Armstrong Gardens and Landscapes, an Edinburgh-based garden design and build specialist, has bounced back from the pandemic to report a record turnover of more than £1 million.

The firm’s latest set of financial results to the year end 30 July 2022, shows a turnover of £1.2million, more than double the previous figure of £580,000.

The improved performance which carried the firm through the seven-figure milestone for the first time since forming in 2019, allowed it to break even after suffering a loss of £60,000 during the previous 12 months.

The upturn also saw staff numbers double to 14 during the financial year, with founder and managing director Fraser Armstrong targeting further growth.

He said: “Like many businesses, it was a very tough time during Covid and we really found it challenging due to the supply chain.

“We started up in July 2019 and then Covid really got hold. There wasn’t a shortage of demand for work but the problems with the supply of materials really made it tough from an operational perspective.

“Last year we really started to come out of things. We worked very hard across the board, particularly on improving our systems and processes within the business in terms of operations.

“We also upskilled a lot of staff and really focused on the company culture, working on the man-management within the business as well as customer relationships.

“We really appreciate people putting their faith in us to design and build special spaces in their gardens.

“Business coach Alan Smith has been an integral part of our progress, helping us when it came to company values and mindset.

“We have grown quite quickly, improving all the time with the help of regular feedback from the staff.

“We have been successful in winning more prestigious and higher value contracts and that’s the aim going forward. It’s the beginning of an exciting journey with lots of plans for the business.”

The People’s Postcode Lottery Dream Fund has donated the sum of £5 million to progress the early diagnosis of dementia.

Two major dementia charities are ready to deliver a transformational project to revolutionise early dementia diagnosis in the UK with the funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery which has its UK headquarters in Edinburgh.   

Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have created a new partnership to work on the project. The new diagnostic work will introduce a simple blood test to the NHS that will help to diagnose dementia.  

The two leading dementia charities in the UK recognise that there is an urgent need for earlier and more accurate dementia diagnosis, and that the introduction of a blood test is a crucial part of that revolution.  

This project will introduce the inexpensive blood test to NHS settings allowing health professionals to make an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, giving people a greater chance of benefiting from appropriate support and treatments. 

One in three people born today are now expected to receive a dementia diagnosis in their lifetime. With breakthrough new drugs on the horizon, simple and early diagnosis is the missing piece of the puzzle. This funding will address the gap, transforming the future of dementia diagnosis. 

In addition, the project will focus on breaking down the stigma associated with dementia, encouraging people to seek out support if they are concerned about the disease and crucially improve early diagnosis rates. 

The Dream Fund

The innovative charity collaboration is to be supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery’s Dream Fund.  This fund was created to give charities a chance to deliver projects they have always dreamed of but never had the opportunity to deliver.  

The award of £5 million is the biggest in the Dream Fund’s history and the cheque was handed over to the two charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery Gala held in Edinburgh on Monday.  It is also the biggest single award ever made, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. To date, the fund has supported 36 ‘dream’ projects’, and awarded more than £24 million to inspirational initiatives – all with funds raised by Postcode Lottery players across Britain. The

Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK and People’s Postcode Lottery to deliver this revolutionary project, breaking down the stigma associated with dementia and providing hope to millions of people. Funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery will transform dementia diagnosis forever by accelerating the use of a revolutionary blood test on the NHS and crucially creating a legacy for millions of families in the future who will benefit from an early diagnosis.  

“This announcement comes during Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign which, this year is focusing on the importance of diagnosis. With diagnosis rates at a five-year low, we need to act now to help end the devastation caused by dementia. We could not be more grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for helping us make this dream a reality.” 

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We are absolutely thrilled to join forces with Alzheimer’s Society and People’s Postcode Lottery to help end the heartbreak of dementia by radically reshaping how Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed. Anxiously waiting months and months for a diagnosis is simply not good enough. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia deserve better. Making sure future generations won’t have to go through this lengthy worry by bringing a quick, simple blood test to the NHS is a wonderful legacy from People’s Postcode Lottery players all over the country. If we can fix diagnosis, we open the door for a cure.” 

Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This year’s Dream Fund award of £5 million is our biggest ever and will change lives for the better. We believe this new collaboration between two of the country’s leading Alzheimer’s charities has the potential to transform dementia diagnosis in the UK. It’s a bold ambition but, with one person in Britain developing dementia every three minutes, we must aim high. This is a condition which devastates lives and I know our millions of players will join me in wishing our charity partners every success.”  

Hundreds of charity representatives from across Britain joined People’s Postcode Lottery as they hosted their annual Charity Gala in Edinburgh last night.  

More than £1.1 billion has been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, supporting charities across Britain and internationally.

When Beyoncé takes to the stage in the capital this weekend, fans can take advantage of the most convenient travel option by taking the tram.

Edinburgh Trams will be laying on extra services on the night of the global superstar’s performance at BT Murrayfield, part of her first solo headline tour in seven years.

In addition to a three-minute service before and after the concert on Saturday fans can also take advantage of a range of great-value ticket offers. These include the ‘Day Tripper’ ticket which allows unlimited travel between Ingliston Park & Ride and St Andrew Square for up to two adults and three children from just £8, with multi-day options also available.

The tickets can be purchased in advance from edinburghticket.com and then downloaded onto a smart device or printed out to show Edinburgh Trams ticketing team.

Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, said: “As thousands of people flock to the city to enjoy a highly anticipated stop on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, we want to ensure concert goers have the very best experience getting to and from the venue.

“As well as offering a hassle-free to the Murrayfield stop for fans travelling from the city centre or the airport, we can also help anyone driving from outside Edinburgh to avoid the risk of being stuck in traffic.  Thanks to plenty of free spaces at our Ingliston Park & Ride facility they can easily park up and complete their journey by tram.”

Three essential causes focused on improving the lives and wellbeing of women and families in the East of Scotland have benefited from donations from Barratt Developments’ community fund.

Barratt Developments, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, currently donates £1,500 per month to local charities in its divisions as part of the company’s pledge to improve the quality of life of those living in the areas in which it operates.

To kick off the first quarter of the year, £1,500 was donated to Smart Works in January – an organisation that supports the most vulnerable women in society by providing interview clothing, styling services and professional interview coaching.

The women who go to Smart Works are often referred from Job Centres, mental health charities, women’s refuges, homeless shelters, the prison service, the care service and youth organisations. The essential resources provided by the charity not only allow 72% of its service users to gain employment each month, but also helps improve women’s overall confidence and self-esteem.

Rachel Shields, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Smart Works Scotland, said: “We’re so grateful for this donation. In the shadow of the cost-of-living crisis our service has never been more needed. In response to increasing demand, we are expanding our service in Scotland, and we just had our biggest month for appointments in March. With support like this from Barratt, we’re one step closer to achieving the ambition of our 3-year plan to double the number of women who access our transformative service by March 2025.”

In February, a further £1,500 was given to Stepping Stones North Edinburgh. This charity supports pregnant women and young families, with a range of services focused on mental and emotional wellbeing, resilience building, reducing isolation and early learning services.

The donation has been used by the Stepping Stones team to improve play materials used by the organisation’s Steps to Grow group. Run on Wednesdays throughout the year at Granton Community Garden, the shared space provides children and their caregivers with the opportunity to socialise in a safe, secure and enriching environment.

