Greyfriars Kirk.

Over the years the site of his grave had been lost. But with the kind permission of the landowners Mr Hunter and a team of three volunteers, Paul Macdonald, George Gordon and Paul Aitken, undertook an 18 month search for the remains. He said: “The land had The grave was destroyed in 2008 and the monument removed, and the land regressed to forest. When I discovered this in 2020 when they were about to build houses there there was a nervous phone call made to the landowners.”

A specially commissioned casket has been crafted from the wood of an old cherry tree that once stood in the Kirkyard. Designed and made by craftsmen from The Grassmarket Community Project. The casket and the ashes were donated to The City of Edinburgh Council in 2023 and now form part of its archaeology collections and have been loaned to Greyfriars Kirk for display.

The casket is now on display inside the Church together with information about the film and Bobby’s charity work in the city and his life after the film.

There was a short procession, led by bagpiper Ranald (10) a pupil at George Heriot’s as the casket was carrie into the Kirk by Evan Stanton (8).

Six Skye terriers were in attendance as a guard of honour.

The exhibition at the Church is open seven days a week.

A taxi boss has suggested legal action could be taken against Edinburgh Council’s “ludicrous” plan to ban private hire vehicles from George Street once it is pedestrianised, while maintaining access for black cabs.

The £36 million project to turn the city centre thoroughfare into a ‘cycling street’ with wider pavements will introduce new traffic restrictions, although ‘permitted’ vehicles such as delivery and postal vans will be allowed to enter between 7pm and 10am.

Under the current proposals, that window will also apply to black cabs – but not pre-booked cars such as Ubers which make up the majority of the city’s taxis. 

Council transport convener Cllr Scott Arthur said up to 5,000 taxis enter the street every day and that keeping this level of access would diminish the aims of the scheme.

However Kevin Woodburn, who runs the private hire firm Capital Cars, has called for “fair and equal treatment” of the trade’s two sectors, saying either both types of taxi should be permitted on George Street or neither should.

And speaking at the Transport Committee on Thursday, he hinted at a possible legal challenge against the council over the new rules.

“We fail to understand the reasoning and the logic,” he told councillors.

Mr Woodburn said two-thirds of the vehicles licensed by the council are private hire taxis, adding: “The majority of the vehicles who service the public are not allowed access while the minority are – it makes no sense to us.”

Describing the situation as “ludicrous,” he said there was “no data to back up why this decision has been taken”.

He said: “My concern is that we once again are being put in a position where we have no choice but to go down a legal route.”

A written deputation submitted by Mr Woodburn added: “We are probably having to look at legal recourse to eventually have a conversation about this and other potential plans, all at yet another horrendous expense to everyone involved, including the council tax paying public of Edinburgh.”

Cllr Arthur said the more traffic restrictions are relaxed, “the more of the value of what we’re trying to do is lost”.

He said: “Even allowing taxis in the evening, we think there would be about one a minute coming in.

“During peak times, we’ve got data that shows between 3,000 and 5,000 taxis come into George Street in a day.

“If we allowed that level of access, whilst it might be good for businesses, in the short-term we’d lose a lot of the value we’re trying to deliver on the street if 5,000 taxis come in in a single day.”

The George Street transformation is now set to commence in 2025 – a year later than previously anticipated.

It will create a ‘European style cycling street’ within the central carriageway, connecting the City Centre West East Link (CCWEL) cycle path and the future Meadows to George Street route.

Pavements will be widened to four metres with planters, shrubbery and relaxation spaces along the street. The latest designs also confirmed eight trees will be planted at either end.

Cllr Arthur said the project was “starting to get real” as it moved into the next phase which includes applying for the powers to begin construction and finalising plans.

However, concerns were raised at the meeting about the scheme’s £36 million price tag and the possibility of it rising further.

The council has already committed £15 million and a report said a further £10 million will have to be taken from the active travel budget, while additional external funding will also be sought.

Cllr Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said the Lib Dem group supported the objectives of the scheme but there remained “major concerns”.

She said: “Given the financial position that we as a council are in, is this scheme actually affordable? Do we know for sure that we want to spend potentially £25 million of council active travel money on this scheme and prioritise this over other spending?

“I’m uneasy about spending active travel funding which is desperately needed across our city in order to satisfy in-part very costly heritage concerns such as specific paving materials.

“I am deeply uncomfortable going forward at this stage with a plan that demands an additional £10 million – maybe more – without any sense of what schemes we would not be able to implement as a result.”

The Liberal Democrats called for the project to be shelved until there is greater clarity on the ‘uncertain’ funding situation, but the move was defeated in a vote.

by Donald Turvill, Local Democracy Reporter.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

East Lothian Council have clipped the wings of Musselburgh’s popular fireworks display held at the Honest Toun’s racecourse.

The annual event in November will not go ahead this year – with council officials blaming concerns about disturbing wildlife in the neighbouring lagoons.

