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.”

Edinburgh Airport has revealed its new careers website for job applicants. The airport hope this will make it easier to apply for jobs ahead of the busy summer period.

A range of roles is available – jobs in customer services, analytics, and paid intern roles in finance and engineering teams. The platform will improve and streamline the process for anyone looking for a job.

Gillian Pollock, Chief People Officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Our recruitment activity is ongoing as we continue to prepare for a busy summer, and our new website improves the experience for anyone interested in searching for vacancies, finding out more about teams, and applying for roles.

“It’s important we provide potential applicants with as much information as possible about the roles on offer, and the different teams and businesses working within the airport, so they’ve got all the information they need before they apply.”

Along with detailed information on all current vacancies, it features:

• A rundown of the different airport teams and what they do
• Information on the in-house training opportunities available 
• A section dedicated to ‘how we hire’ breaking down and explaining the recruitment process
• Detail on the different benefits available to staff
• A cleaner and more user-friendly design

Dalkeith Country Park has announced its Easter events and activity programme which will run from 1 to 16 April 2023.

There will be a huge variety of family events and activities in the first half of April, including egg hunting, craft workshops, Fort Douglas adventure park activity area, 1K and 5K Bunny Fun Runs and the very first Dalkeith Country Park Duck Race on the River Esk on 1 April. The full programme with dates is published below.

The Fort Douglas adventure park hosts an Easter activity area. Little adventurers are invited to hop on in and take part in the scavenger hunt, down slides, along wobbly bridges and flying down zip lines to collect a chocolatey prize. Once the hunt is done, join the bunny helpers to get creative and decorate eggs to hang on the Fort Douglas Easter tree. Children should keep eyes and ears open for an extra special guest who may just hop on in to say hello. 

Restoration Yard will host many workshops for both adults and children. Adults can try their hand at the art of decoupage, creating a beautiful set of six hanging decorations or their very own unique plant pot. Scotts Apothecary are running a Spring Candle Making workshop, producing bespoke hand-poured candles that pack a blissful punch. 

Easter workshops for little ones include Spring Storytelling, Easter Cookie Decorating and Easter Craft Workshops. Parents can indulge in some well-deserved ‘me-time’ in The Kitchen or The Store, while little ones enjoy the workshops. 

Dalkeith Country Park Easter Events Programme 

It all comes down to this and it is now a straight shootout between Fife Flyers and Glasgow Clan for the final play-off spot in the Viaplay Elite League.

Fife host Dundee Stars on Saturday (19.15) and the Tayside team were eliminated last weekend. Then Flyers face a long bus trip to to Guildford Flames on Sunday (face-off 18.00) and the Surrey side are still in the title race. 

Flames burned Dundee 7-3 on Sunday in England and, as it stands, Guildford have 80 points from 52 games, two adrift of long-time pace-setters Belfast Giants who have also played 52 fixtures.

Fife are now behind the eight ball as they lost 4-0 at Cardiff Devils on Saturday, their only game of the weekend. 

Clan lost 8-5 at home to Nottingham Panthers on Saturday, but they occupy the eighth and final play-off berth.

It is advantage to Clan on points. The Braehead side have 35 from 53 games but their last regular season outing is at third-placed Sheffield Steelers (19.00) who have 75 points from 52 fixtures. 

Cardiff are fourth with 73 points from 52 games and Steelers will want to hang on to third so can’t afford a lapse and they are on a high after coping with real pressure to edge Devils 3-2 on Sunday in The House of Steel.

Fife have 32 points from 52 fixtures. Basically, they can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to squeeze into the end-of-season showcase.

PICTURE: Courtesy of Viaplay Elite League. Flyers v Clan earlier this season taken by Al Goold

It’s a massive weekend for three Edinburgh hockey clubs, Grange, Erskine Stewart’s Melville and Watsonians women.

Grange, the current men’s Premiership pace-setters, clash head-on with second-placed Western Wildcats in the pick of the Scottish Cup semi-finals at the Glasgow Hockey Centre on Saturday (15.30).

And Erskine Stewart’s Melville face Dundee-based Grove Menzieshill at the same venue at 13.30 in the other semi-final.

