Musicians gathered in Edinburgh on Sunday to keep up the pressure on the BBC who plan to make cuts to their programming.

The BBC announced that they will cut Jazz Nights, Classics Unwrapped and Pipeline, leading to an outcry from Scottish musicians from a variety of genres who are extremely concerned about the effect of these cuts on the BBC output. The artists say that the continuing success of the music industry – at the centre of cultural life here at home and in representing Scotland on the global stage – “depends entirely on the infrastructure to support and champion emerging artists”. They regard scrapping these programmes as a move against such support.

Honza Kourimsky is a jazz musician who convened the protest in Edinburgh. He said: “I feel that there is a lot of momentum gathering in Scotland in classical music, folk music and jazz. A lot of the musicians are cutting their way through. Right at this moment cuts to BBC programmes which give space to people to play their music to promote Scotland further. At this moment when there’s most momentum it is being cut under their feet.

“Success would be if a platform is maintained for people to play their music. Maybe it will be somewhere else but it is important that people realise it is important to give musicians space for their music especially at a time when they are working hard to promote it.”

Saxophonist, Tommy Smith, OBE, told The Edinburgh Reporter that the activism is now changing direction. He said: “We are now at the stage where we are becoming political. Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary received our open letter and he has responded to it in Parliament at Committee Level. I have also taken this to the House Commons through Alison Thewliss who is Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Jazz Appreciation Society. This means all parliamentary groups are now getting involved and will assist me in our meeting at the BBC next week. We are on a different tack now.”

Paul Paterson leads the Paul Paterson Trio, which specialises in 1930s jazz music with inspiration from Django Reinhardt, and he is one of the country’s leading gypsy jazz guitarists. He said: “It would be an absolute disaster if the BBC cut their programming. It is one of the few things that we have in this country that represents not only world jazz music but also from a Scottish angle. It is invaluable.”

Lloyds Banking Group have advised a new appointment to chair their Scottish Executive Committee.

Jackie Leiper will take over this role which will include working with government, business and charities to address the financial challenges which the country is facing. Previous chair, Philip Grant, retired from Lloyds last month after a 40 year-long career.

Jackie is experienced in the financial services industry, particularly in financial planning, saving and investing. She will champion small businesses and promote the importance of affordable housing being provided in Scotland.

Born and raised in Larbert, Jackie has been CEO of Dundee-based Embark Group since January 2022, following its acquisition by Lloyds Banking Group. Since joining Lloyds in 2010, Jackie has specialised in pensions and investments, currently leading the Scottish Widows pensions and Halifax Share Dealing businesses alongside her Embark responsibilities. Jackie is also a board member at the Bank of Scotland Foundation, helping to support charities across Scotland.

Jackie said: “Scotland has so much to offer in terms of its people, culture, and businesses, so it wasn’t a difficult decision to say ‘yes’ when I was asked to take over from Philip. I’ve worked with the Group for many years, have a strong passion for Scotland and can’t wait to get stuck in and help people become more financially aware.

“From tourism and hospitality to fintech and food, Scotland boasts a hugely diverse talent pool but it’s essential people have the financial know-how to reach their personal or business goals. 

“Looking to the future, we have some great growth opportunities as we head towards Net Zero. While introducing greener ways of working can boost resilience and protect the planet, I’m looking forward to helping those who need better financial planning to support their transition to a carbon-free economy. 

“It’s an interesting time for Scotland and while challenges do lie ahead, I’m excited to build on the strong foundations that Philip has built and work with other leaders and businesses to show the world what we have to offer.”

A new chair has been appointed by the Board of Trustees at The Queen’s Hall.

Dr Nigel Griffiths, the former MP for Edinburgh South, who has been chair for the last decade now steps aside in favour of Rosamund West.

Dr West is Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Radge Media which is the publisher of The Skinny. She holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh for services to cultural journalism.

Rosamund brings a great deal of knowledge of the country’s cultural landscape to the role and says she shares The Queen’s Hall’s aim to reflect the diverse audiences it serves.

Rosamund said: “It’s an honour to step into the role of Queen’s Hall Chair, and an exciting time to join the team. The challenges of recent years have tested organisations across the cultural sector, and the way the board and management team have steered the Hall through is a testament to them both as an organisation and as individuals. Nigel leaves behind an impressive legacy, with an organisation ready to build on recent successes with exciting new programming and projects. I’m looking forward to working with Evan and the rest of the team to help build on this legacy going forwards.”

Evan Henderson, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Hall says, “I’m looking forward to working with Rosamund on the next chapter of The Queen’s Hall. This is an exciting time in our history, with world-class artists having the chance to once again perform to live audiences, and the opportunity for us to curate new strands and give opportunities to Scottish artists.  

“I’d also like to thank our outgoing Chair, Nigel Griffiths, and outgoing Board member Fiona Salzen, both of whose commitment and invaluable support helped us to successfully steer through the challenge of the pandemic and beyond.”

This marks an exciting time in the history of the 43-year-old venue, which re-opened after the pandemic with a reconfigured foyer space, giving birth to the award-winning AMPLIFI series of gigs, curated by We Are Here Scotland to showcase the sounds of modern Scotland and give a platform for black artists and musicians of colour. 

The appointment took effect from 16 December.

The leader of Edinburgh Council has said there are currently no plans to sack teachers as part of an £80 million cut to the capital’s budget next month – but added “all options” were being considered.

It comes after leaked documents revealed more than 800 teaching staff could be axed in Glasgow as part of a “frightening” plan for £51 million education cutbacks.

The news prompted calls from opposition councillors in Edinburgh for the Labour administration to “rule out cuts to our city’s schools”.

City leader Cammy Day said the council was “not looking to reduce the number of teachers as part of our budget proposals as far as I’m aware to date”. 

Options set out by officials in Glasgow to plug a £69 million gap include closing primary schools early on Fridays and reducing the number of school science technicians, psychologists and dyslexia support staff, the Daily Record reported this week.

Leaked council papers suggested that more than 800 teaching posts would be at risk if the cuts are approved.

Edinburgh will have to face up to its own financial woes at the fast-approaching annual budget meeting in February, with councillors expected to slash funds for public services to address a £80 million gap.

Kevin Lang, Lib Dem group leader at The City of Edinburgh Council, called Glasgow’s proposals “frightening”.

“I have already had parents in Edinburgh asking me if similar action could be taken here,” he said.

“This is why the Labour administration must immediately rule out cuts to our city’s schools.

“We cannot risk long-term harm to a generation of young people for a short-term budget balancing process.”

He added Labour must make protecting school finances “a key priority” if they want support for their budget next month.

Asked if teachers could be fired to save money in Edinburgh, Councillor Day said: “That’s not a proposal that Edinburgh is looking at.”

He added: “I also appreciate that Glasgow has a larger budget and target cut to make but we’re not looking to reduce the number of teachers as part of our budget proposals as far as I’m aware to date.”

However the council leader said “all options” were being looked at. 

“It’s quite severe, but I don’t think we’re looking at cutting teaching numbers,” he added. 

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.

Viaplay Elite League: Fife 3, Coventry 2 (after overtime); Sheffield 2, Glasgow 4; Manchester 5, Dundee 4

Zack Phillips was Fife Flyers’ hero when they edged Coventry Blaze to snap a five-game losing streak in the Viaplay Elite League. The Kirkcaldy club’s top points gatherer slotted 3min 34sec into the five-minute sudden death overtime session to secure a 3-2 victory.

And the win earned revenge for the club’s 1-0 defeat after extra time and penalty shots in the Midlands to Blaze on Sunday.

Fife, sponsored by Wolseley, were outshot 38-28 during the game but they edged ahead 1-0 when Dumfries-born Bari McKenzie scored after 22 minutes.

Kim Tallberg levelled for the visitors less than two minutes later but Reece Harsch fired Fife ahead for a second time eight minutes after that.

Jack Billings, whose penalty shot separated the sides after a shootout last Sunday, slotted after 52 minutes to level at 2-2 and send the game into overtime but Fife held their nerve to claim a welcome win.

Jeff Hutchins, Fife’s associate coach, (pictured by Scott Wiggins courtesy of the Viaplay Elite League) was in charge as head coach, Todd Dutiaume, has travelled home to Canada to attend to a family matter.

Elsewhere, Glasgow Clan shocked Sheffield Steelers 4-2 in The House of Steel in front of a 6,000-plus crowd but Dundee Stars lost 5-4 at Manchester Storm to slip to the bottom of the table on 22 points from 35 games.

Fife are ninth with 22 points from 35 fixtures while Clan are on 23 and in eighth position having iced in 38 games.

Scott Wilson will lead the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy team next season in the National Development League after 22 years spent as a supporter standing on the terraces and filling in a programme.

