The name Noah has overtaken Jack at the top of the baby name chart, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.

Jack was the most popular boy’s name for 14 consecutive years, but instead a religious name has sailed into the top spot with 373 baby boys given the name in 2022.

For girls, the top name is Olivia, for the second year in a row. The name has been a long-term favourite holding the top spot in six of the previous seven years.

NRS Statistician Daniel Burns said: “NRS is happy to welcome all the new babies of 2022.

“A relative flood of Noahs in the last four years has saw the name leap from 8^th place to 1^st.

“There are now so many more names in use, as parents aim for something more unusual, that it takes far fewer babies to share a name for it to be high up in the charts.

“Back in the 70s when David was the most popular name there were upwards of 1,700 babies a year with the top boys name. Since then fertility has declined, meaning there are fewer births, but with more names in use Noah can claim the top spot with 373 baby boys given the name in 2022.” 

Popular culture is having an impact on the names chosen for babies.

Daniel explained: “Luca has climbed 20 places to land in 5^th place for boys, moving into the top 10 for the first time, possibly given a boost by Luca Bish appearing on Love Island.

“The name Maeve has been used in a couple of different TV shows and has grown in popularity over the past few years. Names seen on Love Island, such as Luca, Millie, Arabella and Kai have all increased since appearing on screen. Other names apparently influenced by celebrities include Lando, Tilly, Matilda and Dua.”

Daniel added :  “The latest figures also reveal  a  rise in names relating to nature , with Violet, Daisy, Ivy, Wren, Dahlia, Primrose, Oakley and River all rising. Oakley and River rose for both boys and girls.”

Finlay McFarlane is one of the City Centre ward councillors, and his newest constituent is the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who has just moved into Bute House.

The two politicians are members of the same party, the SNP, but Cllr McFarlane has had very different life experiences to Mr Yousaf, and wanted to make him aware of this and his call to action.

So today Cllr McFarlane along with Sandy Brindley, CEO of Rape Crisis Scotland, Gary Williams CEO of Survivors UK, Ally Fogg, Chair of Men and Boys Coalition, Matthew Withey, Chair of Abused Men in Scotland, Dr Steven Maxwell Researcher in Health Sector Leadership and Tanaka Mhishi, author, campaigner and Associate Fellow at the Sexual Harms and Medical Experiences Project at University of London, have sent an open letter to the First Minister (which you can read in full below).

Cllr McFarlane has written to Mr Yousaf about sexual violence against males, which he says data proves to be as high as 47% in gay and bisexual men in the UK. But for many male survivors of child sexual abuse it can take decades for them to open up about their experiences and seek help.

Finlay refers to the 2021 SNP manifesto commitment to establish a national strategy on ending intimate and sexual violence against men and boys”, and urges the First Minister to work to establish the strategy now.

He himself is a survivor of sexual abuse when he was 18. He became determined to change things after being turned away from advisory services as they did not at that time cater for men and boys. He ended up telling his story to BBC Scotland and has received national awards for his work in this area.

Cllr McFarlane said: “Currently in the UK male survivors of intimate or sexual crimes are catered for by Violence Against Women and Girls strategies. I, and others from across the sector think this is wrong (for reasons outlined in the letter) and began to campaign for the government to establish a parallel strategy, to return VAWG strategies to their intended purpose and emulate the success of VAWG with a gendered response tailored, and understanding of, the needs of male survivors of rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, so-called honour based violence.

“I am looking forward to working with the new First Minister to deliver this strategy that will make a huge difference for male survivors in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has previously taken huge strides to protecting and improving outcomes for survivors. A gendered approach for men and boys, to compliment violence against women and girls’ strategies will ensure that every survivor will truly be “Equally Safe” and supported when they come forward.”

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Edinburgh Council has backed a 20 per cent hike for on-street parking charges.

Money raised by the additional income will be used to freeze some costs to residents, including those for adult burial charges and day care for the elderly and disabled.

SNP and Green councillors – who proposed the higher increase, against a 16% rise tabled by the Labour administration – said it would help to ‘alleviate the impact of poverty and reflect the true cost of driving in our city’.

However the city’s transport leader warned that the rise may not actually raise as much income as predicted – as it could deter people from parking in the city – and admitted Edinburgh was “hooked” on parking income.

Changes to parking charges will take effect from April 3.

The cost of parking in the city centre (George St, St Andrew Square, Charlotte Square, Queen St, Market St, Cockburn St) will be lifted from £5.60 per hour to £6.70.

In Stafford St and Melville St area, Morrison St to Shandwick Place and the Old Town including East Market St, the rate will increase from £4.90 to £5.90.

The West End (Palmerston Place area), Moray Place, South Side/Nicolson St, Tollcross/Fountainbridge and Heriot Row will see hourly parking fees rise from £4.10 to £4.90.

In the New Town – Northumberland St to St Stephen St and Royal Crescent – motorists will have to pay a new rate of £4.40 an hour, up from £3.70.

South Queensferry will also have charges hiked by 20% – jumping from £0.90 to £1.10.

Meanwhile in Bruntsfield, Sciennes, St Leonard’s, Dumbiedykes, Stockbridge and Dean, on-street parking charges will go up from £3.10 to £3.40 – a lower increase of 9.68%.

And the cost of parking permits for residents will increase by between 11 and 15 per cent.

The move is expected to generate £800,000 on top of the estimated £1.19m going to the council’s coffers from revised fees and charges.

The additional cash will be used to freeze rates for services including adult burials, garden aid and day care for the elderly and adults with learning or physical disabilities.

Extra income generated from parking will also halt price increases for audio and film rentals and photocopying in libraries, as well as the community alarms and telecare service which gives vulnerable residents quick access to social care support.

In addition a library fine “amnesty period” will be created with £71k to “dismantle potential barriers to continued access for adults and children” and £100k will go towards a fund for “community-led cultural projects”.

Transport and environment convener Cllr Scott Arthur took to twitter after the decision, and said: “ Any rise in parking charges will reduce the level of use (not always a bad thing). The SNP/Greens are hoping that whilst demand will fall, total income will rise.

“I think they got this wrong. Labour estimated the limit was 16%, and beyond that income would start to fall… and Edinburgh is hooked on parking income.”

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.

Amorist Bistro Bar in Dunfermline has created two new cocktails to celebrate Dunfermline’s proud symbol in addition to its new look with a feature wall of peacocks above its bar.

The Peacock cocktail, a delicious (naturally peacock green) blend of coconut rum, absolut vodka, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacoa, topped up with soda water, has been on Amorist’s wide-ranging cocktail menu for the past few weeks and is already proving very popular. 

Also on the menu, The Glen is named after the local name for the city’s Pittencrieff Park where the peacocks roam freely and have their own special aviary. It is a mix of Edinburgh apple and spice gin, Chambord, Lime juice, Angostura bitters and sparkling apple juice.

Owner Nihat Oymak said: “We like to offer something a bit different at Amorist, and are becoming known for our imaginative drinks, especially our cocktails, which our talented bar staff take great pride in creating.

