Looking for a way to support older people and help them to keep warm this winter, Lifeacre Edinburgh, the charity based in Stockbridge, has begun an urgent appeal.

The Winter Warmer campaign will allow LifeCare to extend its services this winter – including turning their community café into a welcoming warm space with free heat, hot food, companionship and activities – even at the weekends.

The charity is asking everyone to support them with a donation which will allow them to add to its services of day clubs, help at home, meals on wheels, unpaid carers support and companionship. The LifeCare café is an integral part of their service but it also provides funds to the charity from its operational profits.

The charity reaches people with dementia, reduced mobility and who struggle on low incomes. Their clients may have mental health concerns and LifeCare recognise the need to keep people in their own homes living well and independently for as long as possible.

James Wells, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “We are extremely worried about those in our community.  The cold, dark months are always difficult, and this year, with rising food and fuel costs, it will be devastating for many. Older people are still coming to terms with the aftermath of the covid restrictions; abilities and mobility deteriorated rapidly and enquiries for our help are rising, up 250% in some services.  Now hit by the cost-of-living crisis these same people, who are just regaining the confidence and motivation to get back to their communities, can’t afford to take part in activities or meet friends for food/drink.  On top of the ‘heat or eat’ dilemma they face this winter they are also at risk of serious social isolation.

“LifeCare has a long history of supporting and empowering older people to live life to the full, but as a charity we rely on donations to enable us to deliver our lifesaving and life-affirming services.  Thanks to our care, we will ensure that each older person receives the support they need.  We will make sure they are warm in their homes, they eat well, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely.  We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift to our Winter Warmer appeal.  With support, LifeCare can deliver the positive care older people need to ensure they keep warm and well in body and mind.

“There are different ways people can help support.  One-off and regular donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café to pledge their support.  Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need.”

Donate here.

Telephone – 0131 343 0940

The Saltire Society has just announced the shortlisted titles for the 2022 Scotland’s National Book Awards.

There are books in Gaelic and Scots vernacular, on embroidery, OCD, the lost British summer and stories that take readers from Scotland to Tahiti, the Caribbean and 1930s Berlin.

The winners of all six prizes, as well as the Saltire Scottish Book of the Year, The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Ross Roy Medal and three industry awards, will be announced at a ceremony at The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh which will be held on 8 December 2022.

Scotland’s National Book Awards, co-ordinated by the Saltire Society, recognise work in six literary categories (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Research, History, Poetry and First Book) and three publishing categories (Publisher, Emerging Publisher and Cover Design).  The winners of the Literary Awards each receive a cash prize of £2,000 and go on to be considered for the top prize of Saltire Scottish Book of the Year, where the prize includes a further £4,000. 

Sarah Mason, Director of the Saltire Society, said: “Scotland’s National Book Awards celebrate the extraordinary richness in the work of our authors, publishers and designers.  The Awards reflect the strength of the literary scene in Scotland today and the 2022 shortlists showcase a wonderful variety and depth of storytelling.  Congratulations to all our shortlisted authors.”

Authors nominated for the 2022 First Book shortlist take readers from a queer 1930’s nightclub to the imagined life of Gaugin’s child bride in Tahiti, from reintroducing wild red kites on a Stirlingshire farm to a condemned high rise flat in Glasgow and a historical mystery in Constantinople and include a debut collection of poetry and a graphic novel as well as fiction and non-fiction titles. 

Devika Ponnambalam (I Am Not Your Eve) said “I am thrilled to be shortlisted for Scotland’s National Book Awards for my first book! Teha’amana’s story is unique and was, until now, untold. This is the song of the silenced, of the abused, and the colonised. This award nomination will take her story and that of her culture’s to many more readers in the western world.”

Authors Alice Albinia, Mara Menzies, Rachelle Atalla and debut novelist Emme Grae are joined on the Fiction Shortlist by Booker Winner Douglas Stuart and a previous winner of Saltire Book of the Year, James Robertson. Poetry books nominated this year include collections from Hannah Lavery, Claire Askew, Andrés N Ordorica, Maria Sledmere and Gaelic writer Marcas Mac an Tuairneir.

The Research Shortlist celebrates books on topics as wide ranging as the origin of settlement names on the Isle of Lewis, Scottish national identity in the 19th Century and court poetry in late Medieval Scotland.   The Non-Fiction Shortlist includes books from artist Alison Watt, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and journalist Chitra Ramaswamy while the History Shortlist features two books on Scotland’s relationship with the African slave trade by Alex Renton and David Alston and two histories of Scottish Monarchs – Mary Queen of Scots and Mael Coluim III.  

Claire Hunter (Embroidering Her Truth) said: “I am thrilled to be shortlisted for a Saltire Award. It is not only a delight to find my book, and my research, appreciated but also a pleasure to know that my exploration of Mary, Queen of Scots’ material world has been welcomed as a new and revelatory approach into the Scottish queen’s story.” 

Alastair McKay said: “I’m chuffed that Alternatives to Valium has been shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s prestigious National Book Awards. Though it is disguised as a punk rock fanzine, the book is an attempt to revisit the idealistic open-mindedness of youth, so it’s a great thrill to think that it may have succeeded on some level.”

Alison Stevenson from the National Library of Scotland said: “The National Library is pleased to support Scotland’s National Book Awards. Because of libraries, books are a free way for people to engage with Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and are no doubt providing great solace and entertainment to people right now. These awards are an important way to celebrate and connect those who write books with those who enjoy them.”

In addition to the National Book Awards, the Saltire Society presents three industry awards; Publisher of the Year and Emerging Publisher of the Year which are presented in partnership with Publishing Scotland and Book Cover of the Year which celebrates the enormous talent in Scottish design and the importance of the relationship between the designer, publisher and author.  Shortlists for these awards will be announced on 1 December.

