Recruitment company named one of UK’s most innovative businesses
A finance sector recruitment specialist has been named as one of 14 ground-breaking business trailblazers in Scotland by WIRED Magazine and HSBC UK.
Core-Asset Consulting was identified as an innovative, fast-growth scale-up that is pushing boundaries and helping to lead the conversation on major social, economic and environmental issues.
The Edinburgh firm has joined a community which features the likes of Intelligent Growth Solutions, a global agritech innovator delivering more sustainable food systems, Skyrora, an Edinburgh-based rocket company and Numan, a health app devoted to tackling the stigma around men’s health.
To celebrate, Core-Asset founder Betsy Williamson joined senior leaders from the other Scottish trailblazers for a networking event to discuss ways in which to spread the message of sustainability in business.
Betsy said: “The trailblazing event brought together the very best of innovative business leaders across a number of different sectors.
“Everyone was conscious about how to make Scottish business more sustainable as well as socially and economically progressive. It was great to hear about a number of companies which were not just surviving through this economic uncertainty, but thriving.
“Being named as a WIRED Trailblazer, and identified as one of the UK’s most innovative and inspiring businesses is a tremendous honour.
“We will continue to do all we can to raise awareness of socio-economic issues in the Scottish workplace.”
Core-Asset has joined 73 other businesses across the UK to be named in the first cohort of WIRED Trailblazers.
The WIRED Trailblazer hub is a place in which other business leaders can get help and advice from the thoughts and insights of the community.
Core-Asset Consulting was formed in 2005. Initially the firm carved its reputation in Scotland’s globally-renowned asset management sector. However, the success of its model allowed it to expand across the wider financial services market. It now boasts dedicated accounting, investment operations and finance teams and also works in Scotland’s thriving legal sector.
Pensioners take aim with home’s new activity
New archery sessions entertain elderly care home residents.
Active pensioners at an Edinburgh care home are proving you are never too old to take up a new hobby.
The introduction of archery to Cramond Residence’s calendar of activities has been well received by residents who channelled their inner Robin Hood as they learned how to shoot a bow and arrow for the first time.
The home’s Lifestyle team were keen to introduce an activity that many residents wouldn’t have had exposure too to compliment the rich and exciting rota of activities offered which has been tailored to residents’ interests to improve their wellbeing and independence.
Garylee Rushforth, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “It really was a spur of the moment idea – when I was purchasing new sports equipment for the home, I saw an archery kit online and thought it would be a great outdoor activity to try with our residents.
“Initially, the idea of archery was a very alien concept as none of the residents had ever engaged with such an activity before. However, we ended up seeing a huge turnout – with around 20 residents participating in the first session – so we decided to make the activity a regular addition.
“The residents have been loving trying out archery – there’s always lots of laughs and smiles, which is always so rewarding to see. It’s been a great hit!”
The activity was integrated into the home’s bustling events rota, among a series of other sports and exercise classes, to encourage movement and improve the residents’ physical wellbeing.
Garylee continued: “Physical engagement is vital in supporting the mental stimulation and physical needs of our residents, as well as creating a happy and thriving environment for them to enjoy.
“Working in conjunction with our physiotherapy team, we offer at least one physical activity every day. We have seen that increased activity aids mobility and reduces the likelihood of falls occurring amongst residents, creating a safer living environment.
“We offer a wide range of sporting activities at Cramond Residence – from boules, to tennis, to dance. We even held a sports day for the residents, which was a great success.”
Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.
The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.
Edinburgh is a Story to be released on St Andrew’s Day
On Wednesday at 7pm, Edinburgh International Festival is hosting a special viewing event on YouTube.
The 30-minute film Edinburgh is a Story, which shows off the city at its best and includes artists from the 75th Festival, includes some video of a new commission from Scottish Ballet at the National Monument, choreographed by Nicholas Shoesmith, and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in the Scottish Parliament Building. The film is made up of five short films which create a journey through Edinburgh.
The films feature Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery, Ukrainian soprano LiudmylaMonastyrska and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, British pianist Wayne Marshall and Australian didgeridoo virtuoso, William Barton.
The film is available worldwide to watch for free, and is directed by Oscar Sansom (Biffy Clyro, Liam Gallagher, Royal Blood, Belle and Sebastian) from Glasgow-based production company’s Forest of Black.
The At Home programme some of which has already been released during November takes place until 1 December with three digital releases per week, each at 4pm, all freely available to be watched from anywhere in the world at www.eif.co.uk/at-home and on the Edinburgh International Festival YouTube Channel.
See the full programme of releases below.
Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival said, “We are proud to welcome viewers from around the world to join us in celebrating St Andrews Day, with a special viewing of Edinburgh is a Story, which shares world-class performances from some incredible artists from this year’s programme. We are grateful to abrdn for making this possible through their support for the At Home programme.”
Judith Kynaston, Head of Global Brand at abrdn said “We’re delighted to continue our support of the Edinburgh International Festival Digital ‘At Home’ Programme for a second time. ‘At Home’ gives global audiences the opportunity to experience a diverse programme of live performances for free, and we’re excited to continue our association with the world’s leading performing arts festival in 2022. Looking forward to watching.”
RELEASE SCHEDULE
Title: Arab Strap – Music Session Released: 27 October, 4pm Description: Arab Strap perform ‘The Turning of Our Bones’, recorded onstage before their International Festival performance at Leith Theatre.
Hannah Lavery – At Home filming | Forest of Black | Edinburgh International Festival 2022 | 10.08.2022 | Jess Shurte
Title: Hannah Lavery – Edinburgh is a Story Released: 1 November, 4pm Description: The first film from Forest of Black’s Edinburgh is a Story series features a performance of Makar Hannah Lavery’s titular poem. The special commissioned piece was also performed at the International Festival’s Opening Event, MACRO, at BT Murrayfield this year.
Title: Behind-the-scenes – Edinburgh is a Story Released: 2 November, 4pm Description: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of At Home, featuring interviews with Oscar Sansom (Director), Beth Allan (Producer), Hannah Lavery, William Barton, Wayne Marshall, Sian.
Title: Jordi Savall – Music Session Released: 3 November, 4pm Description: Jordi Savall performs with an ensemble of musicians from Hespèrion XXI from the stage of the Queen’s Hall.
William Barton – At Home filming | Forest of Black | Edinburgh International Festival 2022 | 12.08.2022 | Andrew Perry
Title: William Barton – Edinburgh is a Story Released: 8 November, 4pm Description: The second part of the Edinburgh is a Story series features Australian digeridoo player William Barton as he performs ‘The Rising of Mother Country’ from the Salisbury Crags.
Title: Brandenburg Concertos – Full Concert Released: 9 November, 4pm Description: The first full concert recording from the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival features Richard Egarr leading The Brandenburg Concertos, a collection of Bach’s iconic compositions filmed as live at the Queen’s Hall.
Title: Brìghde Campbell – Music Session Released: 10 November, 4pm Description: Brìghde Campbell who featured in MACRO is a leading contemporary performer of Celtic music and plays a rendition of ‘Clann Ulaidh’ backstage at Leith Theatre.
Title: Wayne Marshall – Edinburgh is a Story Release Date: 15 November, 4pm Description: Edinburgh is a Story continues as audiences join Wayne Marshall in a unique and intimate performance from the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Title: Saul – Highlights
Released: 16 November, 4pm
Description: Filmed highlights of The English Concert’s performance of Handel’s Saul at the Usher Hall as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, conducted by John Butt and featuring Neal Davies in the title role
Title: Aref Ghorbani – Music Session Released: 17 November, 4pm Description: Aref Ghorbani performs the Persian folk song recorded ahead of Vocal, part of 2022’s Refuge series, in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council.
Soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska in the Garden Lobby at The Scottish Parliament
Title: Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra – Edinburgh is a Story Released: 22 November, 4pm Description: The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson and featuring soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska, perform ‘Abscheulicher, komm Hoffnung’ from Beethoven’s Fidelio in a historic performance at the Scottish Parliament Building, reflecting Edinburgh’s position as a twinned city of Kyiv.
Title: The Closing Concert – Full Concert Released: 23 November, 4pm Description: The closing concert of the 2022 Festival, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius marks the final full performance recording, a grand spectacle performed by the RSNO led Sir Andrew Davis and featuring the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.
Title: Sian – Music Session Released: 24 November, 4pm Description: Gaelic vocal trio Sian performs ‘Na Gamhna Geala’ outside of Leith Theatre before their performance in Niteworks: Comann which closed the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival.
Title: Scottish Ballet – Edinburgh is a Story Released: 29 November, 4pm Description: An exclusive commission choreographed by Nicholas Shoesmith features dancer James Garrington concluding the singular releases of the Edinburgh is a Story series.