“It’s been our pleasure to create these two new cocktails in honour of the peacocks which are synonymous with Dunfermline. We have referenced them in the bistro with our new mural which has been much admired. It’s part of a new look which also sees attractive foliage clad walls, new lighting and decoration. We want to make Amorist as Instagrammable as possible, and we hope that everyone will enjoy these new cocktails.”

www.amorist.co.uk

A centrally situated and well-equipped business centre offers many advantages to sole traders and small businesses looking to make the move from home working or expand their business operations. This one is in Fife within easy commuting from Edinburgh, offering an alternative view to working from home.

Fife Council’s Economic Development Team has announced that four new tenants have moved into the Business Incubator Kirkcaldy, situated at Mitchelston Industrial Estate, leaving a few high-quality, modern offices available to let.

Ideally aimed at office-based businesses, the units remaining are available in various sizes, from 165sq ft to 436 sq ft. These units benefit from a stepped discounted rental for the first year, with utilities included to help and support new businesses to grow. Companies need only to provide their own phone, internet and IT packages and they will be ready to trade from the centre.

The Business Incubator is situated on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy’s, in Mitchelston Industrial Estate. It has a dedicated parking area, a staffed reception, a small communal kitchen area, and offers tenants free use of its meeting rooms.

The units which are currently available are all in excellent decorative order, with the entire centre bearing a fresh and welcoming look and feel. The centre also has easy access to the A92, linking Kirkcaldy with Dundee, Edinburgh and the City of Dunfermline.

Kip McGrath Children’s Tuition, MTEC Drafting, Thistle Care Services, Pass Drive Driving Academy and Kenylink Services Ltd have all currently made the Incubator their base.

Saltire Security Products has based themselves at the Business Incubator Hub for the past fifteen years, initially starting in one of the smaller units before expanding the business and moving to a larger one.

Fiona Graham from Saltire Security Products said: “We are extremely happy here. The Incubator has offered us everything we have needed over the past fifteen years regarding modern office accommodation; hence we are still here, taking advantage of a larger office space as the business has grown. It’s a good central location here with plenty of parking. We have found the Centre to be very well run, with the very few maintenance aspects dealt with quickly and efficiently by the professional team at Fife Council.”

“We’d say to any small business thinking about moving to the Business Incubator, to go for it! You are part of a business community here and we have benefitted from word-of-mouth trade, and made other important business connections.”

Other satisfied tenants at the Business Incubator are Gerald and Janis Casserly who run their Kip McGrath Children’s Tuition business from one of the offices.

They commented: “Being situated in Business Incubator suits us perfectly for several reasons -there’s plenty of free parking right outside, which makes it easy for parents to drop off their children, plus our unit is open and bright with plenty of natural light which creates a great learning environment for our pupils. Overall, the centre is well run and very quiet, so we’d happily recommend it to other small businesses.”

Andrew Goulder from Fife Council’s Economic Development Teamcommented: “The Business Incubator is a much valued part of our business property portfolio. It’s very good news to have recently welcomed four new tenants to the local Kirkcaldy area, and we certainly are confident of attracting more in the coming months. Businesses working from home may well want to take that next step to the Business Incubator Kirkcaldy. We have the flexible package options to make that happen for them. It could take their business in a whole new direction this year.”

For information email: fifemeansbusiness@fife.gov.uk 

Robbie Neilson expects a tough, physical battle at Kilmarnock on Saturday (kick-off 15.00) and has asked his squad to put the recent 3-0 defeat at Aberdeen behind them and concentrate on the next game.

The Hearts manager added: “That’s all you can do in football.”

The squad have trained well and Lawrence Shankland and Zander Clark have returned from Scotland international duty and the Aussie boys, who played bit parts in their international double-header against Ecuador, are also set to return in time for the weekend. Cammy Devlin (pictured) was delayed in his flight home and will miss out with concussion after being hurt on international duty.

Neilson said: “That gets us all back together and we go down to Killie to win the game. We were disappointed (after the Aberdeen game) but we also have to have a perspective of where we are in the league.

“We are sitting four points clear and in third position. Yes, we would like to be more but if you asked any team outside Rangers and Celtic if they wanted to be in our position with nine games to go to try and secure that they would say yes. It starts again on Saturday.”

There was, he added, an expectation on Hearts as there is expectation on Hibs and on Aberdeen with competition hotting up for that third place and the manager said: “We are trying to fight to be higher than that and that is the objective. Yes, there is expectation, but it is the same at every club.

“The way the league is, every game is competitive and you have the group fighting for survival and you have the group fighting to get into the top six, a group fighting to stay in the top six, a group fighting for Europe.

“Every game at this moment, especially when you are down to the single figure games we are now, is all-important.

“I expect it to be a hard, physical and demanding game (at Kilmarnock) and they use set plays. Over 50 per cent of their goals have come from set plays, and we will have to be organised in these situations.”

Asked about Hearts’ away form said: “You want to pick up points everywhere. If we want to get closer to the Old Firm that is an area we need to get better at.” 

Convention Edinburgh was set up last year under the management of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), taking over some of the functions of the former destination marketing body, Marketing Edinburgh.

Now, an advisory group has been set up to help attract more business events to the capital. The Advisory Group appointments are Sue Stuart (Surgeons Quarter), Amanda Ferguson (University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection ), Shona Clelland (Cultural Venues, City of Edinburgh Council), Elaine Elder (National Museums of Scotland Enterprises), Neil Ellis (Edinburgh Hotels Association), Gillian Richardson (Scottish Enterprise), Rob Lang (Edinburgh Airport), Colin Horsburgh (En Pointe Solutions), and Stuart Evans (Fusion Meetings and Events). 

EICC CEO, Marshall Dallas said: “The enactment of the advisory group is all about collaboration, pulling together resources, skills, and experience from multiple city and national partners with the overall aim of attracting more events to Edinburgh.  We want to grow the city’s profile as a world-class destination for business events, and we’ve now got an incredible collective of advisors to help make this happen.”  

Elaine Elder, Director of Sales & Marketing at National Museums of Scotland Enterprises and Advisory Group member at Convention Edinburgh, said:“Convention Edinburgh has made fantastic progress since relaunching last summer, it has an inherently collaborative way of working, and the collective hope is that we can really move the dial and bring even more business into the city. The advisory group brings a wealth of experience together to support the Convention Edinburgh team over the months and years ahead.”

Rob Lang, Head of Marketing at Edinburgh Airport, added: “Business events are a vital aspect of the ongoing recovery of Edinburgh, and a key driver of future economic prosperity in the city. Effective collaboration amongst city partners is essential to ensure we attract the right events at the right time for the benefit of the city and the communities and neighbourhoods it serves.”

Led by the EICC’s Sales & Marketing Director Amanda Wrathall, Convention Edinburgh’s remit includes supporting venues across the city with their bids to attract conference and events to Edinburgh, and assisting event bookers during the destination and venue selection process for their conferences. 

Air Canada has announced it will resume and extend its non-stop service between Edinburgh and Toronto.

Starting from June 2023, the service will operate up to daily during the summer peak, and continue three times weekly into the winter season until January 8. It is currently planned to return in early spring 2024.