Wilson takes over as team manager and has been a supporter of the shale sport ever since his first glimpse of speedway in 2001 when Monarchs clinched the Spring Trophy in a thrilling Scottish derby .

Wilson (pictured right with Edinburgh Monarchs co-promoter John Campbell) said: “As a kid I didn’t ever dream of becoming a speedway rider, but I always knew I wanted to be part of Edinburgh Monarchs in some capacity.

“After 22 years as a supporter and completing a programme at every meeting, I know my way around the tactical side of speedway.”

He was a founding committee member of the Monarchs Fans Trust before stepping back to focus on his chartered accountancy exams and he then increased his involvement by becoming a driving force in Monarchs Community Initiative last season.

He said: “I believe strongly in the impact of intangibles in sport and how far team chemistry and a winning mentality can carry a team. I see this as an important factor in being successful and it is something I will be putting an emphasis on.

“There are two key outcomes the Edinburgh Monarchs Academy should seek to achieve, rider development as a feeder team to the senior Monarchs team and to win.

“There hasn’t been enough of either in the past two years but we are hopeful that a rebrand, freshening up and change of approach in a few areas will see this change. We’re building an exciting team which aligns with both of these goals and I can’t wait to get going.”

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh.

Around 4.15pm on Wednesday, 11 January, 2023, following a routine stop in the Bathfield area for suspected road traffic offences, an officer was injured after being hit by a car.

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 23 January, 2023.

Lawrence Shankland says it is an honour and privilege to be captain Hearts, and the striker would love to help power the Tynecastle team into the next round of the Scottish Cup at Easter Road on Sunday (kick-off 2pm or watch on Viaplay Sports 1).

The Glasgow-born player is nearing the 20-goal threshold, and he revealed during his pre-match media briefing at The Orium that the number is mentioned nearly every day, but his focus is on helping the team win silverware and the cup is one way of doing that.

Hearts, of course, go into the clash on a high after a 5-0 victory over Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Wednesday and also a 3-0 win at the same venue over Hibs in the New Year fixture.

The Jambos have won 147 of the 332 matches played between the pair in the three main Scottish competitions, Hibs have won 86, are the Gorgie club also unbeaten in eight games against their Capital rivals.

Shankland said: “Obviously, in the Scottish Cup you always look forward to the draw and it is a massive one (against Hibs).”

Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet and Shankland have been spotlighted in social media recently and the captain admitted that it was difficult to escape the chat, but he added: “Kevin has come back after a long-term injury and he has done well.

“I don’t think Kevin and I will be taking too much to do with it (the social media). The most important thing for me is Hearts and the weekend.

“We go into the game confident, we have had some good results lately and we are eight unbeaten. That helps you going into the game.”

Shankland said he was delighted to be given the armband and added: “It is a privilege and honour to captain this club. It is a little bit of a challenge (being captain), it brings extra responsibilities around the club.”

He admitted that Hearts have been producing good performances so he has not had to read the “riot act” on the field but he stressed: “We know how big (Sundays) game is and we know we were good on Wednesday (against Aberdeen), but we have worked in training and come Sunday we will be ready to go.”

The 27-year-old, who has scored 16 goals in 22 cinch Scottish Premiership games, 11 at Tynecastle, one in the UEFA Europa League and two in the UEFA Europa Conference League, said: “It is a game of football that we can control and we will take a full support there and fans are always turning up in good numbers and we will look forward to this one at the weekend.”

Ten projects across Scotland did receive grants from Round Two of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, however none of these was in the Edinburgh or Midlothian areas. The MP for Midlothian, Owen Thompson and the Council Leader for Midlothian have written to the UK Government.

Successful bids include a new ferry for Fair Isle, restoration of Kilmarnock’s historic Palace Theatre, and regeneration in Stirling. The Scottish projects will receive £177 million from the UK Government’s £2.1 billion fund which amounts to around 8.85% of the total. Basing this on population figures alone it would appear that Scotland is almost, but not quite, receiving its share, but there is more to it than that.

The successful applicants in the rest of the UK in a policy introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, were twice as likely to be in the south east as the north of England.

See the map below for the Scottish projects.

But the UK Government says the investment in Scotland will “benefit people across Scotland by spreading opportunity and breathing new life into historically overlooked areas”.

The ten projects in Scotland which will share in the £177 million from round two of the Levelling Up Fund.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak is said to prioritise growing the economy with the policy of levelling up under the guidance of Levelling Up Minister, Michael Gove.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s fantastic to see real momentum gathering as we level up across Scotland. This latest round of UK Government funding will see more than £177 million invested into 10 exciting projects which will breathe new life into communities across Scotland.

“Working with local partners we are boosting culture and leisure in Aberdeenshire, Galloway and Kilmarnock; improving connectivity in Shetland and Dundee; regenerating Greenock and Cumbernauld town centres; unlocking huge swathes of land for green development in East Lothian and Stirling; and helping communities in Fife connect with nature.

“We must and will continue to invest in initiatives that will make a difference to communities and help grow our economy. So far we have announced more than £2.26 billion – including the two Freeports confirmed last week – to bring prosperity and growth to Scotland that is crucial as we tackle the challenges associated with rising energy prices and the increased cost of living.”

In 2021 £1.7 billion was awarded to 105 projects including more than £16 million which will kickstart the Granton Waterfront project.

Edinburgh Council Leader ‘disappointed’

The Council Leader, Cammy Day told the Local Democracy Reporting Service about his disappointment that the cultural bids made in Edinburgh were all unsuccessful. This has led to the refurbishment of the King’s Theatre requiring a further £8.9 million urgently – within 35 days. Read more here.

Midlothian MP and Council Leader write to the UK Government

Owen Thompson MP and Midlothian Council Leader Kelly Parry have jointly written to the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, expressing frustration and disappointment that Midlothian Council did not receive a penny in funding from Round 2 of the UK Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ Fund.

Midlothian had placed a Round 2 bid for important A701 corridor improvements, with support provided by Mr Thompson as the local MP. The council today received a brief letter from the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP and Minister for Levelling Up, Dehenna Davidson MP informing them the application had been unsuccessful, but that feedback was not immediately available.

The Midlothian politicians say that it was also notable that 69% of the levelling up funding distributed to Local Authority areas in England were represented by Conservative MPs, disproportionately representing affluent areas.

Mr Thompson said: “I am deeply disappointed that the UK Government did not invest in Midlothian through its levelling-up fund. This fund is supposed to help create opportunities in areas of the UK that have been disadvantaged, including Midlothian. 

“It raises eyebrows when you see disadvantaged local authorities in Scotland, including Midlothian, missing out, while many affluent Tory seats were successful in their bids. The delay in receiving any feedback is also a poor show.

“This is not a transparent and efficient way to distribute funds to local authorities – it’s open to bias, forces competition and it leaves many councils wasting precious resources on failed bids. 

“Funding for local authority projects in Scotland is far better distributed via the Scottish Government, assessing need and following due process, instead of this flawed and politicised process.

Ms Perry said: “I am surprised and frustrated that Midlothian Council’s bid for support with the A701 corridor was unsuccessful. It was a well-thought out project that meets the criteria for the fund. I know how much work went into the application and it would have brought much-needed improvements to local transport infrastructure, to the benefit of Midlothian communities.

“The number of affluent Tory seats who were successful certainly seems strange for a fund that is supposed to increase opportunities in disadvantaged areas.  It’s a poor show that not a word in feedback has been provided and I shall certainly be following this up to see why Midlothian’s bid was rejected. If the UK Government is genuinely committed to ‘levelling up’ they have to demonstrate that a level playing field applies when these decisions are made, otherwise there’s more than a whiff of cronyism about it.”

Projects in Scotland awarded Levelling Up Fund grants in round 2 include these:

• £27 million has been guaranteed for a new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle. The service is a lifeline for the island, supporting its residents, visitors and supply chains, and without its replacement the community will become further isolated.
• In Aberdeenshire, £20 million will transform Peterhead’s disused Arbuthnot House into a new museum, library and cultural hub, while the popular marine aquarium in Macduff will be modernised and expanded.
• There is £20 million to fund the refurbishment of 163-year-old Palace Theatre and Grand Hall, and a new park near the town square in Kilmarnock.
• In Dundee, £14 million will go towards redeveloping a dated multi-storey car park into a sustainable transport hub, creating 350 electrical vehicle charging points, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire scheme.
• Nearly £20 million will help demolish and reroute the A78 dual carriageway to reconnect and transform Greenock town centre into a modern, vibrant hub based around public squares and green spaces.
• In Stirling, more than £19 million will go towards the regeneration of the Forthside area, helping to create 1,000 new jobs.
• more than £19.4 million to accelerate the regeneration of Riverside Park in Fife and improve access to the River Leven with new walking routes.
• In Cumbernauld, more than £9 million will support the demolition and regeneration of two failing shopping centres and a vacant office block, helping to bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire’s largest town.
• In East Lothian, nearly £11.3 million of funding will help free up land at a former coal fired power station for future, green regeneration.
• Almost £18 million will help Dumfries and Galloway turn redundant spaces and buildings into exciting new cultural and leisure opportunities.

