Gary Smith is standing as the Scottish Libertarian Party candidate in the March by election.

Mr Smith also stood in the Drumbrae/Gyle ward in 2022.

He said: “I am not a politician, that is now an insult word on a par with journalist and lawyer.

“I am just a citizen of Edinburgh, born and bred, and my reason for seeking election to the Council is to stop the politicians, journalists, and lawyers, who have no moral compass, from interfering in peoples’ lives and instead just leave us to live as free people in a free country.

“There are many issues that need tackling but a pressing concern is the draconian control measure befitting a medieval principality of the Rhine called the “20-minute city”.

“SAY NO TO THE 20 MINUTE CITY is a main plank of this short by-election campaign. Raising awareness of the heinous attack on freedom and the exponential rollout of state surveillance and control measures on people is paramount.

“I do not want to live in a city where I need a permission slip from some eco green commissar to go outside and travel, and by their insane warped world view being exposed we can now see the rotten core that exists in the management of Edinburgh.

“Everyone in Edinburgh needs to be aware of what plans this current regime in City Chambers have for us. Firstly, this idea of anti-car lunacy is not their idea, they are not that clever, but it is being rolled out everywhere, at the moment, so one must ask the question, who gives the orders?

“This proposed unlawful statute is just another link in the chain of a digital slavery system that these politicians, journalists and lawyers are cooking up for us. It must be snuffed out, now, and this small election in a sleepy West Edinburgh suburb could go down as a first step in fighting back and stopping this lunacy.

“Vote Scottish Libertarian for pragmatism not activism, common sense not nonsense, vote for a councillor on your side and not a council on your back. Vote for FREEDOM!”

WWW.SCOTTISHLIBERTARIANS.COM

Hibernian FC say that Rocky Bushiri will be out for a significant period of time.

The defender was stretchered off during Sunday’s defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Cup after a collision with an opponent. Scans have revealed that Rocky has picked up an ankle injury.

The 23-year-old will be reviewed by an ankle specialist at the end of the week but will be unavailable for at least three months.

Hibernian FC Manager Lee Johnson said: “Firstly we’re all gutted for Rocky and wish him a speedy recovery.

“Rocky was an important player for us, and we felt like he was getting better week on week.

“We will provide him with all the support he needs, rally round him, and help him return fitter and stronger than before.”

Rocky Bushiri added: “This injury has been difficult for me to get my head around, but I have to stay positive and focus on returning stronger.

“I felt like Hibs fans were starting to see the best of me, so I’m determined to come back an even better player and hope to see all the fans soon.”

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is visiting South Sudan with Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury from the 3 to 5 February 2023.

The Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields has urged people to pray for the people of South Sudan ahead of his historic ecumenical visit to the country.

He said he and the other church leaders are making their Pilgrimage of Peace “as servants” to stand in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and “amplify” their cries as they continue to suffer from conflict, flooding and famine.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and there was great hope for the country but communities have been torn apart by violence and an estimated 400,000 people have lost their lives.

It is estimated that 9.4 million people need humanitarian assistance and around two million have been displaced from their homes.

Dr Greenshields, Pope Francis and Most Rev Justin Welby have been invited to South Sudan by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and will meet with him and his five vice-presidents in the capital city of Juba.

The three spiritual leaders will also meet local church representatives, political leaders, civil war victims living in a displaced persons camp and lead a large open-air prayer vigil for peace.

Dr Greenshields said: “South Sudan is the youngest country in the world and has enormous potential.

“Its greatest resource is its people and I am humbled at the opportunity to come alongside and support our brothers and sisters in their search for peace, reconciliation and justice.

“It is a privilege to be joining Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury on this historic ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace and we come as servants of the global Church, joined in the unity of the Holy Spirit to offer our encouragement. 

“The Churches in South Sudan – Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic – have an important role to play in supporting efforts to bring peace to the nation and we are honoured to be part of this journey.”

Presbyterianism was introduced to Sudan at the beginning of the 20th century by American missionaries and today the Church of Scotland has an official partnership with the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and supports its Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency.

The country has a population of around 10.9 million people and between 60-70% of them identify as Christian.

The Church there – Presbyterian, Catholic and Anglican – was instrumental in ensuring that the country became independent peacefully.

Dr Greenshields said: “The Church of Scotland has been working closely with the Church in South Sudan since 2015 to support vital work on peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution.

 “It has helped local church leaders work at both a grassroots level and political level to try and bring unnecessary conflict to an end and build lasting peace, stability and unity.

“We pray that this visit will be a catalyst for the leaders of South Sudan to focus on what unites them and not what divides them for they are all loved equally in the eyes of the Lord.

“And to do so for the sake of the future of all their people to ensure a just peace which allows everyone the opportunity to flourish and live healthy and happy lives.

“There is still much work to do and the symbolism of this historic ecumenical visit after centuries of division between parts of the Christian Church sends out a very strong message about our steadfast commitment to standing in solidarity with the churches and people of this country.

“We encourage the people of South Sudan to give expression to Jesus’ words that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”

The ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace was promised during a spiritual retreat at the Vatican in 2019 attended by South Sudanese political leaders.

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has criticised The Scottish Government for “letting down” social housing residents coping with mould in their homes.

In December, Ms Jardine wrote to Scottish Housing Secretary, Shona Robison MSP, asking how the Government is helping councils deal with issues of mould and damp in social housing, including adequate funding, and how they ensure landlords follow regulations to keep their tenants safe. 

In her response, Ms Robison said “it is for local authorities to determine how they use funds available to them, including to maintain housing stock”, and that The Scottish Government would be increasing council budgets. The Cabinet Secretary also said that the Scottish Housing Regulator enforces compliance with the Social Housing Charter, which sets out minimum standards for social landlords, including how they manage damp and mould. 

The Regulator recently issued a new Engagement Plan for The City of Edinburgh Council, “seeking assurance about City of Edinburgh’s understanding of the scale of dampness and mould across the city”.

Statistics from the Regulator show that 30% of Edinburgh’s housing stock failed to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard in 2022. 

Speaking to Scottish Housing News on Thursday, the Council’s housing convener, Cllr Jane Meagher, said that although the Council has already made a “positive change” in dealing with damp and mould, she would discuss “the financial barriers we face” when speaking to The Scottish Government. 

Ms Jardine says council services are “struggling to cope”.

She said: “Once again, the Scottish Government has simply failed to understand the scale of the problems facing my constituents who live in social housing.

“Whilst extra money for Councils is welcome, it is extremely disappointing to hear the Government is refusing to allocate specific money for treating damp and mould when it is having such an impact on families across Scotland.

“As Edinburgh’s Council housing stock grows, the pot of money it gets from the Government isn’t, leaving maintenance teams struggling to cope.

“Since I wrote to Ms Robison, I have had more constituents contact me – some of them for the second time in just a few months – because they are so worried about the impact mould and damp is having on their health. 

“Many are finding it near impossible to get damp treated quickly, with some constituents and their children becoming ill as a result of mould these conditions have caused.

“Now that both the Scottish Housing Regulator and the Council’s Housing Convener have commented on the lack of funding, it is time for the Scottish Government to finally step in. All of my constituents deserve a warm, safe place to call home. The Scottish Government is letting them down.” 

Hibs produced their best performance of the season to hammer Aberdeen in a game dubbed ‘El Sackio’.

Photo Ian Jacobs

Both managers went into the game under pressure, Jim Goodwin because of the midweek defeat to Darvel and Lee Johnson due to the Scottish Cup and league defeats to Hearts.

And at the end of the day Johnson remains in charge at Easter Road whilst Goodwin was immediately shown the door.

Johnson made four changes from last weekend with Paul Hanlon and Fish returning at the heart of our defence, Joe Newell into midfield and Harry McKirdy up front.

Striker Nisbet was on the bench following a slight knee injury, where he was joined by four academy youngsters – Murray Johnson, Oscar MacIntyre, Josh O’Connor and Ethan Laidlaw.

Two goals from Josh Campbell, the second a wonderful diving header put Hibs n the driving seat at just before the break Elie Youan’s header put the result a near certainty.

Substitute Nisbet added a fourth shortly after coming on.

Photos Ian Jacobs

Fellow subs O’Connor and MacIntyre were given the final twenty minutes and contributed to the win.

On 85 minutes O’Connor was pulled down in the box and referee Craig Napier awarded the spot kick before showing Liam Scales a second yellow card of the afternoon.