Dee Reid, Early Learning Practitioner at Stepping Stones North Edinburgh, said: “Barratt’s generous donation has enabled us to purchase some much needed and durable equipment for our garden group to proceed in a safe and effective way, within our environment. This will hopefully benefit our families greatly, and they can continue to enjoy the equipment and new resources for years to come.”

To round off the quarter, Barratt Developments donated £1,500 in March to SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal). The charity’s aim is to honour babies who have died, are stillborn or miscarried through supporting parents by gathering precious items in Memory Boxes, spending time with the baby in a comfortable Family Room, and providing the chance to remember and reflect at the Tree of Tranquility.

The funds received from Barratt Developments will help SiMBA to continue to provide these services to families in the East of Scotland.

Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at SiMBA, said: “We were delighted to receive a generous donation from Barratt Homes. The funds will go directly towards providing Memory Boxes to bereaved parents at their critical time of loss. The Memory Boxes offer comfort at one of the most traumatic times of their lives, while also holding cherished memories for the family to honour their baby for the years that follow.”

Alison Condie, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Giving back to the communities in which we build has always been a priority for Barratt Developments, and we try our best to identify the charities most in need in our divisions with the help of our customers.

“This quarter we’ve donated to three fantastic causes that are supporting women and families in the East of Scotland. To be able to provide essential services in the current climate can be extremely challenging for charities. Hopefully, these donations will help them to continue the vital work they are doing in their local communities.”

For more information on Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/scotland-east/

Children in West Lothian will be losing a vital lifeline if a local arts centre is allowed to close, says a popular youth theatre fighting to keep the venue open.

The first many young people knew that Livingston’s Howden Park Centre could close was by phone – the ripple effect of messages buzzing through dozens of mobiles  across West Lothian two weeks ago.
For members of the Firefly Arts team –  the youngsters as well as staff – there was a sense of disbelief.
That sense has now been matched by anger and frustration from parents who fear the closure of Howden Park, touted by West Lothian Leisure, will mean  the loss of a group which has been “a lifeline” for teens and children in West Lothian.
Meeting the staff and some of the teens involved you can see and hear the enthusiasm for the work that Firefly does, and for the space they occupy at the Howden Park Centre. It’s a professional level theatre space, where teenagers and children learn performing and theatre related skills.
All are still trying to make sense of the decision.
“We were really disappointed that West Lothian Leisure hadn’t contacted us, considering that we are residents,” Firefly’s Artistic Director, Kirsty Byers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Kirsty added: “At Howden we work with hundreds of children and young people and we weren’t even given the heads up. It’s something that was quite disappointing  given the lives it could affect.”
One of the keystones of Firefly is its ability to provide a safe space with others, where children and young people can learn a craft in professional way. Firefly offers workshops/opportunities for children and young people and with other third sector organisations.
“For us not to be consulted was difficult to grips with. We work with vulnerable,marginalised young people who have somewhere to go. What we do is try to provide stability. It’s a lifeline,” said Kirsty.
Darcy Weatherby,  a  member for seven years who, at 16,  now works as a young leader taking classes of children said: “I’ve got friends who work at Xcite so I had heard earlier in the day. It was on a Wednesday which is usually the day that we come to Firefly. I am a young leader so I came early to do a workshop.  Everyone was so stressed it was crazy, a scary day.”
Her mother, Rachel said: “As a parent we cannot thank people in Firefly enough. They have hugely impacted Darcy’s life.”
Another mother, Julie, said to staff members: “I cannot tell you how much of a difference  this has made to my boy’s life. At one point I was really scared for him. He has just transformed. This is the only thing he has got and he just loves it. He has gained so much more confidence. I can’t thank you enough. It takes young people out of isolation. It is hugely inclusive.”
Rachel is angry at the way Howden Park has been mismanaged. She admitted that she’d never seen herself as a parent who would stand up in public and campaign but now, faced with the closure of such a valuable public space, she feels it vital to fight for its future.
The teenagers scoff at the Leisure trust’s claim the building is underused. One, Amee Robertson, said there had been times she spent up to 100 hours in one month working with Firefly. She too is passionate about what the group means to her. 
“As soon as you walk out of a two hour session you feel like you can do whatever you want. After doing this for the last seven, eight years I feel I can do whatever because of the encouragement, positivity, optimism and quality  that comes from this. It has just given me so much more confidence.”
Many in the group said that no matter much time they spent at Firefly they would probably spend more time using the centre as a space to meet friends and hang out.
A big complaint was that the café space is hardly ever open. Samantha said she often meets friends in the centre and would use the café, “but it’s only open two hours a day.”
 On Friday afternoon there were families waiting to collect youngsters from classes, performance and theatre classes were going on in the three well-equipped studios and in the main auditorium little ones trod the stage in rehearsal.
In the bistro a group of a dozen adults were holding a meeting,
The only place that was quiet was the counter space at the café. If it had a shutter it would have been down.
Parents  say constant under-investment has chipped away at a facility which is so busy.  Rachel said: “The auditorium gives people inspiration and hope. When it was built it was such a luxury and a plus for Livingston and just to even contemplate this building being out of use is devastating.”
She suggested the building could be marketed as a wedding venue to boost income for the Trust. Howden Park is  also a favourite of touring theatre companies because of its facilities.
For Firefly though, both the teenagers who attend and the staff who work with them, it is the intangible investment in lives that is the best evidence for keeping Howden Park open.
 As society struggles back to its feet in the wake of the pandemic and the isolation of lockdown, the safe space, the place to connect especially for teenagers, is more important than ever.
Few would dispute that mental health care is in crisis, swamped by demand and fettered by funding restraint. Taking the axe to a building which offers that safe space, that emotional support to teenagers frustrates and bewilders those who use the space and their parents who are so grateful for it.
Scan through Firefly’s website and you can see the evidence yourself in testimony from parents and children. As one said: “Because of Firefly – I know my child will go through their teenage years, and will be alright!” and “I feel I know where I’m going now and I’ve got friends to go with me.”
As Helen Rashad, the CEO put it: “We all understand the challenges of balancing budgets, but it is vital to consider the impact on the community and take the time to find a sustainable alternative. The work we do here changes lives, and that’s an even more vital service at a time when the demand for mental health support for young people is greater than ever.”
Another parent, Ellie Stewart, summed it up: “It always comes down to spreadsheets and accounts,  but there’s this added value thing that’s always missing. That lives are changed especially at this time when we know that young people’s mental health is an issue.”
The argument about funding and investment is not just one about buildings, it is about people, especially the young people of West Lothian, the future of West Lothian. That is who Firefly is investing in.
 Staff and the young people recognise that added value and know it is something that won’t show on a balance sheet.
 It’s an investment which won’t fill  the pockets of a greedy few, but it will enrich us all with a common wealth. You cannot put a price on that.

by Stuart Sommerville 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.

Ross High RFC has lodged plans to create a beer garden outside its Tranent clubhouse

A planning application has been submitted to East Lothian Council which would see a slabbed area outside the clubhouse extended and its use changed from open space to a beer garden.

The land, which is owned by the local authority, would then be served using a new UPVC window in its clubhouse, which will replace an existing one with a sliding sash style opening to act as a serving hatch.

The rugby club, which was established more than 50 years ago by former pupils of Ross High School, plays in the East Regional League Division One.

The clubhouse is available for hire for private functions except for Saturdays during the league season.

The proposals for the beer garden include plans to surround it with a small ‘picket type fence and gate’ which will be below one metre high.