The Ross Roy Medal, commemorating the outstanding contribution to Scottish literature made by Professor G. Ross Roy of South Carolina University, is awarded annually to the best PhD thesis submitted on a subject relating to Scottish literature and judged by the University Committee for Scottish Literature.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is for individuals who have made and are making a lasting impact and are imbedded in the literary culture of Scotland. Nominees must be either born in Scotland, are currently living in Scotland or working in or for Scotland.  

The Scottish National Book Awards have been awarded by the Saltire Society since 1937 and in 2022 are supported by The National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Historical Review Trust.  All entrants must be born in Scotland, live in Scotland or their books must be about Scotland.  

The winners of each category will receive a bespoke Award created by Inverness-based artist Simon Baker of Evergreen Studios.  Winners of all the Awards will be announced at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh on the evening of 8 December attended by the judges, shortlisted authors and publishers.  T

he ceremony will be live-streamed and tickets to watch online are available from 15 November on www.saltiresociety.org.uk.

THE SHORTLISTS

Fiction Award – Shortlist

Be Guid Tae Yer Mammy by Emma Grae (Published by Unbound)

Blood and Gold by Mara Menzies (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

Cwen by Alice Albinia (Published by Serpents Tail)

News of the Dead by James Robertson (Published by Hamish Hamilton, Penguin Randomhouse UK)

The Pharmacist by Rachelle Atalia (Published by Hodder & Stoughton)

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (Published by Pan MacMillan/Picador)

Non Fiction Award – Shortlist 

Alison Watt:  A Portrait without Likeness by Alison Watt (Published by National Galleries of Scotland)

Alternatives to Valium by Alastair McKay (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

Homelands by Chitra Ramaswamy (Published by Canongate Books)

One Body by Catherine Simpson (Published by Saraband)

The Eternal Season: A Journey Through Our Changing British Summer by Stephen Rutt (Published by Elliott & Thompson)

Seven Ways to Change the World by Gordon Brown (Published by Simon & Schuster UK)

History Award – Shortlist

Blood Legacy by Alex Renton (Published by Canongate Books)

Mael Coluim III, Canmore by Neil McGuigan (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

R. B. Cunninghame Graham and Scotland: Party, Prose, and Political Aesthetic by Lachlan Gow Munro (Published by Edinburgh University Press)

Slaves and Highlanders: Silenced Histories of Scotland and the Caribbean by David Alston (Published by Edinburgh University Press)

Embroidering Her Truth by Clare Hunter (Published by Hodder & Stoughton – Sceptre)

Putting the Tea in Britain by Les Wilson (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

Research Award – Shortlist

A Long and Tangled Saga by Bob Chambers (Published by Acair Books)

Ainmean Tuineachaidh Leòdhais /The Settlement Names of Lewis by Richard A V Cox (Published by Clann Tuirc)

Craftworkers in Nineteenth Century Scotland: Making and Adapting in an Industrial Ageby Stana Nenadic (Published by Edinburgh University Press)

Recovering Scottish History: John Hill Burton and Scottish National Identity in the Nineteenth Century by Craig Beveridge (Published by Edinburgh University Press)

Surveying the Anthropocene: Environment and Photography Now Edited by Patrician Macdonald (Published by Studies in Photography)

Scripting the Nation: Court Poetry and the Authority of History in Late Medieval Scotland by Katherine H Terrell (Published by The Ohio State University Press)

Poetry Award – Shortlist

At Least This I Know by Andrés N Ordorica (Published by 404 Ink)

Blood Salt Spring by Hannah Lavery (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

How to Burn a Woman by Claire Askew (Published by Bloodaxe Books)

Polaris by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir (Published by Leamington Books)

The Luna Erratum by Maria Sledmere (Published by Dostoyevsky Wannabe)

First Book Award – Shortlist

A Sky Full of Kites by Tom Bowser (Published by Birlinn Ltd)

I Am Not Your Eve by Devika Ponnambalam (Published by Bluemoose Books)

In: The Graphic Novel by Will McPhail (Published by Hodder & Stoughton – Sceptre)

Limbo by Georgi Gill (Published by Blue Diode Press

The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk (Published by Doubleday/Transworld)

The Voids by Ryan O’Connor (Published by Scribe Publications)

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Award was open to online public nominations from May until 15 August.  The Awardee will be decided by a panel of individuals from the literary community.  Previous winners:  Alasdair Gray (2019) and Douglas Dunn (2021).

Stuart Wallace, who stands down from the Foundation of Hearts board in December, has sent a message to pledgers out there: “Rather than sitting on the outside throwing rocks, come and join us.”

He would love to see more diversity on the board in the way of age profile, ethnicity, minority groups and gender.

And the former chairman declared: “My main focus for the future is how do we help the Foundation continue to support the club as it moves forward.”

Wallace has spent more than five years on the front line and was the joint signatory of the Heart and Soul Day document in August 2021.

And he said it was important to maintain what he called “the financial health of the club” and added: “How do we offer our support around such issues such as the Academy, the focus on youth, the community?

“The planned kids pledge will be a big part of engaging with the next generation, but how do we create that succession so that when the youngsters start to support Hearts they become pledgers? Get that right and we create a legacy and, hopefully, a competitive advantage that will make a difference for the club.

“When we see the passion that is out there among young people, we have to harness that.”

He said there was a balance in keeping the story of how close fans came to losing the club and added: “How do we make the Foundation part of what becoming a Hearts fan is all about? You come in and pledge what you can when you can so we all know there is that bit going on that isn’t happening in other Scottish clubs. To me that helps deliver what the youngsters are all about and that’s success on the football fifield.” 

Every one of the 12,000 pledgers who have been part of the Foundation movement should be proud and Wallace said he had received enquiries from all over the world. He added: “This shows just how far the story has reached.