Campbell dispatched the penalty for his hat trick and in time added on Will Fish opened his Hibs account with a header.

Afterwards Johnson told BBC Sportsound: “The clean sheet is important when it comes down to that defensive solidarity, which gave us the platform to go and attack. We played it forward much better, earlier – I thought Will Fish was outstanding in that.

“It enabled us to get on the front foot and we have pace in behind and, as the game got stretched, the intricacy of our footballers came to the fore. That was a club performance today and the club should be really proud.”

Hibs: Marshall, Cadden, Hanlon, Fish, Stevenson, Newell, Campbell, Jeggo, McGeady, McKirdy, Youan.

Substitutes: M Johnson, Miller, Cabraja, Jair, Nisbet, Henderson, O MacIntyre, O’Connor, Laidlaw.

Aberdeen: Lewis, McCrorie, Scales, Stewart, Hayes, Clarkson, Shinnie, Ramadani, Kennedy, Miovski, Duk.

Substitutes: Ritchie, Barron, Myslovic, Watkins, Duncan, Polvara, Coulson, Roberts, Marshall.

Referee: Craig Napier.

Attendance: 16,671.

Fife Flyers squad are anxious to extend their current three-game winning streak in all competitions by taking the scalp of another top three team on Saturday.

It’s a massive ask as Cardiff Devils have won all three jousts so far this term, taking six points while Fife have earned one from an overtime defeat at Kirkcaldy on Fife 3, Cardiff 4 on October 23.

Flyers, supported by Wolseley, then lost 7-4 in The Principality on November 2 and 3-0 at home on November 27.

However, the narrow overtime success over Coventry Blaze, who have been in the top five this season, followed by a 4-1 victory over Dundee Stars 24-hours later and then the 3-2 win over second-placed Sheffield Steelers, who have also topped the table this term, at The Fife Ice Arena in the Viaplay Challenge Cup, semi-final, first-leg, on Wednesday has boosted confidence.

Fife will undoubtedly need to be on top form to beat Cardiff on their own ice. The Welsh combine are third in the ten-strong table with 51 points from 34 games. Fife are ninth in the table, and out of the play-off places, with 24 points from 36 fixtures.

The Welshmen have scored 126 goals and let in 85 while Fife have netted on 86 occasions and shipped 126 goals.

That’s a big gulf but Jeff Hutchins, Fife’s associate coach, said Fife are now playing play-off hockey and he wants them to continue with the same intensity as they strive for much-needed points.

Brayden Sherbinin, one of the club’s assistant captains, has been a key player for the this term. The 29-year-old defenceman is fourth in the club’s individual scoring charts with eight goals and 14 assists in 35 games.

He is behind Zack Phillips who has 15 goals and 20 assists from 36 outings, Janne Laakkonen with nine goals and 17 assists in 36 games and Janne Kivilahti with 16 goals and nine assists in 34 fixtures.

He scored the winner against Sheffield Steelers on Wednesday and he is determined to extend the winning run and take his goal tally for the season to date to 13.

PICTURE: ACTION from the Challenge Cup courtesy of Viaplay Elite League and Flyers Images

Membership of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber (MELCC) has remained stable despite challenging times. That was the message from Karen Ritchie, the chamber’s chief executive officer, to members at the annual meeting in atmospheric Rosslyn Chapel.

Ritchie explained that this was one of a number of leading venues in Mid and East Lothian used to host events organised by the chamber and over 1,000 people attended events last year.

They included networking and awards ceremonies and Ritchie said she was always keen to know about businesses, locations or institutions keen to host events for up to 50 people. 

Ritchie stressed that the organisation was also keen to increase membership by 20 per cent in 2023 and those joining receive business support and access to potential customers.

Membership, she said, also opened the door to lobbying at national level through the Scottish Chambers national organisation which she attends every month to review Government policy.

MELCC is, she confirmed, involved in collaboration with West Lothian Chamber and, hopefully, Edinburgh Chamber plus East Renfrewshire for joint events during the year and Ritchie said that there is room to add more where they can.

The chamber is also seeking links to tourism outlets and educational institutions to boost business even further.

Initiatives like Lothian Women in Business are part prompted by the chamber and there is a special event in March. The chamber is also involved with the hosting of Young Professionals in Work, a regular network event for those aged between 18 and 35 and a monthly sales club is being arranged where participants can access free advice and networking.

Ritchie added: “You can be a one-man-band or a business of over 200 and everybody is welcome to become involved with Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce.”

PICTURE: Keith Barbour, president MELCC), addressing the haggis during the annual meeting

Hearts head for the Tony Macaroni Stadium in Livingston on Sunday (kick-off 13.30) looking to avenge a defeat there earlier this term and minus Euan Henderson who has gone on loan to Queen’s Park until the end of the season.

One player definitely in the squad is goalkeeper Zander Clark (pictured in action against Hibs) who has produced some stunning saves in recent games to keep The Jambos tucked in behind pace-setting Celtic and second-placed Rangers.

Clark told a pre-match press briefing at The Oriam that he was enjoying playing for Hearts at the top level after taking over from double-leg break victim Craig Gordon pre-Christmas.

He said: “It’s been good. We are on a good run at the minute and it is nice to be a part of that. Boys have been flying and as a team we have been going well so it has been easy to slot in. We are on a good run at the moment and we just have to try and keep it going.”

Manager Robbie Neilson recalled that Hearts were beaten at Livingston earlier in the season (1-0 with Cristian Montano netting in 28 minutes) and the sides drew 1-1 at Tynecastle in the return, Josh Ginnelly scoring deep into injury time.

Neilson said facing the Lions is always tough as they are such a well-organised team and he added: “They make it hard for you to break them down.”

Livingston are on form having won their last three games and drawn two others. Hearts have won four and drawn one and the Tynecastle team are third in the cinch Scottish Premiership with 38 points from 22 matches. The Lions are fourth with 31 points from 21 games.

Neilson said the three newcomers recently recruited are settling in well and they have taken to the group really well. 

He added: “They have contributed to some of the games as well and I am pleased with them. It makes picking a team easier because you know that people who come in will do a job for you and they have that quality to hopefully help us sustain the run we are on.”

For those who can’t make the game, it is live on Sky Sports and coverage starts at 12.30pm

Bringing a cycle hire scheme back to Edinburgh would cost around £20 million, estimates have revealed, as the council said one returning to the capital any time soon is “unlikely” amid mounting funding pressures.

Officials who investigated setting up another bike rental service said a city-wide scheme would be the preferred option, with a proposed 1,540 bicycles and 140 docking stations.

Councillors will meet to discuss the costs and feasibility of the project next week.

City Transport Convener Scott Arthur said he would like to see the scheme up and running again but pointed out the council faces £80m in cuts this year.

The previous Just Eat-sponsored cycle hire scheme in Edinburgh was marred by thefts and vandalism. Intended to be self-financed from rental and sponsorship fees, it also ran into funding difficulties, causing contractor Serco to walk away from its deal with the council in September 2021.

Following-up on its pledge to look at “alternative options,” proposals have been included in a report going before the transport committee on Thursday.

Under the ‘preffered option’ arrived at by transport officers, 140 docking stations would be set up across the city with 1,120 bikes and 420 e-bikes, costing the council £20 million to set it up. This would work out at £4m a year for five years and then an annual £2m subsidy thereafter.

Cllr Arthur said: “That works out at £12,820 per bike.

“Allocating £4 million a year to this, are there other ways we can better spend that money?

“With the amount of money involved, it seems to be unlikely.”

But he added the council could explore “smaller schemes that are cheaper to run”.

A report said: “It is important to note that the findings of the options appraisal do not take  account of financial deliverability and, in particular, the Council’s forecast pressure  on capital and revenue budgets.

“Should the council seek to progress any option, provision would have to be made in  both the capital and revenue budget setting process for financial year 2023/24 and  beyond. 

“As the project would commit the Council to significant costs for at least five  years, any investment would be dependent on a balanced medium-term budget revenue budget.”

by Donald Turvill

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

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has announced that Firefighter, Barry Martin, injured in Monday’s fire at the former Jenners store, has died on Friday afternoon.

Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “It is with profound sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, that Barry Martin has passed away this afternoon following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh.

“Barry, who was being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, had been in a critical condition since Monday’s fire.

“I speak for the entire Service when I say that we are all devastated by the loss of Barry and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues at this deeply distressing time.