Air Canada offers more daily flights from the UK to Canada than any other airline.The Edinburgh to Toronto route will be operated by Air Canada mainline with state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft features three cabins of service for customers to choose from, including lie-flat seats in Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

All flights are timed to optimise connectivity to Air Canada’s extensive North American network. Seats are available for booking at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres, travel agencies or contact Air Canada Reservations on 00 800 669 92222.

“We are pleased to announce the return of our non-stop services from Edinburgh to Toronto,” said Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada General Manager Sales, U.K. and Ireland.

“Our newly extended service from Edinburgh will not only provide our customers in Scotland with a direct link to Canada during both the summer and winter seasons, but also allow convenient onward travel options across North America. Customers can start planning ahead and book with confidence.”

“Extending this service into the winter months is very exciting for us and we are really happy to see Air Canada’s confidence in the strong Edinburgh market through to January,” said Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero) at Edinburgh Airport.

“Toronto is a beautiful city all year round and there is so much to ‘CN’ do there for passengers who want to have that direct link to Canada beyond summer.”

For full schedule details, please visit aircanada.com

‘Road to Blues’ is an exhibition by Ukrainian artist, Natasha Mikhailova.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 1 April at 2.30 pm at Art & Craft Collective 93 Causewayside, EH9 1QG.

This is Natasha’s first solo exhibition in Scotland after moving from Ukraine to Edinburgh in 2020 during lockdown.

The artist paints in acrylic and her works are mostly abstract landscapes.

The exhibition continues until Saturday 6 May 2023.

Margaret Ferrier MP should be suspended for 30 days for her breach of Covid rules in 2020, a Commons Standards Committee report into her conduct has concluded..

If the recommendation is approved by a vote in the Commons, it will trigger a recall petition and a possible by-election in her Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency. 

Ms Ferrier referred herself to the MP standards watchdog after she admitted attending Westminster while waiting for the results of a Covid test and then travelling back from London to Glasgow by train, the day after being made aware she had tested positive.

Ms Ferrier lost the SNP Whip as a result of the breach of the rules, but remained as an independent MP, despite calls to resign, including from former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon.

The standards committee investigation found Ms Ferrier to have “knowingly and recklessly exposed members of the public and those on the parliamentary estate to the risk of contracting COVID-19 and demonstrated a disregard for the parliamentary and national guidance in place”. They also found her to have “caused significant damage to the reputation of the House.”

Ms Ferrier has already pled guilty to a breach of criminal law and was given a sentence of community service at Glasgow Sheriff Court last August.

A by-election could be an early test for the new leader of the SNP and First Minister Humza Yousaf. The seat is a key target for Labour, who won it in 2017 before it went back to the SNP in 2019.

Commenting on the decision, Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary, repeated calls for Margaret Ferrier to step down. He said:-

“Margaret Ferrier’s reckless actions put people at risk and rode roughshod over the rules everyone else followed. It is right that Parliament has thrown the book at her for this unacceptable behaviour.

“There are still serious questions for the SNP to answer on what they knew and what they did at the time.

“Even Nicola Sturgeon called for her to resign – now Humza Yousaf must do the same.

“If Margaret Ferrier doesn’t resign the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West can exercise their right to boot her from office.

“Her constituents deserve better and that means a by-election.”

Speaking after First Minister Questions today, Humza Yousaf reaffirmed the SNP position that Ms Ferrier should stand down and said he looked forward to fighting that by-election.

Scottish harpist Fiona Rutherford will release a new recording on Friday called Seed using the Scottish harp on journey through many different styles of music.

She gained a place at The City of Edinburgh Music School when she was 16, mainly as a result of her harp playing. She had only begun learning to play two years before, but during her time at the school she fine-tuned her musicianship in a range of music styles.

She became increasingly interested in composition, studying at Dartington College of Arts and graduating with first class honours, and has since composed music for three feature films. Her music has been performed by Mr McFall’s Chamber, Drake Music Scotland and the London Sinfonietta.

A regular airing of her music has been praised on BBC Radio Scotland and Folk Radio UK awarded her Album of the Month.

The recording is distinctly Scottish featuring grace notes or ornamentation found in traditional music. The first single Jagged represents the idea of a tense and uncomfortable journey fuelled by adrenaline. The harp is matched with electric upright bass and features long term collaborator Amy Duncan.

Full cabinet now in position

First Minister, Humza Yousaf introduced his new cabinet to the press on Wednesday afternoon. He has made some changes although some faces are the same: Michael Matheson takes on NHS recovery, health and social care and relinquishes the Transport Secretary role.

Jenny Gilruth formerly transport minister will take on education and skills.

Mairi Gougeon keeps her rural affairs portfolio and Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. Shirley-Anne Somerville moves from Education to Social Justice.

Read more here.

The First Minister has now also confirmed all junior appointments. Read about that here.

Paul O’Grady, MBE, DL, 1955-2023

It was very sad to read of the sudden death of Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday unexpectedly. He appeared at the Edinburgh Playhouse only last week, making this even more poignant.

Liam Rudden wrote this review of his magnificent performance as Miss Hannigan, and it is a good way to remember someone who made so many laugh. Read more here.

Bus drivers in training

Bus drivers from Lothian will be trained today to help them understand what it is like to get on and off buses when the passenger is either blind or has significant sight loss.

Read more here.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

May we please remind the new First Minister of Scotland’s target to achieve Carbon Zero by 2045 and invite him to question the previous administration’s five-year-old pledge of support for Heathrow expansion.

Last year, the previous SNP administration was criticised by its own climate advisers for falling short on progress to its carbon target, particularly in respect of aviation, and its failure to renounce support for the expansion of Heathrow Airport was already looking illogical and perverse.

After all, Scotland is a long way from Heathrow and has no control of the airport, which already draws direct flights away from Scotland. Were it to be expanded, Scotland would only become more dependent upon it, whilst adding a further 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in Scotland by 2040, through 605,000 extra return trips between Scottish airports and Heathrow. 

Can it really be in the name of the First Minister’s cause that Scotland should make itself unnecessarily dependent, for its international aviation access, on an airport that is down in London – and at such a cost to its own carbon targets?

If new leadership is a time to refresh, ditching Scotland’s anomalous and self-defeating support for Heathrow expansion could be a useful start.

Paul McGuinness
Chair, No 3rd Runway Coalition

(Address supplied)

How to subscribe to our newspaper edition

The next issue of our newspaper will be on the streets on 1 April. The paper went to press this week and will be available from all the usual stockists.

Today we invite you to support The Edinburgh Reporter by buying a subscription and you will be sent the new paper as soon as it rolls off the press.

Our goal is to recruit 500 new subscribers this year. If you can will you please help us to achieve that?

Among others all branches of Farmer Autocare stock our newspapers as well as Birthlink on Lower Gilmore Place, and both Leith and Central Libraries.  And if you have a business where you would like to stock our papers then please get in touch.

If you are able to subscribe, then it helps us to keep our online coverage free to access, and also ensure the future of our newspaper for this coming year. And if you do, then thank you very much indeed.

A new exhibition opens at Dovecot on Friday with works and crafts by Kaffe Fassett. This colourful exhibition will be on display until 4 July 2023 and there are lunchtime tours which you can book at the same price as a self-guided visit.

Kaffe Fassett is a name well known to knitters and crafters with his particularly intricate designs a massive challenge to overcome.