Last year the racecourse and the Musselburgh Common Good Fund contributed £40,000 to hand out more than 6,000 free tickets to local residents, with more spectators watching from vantage points around the track.

Council chiefs said that “following the completion of further restoration of the last two remaining lagoons at Musselburgh Links, which provides an invaluable landscape for both wildlife and recreation it has been decided that the public fireworks display in the town will not take place this year.”

Depute Provost, Andy Forrest, said: “A number of local residents have expressed concern in recent years about the close proximity of the fireworks displays at Musselburgh Racecourse to Levenhall Links and resulting disturbance to wildlife. Levenhall Links is a rich mix of grasslands, woodland, ponds, artificial wader scrapes and ash lagoons providing a range of habitats for wildlife and roosts for wading and seabirds and is a designated SPA (Special Protected Area).

“The completion of further restoration works, extensive tree planting, wildflower sowing and installation of viewing hides have transformed this previous industrial site into an internationally renowned wildlife and recreational area. Unfortunately the disturbance from a major fireworks display is incompatible with the often fragile diverse habitats located here.

“Both the Musselburgh Common Good Fund and East Lothian Council would like to thank Musselburgh Racecourse for their hosting of the fireworks events in recent years. We’re not unfortunately in a position to have a suitable alternative location for an event this year but wanted to advise the public well before November. We realise that this news will be a disappointment to many in the local community but we’re seeking to find a suitable alternative for 2024.”

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We have been happy to host and support the annual fireworks event over recent years which was well loved by the Musselburgh community. We understand the rationale behind the decision not to stage the event in 2023 and hope that any future events at an alternative location are equally a success.”

Nairns scoop eight awards

Nairn’s, one of Edinburgh’s longest running businesses, has reason to celebrate after winning eight awards at the 2023 Free From Food Awards. 

Now in their 16^th year, the Free From Food Awards recognise the best in free from food & drink across a diverse range of categories, and are viewed as the supreme mark of taste, quality and safety by the free from community. 

Nairn’s said it is especially proud to have won a Gold award for Sourdough Flatbreads which was launched earlier this year to provide a first with the ‘tangy’ flavour of sourdough in the free from savoury biscuit sector. The awards’ panel of expert judges praised the product for its “great snap, good texture and flavour” as well as its “really good price point”. 

All three flavours of the brand’s most recent launch – the Crunchy Oat Bars range that have up to 60% less sugar than the average cereal bar on the market – have also won awards. The oatcake manufacturer said that customers who want to turn to free from and lower sugar alternatives, or who have to for health reasons, do not have to compromise on taste with Nairn’s products. 

New series of Love Scotland podcast released on Friday

The National Trust for Scotland has commissioned another series of the Love Scotland podcast hosted by Jackie Bird and series six begins on Friday featuring an interview with Diana Gabaldon. The new season of Outlander also begins the same day.

Jackie Bird, President of the National Trust for Scotland and host of Love Scotland podcast said: “Bringing the incredible stories of Scotland’s heritage to new audiences and sharing the rich history of the people and places of the National Trust for Scotland is a huge joy and privilege. There is so much nature, beauty and heritage to enjoy and explore. 

“I’m thrilled to kickstart the sixth season of Love Scotland with none other than Diana Gabaldon to hear the in-depth story of her ties to Scotland, and how it inspired her world-famous Outlander book series. It is an episode filled with emotion and Diana’s sentimentality for Scotland.

“It has been fantastic to see the podcast grow and develop, and I hope listeners are as thrilled as I am with the new series. From James VI to Raeburn, we are exploring some of Scotland’s most famous people and places, resulting in a fascinating line up of episodes to come.”

You can listen and subscribe to Love Scotland on all the usual podcast channels, including Apple and Spotify.

The Proclaimers

The Proclaimers are playing at Leith Links this weekend. If you have your tickets then read this article here which is full of information about the gigs on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Read more here.

Council to approve student flats for Jocks Lodge

A student flat development at Jock’s lodge which will replace the pub and other premises with a brand new street level parade of shops and a bar, has been recommended for approval.

There will be 191 student flats with 263 square metres of commercial space underneath.

Read more here.

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New Jock’s Lodge images show ‘High Street’ vision.

New images of the proposed Jock’s Lodge food and drinks venue have been released by developer Alumno and Orion Pub Company.
The planning application, which is recommended for approval by The City of Edinburgh Council later this month, includes 191 student rooms, as well as the ground floor commercial space which is intended to replace the existing public house with a new food and drink venue.