Title: Edinburgh is a Story – Full Film Release Date: 30 November, 7pm Description: Audiences across the world are encouraged to gather and celebrate Scotland on St Andrews Day by watching Edinburgh is a Story in full. The film will take the viewer on a beautiful journey across the city of Edinburgh as world class artists perform in wild and stunning locations.
Title: Takacz Quartet – Music Session Release Date: 1 December, 4pm Description: The final Music Session features the Takacz Quartet performance of the first movement of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s ‘Five Fantasiestucke Op 5’.
Visit www.eif.co.uk/at-home for full details of Edinburgh International Festival At Home in partnership with abrdn.
Pupils take centre stage raising funds for vital paediatric work
Leith Rotary Club supports children’s charity at annual concert
Musical talent from two Edinburgh schools joined forces this week to support a charity transforming paediatric surgery in low and middle income countries.
Around 80 pupils from Leith Academy and Trinity Academy took to the South Leith Parish Church stage for Leith Rotary Club’s annual charity concert, helping to raise over £1,000 of vital funds for Edinburgh headquartered charity, Kids Operating Room (KidsOR).
KidsOR is a global organisation focused on the single task of providing dedicated operating rooms for children’s surgery and to date has provided over 75,000 surgeries in 22 different countries.
Leith Rotary Club chose to support KidsOR at the annual aid concert due to the charity’s exceptional aims, which reflect the club’s motto of ‘service about self’ and conveys the philosophy of unselfish voluntary service.
Rachel Cram, Fundraising Manager at KidsOR, said: “The funds raised at this concert will help directly improve access to safe paediatric surgery and ultimately save children’s lives. We’re extremely thankful to both schools, as well as Leith Rotary Club, for supporting KidsOR’s work and ambitions.
“It is especially encouraging to see pupils actively supporting similarly aged children who are living in countries where the lack of accessible healthcare is overwhelming.
“Safe surgery is something that we so often take for granted and it is fundraising events like this one that ensure KidsOR is able to continue its vital work towards reaching its goal of ensuring life-saving surgery is available to all.”
All proceeds collected during the event will now go towards providing state-of-the-art operating rooms, the training of paediatric surgeons and the provision of anaesthesia to support the charity’s vital work.
Mike Irving, Headteacher at Leith Academy, said: “This is a very worthwhile cause and I hope the concert allows KidsOR to continue having a positive impact on the lives of the children who so desperately need surgery.”
Nick Burge, Headteacher at Trinity Academy, said: “We were so pleased to receive an invitation from Leith Rotary Club and the children were delighted to contribute their time and talents to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”
The charity builds high-quality paediatric Operating Rooms and trains surgeons so they can go on to care for their own nation’s children.
For more information on KidsOR, please visit: www.KidsOR.org
Fine wines and the owner’s gin on the menu
Guests can now sample a new Bordeaux, together with several other outstanding reds, plus the Karma Group’s own “Travellers Gin” at Karma Lake of Menteith.
Known for its fantastic curated wine and spirits collection, assembled since 2016, Karma Group, the collection of 44 worldwide luxury resorts, has introduced a fantastic new red wine to its collection – “Grand Vin de Bordeaux” which can be enjoyed by guests.
With a velvety taste, this wine is notable for its extraordinary artwork on the label, designed by Australian artist, Helen Norton, depicting a creative rendition of the opening scenes of The Tempest, by William Shakespeare.
Other red wines on offer include a 2012 Chateau Jean Voisin St. Emillion Grand Cru, a 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc blend produced at a 14 hectare vineyard around the St Emillion chateau, using no pesticides or herbicides.
Hailing from Italy is a 2018 Le Miccine Carduus Toscana IGT. Named after the Latin for Thistle, to reflect the winemaker’s Scottish heritage, this is a delicious Tuscan wine which is both spicy and plumby.
Made with carefully selected, globally sourced ingredients, such as Tuscan junipers, Balinese sage, Indian peppercorn and French orange peel, Karma Group’s new signature “Travellers Gin” has already made its mark since launch, being awarded a silver medal at the Global Spirits Masters 2021 in the premium gin category.
Karma Lake of Menteith General Manager, Chris Diplock said: “We are delighted to add these two outstanding new drinks to our own Karma Group collection which guests across our 44 global resorts can enjoy, including those here at the beautiful Karma Lake of Menteith.
“The Grand Vin de Bordeaux is the perfect accompaniment to one of our locally sourced venison dishes which we are offering in The Menteith Restaurant at the moment, with the venison coming from Rednock Estate just along the road.
“Our owner and founder, John Spence, is a real wine connoisseur, committed to creating a quality range of wines and spirits to offer his guests, so he is always coming up with something new to add to the collection.
“And as gin is still very much in vogue, a spirit continuing to enjoy a huge resurgence, we wanted to have our own gin too. We are really pleased our Travellers Gin has had such an impressive debut, receiving a prestigious award on launch. It keeps selling out here in Scotland but rest assured, we have ordered more.
“Expect a warm spicy flavour with a touch of citrus, together with a clean dry finish when you try it.”
The Hotel is running its 12 Days of Christmas Karma throughout the festive season, offering a variety of dining and social experiences open to everyone, residents and non residents alike. This will include live music, quizzes, food showcases and more.
Special festive dining is available to book at Karma Lake of Menteith on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The Karma Lake of Menteith Christmas Menu costs £49.95 for three courses, with any two at £39.95 & includes chef’s canapés. End 2022 on a high with Karma Lake of Menteith’s traditional Gala Dinner, taking place on 31 December with fireworks, live music from Fergus Woods, and traditional ceilidh dancing.
For further details on short breaks and dining experiences at Karma Lake of Menteith, please click here.
Islay self-catering business is up for sale
Fancy a change of scene? This substantial and well established self-catering business comprising a B-listed Georgian House, Garden Flat and Cottages which can sleep up to 36 guests is now on the market.
Commercial Property Agency for the hospitality sector, Drysdale & Company, has Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages on the west coast of Islay on their books, a unique property representing an outstanding lifestyle business opportunity.
With a freehold asking price of offers over £1.9 million, Kilchoman, set over thirty seven acres of ground and just five minutes from Machir Bay and beach, one of Islay’s most popular spots, could offer a new owner the option of living in a large family home whilst operating the self catering cottages as a business. Alternatively, the entire estate could be run on a 100% commercial basis, with guests also staying in the B listed Georgian House, which was built in 1825. Able to comfortably sleep twelve people, the House is an impressive detached stone set over two levels. Accommodation includes a recently refurbished kitchen, formal dining room which can seat eighteen, main sitting room and family room.
Next to the main house is a separate annexe building beneath a double pitched roof which includes a one bedroom flat with lounge. The sitting room overlooks a large walled garden with views over Creag Mhor.
The six individual Kilchoman cottages comprise of four, two-bedroom cottages and a separate three-bedroom cottage, sleeping a total of twenty four people. The original block was the minister’s former stable and coach house until its conversion to individual holiday cottages.
Stuart Drysdale said: “Owned and operated by the present owner for the past eight years, Kilchoman is a thriving business with plenty of potential for further redevelopment, subject to planning. Along with all the other buildings there is a large single storey agricultural garage lying to the south of the main house. The extensive acreage available here provides significant potential for the addition of further development or lodges subject to appropriate planning permission being granted. It’s another box ticked on what makes this entire estate so attractive. We are delighted to bring it to the market at this time.
“Kilchoman’s safe and attractive setting makes it an ideal place in which to bring up a family.
“Older children, as they turn into adults, could easily get involved in running the business too – there is a great deal of scope for a whole new lifestyle.
“We expect this listing to be very popular indeed.”
Current owner of Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages, David Thomson said: “It has been great fun building the business, we have many friends from the regular guests who visit, some coming for over 20 years. A great deal has been invested in building the business, particularly in maintenance and improvements to the product. Trip advisor results and guest comments are very gratifying and Kilchoman and Islay cottages is something we are both very proud of.
“Having been involved in the hospitality industry all our working lives, we think that the time is right to move on.
“We have another very successful business on Islay, the “Peatzeria” which keeps us involved. We now have three grandchildren and counting who require our attention, also the chance to spend a lot more time travelling is very appealing. Kilchoman is a very special place, and we will miss it and the buzz very much. There is a lot more that could be done, but it is time to leave it to someone younger to take Kilchoman and Islay Cottages to the next stage.”
The southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Islay is a busy tourist destination popular with wildlife enthusiasts, golfers and whisky lovers. Nine working whisky distilleries are to be found on the island, the oldest of which is Bowmore, founded in 1779. The closest whisky distillery to Kilchoman lies just to the east, Kilchoman distillery, established in 2005, Islay’s only single farm single malt whisky producing distillery. Regular ferry services are provided from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to Port Askaig (1 hr 55 mins) or Port Ellen (2hrs 20 mins). Logan Air provide a flight direct from Glasgow International airport which takes 45 mins.