He is one of the most successful artists and designers working in contemporary craft today. His career spans more than 50 years with a prolific oeuvre that includes knitting, needlepoint, mosaic, quilting, textile design, painting and drawing. His books and projects have encouraged millions to make and to create with his designs being used and interpreted by quilters around the globe.

The exhibition explores Fassett’s world, drawing on original textile artworks from invited international makers – as well as Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably – garments and archival material, to show off the work of this distinctive, influential artist and designer.

Fasssett’s tapestries are also making a return to Dovecot. He made five tapestries and a rug in collaboration with the Edinburgh Tapestry company (which is now Dovecot Studios) when the studio had a home in Corstorphine. Now thirty years after they were made they are returning to Infirmary Street as part of the new exhibition. Two are being loaned by the Mount Stuart Trust for Power of Pattern which is being organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.

Edinburgh’s tram company is on hand to help partygoers make the most of the line-up of acts at Terminal V.

The festival takes place at The Royal Highland Centre over the Easter weekend when festival goers are encouraged to take the tram to Igliston.

Edinburgh Trams will be running extra services every 20 minutes until around half past midnight during Terminal V, the city’s techno festival.

A shuttle bus will also link the tram stop at Ingliston Park & Ride with the event which features an elite collection of some of the biggest names in the world of house and techno music, including Amelie Lens, Charlotte De Witte, and Ewan McVicar.

The tram operator’s Managing Director Lea Harrison said: “Last year, hundreds of people took advantage of our late-night services during high-profile events. They’ve certainly proved a hit with Terminal V fans, and we want to ensure anyone in attendance can get back home or to their accommodation safely.

“During the day, services will also run as usual from every seven minutes, serving all stops between Ingliston Park & Ride and St Andrew Square. What’s more, with day return tickets costing just £3.80, travelling to and from the venue couldn’t be easier!”

Simon McGrath and Derek Martin, Festival Directors of Terminal V, said: “The extra tram services are incredibly well received by our festival goers, and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Edinburgh Trams once again.”

Further details about Terminal V can be found here and tram tickets can be purchased from tram stop ticket machines before boarding.

As Humza Yousaf became the sixth First Minister of Scotland, Scottish dentist leaders have called for immediate action to ensure the service, which they regard as beleaguered has a future. 

The dentists say that the leadership election has delayed the timetable for reform of the low margin/high volume system dentists work to, which has left providers facing the risk of delivering NHS care at a financial loss.

In an open letter the British Dental Association has stressed that without immediate action the exodus from NHS dentistry will accelerate.

A recent survey of high street dentists across Scotland showed over half have reduced the amount of NHS work they do since lockdown, and four in five say they plan to reduce or further reduce their NHS commitment in the year ahead.

In the letter BDA’s Scottish leadership state: “In 2021 the SNP made a promise to the Scottish electorate: free NHS dentistry for all. The decisions you take in your first 100 days will effectively determine if that promise is going to be kept.”

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Lothian bus drivers will take part in a training session on Thursday to help them understand the needs of their blind and partially sighted passengers.

The company will hold a ‘swap-with-me’ event in which members of national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland will explain the challenges they face when travelling on public transport and how a driver’s actions can help make bus travel as accessible as possible for all users.

This includes approaching bus stops slowly to ensure people have time to make out the number and route, by allowing passengers with sight loss to find a seat before pulling away, and by letting them know when they arrive at their destination.

At today’s event at the Longstone Depot in Murrayburn Road, drivers will also have the opportunity to wear special spectacles that simulate different eye conditions to experience first-hand the barriers that blind and partially sighted passengers facewhen trying to hail a bus, buy a ticket and get on board.

The drivers will discuss their role and the part they play in making the journey as accessible as possible, while those with sight loss will get a chance to sit in the cab to get a better idea of what the job entails from the driver’s perspective.

Olivia Sklenar, Accessibility Officer from Lothian Buses said: “Lothian is committed to delivering reliable, safe and accessible bus travel for all. We are delighted to continue our partnership with RNIB Scotland by hosting another ‘swap-with-me’ event. The events are always a real success, with our drivers benefiting from the real-life experiences shared by some of our blind and partially-sighted customers.”

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “It’s great news that Lothian Buseshas embraced our campaign to make public transport as accessible as possible. Bus travel can be a life-line for blind and partially sighted people, who rely on buses more than most because they are unable to drive and taxis can be too expensive for everyday journeys. But many of our members say they sometimes have difficulty in using some services.

“We think if drivers are more aware of the problems people with sight loss face they will take that extra bit of time to ensure they can make their journey confidently. We’re grateful for the opportunity to explain these.”

There are around 183,000 people in Scotland living with significant sight loss.

Lothian has more than 700 buses servicing over 67 routes throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

William Kivlin sat in a homeless hostel and had a dream. It was to start a catering company so he wrote a business plan and now that dream is a reality.

He has received over 300, five-star reviews from happy customers and is planning to become a social enterprise to start cooking lessons in hostels to give the homeless something to focus on and offer hope for the future.

Midlothian-born William would also like to own a restaurant one day, but that is in the future.

He currently runs the Old School Takeaway with his partner Destiny O’Neill (picture by Lee Live: Photographer courtesy of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber) from their home in Mayfield and his drive and enthusiasm has already benefited the local area.

Last Christmas, he persuaded a business owner to fund food for Christmas meals.

The local parish church offered their kitchen and church hall and the Old School team, plus a small army of local volunteers, cooked 200 Christmas dinners and donated children’s gifts to the local community.

And, this week, he was honoured as a Local Hero in the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards run by Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce and hosted at the Eskmills Venue in Musselburgh. The award is for an individual who has gone above and beyond for the local community.

William admitted to being overwhelmed at the accolade and he has come a long way since committing his vision to paper sitting in that hostel.

He said: “Old School Takeaway is a delivery only food service which runs in Midlothian and we are the first Melville Housing tenant to be given permission to run a food business from home.

“We have been open just over 11 months and it has taken off extremely well. We are hoping to turn into a social enterprise and we have done so much in the year leading up to where we are now.

“It is just overwhelming what we have managed to achieve, especially coming from the situation I was in. I built this business up from being in homeless accommodation, sat in a small box room and put together a business plan.

“I waited on a permanent house and I went straight to the chairman of Melville Housing and was eventually given the permission to open the food business. It has really taken off.”

Customers message William on Facebook and and they have joined the What The Fork and the Food Hub platforms and you can order from there or an app or there is a telephone number where you can order direct.

The opening days are Tuesday to Sunday from 10pm to 9pm and he said: “We do everything, our menu is massive. We do breakfast, lunch and dinners and last week we had a Tomohk steak dinner special on we do beer battered fish and chips and we have just introduced milk shakes.

“We have a wide range of healthy, affordable food and we haggis bon-bons with breadcrums to fresh, home-made soup, fresh steak pies, fresh lasagne, we have an amazing menu for out burgers but if customers want something that is not on the menu and we have the ingredients in the kitchen we can cater for them as well. We will cater for anybody’s needs and try our best to make what you want for dinner that night.”

He added: “I don’t feel like a local hero. I just feel like we are doing what i have set out to do. I am still blown away. From being homeless for over three years to receiving a business award as local hero is overwhelming and some journey. It is unbelievable.  