It is proposed to have the garden open from April to October each year during the weekends between 12pm and 8pm.

Tables and chairs used in the beer garden will not be permanently fixed but according to the application will be stacked or folded away at the end of each day.

The plans are available to view on the council’s planning portal.

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.

The “clothing optional” cycle has been given the go-ahead by the council.

The event will take place in July and seeks to highlight the vulnerability of cyclists in traffic and protest against “car culture”.
Councillors approved the event, which was listed amongst the parades and processions planned for this summer, at a meeting this week.
Edinburgh’s ride is one of 70 taking place across the world on Saturday, July 8. It will depart from the Meadows and is expecting at least 30 participants.
The Edinburgh World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) has been held in some form on-and-off since 2004 but 2019 saw the first “fully naked” cycle, according to a website run by organisers.
They say nudity is not mandatory for those taking part and have assured it is legal, however add that if police ask attendees to cover up for any reason they have to do so.
“Riders have worn shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, wigs, sunglasses etc,” the site says. “Most wear footwear. We can be naked if we want to. But it’s up to you.”
WNBR says the annual event is “the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil, and other forms of non-renewable energy”.
One of the organisers of the Edinburgh ride, Iain Jack, appeared before the council’s licensing sub-committee on Monday (May 15). The meeting heard there were no objections and councillors gave the go ahead.
Last year saw a “mostly enthusiastic reception from the public,” according to organisers. “Strong winds in the meadows made it cool at the start, and we had to abandon the idea of windbreaks as they kept blowing away!”
They have assured those interested in joining in that checks with the police confirmed that “simply being naked is not illegal”.
However they added: “Don’t do anything to harass, alarm or distress people, and nothing you wouldn’t do clothed.
“Anything other than going about your normal, legal, business (like protesting whilst riding your bike) could be seen as harassing, alarming, or distressing people, and that could be illegal.”

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.

Edinburgh’s Margiotta is to open a new store on Harrison Gardens in a 2,000 square feet space formerly owned by an architecture firm.

The business has been helped with a £725,000 funding loan from HSBC UK to open the second branch in the area which is twice as big as the first. There will be food and drink from local suppliers with Fortitude Coffee and Heather Hills Honey in the mix as well as some homeware products. The existing branch will be a newsagent confectioner as it has been, with gelato, paninis and artisan coffee for takeaway or enjoying on the premises. Around 16 to 20 new jobs will be created.

Franco Margiotta, Founder and Managing Director of Margiotta, said: “Both we and our customers value local produce from quality suppliers, so we’re looking forward to being able to expand our product range with our increased footprint.

“HSBC UK’s support has helped us to grasp the opportunity to buy this new space, and explore a new venture as we bring to life our first café-style venture at our older store.”

Ash McBrearty, Corporate Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see an independent business born and bred in Edinburgh grow and thrive. We’ve enjoyed working with the Margiotta family to help them expand their retail portfolio and diversify their offering.”

Margiotta currently works with over 45 local suppliers.

The store was established in the early 1970s by Franco Margiotta and his brother. Together they opened their first shop in Marchmont selling food and wine. The family business has gradually expanded over the years and Margiotta has 10 shops across Edinburgh and East Lothian, with its 11th store soon to open on Harrison Gardens.

The National Lottery has announced a shortlist of Scottish charities for the public to vote on from Monday.

One of the charities which is shortlisted is The Open Door Edinburgh and they are holding a music based event today at their premises at 420 Morningside Road EH10 5HY from 10.30 to 11.30am. The event is open to the local community and free refreshments will be served

The organisation needs £29,000 of funding for its year long project using music to improve the health and well being of older people with dementia or other support needs. All it needs now is for locals to vote for them.

This project will be run in partnership with The Forget Me Notes Project a charity which uses music to build community and combat isolation.

Simon Warr, Operational Manger, at The Open Door Edinburgh said: “The People’s Projects has given us an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and support for our work and, with your help, secure this additional much-needed funding. If we win, our project will make a real difference to our local community by helping us to use the power of music to improve the lives of older people in our community.  We now need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote.”

The People’s Projects not only delivers vital grants to the heart of UK communities, but also raises awareness of the incredible work of the 95 shortlisted community groups vying for your vote. Back after a 3-year break, The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) have teamed up to give the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be put to good use in their local area. 

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects delivers much-needed funding to the heart of communities and showcases the incredible efforts of hard-working projects across the UK. The short-listed groups are truly inspirational, each delivering life-changing support to their community in different ways. It is now time for the public to have their say in how vital National Lottery funding is used in their area to make a difference to people’s lives, particularly in these challenging times.”

Voting closes at noon on Friday 26 May 2023. People can vote only once per region and will need an email address or mobile number to vote. To support The Open Door Edinburgh and for Terms and Conditions visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk

ABOUT THE OPEN DOOR EDINBURGH

The Open Door is a small charity in Morningside, Edinburgh.  Our mission is to bring Care, Love and Laughter into the lives of frail elderly people, those who are lonely, those suffering with Dementia and other additional needs; and to their carers.

They do this in various ways:-

• Through their Friendship Clubs – where they provide a meal, activities, care, stimulation, fun and friendship in a bright, warm and comfortable setting.
• In Peggy’s Café, their vibrant neighbourhood cafe on Morningside’s busiest street.  A spokesperson said: “We extend a warm welcome to everyone, and our staff and volunteers take delight in their jobs which include the offer of friendship as well as nourishment to our customers.”
• Through a well-supported Volunteering Programme.  A spokesperson said: “We have places for volunteers who themselves have additional needs, and they are overseen and assisted to provide them with a great volunteering experience.

“We are proud of our reputation for delivering high quality care and support services. We were awarded Grade 5 (Very Good) for all categories in our last inspection by the Care Inspectorate.

“We were founded in 1982 by a retired nurse, Peggy Hunter – so we’ve been here for over 40 years and hope to have at least another 40 serving the community of Morningside and Edinburgh.”

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded over half a billion pounds to communities all over the UK, supporting 14,500 projects in every constituency and every local authority area in the UK.

Foster Care Fortnight begins today

The Foster with Edinburgh team will be out and about raising awareness of the need for more foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight which begins today.

The two week long awareness campaign, organised each year by fostering charity, the Fostering Network, aims to highlight the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. With current research showing that in the UK a child comes into care every 15 minutes, it also emphasises the urgent need for more foster carers. 

If you want to find out more about fostering, the Foster with Edinburgh Team will be at Asda Chesser on 16 and 26 May, and John Lewis on 17 and 22 May.

Read more here.

Neighbourgood Market begins on Wednesday

Entering from Portgower Place the market in Stockbridge will be open for ten weeks for open air food and drink.

Read more here

Sir Geoff honoured with video portrait

In an innovative move, artist Graham Fagen has created a new portrait of the Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, OBE, but this one will not be hanging in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Instead he has chosen to create a 19-minute long video portrait which will be shown on a screen.

Fagen was inspired by Sir Geoff after seeing him and hearing him speak at public events. The artist said that Sir Geoff’s warmth and compassion, while expressing his life experiences and views on contemporary Scotland and its historic relationship with the transatlantic slave trade, motivated him to create a contemporary portrait that captured the sitter’s essence and personality. 