“The fact that we have a governance model which is so successful, maybe there is even more we could be doing to shout about that and demonstrate how fans can get involved in their club.

“It’s incredible that we now have waiting lists for season tickets, we saw a sell-out for a Motherwell match. It’s a great position for us all to be in, given where we were just eight to ten years ago.”  

Leaving the chair he admitted would be a wrench and he admitted; “Its been such a huge part of my life and I’ll step down at the AGM with a heavy heart, although I daresay I’ll still be around and about the Foundation.

“For me it’s been a blast, it’s been an honour, it’s been out of this world. What I would say to folk is, why not get involved? Rather than sitting on the outside throwing rocks, get involved and look at constructive ways forward.”

The council set a goal of ending poverty in the city by 2030, but the council leader said that while progress has been made, reaching the target remains a challenge.

The Poverty Commission reported its findings two years ago, and Cllr Cammy Day, the council leader, was the Co-Chair and this is a cause close to his heart.

One of the most worrying facts revealed in the Poverty Commission report was that there was estimated to be around £80 million of unclaimed benefits in Edinburgh during the time the commission conducted its work among Edinburgh residents.

The council through its work with the voluntary sector has since helped families to find around £20 million extra in terms of DWP benefits. In addition the council has in 2022 invested a total of £8 million in providing direct payments to 31,900 families on low incomes. This includes two payments of £100 for each child who gets free school meals. The extra funding has increased the money available for crisis grant payments and has cleared school meal related debts.

Using the council programme called Maximise! the council combines “welfare and debt advice, advice on managing living costs, housing support, holistic family support, employability, and healthy living advice”. The council leader said he is also speaking to housing associations and business to see what they can do to combine resources and offer real help.

In addition to families who are entitled to benefits, there are pensioners with around £11 million in unclaimed pension credits.

Council officers know that there is an increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty, and say it has been apparent for the last year.

Cllr Day said: “There is a huge number of things the city is doing, but outwith what we are able to achieve there are soaring interest rates, and a government that is not sure what to do day by day. Interest rates alone could put another 3,000 people with mortgages into poverty.”

The End Poverty Action Group set up after the Poverty Commission reported two years ago is made up of people who have personal experience of poverty. Cllr Day said it is a very positive thing that this group tells the council what is going wrong and where, “rather than a bunch of politicians or academics doing it”.

The Council Leader is determined to continue the work to help the needy living in Edinburgh. He said: “When we set the target it was ambitious but we are not going to shift it. It will be difficult, but we will keep championing the need to eradicate poverty by 2030.”

A report produced to highlight the council’s response to the Poverty Commission thus far explains some of the areas in which the council has worked with some degree of success, and sets out some 61 calls to action.

One of the ways that the council has begun to address people experiencing poverty is to have introduced a citywide system of advice on welfare and benefits which is prominent on the home page of the council website.

A new scheme to prevent homelessness has prevented around 240 families from becoming homeless in the first place.

A pot of £65 million is being spent on retrofitting council homes with energy saving measures so that they become cheaper for residents to run.

The council also works to try and reduce the city’s unemployment rate and encourages every business here to pay the Living Wage – particularly any that it contracts with. (This has been a very successful year with 160 new businesses newly accredited as Living Wage Employers.)

But the council requires two things of the UK Government when the new Fiscal Statement is made on Thursday: it needs more UK Government support paid to The Scottish Government so that the council in turn receives more funding, and there is also a need for the Chancellor to raise UK benefits in line with inflation.

HOUSING SHORTAGE

Officers warn that the council housing shortage can only be addressed with extra funding from The Scottish Government. And council officers also warn that they estimate soaring interest rates will put around 3,000 mortgage holders in danger of sinking into poverty.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “These new reports show that we’re making good progress against our targets in becoming a net-zero city and ending poverty by 2030. Edinburgh continues to be recognised as a city at the forefront of both these agendas, and we’re working hard to make sure that we continue to deliver on our plans to positively impact on the people off Edinburgh’s daily lives.

“We’ve done a huge amount to support people during the cost of living crisis, including helping families to gain £20 million in unclaimed benefits and reduced debt, and putting an extra £8m of Council funds directly into the pockets of those most in need of help. We’ve also been improving access to fair work, preventing homelessness and delivering housing improvements.

“At the same time, we know that hitting our targets will get more and more challenging every year – particularly in the current economic context – and we’ll need UK and Scottish Governments in particular to step up and continue to support us.

“We’ve got ambitious goals, but they’re grounded in the important task of getting the basics right for the people of Edinburgh. Our refreshed Business Plan stays true to our core ambitions of ending poverty and becoming a net-zero city by 2030, but we’re also shifting more of our focus to working with everyone to deliver on our shared priorities. We need to keep our essential public services running at the standard people expect, deliver support for those who need it most and protect the environment that sustains us all.

“We’ve listened to our residents and recognise that Edinburgh needs a council that can adapt quickly and securely while continuing to deliver the services our people need within the resources we have available – taking into account the need for sustainable funding from government – and I’ll continue to make the case that our capital city needs fair funding to do this.”

Councillors will discuss the report on Thursday at the Policy & Sustainability Committee meeting.

Cllr Jane Meagher was elected as one of the ward councillors in Portobello/Craigmillar last May. She is a member of the Labour administration and is the Housing Convener.

As a former council employee Cllr Meagher was a community worker for most of her working life, in different parts of Edinburgh from Wester Hailes to Leith.

She said: “I met a lot of inspiring, hard working people who wanted to make their communities better places to live, from taking action against dampness in their homes to offering support to aimless young people or improving life chances through adult education. It was a privilege to work alongside them and to help to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

At weekends she likes to go swimming in the morning, followed by a coffee and chat with friends then catching up with emails in the afternoon. She has grandchildren and family who live abroad and there is a scheduled WhatsApp call each Sunday afternoon to keep up to date with their news.