Other winners on the night were: High Growth Business of the Year: Forth Scaffolding: short-listed: Camerons Strachan Yuill Architects, DTP Southfield, Duct Clean Services.

Best Innovation in Business: Carcinotech: short-listed The Energy Training Academy, NuGen Recycling and Environmental Solutions, Skyrora; Best Environmental Impact: The Premium Bakery: short-listed Beebytes Analytics CIC, Everchargeev, Sisaltech, The Wee Bee Company; Best Commitment to Youth Development: Land Technology: short-listed: Jack and Ivy, Midlothian Sure Start, Randori  Dojo; Best Community Impact: One Dalkieth: short-listed Crystal FM, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, Old School Takeaway; Family Business of the Year: East Links Family Park: short-listed: The Cavaliere, The Golbin Ha’ Hotel, The Original Rosslyn Inn; New Business of the Year: HeatFix Scotland: short-listed: Ez Riders NB, Mr Melts Wax, YOPLA; Micro Business of the Year: Brand Satellite; short-listed: HM Finance Coaching and Advisory; Learn to Grow, Supersize Media; SME of the Year: The Door Centre: short-listed: Cytomos, Fifth House Design, Tenet and You;    

As the announcement of the full cabinet was made just a short time ago, it confirmed that the Scottish Greens’ co-leaders have been re-appointed to The Scottish Government by the new First Minister Humza Yousaf.

Lorna Slater MSP continues as Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity. Patrick Harvie remains in post as Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights.

Both were first appointed as ministers in 2021 as part of the Bute House Agreement in which the Scottish Greens agreed to enter government.

Lorna Slater MSP said: “I am delighted that we are at the forefront of delivering the green change that is so vital.

“I have been proud to oversee record funding for wildlife and nature, as well as an end to new incinerators, vital steps towards delivering our ground-breaking Deposit Return Scheme, a new national park and a Circular Economy Bill, and transformative investments in recycling services across Scotland.”

“But our work is only just getting started. I am looking forward to working with Humza Yousaf and the rest of the team to build on these successes and deliver even more for the people of Scotland and our environment.”

Patrick Harvie MSP, said: “In my first 18 months as a minister I have published a New Deal for Tenants, which will deliver rent controls and new rights, on top of emergency protection for tenants. 

“I have overseen two years of record funding for walking, wheeling and cycling, with much more to come. And I have set in motion the biggest ever programme to transform the way we heat and insulate our homes and buildings.

“So I am delighted to be able to build on this work as a minister, making sure it delivers the benefits for people and for planet that we so urgently need. I look forward to working with our First Minister and my new ministerial colleagues to build that fairer, greener Scotland.”

Following the appointment of Cabinet Secretaries earlier today, First Minister Humza Yousaf has now appointed the remainder of his ministerial team.

The Scottish Cabinet will have 10 Cabinet Secretaries, including the First Minister, and will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers. This confirms that Scottish Green MSPs Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie both retain the same ministerial positions.

All are listed below:

First Minister Humza Yousaf

Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy Elena Whitham

Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn

Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentary Business George Adam

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison

Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance Tom Arthur

Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning Joe FitzPatrick

Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise Natalie Don

Minister for Higher and Further Education and Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan

Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Neil Gray

Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Richard Lochhead

Minister for Energy Gillian Martin

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) Lorna Slater

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) Patrick Harvie

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson

Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development Christina McKelvie

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees Emma Roddick

Minister for Housing Paul McLennan

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown

The Scottish Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments on Thursday, and a more detailed breakdown of ministerial responsibilities will be confirmed in due course.

Developers building a new housing estate in an East Lothian village will pay £1.3 million towards additional primary and secondary school accommodation, under an agreement with the council.

Bellway Homes was initially granted planning permission for 86 houses and four flats on the western edge of Elphinstone in December.

The application came back to East Lothian Council’s planning committee this week after council officers reviewed conditions under new national guidelines adopted under the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework (NPF4).

And councillors approved attaching conditions which include a £1.322million contribution to schools, nearly £27,000 towards the refurbishment of the existing changing pavilion at the Elphinstone Playing Field and £15,753 for transport improvements.

During the meeting councillors heard a public representation against the application from Meghan Houchin.

She told the committee the new houses failed to meet a number of NPF4 policy conditions including one which said developments should reflect the local community and blend in.

She said: “I don’t see how this development adheres to that at all.

“Every single building is two storey, the majority of houses in Elphinstone are either single storey or one and a half storey buildings.

“For this development to fit in they need to lower the roofing lines.”

And she asked if developer contributions towards transport could be used to upgrade a footpath which links the village to neighbouring Wallyford train station.

Planning convenor Norman Hampshire said the path upgrade between the site is “certainly something which I can ask officers to have a look at and see whether it can be upgraded.”

However he said there was little that could be done over the size of the new houses.

He said: “The footprint for a three bedroom two storey building compared to a three bedroom single storey is far smaller.

“It is up to the developer to build for the market place.”

The new estate, which is part of a larger area of land set aside for housing in the village, will be made up of 67 private houses for sale ranging from two to four bedroom homes and 23 affordable housing units include four two-bedroom flats.

Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the revised planning application.

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.

All five remain open but opening hours set to be almost halved

West Lothian’s five recycling centres look set to have their opening hours and staff numbers cut in half – in a bid to maintain the service despite savage budget cuts.

The centres will be open for 144 hours a week – down from 280 – and nine of the 18 staff members will have to be redeployed. A booking system will also be set up for all vehicles attending the site.

The changes will mean two of the centres will only open for one day during the week.

The option was supported by Operational Services and backed by councillors on the Environment and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) will help save £336,000 towards the £39m of cuts the council has been forced to make in this year’s budget. The panel agreed the plan progress to the Executive, who have the final say on whether it will be approved.

It will see the busiest sites at Oakbank in Livingston, Whitburn, and Blackburn open three days through the week, while the quieter sites at Broxburn and Linlithgow will open one day through the week. All sites will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Revised opening hours will see the sites open longer on the days they are operating to make it easier to process material.

The new opening hours will be 10am to 6pm for Oakbank and Whitburn on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10am to 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday at Blackburn.

For Linlithgow it will be 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, 10am to 2pm Saturday and 2pm to 6pm Sunday.

For Broxburn 10am to 6pm Thursday, 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm Sunday.

Jim Jack, the head of Operational Services told the meeting: “Part of the savings comes from the introduction of a booking system. We believe that it would provide more certainty for users, reduce queuing and improve the management of the sites.”

Officers calculated that £70,000 could be saved through the introduction of a booking system similar to the one which currently operates for vans and trailers in West Lothian, and is common in neighbouring local authorities.

In a report to the PDSP staff cuts were detailed: “From a staffing perspective, this option retains eight of the eighteen full-time members of staff, and staff would be retained on their existing shift pattern. This option is the most viable in terms of organisational change as it retains skills and knowledge within the workforce, keeps generally consistent hours across the sites leading to easier communication, and means managing waste is easier in the sites due to the longer working day.”

Cllr Diane Calder, SNP, told the meeting she could not accept the reduction in hours planned for the Broxburn site.