City getaway deal takes Valentine’s date night to the next level

An Edinburgh hotel is offering the ultimate city break experience with guests receiving an extra night stay – on the house.

Guests of Ten Hill Place hotel can enjoy a two-night stay for the price of one with a new deal running until the end of March that is proving a popular Valentine’s Day date and gift.

The Old Town hotel makes up part of the portfolio managed by Surgeons Quarter- the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RSCEd) – which puts profits into improving surgical standards and patient outcomes worldwide.

Located at 10 Hill Square, the hotel is approximately a 10 minute walk from Princes Street or Edinburgh Castle with the St James Quarter offering an array of shops, boutiques and restaurants within easy walking distance.

Michaela Monese, Assistant Operations Manager at Surgeons Quarter, said: “With so much to see in Edinburgh we’re really excited by our two nights for one offer. We’re doubling the opportunity to escape in the city and enjoy a top class experience.

“The deal is running until the end of March which is great as it gives potential guests a bit of time to plan a memorable trip!

“Edinburgh is also the perfect city for a romantic getaway and we’re already seeing the offer being taken up by those in the thralls of a new relationship, or looking to keep an old flame flickering.”

Those looking to activate the free-night deal must enter the promotion code “2FOR1” in the promo code box on Ten Hill Place website, or alternatively call 0131 662 2080 or email Reservations@tenhillplace.com and quote: ‘’2FOR1’’

Surgeons Quarter is also working with Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards scheme on an exclusive food and drink offer for those with an EH postcode, which sees a £50 voucher for the Drinks and Dining restaurant at Ten Hill Place offered at just £25.

Residents can receive a £50 food and drink voucher for just £25 per person by emailing s.carruthers@surgeonsquarter.com and referencing the code EHReward50. The reward, which runs until the end of January, is only valid for residents with a city of Edinburgh postcode (EH1-EH17 and EH28-30 inclusive).

Michaela added: “As an independent hotel owned by one of the city’s most revered organisations we wanted to appeal to locals as well as those travelling into the city. The partnership with Forever Edinburgh is something we’re really excited by.”

Forever Edinburgh works with members, partners, and stakeholders to maintain the profile of Edinburgh as a world-class destination to visit, invest, live, work and study though championing Scotland’s capital city locally, nationally and internationally.

Ten Hill Place is Edinburgh’s largest independent four-star hotel with 129 bedrooms. The hotel has held a Gold Award in Green Business Tourism since 2008 and prioritises sustainability.

In addition to Ten Hill Place Hotel, Surgeons Quarter’s also promotes four venues where delegates can meet and celebrate, Café 1505 and the SQ Travel agency – all located in one Edinburgh city centre location.

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/accommodation/

Edinburgh film fans have a feast of delights to enjoy with the eighth Catalan Film Festival which begins in the capital on Saturday.

The festival will then be held at venues all over Scotland from 21 January – 15 February, celebrating the strong cinema tradition of the region.

The festival has a strong social element – with food, discussion and meet ups, alongside a programme of world beating cinema.   The programme is available online from 16 February.

Director Rafael Cueto said: “The programme we have this year is amazing.   We have eight feature films, including six UK premieres.   The films are wonderful, varied and some, particularly ‘Alcarràs’ and ‘Pacifiction’ have already won several major international awards.

“We also have a great programme of ten short films – which are all premieres.”

Scottish audiences will also have the chance to meet and discuss film with Catalan film makers including Adrian Silvestre and Meritxell Colell, who will be working with young film makers in Craigmillar.

The festival begins on 21 January at St Peter’s Church Hall with an opening night party, which combines a programme of innovative short films and a tapas dinner with a demonstration of Catalan human towers by the Colla Castellera d’Edinburgh.

Because of the closure of Edinburgh Filmhouse, the Catalan Film Festival has had to find new venues.   This year the Traverse, Summerhall, St Peter’s Church Hall and the Tapas3 restaurant are all being used as pop up cinemas.

The festival has also moved its running time from November- December to January -February to suit cinema audiences. The programme begins in Edinburgh, moves to Glasgow and then Dundee before returning to the capital for the closing party.

Rafael Cueto says: “Of course the loss of the Filmhouse in Edinburgh is a real blow – but we have had some great support from places like Summerhall and the Traverse – and we will also be trying new venues like Tapas3, which will be transforming its flamenco studio into a cinema.”

Films are in Catalan, Spanish and French, with English subtitles.  Over the last decade the Catalan Film Festival has built up a dedicated following, with a lively international mix of Scottish-based cinephiles.

Programme co-ordinator Alberto Valberde said: “This has been a remarkable year for Catalan film.   The film ‘Alcarràs’ by Carla Simon won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival – the first time a Catalan language film has won.

“We are also showing “Pacifiction” a French language film by Catalan film maker Albert Serra, a three hours long apocalyptic film set in French Tahiti which was awarded best film by the international critics of Cahiers de Cinema.  It’s a beautiful art house film which is as gripping as a thriller.

“We have an incredibly diverse programme, with documentaries, drama, edgy and experimental films with a strong radical flavour.”

The programme includes ‘El Sostre Groc’ – The Yellow Ceiling, a film by Isabel Coixet about the ‘Me Too’ case that took part in a Catalan theatre company.   Also included is ‘Mi Vacio Y Yo’ – ‘My Emptiness and I’ by Adrian Silvestre about the search of a transgender woman for love.

D’Ombres, a study of revered cinematographer Tomas Pladevall, is a real cinema lover’s treat – an ode to light and the art of film making.  One Year One Night, by Isaki De La Cuesta is a drama based on the terrorist attack at the Bataclan venue in Paris.

Marc Dueñas, of the Institut Ramon Lull, which supports the festival and promotes Catalan culture around the world said: “There are other windows on Catalan cinema in other British festivals, but Scotland’s CFF is the only one devoted entirely to current and classic Catalan cinema.

“CinemaAttic, which organises the Catalan Film Festival, has managed to capture and show the great creativity of recent Catalan cinema, allowing Scottish audiences to discover or confirm its uniqueness and universality.”

Director of CinemaAttic Rafael Cueto said: “We are not just enthusiastic about film – we really believe it has the potential to change the world.”

Book tickets here.

The report prepared by the council’s EdinTravel team is produced to advise of any traffic hotspots in the city.

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

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

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Edinburgh’s council leader has expressed disappointment at the city missing out on the latest round of levelling up cash, as SNP councillors dubbed the UK Government a “reverse Robin Hood”.

The capital made a bid for £42 million when entries to the scheme’s second round opened last year and hoped to use the money to invest in cash-strapped theatres and concert venues across the city.

However as the list of successful bidders was unveiled this week Edinburgh was not included.

Cllr Cammy Day, leader of The City of Edinburgh Council, said he still hoped to secure funding for the projects submitted, adding the local authority would look at “new and alternative ways of finding that resource”.

The SNP finance spokesperson, Cllr Lesley Macinnes, said it was clear that councils were “losing out” and the communities most in need were being “sidelined”.

Edinburgh’s previous bid to the competitive levelling up fund, which was launched in 2019 and aims to spread investment around the UK and redress economic imbalances, resulted in £16.4 million being awarded for the regeneration of Granton waterfront.

This time round, the council turned its focus towards the city’s cultural infrastructure and proposed putting any money granted into the restoration of the King’s Theatre, Leith Theatre, the Queen’s Hall and the Usher Hall.

Following news that no cash would go to Edinburgh this time around, the King’s announced earlier today that it was now looking to fundraise £8.9m – which the theatre’s boss said was the “last chance saloon” for the iconic venue.

Cllr Day said: “Of course we’re disappointed that in this round we’ve been unsuccessful, there were some amazing projects put forward, not least the required investment in the fantastic Kings Theatre. 

“I accept in the first round we did get some of that resource so we’re pleased we got some of the money and I suppose we’d just urge the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to find the much-needed funding for the capital city on key projects like the Kings and investments across the city. 

“We still want to achieve these investments, we’ll just now have to look at new and alternative ways of finding that resource.”

Meanwhile Cllr Macinnes said the fund was “increasingly looking like a reverse Robin Hood adventure – where the UK Government takes from communities in need and redirects precious funds to their favoured areas”.