During her downtime she explains that she has been an opera lover since she was a teenager. She said: “My nine brothers and sisters and school friends thought I was a bit odd.

“If I ever had to go to a desert island I’d take a wind-up radio loaded with my favourite podcasts because I know I would miss hearing the sound of the human voice.”

Cllr Meagher is well acquainted with the area she represents. She said: “I’ve lived in Portobello for 36 years and I can’t think of a better place to live, with a beach, swim centre, community centres, numerous clubs, restaurants, shops, schools, and so much more, all in walking distance. Craigmillar has always had a vibrant community life and parts of it have changed beyond recognition, with so much new housing, community resources and now a splendid new High School.

“Throughout the pandemic, young people have paid the price of protecting more vulnerable people and if there is one thing I could do for this area of the city, I would like to help to redress that balance.”

Now that she is an elected member she is Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair work. She explained this is a difficult area: “We are faced with a massive challenge. Edinburgh is a hugely popular and growing city, with the equivalent of 100 new people moving in to the city every week. The problem is that we simply don’t have enough affordable homes for everyone, in spite of our many efforts. We are building and acquiring as many homes as the council’s finances permit and the recent legislation to limit short term lets should encourage landlords to rent their properties to people who need homes, not holidays. 

“Homelessness is a growing problem in the city, likely to be made worse by the cost of living crisis. Ultimately, I would like to end the pain and trauma of homelessness and provide a greater number of affordable homes. To do this, we need the support of the Scottish Government to unlock the borrowing potential to fully achieve our aims.”  

Her reasons for getting involved in politics are pretty clear. She said: “Put simply, it was to to use my time and experience to improve the lives of people in my ward and across Edinburgh.”

But she also admits to tending to leave things to the last minute. She said: “I really have to discipline myself to make sure I’m properly prepared – that way I can be more confident and, if I’m making a speech, I can ad lib more easily and effectively.”

She is also however well used to performing in public as she sings in two choirs. She said: “Singing has helped me through some very difficult parts of my life. I’ve seen what a difference being in a choir can make – the friendship, the music, the thrill of singing in harmony and the fun – all our worries disappear while we’re singing.

“I also volunteer with a children’s choir and I love to see the excitement on the faces of the children and see their confidence grow as they rehearse then perform in the Usher Hall.”

Book Week Scotland 2022 begins on Monday with a full programme of online and in person events.

Members of the public are invited to vote on their favourite fictitious animal by midnight tonight and the winner will be revealed during the week. One lucky pet owner may also win a special illustration their pet by illustrator Esther Kent using the hashtag #BookWeekScotlandPets on social media.

The events include an evening with broadcaster and writer, Sally Magnusson, who will share storied from four Scottish communities. Book Shriek Scotland presented by Kirsty Logan and Heather Parry will bring Scotland’s folklore to everyone’s attention and will feature storytellers and writers such as Garth Marenghi.

A new book, Scotland’s Stories, has been released today by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland as well as exclusive contributions from published writers Angus Peter Campbell, Raman Mundair, Graeme Armstrong and Helen Fields. 70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free this week in libraries and community spaces. Digital copies, including an audio version, are also available.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:”Book Week Scotland is a special time of year, where people across Scotland can come together to celebrate and experience the magic of books and reading. The 2022 programme features a mix of fun, spooky, inspiring and unusual events and activities. This year’s Book Week Scotland forms part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, celebrating Scotland’s rich culture of telling stories. We hope you’ll be able to join in with a Book Week Scotland event in your community, or one of the many ways to take part online.”

Sally Magnusson said: “I am delighted to be hosting ‘Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland’ during Book Week Scotland because this special event celebrates the stories that remind us who we are, that connect us to our families and our communities and that enable us to share the challenges and the joys of life with one another. Showcasing the extraordinary stories from ordinary people at the Glasgow Film Theatre is a great way to round off Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.”

Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland, said: “Book Week Scotland is upon us with an imaginative and inspiring programme to excite, intrigue and surprise. 

“This high-profile national focus on literature brings readers together to engage with stories and meet their favourite authors. 

“In particular this year’s connection with the Year of Stories allows our folklore and rich heritage to be viewed and enjoyed through contemporary voices.”

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC), said: “Book Week Scotland is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about books, reading and bringing together people, families, and communities to explore and revel in the power of words and shared stories. Libraries across Scotland have great programmes lined up during Book Week Scotland.

“Research shows that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent in people of all ages, and with our libraries across Scotland filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability – we hope people will take the opportunity to use Book Week Scotland to start or get back to enjoying books and at the same time rediscover the enchanting world of the many brilliant libraries right on their doorstep.”

Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, said: “Book Week Scotland’s theme around Scotland’s Year of Stories continues our celebration of innovative and ground-breaking forms of storytelling. This has been a bumper year for new and untold stories from people in communities across Scotland.

“There has never been a better time to enjoy a good story and this week’s events will also highlight the wealth of emerging and forward-looking writing and storytelling talent we have on our doorsteps.”