Read more here

House Party

Beth Malcolm Duo on Saturday 20 May 2023 | 8pm at 42 Royal Park Terrace, EH8 8JA, doors open at 7:30pm

Beth Malcolm is a singer-songwriter and keyboard player from Perth whose music is folk-inspired. She sings a mix of traditional, modern and self-penned Scots songs.

Born into a musical family Beth has been screchin’ out Ally Bally Bee since she was old enough to stand on stage. In recent years performing at Orkney Folk Festival in 2019 and winning a prestigious ‘Danny’ award at Celtic Connections in 2020 were pivotal moments in her career. Following her performance at the virtual Celtic Connections in 2021, Beth toured Germany as part of a Young Trad ensemble, and has recently collaborated with Adam Holmes, Lewis McLaughlin and Gaelictronica sensation Niteworks with their hit track John Riley.

Now 25, Beth was announced as BBC ALBA Scots Singer of the Year 2022. She has just released her debut album Kissed and Cried. 

Book your space for free here. The password is 42music42 

Donations for the artist will be taken on the night – £15 or £12 for under 18s or the unwaged. Please take along the correct money in cash as the organisers do not take cards. And please take your own drink and drinking vessel.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beth-malcolm-heather-cartwright-tickets-564869017437

How to subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter

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We post out copies to all of our subscribers ahead of 1st of the month. If you subscribe by the 10th of the month then we also mail you a copy of this month’s issue. And thank you if you take out a subscription.

The Neighbourgood Market comes back to Stockbridge this week for the fourth year running and runs until 23 July.

It is an open air market featuring some of Scotland’s best food and drink. Last year, more than 80,000 people visited.

The opening day is Wednesday 17 May and the event runs for 10 weeks. The operational hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 9pm.

The Neighbourgood Market will have some of Edinburgh’s best food and drink for three three-week cycles. The first cycle will include some favourites like Mimi’s Bakehouse, Innis and Gunn and Mint Wraps. Newcomers include Wanderer’s Kneaded, Don Papa Rum, Sando and the Secret Garden Distillery. The second and third cycles will be announced soon.

There is much in the way of entertainment planned for the summer, with the return of Goose’s Pub Quizzes which will take place twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. Wednesday’s quizzes will begin at 6.30pm and will be part of a league, giving quiz goers an opportunity to win what is described as “an intriguing prize”. Sunday quizzes are all about Sunday Funday and will begin at 4.00pm.

Every weekend there will be a Maker’s Market put on in partnership with Support the Makers, with an array of local businesses and craft traders. A mix of locally produced goods will be on sale, including jewellery, textiles, freshly baked goods, artwork, candles, and fresh meats.

A large TV screen will be in place in July showing Wimbledon and other sporting events. Local musicians will play daily.

The Neighbourgood Market will host the Scottish Street Food Awards from 19 to 23 July. This is a new partnership and ten finalists from all over Scotland will battle it out to be crowned the winner of Scottish Street Food.

An all-star panel including comedy performer Jay McAllister, Conor Toomey, Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Condita, and Gaby Soutar, the food editor of the Scotsman, will judge the overall winner. The public are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice Award. Both winners will go on to compete in the British Street Food Awards in London.

Entry is free during the week and £3 per person on weekends. Access is free for children at all times.

The Scottish Dachshund Club are organising a fun day for Dachshunds from all over Scotland at Thirlestane Castle, Lauder again this year.

In 2022 almost 400 Dachshunds and other family dogs enjoyed all the activities on offer, and the event will be repeated on 28 May 2023.

The pooches will begin the day with a walk around the Castle Park, followed by weiner racing, an agility course, many fun show classes and finally fancy dress classes. There is also a young handler prize and an overall champion for the fun classes and for the fancy dress competition.

The club’s sponsors Devoted to Dachshunds, Harbro and Pets at Home, have generously provided the prizes for the winners. There will be trade stands and catering for everyone accompanying their family pet to this fun day out to enjoy.

The organisers are extremely grateful to Thirlestane Castle who are kindly allowing The Scottish Dachshund Club to hold their Dachshund Fun Day there once again. This year the Dachshund Fun Day is supporting Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Dachshund Rescue in Scotland.

All those who attended last year said it was a happy and successful day for the many sausage dogs and their families and they hope very much to make this year even more fun for everyone attending.

 From 11am until 4pm on Sunday 28 May 2023 at Thirlestane Castle TD2 6RU

Put the date in your diary and go along and enjoy the fun.

An Edinburgh start up business – Away Industries – leases the ground floor of a former bank building in Leith. The firm is now renovating the fabulous space to create an events, exhibition and co-working space which they hope to open up for others to enjoy.

The renovation has come so far, but to finish the works off the business has set up a crowdfunder and now has only days left to raise the £30,000 that they need.

Owners Matt and Katy began the renovations in 2021, but the building is “much more magnificent” and the task “much bigger” than they first thought.

Katy said: “As we stripped the layers of paint and carpet back, the core of this building is brilliant, and we felt we had a responsibility to restore its many original features, and for the space to become a hub in the community again. With my background in events, as we stripped back the Telling Hall space, we realised it needed to be used beyond just people sat at desks. It’s such a spectacular and engaging space.”

Can you help? If so then head to the crowdfunder page here.

There are 26 rewards in total available to those who can contribute to the crowdfunder.

Here are just some of them:

The full list of rewards is available on the crowdfunding page here.

Weekly book club ignites imagination and creativity among elderly residents

Book loving pensioners at an Edinburgh care home are keeping their minds young and agile with the latest social activity introduction.

The new weekly club at Cramond Residence gives the home’s book worms the chance to engage in open conversation about a host of genres – some of which cover stories from their childhoods and gripping new novels that exercise the brain.

Elaine Vallance, newly promoted Lifestyle Team Leader, said: “Not only does reading help increase our residents’ cognitive skills, but it can also reduce stress and help improve sleep.

“It’s a fantastic form of entertainment and a great exercise for stimulating the brain, which can be particularly beneficial for our residents with dementia.

“Our weekly book club encourages independent reading, as well as the articulation of thoughts and sharing of opinions with a group of similarly minded people.

“The club is a great way of encouraging our residents to stay social and we have experienced that
even some of our less talkative residents have been willing to engage in a common topic of
conversation.

“We take the time to read to those residents who can’t do so and you can tell by the big smiles on
their faces how much they appreciate the simple art of storytelling.”

Cramond’s book club takes place in the home’s luxurious and comfortable lounge facilities, offering views of the expansive gardens year-round.

In addition to the weekly clubs, Cramond Residence has a private library that is well-stocked with books of different genres that residents are free to borrow and return at their leisure.

Client Liaison Manager, Christian Daraio, said: “Cramond has the unique advantage of having five- star facilities that aren’t usually synonymous with a care home.

“Our residents love making use of the library and our weekly book clubs have proved to be very
popular.

“We even have plans to invite authors along to the club in the near future to engage in
conversations with the residents. We aim to make the club highly educational and a great
knowledge builder.

“The mental and physical benefits you can experience from reading last a lifetime and can keep an elderly brain active and engaged, possibly even delaying the onset of dementia through the
strengthening of memory retention.

“Not only that, but these group activities that we pride ourselves on here at Cramond are an
excellent tool in fighting loneliness and social isolation.”

Cramond Residence offers a vast array of activities to its residents on a daily basis, with the weekly book clubs being one of the latest additions to the home’s bustling monthly rota.