“Option 2 doesn’t look favourable at all for Broxburn. One day a week and the weekend cut hours. Why has Broxburn been considered over Blackburn when it covers not only Broxburn , Uphall and Dechmont it also covers Winchburgh.

She added: “What happens to the staff, are they redeployed?”.

Mr Jack said the service would employ its organisational change policy and make “every effort to redeploy staff where we could”

He added: “We do have a good track record on delivering on that. That said it becomes more difficult each year.”

The report outlined that redeployment proposals would be discussed with unions. The proposed new hours will come into operation in August.

Mr Jack told the meeting: “What we are being asked as officers to do is reduce the budget by approximately half so we have to look at how we model the opening hours. The reason sites are put forward for different opening hours is based on customer behaviour, the tonnages and visits.

“I appreciate it’s a difficult decision to make but we cannot make these changes without doing that , and we are trying to preserve the busier hours at the weekend.”

Cllr Kirsteen Sullivan said: “Does the fact that other authorities have a booking system encourage people from those areas to use West Lothian sites?”

“We have anecdotal evidence of that”, said Mr Jack.

Cllr Calder said: “Could I please have it noted that I have great concerns about the disproportionate cut to the services in Broxburn.”

Chairing the meeting, Cllr Tom Conn said this was not the first time the council has had to make cuts to the service and suggested Cllr Calder make representations to the Scottish Government over funding.

The panel agreed the plan progress to the Executive for approval.

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.

Following the announcement of Humza Yousaf’s first Cabinet earlier on Wednesday, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has criticised the First Minister for omitting to appoint a Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

The rail and transport union TSSA has condemned as ‘utterly astonishing’ the decision by Scotland’s new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, not to have a Transport Cabinet Secretary in his team.

The new SNP leader revealed his Cabinet earlier today with the Transport brief he himself once held, now missing – despite issues relating to the delivery of new CalMac Ferries, as well as ScotRail and the Caledonian Sleeper service coming into public hands.

Interim TSSA General Secretary Peter Pendle said: “The omission of a Cabinet Secretary for Transport is an utterly astonishing decision from Humza Yousaf and shows anything but a steady hand.

“Our union is in dispute with ScotRail over on-call working and now have no Cabinet lead to liaise with on this matter. The fact is it seems transport has been shunted aside by the SNP government, despite their commitment to Net Zero carbon. 

“If they really cared about the future of our railways and buses, or indeed making our ferries work as they should for our island communities, then this decision should be revisited. 

“A green public transport network run for the people, in public hands, must be a priority for any progressive Scottish government, and needs a Cabinet level role to push that forward.”

Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their ongoing enquiries into an assault which happened at the Hibernian Football Club stadium on Easter Road in Edinburgh on 7 August 2022.

The man is described as white, with short dark hair and stubble wearing a dark green/brown top.

Police Constable Luke Wilson said: “Officers are keen to speak to the man in the images as they believe he will be able to assist with their enquiries.

“The man pictured or anyone who recognises him, or anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.”

As you would expect the opposition parties have lots to say about the new cabinet, particularly, that as it stands there is scant mention of local government or transport.

The new Deputy First Minister Shona Robison confirmed to the BBC this afternoon that she will have responsibility for local government in her role both as Deputy First Minister and as Finance Minister. Ms Robison is a long term friend of former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and is almost 20 years older than her boss, the First Minister.

The former Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth, has moved to Education. It appears that Mairi McAllan who joins the cabinet for the first time also has responsibility for Net Zero and Just Transition, but whether any of that is transport-related remains to be seen.

The First Minister, Humza Yousaf said outside Bute House: “I have assembled a cabinet that is fresh, is going to take a more radical, progressive agenda that I have set out throughout this leadership contest, and that I expect now to deliver for the people of Scotland. Our immediate priorities will be to tackle the cost of living crisis, which we continue to face, and our public services and to progress our wellbeing economy. That is going to be the team who is going to help me to deliver that.”

The new cabinet is:

• Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget
• Michael Matheson becomes the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
• Jenny Gilruth joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
• Màiri McAllan joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition
• Neil Gray joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
• Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
• Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
• Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
• Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs

Asked about why Kate Forbes was not in the cabinet, the First Minister said: “Kate is rightly popular. She has some great ideas. Her tweets showed last night in the words that she has put out that she is 100% behind the cabinet team, and is behind me as First Minister.”

And of course there is a position in the new cabinet for Neil Gray who was the First Minister’s campaign manager in the leadership election. He becomes a cabinet minister for the first time and will be Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.

There is no mention as yet of any ministerial appointments for the Scottish Greens, and we are told that other junior ministerial roles will be announced soon.

Scottish Conservatives

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy MSP said: “This is a cabinet in Humza Yousaf’s image – failed, continuity ministers appointed by a failed, continuity minister. 

“The likes of Shona Robison, Michael Matheson, Angela Constance and Jenny Gilruth have been found sorely wanting in previous ministerial roles, yet all have been ‘rewarded’ with promotion by the new First Minister.

“In a rare display of self-awareness, Humza Yousaf appears to have recognised his own abject failure as health secretary by adding ‘NHS Recovery’ to that brief.

“This cabinet of proven flops and lackeys not only excludes Kate Forbes – who came within a whisker of beating Humza Yousaf in the vitriolic SNP leadership race – but anyone who backed her.

“Humza Yousaf clearly has no intention of ending the SNP’s civil war – just getting his revenge and declaring victory in it. 

“Instead of offering an olive branch to the huge chunk of the party that didn’t back him, he would rather pander to the extremist Scottish Greens by giving a ‘wellbeing economy’ minister cabinet status. 

“We all fear for the wellbeing of the economy with the Greens in government.”

Scottish Labour

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “The First Minister promised to bring the country together, but he can’t even bring his own party together. 

“This dismal cabinet cements the SNP’s new status as a deeply divided party led by B-rate politicians.

“Loyalty is being rewarded over talent – but both are in short supply in the SNP. 

“At the heart of this continuity government are some of the most incompetent politicians of the last decade, set to deliver more of the same failure. 

“While the SNP are mired in chaos, Scottish Labour is united in our vision to deliver the change Scotland desperately needs.”

Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “I wish nothing but the best for any ministers who are prepared to actually focus on the people’s priorities. But all of these figures have been part of the ministerial team that has fixated on division at the price of spiralling NHS waiting lists, disruption in our schools and missed climate emergency targets.

“The downgrading of housing and local government doesn’t bode well for sectors already in crisis on the SNP’s watch.  

“Humza Yousaf could instead be adopting Scottish Liberal Democrat plans that would make every home a warm one and value the important work of councils through a power surge.  

“It’s also not clear where transport fits into this mix. Will they just be taking it in turns to make excuses about the ferries?

“While we are crackling with ideas, the SNP will continue to haemorrhage reasonable, fair-minded minded voters who simply want good governance and aren’t fussed about the constitution.

“Change is coming and Scottish Liberal Democrats will be part of what’s next.”

On Easter weekend, a team of more than 100 people will stage a large-scale traditional Passion Play below the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

The Edinburgh Easter Play will be performed at 2pm on Saturday 8 April (Easter Saturday) in Princes Street Gardens West.