Grange edged Edinburgh University 2-0 to make the final four and they currently lead the table with 40 points from 14 games. They are unbeaten in the league so far this term and have scored 88 goals and let in 17.

Western had an easier passage in the last round, breezing into the semi-final by thrashing Edinburgh combine Inverleith 16-2. The Auchenhowie men are tucked in behind Grange in the table and have only lost one game in the league this term.

Western have a superior goals for record and have also proved tough to break through in defence and both sides won last weekend in the league, Grange beating Inverleith 8-2 at Fettes and Western emerging with a 5-1 victory over Watsonians at Peffermill.

In the other semi, Erskine Stewart’s Melville (ESM) have improved recently and are fourth in the bottom six in the Premiership having won three and drawn two games in the top division since being promoted last season.

Grove, who were relegated last season, currently top the National League with 11 wins and two draws and only one defeat in their 14 games.

Over to the women and Watsonians have won 12 and drawn one of their league fixtures so far this term and go in against a Hillhead side who top the bottom half of the table having won eight and lost six of their games. 

The Edinburgh side, who are the cup holders, are overwhelming favourites for this tie which goes ahead at Glasgow Hockey Centre at 13.30 on Sunday (April 2).

PICTURE: Action from Grange v Inverleith at Fettes last Sunday by Nigel Duncan

The newly elected First Minister will go to the Court of Session today to be sworn in by the Lord President who will ask him to take a vow as the Keeper of the Scottish Seal.

Humza Yousaf, the first First Minister from an ethnic background, has already made history. Later today he will pledge allegiance to the King before offering Cabinet posts to other members of his party. He has already appointed Shona Robison, a great friend of the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, as the Deputy First Minister.

One, Kate Forbes, has already said that she will retire to the backbenches after he reportedly offered her a diminished role from Finance Secretary to deal with Rural Affairs.

And then on Thursday he will face the opposition party leaders this time at First Minister’s Questions. No doubt there will be a question or two on his previous portfolio of Health.

Who will accept that job?

Youngest recipients of a Michelin star

From the youngest First Minister to young chefs in Leith.

The duo who set up Heron in Leith, Sam Yorke and Tomás Gormley, have been awarded a highly coveted Michelin star for their first restaurant. Aged 25 and 28 years old, the pair are the youngest chefs in Scotland to receive a Michelin star for their restaurant. 

Edinburgh now has five Michelin star restaurants, with three of these in Leith.

Heron offers farm to table fine dining with an a la carte menu and two tasting menus which change every few weeks.

Sam said: “To say that I’m delighted would be an understatement. It means a great deal to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation for our work at Heron. It’s a real testament to the unwavering focus and dedication of the entire team, without whom we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Tomás added: “If you had asked me two years ago, when Sam and I sat down to start planning our pop-up Bad Seeds, I would never have imagined this happening. This is a huge achievement for everyone, and I am so grateful that we get to go on this journey with them.” 

Euan’s Guide finds that disabled people are excluded because of poor information

Euan’s Guide has collated the results of the biggest UK disabled access survey with 98% who identified as a disabled person. The overwhelming majority – 72% – found that accessibility information on a venue’s website has been found to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate.

Read more here

Cruises on the Forth begin again this weekend

This weekend the popular Maid of the Forth takes to the seas again to ply backwards and forwards between Hawes Pier and Inchcolm.

Read more on how to book your next cruise here

How to subscribe to our newspaper edition

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

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.

Celebrating their 30^th anniversary, the Forth’s sightseeing cruises are back for 2023 as award-winning visitor attraction, Maid of the Forth, sets sail from South Queensferry once more.

A new seasonal programme of family-friendly and dog-friendly cruises and sunset tours launches 1 April. 

Maid of the Forth which is a family-run business, is now in its 30th year of offering its acclaimed sightseeing cruises. Tourists and locals alike can blow away the cobwebs, enjoy the great Scottish outdoors and take in the iconic sights of Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife on board the popular 90-minute sightseeing cruises or 3-hour Inchcolm Island trip. Maid of the Forth’s musical Folk Cruise sunset cruise, which sells out every year, is also back. 