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Andy Currie, of Orion Pub Company, who hope to take over the new commercial space said: “We are hugely excited to share these images of our proposed venue ‘The Jock’s Lodge’. It shows the quality, family friendly food and drinks venue we want to provide, which will sit at the heart of the community and ensure that the local ‘High Street’ feel is retained and enhanced. While the current venues on site are much-loved, they are past their best and simply can’t meet modern standards. This new development offers us the facilities to transform our business and provide a food and drink venue for the whole community.”
David Campbell of Alumno said: “The commercial space on the ground floor is key element of our scheme, and it replaces a number of vacant units and buildings which currently suffer from dilapidation and maintenance issues. As people will see from the new visuals, we intent to provide a high-quality new and sustainable space, which will enhance the community and help keep London Road and Wolseley Place vibrant and attractive.”
Alumno has further revised the application and has reduced the height by a total of 4.75 metres in line with surrounding building heights while also improving the amenity space to the rear of the development. Enhanced improvements to active travel infrastructure and bike parking have also been agreed with planners, as Alumno has sought to respond positively to comments made throughout the planning process.
Alumno has also added to their series of arts-based commissions with the Scottish artist Kenny Hunter. Kenny’s recent work includes Your Next Breath 2022, a series of sculptures in Surgeons Hall for NHS Scotland, and Here and There for the East Lothian Community Hospital in 2020.
Kenny said that he wants to develop his artistic response to the Jock’s Lodge site through the experience of the ‘traveller’. He said: “This new building could soon become home to many young people who come from villages, towns, other cities and nations to Edinburgh. This flow of humanity speaks to the origins of Jock’s Lodge as a staging post for the horse drawn coaches to London, then later a railyard on the still active East coast trainline connecting the capitals of Scotland and England together”
Through three related artworks, one figurative sculpture and two text panels, Kenny will address this ongoing history of a site in transition, both physical and experiential. He is also involved in the development of the historical onsite police box as a pop exhibition space for other local artists and groups to use on an ongoing basis.

Walking on the bird-studded cliffs at St Abbs’ Head on a balmy day last weekend, it was easy to be lulled into believing that “God’s in his heaven and all’s right with the world.” 

But the past fortnight of dry, sunny, warm weather, with temperatures topping 30°C, may not last long. And indeed the official “heatwave” has brought its own problems.

Scotland’s 630 fire engines have been busy with wildfires, in forests and on tinder-dry moorland, besides turning out to some 80 false alarms every day. There was a large wildfire earlier this week at Daviot, near Inverness, where half a square mile of  pine woods were destroyed and flames came within a 100 yards of a care-home.  Later there were major fires at Rannoch in the Highlands, the Kincorth area of Aberdeen and on a farm outside Kelso in the Borders.

But there have been heavy thunder-showers too in parts of the Highlands and West Coast.   There were minor landslides in Glencoe and at Roy Bridge. A cairn on the top of Ben Nevis was blown apart by what mountaineers believe was a thunderbolt.  One even likened it to a blow by the Norse god Thor.  It’s not the first warning we’ve had from the gods about climate change.  

There have been a couple of warning lights about the state of the NHS this week. Junior doctors have announced plans to strike for three days in mid-July. They say the government’s offer of a 14 per cent pay rise over two years goes nowhere near compensating for a 28 per cent fall in their wages since 2008.

And just as the Health Secretary Michael Matheson announced a new ten-year plan to tackle the upsurge in cancer cases, it emerged that 42 per cent of them are presenting late.  And the waiting time target of 60 days for first treatment is being missed by the worst margin for a decade.  These are just this week’s signs of the strains in our health service, caused by an aging population and under-investment.

The opposition parties blame the SNP for the under-investment. But they don’t have the courage to say where they would find the money.  It’s much easier to tut-tut at the arrest this week of the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She was questioned by the police for seven hours about the “missing” £600,000 in the SNP party finances.  At least, we think that is what it was about.  The police inquiry is a curious thing in many respects. Why is it taking so long? Why question Nicola Sturgeon a month after her husband, Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP?  Why arrest her on a Sunday afternoon? 

Perhaps the new chief constable will be able to bring some sense to the investigation.  Jo Farrell has served as the Chief Constable of Durham since 2019 and will be the first woman to lead Police Scotland.  She will have a challenging in-tray on her desk when she takes over in August. The Scottish force is “institutionally racist and misogynist” according to the out-going chief constable Sir Iain Livingstone.  It is also facing budget cuts – £200 million a year according to Sir Iain – and officer numbers have fallen by 900 over the last decade.

I hope the steamship Sir Walter Scott gets its passenger certificate in time for this weekend’s first sailing on Loch Katrine for three years. It’s been undergoing a £750,000 refit for the past 18 months, including two new boilers and a new deck.  Passengers on this iconic 123-year old steamship will be taken down Loch Katrine to be shown the beauty of the Trossachs and the headland where some of the scenes of the TV drama “Outlander” were filmed.

It’s interesting how the tourism industry in Scotland often revolves around myth and legend.  It was Walter Scott who brought the first wave of tourists to Scotland with his “Rob Roy MacGregor” and his “Lady of the Lake”.  Now it’s tales like Dan Brown’s “Da Vinci Code” and J K Rowling’s “Harry Potter”.

Someone needs to write a story about a monster in a deep loch..…or was that done a very long time ago?