Victoria Square and The Orangery Restaurant in Stirling is a well-established business with strong growth potential according to commercial property agency for the hospitality sector, Drysdale & Company, which has just placed the business on the market.
This VisitScotland Five Star Gold rated and award-winning business comprises a detached Victorian villa with ten boutique style bedrooms plus staff accommodation. There is also a thirty two cover restaurant and private gardens and a car park. The business has been rated No.1 on TripAdvisor for both accommodation, and as a restaurant. Victoria Square and the Orangery is now offered for sale in walk in condition. It is on the market at offers over £1.35 million.
The property has been sympathetically restored by present owners Phil and Kari Couser, and it has a residents’ lounge. The main breakfast/dining room can accommodate twenty diners, with an additional twelve seated in the conservatory/orangery extension.
Staff accommodation consists of an attic apartment and lower ground floor level room that are presently used by two live-in members of staff. The whole of the lower ground floor level was previously used as owners’ accommodation and has an open plan kitchen and lounge area. There is potential to use some or all of the lower ground floor garden rooms as owners’ accommodation if a buyer wished to live in.
The current owners have run the business since 2013, opening initially as a seven room guest house before expanding to ten rooms in 2016. A restaurant was added in 2019 and the business was rebranded as a restaurant with rooms in 2021. This last financial year has been the first full year of trading in this model without interruption since the pandemic began. The business is marketed as having significant potential for growth based on a very strong and still growing reputation as one of the finest places in which to eat and stay in Stirling.
Updated trading information will be provided to parties on viewing the property.
Phil Couser explained the background to the sale: “Whilst we have no immediate plans to retire, and are open-minded about new career and business opportunities, we decided to put the business on the market now because we always said it was important to sell when you are still on the way up. We opened the restaurant side of the business just before the pandemic and this is the first year of running as a restaurant with rooms without interruption. The accommodation side of the business is very well established, but there is still a lot of growth potential in the restaurant, building on its excellent and multiple rated reputation.”
“We are very proud of what we have created here, Victoria Square being our first foray in hospitality.
“My wife Kari has led in the day-to-day management of the business, before this she had a career in education. I had a career as an army officer before switching to working in senior management within the NHS, which I continued to do until 2021.
“Highlights for us have definitely been finishing the initial phase of refurbishment and taking satisfaction from returning the grandeur to a beautiful old building. Secondly, unexpectedly being awarded our 5-star grading from Visit Scotland on our first inspection. Thirdly and more recently, achieving the top spot in the Stirling area both for accommodation and as a restaurant on TripAdvisor.
“We will miss working with a great team of staff and, secondly, interacting with our diverse and international clientele and we wish any new owner well in their endeavours here.”
A year after it suffered severe storm damage, eco self-catering business, Cairngorm Bothies, situated in the Cairngorm National Park, is celebrating being chosen as a national finalist in the Scottish Thistle Tourism Awards.
The business, which is fast becoming a byword for green tourism, won the “Working Together for Tourism” Award for the Aberdeen City and Shire region. This award “celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working, whether that be with local businesses, communities or a group of individuals”.
Dr Drummond with the award
Cairngorm Bothies, owned and run by Dr Gordon Drummond, who is already the winner of an Unlocking Ambition Entrepreneurial Award from Scottish Enterprise, started off with six “off road and off grid” woodland bothies in summer 2020. The innovative “off grid” holiday development may well have been the very first of its kind in Scotland. Solar panels are used to generate power, with the stored energy driving a water pump to purify water. Wood-burning stoves, supplied with logs from the estate, perform a multitude of tasks, from heating the main living areas, to heating a water circuit for towel rails, providing hot water for washing, and powering a cooking range, complete with oven.
Had it not been for the storm damage another six Bothies would have been added to the portfolio.
Dr Drummond said: “We are delighted to have collected this prestigious award which is in recognition of our team efforts and performance in keeping the business going during the Covid pandemic, and also our efforts in coming out of that quite dreadful period. These were very difficult and challenging times for myself and my team. I very much remember just how supportive my staff were, my contractors, and of course, the guests that turned up when they could and obliged us by adhering to the rules.
“This award is in recognition of their efforts. I am extremely proud to be part of this team.
“This has given us a huge boost after setbacks earlier this year which left us with hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage after the storms. We picked ourselves up and continued pressing ahead with our plans to increase the size and scope of this innovative off grid holiday development. We now look forward to being a part of the National Awards, representing the North East of Scotland.
“Those who have stayed in the Bothies over the past two seasons have said what a special experience it was, giving them a flavour of the considerations of sustainable living, integrated into nature, whilst in the spectacular setting of an ancient woodland.
“They are for those who want to enjoy and experience a remote setting. We deliberately site them as far from tie in points to existing infrastructure, such as phone, water and electricity.”
Having been selected as one of a number of innovative “green” businesses from all over Scotland to win the Unlocking Ambition prize last year, Gordon received a cash grant, and is benefiting from specialist mentoring to help him grow the business.
Amorist Bistro Bar in Dunfermline gives Mediterranean food a Scottish twist which you will love.
Serving seasonal, local produce with a taste of the sun, the restaurant has unveiled its new Festive Menu.
Diners can choose the three course festive menu at £35 per head every day throughout December until Christmas Eve.
Pick from a starter of Salt & Pepper Squid, Portobello Mushroom Paté, or the Soup of the Day. For main courses choose between a delicate Poached Hake with a parsley sauce or a Butternut Squash and Beetroot Wellington with parmentier potatoes. Traditional Roast Turkey with a haggis stuffing and all the trimmings is of course a popular choice.
There are three indulgent dessert choices: Crème Brulee with blueberries, Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake, or for a taste of Spain at Christmas – Churros with chocolate sauce and honeycomb ice-cream.
Nihat Oymak, owner of Amorist said: “We are delighted to release this festive menu, full of delicious favourites such as pate and roast turkey, but also offering dishes that are a little bit different, taking your taste buds on a culinary journey. Many people may have missed out on festive dining last year which is highly social point in the calendar as we often catch up with friends and family over a meal. Let’s enjoy it this year and plan ahead now.
“We have a fantastic atmosphere in Amorist with a newly decorated interior.
“We can’t wait to show off our stunning peacock wall above the bar, coupled with our mirrored walls which create a lovely warm glow.”
To make a booking at Amorist this Christmas please call 01383 871474 or book here with Open Table.
Masters signs for Monarchs rivals Oxford
Edinburgh Monarchs have confirmed that their captain of recent years, Sam Masters will not be in next year’s side. The popular Australian has signed for Monarchs’ rivals Oxford along with Lewis Kerr as part of a new-look septet for their second season back in the Championship.
Scott Nicholls, who completes a strong top three, is one of only two riders to return from the Cheetahs’ 2022 line-up along with Cameron Heeps. The Cowley side also include three riders who competed for their Chargers National Development League (NDL) side this year – Jordan Jenkins, who rode in the second tier for Redcar, Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen.
Team boss Peter Schroeck said: “Sam is a great coup for us, and we are delighted to have him on board. He has been a tremendous asset for Edinburgh and developed significantly as a rider during his time north of the border.
“Lewis really shone at Oxford during his appearances for Redcar last season and will bring a lot to the team, as will Scott and Cameron who we believe has great potential and is a steal for his average
“What’s especially pleasing is to have three Chargers riders step up to represent the Cheetahs in 2023. Jordan, Henry and Luke are all fully deserving of this promotion, and we wish them every success with us in the second tier.”
Masters explained that he and Tegan have just had their second child, Kobe, and he wants more time with them and he added: “The sole reason I have to have some time away from Edinburgh is the travel from my base in the UK.
“I don’t really want to leave to be honest, because Edinburgh is an awesome club – the club, the fans, the track are all great. I have two good mechanics in Robbie and Cammy up there as well.
“By riding down south I will have a bit more time with the family. I will really miss Edinburgh, and Tegan will too. If Edinburgh was three hours further south I would have spent my whole career there I am sure, but for now I need to have one or two years away – that’s what I’ve told John. There’s no reason other than travel I’d want to leave, I’ve never had any hassle or drama with them.”
Sam’s Aussie season is starting soon with the New South Wales titles on December 3. The Aussie Championships will be staged for the first time for a while and several riders want to get themselves on the Grand Prix qualification path, Sam included.
“I feel I’m riding well enough to be in the GP series, I have beaten these guys riding for my Polish club and I’m keen to do it.”
Had Sam been staying with Monarchs, it would not have been easy fitting his 10.58 average in. A way would have been found however. He is held in the highest regard by everyone at Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway.