Departing from Hawes Pier South in South Queensferry, the 90-minute daytime sightseeing cruise sails under all three Forth Bridges and past both Inchgarvie Island, Haystack Rock and Inchcolm Island. The Maid of the Forth top deck is ideal for spotting the abundance of marine life to be seen such as grey seals, porpoises, dolphins and even the occasional Minke whale. Refreshments are available on board with a fully stocked bar situated in the lower deck.  

A 90-minute cruise (no Inchcolm landing), which departs up to four times per day, costs: £17 adults, £10 child (5-15), under 5s free. A family ticket costs £49.50 (two adults and two children) or £54.50 (two adults and three children). 

There is also Maid of the Forth’s famed 3-hour Inchcolm Island Landing trip, which includes a 90-minute trip on Inchcolm Island. Here, visitors can ramble around the monastic abbey, explore the trails, relax on the beach with a picnic and spot the seabirds. Trips are available up to three times a day and tickets cost: £27 adults, £15 child (5-15), under 5s free, family ticket 72.50 (two adults and two children). 

Sunset musical cruises are also back for 2023. There’s the hugely popular Jazz Cruises on 16 June, 22 July and 25 Aug, featuring live music as the sun sets across the Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife. There is also the Folk Cruise: 19 May; 2, and 23 June; 7 July and 14 July; 4 August; 8 22 September. Passengers can enjoy live music from Scottish folk band, Pure Malt, from traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish folk music on the 3-hour cruise. 

Tickets, sailing days and departures for the Maid of the Forth cruises can be booked online at www.maidoftheforth.co.uk or by calling 0131 331 5000. 

After the election of Humza Yousaf MSP as First Minister of Scotland, Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian said:

Controversial car park at reservoir gets go ahead

A commercial car park set up at a popular beauty spot in order to tackle ‘drug use, drug moving and sexual activity’ has been given permission to remain, despite dozens of complaints.
The owners of The Hopes estate at Hopes Reservoir said increased visits to the area during Covid restrictions had left them having to clean up human faeces and deal with antisocial behaviour and parking problems.
However their attempt to resolve the problem by creating a gated car park which required a monthly £5 permit to use, sparked a wave of protests amid claims ‘menacing and intimidating’ signs were put up and obstacles installed on the public road to stop people parking on the verge.
Protesters also claimed an informal car park, which people were allowed to park on for free by Scottish Water for decades, suddenly had signs installed banning vehicles, which Scottish Water knew nothing about.
And it was claimed when the public utility firm agreed to fund a sign which confirmed people could park on their land it was torn down.
Moorfoot Capital Management Ltd, who were listed as the applicant, applied for retrospective planning permission for the car park and its 1.1 metre high fence and gates after planning officers investigated the new facility.
At the time the applicant said they did not know permission was needed for the car park.
A meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee today heard 20 permits a month were available for users to buy from Gifford Post Office at a cost of £5, with money going to the village church.
Representing the applicant, John Wright told the committee that a ‘hands off’ approach to the area by Scottish Water had led to the new car park being created.
He said: “It is unfortunate that Scottish Water take a hands off approach so the applicant has had to dealing with drug taking, drug moving, sexual activities and picking up human faeces.
“It is not the considerate users of the area  but the inconsiderate users who have brought about this situation.”
The new car park received 39 letters of objection from residents who claimed signage associated with it was “intimidating and misleading” with claims private road signs had been erected on a public road, a gate had been placed across public access and the car park opening times were restrictive with it open from 9am to 6pm four days a week.
Mr Wright told the committee the car park needed to be closed sometimes as it was used as a sheep gathering point before they are taken for treatment following a “tick explosion” on the hills.
Objector Alastair Shepherd told the committee he had visited The Hopes Reservoir for 26 years and said there had been no evidence of the antisocial behaviour which the applicant claimed had sparked the new car park being built.
He told the committee that in recent weeks he had received reports of people visiting the reservoir and being told they could not park at the Scottish Water site despite it being free and had to use the new gated facility.
He said: “On a walk a few weeks ago I met Reverend Neil Gardner, former chaplain to the Queen, and he had been told he could not park in Scottish Water’s car park.”
The committee heard that roads officers were investigating claims about illegal signage and obstacles being placed on the public road accessing the site.
Councillors unanimously agreed to grant permission for the new car park but added a condition that it would be open from 8am to 8pm and be closed only on agreement with the local authority with the days it will open to be agreed between the council and the landowner.
Cllr John McMillan, who called in the application to the committee, said he had visited the reservoir for 65 years.
He said: “The system of permits is not inclusive and we need to move out of Covid reaction and Covid recovery and into personal well-being.
“I will approve this application but want to encourage the applicant to accept the increased opening hours.
“If we carry on with the current system we are in danger of discouraging people to visit The Hopes which is a part of our heritage.”