Book Week Scotland programme highlights:

• Scotland’s Stories: Tales from the People of Scotland with Sally Magnusson – Monday 14 November, 7pm at Glasgow Film Theatre and livestreamed online. Join Sally Magnusson to celebrate the real-life stories told by people from four vibrant communities across Scotland. The wonderful pieces in this event have been generously shared by people from the Garnock Valley, Port Glasgow and Greenock, Lochgelly and the South Islands of the Western Isles. Each story was shared by a member of the public as part of Community Campfires, supported by Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022. 
• Book Shriek Scotland is a celebration of Scotland’s spooky folklore – and some from further afield. This is an online event premiering today, Monday 14 November, in which award-winning authors Heather Parry and Kirsty Logan present an anthology of folk tales told by storytellers and writers, including Garth Marenghi, Amanda Thomson, Ailsa Dixon, John Lees and Anna Cheung. We’ll be inviting people to send us folk tales from their hometowns on social media after the event.
• The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes with Professor Zoë Playdon – Monday 14 November, 7–8.30pm at the Sir Duncan Rice Library (University of Aberdeen). Academic and activist Zoë Playdon will talk about her book The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes – a true local story with international resonance – and the extraordinary court case that took place in the 1960s.
• Story Café with Alasdair Gray – Tuesday 15 November, 6–7.30pm at Central Library, Dundee. Join us to discuss the short fiction of one of our finest writers, Alasdair Gray – author of Lanark. Spanning satire, dreams of possibility, and dystopian futures, and with diverse influences from Maupassant to Chekhov, the stories display rich imagination and a storyteller’s artistry.
• Treasure Your History; History: Your Treasure – Wednesday 16 November,  2–3pm at Edinburgh Central Library. Librarian Iain Duffus twill show some of the rare gems the library holds (like the first Bible printed in Edinburgh, and early editions of Burns) in this specially arranged visit during which there will be the chance to explore the awesome book stacks, see some of Scotland’s first newspapers from the eighteenth century, and browse selected local items laid out to enjoy.
• Author talk: Maggie O’Farrell – Wednesday 16 November, 7.30–8.30pm at Biggar Library. Maggie O’Farrell, prize-winning author of Hamnet and The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, will be coming along to Biggar Library to talk about her work.
• Author talk: Stuart MacBride – Thursday 17 November, 7.30–8.30pm at Loch Leven Community Library. Number one Sunday Times bestselling crime writer Stuart MacBride will talk all things crime and share his latest book, No Less The Devil. 

Explore the full Book Week Scotland programme on the Scottish Book Trust website.

Promise-funded initiatives are being celebrated this Adoption Week Scotland.

Two projects are trying to transform the lives of adopted children and young people in Scotland.

Adoption UK Scotland’s #E Project has helped dozens of young adoptees gain confidence and learn new skills since its launch in the summer of 2021. Older participants have also been given the opportunity to join the project’s Youth Advisory Board, where they have had an input into the running of the charity’s services and learned how to make their voices heard by decision-makers and politicians.

The Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption (AFKA) Scotland’s Staying Connected project is working with six local authorities to create a Transitions Toolkit, which will enable social workers across the country to better support adopted children and young people through the adoption process and beyond.

Both projects are being highlighted during Adoption Week Scotland 2022, which focuses on adopted people’s connection with family, past, present and future.

Angie Gillies, AFKA director, explained: “The landscape of care in Scotland is changing and the numbers of children requiring adoption outwith their birth family is reducing. However there are still children who cannot live within their family of origin and for whom adoption can provide family care now and in the future.

“We hear from people with care experience how important it is to maintain connections to support healthy development and emotional wellbeing. It is therefore, imperative that we support children to understand their roots, their journey and their sense of future self. We must support them throughout their family life whether that be past, present or future. We must #keepthepromise to children, young people and adults to maintain the relationships that are important to them and to listen to their views throughout their journey.”

Carol Hunter, #E Project lead, has seen first-hand the positive impact of the project on young adoptees. She said: “In our #E community, our young persons’ voices are heard, fostering a sense of self-worth, belonging and promoting positive relationships, as well as providing the opportunity to build on skills for personal development, confidence and self-belief through opportunities and experiences that gain them lifelong transferrable skills.

“The project is designed to allow them to move through the age groups over the years, going into adulthood with a community of likeminded individuals. As an adoptee I appreciate that some adult adoptees felt unsupported growing up, and projects like ours address that gap in support.”

Fiona Aitken, Adoption UK Scotland director, added: “The existence of the #E project is crucial for organisations like Adoption UK Scotland to centre the experiences and voices of our children, young people and adults who have experienced the care system. We see it as a vital service for our community.”

The #E Project and Staying Connected were both funded through The Promise Scotland, which supports organisations working to implement the recommendations of the Independent Care Review that all children in Scotland should grow up loved, safe and respected.

Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “Adoption Week is our chance to celebrate the positive difference that adoption is making to children and young people across Scotland. It is a chance to come together to recognise the importance of loving, supportive relationships throughout life.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in these projects that are championing the voices of young people with care experience.

“We continue to work in partnership with the adoption sector to Keep the Promise by ensuring adoptive families get the right support at the right time.”

As part of Scotland on Tour, the exciting initiative to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry, celebrated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist George Francis will play Pianodrome at the Wee Hub at Ocean Terminal on Friday 25 November. 

Originally from Gloucester and now living in Fife, George Francis’ music is layered with beautiful harmonies and soaring melodies. He released his debut album, Year of the Dog in June 2022, after producing it himself with support from Tim Lane on drums, Joe Acheson on bass and Bado Reti on double bass.

George’s performances are compelling, with music and lyrics that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.  

George Francis said: “Having recently released my first album, it is great to be a part of Scotland on Tour and to have the chance to perform in places I wouldn’t necessarily have played otherwise. It will be amazing to connect with the audience at the Pianodrome in its new location within Ocean Terminal in Leith. It is a fantastic venue with a brilliant story of creativity behind it, and I’m sure it will be a really atmospheric setting for my songs. It will also be a great opportunity to showcase the album with a full four-piece band and I’m happy that Bado Réti Duo have agreed to do an opening set at the start of the night.”

Scotland on Tour supports the creation of hundreds of concerts and performances at much-loved arts centres, town halls and community venues across Scotland. More than 120 artists are set to perform at more than 100 venues across the country as part of the initiative. 