She said: “It’s telling that the Tories found money for Rishi Sunak’s wealthy constituency but they couldn’t find a single penny for the entire city of Edinburgh.

“It’s clear councils are losing out and communities most in need are being sidelined. It’s about time the Tories stopped pretending this wasn’t our money to begin with.”

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 SNP has selected local resident, and full time carer, Donald Rutherford, to stand in the upcoming by election.

The SNP with their candidate Frank Ross the former Lord Provost, came second in the ward to the Lib Dems in the May 2022 council election. The Lib Dems picked up two seats in the three member ward, with the SNP claiming the third.

The SNP believe that it is only their party which stands in the way of the Lib Dems potentially holding all three seats following the forthcoming by-election. Since the introduction of multi-member wards in 2007, no party has ever held all seats in a ward before in Edinburgh.

The Council today published formal notification of the by-election, with nominations open until 6 February.

Donald Rutherford, said: “I’m proud to be the SNP candidate here in Corstorphine/Murrayfield where I grew up, have worked and currently care for a disabled family member.

“For me, this election is about giving a voice to the residents that live here. Voting for me is an opportunity to vote for someone with deep roots in the community, and that understands the issues affecting us here. I live in Carrick Knowe in the ward so I know the best aspects of the area but also the challenges it faces. 

“Many local people understand that having three out of three councillors for the ward from the same party would lead to worse representation for Corstorphine-Murrayfield as it wouldn’t be a proper reflection of the diversity of views in the area.

“A lot of people are saying they’ll be lending their vote to the SNP this time, as the second placed party in May, as a result. They know that the Lib Dems have formed an administration with Labour along with the Tories which has been failing to deliver for Corstorphine-Murrayfield or for the city. They don’t want more of the same.

“Only a vote for the SNP on 9th March gives local residents the chance of electing someone who will stand up for this area and push forward the positive change our city needs.”

Police Scotland have advised of an arrest in connection with a search they were conducting earlier in the week.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh. 

Around 4.15pm on Wednesday, 11 January, 2023, following a routine stop in the Bathfield area for suspected road traffic offences, an officer was injured after being hit by a car.

Enquiries are ongoing. 

Robbie Neilson described Sunday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Easter Road against Capital rivals Hibs as “massive” for the Tynecastle club. The reason? Hearts want to win the cup.

The manager has been handed a two-game ban after being red-carded by referee David Munro for protesting as Hearts beat St Mirren 1-0 at Tynecastle on January 7, so he must watch the game from the stand.

But Neilson told a pre-match press briefing at The Oriam that playing Hibs is always a massive game and he added: “It is a game you look for at the start of the season. It is obviously a Scottish Cup game as well, so it is massive.

Overall, he added: “If you are in good form that is great to take into the game, but if you are not in good form it can be a catalyst. We know we have to turn up and get a result, no matter what.”

Neilson said the club are sitting third in the league and added that Hearts have had a decent season so far but stressed: “There is still a lot to play for and a long way to go and we have 15 to 18 games in the league and, hopefully, a Scottish Cup run as well.”

Hearts were runners-up in the Scottish Cup to Rangers last year (the Ibrox side winning 2-0 at Hampden), but Neilson said that last season is over. He added: “As soon as the final whistle goes it is move on to next season and, for us, it (Sunday) is a Derby, no matter if it is in the Scottish Cup or the West of Scotland Cup, or what league it is, it does not matter. It is a Derby.”

Hearts recent record in the Edinburgh derby is “great” – they are unbeaten in the last eight Derby games – according to the manager, but the Paisley-born coach warned: “You are only as good as your last one. We have to make sure we are ready for Sunday and, hopefully, we can continue our good record.”

Hearts go into the game on the back of a 5-0 win in the cinch Scottish Premiership on Wednesday at Tynecastle against Aberdeen and a 3-0 victory over their rivals from Easter Road in the New Year cinch Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle when an injury time strike from Stephen Humphrys and a double from skipper Lawrence Shankland, one from a penalty, secured the points.

The Men in Maroon are also looking to extend an unbeaten eight-game run which goes back to before the World Cup break. The 1-0 defeat at Ibrox by Rangers on November 9 was the last time the players walked back to the dressing-room after a defeat, United States international, Malik Tillman, on loan from German cracks Bayern Munich, netting after 66 minutes to earn the points.

Neilson was asked if complacency was a worry after the shutout of Aberdeen and the recent league win over Hibs and the 42-year-old argued: “I don’t think so. The players understand the magnitude of the game and the place will be rocking and it is up to us to turn up and get a result.”

Most of his players, he said, are experienced in big games and, when the game starts, it is up to the Hearts players to impose themselves.

Reflecting on the last clash with Hibs, Neilson added: “Hibs have a couple back and players in form and these games are about who turns up on the day.”

The former Hearts defender acknowledged that Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet, who claimed a glory double last weekend in the club’s home league clash with Dundee United, which ended 2-2, is a threat.

Neilson added: “He (Nisbet) has come back (from injury) flying and he is a player we will have to watch, but we want to get back to the final and win it this time. We are looking to make that final step, but we have to win that game on Sunday and move on to the next one.”

Capital Theatres the charity who run the King’s Theatre advise that there is now an urgency to fundraising to save the Old Lady of Leven Street in the next 35 days.

The City of Edinburgh Council was unsuccessful in its bid to obtain funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. There is a degree of controversy over the allocation of funds which appear to have been distributed to more Conservative run, wealthier areas than others which are in dire need of extra funding.

A total of £26 million has already been raised by the charity but the remaining £8.9 million must be found in the next 35 days so that the building may be signed over to the contractors and the work begun.

Many contracts such as this have fallen victim to spiralling costs due to inflation and Capital Theatres wants to avoid as much of that increase as possible by sticking to the original planned timetable.

If the money is not found then the building will be handed back to the owners, The City of Edinburgh Council.

It was reported in August 2022 that there was a funding gap, and this has already been affected by the Ukraine war, inflation and the cost of living crisis.

DONATE TO THE KING’S HERE https://www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-donation

Fiona Gibson CEO of Capital Theatres said: “This really is the last chance saloon for the King’s.

“It’s been a long road planning and fundraising for the capital redevelopment of the King’s Theatre to turn it into both a thriving community hub, fully accessible to audiences and performers, and a world class venue, while maintaining its history and heritage. Nearly all the original capital cost estimate of £26 million to transform the King’s is in place thanks to grants from the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund; generous donations from our patrons and donors, companies and trusts; as well as Capital Theatres’ own contribution. We are incredibly proud of the collective effort to reach this figure. 

“However, as with all construction projects in the UK currently, we are facing new challenges because of delays in supply chain caused by changing trading agreements, global conflict and increasing levels of inflation. Due to these factors, it has emerged in the last few months that the project costs will increase by an estimated £8.9m. We’ve examined our options and we cannot reduce the project cost any further by value engineering and to delay the redevelopment could lead to even higher costs in the long-term, putting the entire project at risk. If the money is not found in the next few weeks, the last opportunity for us to greenlight the project, the King’s could close its doors forever. 

“We know what a difficult time this is to be asking for additional funding with so much financial need in every area of civic life, but as custodians of this beloved theatre, we have to fight for its survival. 

“From the moment the funding gap emerged we have been in close contact and working with key funders including the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the UK Government.  We need their support to deliver this transformative redevelopment for Tollcross, Edinburgh and Scottish Theatre, ensuring the King’s Theatre is there for generations to come.”

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker said: “While we’re disappointed not to have been successful in this round of the Levelling Up fund, we look forward to continuing dialogue and exploring any opportunities open to help secure the future of the Kings Theatre.”

Brian Cox, Honorary Patron of the King’s Theatre said: “The King’s is vital to the Scottish Theatre ecology and a key touring venue which brings a variety of genres to the central belt; not to mention a source of comfort and joy in panto season. Without the planned transformational redevelopment improving access, preserving heritage and opening the building up to the community, the King’s will close its doors forever. After a hugely successful fundraising effort to reach the original budgeted cost of £26 million, we cannot let the rising costs due to inflation, trade agreements and global conflict put the project in peril. We must save the King’s for future generations.”

The King’s Redevelopment
The funding model for the King’s Redevelopment comprises of grants from the Scottish Government (£6.5m), The City of Edinburgh Council (£4m), National Lottery Heritage Fund (£3.6m) and £3.1m raised from patrons and donors, companies and trusts. Capital Theatres is contributing £4.4 million and has negotiated a prudential loan to allow the charity to reach £26.7m, against the original estimated project cost of £25.7m. However, the now finds that there is a significant funding shortfall due to project duration, complex “buildability” requirements, global events leading to supply chain issues, inflation and cost of living impacts. As a result the cost is now £35.6m and the charity must secure £8.9 million to close the funding gap.