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.

Plans to build 395 new houses on the edge of a Midlothian village which does not have a single bus service have been given the green light despite 163 objections.

Midlothian Council’s planning committee approved the plans by Bellway Homes for land to the east of Auchendinny which include 98 affordable housing units.

However concerns were raised at the lack of bus services for Auchendinny with councillors calling for part of the developers’ contributions to be used to ensure public transport was restored to the community.

Cllr Dianne Alexander pointed to the council’s own commitment to tackling climate change as she questioned how people could be expected to use cars less when there was no alternative.

She said: “Every new development should have at least one bus service running through it.

“It should be put into the conditions that we have a bus running through Auchendinny and for future developments.

And planning convenor Russell Imrie told the meeting: “I don’t think anyone will disagree we need to have these communities served with public transport.

“As soon as the Section 75 (developers’ contributions) is signed we need to get that money to a bus service to get it running through this village.”

Council leader Kelly Parry raised concerns after the report by planning officers said the local authority had decided against a primary school as part of the new housing development.

The report said: “As identified on the site plan, an area of land to the north of the site has been selected for the possible provision. Whilst the allocation refers to a school, the council has decided not to pursue this option. The lack of provision of the school therefore in this instance, does not equate to grounds for the refusal of the application.”

Cllr Parry pointed out no decision had been taken or brought to elected members to approve and she could not approve the planning application while that statement remained.

Planning chief Peter Arnsdorf said that the council had not, as yet, opted to take the land for a school but it remained available from developers.

The next paragraph in the report stated “the future use of the school site, should a school not be required, is not a matter for consideration as part of the assessment of this application”.

However Cllr Parry said the two statements contradicted each other and Cllr Imrie pointed out the inclusion of the primary school was the only reason the 395 houses were ever included in the Local Development Plan

Councillors agreed to remove the two statements from the report before approving the housing plans.

Objectors had said the housing development was too big in relation to the size of the village itself, would lead to increased traffic, needed better public transport and would provide no safe route to school unless a new primary was included.

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.

Safety bollards need to be installed along the length of Leith Walk as a matter of urgency, a city councillor has warned, as she is “genuinely concerned there is going to be a fatality”.

Susan Rae said ‘rampant’ pavement parking and drivers ignoring the ‘no left turn’ onto London Road was increasingly putting pedestrians at risk of injury or even death.

The Scottish Greens councillor, who represents Leith Walk in the City Chambers, said after previously being “reluctant” to back the introduction of bollards on the street she now believes they are the only way to “force a shift in behaviour”.

Council transport convener Scott Arthur, Labour, confirmed a meeting had been arranged between Leith Ward councillors and Trams to Newhaven project managers to discuss the matter – but said it was unlikely plans could be altered this late in the day.

He added the bollards would cost “hundreds of thousands of pounds” and stressed the need to “talk about everything” which was creating problems on the Walk “including interaction between pedestrian and cyclists”.

It comes as bike lane defenders are being partly reinstated along a section of Drum Brae North road just weeks after they were removed following concerns for cyclists’ safety.

Responding to news they would return this week after reports of motorists driving in the cycle lane and mounting the pavement, Councillor Rae said in a Tweet that Leith Walk needs “all the bollards”.

“We’re exhausted by drivers eating pavements and cycle paths with illegally parked cars,” she wrote.

However, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she said “plasticy bollards” such as the ones used for the Spaces for People scheme are “of absolutely no value”.

“People just drive over those,” she said. “I don’t want any old bollards. If we’re going to have bollards I want them to be aesthetically pleasing. They have to be decent, part of the infrastructure and nice.”