“Both Barry’s family and the Service have been overwhelmed with the messages of support we have received and we thank everyone for the time they have taken to share these.

“Barry’s family would also like to thank all the medical staff who have cared for him.

“I would now ask that we all allow Barry’s family, friends and colleagues to grieve in private.”

Five firefighters including Mr Martin, and a police officer were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh following the blaze which broke out on Monday morning. The other firefighters and the police officer were discharged after treatment.

Superintendent David Robertson, of Edinburgh Division, said: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Barry at this very difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

A major review has been carried out of all of the transport policies in Edinburgh, and there will be a step change in active travel spending if the council’s plans come to fruition.

In the spending for active travel which was forecast last year, £118 million was set aside for such projects. Now that figure is to step up to £1 billion with expected contributions from the Council’s Transport Capital Investment Programme, The Scottish Government’s Cycling Walking and Safer Routes fund, the Sustrans Places for Everyone fund (distributed on behalf of Transport Scotland) and the new Active Travel Transformation Fund. The Scottish Government has already announced planned increases in spending on active travel investment.

Answering questions on the Strategic Transport Projects Review in The Scottish Parliament on Thursday, the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson said: “The era of catering for unconstrained growth in private car use is now well and truly over. The majority of the recommendations directly contribute to achieving a reduction in both emissions and dependency on the private car. Although we will not be able to deliver them all immediately, or all at once.

“Four key areas of investment will help us to make truly transformational changes to how we travel in Scotland. They are: decarbonising public transport, improving active travel infrastructure, improving connectivity in our rural and island communities, and establishing mass transit systems in our biggest city regions.”

This is about much more than a few cycle lanes, but rather investment in improving Edinburgh so that active travel is encouraged, with funding for around 500 benches and thousands of dropped kerbs being created at the rate of one each day. There are an estimated 17,000 missing or damaged dropped kerbs in the city.

Pedestrian crossings will be reviewed, with hopes of introducing more low-cost zebra crossings (those without the flashing belisha beacons), all subject to Scottish Government legislation. Delays for those crossing the road on foot or wheeling will be minimised, while prioritising routes in town centres, and to bus stops or health centres.

If the several joined up plans – Active Travel Action Plan, Public Transport Plan and Parking Action Plan – are approved by the Transport Committee next Thursday at its (now monthly) meeting then these will go into a single public consultation along with the Road Safety and Air Quality Action Plans which were approved last month.

The Transport Convener Cllr Professor Scott Arthur is adamant that the consultation process will reach as many groups of people in the city as possible. He said: “I need to engage with the hardest to reach people in the city, who are often the least likely to respond to any consultation. But it is important note that a consultation is really a form of local intelligence. It is not an opinion poll or a referendum.”

IMPROVED ECONOMY AND WELLBEING

The key aims of the Labour administration are to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport, improve the infrastructure for active travel of all kinds, and manage parking with increased enforcement of offences such as double parking or parking in bus lanes. The council may also look at discussing the possibility of using cameras on buses to report offenders to the police who have the powers to enforce parking or speeding offenders. But it all starts with making Edinburgh a more walkable city.

Cllr Arthur said: “There is a huge focus on getting walking right. That means removing pavement clutter and making footpaths wider. If you take public and active Travel together then Edinburgh will be in a very different place in ten years. The benefits are threefold – to wellbeing, finance and economy. These plans will make it easier for everyone and boost the economy”.

The council’s contract to employ parking attendants is up for renewal next year and that may also allow the council to look into new ways of enforcement. But Cllr Arthur is also looking to The Scottish Government to hand down more powers such as using automatic number plate recognition technology.

Cllr Arthur set out in the foreword to the public transport review: “Edinburgh is a city of differing needs, ages and abilities. Our transport systems can have a significant impact on peoples’ ability to find and sustain work, to look after children and relatives, and to use health, education and other public services. Cutting congestion and improving public transport is absolutely key to attracting investment to Edinburgh. With tens of thousands of houses being built in Edinburgh in the coming decade, and more in surrounding local authority areas, now is the time to act.

“We need to create a city where you don’t need to own a car to move around. This means further strengthening and protecting our excellent local public transport, alongside improving walking, wheeling and cycling. I am determined that the Council plays its part in making this happen.”

The overarching themes of the council’s business plan relates a great deal to the way we move around the city. The three strategic priorities which cover all council policy are to:

Create good places to live and work
End poverty in Edinburgh and
Become a net zero city by 2030

There are some other big ideas

One of these is the very slim possibility of a cross-Forth ferry – covered by one line in a 48-page appendix which reads that the council will by the end of 2025: “Explore the opportunity for a cross-Forth ferry considering commuting and wider tourism opportunities.”

This was trialled more than 15 years ago by Brian Souter of Stagecoach but stymied by Edinburgh Council who did not approve the application to build any infrastructure on the southern shore. A private company which wants to purchase three ferries fuelled by hydrogen to set up this route has contacted the council and initial discussions have been held. The project would not in itself cost the council anything, and so will depend on the business concerned raising sufficient finance to take off from Newhaven to Kirkcaldy for a 35 minute commute.

South Suburban Railway

Another one liner, which couches what could be a game-changer, is that the council will look once again at the South Suburban Rail Line and has had discussions with Network Rail. The Convener said that the reality is a loop is probably not feasible as the line is “too busy between Waverley and Haymarket” but at least a part of it may open to passenger traffic in the fullness of time.

The council also plans a second north-south “mass rapid transit” link, probably a tram line, but will also include bus rapid transit, supporting development at Granton Waterfront and the BioQuarter. This would need more Park and Ride facilities and “additional strategic bus lanes”.

The list of reports to be considered by the Transport & Environment Committee at their February meeting is extensive, but all are subject to the administration’s big vision of becoming one of the leading cities in Europe for public transport and active travel.

• The papers for the Transport and Environment Committee meeting are published here and there is also a link to the council webcast which can be watched live or as an archive.

Ryan Porteous has joined English Championship side Watford on a permanent deal.

The Club has received a significant six-figure deal for the defender and has a sell-on clause.

A product of the Hibs Academy, ‘Porto’ has been at the Club for over a decade and made his debut in 2017 in the League Cup group stages against Montrose.

The defender was in and around the First Team squad for the following few campaigns before stamping his authority on a regular spot during the 2020/21 campaign as we finished third and reached the Scottish Cup final.

Last season he helped the Club reach the League Cup final and ended the campaign being named Hibs’ Young Player of the Season.

He also earned his first cap for Scotland last season and put in a man of the match performance in the UEFA Nations League game against Ukraine.

Known for giving his all in the Hibs shirt and his passion for the Club, ‘Porto’ went on to make 157 appearances for the Club and scored 13 goals.

Hibernian FC Chief Executive Ben Kensell commented: “Ryan has been a fantastic servant for the Club and has been brilliant to deal with over the last few months. When it became clear he wanted to explore his options, we have worked hard to get the best deal for us, but also kept an eye on what is the best move for Ryan to propel his career.

“We’d like to wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his commitment and professionalism.”

Lee Johnson, Hibernian FC Manager, added: “Porto is a great example of how players from our excellent Academy can progress into the First Team and make a real difference.“He has a strong will to win, and we will miss him. I have no doubt that he will go on and have a really successful career. We wish him all the best at Watford.”

Dhoom Indian Street Restaurant & Bar in Dunfermline has announced the launch of its latest tasting menu, which this time will showcase the street food of Calcutta.

Each new menu is researched and developed by owner and Head Chef Prasad at a cost of around £10,000.

Since its launch in 2018, Dhoom has brought authentic street food from all over the Indian sub-continent to the people of Dunfermline, and beyond. Owner and Head Chef Dhaneswhar Prasad came up with the unique concept of providing his diners with a sensory journey through various cities and cuisines in India. Menus are carefully and meticulously curated, picking out elements that will appeal to Scottish tastebuds, whilst still retaining the character and essence of street food. Prasad is often keen to retain traditional family recipes which have been passed down through the generations.

Each new menu runs for around six months at Dhoom, with Prasad taking at least five weeks to visit the region in India, researching its local cuisine. With transport and accommodation costs, this amounts to a spend of around £10,000 for each new menu devised!

Last year diners enjoyed a culinary journey around New Delhi, with the Delhi 6 taster menu proving very popular. Now it’s the time of Calcutta, or Kolkata, the colonial capital of the British Raj, until 1911. This colonial influence is still reflected throughout the city in its architecture, culture, food, and people.