This year, for the first time in six years, the play will be a large-scale Passion Play in traditional costume. 

Over 100 people are involved in creating the play, including actors, costume-makers, stewards and technicians, making the Edinburgh Easter Play one of the largest community theatre productions in Scotland.

The Easter Play has staged a new version of the story in Princes Street Gardens every year since 2005, attracting audiences of up to 3,000 people.

Director Suzanne Lofthus said: “Increasingly people don’t really know the story. This year, we are producing a large-scale traditional Passion Play because we wanted to go back and tell the story with a really clear narrative.

“We’re not there to preach or say one way is better than another, but this is one of the greatest stories in the world, and it has relevance in whatever time we’re living in.

“Creating a traditional Passion Play is a major undertaking, with a big cast and lots of costumes and props, but it’s also a real spectacle – it’s something people won’t forget.”

And, Lofthus adds, there is a twist in the tale: the traditionally male narrator’s role is being taken by Mary Magdalene. She said: “The narrator in a Passion Play is usually male, but I wanted to underline the fact that Jesus had lots of women followers too. We are seeing the story through her eyes, seeing how it affected her life.”

The first Easter Play was performed in Princes Street Gardens in 2005. Past productions have included a series of monologues by characters on the fringes of the story and a hard-hitting contemporary production set in a near-future Scotland. 

In 2021, when covid-19 restrictions prevented a live performance, the play was redeveloped as an audio play and a series of short films, Scenes from the Passion, were made under lockdown conditions. These were enjoyed by some 5,000 people online.

The 2022 play, Hope Rises, which imagined the story being told by a group of refugees, was one of the first outdoor performances in Edinburgh city centre as restrictions lifted.

The Edinburgh Easter Play is a production of Cutting Edge Theatre. Cutting Edge, which offers training in performing arts for disabled people through its INSPIRE programme, is making this year’s production the most inclusive to date with integrated BSL interpretation and audio description.

The National Museum of Flight has just acquired a Boeing 747 engine which will be on show in time for the extended opening hours at the National Museum of Flight beginning.

The museum will be open seven days a week from 1 April for the summer months.

Weighing around 6.5 tonnes, the Rolls Royce RB211-524H turbofan engine will help the Museum tell the story of the Boeing 747 aircraft, which first took to the skies in 1969 and revolutionised long-haul air travel.  As the first wide-bodied commercial passenger jet, it could transport increased passenger numbers, allowing ticket prices to be much lower and making air travel affordable for many more people. In 2020, British Airways decided to withdraw its 747-fleet due to the impact of Covid-19 on air travel.

The 747 engine will be displayed next to Scotland’s only Concorde aircraft and beside the Museum’s Red Arrows Hawk. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “The National Museum of Flight contains some incredible aircraft and objects, each with a fascinating story to tell so we’re delighted to be able to add to our collection with this newly-acquired 747-engine. Its development enabled cities and countries to be connected in a way that wasn’t previously possible and opened up huge travel and business opportunities.  The new arrival helps to cement our position as one of Europe’s major aviation museums and, together with our events programme, provides another great reason to visit this year.”

As well as the Jumbo engine there is a Second World War escape room for over-14s and from 5 August to 5 November the Museum will host Brick History, another celebration of LEGO® that uses the bricks to create scenes from history. The event includes a Big Build weekend on 26 and 27 August.  

The National Museum of Flight is located on the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfield and families will also be encouraged to explore outdoors at the historic site through a special Summer Satchels initiative supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Visitors will be able to explore the rest of the Museum’s exciting displays telling the stories of military and civil aviation over the past century.  They can use the interactive exhibits in the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery to discover how aeroplanes fly and can learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.

is currently open at weekends from 10am until 4pm and will be open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm from 1 April 2023.

Book in advance to save.

Adult tickets from £13, National Museums Scotland Members free.

15% off when you book as a family.

nms.ac.uk/flight

The First Minister is the youngest ever at 37 years old, and he has now appointed a young cabinet, with five politicians who are under 40. There are also more women than men for the first time.

But the two women notable by their absence are Kate Forbes the former Finance Secretary, and Ash Regan who was until December, Minister for Community Safety. These two, his competitors in the SNP leadership election are not included in the first round of appointments. Kate Forbes is said to have rejected the role as Rural Affairs Minister, preferring to ditch the big salary and return to the back benches.

Edinburgh MSP Angus Robertson retains his job as Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.

The Cabinet including the First Minister numbers ten – and Economy under Neil Gray will be a separate portfolio.

Members include:

• Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget
• Michael Matheson becomes the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
• Jenny Gilruth joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
• Màiri McAllan joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition
• Neil Gray joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
• Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
• Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
• Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
• Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs

Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments on Thursday.

Mr Yousaf said: “The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.

“Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.

“I want to thank those Ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost of living crisis. Those Ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.

“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members. That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.

“Every single person in this government is clear that it is for the people of Scotland to determine their constitutional future – no one else – and we will work to ensure that they are given that right. As we make the case for Scottish independence, we will continue to govern well and demonstrate to the people of Scotland the benefits of decisions about their lives being taken here in Scotland.

“Subject to Parliament’s approval, the new Ministerial team is ready to get to work delivering for the people of Scotland.”

Local MSP urges public to ‘look after our environment’ following unveiling

East Lothian locals flocked to North Berwick harbour to catch a first glimpse of an eight-metre marine mural made from 13,000 pieces of plastic beach waste.

The mural, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, was created by artist Julie Barnes and was unveiled to the public this month.

MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan, has welcomed the ‘stunning’ artwork and believes it’s a stark reminder of the ecology impact we have on our shores.

Paul said: “This stunning new artwork demonstrates clearly the link between the impact we have on the environment, and the need to safeguard our beautiful natural environment for the future.

“It challenges all of us to ensure that we look after our environment, especially our local beaches.

“I was delighted to attend the mural launch. The dedication and patience of the litter pickers was incredible, and the mural itself is a fantastic piece of art.”

The materials for Julie’s mural were sourced by fellow East Lothian local, Elizabeth Vischer, who collected 27,000 pieces of plastic from a 200-metre stretch of Longniddry Bents during 100 beach cleans.

Caledonian Horticulture became aware of Elizabeth’s beach clean work through The Scottish Coastal Clean Up, and alongside Jerba Campervans saw potential to create a ground-breaking installation with a vital message at its heart.

Only half the items collected were incorporated into the mural, demonstrating the extent of marine waste present on East Lothian’s coastline.

Simon Poole, Co-founder of Jerba Campervans, said: “It was fantastic to see the local community supporting this inspirational initiative so wholeheartedly.

“North Berwick now has a fantastic and thought-provoking new piece of art, which adds vibrancy to the harbour as well as sending a vital message about plastic waste in our seas.

“It has been incredible to see the project grow from an initial idea into a large-scale physical depiction of such an important issue in today’s society. The public’s response to the mural’s unveiling was fantastic; the recognition gained by such an innovative project was fully deserved.”

The harbour’s mural will last for many years in the sea spray environment and will continue to attract visitors after a successful first weekend.

As well as unveiling the mural, the event also featured educational workshops on the dangers of marine waste, and a photographic exhibition, Art in Action: Not Just a Load of Rubbish, can be viewed in the Scottish Seabird Centre showcasing images of Elizabeth’s plastic collection.