Range of house types with quick move-in provide “something for everyone”

Seven homes are now available to families looking for a quick move-in date at a popular development located just outside Livingston.

Uphall Station Village by Dundas features a range of three, four and five bedroom semi-detached or stand-alone homes which are available at varying price points suitable for first-time buyers, to growing families looking to upsize.

The available homes – which range from £248,995 to £436,495 – mark a new record-high for the developer, which is eager to satisfy the demand for family homes in the commuter parish.

Craig Fairfoull, Head of Sales and Marketing at Dundas, said: “At our Uphall Station Village development, there really is something for everyone – a range of house types at various price points that suit individual family needs and circumstances.

“For those looking to kick-start their new property journey as soon as possible, buyers are able to move into the available four-bedroom Crawford house type at the development as early as Spring this year.

“The three-bedroom Elliot house type – which is at the lower end of the price range – is a great option for first-time buyers, whereas the semi-detached Gilroy is perfect for growing families.”

Uphall Station Village is the perfect location for busy, working families and its location provides the ideal mix of idyllic, peaceful living with the hustle and bustle of urban city life approximately 15-minutes away.

Partners Sophie Bell and Lewis Alexander, who recently purchased their first home at Dundas’ Uphall Station Village development, were drawn to the spacious three-bedroom Gilroy house-type – of which there is still one remaining – and purchased the property late last year.

Sophie, 25, said: “Having grown up in the area and currently working in South Gyle, I was keen to live in Uphall Station.

“When we first went to view the development, we really liked the size of the Gilroy house. It was perfect for two people and would give us plenty of room to host friends and family. As Lewis works from home, it also meant that we were able to turn the third bedroom into an office space.

“Although we only moved into Uphall Station Village a few months ago, we are already loving our Gilroy house-type. There is so much space, which means there is lots that we can customise.”

All homes benefit from high-efficiency gas central heating with high-spec thermal insulation, integrated solar panels and high-performance double glazing.

The development’s recently refurbished show home showcases its versatility, with buyers having the space to design their home in a unique way that is ideal for individual needs.

Craig continued: “We have never had so many properties available at one site before at the same time – and so it is the perfect opportunity to build a happy, thriving and tight-knit community at the development.

“We are keen to encourage as many people as possible to come and visit the site so they can witness the benefits of its location and the array of house types which cater to individual preferences.”

Uphall Station Village is close to a wide range of shops and schools including Uphall Primary School, as well as Pumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary School. Uphall train station is less than 10 minutes away from the development.

Dundas has a mission to create homes that make people feel great. Headquartered in Livingston and proudly Scottish, it has a track record of building well-designed homes that are higher spec than a vast majority of competitor properties.

The independently-owned developer is focused on building welcoming, integrated communities and making the journey of buying a home more straightforward, inspiring and fun.

To find out more about Uphall Station Village, visit: https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/uphall-station-village

The show home at Uphall Station Village is available to view daily.

https://www.dundas.co.uk/developments/uphall-station-village

Call 0345 853 5000 or email uphallstationvillage@dundas.co.uk

Some of the top artists living and working in Scotland have their work featured in a large-scale exhibition which opens to the public in Edinburgh on Saturday.

The 142nd Open Annual Exhibition of the The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) fills all of the Upper Galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) on Princes Street with 315 paintings by more than 150 artists working in all styles and subjects.

The Society has also announced the appointment of multi-award-winning artist Angus McEwan as the new President of the Society and we were lucky enough to be shown round the exhibition while it was still being hung on the many walls in the RSA in his company.

Listen below about the work of the Patron of the Society which is missing from the exhibition this year – for a very good reason.

McEwan, who is from Wormit in Fife, has won prizes for his paintings all over the world and plans to take the work of the RSW to international audiences. He is planning two trips to Taiwan later in the year when his own work will be exhibited there.

While the work on display is largely what you might expect from watercolour artists, the range is broader than traditional works, with all water-based media included. So the paintings on display are very diverse and we consider this to be one of the most accessible exhibitions. McEwan agreed and said: “The RSW is unique among the artist societies I’ve seen around the world because it brings together artists working in all kinds of styles and techniques.

“Sometimes watercolour is seen as a traditional thing, but you only have to take a look at this show to see how inventive and expressive these artists are.

“It’s a real honour to be elected to this role. I’ve been teaching and doing demonstrations abroad for many years, and I want to support these artists to show their work on international platforms.”

McEwan has exhibited in many countries, including USA, China, Russia, Greece, Italy, Peru and Australia, and has paintings in a number of international collections.

He has won accolades in the Shenzhen International Watercolour Biennale in China, the Fabriano Marquee d’Acqua in Italy and in 2019, he was inducted into the International Masters of Watercolour Association in China, a “hall of fame” which includes some of the best watercolour painters in the world. Last year, he won a coveted Second Prize in National Watercolour Society in the USA.

He said: “It’s possible in the UK we have marginalised watercolour, and even painting, but outside the UK it is incredibly lively, with big prizes and awards and exhibitions.

“When you go abroad, you realise the number of people interested in watercolour is huge. The whole watercolour scene is really vibrant and it includes lots of young people.

“It’s been exciting for me as an artist to look beyond these shores, and I hope I can support these artists to take their work out to the rest of the world. I’m a member of the Australian Watercolour Society, for example, and I’d like to invite their membership to show here, and take our members’ work there, have a bit of cross-fertilisation.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm out there for watercolour, and the opportunities are there on that international stage if you are wiling to put your work out there.”

The Annual Exhibition of the RSW is the leading showcase for artists working in water-based media in Scotland. This year’s show includes work by leading Scottish artists including Marian Leven, Ian McKenzie Smith, Ann Oram, James Cosgrove and Claire Harkess.

The show includes paintings by 11 new members elected to the RSW in October, including Jenny Matthews, Pascale Rentsch, Anne Skinner, Gillian Melville and Saul Robertson.

Work created by non-members from all over the world is also included in the exhibition, selected by the Society’s council from hundreds of open submissions.

Memorial works by Anda Paterson, RSW, RGI, PAI and Oscar Goodall RSW who passed away in 2022 are also included.

Emerging artists Chloe Colquhoun and Emma Blackhall are featured as Invited Artists, after receiving awards from the RSW to develop their work.

A programme of talks and events will accompany the show and a parallel exhibition will run online at www.rsw.org.uk

The 142nd Open Annual Exhibition of the RSWRSA Building, Princes Street, Edinburgh.21st January — 16th February 2023

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm, admission freewww.rsw.org.uk

It’s been a chilly week, with snow in the North closing 100 schools and keeping daytime temperatures down to 3°C, or 4°C at best. There’s also been a cauld blast on the political isobars. 

Who would have thought that one of the biggest constitutional battles between Scotland and Westminster since devolution 20 years ago would turn out to be the Gender Recognition Reform Bill?  It has triggered the use by the UK Government of the “nuclear option”, Section 35 of the Scotland Act, blocking the Bill from becoming law, even though it was approved by the Scottish Parliament by 86 votes to 39.    

You might have thought that the Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, the UK Government’s man in Scotland, would keep his big stick to beat back bigger Scottish government demands, like referenda, more tax and borrowing  powers, control over North Sea oil and gas.  But no. He says, without changes, the gender bill would undermine the UK wide Equality Act protecting women’s rights and therefore he has a duty to prevent it going for the King’s assent. 

Nicola Sturgeon must regret having being persuaded by the trans-rights lobby  to make gender reform such a high-profile issue.  It only affects 0.5 per cent of the population but it has split her party and the nation, just when she needed them to unite under the banner of independence.  But she has made it part of her progressive Scotland agenda and added it to world- leading climate change targets, school attainment targets, free university education, poverty reduction aims etc. 

So she is following the lead of nine other “modern” European countries and making it easier for people to change their gender. Under the Bill, anyone over 16 will be able to self-identify as a man or woman, without a medical diagnosis, and, after a six-month period of reflection, be granted a gender recognition certificate.  The fear from many women’s groups is that this might allow a predatory man to class himself as a woman and gain entry to toilets, changing rooms, refuges, and other places reserved for women.

The UK government also argues it undermines important exceptions to the equality laws to protect women’s rights, in areas such as employment, board-room membership, and sport.  The whole issue is expected to end up in the Supreme Court as both sides challenge each other to make concessions.  

And this isn’t the only complaint The Scottish Government had about “Westminster rule” this week.  Nicola Sturgeon says the UK Government’s new “minimum safety” law, limiting the right to strike, is “anti-worker” and will be opposed by the SNP.  It’s not exactly a peace move in the current wave of strikes in our schools and on the railways. Nurses too, in Scotland, may yet join their striking colleagues in England, if the latest round of talks fail. 