“Kolkata is a warm and welcoming coastal metropolitan megacity with a love for food, music, dance, poetry and culture,” said Prasad. “I am delighted to introduce this new menu which I researched last year. It’s hard to be away from my business and family for so long, and yes there is a considerable cost implication – it really is a £10k menu – but I consider this time absolutely essential to get the menu just right for my purposes, as after all, this menu will run for half of the year.”

“I can well and truly say that it’s bursting with new flavours, new textures and fresh vibrancy – it’s ready to go. I hope my customers, existing and new, will absolutely love it,” added Prasad.

On the new Calcutta menu are dishes such as Tilli Kebab, served on a lollypop, Dak Bangla Chicken Curry garnished with coconut, Banglee Fish Fry with chilli & tamarind, Soya Galauti, and Nawabi Grilled Lamb with coriander.

As ever, Dhoom skilfully refrains from using cream, desi ghee, butter and nuts, amongst others, in most of its dishes, making them healthier, but also suitable for diners with dietary requirements including gluten free, lactose intolerance, and dairy free.

The restaurant has won a number of awards, and this is as a result of consistently high Tripadvisor ratings. It also picked up a Highly Recommended Place in Scotland Award in the Scottish Entertainment Awards held in Glasgow last year.

Prasad concluded: “We enjoyed huge success last year in many top awards but the ones that mean the most to us are the ones voted for by our loyal customers. We plan to add to the trophy cabinet in 2023 and once again thank our customers for their continued support.”

www.dhoomuk.co.uk/tastermenu

Calls have been made for more transparency around how much The City of Edinburgh Council spends on royal visits.

It comes after the council successfully claimed back nearly £600,000 from the UK Government for costs incurred by the city last year for events held to mark HM the Queen’s death.

The capital has historic links with the monarchy and hosts Royals throughout the calendar year but the total cost to the council – and ultimately the taxpayer – is unknown.

Councillors questioned why this was the case at the Finance Committee on Thursday.

Cllr Alys Mumford initially called for a report following Operation Unicorn –  the codename for the plans triggered by the Queen dying at Balmoral last September – detailing how much the council had spent on the ceremonies and lying at rest.

The Green councillor also requested information on the “costs associated with future planned visits from Charles III or other members of the monarchy”.

However, the sum has not been disclosed by the council, which said only that the costs were included in the Lord Provost’s Office’s £506,518 budget and the £3.9 million Capital City Supplement payment from The Scottish Government.

A report stated: “At the time of writing, the only confirmed official engagements comprise 14 engagements by HRH The Princess Royal over the period January to June 2023. The visits in question reflect HRH’s various patronages and key roles such as Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.”

Cllr Mumford said she was “disappointed” at the contents of the report she had requested.

“Currently I don’t think it speaks to the clause of the motion it’s intended to address,” she added.

“This is about financial scrutiny, and making sure that we’re spending intentionally and transparently.

“For example I’m sure the work to reclaim the costs of Operation Unicorn would have been undertaken by officers anyway as part of their role, but we should have been able to regain those costs with public scrutiny and with councillors all being aware of the situation.

She said there was more appetite among councillors for more details on “the role of the Lord Provost’s office, our unique spending as a capital and how we engage with Royal visits”.

However Cllr Phil Doggart took a different view and said: “I think we’re in a situation of running into rabbit holes here designed to suit one particular agenda that I don’t think is particularly helpful.

“This goes above and beyond our responsibilities as a council.

“There’s something we have a city, the fact we’re a capital city has something on top of that and I think that is one of the welcome aspects of being a city that has such a long history, has such a standing in the United Kingdom and I think that’s just one of the costs we have.”

The committee voted in favour of calling for another report on the cost of Royal visits and the capital city supplement’s relationship to royal visits.

by Donald Turvill

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.

More than a dozen homes lying empty at Dreghorn Barracks will be bought up by the council in a bid to secure more affordable accommodation for the city.

The go-ahead has been given to purchase 23 properties on the army site after the Ministry of Defence deemed them surplus to its requirements.

The mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses – which are in extremely high demand from families across the capital – will be acquired at a cost of £5.7 million using mostly council funds and some grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Whilst the move was welcomed by the finance committee on Thursday some members questioned if the money could be better used to build new council homes instead.

Local councillor Scott Arthur said more affordable housing is needed “as quickly as possible,” adding that freeing-up the empty homes would be “transformational and life-changing” for people in his ward.

Figures published last year showed that in the south-west of the city, the average waiting time for a two-bed social rented home was 770 days with priority but NINE years without. Furthermore, the city experienced a 23 per cent rise in the number of households assessed as homeless last year compared to 2020/21.

It is hoped that over time a total of 78 properties at the south Edinburgh estate will eventually come under council ownership.

Paul Lawrence, the local authority’s Executive Director of Place, said the initial acquisitions are “the first part of wider and deeper relationship” with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which will make more available “on a phased basis”.

The vacant homes are “in reasonable condition with minor works required prior to habitation” according to a council report.

Mr Lawrence said: “There’s nothing in the current condition of the houses that can’t be readily fixed at a relatively low cost.”

Graeme McGartland, senior estates surveyor at Edinburgh Council, said all but four meet the energy efficiency standard for social housing, known as EESSH. However, he added the cost of upgrading them to EESSH2 – the standard social rented houses will have to meet by 2032 – would be around £10,000 per property.

Cllr Graeme Bruce said Edinburgh is “desperately in need of housing” and asked when families would be able to move in. However, officers did not offer a timeline, saying it would depend on how quickly the homes are brought up to scratch.

Meanwhile the SNP group originally tabled an amendment calling for the purchases to be halted so the council could “investigate whether there are alternative ways to spend the same money in the same locality on providing even better social housing”.

However it was withdrawn after it emerged £1.7 million from the Scottish Government’s affordable housing fund would need to be spent before the end of this financial year on 5 April.

The purchase was unanimously approved by the committee.

Cllr Arthur said: “I get that the money used to purchase these homes could have been used to build new homes elsewhere in the city, but the reality is in my ward, particularly in Oxgangs and Firrhill there’s a lot of people that are living in overcrowded accommodation or temporary accommodation – and they need a home as quickly as possible.

“Buying these properties from the MoD at market value and getting them up and running to a good standard as quickly as possible and getting families in them will be transformational and life changing for people.”

by Donald Turvill

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.

Work is about to begin to transform public spaces along the route between Roseburn and the Union Canal.

This will create a ‘green corridor’ and cycleway and bringing disused areas back into public use.

Construction on the £12.5 million Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route and Greenspace Improvements project will begin on 30 January, when site preparation starts, and is expected to last until April 2024.

The scheme is split into three sections – Sauchiebank Gardens, Duff Street Woodland and Dalry Community Park.

Funding for the project has been provided by Sustrans through its Places for Everyone programme, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by The Scottish Government, which helps deliver walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the country.

The work will include two new bridges crossing over the Mid Calder railway line and over Dalry Road leading to Dalry Community Park, community gardens at Sauchiebank and Duff Street, and upgrades to the sports pitch and playpark at Dalry Community Park. These designs were developed in consultation with Dalry Primary School pupils.

The project will also provide a key link in Edinburgh’s active travel network, delivering a four metre wide pedestrian and cycle path connecting the North Edinburgh Path Network to Fountainbridge alongside new pedestrian crossings and access points.

The council has developed a comprehensive planting strategy and will be able to actively manage spaces which are currently underused. A great deal of the site is largely inaccessible woodland, and this project will help to create healthier and more diverse woodland with longer-term opportunities to improve its ecological value.

This will involve planting almost 5,000 woodland and semi-mature trees. Approximately 450 trees will be felled in order to deliver the project, including trees which have been identified as ash and would be removed as part of long-term maintenance planning.

Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This project will transform the route between Roseburn and the Union Canal, where disused and inaccessible areas will become welcoming, green community spaces encouraging biodiversity and play.

“It will also plug a gap in the city’s active travel network by providing a high-quality pedestrian and cycle path between Fountainbridge and the extremely popular North Edinburgh Path Network, as well as leading to the City Centre West to East Link, which is currently under construction.

“We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption over the coming year and we’ll continue to keep residents up to date as we progress the scheme.”

Roseburn to Union Canal’s final design builds on several years of engagement with the public and stakeholders and aligns with the City Mobility Plan in supporting people to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in their local community, in turn contributing to the city’s net zero carbon goals.