Elizabeth, said: “It was wonderful to be at the unveiling of the stunning mural by Julie Barnes down at North Berwick harbour last weekend, and to see such an overwhelming response from everyone there to this fabulous project.

“It’s incredible to see so many of the plastics I collected being used to create such a powerful piece of work. It truly looks amazing.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to have my own photographic work documenting the plastic picking project I undertook showing in the Seabird Centre adjacent to the mural. Together they form a powerful narrative on the issues surrounding plastic pollution and the protection of the coastline we love so much.”

Visitors can view the Art in Action: Not Just a Load of Rubbish exhibition at the Scottish Seabird Centre until the 25^th June.

It is estimated more than 5,000 pieces of plastic can be found in every mile of beach in the UK, and that every day more than 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into our oceans.

The North Berwick Harbour Trust, a local charity which aims to maintain, conserve, and improve North Berwick Harbour commissioned the cooperative project with Jerba Campervans and Caledonian Horticulture and artist Julie Barnes. The Trust believes that all participants in the project have enhanced the Harbour, and made an educational contribution for visitors and locals at the community asset.

The mural comprises eight panels, each of which have each been sponsored by a local business, including: Steampunk, Turnbulls Home Hardware, The Lobster Shack & Rocketeer, Meg Maitland, Peppermint Beach, Fidra, and the North Berwick Trust.

To find out more about The Scottish Coastal Clean Up and how you can get involved in future beach cleans click here.

www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

www.caledonianhorticulture.co.uk

https://juiebarnes.co.uk/

A coalition of 19 leading health charities are combining with a resource to help healthcare professionals put physical activity conversations front and centre in patient conversations.

Movement for Health (MFH) – a group of charities including SAMH, Age Scotland, and Paths for All – is working with the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK (FSEM) to advocate for use of its Moving Medicine resource which provides health care professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to talk to patients about physical activity.

The web resource draws on both clinical and patient experience to create behaviour change for people living with long term conditions. It is free to access and already widely used across England.

MFH has endorsed the resource in the hope it can help improve the resilience of Scotland’s people, communities and NHS while directly aligning to its key aim of making it easier for people with a long term health condition to be more active.

Dr Emma Lunan, Chair of Movement for Health, said: “It’s quite simple – Scotland needs to move more to boost the nation’s health and happiness.

“As a coalition of charities, we are always eager to engage with initiatives supporting and promoting life changing physical activity. It can be transformative for many with long-term conditions.

“Receiving further expertise and resource from Moving Medicine is extremely welcomed and will prove a vital tool post-pandemic to improve the physical, social and mental health of the country.

“MFH exists to promote physical activity for the prevention and management of long term conditions and has been at the forefront championing a way forward for the past four years.

“The Moving Medicine web tool has already had success in paving the way for healthcare professionals to feel confident and have better conversations around physical activity and ultimately make referrals for exercise. We encourage those who work within a healthcare setting to seek out and use this resource as it can play such an important role in supporting those with Long Term Conditions to become more active.

“This has never been more important so we are delighted to be working together.”

Chief Medical Officer

The Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines state that for good physical and mental health, adults should aim to be physically active every day. This can be anything from a short walk to the shop or a 30-minute session in the gym – any activity is better than none alongside reducing sedentary behaviour.

Moving Medicine is led by the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK (FSEM), delivered in partnership with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Sport England and the National Lottery – with the aim of improving physical activity conversations across healthcare and support the routine delivery of physical activity for all.

The resource was developed in Scotland through a partnership between FSEM, Sportscotland and Public Health Scotland. This partnership also included the development of the resources for children and young people.

Dr Natasha Jones, FSEM President and Clinical Director of Moving Medicine, said: “The

Movement for Health coalition brings together charities and organisations that share FSEM’s

vision of improving the health of the nation through physical activity.

“We are delighted to be working with the coalition to help us spread the word and encourage everyone in healthcare to have better conversations about physical activity”

Moving Medicine has worked with more than 2,000 clinicians, academics and patient experts to design the resource for a wide range of conditions and life stages, such as cancer, diabetes, pregnancy, and menopause.

In total, Moving Medicine offers resources covering 21 adult conditions and life stages, 6 childhood conditions and 6 conditions affecting young people. These paediatric resources were jointly co-funded Public Health Scotland and sportscotland.

Flora Jackson, Health Improvement Manager at Public Health Scotland, said: “We’re pleased to continue to work with Paths for All to support the Movement for Health Coalition and welcome their voice, providing leadership and advocacy for physical activity and long-term conditions.

Moving Medicine provides a simple guide on how to raise the issue of physical activity in as little as 30 seconds and we echo the call for more health professionals to do so.”

Regular physical activity provides a range of physical and mental health and social benefits, including: reducing the risk of many long-term conditions, helping manage existing conditions, ensuring good musculoskeletal health, developing and maintaining physical and mental function and independence, supporting social inclusion, helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing inequalities for people with long-term condition.

https://www.movementforhealth.scot/

www.scotland.movingmedicine.ac.uk

Edinburgh has been recognised in the accreditation scheme, Sustainable Food Places Awards, at a conference in Oxford last weekend.

Edible Edinburgh led the bid for the award. This is a partnership building new approaches to food in the capital. The city was judged on six themes – healthy and sustainable food, food poverty, the local food economy, community activity, public sector food and waste – and is one of just two Scottish cities to achieve silver status. The city also won a silver award last year and has since continued to develop more innovative approaches to promote sustainable food, celebrate the cultural diversity and recognise the importance of food for communities, businesses and citizens. 

In January this year the city council endorsed the Plant Based Treaty in response to the climate emergency. Now the partnership is about to launch its second Sustainable Food City Plan which will cover the period to 2030 and make changes towards a sustainable food future for Edinburgh.

Vivienne Swan, Edible Edinburgh’s Sustainable Food Coordinator will accept the award at the ceremony on behalf of Edinburgh and the partnership.

Council Leader Cammy Day, said: “Food has a pivotal role to play in helping to meet our key priorities to end poverty, become a net zero city and promote wellbeing and equality for all our residents. This is exemplified by food charities such as Empty Kitchens Full Hearts who fulfil the needs of local communities and promote the positive impacts of affordable and nutritious food. I have been fortunate enough to visit this charity and see first-hand the excellent work they are carrying out across the city.

“From our award-winning restaurants and food retailers, to our thriving community growing spaces, there are hundreds of initiatives running right across the city helping to contribute to our vibrant food economy.

“It’s a credit to all these amazing people and groups that Edinburgh has gained a silver award, helping to show it is a place where people really care about healthy and sustainable food.

“I’m proud that, together with Edible Edinburgh, we’re creating the right conditions for these activities to thrive and deliver real benefits to those most in need of our support.”

Vivienne Swan, Edible Edinburgh’s Sustainable Food Coordinator said: “The Conference was a showcase of a committed and diverse network of cities, towns and regions all working towards shared vision and goals for food systems change.

“Receiving the award on behalf of Edible Edinburgh was a privilege and endorsement of the many valuable projects and progress towards raising awareness of the challenges.”