Residential life at the care home is full of unique activities, as well as freshly prepared meals and
top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home.

The facilities provided include a cinema, a functional exercise room, a games room and also a fine dining experience offering residents the opportunity to invite their family members in for a meal.

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

A 19-minute long video portrait of Sir Geoff Palmer created by Scottish artist Graham Fagen has been acquired by National Galleries of Scotland and can be viewed now at the Portrait Gallery.

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, OBE, is a well known human rights activist and scientist and the video tells the story of his life since growing up in Jamaica to becoming the first black professor in the UK.

Fagen was inspired by Sir Geoff after seeing him and hearing him speak at public events. The artist said that Sir Geoff’s warmth and compassion, while expressing his life experiences and views on contemporary Scotland and its historic relationship with the transatlantic slave trade, motivated him to create a contemporary portrait that captured the sitter’s essence and personality. 

In the single channel video portrait Sir Geoff can be heard talking about life in Jamaica and life since he became an esteemed academic. Sir Geoff is Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University where he has conducted much of his career. The film shows a bracelet decorated with the Jamaican flag which the scientist wears on his wrist. During the pandemic Sir Geoff wore a mask showing the Jamaican flag.

Fagen’s portrait is different from traditional portraiture. He wanted to show the way that Sir Geoff can command our attention with his humility and consideration as he engages us in a brutal history with harsh truths. Sir Geoff’s research experience as a life scientist enables him to evidence, in a matter-of-fact way, the truths of the history that connects Jamaica, the country of his birth, with Scotland, the country of his home, via the experience of the Windrush generation. By working in collaboration with the subject of the portrait, Fagen has made a work that expands our perceptions and offers new thought and knowledge on the complexities of portraiture. 

From seeing and hearing Sir Geoff speak, Fagen wanted to capture his personality in the portrait – his voice, his autobiography, his thoughts, his hopes – as well as a likeness: his head, eyes, nose, ears and mouth. To bring the soundtrack to life Fagen worked with reggae musician Ghetto Priest, with whom he had previously collaborated on The Slave’s Lament. 

Sir Geoff Palmer OBE is a life-long human rights activist and historian of Scotland’s relations with the Caribbean.

After leaving Jamaica for London in 1955 aged 14, he attended school in the city, eventually continuing his studies at Leicester, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt universities where he lectured, later becoming a professor of brewing and distilling. As a scientist, his research at the Brewing Research Foundation from 1968–77 led to the discovery of the barley abrasion process – which makes the malting process more efficient. For this research, he was awarded the American Society of Brewing Chemists’ Award of Distinction in 1998.

He is the author of a critically acclaimed book, The Enlightenment Abolished: Citizens of Britishness, in which he argues for maintaining but reinterpreting public monuments associated with the transatlantic slave trade. He is also the Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC).

Graham Fagen said: “I was extremely honoured to work with Sir Geoff in order to make an artwork that shares his life and work. Geoff’s life is one that has profoundly influenced and shaped the world we live in today.” 

Sir Geoff said: “We cannot change the past but we can change consequences such as racism for the better using education. I hope my portrait can help bring awareness to these matters.” 

Sir John Leighton, Director-General of National Galleries of Scotland said: “We are proud to display Graham’s wonderfully moving portrait of Sir Geoff Palmer. This work recognises Sir Geoff’s many achievements and is an important acquisition that we are delighted to welcome into Scotland’s national collection.” 

Kyle Bickley (pictured) powered to ten points but he was unable to prevent Workington beating Stellar Monarchs Academy 53-37 in the National Development League in Cumbria.

Top scorer for the home side on their new track was Connor Bailey with 13 points and Monarchs manager, Scott Wilson, said he was disappointed with the result.

He added: “We’ve set ourselves higher standards than that this season.” He thanked the travelling supporters.

Meanwhile, Kent host Berwick Bullets in the National Development League on Sunday at noon while the British Youth Championship is at Glasgow at 2pm.

Ice cool Lawrence Shankland slotted in the sixth minute of injury time to claim his 26th goal of the season and salvage a point for a Hearts side which was criticised by interim boss Steven Naismith in his post-match interview.

The former Scotland international told BBC Scotland Sport that the first 45 minutes against St Mirren was not good enough and Irvine-born Naismith (pictured by Nigel Duncan at a recent press conference) felt his men lacked consistency in their decision making and said they needed to be brave.

He added: “Second-half we are up against adversity and we are down to ten men and we had our moments, we were brave.”

It was Austrian midfielder Peter Haring who was shown a straight red card after 77 minutes when he tackled Mark O’Hara has he attempted to break up the left hand side of the pitch and referee David Dickinson immediately reached for his pocket.

Overall, Hearts enjoyed 64 per cent of possession during the game and had 474 passes against 264 from their rivals.

The point keeps battling Hearts in with a chance of European football next term as they remain in fourth place in the cinch Premiership five points behind Aberdeen who drew 0-0 with Hibs at Pittodrie.

The Dons were fortunate as Hibs had a number of golden chances and their travelling fans also saw Kevin Nisbet’s penalty kick saved by Kelle Roos who produced a number of telling stops during the 90 minutes.

It is Aberdeen who visit Tynecastle on Saturday in a crunch clash but, looking back at Saturday’s game, St Mirren manager, Stephen Robinson, admitted he was gutted after his men surrendered a two-goal lead.

He said: “We were brilliant in the first half, and we had enough experience on the pitch to see us through. We got what we deserved probably in the second half.” 

Joe Shaughnessy opened their account after 36 minutes, stabbing home from close in after Alex Gogic had nodded on a Scott Tanser corner.

The Paisley men continued to press for a second and Mark O’Hara won a free-kick on the left hand side of the Hearts’ penalty box in the fourth minute of first-half injury time. 

Ryan Strain fired the ball over the wall and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to spark major celebrations among the St Mirren fans in the packed ground.

It took Hearts until the 73rd minute to pull a goal back, substitute Nathan Atkinson was free on the right and was found by a superb pass from Kye Rowles. Atkinson made ground and then sent a perfect ball deep into The Buddies penalty box. Josh Ginnelly was on hand to finish at the back post.

And it was Ginnelly who won the late penalty from which Shankland levelled. The Nuneaton-born forward chased a long ball towards the right hand side of the penalty box and he was heading away from goal but ended up on the floor after Ryan Flynn was adjudged to have nudged the Hearts player.

Up stepped Shankland to place the ball well away from Trevor Carson in the Saints goal to leave Hearts on 49 points with third-placed Aberdeen on 54 and with fifth-placed Hibs on 48 and St Mirren, who are sixth, on 45      

The Victorian pool refurbishment has now been completed and the baths will open on Tuesday.

Scotland’s fourth oldest public swimming bath, Warrender Swim Centre, will reopen to the public on 23 May.

June Peebles, Chief Executive at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, is delighted to be reopening the doors to Warrender Swim Centre, a Victorian pool loved by so many.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the somewhat longer than expected closure period. However, once inside the venue I’m sure everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait.

“Originally known as Warrender Baths, the venue has been serving the community since 1887 and this major investment will ensure Warrender Swim Centre, as it is now known, will continue to serve the community for many years to come.”

The latest major investment has been about maintaining the balance of Victorian charm and an environmentally efficient 21^st century facility and, of course, improving the experience for all customers.