Complaint number three is the UK government’s attempt at “levelling-up” the north and south of Britain.  This week it announced £170 million worth of UK projects in Scotland, which The Scottish Government says should be decided in Edinburgh not London.  They include a new ferry boat for Fair Isle, a theatre restoration in Kilmarnock and a new library and museum in Peterhead. Here in Edinburgh we received £16 million plus in the last round for the Granton Gasometer but nothing in this latest funding announcement.

The winter flu is hitting us hard in Scotland.  More than 120 people with flu died last week, the highest number for 20 years.  And Covid has not gone away, with 101 deaths last week.  All of this comes as the NHS says hospitals are nearly at full capacity and “delayed discharges” are still a major problem.

But, as usual, we are turning away from our problems with preparations for the Burns Supper season. We are drip-fed stories in the newspapers about new discoveries of Burns documents, a new Burns festival in Dumfries and debates over whether his views on slavery or women’s rights are sufficiently correct.

And then of course there is the Celtic Connections folk festival in Glasgow, this year celebrating its 30^th anniversary and its return to full programmes after the Covid shutdowns.   Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the 150 shows at 30 different venues across the city between now and the 5^th of February.  Among the 1500 performers will be musicians from as far afield as the USA and Morocco. It couldn’t be further from the “culture wars” between our two parliaments, Holyrood and Westminster.

Oh, and I mustn’t finish without telling you about our sporting hero, Andy Murray.  As I write, he has just won through to the fourth round of the Australian Open after a match lasting five hours 45minutes, ending at four o’clock in the morning local time. And this after being 2 sets down at the start. A fine demonstration of Scottish grit, at the age of 35 and with a metal hip.

This is our newly revived ‘Five things’ article where we gather together news which interests us and we hope will interest you. 

If you have something you think our readers might like to know then do email us with details: editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Protest

A protest was held in Edinburgh on Thursday to tell the UK Government that their proposed use of Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 to stop the Gender Recognition Reform Act gaining Royal Assent is unwarranted and unfair.

Read our whole report here.

BBC cuts

Tommy Smith, OBE, is leading a campaign to persuade the BBC to think again about proposed cuts to programming including Jazz Nights, Classics Unwrapped and Pipeline.

A rally is being held at the Usher Hall on Sunday at 11am when musicians who support the campaign will gather as a show of strength against the public broadcaster’s cost cutting move.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to Tommy Smith earlier in the week. Listen here:

Royal

Royal Visit

HRH The Princess Royal popped into Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh on Thursday to officially re-open the campus following a two-year refurbishment.

Her Royal Highness toured the factory and its new exhibition space, and chatted to staff, before visiting Poppyscotland’s mobile museum, Bud.

The factory, founded in 1926, will now re-open to visitors and school groups following the project to showcase its history and heritage. Thirty-three disabled veterans work in the factory on Logie Green Road, making more than three million poppies each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as wreaths and other tributes.

Her Royal Highness was met by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Brigadier Dr John Reid Thomson, who is also chair of the factory, Poppyscotland’s President, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Helen Owen, chair of Poppyscotland, and factory manager, Major Charlie Pelling.

David Adamson, a wreath maker and tour guide, who served for 22 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, gave her a tour of the factory, introducing the team.

Her Royal Highness has been in Edinburgh for much of this week and many locals have received their honours at investitures held at The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Dunard Centre – making progress

The site of the new concert hall has been handed over to charity IMPACT Scotland so that they can clear the site later in the year in readiness for construction. This will be the first purpose built concert hall in Edinburgh for more than 100 years and is being funded by philanthropic donations from the Dunard Fund as well as support from the City Region Deal. The Royal Bank of Scotland has granted a long lease of the site by way of support.

Read more here.

Levelling Up Fund

More than £16 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund was already confirmed in 2021 and this funding will help kickstart regeneration for the Granton Waterfront area in Edinburgh. The project will start off the transformation of Granton’s waterfront in the first phase of the redevelopment called Heart of Granton, and was used as a Case Study as the Government issued notice of new awards this week. The funding will be used to decontaminate the site of the gas holder and turn it into a greenspace for community use. One of the key aims is to light up the gas holder at night to make it a beacon on the city’s skyline, something which has been done in the past on an occasional basis.The work is due to begin next year.

Sadly the UK Government did not award any funds in Midlothian at all. Owen Thompson MP and Midlothian Council Leader Kelly Parry have jointly written to the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, expressing their frustration and disappointment that Midlothian Council did not receive a penny in funding from Round 2 of the Fund.

Midlothian had placed a Round 2 bid for important A701 corridor improvements, with support provided by Mr Thompson as the local MP. The council today received a brief letter from the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper MP and Minister for Levelling Up, Dehenna Davidson MP informing them the application had been unsuccessful, but that feedback was not immediately available.

Scotland’s share of the funding was £177 Million out of a possible £2 Billion, meaning only 8.5% from the available funds were delivered to Scotland in this round, a reduction of 1.6% in Scotland’s share from the previous round.  Many Local Authorities including Midlothian received nothing. 

The Green Party held a selection meeting n Thursday night and have announced their candidate for the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by election will be Chris Young.

Chris is well known in active travel circles as Co-chair of Low Traffic Corstorphine, and is a local resident.

Chris Young, the newly selected Scottish Greens candidate, said, 

“I’m delighted to have been selected as the Green candidate for the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by-election on 9 March. As a local resident I know the council needs to work far harder to tackle local air pollution and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle. I’m very keen to see big improvements in the provision of reliable public transport and active travel infrastructure in Corstorphine/Murrayfield, and there’s much work to be done to improve road safety around our schools as well.

“I’m really looking forward to knocking on doors, speaking to residents about the positive changes Green councillors have already delivered at the City Chambers and listening to local people about their concerns. The Greens will be going into this election with positive ideas for tackling the climate crisis and ending poverty in the capital. We have a message of action for positive change, in contrast to the lip service of the other parties.” 

Cllr Alys Mumford, Edinburgh Green Group co-convenor said: “Chris will make a fantastic candidate in this election and we can’t wait to work with him to share our Green vision for an Edinburgh which prioritises social and climate justice.”

The by election in the ward has been caused by the sudden resignation of former SNP councillor and Lord Provost Frank Ross. Mr Ross resigned last month following the council meeting which decided that no compensation would be offered to the traders in Roseburn.

Voting in the by election will take place on 9 March 2023.

This is an important ward as the numbers in other parties may be affected by the addition or loss of an elected member. The LibDems are supremely confident that they will add to their numbers as they already have two Liberal Democrat councillors in this ward as well as elected members at national and UK level. The Liberal Democrats are however the smallest party at Holyrood with only four MSPs.

We hope to speak to Mr Young soon and will have profiles of all candidates as soon as possible.

Scottish Trans Alliance, an organisation working for gender identity and gender reassignment equality and rights in Scotland convened a rally on Thursday outside the UK Government office, Queen Elizabeth House.

The Scottish Secretary was in Kilmarnock today rather than Edinburgh and he has now turned down an invitation to appear before the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee. Read more below.

The Scottish Government passed legislation in December making it easier for trans people to get a Gender Recognition Certificate. There is no need under the new law for any kind of medical proof, and the right was extended to 16-year-olds.

The Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, made an order earlier this week under Section 35 of the Scotland Act which will prevent the bill from proceeding to the Royal Assent stage, effectively blocking it from becoming law.

The reasons were set out in his statement to the House of Commons when he said: “The Government has looked closely at the potential impact of the Bill and I have considered all relevant policy and operational implications, together with the Minister for Women and Equalities.

“And it is our assessment that the Bill would have a serious adverse impact, among other things, on the operation of the Equality Act 2010.

“Those adverse effects include impacts on the operation of single-sex clubs, associations and schools, and protections such as equal pay.”

The UK Government also published a statement of reasons why they were invoking the power to block Scottish legislation under the Scotland Act for the first time.

PROTEST

The blinds were pulled down in the government building to block out any view of the protesters, and impassioned speeches were made by politicians from The Scottish Parliament and many others during an open mic session.

Beth Douglas, a trans woman and the Co-Convener of the Rainbow Greens who had convened the rally, said: “I hope the UK Government will be embarrassed in court and shamed for making one of the worst decisions in recent history.”

The right to use a Section 35 order where law passed in Scotland might adversely affect laws elsewhere in the UK could have been used at any time in the last two decades, but this is the first time it has been implemented. Beth continued: “This is a manufactured culture war and if we keep that alive then it means governments can avoid being accountable.”