The project, which has been created and managed by Active Events, was made possible by £750,000 of Scottish Government backing and will focus on increasing the number of opportunities to showcase and enjoy live music, while bringing exciting acts to the doorstep of city, towns, villages and rural communities.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “We’re delighted to support the live music industry with £750,000 to fund the year-long Scotland on Tour initiative to boost the sector’s post-Covid recovery.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for performers and promoters to get back in front of live audiences and for people to back our creative communities by supporting the hundreds of gigs that will take place in venues right across Scotland.”

Scotland on Tour is Funded by Scottish Government and organised by Active Events, with input from representatives from across the industry including Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, XpoNorth and South of Scotland Enterprise.

The year-long Scotland on Tour bill includes both emerging and established artists with genre-spanning acts appearing across the breadth and width of the country, with rock, pop, jazz, classical, folk, trad and acoustic genres all being showcased.

www.scotlandontour.com

Fife Flyers will square-up to Dundee Stars in the quarter-final of the Viaplay Challenge Cup. Belfast Giants face Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers go against Cardiff Devils and Coventry Blaze are drawn with Guildford Flames, the current leaders of the Viaplay Elite League.

Elite League: Fife Flyers 6, Nottingham Panthers 1: Zack Phillips claimed a glory double and assisted on two other strikes as Fife Flyers mauled Nottingham Panthers 6-1 at Kirkcaldy.

Mikael Johansson also claimed two goals and two assist in the emphatic win which sent home fans home with a smile on their faces.
It was Phillips who opened Fife’s account after ten minutes after being set-up by Janne Kaakkonen and Reece Cochrane.

And the home crowd were on their feet again 11 minutes later when Chris Lawrence popped in No 2 with Dumfries-born Bari McKenzie and Laakkonen setting up the chance.

No 3 arrived after 24 minutes when Janne Kivilahti latched on to a Mikael Johansson pass after he was fed by Phillips and it got even better for home fans when their favourites netted the fourth goal less than three minutes from the second break. Lucas Sandstrom started the move and he transferred the puck to Phillips and Johansson slotted. 

Surprisingly, both teams had 24 shots on goal by the end of the second stanza, but it got worse for the visitors when fired-up Fife, sponsored by Wolseley, claimed goal No 5. Johansson had the final touch after good work from Brayden Sherbinin and Laakkonen. Time 52min 37sec.

Panthers finally made their mark on the scoresheet with a short-handed goal just over a minute later when Michael Caruso netted with an assist from Luke Ferrara, but Fife were not finished and Phillips made it 6-1 with less than five minutes left with Laakkonen and Johansson involved.

Todd Dutiaume’s men were outshot 33-28 but still came away with the win to complete a four-point weekend after their narrow 2-1 victory at Braehead over Glasgow Clan on Friday.

Coach Dutiaume (pictured in his office by Nigel Duncan) will be smiles better after that result as it lifts Fife onto 12 points from 16 games, the same as sixth-placed Nottingham, but the Midlands club have played only 13 games.

Dundee Stars, sponsored by Kit-Maft, are two points adrift in eighth position and have also played 16 games with Manchester Storm now ninth with nine points from 13 starts. Glasgow Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, prop up the rest with five points from 16 fixtures.  

There are new faces on the team at Rosebery Venues, the events side of the Dalmeny family business at Barnbougle Castle, Rosebery House and Rosebery Steading .

Malcolm Burberry is the new General Manager, while Max Baker joins as Operations Manager. Two Wedding & Event Managers, Louise Hunt and Jo Kemp, also join the team, bringing years of expertise to weddings.

Owned by the Primrose family, Earls of Rosebery, since 1662, Rosebery Estate is home to three luxury event venues, all within 30 minutes drive of Edinburgh city centre.

Mr Burberry, who is a descendant of the founder of the fashion house of the same name, joins with a decade of experience in hospitality behind him. He arranged the 2019 Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse when he was honoured to meet Queen Elizabeth II. He said: “Rosebery Venues is experiencing significant development, with ambitious growth plans for the next 12 months. I’m delighted to be a part of this regeneration and to bring my industry experience to the business’ growing portfolio, as well as the existing properties that are so well known and loved.”

Max Baker, Rosebery Venues Operations Manager, said: “It is great to be part of Rosebery Venues at such a busy and thriving time for the business. I am proud to work alongside a team of expert staff, each with a wealth of skills and knowledge, to exceed expectations and create unforgettable experiences.”

Harry Dalmeny, owner of Rosebery Estates said: “We have devoted huge efforts to assembling an expert senior team to lead Rosebery Venues into a new chapter of development. This is all part of our vision for the estate’s future – driving growth, creating jobs, and investing in our staff.

“Rosebery Venues is known for its prestigious, premium event spaces. Now with events now firmly back on the cards, expectations are high. I am confident that the new senior team will deliver on all counts.”

https://roseberyvenues.co.uk

Last weekend more than 150 little elves lined up to take part in the toddle walk at The Centre in Livingston, raising thousands for charity as they walked around the shopping mall.

Their route was a one-mile lap around The Centre after they had warmed up with a fitness instructor accompanied by dancing elves.

The event raised £5,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) which provides the country’s only hospice service for children and young people with life shortening conditions.

Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are absolutely delighted our first ever Elf Toddle Walk has raised over £5k for the fantastic charity, CHAS.

“Elf hats off to all the toddlers who took part, who should be really proud of themselves – not only did everyone from kids and their adults to grandparents and our own team have a fantastic time but knowing that it was for such a great cause makes it all the more worthwhile.”

Hayley Smith, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to The Centre, Livingston for organising their first ever Elf Toddle Walk to help raise funds and awareness for CHAS, which was great fun!

“It was lovely to see so many families turn up to take part with their toddler’s sponsor sheets and even make extra donations on the day, that will allow us to be able to help even more families who need our support, either medically or emotionally, which we are hugely grateful for.”

CHAS has now been supporting patients and their families for more than 30 years, ensuring that the time spent together is full of happiness and fun.