Michael Melton, Grant Manager for Sustrans, said: “We’re delighted to see works now starting on the Roseburn to Union Canal project in Edinburgh. After several years of design and engagement with the local community, this transformative project will not only provide a vital connection for walking, wheeling, and cycling in the heart of the city, but will also serve as an accessible greenspace for everyone to enjoy.”

The project site will be fenced off from 6 February, and Dalry Community Park will also be closed from 6 February for the duration of construction.

Between 20 February and 23 March the two-lane section of the Western Approach Road, between Westfield Road and Dalry, will close so that safe construction work can begin. A diversion will be in place to help minimise disruption.

The section between the Dundee Street ramps and Lothian Road will remain open. Further information on changes to bus services can be found on Lothian’s website.

Hibernian FC have confirmed that Ryan Schofield has been recalled by Huddersfield Town.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined the club in August last year as back-up for First Team shot-stopper David Marshall.

Everyone at Hibernian FC has wished Ryan all the best for the future and thanked him for his contribution.

Hibernian FC Manager Lee Johnson commented: “We’d like to thank Ryan for the way he conducted himself around the Club and the high standards he showed in training. He’s been a top professional and person to work with.

“This now presents an opportunity to Murray Johnson and continues our drive-in promoting youth as it exposes Murray more to the First Team set-up. This is the perfect way to accelerate his growth and learn off the likes of David Marshall.”

Salute Ukraine!

On the weekend of 24 February 2023, which marks one year since the latest Russian invasion, Edinburgh will host events to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, and pay respects to its sacrifices and its struggle for freedom from tyranny.  This will culminate on 26 February at the Usher Hall with a special, one-night-only event, a tribute concert, SALUTE UKRAINE!  

The concert will acknowledge the seriousness and tragedy of this anniversary, ut it will also celebrate the strength and resilience of the country, its independence and its growing status as a leading defender, if not THE leading defender of modern, pluralistic, democratic freedoms across the world.  The show’s ticket price is low.  This is not intended as a fundraiser, but a coming together of many hundreds of displaced Ukrainians along with Scots in an expression of solidarity and love.

SALUTE UKRAINE! will feature video messages from the frontline and from displaced Ukrainians currently living in Scotland alongside a programme of music and poetry from outstanding Ukrainian and Scottish artists. The line up includes Lou, Karine Polwart, Elzara Batalova with her band – Andy Thorburn, Aidan O’Rourke, Robin Abbot, Jonny Hardie and Derek Urquhart, Scotland’s Makar, Kathleen Jamie and Iona Zajac. Many other artists will be named in the coming weeks.

The evening will be hosted by Tanya Balanova and Matthew Zajac.

Matthew Zajac, Producer of Salute Ukraine! said: “With no sign of an end to Russia’s attempt to destroy Ukraine, it is vital that we continue to support the Ukrainian people and maintain public awareness of their plight and the extraordinary bravery Ukraine continues to demonstrate in its defence of our democracy and freedom.  Salute Ukraine! is our way of doing this.  We will mourn those who have been lost and we will sing for them.  Scottish and Ukrainian artists will come together in a celebration of art, civilised values and defiance.  Слава Україні! Slava Ukraini!” 

Tickets will be only £10, with a collection at the end to support humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It follows the highly successful fundraiser, WITH LOVE TO UKRAINE, which played to a packed Eden Court Theatre in Inverness in November.

• Venue: Usher Hall, Edinburgh
• Date: Sunday 26 February 2023
• Time: 7.00pm
• Tickets: £10
• Running time: 140 minutes
• Box Office: 0131 228 1155   www.usherhall.co.uk

New flights added to whisk you to the sun this Easter

Jet2 has announced additional flights from Edinburgh Airport to Antalya and Majorca. Additional flights between 28 March and 25 April will now fly to southern Turkey and there will be additional Tuesday flights to Majorca between 4 and 25 April.

The airline’ and its holidays’s holiday arm Jet2holidays won the Which? Recommended Provider award last month and offers 22kg baggage per passenger.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Just weeks after being recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider, we are delighted to be announcing even more award-winning flights and holidays for customers and independent travel agents to choose from. We are experiencing strong demand from customers looking to enjoy some early Turkish sun and, as always, we have been quick to respond by adding extra capacity to Antalya from Edinburgh Airport. This expansion further strengthens our commitment to Turkey, and we are looking forward to bringing even more holidaymakers to this fantastic destination.”

He added: “Not stopping there, we have also put on additional services to Majorca, providing even more choice and flexibility for those looking to get away this summer and experience our VIP customer service.”

By election

Candidates in the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by election are increasing in numbers. On Thursday ndependent candidate Elaine Miller declared her intention to stand and we are advised that Gary Smith will also stand on behalf of the Scottish Libertarian Party. All of our coverage about this is on our dedicated page where you can find out more about some of the candidates,

Auld Greekie

Edinburgh World Heritage are holding a talk on 22 February with literary and cultural historian, Dr Iain Gordon Brown, author of the recent major study Auld Greekie: Edinburgh as the Athens of the North, as he explores how this change in perception took place. Basing his talk on his new book, he will examine why many Edinburgh citizens came to see themselves as ‘Modern Athenians’, discuss whether this was a physical, intellectual, or spiritual change, and look at how this “rebrand” was received more widely.

Drawing on a broad range of evidence, and considering artistic, architectural, social, and philosophical dimensions, Dr Brown will pose the following questions: was Edinburgh of the late Enlightenment really ‘Athenian’; did it remain in essence simply ‘Auld Reekie’; or was it, perhaps, for a brief moment in time, a sort of hybrid city: ‘Auld Greekie’?

• Date: Wednesday 22 February 2023
• Start time: 6pm
• Venue: St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2DP
• Dr Gordon Brown will be selling and signing copies of his book at the reception (cash advised)

This event will also be recorded, and the recording later distributed to ticket holders.

https://edinburghworldheritage4.beaconforms.com/form/5e76b8a1?mc_cid=e9cd2bfff6&mc_eid=dfc203e371

UnProcessed: exhibition by Celeste John-Wood at Out of the Blue

3 February – 18 March 2023

Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm. Opening 6pm, 3 February.

Out of the Blueprint presents UnProcessed, a new body of work created by Celeste John-Wood during her time as artist in residence. Using her interest in urban ecologies as a starting point for image making, Celeste gathered inspiration from commons and shared spaces, visualising links, knots, fences and connections.

At each stage the work branched off in unexpected directions, following tangents that allowed the work to be led by mistakes and accidents in collaboration with the riso process. Tying together these different offshoots, the artist changed and altered imagery along the way by combining elements from one composition with parts of another to mimic a cyclical ecosystem.

Celeste has also repurposed byproducts of the riso process, physically weaving used master material back into the printed pages to create the tactile one-off artifacts you can see in the exhibition.

outoftheblueprint.org

Hugh Findlay is a local to the Roseburn area, and he is also Chairman of the Edinburgh Conservative and Unionist Association.

He is the Conservative candidate in the by election in Corstorphine/Murrayfield on 9 March.

He explained that he attended Roseburn Primary School and so his “connection to the area extends a long way back and I’ve always lived around the west of the city”. 

Mr Findlay continued: “The first time I really became aware of council politics and the huge impact it can have on people’s lives was around the time of the first tram project, where as a player at Murrayfield Wanderers RFC, I’d seen large parts of our back pitches ripped up to build the line and a lot of the club had been displaced to Roseburn Park away from the clubhouse which at the time was on the stadium grounds. 

“But I didn’t actively get involved in politics until 2013, when I applied and was selected to be a Youth Rep for Better Together ahead of the 2014 referendum because I felt strongly that the views of young people should be represented in the debate about the country’s future. 

“After that, I began to get a lot more involved with the Scottish Conservatives locally and I’ve become convinced that making a difference on local issues can make the biggest difference to people’s lives every day. “

The Conservatives lost a few councillors in last year’s election, and their numbers from 18 elected in 2017 to only nine.

This resulted in a power grab by the Edinburgh Labour group which is now in administration with only 13 councillors.

Hugh said: “I was really pleased to see the SNP out of administration following the local elections last year. It had been a core part of our commitment to voters and I think the outcome showed a real pragmatism and willingness to get things done.

“I know that it can be thankless not being in administration ourselves, but the quiet work of our excellent team of councillors to build up agreement, moving amendments to deliver on our pledge to ‘clean up our capital’ shows that we will always work to deliver on our promises rather than engage in political grandstanding from the sidelines.