Patrick Harvie MSP said: “The people in there might close their blinds and not want to listen to us but we are not going to let them have the last say. Trans equality and by the way the authority of The Scottish Parliament to make the decision in the first place on these issues will be defended and will be won.”

Sophie Weddell, a trans woman said: “I am here to defend democracy and trans rights. We were granted trans rights by Holyrood a little under a month ago and now they’re being taken away by Westminster. We are here to say ‘No Westminster, stay away’. We need our trans rights and we support The Scottish Government in their decision and we want that decision upheld.”

Amber Roberts, Equalities Officer for the SNP Edinburgh Western Branch, said: “I’m here to stand with my trans siblings to show the UK government that we will not stand for them using S35 order and literally try, Equalities Officer for the SNP Edinburgh Western Branching to destroy trans rights. Our rights should not be used to make a political statement by the Westminster government.”

Jordan Abernethy said: “I’m protesting the egregious overreach of the UK Government in overriding what is good law that has been produced by the Scottish Government. It has gone through years of scrutiny to produce a good law that is actually going to help trans people in this country. We are people not numbers, and we are not something that should be subject to years of medicalisation and intervention by people who don’t even know us.”

Keith told us that the UK Government is intervening on a matter which is nothing to do with identification or safety. He said: “The purpose of a birth certificate simply marks when you were born and who you were born as. It is not a form of ID and won’t get you into a refuge, changing room or toilet.” He also said that overall he welcomed the new legislation although he was disappointed in the lack of recognition of non-binary people.

Scottish Secretary refuses invitation to Holyrood

This afternoon it became clear that the Scottish Secretary will not attend the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee at Holyrood. He told Radio Forth that the bill is not about trans people but rather a bill which “cuts across UK-wide legislation”.

SNP MSP Emma Roddick said: “It is an absolute disgrace that Alistair Jack is refusing to explain himself to the democratically elected parliament of Scotland – about why he has chosen to veto a bill overwhelmingly passed by them.

“He clearly knows there is no grounds for a Section 35 order and he has run out of ways to defend Westminster’s full frontal attack on devolution.

“It is beyond question that he should appear before the Scottish Parliament to explain his Tory Government’s unprecedented attack on democracy.

“People across Scotland will be left with no other option than to conclude that the Secretary of State for Scotland is chicken. It turns out his offer to work together was nothing more than a cheap headline.

“Devolution is not about what the Tory UK Government decides is ‘perfectly acceptable’ law, it is about the clear-cut powers of the Scottish Parliament – perhaps the Tories should reflect on that.

“If the Tory UK government doesn’t immediately revoke its section 35 order, then it is clear there has never been a more dangerous time for devolution or necessary time to become independent and escape Westminster control for good.”

More of our photos from the protest are on our Facebook page.

Toby Sibbick picked up the ball near Hearts’ penalty box, looked up and saw Michael Smith unmarked on the right wing. He pinged an inch-perfect, cross-field pass to the bearded Northern Irishman who was lying unmarked in the Aberdeen half.

Smith (pictured) controlled the ball in full stride with a deft touch of his right boot and then fired an unstoppable shot past Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe Lewis with his left. Wonderful execution and a spectacular goal which had the freezing fans justifiably on their feet.

The fluency and speed of the move in the 28th minute was breathtaking and it put the home side 2-0 ahead. They never looked back. Three more goals followed as Hearts equalled their highest score against the depressed Dons.

The goal, however, was just one highlight of a heady night at Tynecastle in the cinch Scottish Premiership from which manager Robbie Neilson and the squad can take so many positives. Aberdeen held their own for the first ten minutes but then an own goal from Graeme Shinnie started the rout. The catalyst was a ling throw from newcomer James Hill.

The England under-21 player told the media of his prowess with the long throw at his maiden press-briefing and the tactic has come good for Hearts at an early stage of his loan spell from Premiership side Bournemouth.

Hill has made his mark and the 21-year-old former Fleetwood Town defender once again showed a full gamut of his talent against Aberdeen, his speed, his aggression, awareness and passing ability. An asset for Hearts even in the short term.

Smith’s glorious strike came next and then ice cool Lawrence Shankland took centre stage on 40 minutes. Liam Scales handled in the box, VAR judging that his arm was in an unnatural position away from his body, and Hearts skipper feinted right before sending the ball low into the bottom left-hand corner of the net for his 19th goal of the season. The strike also continued his unblemished record from the spot.

Then, Josh Ginnelly took the spotlight. A flowing move down the right saw Smith feed Shankland who squared the ball along the six-yard line. Ginnelly did the rest.

So, 4-0 at the break, and an unhappy return to duty for the first time since May last year for 35-year-old goalkeeper Lewis, the club’s former No 1.

However, it took until the 61st minute for Hearts to break through again. Man of the Match Shankland (a goal and two assists) controlled the ball despite being closely marked. He nudged it to waspish Cammy Devlin, who had been a real pain for the Aberdeen side during the game, hustling and harrying the opposition.

The Australian World Cup squad player drove across field before sending a left-foot shot into the bottom left-hand corner of Lewis’ net. It was his first goal of the season and how he celebrated.

Other players are deserving on mention in a superb Herts team performance. Kye Rowles, who has just signed a five-year deal with the ambitious club, was resolute in defence, snuffing out danger on a number of occasions when Aberdeen advanced.

Robert Snodgrass provided the glue which kept Hearts together and 23-year-old Sibbick, apart from his sensational ball to Smith, who was lucky that a shirt tug on Scales in Hearts’ box in the first-half went unnoticed, continues to develop his game as he gets a consistent run in the first team. 

Hearts could have had more goals against a porous Dons defence which has now shipped 27 goals in 11 road games plus another ten at home. Some would argue that Aberdeen were unfortunate to come into this game after an energy-sapping League cup semi-final defeat at Hampden by Rangers.

Jim Goodwin’s men were also minus skipper Anthony Stewart and No 1 goalkeeper, Dutchman Kelle Roos, but this was, without doubt, a clinical display by the confident home side which consolidated Hearts status in third place in the table.

The goal cushion allowed Neilson the chance tto give new Japanese signing Yutaro Oda his debut,  the 21-year-old newcomer replacing the industrious Snodgrass with seven minutes remaining.

There were two jolts to the system for Hearts. Aberdeen did have the ball in the net in the final minute but the goal by Welsh striker Marley Watkins, following a run along the goalline by Columbian-born Vicente Besuijen, was ruled off by VAR for offside, and Sibbick limped off after 73 minutes. 

Time will tell if the Englishman is a doubt for Sunday’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Easter Road against Hibs (kick-off 2pm, screened by Viaplay Sports 1), but it allowed Stephen Kingsley to get a brief run after injury.

The question now is, can Hearts cap off a good week, and continue their good form, with a Scottish Cup victory at their arch rivals? 

Palestine Action Scotland say they have shut down the Edinburgh factory of Leonardo UK at Crewe Toll, occupying the roof there.

The group claims that the site has been forced to close “halting production of Israeli F-35 combat aircraft laser targeting systems”.

At 5.00am four activists entered the site, despite the high security and double fence, and have begun “dismantling the site – taking apart electronic equipment, air conditioning systems, windows, while covering premises in trademark red paint, symbolising the blood spilt with Leonardo weapons”.

The activists advise that they intend to maintain the occupation for as long as possible at the factory of Leonardo UK, 2 Crewe Road North, Edinburgh EH5 2XS, to cause maximum disruption against the company which supplies a range of military equipment and targeting systems for Israel’s occupation forces. 

Leonardo, (formerly Ferranti some decades ago), says on its website that it “offers a wide range of defence and security solutions to governments, institutions, and citizens that includes every possible intervention scenario: aerial and terrestrial, naval and maritime, space and cyberspace. We work closely with local customers and partners to strengthen global security, provide essential physical protection and cybersecurity services for people, territories and infrastructure networks and support scientific and technological research”.

Police Scotland has a presence on site and has been asked for comment.

All photos courtesy of Martin Pope.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) has reported the number of deaths involving Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic almost three years ago. The numbers have risen recently but the statistics also show the highest weekly number of flu deaths in more than two decades.

As at 15 January 2023, 16,568 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) was mentioned on the death certificate,

In the latest week, 101 deaths were registered that mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, 17 more than in the previous week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 2,020, which is 450, or 29%, more than the five year average.

Monthly analysis shows that the age standardised death rate for deaths involving Covid-19 rose in December 2022 (59 per 100,000) compared to November 2022 (40 per 100,000). Throughout the pandemic, the highest rate of Covid-related deaths was 585 per 100,000 people in April 2020. 

Of the 16,455 deaths involving Covid-19 between March 2020 and December 2022, 93% (15,383) had at least one pre-existing condition, with the most common being dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The latest figures show that last week there were 101 deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This is 17 more than in the previous week.