Sam’s achievements with Monarchs don’t really need re-stating – two league titles (5-1s with Craig Cook in the deciding heat both times), one KO Cup, two Premier Trophies, one Four Team, one Pairs, and in season 2022 the Championship Individual to sit alongside the one he won with Somerset back in 2012. 233 appearances for the club, 2602 points and an average over 7 seasons of 9.53.
Through his commitment to British Speedway Sam has earned a Testimonial meeting which will be held at Wolverhampton in 2023. This will certainly have plenty of Edinburgh
Silverware bagged by Hibs in penalty shootout
Inevitably, Sunshine on Leith blared out over the speaker system to celebrate Hibs winning silverware, The Capital Cup and there were other issues to celebrate, a record attendance of 8,066 for a game in the Scottish Women’s Premiership.
Photos Ian Jacobs
Reports pre-game suggested that 11,000 tickets had been booked and it was disappointing that the full complement did not show up as the players indulged the fans with an entertaining tussle at the Leith San Siro.
The arrival of a white flare on the pitch after Hearts opened the scoring was an unnecessary and unwanted side issue but, overall, let us hope that those who witnessed the 1-1 draw will come back for more.
That’s what the coaches and players would love to see and, of course, there is another installment of the Capital Cup, this time at Tynecastle, in February.
Hibs obviously enjoyed for winning the Capital Cup and a small matter of the Sky Sports Scottish Women’s Cup Final at Tynecastle against former league pace-setters, Rangers, looms on Sunday, December 11.
However, forget the record crowd and the penalty shootout for the silverware, this game was also for much-needed league points.
Photos Ian Jacobs
Hearts are fourth with 19 points from 11 starts and would have opened a seven-point gap over their city rivals with a win. Hibs remain on their coat tails only four points adrift with 15 also from 11 starts and there was no doubt that Hibs settled into Sunday’s game better than the Jambos.
Michaela McAlonie had a shot saved and Eilidh Adams sent her effort just wide before Krystyna Freda was denied and Hibs forays down the left hand side of the pitch caused real problems for the Hearts defence.
The Girls in Maroon had to thank goalkeeper Charlotte Parker-Smith on several occasions during the first session including stopping a free-kick from Siobhan Hunter.
Hibs continued where the left off in the first half, starting the second session strongly, but it was Hearts who struck first on the hour.
Ciara Grant swung an inviting ball over the Hibs defence from the stand side and unmarked defender Emma Brownlie stole in and sent her header into the net giving the Hibs goalkeeper no chance.
The goal came in front of the Hearts fans in the South Stand. How they celebrated and the goal lifted a Tynecastle team which had struggled to find any consistent rhythm during the game.
Grant was a tower of strength for the visitors in the middle of the pitch and she was aided by Cailin Michie, but it was Grant who sent another tempting cross into the Hibs box but substitute Katie Rood sent a looping header onto the roof of the net.
Hibs did not let the loss of the goal disturb their play and they continued to press for an equaliser however, at the other end, Gwen Davies had the ball in the net with less than ten minutes remaining. She started to celebrate when she and the fans noted the raised flag of a linesman.
The clock ticked down and it looked as if Hearts, who lost all three games to Hibs last season, were on course to claim their first victory over their Capital rivals since December 2020 until substitute Crystal Thomas intervened.
Hearts had failed to properly clear a second corner and Thomas popped up in the box to smash the ball home. That signalled an all-out assault by Hibs in the final minutes as they looked for a game-winner.
Parker-Smith kept her cool to thwart the eager Easter Road assaults taking the game to penalty shots to decide the Capital Cup, sponsored by Baillie Gifford. Both teams, of course, pocked a point as this was a league game.
Hibs kept their nerve despite Parker-Smith getting her hand to two penalties, one deflecting off her outstretched hand, hitting the post and trundling along the goal-line before deviating into the net.
Siobhan Hunter, Hibs’ No 4, smashed the ball into the roof of the Hearts net with her right foot on the decisive fifth penalty giving Parker-Smith no chance. As the ball bulged the net she raced across the turf pointing to her club badge and making for the touchline at the main stand side before sliding across the turf on her knees with her arms outstretched.
She was joined by her elated colleagues. The flags waved and drums beat. Cue hugs and high fives involving the players tto the sound I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) then Sunshine on Leith.
Minutes later, Hibs manager Dean Gibson (pictured by Nigel Duncan meeting the press) said: “Today it was all about the Capital Cup, as much as being a league game. We could have scored two or three in the first half and could have had two in the second, but we are not clinical enough.
“I knew the girls would keep going despite the loss of the goal. They roll their sleeves up and get on with it.”
Edinburgh’s Christmas attracts thousands on the first weekend
Thousands have come to the city centre over the weekend to enjoy the festivities, from stories with Santa and some junior activities in West Princes Street Gardens to the Christmas market stalls, the famous Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens and Lidl on Ice on George Street, all of which will run throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
On Saturday alone 80,000 people filed through the one-way system in East Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the funfair by Taylor’s of Edinburgh and all the Christmas market stalls. The queue begins on Waverley Bridge and not on Princes Street. People are counted in and counted out to achieve a constant flow and no overcrowding.
Enjoy our photos and remember to use the website to get your 20% discount if you have an EH postcode.
Five-star Livi dominate Dryburgh to tighten grip on top
Livingston have consolidated their position at the top of the Scottish Women’s Championship with a comfortable 5-0 victory over bottom side Dryburgh in Dundee.
Goals from Anderson, Mason, Hay, Somerville and Hughes-Lee extend the Midlothian club’s goal difference and maintain their six-point lead at the top of the table.
Rossvale held their position in second with a 3-2 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Highlands in what proved to be an end-to-end game. Caley Thistle had opened the scoring through their top scorer Kayleigh Mackenzie but Rossvale’s Morgan Anderson bagged a brace alongside a goal from McJacobs put the Glasgow side in front. Caley fought back with a goal from Alex Andrews and had opportunities towards the end to grab an equaliser, but Rossvale held on.
Third place Renfrew also recorded a narrow victory, requiring a late goal from Sinead MacLeod to secure the three points after Hutchison Vale had equalised through captain Angyl Learmonth.
Ayr United have moved up to fifth in the table after beating Morton 2-0 at Parklea.
In SWF League One, leaders FC Edinburgh won 2-0 at home against a spirited St Mirren side, while Westdyke moved back into second with a thumping 8-2 victory over Airdrie Ladies in the North-East.
Westdyke had also been given the advantage after the Stenhousemuir vs Falkirk derby ended goalless, the main talking point being a nasty-looking clash of heads between Stenny’s Rachel Vickerman and Falkirk striker Suzanne Wyatt, which saw the latter sent off.
Falkirk keeper Rachel Pirie told club media afterwards she felt her side had got “lucky”, despite pulling of some tremendous saves herself in the second half.
“I definitely think a draw is a bonus, from the performance we had,” she said.
In the battle of the bottom sides, Dundee West came from behind to defeat Gleniffer Thistle 3-1 and leave the Paisley side rooted to the foot of the table.
Pictured: A sickening clash of head caused concern as Rachel Vickerman (Stenhousemuir) and Suzanne MacTaggart (Falkirk) both went for the same ball. MacTaggart was shown the red card for the challenge Stenhousemuir welcomed Falkirk to Ochilview for their League One game where the latter will be designated as the home side. PHOTO Get Harley Sportpix
Bernat Klein textiles adorn the Christmas tree at the Museum
Visitor Experience Assistants Laurinda Kelly and Laurie Turner put the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree.
This year’s decorations are inspired by the colourful textile designs on display in the current exhibition, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour.
The Museum will be open throughout the festive period with the new exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder opening on 9 December, drop-in drawing sessions during the school holidays and family activities as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme.
Visitor Experience Assistants Laurinda Kelly and Laurie Turner put the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree.
Visitor Experience Assistant Laurie Turner puts the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree. PHOTO Duncan McGlynn Visitor Experience Assistant Laurie Turner puts the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree. PHOTO Duncan McGlynn Visitor Experience Assistant Laurie Turner puts the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree. PHOTO Duncan McGlynn Visitor Experience Assistant Laurie Turner puts the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree. PHOTO Duncan McGlynn Visitor Experience Assistant Laurie Turner puts the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree. PHOTO Duncan McGlynn
Accountancy firm bolsters board with appointment of new adviser
A leading accountancy firm has expanded its presence in Edinburgh with the appointment of one of the city’s best-known former lawyers.
Greig Honeyman will advise leading figures at Douglas Home & Co, while tapping into his extensive network of family businesses, trusts, lawyers and corporate decision-makers.
The move to bolster the board comes after Honeyman stepped down from Shepherd and Wedderburn, where he had spent six years as partner and the last 18 months as a consultant. Currently he is a non-legal adviser to some of Scotland’s wealthiest families.