“It’s interesting that innovative road maintenance techniques we proposed in 2022, which were dismissed by Labour at the time, now seem to be being considered, so I think the influence of our willingness to consider doing things differently can have a positive impact if others are willing to work constructively. 

“I think the biggest contribution we are making is having a team of councillors who are really embedded in their communities and understand the priorities people actually want the council to focus on. Too often we’re seeing big changes implemented without building community consent, and I think it’s really important that Scottish Conservative councillors are standing up for people to have a stake in their own community. To me that’s real local democracy.”

Conservative Manifesto

This by election is being fought on the same manifesto as that produced in 2022 which is published below.

Hugh said: “I think people are ready for new approaches.  I’ve heard so many good ideas on the doorstep and I really think people should feel they have a channel through their councillors to get those ideas represented in the council so the manifesto is just the start of a change in political culture I’d like to see in Edinburgh.

“Overwhelmingly people are telling me they want to see the Council focus on getting the basics right – fixing potholes, clearing out drains, and keeping the streets clean, and I think our pledge to ‘clean up our capital’ sums up so many of those core issues. It should be no surprise to anyone that this remains our biggest priority.

“Related to this was the commitment to no major changes without public support which I think was a strong statement of intent to put people and communities back at the heart of local decision-making. With major road changes now being planned for Corstorphine, I’m really keen for people to be able to have their say.”

The reason for the resignation of Cllr Frank Ross who stepped down abruptly in December was the lack of support for any financial package for the traders in Roseburn affected by the construction of the City Centre West to East Link. These shopkeepers and businesses have said, both recently, and almost a decade ago when the CCWEL was first proposed, that it would result in a downturn in business for them.

Mr Findlay said he was “very strongly in favour of former councillor Scott Douglas’ original motion on support for Roseburn businesses”. He said: “I had campaigned with him and others across the community to keep public attention on the issue.

“Following the local elections in May last year when every candidate apart from the Greens had promised to match our pledge on this, there was a brief moment when I believed it may finally get off the ground. Sadly though, it was little surprise when Labour and the SNP turned their backs on this after they no longer needed people’s votes, and I respect Cllr Ross for his decision to resign over the principle of his party’s failure to step up and do the right thing.”

The by election takes place on 9 March 2023. Nominations open on 23 January for candidates to register to stand.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 9 March. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council’s website.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight Tuesday 21 February, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 22 February, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 1 March.

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Edinburgh Council is at risk of repeating the same mistakes that nearly resulted in the Christmas market being cancelled last year, councillors have warned, after it emerged there could be even less time to find an organiser for this winter.

Plans for the city centre festive village were thrown into chaos in September with the firm awarded the contract walking away from its £5.5million deal with the council over disagreements about the feasibility of proposed attractions  – including a zip wire along George Street.

Another company was brought in at the eleventh-hour to save the market, but the fiasco sparked criticism of the contract tendering process used by the local authority and a debate around how events can be better scrutinised and delivered in the future.

The council has admitted there are lessons to be learned following the difficulties – but fears have been raised it could run into the same problems again this year.

Unique Assembly stepped in in October to take on the market following the decision by Angels Event Experience (AEE) to pull out of the contract only granted in the summer, which would have paid £5.5million over five years to the council. The contract included the delivery of market stalls and amusements at East and West Princes Street Gardens and other locations in the city centre.

Councillors have yet to decide whether to extend the arrangement with UniqueAssembly for another year or look for a new operator.

But the decision will not be taken until the Culture and Communities Committee on 7 March – and if councillors then vote against continuing the existing arrangement it would leave even less time than last year to find a new contractor and get plans in place.

The issue was raised at the Finance and Resources committee on Thursday as Cllr Marco Biagi said: “The tender last year was issued on the 3rd of March, the very first lesson learned is we need to give more time for these decisions to be taken.

“Culture and Communities isn’t meeting to discuss next steps until the 7th of March so isn’t that going to put them in an incredibly difficult position to take a decision and indeed to learn the biggest lesson of last year?”

A report recognised there was a “narrow timescale between contract award and delivery of Edinburgh’s Christmas in 2022”.

However, it added: “The contractor only raised concerns about its ability to deliver the agreed outcomes following the award of the contract.

“In addition, there were some challenges within the internal governance arrangements between the contractor and its partner organisations which may have also contributed to these difficulties.”

But Cllr Phil Doggart questioned why adequate “interrogation” of AEE was not carried out before they were confirmed as the preferred bidder.

He said: “We’re expecting [culture and communities committee] to take a decision on the 7th of March around a one year extension.

“If the recommendation is no, or if the committee says no, then we run into exactly the same problems we’ve run into for 2022 and I’m not quite sure how we’ve got lessons learned if that’s the case.”

Paul Lawrence, executive Director of Place at the council, said even if councillors do decide to look for a different company to run the Christmas market it would be “possible for other operators to step in”.

Mr Lawrence said he had already spoken to other “interested operators” and added: “Clearly time would be a factor.”

Addressing the issues that arose last year, he said: “We got an offer, we appraised it, we had doubts about the deliverability of some of it but we marked it, it went forward for decision in the way that the procurement exactly should have done.”

He said there were some concerns around certain aspects of the bid “but it was an offer and we had to treat that offer on its merits and that’s what we did”.

“We did all we could to try and help them deliver what was in the contract,” Mr Lawrence added.

Cllr Biagi said a repeat of the same problems with the Christmas market poses “tremendous reputational risk to the council”.

He said scrutiny and oversight of the contract “stopped after the tender was awarded,” adding: “That seemed to be where it all went wrong.”

The Finance committee agreed to bring forward a report providing “further detail and reassurance around the procurement brief and processes”.

Meanwhile officials are mulling over alternative models for the delivery of Edinburgh’s Christmas, with options including the council running it – potentially putting an end to outsourcing the festival altogether – and switching to a ‘dialogue based’ tendering process which would allow more discussion and scrutiny of plans before a contract is signed.

by Donald Turvill

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.

It’s always uplifting when a team of part-timers beat premier division professionals, except if you are an Aberdeen supporter.

In the 149 years of the Scottish Cup, there has not been an upset like it.

Darvel Football Club playing in the West of Scotland league, turned in a fine performance and a 1-0 victory against a side five leagues above them.

The 700 Aberdeen supporters who made their unfortunate journey to East Ayrshire saw their team fall apart in the first half and then fail to recover in the second. The team has not been performing well recently – nine straight losses – but when they arrived at the basic changing rooms at Recreation Park in Darvel, they expected an easy win against a team of local plumbers and school teachers. But Darvel manager, Mick Kennedy, put a sharp end to such premier complacency.

The small one-street town of Darvel, population 4,000, has only popped its head out of the history books once before, since its creation in the 1750s as a lace-making town. It’s the birth place of Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin. Though, it has produced a footballer or two, as we’ve seen, and it even has a second football club, Darvel Victoria, which now will be living in reflected glory. At least till 13 February when Davel face first-division side Falkirk in the last 16.

But football upsets have not been the only unsettling news this week. The issue of gender recognition has again boiled over into the political conversation, if that’s not too polite a word for the screaming headlines. No sooner had the Scottish Parliament passed a Bill making it easier to change gender – and Westminster objected to it – but the bizarre case of transgender woman Isla Bryson came to light at the High Court in Glasgow.

She was found guilty of raping two woman when she was a man, called Adam Graham. But while awaiting trial, she changed her gender and arrived at court with long blond hair and wearing a pink jacket. There then arose the issue of whether she should be held in a woman’s prison or a man’s prison. There was some shuffling of position on this but finally First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, told the prison service to move her into a special wing in a male prison.

As I suggested last week, Ms Sturgeon must rue the day she ever began the process of liberalising the gender laws. It’s caused her so much trouble. It reminds me of a mistake the Labour Party made at the start of devolution in 2019 of trying to ban fox-hunting. It divided town-folk from country-folk , just at a time when the new nation was supposed to be uniting to tackle big issues, like running the education and health systems and tackling poverty. And this week the Hunting with Dogs Bill had to be tweaked yet again to make it work. A farmer will now have to get a licence to flush out a fox with more than two dogs.

Meanwhile, the teachers’ strikes have been continuing, targeting two council areas each week. And the education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has tightened the screw on the local councils, saying they can’t pay teachers more by cutting their numbers, shortening the school day or increasing class sizes. The councils have already complained that their overall funding has fallen way behind inflation and now they are going to be blamed for cutting other services or putting up council tax, to pay for a settlement with the teaching unions.