Significant changes and upgrades to Warrender Swim Centre have been made including:

• Maintenance work and repairs to the sandstone structure, windows, roof, and roof structures in keeping with the building’s listing.
• Decoration throughout, including updating the changing rooms, both wet and dry, and retiling of the poolside.
• Enclosing the area overlooking the pool and adding air-cooling.
• New easy access, making it easier for customers to access the building and their activities, with the simple swipe of their membership card or fob.
• Upgrades to the mechanical and electrical works, including improvements to the ventilation system.
• New pool plant.
• New boilers.
• New lighting.
• New air handling throughout the building including the gym.
• Installation of a new sauna.

Stephanie Kelly, Manager at Warrender Swim Centre said: “We’re so excited at the prospect of welcoming customers into our lovely, refurbished swim centre. The renovations have taken longer than expected but as anyone who has ever renovated an older property will know, there’s usually something uncovered that requires a change of plan or often additional work, and that’s certainly been the case with Warrender. 

“We know that our loyal and our new customers, and of course, Warrender Swim Club, who have such a long association with the venue, will be delighted with the extensive work that has been carried out. Team Warrender look forward to welcoming back you all back to this iconic, Victorian swimming pool.”

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m really looking forward to Warrender Swim Centre reopening its doors, and I’m sure many users are looking forward to once again going for a swim in the beautiful surroundings of the heritage building. 

“The major refurbishment has made sure some modern adjustments and improvements have been made whilst keeping the charm of the original Victorian building. I’m delighted that this investment will ensure families can continue to enjoy Warrender Swim Centre for many years to come.”

With a 25-yard pool, sauna, and a gym, Warrender is a Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room roof in the gym, but also has the modern facilities required for an active, healthy life. The gym is now in the area which used to be the Turkish Baths.

Join during the first week of Warrender’s re-opening from 23 May to pay ‘No Joining Fee’ on your new membership. Additional member benefits can be enjoyed like priority bookings, free gym introduction and discounts on a range of activities. Unlike many other gyms, there is no contract and customers can freeze or cancel their membership at any time.

Edinburgh Leisure has different memberships that are flexible and affordable to fit around individuals/couples. Choose a Gym, Swim or Fitness Class package (not available at Warrender) at your local venue or sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular Full Fitness membership giving unlimited access to all their venues across the city. 

Warrender Swim Centre
55 Thirlestane Road, EH9 1AP

Performance manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, Lyndsay Hebert, is celebrating two decades of terrifying audiences.

Lyndsay Hebert, from Edinburgh, first landed a job at The Edinburgh Dungeon in 2003 as an actor after tagging along with her friend who was auditioning for the role. After finding out they were looking for females, Lyndsay auditioned too and got the job.

Being paid to act was always a dream of Lyndsay’s, so after getting the job straight after college was a dream come true. After a year she realised her real passion lay in writing and creating the shows rather than being one of the site’s ‘resident traitors’, so after a lot of hard work, she was promoted to performance manager – a role she’s held for the last two decades.  

The Edinburgh Dungeon is renowned for bringing the deepest darkest secrets of Scotland’s past to life, with hair-raising live shows and terrifying scenes throughout. 

As performance manager, Lyndsay is in charge of bringing infamous stories and characters from Scottish history to life, helping the actors develop and creating new shows and performances at the attraction. 

Lyndsay’s team has grown and grown over the years and there is now more than 30 actors at the attraction. 

There is no ordinary day in the depths of the dungeon, Lyndsay Hebert said: “Some days are writing days, where I research a period of history and work out how to incorporate this into a show. Other days I’m looking at new gags, ways to immerse the guests and bring them as close as possible to our wealth of real Scottish history. 

“I carry out costume, make-up and prop maintenance and we also have rehearsals or create soundtracks and videos. I’m often out in the city doing various scary photo shoots – honestly, no two days are the same!” 

On her favourite aspect of the job, Lyndsay said: “Being able to work full time in a creative field is a dream, so the fact I get to do this every day is a real career highlight. I love Scotland’s history, it’s so dark and macabre, so it’s a pleasure to dive into different periods in time and learn all about the scary tales that shape the country today.

“I’ve produced more than 50 shows for the attraction, with highlights being Mary Queen of Scots, Jekyll and Hyde and our Séance show. Our Sawney Bean show holds a special place in my heart, as it’s been here since the attraction first opened, and what could be scarier than a cannibal?!”  https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/

Convener Jane Meagher reflects on what she describes as a constructive week for the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee.

“Driving forward improvements to tenants’ homes is one of the most important things we need to get right as a Committee – but with high demand for housing and aging council buildings, it’s one of our biggest challenges too.

“At our meeting this week, we heard how reports of damp and mould in council homes have almost doubled in the space of a year. A serious issue which hasn’t been helped, of course, by the harsh winter we’ve left behind. It has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, which we know has made it much harder for some tenants to heat and comfortably ventilate their homes. A much deeper-rooted issue, however, is the energy efficiency of many of our older buildings. We’re at a stage where many of our homes really need significant upgrades.

“Thankfully, we’re already on our way to tackling longstanding damp problems under a major capital programme featuring retrofitting which we committed to in March. More than 3,000 older homes in Edinburgh will benefit from various improvements and hundreds will undergo whole house retrofits. As part of the Committee update, officers also brought forward a robust Damp Improvement Plan – detailing steps which will build upon the huge volume of work we have already carried out in a short time to improve the way damp concerns are reported, recorded, investigated, and addressed. We’re conscious waiting times for repairs are much longer than we’d like them to be right now, and we’re about to roll out a recruitment drive to increase our abilities even further.

“The work we’re carrying out is complex and will take some time, but it will lead to many homes becoming better places to live. At the same time, we are continuing to build new, high quality, low carbon housing including hundreds of much needed homes for social rent. Just this week we announced plans to build over 100 new council homes in Fountainbridge as part of the planned regeneration of the former brewery site, which is certainly welcome news.

“We’ve never faced a greater need for more and better housing in our city and, while here is always more work to be done, we are making good progress. It’s a busy time and step by step, brick by brick, we’ll continue to work towards providing even more people with better homes and, with that, a better quality of life.”

Cllr Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener at The City of Edinburgh Council.

The council says that the first phase of its communal bin hubs has already led to a massive drop in the number of overflowing bins reported to them.

Figures published today for the period between January-March 2023 show that the number of requests reporting overflowing bins in the areas where new communal bin hubs have been installed have decreased significantly, with a drop of 85% recorded for communal mixed recycling bins compared to pre-pandemic levels.

There has also been a rise of almost 10% in the amount of mixed recyclables being collected citywide. This demonstrates the contribution of the project to increase the recycling collected as one of its key aims is to make sure residents using communal bins have greatly improved access to mixed and as well as other kinds of recycling such as glass and food waste.

Other highlights are a citywide increase in the amount of mixed recycling, glass and food waste collected in 2022/23 compared to previous years and of particular note is the glass collected from on-street communal bins increasing from an average of 2,900 tonnes in 2019/20 to nearly 3,800 tonnes representing an increase of 30-35% on pre-pandemic levels.

The figures are part of an update report on the communal bin hub roll out across the city, which will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, 18 May. As well as publishing the first figures showing the success of phase one, it outlines progress being made rolling out phase two and the plans for the remaining three other phases of the project.

There is a new clearer process in place for the placing of bins in the future, ensuring that it “meets the needs of the local community” according to the convener. Even just one complaint will ensure that the location is checked against other viable alternatives.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I think it’s a bit more of a structure to it, and it should be easier for people to engage with.”