She added: “Pavement parking is a huge problem – and it really is a huge problem on Leith Walk – so the more we’ve done to try and stop pavement parking, the worse it’s got to be honest and the same reaction has happened with the London Road left turn. The more we did to help people not turn left, the more people came there just to turn left, we put bollards up. ”

Cllr Rae said the council’s move to ban traffic from turning left from Leith Walk onto London Road elicited the same response from drivers and added bollards were a simple solution to force them to obey the new rules.

“I was very reluctant to put bollards up. I was quite opposed to them – I didn’t want to put bollards there but to be honest I’ve come round to thinking it’s the only way we’re going to stop this.

“I am hopeful this meeting will get us a way forward because I’m genuinely concerned there is going to be a fatality. I think we’re looking at that – I’m surprised we haven’t had it.”

Councillor Arthur said: “This has been discussed extensively. A number of the Leith Walk councillors have been in touch about it.

“We know what the issues are, in that the current contract can’t be changed plus everything is in a state of change right now in terms of the works aren’t complete yet, we’re still trying to come to terms with the situation and we’ve got the pavement parking ban powers coming in at the end of the year – so it’s a state of flux just now.

“Everybody knows this and if Susan Rae had been engaging with people she would know it as well.

“It would come at a cost but you’re probably looking at hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“If we’re going to talk about public safety on Leith Walk we have to talk about everything, including interaction between pedestrian and cyclists – we can’t just look at the bollards.

“I’ve inherited a situation on Leith Walk which nobody is happy with – cyclists, pedestrians and some of the businesses.

“I’ve organised a meeting of ward councillors and the Trams to Newhaven team to talk through some of these concerns.

“What that meeting is going to say is it probably can’t be done in the scope of the current contract.”

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 pubs will not get a blanket extension for the coronation of King Charles III this summer, the council has confirmed.

The decision means licensed premises will have to apply individually if they want to stay open later during the coronation bank holiday weekend from May 6-8.

Edinburgh licensing board convener Councillor Louise Young said the council would be “very open” to receiving applications which would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Board members had it within their power to agree a general extension of drinking hours but unanimously decided against it at a meeting held on Monday (March 27).

Cllr Young said there had been no formal extension requests made so far but the local authority had received “some enquiries” on the subject.

She said: “The board previously received some enquiries about events such as Jubilee events and royal weddings, the board has not voted for a general extension but would remain open to licence holders to make individual applications on a case-by-case basis.”

Councillor Norrie Work said: “I have no idea what time the coronation is kicking off but I think we should just continue with the policy – and if somebody really really wants to they should apply like they normally do.”

He added people could “take advantage” of bars being open later than usual “rather than people who genuinely want to commemorate the coronation”.

Councilllor David Key said it had been reported the coronation ceremony itself, which takes place on Saturday, May 6, would be finished by or before 2.30pm, adding there was “not much point” in granting a blanket extension.

Deciding whether to increase opening hours for licensed premises on a case-by-case basis would be the “fairest way” to do things, Councillor Pauline Flannery told the board.

“We do live in a very pluralistic society,” she said, “we have to be very sensitive to all viewpoints I think.”

In East Lothian however, the council’s licensing board agreed a general extension which will apply from Friday, May 5 until Sunday, May 7, allowing people able to drink in bars until 1am.

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.

A charity has taken over the former Town Hall on the High Street in Portobello on a long term lease from the council at a peppercorn rent and hopes to open the doors to the public this summer.

Portobello Central is now running a crowd funder to help them open the doors of the building with a new member of staff – a Launch Manager – in place. The idea is to employ someone who knows the history of the building, and can explain it to anyone who walks in, as well as being in charge of the day to day running of the hall including bookings.

So far the crowd funder has reached its halfway point both in terms of time and money raised. The charity have noticed that more donations are made at weekends, but a spokesperson said: “Several very generous donations have been received, and many welcome donations from all sorts of people.”

The organisation has been in existence for about 18 months with Chair Jennifer Elliot heading up a board of ten elected last September at an AGM.

Jennifer explained that this charity is taking Portobello Town Hall back into community management, but the building now needs to be opened up. She said: “I hope we are close to the end of the beginning. We have, for the last couple of years, been working without being able to get into the Town Hall. It’s been closed and the gates locked with scaffolding up. Now we are working towards taking on the 25 year lease from the council.