Former Managing Partner of Fyfe Ireland until 2012, Greig joins Douglas Home & Co to help the company in implementing its growth plan after the Kelso headquartered company opened its Edinburgh office in 2019.
He will act as a non-legal conduit for new business, assisting with the company’s long-term strategy and will apply his knowledge and experience to promote the company’s business and corporate finance department.
Greig said: “To be supporting the board and the business ambitions of one of the most exciting brands in Scottish accounting is a great opportunity for me.
“Douglas Home & Co has incredible growth potential which I’m hoping to help promote in every way I can.
“By working closely with the team members at Douglas Home & Co, I’m hoping to add significant value to the business through my own business and professional connections amassed during many years of working on private client and commercial matters around Scotland.
“Accountants, lawyers and all other businesses are incredibly busy at the moment. By formalising relationships with key connections, we can bring attention to real solutions that make life easier for the clients and prospective clients of this top firm.
“It is a developing aim of all at Douglas Home & Co that they wish to be able to react faster to clients’ problems than the client can themselves. I hope to play a prominent part in the fulfilment of such aims.
“As a special non-legal advisor to many families, businesses and trusts, including family and charitable trusts, I believe I am well placed to advise Douglas Home & Co on matters which will keep it well ahead of its competitors in the future”.
Greig studied at the University of Edinburgh and worked at other legal firms including Honeyman & Mackie and Tods Murray LLP.
Well known as a ‘man of business’ and trusted advise around the capital, only two months ago Greig gave up his legal practising certificate to focus on non-legal consultancy work.
The appointment comes at a key time for Douglas Home & Co, which is looking to expand further its range of corporate clients to its Edinburgh client-base, while continuing to grow its ever-expanding range of rural and agricultural clients.
Darren Thomson, Chief Executive of Douglas Home & Co added: “Greig is one of Edinburgh’s best-connected business people – and brings with him a wealth of knowledge that will be a boost to our continued development.
“We’re confident that Greig’s vast network from his impressive professional services career in Edinburgh will prove priceless. Alongside that, his advisory skills are second to none, adding a great deal of fresh-thinking to an already highly-performing team.”
Douglas Home & Co originally opened a small base in the city’s Rutland Square in March 2019. However just six months later it expanded to larger offices in Charlotte Square where it continues to help clients across the country.
The accountancy specialist was founded and remains headquartered in the Scottish Borders where it has four offices, with other operations in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Cumbria and Northumberland. It has 70 staff, has served more than 1,000 rural businesses and last year reported a 4% rise in turnover to £4 million.
Butcher Graham Cherrie retires today after four decades in Albert Street
Graham Cherrie is retiring today after running his butcher’s shop in Albert Street for 40 years, but he is only taking a short break for now, and will be back to help out the new owner, Scott Miller, with the Christmas rush.
Originally from Loanhead Graham started the business in 1982, after working for ten years for John Campbell & Son. He said: “They were good to me, a great family to work for. I have a lot of happy memories but I felt the urge to move on.
“I had never worked in the city before and then this shop came up. I was in my comfort zone in Loanhead – and even when we were coming to see the shop I said to my wife Chrissie – ‘oh let’s just turn the car about’.
“But she persuaded me to come and listen to what Paul – the guy selling the business – had to say, and the rest is history. I bought the shop as a going concern and that was 40 years ago.
“I would like to thank everybody who has helped me through the years – I have a long list:
my wife Christine who has been behind me all the way – she has been tremendous and I hope that during retirement I can pay some of that back,
Jimmy Urquhart the transport manager, and Stevie who drove our van.
All the bowling clubs who have bought our home made pies during the bowling season, the lovely people at the Sicilian pastry shop,
John and Violet Lints who have a business on Leith Walk,
butcher Ian Paterson who helped me through the years but sadly had to give up due to illness, (but great news that he has the all clear now),
Davie Hill the scrappie on the corner, his business isn’t there any more but he looked out for me when I first began in business here,
my customer Lynn who stays round the corner -she’s about the same age as me – but as a joke I’ve always offered to help her across the road with her Zimmer. The next generations of families have also become customers and made me feel a real part of the community here.
“I was born in Graham Street just round the corner, and that was why my mother named me Graham. I’ve always found that quite funny.I have lots of happy memories here.
“The best thing about running your own business is only having yourself to answer to, but I would say that you’re prone to punish yourself more. So I think I am self-motivated. Some time back there were about four or five of us. Now with all the tramworks outside – that hasn’t helped. To be fair though I have to thank all the workmen – the plumbers, electricians, joiners and brickies who have always come in for a pie for years and years. I always had a bit of banter with them.
He said he plans to take up bowling again, to “try and get a bit better” when he has more time to play. He said: “My friends joke that they will start a third side at the bowling club just so that I can get a game.
Graham who lives with his family in Penicuik said he will be sad to leave the street, but the shop isn’t closing. He explained: “It will continue as a butchers shop and will continue to look after people at Christmas and New Year. I am going to have a break for about four or five days and then it is a busy period so I am going to come back and help the new owner Scott over Christmas and New Year.
“After the New Year I am going to take a back seat but if he wants me to come in for a day or a half day to keep my hand in then I would do that. Scott has been here for about four or five years now and worked here before for a period. He is very conscientious particularly about customer care. I think the customers will be in safe hands.”
His nephew, Mark Laidlaw, used to work with Uncle Graham and Scott Gunn, a good family friend in the business for 18 years. Mark said: “He is one of the nicest genuine gentlemen and has become well known in Leith.” Mark was planning
Customer Charlie Johnstone came in for one of Graham’s pies. He said: “It’s going to be difficult coming in here and not seeing him. He’s part of the furniture now. His customer service is superb and it is one of the best butchers I have ever been in.”
The Edinburgh Reporter wishes Graham a fabulously happy retirement (when it really begins!).
Event management company supports Edinburgh charity It’s Good 2 Give
Having chosen Itsgood2give as its adopted charity over the past few years, Fusion Meetings & Events, (FME) one of Scotland’s leading event management companies, which organises events in the UK and abroad, has explained how it is helping Itsgood2give to boost its fundraising efforts.
Jacqui Evans, wife of FME Director, Stuart, has just returned from a sponsored trek in Vietnam which she carried out as a fundraiser for Itsgood2give with her two friends, Caroline & Aileen.
Combined with a host of other fundraising activities, including Burns Suppers, bag packing, Swish Parties, Ebay sales and Afternoon Tea events, Jacqui, Caroline and Aileen have now managed to raise a staggering £21,000 for the charity, with £7,000 alone coming from a series of raffles that Stuart Evans helped organise, asking his many FME suppliers to donate prizes and monetary contributions.
FME is now working with Itsgood2give to ensure it gets best value on its 2023 Charity events and beyond, which include a series of balls, together with its popular annual “Blingo” event. Held recently at the Glasgow Hilton, this year’s Blingo raised another £16,000 for the charity’s coffers. Two hundred women played bingo, won prizes, and danced to band Bleeker. The event has been so successful in the past that another one has already been arranged for next year.
As a business which works with many of Scotland’s leading hotels, FME was able to negotiate a favourable rate with The Hilton for the Blingo event on Itsgood2give’s behalf, ensuring that more money from the event directly reached the charity.
Stuart and his team are working closely with the charity’s Co-founder, Chair and Director of Fundraising , Lynne McNicoll OBE, offering advice and support, as well as the significant buying power of FME.
Stuart and Jacqui were able to see first hand the charity’s amazing work when they recently visited The Ripple Retreat, the purpose built retreat at Loch Venacher in The Trossachs which the charity built.
“I am so proud of Jacqui, Caroline and Aileen,” said Stuart, who lives in Edinburgh with Jacqui. “They did amazingly well trekking through tough terrain in the Vietnam bush. They are still receiving donations through their JustGiving page as they did so much to publicise it and spread the word amongst family, friends, and colleagues.”
“This, together will all their other fundraising activities, has resulted in the amazing total of £21k. We were not expecting anything like that to be achieved, it’s beyond our wildest dreams and is absolutely fantastic,” said Stuart.
“It was absolutely fantastic to be able to visit The Ripple Retreat,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to help and support itsgood2give next year.”
Jacqui, who also works for FME, assisting with its overseas events said: “My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our Vietnamese adventure, it was a huge physical challenge but we trained hard for it. I couldn’t have done it without them, and indeed the support of everyone at FME who were keeping in touch with us on social media throughout the trek. Itsgood2give is a charity that has become very close to my heart.”
Lynne McNicoll said: “We are absolutely delighted that overseas treks were able to resume this year and our trio of intrepid adventurers managed to get out to Vietnam. Despite the challenges they faced they all loved the trek and indeed so much so are already planning their next! Their fundraising was superb – a real inspiration to other fundraisers with their interesting fundraising ideas. To raise over £20,000 was quite simply superb. I’m very grateful to them and hoping they can persuade others to join them on their next challenge!