He continued: “These figures show that we are getting the basics right and making sure our residents have greatly improved access to recycling for their waste.

“This is important so we can encourage everyone to do all they can for the environment but I also fully acknowledge that dumping and fly tipping is an issue in Edinburgh, particularly for those areas with high density housing using communal bins.

“It is great that we are quickly seeing such an improvement in the first areas to get the new hubs due to increased capacity to recycle in these areas. There’s clearly more that can be done though, and we want to support residents to make full use of recycling facilities in the correct way. To achieve this we’ve been listening closely to residents as part of the service design and taking on board feedback on different elements of the scheme, such as the use of gull proof sacks.

“When the communal bins have been rolled out throughout the city I’m confident that positive trends will continue and this will make a big difference, while also helping to stamp out dumping and fly tipping across the Capital.

“Our new action plan approved last month to boost the city’s cleanliness also outlined how we will spend an additional £3million allocated in our budget in February. It also targets fly tipping and includes £500,000 being allocated for a means tested special uplift service, making it easier for those households in receipt of council tax reduction to have larger items uplifted at no cost.”

Redcar Bears kept their cool in the final heat to edge Stellar Monarchs 47-43 at Armadale in the Cab Direct Championship, visiting duo Charles Wright and Danny King earning a 5-1 in the decider.

Disappointed Monarchs’ team manager Alex Harkess admitted: “We just haven’t been good enough. Our starting was so poor and we came up short.”

The opening race was the best of the night as Monarchs’ guest Justin Sedgmen swept ahead and Lasse Fredriksen was involved in a battle with Lewis Kerr and Danyon Hume. Fredriksen (pictured) lost second place to Hume, but battled back.

Craig Cook top scored for Monarchs with 12 and Charles Wright was best for Redcar with 13.

Edinburgh Monarchs (43): Justin Sedgmen 6+1, Lasse Fredriksen 7+2, Kye Thomson 7+0, Paco Castagna 4+1, Craig Cook 12+0, Kyle Bickley 4+3, Jacob Hook 3+0

Redcar Bears (47): Lewis Kerr 6+1, Danyon Hume 6+1, Charles Wright 13+2, Connor Bailey 4+0, Danny King 13+0, Jason Edwards 5+0, Jake Mulford 0+0

Glasgow Tigers edged Scunthorpe Scorpions 46-44 on the road in the first leg of the semi-final in the BSN Series with Benjamin Basso best for the Scots with ten. Ryan Douglas top scored for Scorpions with 14.

In the National Development League, Edinburgh visit Workington on Saturday (tapes-up 3pm) and Kent host Berwick Bullets on Sunday (noon) while the British Youth Championship is at Glasgow on Sunday at 2pm.

The council has received £806,600 from the Sustrans Places for Everyone Fund and Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Storage Fund and will now roll out 200 new Cyclehoop hangars in the next year.

This is Phase 2 of the project, although there are still 1586 people on the waiting list for Phase 1. The new hangars will be installed in the next couple of months except for four locations where the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process is not yet complete. Council officers have advised that the TRO process for the secure cycle parking has taken longer than expected.

The council also plans a number of adapted units for cargo bikes or adapted cycles which will improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the project. These can be swapped in wherever required. There are also plans for smaller units for narrower spaces.

The locations for these units will be prioritised on the basis of population density, existing coverage, number of requests and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) decile.

This map shows the hangars installed or about to be installed in Phase 1 and the likely locations for Phase 2.

Users currently pay £6 a month to have a space for a bike in one of the lockers, and largely this has proved to be acceptable to users with only five complaints about the charge. The council says in its latest report that it is to “price the scheme at less than a resident’s parking permit”, but this is already the case for all parking permits no matter where they are in the city, (except for example permits for smaller cars of 0 to 1000cc in zones 5-8, S1-S4 and N1-N5 which are all under £50).

A Cyclehoop hangar takes up a parking space, but there are six spaces for bikes in each. It provides security for bike owners at ground level with easy access, and will prevent people living in tenements from having to park a bike in the stair or in their flat.

The cost produces only £1 out of the £6 charge which is paid to the council. That is not profit it is to maintain the scheme and cover some of the running costs.

Cllr Scott Arthur said: “Currently we have 108 of the lockers on street, with six spaces each and we’re going to increase that by 272 over the next year or so. That’s 1632 spaces. So essentially, it will be more or less tripling the amount of space we have.”

Cllr Arthur continued: “I don’t think that this will be the end of the scheme. I think that it’s one of those things that the more people see them on the street the more people will want them near them. Another thing we will want to look into in the short term is to look at the costs. At the moment it is a flat cost for everyone. I think it makes sense that if we’re going to target areas of social deprivation more that we have a lower cost for people who are on lower incomes. But we will still be able to meet the total costs within the budget for the scheme. So it might mean people in more affluent areas will have to pay more.”

The Transport Convener said that he recognised there had been more secure bike lockers placed in more affluent areas. Council officers will now add weighting to areas of social deprivation when identifying where the lockers will be placed. This will be used as a way of getting people in more deprived areas more active.

People have been asking for lockers on their streets at the rate of six per week on average, and the Convener said that they want people to keep on asking as there will be more money available in due course.

In common with many other transport projects this one has taken years to implement. It was first discussed in February 2012, and a pilot scheme began in August 2014. During 2020 spaces for 1,080 bikes in these hangars were created.

This article is written by Sarah Boyack Labour MSP for Lothian. She writes:

“I have been deeply concerned to hear from constituents about the dire state of dental services in Musselburgh, where more than 3 in 4 dental practices are no longer accepting NHS patients. so I carried out research which has highlighted a growing crisis which demands immediate action by the SNP/Green Scottish Government.

“According to the findings, even the practices that are still accepting new patients have waiting lists that stretch over six months on average.

“This means that individuals in Musselburgh are not only being denied access to essential dental care, but they are also forced to endure long periods of unnecessary suffering and discomfort.

“This is a routine let-down for patients in Musselburgh.

“The lack of NHS dental provision has created a two-tiered system that disproportionately affects those who rely on public healthcare services. It is fundamentally unfair that those who can afford private dental care can access treatment promptly, while those who depend on the NHS are left to suffer and wait indefinitely.

“The SNP must bear the responsibility for this crisis. Their mismanagement of the NHS has led to the current state of affairs, where dental practices are overwhelmed and unable to cater to the needs of Musselburgh residents.

“This situation is not unique to Musselburgh alone; it is indicative of a wider problem within Scotland’s healthcare system that demands urgent attention.

“A local dentist got in touch to highlight that the morale of NHS dentists is at an all time low.

“To address this crisis, the Scottish Government must take immediate action. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the problem; concrete steps must be taken to rectify it.

“Instead of tackling the issue and investing in our NHS dentistry, Humza Yousaf’s Government is in denial about the scale of the problem.

“The people of Musselburgh deserve better.”

This article is based on the report below which is prepared by the council’s EdinTravel team to advise of any traffic hotspots in the city next week.

All the new roadworks are shown in blue.

On Lanark Road West there will be repairs to a noisy manhole cover at Somerville Road, on Sunday 14 May with traffic lights on Lanark Road West from 8.30am, finish time TBC (likely to be late afternoon).