“We want to open it as a community space, much like it was – but maybe run more easily for people to get in. There was a little bit of feedback that it had been tricky to book in the past. The building had fallen down the council’s priorities, whereas for Portobello Central it is the only business we have. It is the only thing we do and we want it to run as a community space night and day.

“We see it being used for music and weddings, and a bit more of an events and weekends business, but there is a great space for things like bike classes – maybe the kind of exercise classes that are noisier or attract bigger numbers.”

Jennifer explained the building had fallen into disuse mainly as a result of council budgets. Curiously the building fell into the schools budget so she agreed that “rightly” it had fallen down to the bottom of the council’s priorities when the council also had a job to do making schools safe and secure.

She continued: “It was a little bit underinvested over the many years. And it was booked through the Library so there was a lot of disconnect and labarynthine processes. We want to make it simple to rent the building.”

In between the crowdfunder is designed to raise what Jennifer called “lift off cash”. She said: “I have absolutely no doubt that there will be rental income, that this building will wash its face financially. We will run it sensibly, not charging extortionate rates but we will charge a going rate. But there are a few things that before we can open we need to raise the cash for.

“We have some grant applications in, and this crowdfunder will be the icing on the cake to open the doors. We need a member of staff. That is the main thing as at the moment we the volunteers are answering booking enquiries late at night, slowly but not efficiently or effectively.

“The target for the crowdfunder is £25,000 – we hope the total will be at least that and maybe a little more. We have current grant applications in the same region, but we are still waiting for some answers on these.

“Then we expect the income quite quickly to cover the costs. Right from the beginning we did a budget and it stacked up.

“We hope to sign the lease at the beginning of April – the start of the financial year for the council – and I would like to think there will be events in the summer. Certainly it will be open in the autumn.”

She continued: “We need to get in and do dull but important things like Legionella testing, checking that the fire systems are working and that there is adequate toilet provision. The drains still need to be looked at which is also important. Really we just have to make sure the building works. It was working, and we are confident it will, but we will have to look after the day to day matters, not the council. So we have to take out insurance and think about the health and safety aspects. This is the bit of the building which will make it fun.”

As to the state of repair the building is being handed over in, it is good. Jennifer continued: “It should be wind and watertight for the next 30 years, and we know there will be boiler upgrades and heating upgrades needed – that is part of why the hall closed. There is a big boiler in there which is probably only going to last a few years. We are working on ways of heating the building while also decarbonising. Technology will change in the next few years, and we want to get into the building and use it while seeing what we can do to make it more energy efficient. That is a big bill that is coming up, and we know there are a lot of things like that.”

THE HISTORY OF THE PROJECT

Their mission to Save Porty Town Hall began exactly as that, against the backdrop of rumours of Weatherspoons or their like moving in to convert the building owned by the council to a pub.

Secretary Geoff Pearson gave us the potted history of how Portobello Central came into being and is now the tenant in a newly renovated building.

He said: “It used to be the venue for the Highland Fling nursery until they moved out and later we discovered that the outgoings on the building were almost twice the income. The rates alone were £51,000 a year, and since we are a charity we won’t pay rates.

“In November 2019 the community gathered in the City Chambers with Maureen Child and Mary Campbell who were both councillors at the time, people from heritage societies in Portobello, and a senior council officer. We discussed a lot, but not much happened in the months after that.

“We were taken rather unaware in early 2020 when the council put up a to let sign. There were two people interested – one man who wanted to run a food market which we felt would take business away from the wonderful shops we have in the High Street, and the second one was the owner of St Stephen’s Church, Peter Schaufuss. He did not pursue it except to produce a document about how wonderful the place was, which turned out to be the same document as he used when buying St Stephen’s.

“We then put in a 36-page business plan backed by a community consultation run by the community council plus another 36 pages called Delivering New Life a bit later. In November 2021 the possibility of us taking over the building was discussed at a Finance & Resources Committee. The council supported us by suggesting offering the building to us on a 25-year lease on a peppercorn rent, as it was not really worth entering into a community asset transfer.”

The council then applied for and got the £350,000 needed to put the building into good repair from the Scottish Government’s Place-based Investment Fund.