“For charities like ours it is so important to have charity partners who are proactive and our friends at Fusion certainly are that,” continued Lynne. “Stuart and his team help us get the best deals from venues we might use for fundraising events and provide us with invaluable advice about organising events. Fusion have helped us deliver two superb events in Glasgow and get even better value from events we hold in Edinburgh. It’s not always about a charity partner raising funds for you, it is often even better when they give their skills and time. Long may this partnership continue!”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I was really privileged to sign up and become an ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland today. I think it’s really important that men in particular play their part and stand up and speak out about violence against women. By joining up to the White Ribbon Campaign I want to encourage as many people to think about these issues and help end violence against women across the country and around the world, I hope.
“As a Council, we’re part of the Equally Safe Edinburgh Committee, which is working to make the city safe for women. But as well as that it’s our job as councillors to promote these messages within our own ranks and as public representatives of the city. It’s our responsibility to tell people in our wards and across Edinburgh to get involved in the White Ribbon Scotland campaign and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, and to play their part in creating a more equal society.”
Davy Thompson, Campaign Director, White Ribbon Scotland, said: “We’re reaching out to men in the community to get them more involved in addressing violence against women issues, so that everybody’s trying to solve this problem that we’ve got in our society. Today we had a visit from the Council Leader, who’s signed up as an ambassador for us. This is an important role within our organisation because it involves people in positions like Cammy’s, where he can influence other people to get involved in the campaign.
“But we want everybody, the ordinary person in the street, to come forward and be part of the campaign and sign up to our pledge to say they would never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women, and let women know that they’ve got allies.”
Letter from Scotland
Scots don’t often take to the streets but there’s been a lot of standing about on cold damp days this week. Teachers have been on picket lines outside their schools in the first teacher’s strike for 40 years.
So too have university lecturers. And in 14 towns and cities up and down the country, independence campaigners have been protesting against a Supreme Court ruling that another referendum cannot be held without the UK government’s permission.
There’s the smoke of revolution in the air. Workers of all sorts – teachers, doctors, nurses, postal workers, railway engineers – are all demanding pay rises that at least keep up with the 10 per cent rise the cost of living. The Scottish government is trying to hold the line at five per cent, or at most the seven per cent which it has offered to ancillary workers in the health service. It argues that it doesn’t have any of the UK government’s freedom to increase borrowing or taxation to pay for it. And all this comes, of course, after a decade of “austerity” in the public services.
“What do we want?” Independence campaigners at the Scottish Parliament
No wonder half the country believes the only way out of this quagmire is “independence”. The UK Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday was, to many of them, an expected disappointment. The five judges were unanimous in deciding that, under the devolution legislation, the Scottish Parliament can only hold a referendum with the agreement of the UK parliament.
Nicola Sturgeon has interpreted this as an attack on democracy and proof that the United Kingdom is not a union of free consenting nations. In a fiery speech to the crowd outside the Scottish Parliament on that damp, cold Wednesday night she declared: “From today, the independence movement is as much about democracy as it is about independence.”
In more than slight frustration, she is asking what more she has to do to give the people a choice on independence. The SNP have won every election since 2007 with a promise of an independence referendum in its manifesto. The current Scottish Parliament has specifically called for one. But Ms Sturgeon is going to have another go at persuading the Conservatives at Westminster to agree to a referendum as they did in 2014. She is going to make the next UK general election, in two years’ time, a “de facto referendum”on independence.
It’s not clear what this means exactly, but it will certainly be a useful campaigning tool to persuade more Scots to join the independence cause and put pressure on whoever is in charge at Westminster to grant a second referendum.
The opposition parties have been left struggling to respond. The Scottish Conservatives have stuck to their old saw that it’s all a distraction from the issues of today, the cost of living crisis and the strikes in the public services. Labour have their old master Gordon Brown preparing a “federal” plan for a new united Britain.
The SNP see all this constitutional business not as a distraction from present troubles but a solution. The difficulty is that it’s a long-term solution. And in the short term, this winter looks like a rather familiar battle field between a Conservative government at Westminster and public sector workers, with the Scottish government stuck awkwardly in the middle.
I wonder whether it will be a battle on the epic scale of the Thatcher years or whether there will be a muddling-through, in which we all accept that we have to take a 7 percent cut in our living standards as predicted by the Office of Budget Responsibility. If we do, I hope we don’t forget the 20 per cent of the population for whom a cut in living standards means destitution.
A straight-forward way would be to stop giving benefits to the whole population and instead target them on the poorer households. I have in mind, the increases in the state pension, the winter fuel allowance and the energy bill subsidies.
I’m sure everyone has their own solutions. And their own way of coping with the challenges of the winter…. wearing old coats while huddling round one-bar electric heaters, planning a cheaper Christmas, watching the World Cup, or just plain old hibernation.
I just hope my grandchildren don’t ask me what I did during the revolution.
Edinburgh’s Christmas is now open
Edinburgh’s Christmas is now open to the public with some of the old favourites in place to entertain you from now until 3 January.
All events are being produced by local company Unique Assembly and a 20% discount is available if you book your tickets online.
Here are some of the shots from the opening day and we list below the attractions and how to book ahead.
Christmas Tree Maze is in SantaLand in Princes Street Gardens Tickets from £5.00
Santa Stories is in West Princes Street Gardens – sessions for up to 25 children and last about 25 minutes Tickets from £3.50
Forth 1 Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens next to the Scott Monument offers great views and thrills. Each pod takes 6 people and some can take manual wheelchairs. Tickets from £10.00
Lidl on Ice is on George Street next to Charlotte Square. This is only for children taller than 1.2 metres and children’s size skates 8 to adult size 15. Skating aid penguins are available for an extra £5. As well as the ice rink on George Street there are funfair rides for the whole family. Details here.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is in East Princes Street Gardens. Stalls with food and drink and artisanal festive goods.
Santa Fun Run and Walk – on 4 December 2022 at West Princes Street Gardens raising money for charity When you Wish Upon a Star. Adult tickets £15 and junior tickets £5.
Santa Land is in West Princes Street Gardens on the lower level and includes a Funfair with rides for little ones – for example tickets for Dodgems is £6 per car. Full list of prices at the link – and you may need cash on the day. Santa Land also includes Winter Windows which is free to view – each one designed by a pupil at one of the Edinburgh schools. SantaLand also includes Santa Stories with its vintage funfair and the Christmas Maze. Full details about accessibility on the Winter Festivals website.
Festival of Kindness is in St Andrew Square and is being run together with Social Bite. Free and unticketed but this is an opportunity for the charity to raise funds to spread festive cheer to those who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.
26 November – A Family Ceilidh will be held at the Ross Bandstand in a free unticketed event from 1pm to 4pm.
27 November The Nativity Blessing and Carol Concert at Ross Bandstand in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together. From 1pm to 2.45pm and 3pm to 4pm. Singing for all the family.
3 December Family silent disco – tickets £3 at Ross Bandstand from 2pm to 5pm.
Conifox open for Christmas adventures
The spectacular sight of a flying visit from Santa marked the start of Conifox Adventure Park’s magical festive extravaganza.
Leaving Rudolph and the other reindeer to rest, he hitched a lift and was helicoptered into the park along with his elves at Kirkliston near Edinburgh, by helpers Adventure001 Experiences, specialists in Edinburgh sightseeing trips.
Santa’s arrival began this year’s popular Conifox Christmas Experience which is now even better than ever as Conifox has partnered with events specialists 21CC Productions which is also providing the lighting and effects.
From now until Christmas Eve, families can enjoy a carnival of festive fun, immerse themselves in the world of Santa Claus and all their favourite festive characters, enjoy a Christmas Funfair, in partnership with Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair, (a wee reminder take some cash with you!) and an outdoor Christmas Market supporting local Scottish traders. There will also be various food vendors and a bar available for evening refreshments.
Among many attractions, they can visit is Whoville – look out for the Grinch – the Magic Forest, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, the Elf Disco Village and Reindeer Flying School, Santa’s Sweet Shop and the Naughty or Nice Scanner.
Santa will also be back in his sitting room to welcome every child who will receive a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange in the Toy Workshop for a gift of their choice. We found the gifts to be quality items although the choice takes some time as there are a lot on display! Then as darkness falls the winter wonderland lights up with 21CC’s effects.
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, says: “With the arrival of Santa the countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun and we’d like to thank Adventure001 Experiences for whisking him in to get the celebrations started.
“This year, we’ll also be supporting local charity Kids Love Clothes with their Christmas Toy Appeal and to show our support, we will be donating two hundred toys as well as using our Activity Centre as a drop-off point for any new toy donations.
“With your support, we can reach families who are struggling to look forward to Christmas this year so please support by dropping off a new toy whilst you are here.”