There will be no access to Granton Road from Ferry Road from Monday 15 May for five days. This is to accommodate Openreach cabling work. The exit from Granton Road remains open.

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

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The High Kings are playing The Queen’s Hall on 17 June with some brand new music.

The band have racked up two platinum albums, and more than a million listeners on Spotify. Now they are coming to Edinburgh celebrating 15 years together with 15 brand new tracks, and this is one of only eight UK dates on their tour.

The High Kings said: “It’s been an amazing journey so far, and to be celebrating such a milestone with a huge Irish tour is amazing. We can’t wait to bring our brand-new stage show, and our new music to our Irish fans – and we have a few surprises too.”

The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O’ Brien. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music.

Book tickets here.

The management of The Stand Comedy Club have backed down from their earlier decision and will allow the show In Conversation with Joanna Cherry, KC, MP, to go ahead at the New Town Theatre this August.

The club had previously said that due to key personnel not wishing to staff the event they could not do so safely.

The Edinburgh South West MP advised the club that their actions were unlawful discrimination against her.

Today in a statement the club announced a U-turn saying they had now taken legal advice. They issued an apology to Ms Cherry for the unlawful discrimination against her. The club will also donate the proceeds from the event to a charity.

Ms Cherry said: “This is a very welcome move by the Stand and I look forward to taking part in the show. I hope that the Stand’s full & frank acceptance that to discriminate against me on account of the philosophical beliefs which I hold as a lesbian and a feminist was unlawful will benefit other women and men by discouraging others from similar discrimination in the future. The detailed legal opinion I received remains published on my website and I hope it will be of benefit to others and will prevent institutions from undertaking this kind of unlawful discrimination in future.”

She said previously that she would take any legal action necessary to defend her rights. She said last week: “I have received the opinion of the eminent and leading human rights advocate, Aidan O’Neill KC who considers that The Stand have acted unlawfully. My solicitor David McKie of Levy & McRae agrees with that view and has today written to The Stand on my behalf. Given the very public statements which have been made about me by The Stand and in the press and on social media, some of which have been threatening and/or abusive, I have decided to release both my solicitor’s letter and the opinion of senior counsel. 

“The actions of the Stand and all that has followed thereon are symptomatic of a wider problem in our society. I am very concerned that those who hold perfectly legitimate views on a variety of issues, including women like me are regularly being misrepresented, de-platformed and, in some cases, facing damage to or the loss of our livelihoods. This is often accompanied by online abuse and threats. The debate on gender self-identification is a very important one which must be allowed to take place, but I am a woman of many parts who was engaged to talk about my political life in general and I see the cancelling of my one-hour event as the thin end of the wedge.”

Fancy trialing an electric bike, or perhaps a mountain bike or a kayak because you don’t have the cash to buy one? Well, Edinburgh-based Decathlon have launched a rental scheme to allow you do do just that.

The company claim they want to move people through the joy of sport so they are now promoting rentals on what they consider to be their most popular sports.
You can hire, for example, kids bikes and even tennis rackets plus stand-up paddle boards, among a host of other items, from only £10 a day and 50 per cent off on the second day.
Rentals can be ordered online and collected in store an hour later and they can also be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to allow for any weather changes. 

Andre Martins, the in-store co-ordinator at Hermiston Gait, said that the scheme makes rental the perfect option for weekend getaways or to try out a new sport without the commitment of having to buy all the gear first.

He said: “So, you can rent pretty much everything, from bikes to kayaks to tennis and padel (said to be the fastest growing sport in the world and there are courts in Edinburgh including one near the Gyle Centre) rackets, basically equipment for most of the popular sports. Rent brings a lot of benefits as the cost of living goes up.

“Rent will allow these products to be used for a try out for a very reduced cost and we guarantee that these products are in the best condition. We have one mission to allow people to enjoy a holiday or a weekend.

“So, rental brings a lot of benefits to people and it is almost like hiring a car. The best thing to exercise to be healthy and enjoying sports together and the renting process is good for this.”

All you do is walk into the shop but he suggested an easier way, booking on the Decathlon website.

And Martins added: “For example, when you hire a kayak there are all the options of hiring all the security and safety equipment which you need for the trip and for the family. It is an easy process.

“Or, if your friends are going away for a mountain biking weekend and you don’t have a bike, you can pop in and rent one from Decathlon.”

An Indian and Bengali restaurant, Ignite, has attracted its third award in just six months.

LUXlife magazine has named Ignite ‘Best Indian & Bengali Restaurant 2023 – Edinburgh’ in its 2023 Restaurant and Bar Awards.

The restaurant was also recognised as ‘highly commended’ in the Asian Restaurant Awards, in the category of Asian Restaurant of the Year, announced at the awards ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel on 1 November.

Ignite was also announced as a Tripadvisor 2022 Travellers’ Choice Award Winner in November. This accolade is awarded to restaurants that “consistently deliver amazing experiences” and have earned positive reviews and ratings over the past year. According to Tripadvisor, Ignite is in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

The restaurant is established in the Edinburgh dining scene, having first opened its doors 19 years ago. It has gone from strength to strength over the years, attracting a string of rave reviews. Some of its most popular dishes include King Prawn Ceylon (a hot dish prepared with onion, coconut and spices), Simikot Lamb (a western Nepal dish of sliced barbecued lamb marinated in special ingredients and cooked with mincemeat, onion, ginger, garlic and fresh coriander) and Sabzi Nentara (mixed vegetables in a delicate sweetish and sour sauce with a touch of fresh herbs and spices).

Ignite’s owner, Mohammed Khan said: “To be named best in Edinburgh for our Indian and Bengali cuisine is another honour that we’re very proud to accept.”

Ignite is at 272-274 Morrison Street (0131 228 5666) and igniterestaurant.co.uk

1. Ignite is open for dinner and takeaways Tuesday to Sundays

Global assistive technology company, Texthelp, has unveiled new research highlighting the way that neurodivergent university students feel about the support they receive through the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

More than half of UK these students who were surveyed feel more could be done to increase awareness of neurodiversity within university, the media and amongst their peer groups 

The survey interviewed and polled more than 100 UK neurodivergent university students and it discovered that many were either not aware of or had not applied for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), despite being eligible.

Awareness of the DSA and who is eligible was highlighted as one of the biggest setbacks of applications. Almost a third of students surveyed who had not applied said they had not heard of the DSA and a third said they did not know that they were eligible for the allowance.

The survey questioned the wide range of reasons as to why students might not apply for DSA support. A third of students said that they feared judgement by their peers. And 30% said that they feared people would think they are not as smart as they are.

The results of the report are important, as three quarters of neurodivergent students said that DSA support (such as receiving assistive technology) would be beneficial for their academic studies.

Increasing awareness of the DSA and who is eligible is key to ensuring neurodivergent students are able to access vital support and guidance. This will help eligible students to achieve their full potential at university.

Rick Bell, Head of Education at Texthelp said: “The findings from this survey have been incredibly insightful. They have highlighted what needs to be done to further support the needs and aspirations of neurodivergent university students

“These insights will help Texthelp to build on our intelligence, vision and knowledge of the DSA to provide a powerful suite of assistive tools for neurodivergent students.”

This survey and its findings are part of a wider awareness campaign titled, “Same but Different”, which aims to highlight the similar but distinctive brains of neurodivergent students from all around the nation.

 To find out more about Texthelp, visit https://text.help/same-but-different