The work carried out on the building has just been completed and has been first class according to Pearson. The outside render has been stripped off completely in places and replaced rather than being patched and the building they are moving into is now in very good condition. The council made the hall wind and watertight, and the whole building has been painted inside and out.

That is not to say that they do not have plans to change things around in due course by moving the toilets to the back of the building (they are at the front at the moment) and opening the space to the front of the Town Hall up as shops and studios. But it is a good place to start from.

What now?

Now the charity needs some funding to help them employ someone and open the doors. At present the fundraising has reached just over 50 per cent of the target at £13,000+.

The 1914 building is to be brought back to life with dancing, sports, markets, sales, parties and weddings. It can be used for virtually any kind of pop up event as there is a large hall with a stage, and a meeting room upstairs.

Enquiries are invited to book the hall as this is the way it will become sustainable. The group behind the project hope that it will become a community hub used by everyone.

Access is easy – there is a bus stop outside the door.

Donate through Crowdfunder here.

Trekstock is a charity supporting young people in their twenties or thirties living with and beyond cancer.

The charity offers lots of support to an often overlooked group of people, including through their Style Nights, across the UK and it has a regional hub in Edinburgh.

A Trekstock Style Night provides a night of styling, advice, and a chance to meet other young people who may be struggling with their confidence and self-image after a cancer diagnosis.

A spokesman said: “On April 12th, we’re joining forces with clothing brand Whistles to offer young people in Edinburgh this very opportunity. Location: Whistles, 97 George St, EH2 3ES. Time: 7-9pm.

“Whistles stylists will be on hand to guide people attending, offer tailored advice on dressing with confidence and introduce them spring’s new trends. The special guest on the night will be Fashion Editor Emma McCarthy (formerly of the Evening Standard). Food and drinks are provided, and guests will leave with a goody bag and a generous discount to spend on Whistles collections.”

Tickets are available here: https://www.trekstock.com/Event/edinburgh-whistles-style-night

Humza Yousaf MSP was nominated to become the sixth First Minister of Scotland, following a parliamentary vote today.

Mr Yousaf also announced his intention to appoint Shona Robison as Deputy First Minister.

MSPs voted 71 to 57 to select the Glasgow Pollok MSP as First Minister from a total of four nominees who put themselves forward. He will be formally appointed this afternoon with a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III.

On Wednesday he will be sworn in at the Court of Session where he will take the Official Oath in front of the Lord President of the Court of Session and other senior judges.

First Minister-designate Humza Yousaf said: “This is a really proud day for me and my family. I hope it is also a proud day for Scotland, as it speaks to our values as a country as I stand here as the first ever Muslim to lead a western democratic nation.

“A key priority of my government will be to protect every Scot, as far as we can, from the harm that has been inflicted by the cost-of-living crisis. We will protect and we will reform our NHS and social care and other vital public services – to support our wellbeing economy to improve the life chances of people right across our country. We will rapidly develop plans to extend childcare, improve rural housing, support small businesses, and boost innovation.

“On Thursday, I will nominate the team of Ministers who will deliver on those priorities. I will then set out more detailed policies to this chamber in the first week after the Easter recess.

“I am also pleased to confirm my intention to appoint Shona Robison as Deputy First Minister – her counsel and cross-government experience has been indispensable to me so far, and I look forward to working together as we deliver for the people of Scotland.

“The Parliament has given me the opportunity to help steer this nation’s course, as we make the next stage of that journey together. Doing that will be the honour and the privilege of my life. I will strive every single minute of every day to be worthy of it and will do so in the best interests of our nation.”

Deputy First Minister-designate Shona Robison said

“I am honoured to accept Humza’s request to be his Deputy First Minister. I look forward to working with him and our Cabinet on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland.

“I have served alongside Humza for a long time and I know that his leadership will build on the solid foundations we have been left by the former First Minister and Deputy First Minister. His election as First Minister is a historic moment and marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country.”

Christine Grahame MSP has lodged a motion congratulating St Andrew’s Children’s Society on its centenary.

This discussion is beginning at 3.30pm just after Decision Time when the new First Minister was elected.

In January the MSP held a parliamentary reception for the charity which works to facilitate adoption in Scotland. On the night there were some heartwarming stories told both by adopters and adoptees.