Holders Dryburgh Athletic and Women’s League One leaders FC Edinburgh are through to the final of the Championship and League One Cup after a thrilling day of semi-finals in Airdrie.

In the noon kick off, Dryburgh surprised Glasgow side Rossvale with an assured 3-0 victory, a first half double from Megan Robb supplemented by an Alma Codegoni goal in the second half.

At four, a frenetic and fast-paced game saw FC Edinburgh win 4-2 against Championship side Ayr United, with goals from midfielders Danielle Forsyth, Emma Mitchell and Hannah Markley being countered by Ayr United’s Clare Docherty and Jodie Barbour before FC Edinburgh forward Deborah McLeod sealed the victory in the 90^th minute.

The final will take place in Alloa on Sunday 11 December.

St James Quarter is all lit up like a Christmas tree after its Christmas Light Switch On event. 

Representatives from St James Quarter’s charity partners, Cash 4 Kids and Deaf Action pushed the big red button and declared it officially Christmas at The Quarter. 

Edinburgh Rock Choir sang joyful tunes from the galleria as crowds gathered to watch more than 40 glowing sculptures light up with colourful sparkle.  

St James Quarter donated more tha £6,000 worth of prizes to Forth One’s Boogie in the Morning ‘Supervan’ campaign, which has raised £100,545 to support children who are disadvantaged by poverty, the rise in living costs and trauma.

The prizes, which included a £500 gift voucher, a 12-month Sky Q TV subscription, dinner for four at Maki & Ramen and a year’s membership at Everyman, were collected during the ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ event ready for the lucky winner to take home.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It was fantastic to see everyone turn out for the Christmas light switch on last night, it was a true moment of togetherness and community.  

“Boogie, Arlene and Marty got the crowds ready for the festive season and we are so proud that St James Quarter was able to support the Supervan campaign this year – it’s been wonderful to see the exceptional amount of funds raised to support those who need it most. We wish all of our guests in Edinburgh and across Scotland a very Merry Christmas for 2022.”  

Victoria Hendry, Charity Manager at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids said: “We have been absolutely delighted with the donations towards our Supervan campaign from St James Quarter and the many retailers. Over £6,000 worth of items and experiences was an absolutely fantastic effort and what better way to celebrate than ending our Supervan journey at The Quarter by having Boogie, Arlene and Marty switching on the Christmas Lights. We are so grateful to be the chosen charity partner alongside Deaf Action and bringing our cause to the forefront at Edinburgh’s most incredible venue.” 

HIBS  and  HEARTS  – EARLY  GAMES  ON  THE  MEADOWS – 24 November at 7pm  in Barclay Viewforth Church, EH10 4HN

The Friends of The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links present an evening of talks  remembering the early history of the two oldest professional clubs in Edinburgh. 

The two clubs have a fierce rivalry that dates back to their foundation in the mid-1870s, making it one of the longest running rivalries in world football. The first match between the clubs was played on the Meadows on Christmas Day 1875. 

Speakers are  Tom Wright, Hibs Club Historian and David Allan of the Hearts FC Museum at Tynecastle.    Tickets are free. More information on the FOMBL website at www.fombl.org.uk

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-early-history-of-hearts-and-hibs-football-clubs-tickets-441484852077

On the Royal Mile on Sunday morning First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, with veterans and military personnel to pay tribute to the fallen.

Hundreds gathered near the Stone of Remembrance at The City Chambers to remember all those who have died in conflicts.

The RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums led a parade from Edinburgh Castle to The City Chambers, followed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, veterans, and representatives from the three Armed Services.

The One O’Clock Gun was fired from Edinburgh Castle at 11am to signal the beginning of two minutes of reflection and silence.

After a short ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance by the First Minister, the Lord Provost, Baroness Goldie, Minister of State for Defence, the Chiefs of all three Armed Services, veterans associations and others. This was followed by a service of remembrance at St Giles Cathedral.

The First Minister said: “Remembrance Sunday honours the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life. It also gives us the opportunity to mark the service and sacrifice our veterans and those still serving in our Armed Forces community have made, and continue to make, to defend our freedoms. 

“At this time of year, many families in Scotland come together to remember their loved ones and it is an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and be thankful. We remember them with pride. They will never be forgotten.”

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “From the First World War to more recent conflicts, it is vital that we do not forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Today is a chance to come together and remember all the servicemen and women who gave their lives over the years, as well as those who returned with physical or mental scars.

“As we recognise the extraordinary sacrifices our Armed Forces community continue to make, it is also a chance to express our hopes for a peaceful future.”

Sean Hadfield expressed his pleasure at the performance of Grange Edinburgh Ladies despite a 3-0 defeat by Clydesdale Western on a glorious afternoon at Peffermill which was bathed in warm, Autumnal sunshine.

Grange’s coach argued that his squad were playing against a side coached by Scotland’s international senior men’s coach, Derek Forsyth, and included Scottish internationals including Bronwyn Shields and Millie Steiger who appeared for the Tartan Hearts at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

And, Clydesdale Western, have consistently challenged for honours at the top level of Scottish hockey, gaining valuable experience of how to win. In fact, Forsyth’s squad moved second with this win.

Grange were promoted last season and were, Hadfield said, finding their feet in the big league. That showed in the first quarter which was dominated by the West of Scotland club with Grange relying on breakaways.

During that spell the visitors went 2-0 ahead. Karin Belch opened the scoring after ten minutes, underlining her side’s early dominance, by netting from Clydesdale Western’s third penalty corner of the game.

And, minuts later, Steiger was in the right place at the right time to prod home No 2 after the fourth short corner of the game from Clydesdale rebounded off Grange’s goakeeper.

Grange, however, urged on by Hadfield, grew into the game and Alex Duggan had, arguably, the best chance of the game when she picked up the ball on the right side of the D but sent her shot wide of Clydesdale Western’s far post.