The Conifox Christmas Experience runs on selected dates until December 24, with entrance times at 15-minute intervals. Admission to the indoor Activity Centre and Adventure Park is not included with the tickets purchased for Christmas Experience Days or Nights, but they can be booked online.
For more information about Conifox Adventure Park please visit: www.conifox.co.uk/
Volunteer initiative leads the way to inclusive community
Tenants co-produce resource to better understand older LGBT+ adults.
Tenants from a leading housing and care provider are playing a vital role in creating a diverse and inclusive community.
Members of Bield’s Equality Network have co-produced a ‘guide to terms’ resource to help educate others and ensure that services meet the needs of LGBT+ tenants.
The volunteer-led group focus on inclusivity and fostering a safe and social environment by bringing together like-minded tenants to create a social space where they are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas.
Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy and Customer Standards at Bield, said: “The new resource has been given to all members of staff and is also available in all Bield developments across Scotland.
“The resource covers why improving our understanding of our LGBT+ tenants helps us demonstrate our values of equality and diversity, kindness and caring.
“As a group historically subjected to prejudice and discrimination, we need to take extra steps to ensure that Bield is a welcoming organisation for LGBT+ tenants in practice and perception and our developments are safe for them.
“The guide is available to help colleagues and tenants understand the different terms and provides an overview of gender pronouns. We hope it will remove any uncertainty around the appropriate language to use when interacting with members of the LGBT+ community.
“Our Equality Network has played a key role in developing this resource and have used their own personal experiences to ensure all information is up to date and reflective of real challenges.
“In addition to this resource, we also launched our Older Persons Rainbow Network this year to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, support marginalised groups and ultimately break down stigmas surrounding these communities.”
The Older Persons Rainbow Network meet monthly to explore the experiences of older LGBT+ people living in social housing and discuss the practical steps which can be taken to help promote inclusion and celebrate diversity.
The group is open to all LGBT+ tenants in sheltered and retirement housing across Scotland, not just Bield tenants, as well as any allies who are interested in making a difference for LGBT+ tenants.
Anyone interested in attending the virtual group should contact feedback@bield.co.uk in order to receive a link to the meeting.
Bield is a registered charity dedicated to providing flexible housing solutions and support for older people. Bield Housing and Care has 180 developments across Scotland, providing independent living for those aged 55+.
This event is taking place online to fit in around family, work and life – and it only lasts an hour but will provide would-be volunteers with all the information they need.
Edinburgh North East Scouts
Did you know Edinburgh North East Scouts has almost 100 young people on a waiting list to join? And they need new helpers to support their 14 Scout Groups in Portobello, Craigentinny,Craigmillar, Duddingston, Calton, Joppa, Stockbridge, Pilrig, Broughton, Trinity, Leith, Newhaven, Wardie and Willowbrae. Sign up for this event to find out about the exciting things the Scout Groups get up to and flexible volunteering opportunities.
Scouting goes far beyond being a progressive programme of activities designed to help the young develop holistically. It provides a foundation for great values to live by: helpfulness, friendship, cooperation; respect for self and for others; understanding and tolerance; integrity based on loyalty, honesty and trust; leadership, resourcefulness and courage in the face of difficulties.
What could be more important to nurturing the kind of society all want to live in?
This is why it matters profoundly and why we need even more support from volunteers, employers and decision-makers like you. With just a little of your resources – time, talent, money, and goodwill – we can make a huge difference.
Scouting welcomes women and men of all ages, interests and backgrounds to support the organisation. There is no need to have been involved in Scouting or Guiding before; all that is required is a willingness to give some of your time and a positive attitude.
It’s a great way to make friends as the adult members have a lively social and activity programme and many people find that the free training they receive helps in both their professional and personal lives.
It’s not all outdoor adventure for our adult volunteers, they help across a range of subjects from drama and arts through to providing much needed organisational support, on logistics, training, mentoring, administration, marketing, fundraising and as charity trustees. The list of opportunities is almost endless.
Demand by young people to join Scouts in the Edinburgh North East area is healthy which is good but the youth waiting list is growing. To reduce this they need new adult volunteers and together they will enable more local young people to benefit from Scouting. Edinburgh North East Scouts is looking to the local community and organisations to help change the lives of local young people. They are appealing for help to reduce the youth waiting list and support 100 more young people to benefit from Scouts.
District Commissioner, Rob Whitelaw, said, “This isn’t a job application, and you certainly don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting and in fact not many of our volunteers are! Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills, and you can volunteer and help in many ways. Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with us are flexible. Think of something you’d like to do, and chances are it’s just what we require. Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you!”
Edinburgh’s Christmas produced by Unique Assembly will take place in East and West Princes Street Gardens and also on George Street.
Here is your quick guide to what is on and how to book tickets. Remember that if you have an EH postcode you will get a 20% discount by booking online.
All events open today, Friday – some from 10am this morning and others will open later in the day.
26 November – A Family Ceilidh will be held at the Ross Bandstand in a free unticketed event from 1pm to 4pm.
27 November The Nativity Blessing and Carol Concert at Ross Bandstand in collaboration with Edinburgh Churches Together. From 1pm to 2.45pm and 3pm to 4pm. Singing for all the family.
3 December Family silent disco – tickets £3 at Ross Bandstand from 2pm to 5pm.
Christmas Tree Maze is in SantaLand in Princes Street Gardens Tickets from £5.00
Santa Stories is in West Princes Street Gardens – sessions for up to 25 children and last about 25 minutes Tickets from £3.50
Forth 1 Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens next to the Scott Monument offers great views and thrills. Each pod takes 6 people and some can take manual wheelchairs. Tickets from £10.00
Lidl on Ice is on George Street next to Charlotte Square. This is only for children taller than 1.2 metres and children’s size skates 8 to adult size 15. Skating aid penguins are available for an extra £5. As well as the ice rink on George Street there are funfair rides for the whole family. Details here.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is in East Princes Street Gardens. Stalls with food and drink and artisanal festive goods.
Santa Fun Run and Walk – on 4 December 2022 at West Princes Street Gardens raising money for charity When you Wish Upon a Star. Adult tickets £15 and junior tickets £5.
Santa Land is in West Princes Street Gardens on the lower level and includes a Funfair with rides for little ones – for example tickets for Dodgems is £6 per car. Full list of prices at the link – and you may need cash on the day. Santa Land also includes Winter Windows which is free to view – each one designed by a pupil at one of the Edinburgh schools. SantaLand also includes Santa Stories with its vintage funfair and the Christmas Maze. Full details about accessibility on the Winter Festivals website.
Festival of Kindness is in St Andrew Square and is being run together with Social Bite. Free and unticketed but this is an opportunity for the charity to raise funds to spread festive cheer to those who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.
Santa is getting ready… PHOTO Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
Operation Winter City will begin on Saturday
Police in Edinburgh have launched this year’s campaign to keep those who live, work and visit Edinburgh safe during the festive season.
Running between Saturday 25 November, 2022 and Tuesday 3 January 2023 inclusive, Operation Winter City is a dedicated and high-visibility policing presence throughout the city centre, providing public reassurance and deterring criminal activity.
With no Covid restrictions in place this year, it is anticipated that that the capital’s attractions will return to full capacity, with licensed and retail premises expected to be considerably busier than recent festive periods.
Throughout the operation, officers will undertake foot and mobile patrols across the city centre, to engage with the public, offer reassurance and respond to any incidents that may arise.
The officers working as part of Operation Winter City look forward to engaging with the public and offering a range of crime prevention and personal safety information and anyone visiting the city centre is encouraged to go and speak with them, should they require anything.
A number of specialist and national resources will also support the scheme.
Superintendent Sam Ainslie, Gold Commander for Operation Winter City, said: “I am privileged to be leading this year’s event, and with no restrictions in place, I fully expect that the city centre will be back to its vibrant best.
“As with all other times of the year, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone enjoys Edinburgh’s events, attractions and venues safely. However, notwithstanding our efforts, the public also have a vital role in helping us achieve this.
“I would ask that if you are heading into the city centre at any point over Christmas and New Year, that you make sure that you know how you will be travelling, both there and back. Please also ensure that you keep hold of your belongings at all times.
“Know your limits when drinking, and don’t ruin your or someone else’s night out by the over-consumption of alcohol. You will undoubtedly see our officers out on patrol, engaging with licensed premises staff and keeping Edinburgh’s communities safe. Violent or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and should you become involved in a crime linked to alcohol, we can impose ‘Think Twice’ bail conditions, which will mean that you won’t be permitted to visit another pub, club or shop that sells alcohol in the city centre until the conclusion of your trial. Please don’t take the risk.
“As with other major events in Edinburgh, we will benefit from the additional support offered by officers and staff drawn from across Police Scotland, and I am grateful for the efforts of all colleagues forming part of Operation Winter City 2022.