But none more than the couple who adopted four children from the same family. That was a real tearjerker to hear that the six-year-old who is the eldest fought to keep her brother and wee sisters with her.

Maureen McEvoy and her husband adopted five children through the Society and she has written a book on the history of the movement. Her account of news of the first daughter arriving on husband Jim’s birthday was again heartwarming and brought a tear to many eyes.

Read more about St Andrew’s Children’s Society here and watch Christine Grahame’s speech to Holyrood here.

The motion reads:

That the Parliament congratulates St Andrew’s Children’s Society on marking its centenary in 2022; understands that St Andrew’s Children’s Society is the oldest adoption and fostering agency still in existence in Scotland; recognises what it sees as the valuable work that the Society does connecting vulnerable children to safe and loving homes, including in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency; understands that it is the only agency in Scotland to offer the SafeBase parenting programme, which is a therapeutic programme for parents of adopted and fostered children who have attachment difficulties; notes that over £20,000 has been raised during the centenary and that a number of events have been held, including a Family February FUNdraising challenge, a fundraising concert by Cadenza and a parliamentary reception in the Scottish Parliament, and that a special commemorative booklet was also written by Maureen McEvoy MBE; pays credit to all of the staff and volunteers who have supported the Society over the last 100 years, with particular credit to the adopted and foster parents who have provided safe and loving homes to their adopted and foster children, and extends its best wishes to all who are involved in adoption and fostering.

At a meeting of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Humza Yousaf the new leader of the SNP will be the party’s nominee for the position of First Minister.

Yousaf won the leadership election with a final 52.1% of the votes cast by SNP members at the second round.

Today he was supported by Shona Robsion MSP and Neil Gray MSP who countersigned his nomination paper.

There may be other nominees from other parties. Alex Cole-Hamilton said yesterday he would put himself forward.

Nicola Sturgeon steps down after 3,051 days in the post.

Scotland’s longest-serving and first ever female First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today resigned from office.

After more than eight years in the role, she announced her intention to stand down last month, retaining her full range of responsibilities until her resignation.

She formally tendered her resignation in writing this morning to His Majesty King Charles III. This has been accepted and the Scottish Parliament has been notified.

She said: “Being First Minister of the country I love has been the privilege of a lifetime – an opportunity for which I will always be grateful beyond words to the people of Scotland. As the first woman to hold this office, I am proud to demit it knowing that no girl in our country is in any doubt that a woman can hold the highest office in the land. My congratulations go to Humza Yousaf who, subject to Parliamentary process and appointment by His Majesty the King, will become the first person from a minority ethnic background to lead our country as its First Minister – and in doing so will reiterate the powerful message that it is a role that any young person in Scotland can aspire to.

“Every day in this office is an opportunity to make something better for someone, somewhere in Scotland. That has been my guiding mission throughout my time in office, and the motivation behind everything my government has stood for. I think it is evidenced in much of what we have achieved: doubling of early years education and childcare; the Scottish Child Payment; widening access to higher education with a record number of young people from backgrounds like mine now going to university; minimum unit pricing, a policy that is saving lives; a publicly-owned, mission driven national investment bank; and putting the climate emergency at the heart of all we do.

“That’s not to say that every day was straightforward – all of the achievements I am proudest of involved taking steps that were difficult but vital. This was also the case in by far the toughest challenge of my time as First Minister – leading Scotland through the pandemic.

“Covid shaped all of us – I know that it changed me, and, in many ways, it defined my time as First Minister. But the pandemic showed us how much we can achieve when we face huge challenges with common purpose. Above all, it reinforced in me an abiding admiration for the people of this wonderful country, who made such painful sacrifices to keep each other safe. In the toughest of times, our country showed the best of itself with love, care and solidarity. That will live with me for ever.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s letter to His Majesty King Charles III:

Your Majesty

With my humble duty, I write as anticipated in my letter to Your Majesty of 15 February to tender to Your Majesty my resignation from the office of First Minister. I propose that my resignation take effect from the start of Scottish parliamentary plenary business on Tuesday 28 March 2023.

I should wish to reiterate that it has been my pleasure to serve Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Scotland as First Minister since November 2014.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Majesty’s humble and obedient servant.

Nicola Sturgeon