Back in December, I marvelled at the audacity of five men from Portobello who set out to row across the Atlantic in the annual Talisker Challenge. Last Friday they completed the 3,000 mile crossing from La Gomera to Antigua in 36 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes. I’m marvelling even more now that I learned that they encountered 40ft waves, sharks and whales and each slept for just two hours at a time, living like galley slaves crammed into an open boat.

As we are now into Burns Supper season, it’s perhaps inevitable that our national poet has been dragged into the current debate over Scotland’s involvement in the slave trade. Earnest campaigners have noticed that in 1786 Burns was about to cross the Atlantic to take up a job as an overseer in a slave plantation in the Caribbean. He was only saved by friends who got together to publish the famous Kilmarnock edition of his poems. The rest is history. But that matters, because we are now debating whether Burns condoned slavery.

Of course, he didn’t. See his “A Slave’s Lament” – and remember his countless other poems about equality and the brotherhood of man. He was simply caught in the warp of history and in a moment of personal desperation. It reminds us that we are always being judged by our fellow men and women:

“O wad some Power to giftie gee us
To see oursels as ithers see us!
It wad fra mony a blunder free us
And foolish notion.
What airs in dress an gait wad lea’us
An’ e’n devotion.”

The cost of repairing North Bridge have risen by another £1.2 million, it has emerged, as the council warned the project’s budget is still set to increase ‘significantly’.

Work to refurbish the bridge which links the Old and New towns began in 2018 after “multiple structural and safety defects” were identified.

But since then, more issues have been discovered on the structure, as sections not inspected since it was built 130 years ago were found to be in need of major repair.

Last year the council approved an additional £25.8 million for the increasingly expensive project, which took the total to £62million – more than double the originally agreed budget.

Now it has been revealed the total cost of the project has risen even further, with a report showing expenditure projections for the North Bridge are £8.3m this financial year, exceeding its allocation by £1.2 million.

But the overall increase in cost “is likely to be significantly more than this”.

Council officials will consider the new estimates “as part of the budget proposals being brought forward in February 2023,” the report added.

Quizzing officials at the Finance and Resources Committee on Thursday, Cllr Alys Mumford said: “It references the increase in costs is likely to be significant and that it will be part of the budget proposals.

“I wondered if there was any more information about what that increase is looking like at this time?”

Hugh Dunn, Head of Finance said: “The committee on 7 February will get an update on the capital programme and that will make reference to the increase costs that are estimated for North Bridge.”

Whilst access for pedestrians and northbound traffic has been maintained, the works have caused significant disruption to the city centre since work began.

The bridge is currently expected to fully re-open to traffic in June 2025, five years after it was first proposed.

Work being carried out by construction teams on the North Bridge includes a grit blast and repaint of all structural steelwork, improvements to pavements and underdrainage and installation of ‘structural health monitoring systems’.

In addition, contractors will restore and repair the King’s Own Scottish Borderers War Memorial, located on the east plinth of the bridge’s south pier.

by Donald Turvill

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 Highland Reel & Strathspey Society are holding their annual concert at Queen’s Hall on 11 March 2023.

The concert will include a varied programme of traditional Scottish fiddle music. The evening will feature the orchestra, under the baton of well-known Scottish fiddle-player Yla Steven BEM, playing a selection of marches, strathspeys, reels, jigs and hauntingly beautiful slow airs.

In addition, EHRSS welcomes back the renowned Scottish mezzo soprano Colette Ruddy who has delighted audiences the length and breadth of the country with her glorious renditions of Scottish songs. They will also be joined by accomplished piper Martin Duncan

Founded in 1881, EHRSS was the first society of its type, set up to promote and preserve the traditional style of fiddle-playing. Its members are proud to continue that tradition in the 21st century.

Yla Steven BEM – Musical Director
Colette Ruddy – Mezzo Soprano
Martin Duncan – Piper

Saturday 11th March 2023 : 7:30 PM until around 9:30 PM

The Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG

Tickets : Adult £16, Concession £14, Child £8 will be available shortly from the Box Office at the Queen’s Hall or online via The Queen’s Hall website.

Hearts have reacted in a bid to end speculation over the future of Toby Sibbick who slotted a sensational final goal in the club’s Scottish Cup victory over Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.

Tynecastle bosses issued a statement to clarify the position over the English-born player (pictured in training by Nigel Duncan) after an approach from English club Blackpool earlier this week.

The statement said: “The club wishes to put an end to speculation surrounding the future of Toby Sibbick.

“Contrary to comments attributed to Blackpool manager, Mick McCarthy, we can confirm that Blackpool submitted one bid for Toby on Monday at 8.33pm which was dismissed out of hand. Subsequently, Blackpool have been told that Toby, a much-valued part of our team, is not for sale.”

And the statement added: “For anyone to suggest that we have been not ‘honest’ about the situation is, in itself, extremely disingenuous.

“The club would prefer to conduct all transfer matters in private, but we will not sit back and let the good name of Heart of Midlothian be besmirched.”

Hearts resume their cinch Scottish Premiership campaign when they travel to Livingston on Saturday (13.30). It’s a key game as third-placed Hearts have 38 points from 22 games while the West Lothian club have 31 points from 21 outings.

The club’s last met at Tynecastle on November 12 and only a late strike from Josh Ginnelly in the seventh minute of injury time earned the Jambos a point in a 1-1 draw. Kelly netted for The Lions after 55 minutes.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is inviting guests to spread the love this Valentine’s Day as it reveals its romantic line up of events. Whether you’re looking for love, in need of a getaway with your other half or simply want to treat yourself – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has all you need to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Those who want to show themselves a little self-love this year will be able to dance the night away at the Cupid’s Day Off party in Eve, the hotel’s all-day dining venue. Eve opened its doors in October 2022 and is located on the ground level of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh with an entrance on to Cowgate next to the former church building. The space has colourful decor with striking floor-to-ceiling murals and a bustling, upbeat ambience.

Taking place on Thursday 16 February, guests will be able to relive some of the best remembered moments inspired by 80s and 90s rom coms, with throwback tunes and nostalgic cocktails.

Eve really knows how to party, with live sing along entertainment by Rockaoke and a musical performance by Soul Foundation.

 If you’re looking to find love this Valentine’s Day, you can dress to impress with an exclusive fashion pop up giving everyone the chance to channel their inner style muse and have their ‘Main Character Moment’. The celebrations begin at 8.30pm, tickets are free and include a complimentary drink on arrival.

For love birds looking to celebrate in the city, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is also offering a selection of romantic packages which will make your heart melt. The flagship restaurant Commons Club will be offering an elegant dining experience that showcases the very best Scottish produce – leaving you in love at first bite. Available from Friday 10 to Tuesday 14 February, the cosy, alluring atmosphere makes Commons Club the perfect setting for lovers to express their fondness over a romantic dinner.  

Located in Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the perfect location for a passionate weekend retreat to indulge in all things L-O-V-E. It’s ultimate romance package, the ‘Weekend of Love’ includes an overnight stay for two, a bottle of bubbles specially delivered, an unforgettable Valentine’s Dinner in Commons Club as well as breakfast at Eve, giving guests the full Virgin experience.

Spreading love once and flor-al, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s resident florist, Pixie Rose, will be on hand to help you find the perfect bouquet for your special someone. Located within Eve, the modern florist provides stylish and sustainable arrangements grown locally in Scotland and is open between 10am – 4pm from Monday – Sunday.

Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “From our carefully curated menus to exceptional customer service, love is in everything we do at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, and we’re excited to help our guests celebrate this Valentine’s Day with an exciting line up of events. 

“Whether you’re looking to indulge in some self-love or treat someone special, there’s going to be something for everybody and we’re ready to welcome the city’s love birds and sociable singletons to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s experience with a Virgin twist.” 

virginhotels.com/edinburgh

Hibernian FC have confirmed that Demetri Mitchell has joined English League One side, Exeter City.

The terms of the 26-year-old’s transfer will remain undisclosed. 

Mitchell joined Hibs in January 2022 and went on to make 10 appearances for the Club. Three of those came during the 2022/23 campaign, with his last in the match against Ross County in November.

He scored two goals for the Club, which came against Livingston in the league and Arbroath in the Scottish Cup.

Hibernian FC Manager Lee Johnson commented: “This is a good move for Demi as it gives him the opportunity to play regular football again.