“Deaths involving influenza have risen in recent weeks. There were 121 deaths where influenza was mentioned on the death certificate in week 2 of this year, up from 91 in the previous week. This is the highest weekly number of flu deaths registered in over twenty years.”

There have been nine deaths in Scotland in which the underlying cause of death was due to the adverse effects of vaccination against Covid-19, and four further deaths where an adverse effect was mentioned on the death certificate. This is no change from the figure reported last month. 

The latest available statistics show that 4.56 million people in Scotland have received at least one vaccine dose.

Josh Embleton (pictured) is the fifth rider to be unveiled by the Grant Henderson Berwick Bullets, powered by STS. The 26-year-old Newcastle native joins fellow Geordie Archie Freeman, Greg Blair, Mason Watson and Danny Phillips at Shielfield Park in 2023.

He rode for Armadale last season and has also worn the colours of Belle Vue and Birmingham in addition to the Newcastle Gems and Bullets coach Kev Little said: “Josh is no stranger to Berwick fans having been a regular opponent in both the Northern Junior and National Development leagues.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on Josh for a few years now and are very excited to work with him and help him reach his goals this season.

“He arrives on a very low average in comparison to his skill set and we are looking forward to helping him improve that average and enjoy a successful 2023 alongside his teammates.”

Royal Bank of Scotland has handed over the site where the city’s new concert hall is to be constructed to the charity behind the development, IMPACT Scotland.

The Royal Bank site has now been transferred in a long lease of the land behind Dundas House on St Andrew Square. This will allow the development of the site to begin later this year.

A team led by David Chipperfield Architects and Nagata Acoustics are behind the design of the new building which will have seating for 1,000 people. It will become a new home for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and is being funded by donations from the Dunard Fund as well as £25 million from the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The deal was signed between the UK and Scottish Governments and all local councils including Edinburgh in 2018.

Further funding will be necessary and a campaign is already underway.

CEO of NatWest Group, Alison Rose, said: “Edinburgh is a global capital and world stage for international arts, culture and music. The Dunard Centre will provide further space to continue that tradition and offer further opportunity for more musicians and artists to develop and create. This project is a great example of what can be achieved with close collaboration across the city’s public and private sectors.  Royal Bank of Scotland is delighted to play a part in helping bring this project to life.”

Gavin Reid, Co-Chair of IMPACT Scotland and Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra said: “Together, we are building a bold and brilliant venue which is an expression of faith in our city, our country and our future. The Dunard Centre will be a place where musicians and audiences come together to create and share extraordinary experiences. Through this final design stage we are enjoying the challenge of ensuring excellence in every surface, corridor, seat and handrail. Every detail of the building will be finely tuned to make sure that concert going is an inspirational and exhilarating experience.” 

Planning permission was granted by the council in November 2021.

The City Region Deal also includes funding of £120 million for the Sheriffhall Roundabout. This funding is now questioned by active travel campaigners who think the monies could be better spent on public transport and other active travel links, particularly after the pandemic resulting in many commuters working from home.

Janne Kivilahti, Fife’s third top points scorer with 23 (16 goals and seven assists), should be back in Flyers squad when Coventry Blaze come to Kirkcaldy on Saturday.

Jeff Hutchins, Flyers’ associate coach, said the 30-year-old, Finnish-born winger (picture courtesy of Fife Flyers and taken by Derek Young), did not feel great on Saturday but played against Glasgow Clan and he felt awful after the game.

He added: “We decided to leave him out for Sunday but the expectation is that he will be back on Saturday.” Hutchins said that the player, who has also iced for Coventry, is not leaving the club, knocking speculation on social media.

Glenrothes-born winger James Spence is not expected to ice this weekend because of injury and Flyers have two crucial games in the Viaplay Elite League. The Kirkcaldy club host Coventry on Saturday (19.15) and make the short trip to Dundee Stars on Sunday (17.00) and they are desperate for points in a bid to move off the bottom of the ten-strong table.

Hutchins told a mid-week press briefing that Flyers have set a target of points for the next six games, a target which has not been revealed but which the Lothians-based coach believes is achievable.

And the former Dundee Stars player/coach revealed that the players in the dressing-room are confident they can move up the table.

Hutchins argued that Fife, sponsored by Wolseley, are only one point out of ninth position held by Glasgow Clan, who host Nottingham Panthers on Friday (face-off 19.30), and two points adrift of Dundee Stars who occupy the eighth and final play off spot.

Seventh-placed Manchester Storm are five points ahead but have only iced in 32 matches. Fife have played 34, Clan 36 and Dundee 34.  

Coventry are fifth with 43 points from 33 outings and Hutchins said that there are currently two leagues, with Blaze the half-way markers and he reminded success-hungry fans that Fife only lost to the Midlands club on penalty shots last Sunday and Coventry, he added, have been in and around the top five all season. 

And the former Great Britain international pointed out that Fife have battled well against some of the heavyweights in the league this term, Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants and have a decent record against sixth-placed Nottingham Panthers.

Canadian-born Hutchins admitted that goal scoring is a concern. Fife have netted on 79 occasions so far, that’s the worst total in the division with Stars on 84 goals and Glasgow on 87 with Storm having celebrated scoring on 99 occasions.

However, defensively, Fife’s numbers are good having only conceded 123 goals, against 134 by Clan and 150 by Stars, the worst total in the table, and 131 by Storm.

The playcaller said he understands that fans will look at the table and be concerned about their club’s position, but he said that the players believe in what they are doing and their ability to get results in what is left of the regular season.

Mistakes are, he said, a concern, and captain Jonas Emmerdahl pointed that out in his post-match summary after the home defeat by Clan last Saturday, but Hutchins said the picture would have been different had Fife won the shootout at home to Clan last Saturday and again at Coventry on Sunday.

The club earned two points instead of four, but the entertainment and compete level value on Saturday with a tight game, sudden-death overtime and penalty shots, and again on Sunday, was positive for general ice hockey fans.

Hutchins said Canadian left-wing Kamerin Nault was not given his debut against Clan, despite warming-up on the ice, because he had not skated for three weeks prior to the game and that would have heaped pressure on the newcomer.       

He underlined that Nault had to return to North America because of red tape to collect his visa but the forward played at Coventry and Hutchins said: “Nault is out of shape but I thought he did well (at Coventry). We had a long discussion about Saturday but thought it best he made his debut away from home.”

Both Fife and 27-year-old Nault want to make a good impression on home fans and the former East Coast and American Hockey Leaque player is expected to be named in the squad on Saturday. 

In our newly revived ‘Five things’ article we gather together news which interest us and we hope will interest you.

If you have something you think our readers might like to know then do email us with details: editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk

Save the last dance for me

Our article about the closure of Atik nightclub on West Tollcross – formerly The Cavendish – has attracted thousands of readers, and has been followed up by most other papers this week.

Hundreds of people have commented on Facebook leaving their own memories of a club which for so long has been a part of the fabric of Edinburgh’s nightlife.

Many have lamented the loss of a place to go dancing, with one reader telling us that her mum and dad met there in the early 1950s. She said her dad was a great ballroom dancer and always talked about the sprung dance floor. Previous names include Coasters, Clouds, Outer Limits, Bermuda Triangle and Lava & Ignite, and the Hoochie. A scene from T2: Trainspotting was filmed there more recently.

Read more here.

£eith Chooses

This is a participatory budgeting scheme which allows those who live and/or work in Leith to allocate monies to the organisations or projects they would like to succeed. Have a look at all the projects and organisations which have put themselves forward for selection on the website. Voting is now open.

Corstorphine/Murrayfield by-election

The candidates are lining up at the starting blocks.

So far we know of three hopefuls – Conservative candidate Hugh Findlay, LibDem Fiona Bennett and Labour’s Ross Parker. If you are a candidate then do get in touch to speak to us about your plans and hopes of becoming the 63rd member of The City of Edinburgh Council. We have set up a new category on the website where all the news of the by election which takes place on 9 March will be found.

Making music

Tinderbox Collective are celebrating the launch of We Make Music Instrument Libraries in Edinburgh libraries with a performance and open mic session on 28 January at Central Library at 1.30pm.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tinderbox-orchestra-and-open-mic-session-tickets-488569653987?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Newspaper subscription

Finally we are asking for a little help. Our aim is to attract 500 new subscribers to our monthly newspaper. This would secure the publication costs for the year, and would allow us to continue free coverage of the news online. You can buy a newspaper subscription to the monthly edition of The Edinburgh Reporter by clicking here – or even buy us a cup of coffee. Any support from our readers is very welcome and we thank you for reading and perhaps subscribing.

This month’s paper features Rabbie Burns. Read the whole paper by clicking on the front page below