“We will regularly post what our officers are doing to keep you safe during this year’s campaign, including crime prevention and personal safety updates, so please follow Edinburgh Police Division on Facebook, or on Twitter @EdinburghPolice.
“ As ever, Edinburgh City Division wishes you and your loved ones a safe festive period”.
Edinburgh Christmas 2021, Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens
Photography exhibition ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’ opens at City Art Centre
A new exhibition of street photography by the artist Paul Duke (b.1965) this November, depicting contemporary life in the Muirhouse area of Edinburgh, opens at the capital’s City Art Centre.
‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’ features 38 large-scale black and white photographs documenting the built environment and residents of Muirhouse. It is accompanied by a short film by Julian Ward, in which Paul Duke talks about his work and the experience of creating the series. This is the first time ‘No Ruined Stone’ has been displayed as a full-scale exhibition, bringing the photographs back to the artist’s home city.
Paul Duke grew up in Muirhouse, in the north of Edinburgh, between the mid-1960s and early 1980s. He attended the local Craigroyston High School, where his teachers inspired him to consider art as a possible future career. Drawn to photography, he enrolled at Napier College (now Edinburgh Napier University), before gaining a place to study at the Royal College of Art in London. From here, he established himself as a lens-based artist.
In 2015 Duke returned to Muirhouse to develop ‘No Ruined Stone’. This series was conceived as the second part of a photographic trilogy by Duke which examines the social climate in modern-day Scotland. It takes its name from the poetry of the Scots writer Hugh MacDiarmid. For ‘No Ruined Stone’, the artist spent time meeting local people and talking with them; reconnecting with his roots and exploring how the Muirhouse community had changed since his own upbringing there.
The exhibition at the City Art Centre presents a selection of 38 photographs from ‘No Ruined Stone’. It features views of homes and other architectural structures, surrounded by elements of the natural world. Portraits of local residents punctuate the otherwise unpopulated setting, giving a sense of the community’s identity – something that is too often misrepresented in popular culture and elsewhere.
Duke’s understated yet powerful images depict Muirhouse at a time of significant urban regeneration and social flux. While raising issues around social inequality and poverty, ‘No Ruined Stone’ is underpinned by a message of human resilience, strength of character, and ultimately, hope.
Artist Paul Duke said: “When I started work on ‘No Ruined Stone’ in 2015, my greatest wish was to create a narrative that gave voice to the residents of Muirhouse – to challenge misrepresentation by portraying the community and local environment with honesty, fairness and dignity.
“I wanted to offer personal insight and in doing so, address pressing questions around social injustice. With millions of people up and down the land dealing with the cost of living crisis, I believe that these photographs have taken on new meaning and are now more relevant than ever”.
Curator Dr Helen Scott said: “It’s been a real privilege to work with Paul Duke on bringing this exhibition to the City Art Centre. ‘No Ruined Stone’ is an important body of work that is both hard-hitting and reflective, socially-engaged and highly personal. There is heart and truth in these photographs, and the images linger with you long after you’ve seen them”.
Councillor Val Walker, Convener of Culture and Communities, said: “We are delighted to present Edinburgh’s own ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’ at the City Art Centre. His wonderful photographs will be on display for the first time as a full-scale exhibition and I’m sure visitors will be captivated by the series on contemporary life in the Muirhouse area of the Capital and the changes in the community”.
“The aim of our City Art Centre is to champion historic and contemporary Scottish visual and applied arts, so I’m delighted that we can display Paul’s work in his home city”.
The exhibition is accompanied by the publication ‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’ (Hartmann Books, 2018).
‘Paul Duke: No Ruined Stone’ opens on Saturday 26 November 2022, and runs until 19 February 2023. Admission is free.
Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ launches in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, but the impact is even more devastating to the vulnerable and those who experience homelessness. Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ launched this year in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square in a bid to provide 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items this winter to people experiencing homelessness this festive period.
The charities campaign has expanded to five cities across the UK – including Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen – and is asking people to donate meals, gifts, essential items and accommodation to those who need it most.
Social Bite will light up locations in these cities with projections to emphasise that “‘”in a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Five 28ft tall Christmas trees are being installed in the cities with people encouraged to drop an extra gift off and contribute to a movement of kindness.
This year there is the addition of the Social Bite Virtual Shop, that those who are unable to make it to the tree to share a physical gift they can still contribute by shopping online.
The charity has created a gift wish list of the items homeless and vulnerable people need the most – from a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, to good quality socks and toys for children to open on Christmas morning.
Christmas market to open on Castle Street
The outdoor market on Castle Street is due to open on Saturday and will remain open until 23 December, although traders may replace each other in an everchanging tableau of Christmas goodies.
The festive gazebos will reveal artisan, bespoke ethical and fair trade products, handcrafted gifts and a selection of food and drink.
Tania Pramschufer, director ofLocalMotive Markets who run the market both here and at Ocean Terminal, (which opens on Friday) said: “We are seeing some amazing talent coming through – and this year with twenty stalls, we have “Loved by Bridget” handmade pebble art and upcycled items made by Lisa from Leven – who has a real passion for all things coastal. Also Borders based, Bowbrook Studios making exquisite collectible figurines with everything from farm animals to otters and discover Leanme Art Studio – artist Arias Deniz’s colourful sketches and paintings of Edinburgh streets and houses as well as jewellery.”
“We have built a strong market following from all the artists, producers and local people involved. We are inviting our festive visitors to browse and enjoy our market with the opportunity to buy some unique and affordable gifts – for example Gecko Gifts; Frangipani Toby Jewels, Floraidh Soaps, Gamries Candles and 100% Cards, and authentic Sicilian confectionery by Tipico, a sumptuous range of cheeses from Damn Fine Cheese and out of this world delicious range of chilli jams from Slaped Toasties…..
“Come and join us at our markets and take time to chat to the makers directly, as they each have a terrific story to tell about how they got started – some family run businesses, some part-time creativity or a new life venture – they all have some truly amazing stories to tell. Maybe they will inspire you to become a maker too.
Let the festivities begin!
OCEAN TERMINAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening hours are Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm
Friday to Sunday – 25 to 27 November
Thursday to Sunday – 1 to 4 December
Thursday to Sunday – 8 to 11 December
Thursday to Sunday – 15 to 18 December
Monday to Friday – 19 to 23 December
Council formalises its support bike buses
Cllr Jule Bandel, Edinburgh Greens transport spokesperson proposed a motion at today’s council meeting calling for the council to support bike buses. These are organised cycle rides to school in the morning which are accompanied by adults – usually parents – and the ride moves as one vehicle.
This means that at junctions marshalls peel off from the ride to stop the traffic to allow all cyclists through at once, ensuring their safety. Often these rides have been accompanied by police officers on bicycles. In the case of the ride to James Gillespie’s Primary School the traffic lights on Strathearn Road are manually switched to green to allow the bike bus to pass through more easily. That ride has the lovely gardens at Ashley Ainslie as part of its route along with other quiet roads – and of course the extra protection of stopped up streets introduced under Spaces for People.
The motion was agreed by the other political groups on the council. Cllr Bandel said: “I’m delighted the council has agreed to support bike buses at today’s council meeting. Bike buses are an important way to provide young people with a fun and safe way to cycle to school and it’s important they are supported by the council. Cycling and walking to school brings considerable benefits, both for the health and well-being of the children themselves, but also for wider society with reduced congestion, air pollution and climate change emissions.
“Of course, while bike buses are an important way to support those cycling to school, they are not a substitute for investment in safe segregated cycling infrastructure. Green councillors will continue to press for increased investment in wider pavements and dedicated cycle paths to ensure that school kids do not need to share road space with one-ton metal boxes.”
The motion to council was as follows:
By Councillor Bandel – Bike Buses
“Council:
Notes that bike buses offer pupils a safe way to cycle to school as part of a group, promote cycling as an enjoyable activity, increase young people’s confidence to cycle on the road, and reduce emissions and congestion around schools.
Recognises that pupils should not need to rely on bike buses to safely cycle to school and reaffirms the Council’s commitment to create safer streets for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Notes that Edinburgh currently has 6 active bike buses and thanks all volunteers involved in setting up and running bike buses across the city. Further thanks officers for their work to date on supporting bike buses since Councillor Miller’s ‘Bike Buses’ motion to Transport and Environment Committee in February 2020.
Commends volunteers at Sciennes Primary School and Blackford Safe Routes for creating a guide to running a bike bus which has been enabling more schools to offer a bike bus.
Recognises that more schools might be interested in setting up bike buses but may not be aware of the support and expertise that is available to them.
6) Requests road safety officers to write to all primary schools in Edinburgh to encourage them to set up a bike bus and disseminate relevant guidance and support prepared by experienced bike bus organisers.”
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