“We’d like to thank him for his hard work and wish him all the best for the future.”

A public meeting has been called for Thursday evening to share the news of the likely imminent closure of the Muirhouse Millennium Centre with residents and also seek any support to save the centre.

Funding for the centre has been cut and the last time the centre received any monies from the council was in 2019.

North Edinburgh Community News reported last week that Project Manager, Peter Airlie, has been involved at the Millenium Centre since it opened and was even on the planning group that campaigned to get it built.

He said : “When the centre first opened with SIP funding we were receiving £107,000 each year to operate and then in 2009 we received a 50 per cent cut to the budget.

“Since then we have relied on room hires to pay the bills.

“When Pauline from LIFT came here to work it seemed the obvious thing for us to do was to join up and work together as they’re doing the work that we believe we should be doing – but we haven’t been funded to do it.

“We are not here to make money but now the group rental is not covering the bills and we really have no alternative but to close the doors at the end of March.”

The centre has opened up an online fundraising page in the hope of raising money to keep it open beyond March.

Foysol Choudhury Lothians MSP said: “The Muirhouse Millennium Centre is sadly at risk of becoming another community loved facility threatened with closure. 

“Citizens up and down Scotland depend on these community facilities, especially during the cost-of-living crisis where warm banks and food hubs have become a lifeline for many households.

“When local authorities aren’t given adequate funding, it is not just the community centres who miss out. It is the people who themselves are dependent on these community centre services who are hit the hardest, especially in areas of high deprivation.

“Over the past weeks, I have attempted to ask questions in the Scottish Parliament about the Centre being at risk and potential solutions. Unfortunately, my questions have not been chosen but I will continue to try and raise awareness of this matter wherever possible.

“It is time for the Scottish Government to wake up and listen to the effect that their funding cuts are having on local services and people. They have starved Scotland’s councils of funding for years and unfortunately they show no sign of stopping.

“Unless the Scottish Government increases funding to local authorities, community, culture, and sport groups will not have the necessary funds to support essential community centres such as the  Muirhouse  Millennium  Centre. 

“I will continue to support our essential community groups and will be paying close attention to the outcome of the public meeting on Thursday. Enough is enough, action is needed now before the Scottish Government strips away all of our essential community lifelines.”

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge 50 years ago in 1973, marked its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a commemorative artwork by artist Amy Steele at a special event attended by more than 60 guests at the City Art Centre.

The event brought people together, including staff, councillors, volunteers and women who have been supported over the years, to mark this important milestone for the charity.

Speakers included Christina McKelvie, Minister for Equalities and Older People, Cllr Mandy Watt, Deputy Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council and the Chair of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, Morag Waller.

A year-long series of events to mark the 50th anniversary has now been announced, including various seminars to highlight and pay tribute to those who have provided support for women and their families over the past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment, and the future plans for the charity.

The impressive artwork by illustrator Amy Steele, who won the charity’s 50th anniversary competition to design a piece of art which showcased how the charity has evolved over the years and the support available to help keep victims of domestic abuse safe, was also unveiled at the event.

Amy, whose artwork will be used throughout the year, including on the cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and other marketing materials, including banners, leaflets, the website and social media, also received a prize of £500.
Amy, said: “In creating the artwork to commemorate Edinburgh Women’s Aid’s 50th anniversary I wanted to design something which celebrates the diverse and vibrant community of women and children that EWA strives to protect and advocate for, whilst showing how these groups come together to support each other too.

“The artwork, which is bright and fun, in celebration of all the positive improvements EWA have made towards the safety and equality of women and children in the past 50 years, has also provided a great opportunity for me as, a female artist, to use the platform to contribute to EWA’s mission.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “The 50th anniversary of Edinburgh Women’s Aid is such an important milestone for us and really gives us the chance to pay tribute to all of those who came before us to help make the organisation what it is today.

“As long as domestic abuse scourges society we will continue to provide vital services for women and children in Edinburgh. But we will also continue to tackle the causes of domestic abuse so that one day we can look back on the history of a service that is no longer needed.”

Christina McKelvie, Minister for Equalities and Older People, said: “I’m honoured to join Edinburgh Women’s Aid in marking their 50th anniversary and celebrating their achievements. Their unwavering dedication to building a Scotland free from violence has made a huge difference to the lives of women and girls.

“We all know that there is still a way to go before we live in a world where domestic abuse is history.

“The ground-breaking work of organisations such as Edinburgh Women’s Aid over the last fifty years, which continue to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and speak out and campaign for change, will help us realise this ambition.”

EWA also launched their #challenge50 fundraising campaign at the event to encourage people to set themselves a challenge, ranging from baking and selling 50 cakes to taking part in a sponsored 50km walk, to help them reach their £50,000 fundraising target this year.

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed by three youths in Edinburgh.

Around 5.30pm on Tuesday, 24 January, 2023, the man sustained minor injuries after three males struck him on the head with a weapon and stole his rucksack and laptop as he made his way along the cycle path between Seafield Street and Pirniefield.

There are three suspects.

The first was around 14-years-old, with a Scottish accent, slim build, wearing a snood, dressed in black and riding a black scooter.

The second, with the weapon, was about 16/17-years-old, stocky build, 5ft 9, Scottish accent, wearing a dark hoodie with the hood tied tight, red snood, black jogging bottoms and black trainers.

The third was around 14/15-years-old, wearing dark clothing and silver trainers. Both the second and third suspects were on electric bikes.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor, Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the people responsible and we encourage anyone with information about this attack to contact police.

“Think back, did you see these three youths in the area around this time?

“We are also appealing for anyone who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the Seafield Road area around 5.30pm on Tuesday to get in touch.

“Please contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3094 of Tuesday, 24 January, 2023.”

Elaine Miller (50) is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy who specialises in women’s health, as well as being a comedian.

No stranger to the stage she is the person who protested at Holyrood during the debates on the Gender Recognition Reform Bill by lifting her skirt and apparently exposing herself.

Now she is standing in a council by election as an independent candidate.

She is also a visiting lecturer at several universities across the UK.Her 2022 sell-out Fringe show Viva Your Vulva: The Hole Story won rave reviews. She is currently writing a book about women’s reproductive health. She has lived in Corstorphine for more than 20 years, with her husband and three children.

I am standing as an independent candidate because I believe councillors should always put the needs of the people they serve before any political party.

As an independent voice for Corstorphine Murrayfield, I will have the freedom to act and vote solely in the interests of local residents and be forceful and effective in the scrutiny of decisions which affect our area.

I have lived in the Corstorphine/Murrayfield ward for 20 years.

I strongly believe that a council which is not representative of the wide range of people living in the community is not democratic. It is notable, that in recent years there have been very few women candidates here, and only one female councillor, and she stood down last year after one term.

Corstorphine/Murrayfield is also at risk of becoming a one-party ward, the only one in the city. I think that is bad for democracy – it would mean that the Lib Dem party manifesto could have more influence on local decisions than the views of the community. Our area needs a range of voices in the council chamber.

During my career as a physiotherapist, specialising in women’s health, I have demonstrated my ability to collaborate with others. I have worked with public, voluntary and private sector partners at a local and national level. I would be a strong and independent champion for our ward, speaking up on a range of issues:

Bus services: the continued threat to the 13 and 38 bus services increases social isolation for our older residents and is goes against the council’s stated aim of reducing short car journeys.

Road safety: there are several risky crossings in the ward where older people, people with disabilities, prams or children are at particular risk.

Standing up for local business: Edinburgh City Council must compensate Roseburn business owners who have lost up to 90% of their income because of delayed roadworks.

Spaces for People: More space for pedestrians and cyclists is welcome but the scheme has been criticised for focussing on provision for cyclists while ignoring the needs of people with visual or mobility challenges. This needs to change.

Corstorphine Hill: the council must look again at the proper management of invasive species to protect the area’s bio-diversity.

Anti-social behaviour: This is a problem on Corstorphine Hill, along the Water of Leith and in our local parks. I am particularly concerned about safety for women and girls.

Health and social care: council decisions influence the well-being of all our citizens and I want to bring my professional expertise to help deliver better services.I am not a career politician. I do not belong to a political party. But I do believe that Corstorphine/Murrayfield needs a strong local champion, one unafraid to stand up to vested interests and speak out for everyone.That is why I am standing for election.

The Corstorphine/Murrayfield by election will be held on 9 March.