The Edinburgh combine went further behind when Anna Hoolaghan provided the finishing touch from another penalty corner, but Grange plugged away and prevented the Glasgow side adding to their total.

Hadfield, a former Scotland international goalkeeper, was pleased that his charges blanked the final quarter. They were under pressure but dogged defence kept their rivals in check and Hadfield said: “Yes, were were 2-0 down after the first quarter, but we kept going. On Saturday, champions Watsonians beat Inverleith 14-0 and we did not collapse.

“We changed a few things to tighten up and the girls did really well and worked hard, limiting Clydesdale’s chances, but Clydesdale Western are a quality team, they have a really good coach in Derek (Forsyth) and they have international players.

“Bronwyn (Shields) and Millie (Steiger) controlled the game, but you expect that from international players.

“We are newly-promoted and we are improving in the top league. We had chances, Alex Duggan had a great chance near the end of the first quarter, the best chance of the match in my opinion, but she did not make it count.

“We are learning and we are having a really good season. We should have won on Saturday at Glasgow University when we drew 1-1. They are one place below us in the table, but we are seventh in the table with seven points and we play Uddingston next Saturday and they are two places below us with six points.

“Hopefully, we can get a result and finish the first half of the season on a high, but we have made real progress and have put in pleasing performances in the last two weeks.”

PICTURE: Midfield action at Peffermill between Grange Edinburgh Ladies and Clydesdale Western by Nigel Duncan

Chris Harris is no stranger to being unbeatable on the night, and the legendary speedway racer, nicknamed Bomber, swept the board at the Berwick Speedway presentation night and son Cruz joined him on stage.

The former GP star was named as FTS Bandits’, powered by Keenwood Karpets, Rider of the Year after an online poll, the Berwick Bandits’ Supporters Club Rider of the Year and Riders’ Rider of the Year.

The club’s National Development League team, the Bullets, reached the league play-offs in only their second season with 16-year-old Ace Pijper, who enjoyed a stunning debut season, named as Riders’ Rider of the Year while Berwick-born Mason Watson topped the online poll.

The next Pijper on the production line, Stene, was named most improved Academy Rider with Caydin Martin as Riders’ Rider.

Club co-owner Jamie Courtney admitted that results, especially for the Championship Bandits, had not lived up to pre-season expectations, largely due to injuries, but said that the club was “in a good place” and ready to challenge for silverware on two fronts again in 2023.

He said: “A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes and by a dedicated group of volunteers to make sure that Berwick not only lines up alongside but can compete with big city clubs, their huge catchment areas and financial clout.

“But here we are, preparing for our 55^th season, ready to dig deep and do it all again.

“We have a double British Champion in Leon Flint who has now competed at GP level after beginning in the second-halves at Shielfield. He has blazed the trail and the exciting thing is there is a batch of talent looking to follow.”

Speedway’s ruling body is due to confirm the make-up and points-building limits for the British leagues at its AGM next week but a large crowd at the town’s live music venue heard that local hero Flint will not only be back in Berwick colours next year but will take over as skipper of the Bandits.

The club was also able to confirm that title sponsors Fire Training Services and powered by backers Keenwood Karpets had already agreed to continue their support of the Bandits in 2023.

PICTURE: Chris Harris and Cruz by Keith Hamblin courtesy of Berwick Speedway

Premiership: men: Western 8, Clydesdale 2; Uddingston 7, FMGM Monarchs 2; Watsonians 7, Kelburne 2; Inverleith 10, Dunfermline Carnegie 2; Grange 3, Edinburgh University 3; Erskine Stewart’s Melville 3, Hillhead 4.

Women: Saturday: Western Wildcats 4, Uddingston 0; Inverleith 0, Watsonians 14; Glasgow University 1, Grange Edinburgh Ladies 1; Dundee Wanderers 0, GHK 1; Clydesdale 1, Edinburgh University 1. Sunday: Grange Edinburgh Ladies 0, Clydesdale Western 3.

Grange remain in pole position in the men’s Premiership despite drawing with Capital rivals Edinburgh University at Fettes, but defending champions Western are now their nearest challengers and Grange coach, Stevie Grubb, admitted: “It makes the rest of the season interesting with Western right behind us.”

Last season’s runners-up now have 22 points and retain their unbeaten record after the 3-3 result against the students, but Western hammered fourth-placed Clydesdale 8-2 at Auchenhowie to turn real heat on the front-runners. They have 21 points.

Grubb said this was the classic game of two halves. Grange went 2-0 ahead through Dylan Bean and he was very satisfied with the first-half performance from his men, but the students coach, Hamish Imrie, changed their shape and rattled in three goals.

That left Grange playing catch-up and Scottish international Duncan Riddell scrambled the ball home inside the final minute to earn the point and keep Grange at the top of the pile.

Grubb added: “They changed their shape and we struggled a little bit but we managed to level. We know how to play against the change of shape but we didn’t do it and lessons learned.”

Grange play struggling Dundee side FMGM Monarchs away next Saturday and have a Scottish Cup tie against Capitals rivals Watsonians on Sunday at a time and venue yet to be confirmed.

Edinburgh University slip to third with 20 points and retain their unbeaten record of six wins and two draws. They also remain the top scoring side in the league with 54 goals in eight matches.

Their player/coach, Hamish Imrie (pictured in the red shirt by Nigel Duncan), said that his men started slowly and that they must switch on from the start, otherwise it is an uphill struggle in games against top sides.

The Scotland international added: “We went 2-0 down but switched on and went 3-2 in front after we changed a few things. We must, however, switch on at the start as this makes life so much easier and it does not mean we face an uphill battle.

“We’re playing some nice hockey but it is small things which make a difference and if we can get those right then we will be in business.”

Robbie Croll claimed two goals from penalty corners and Keir Robb the other against Grange and the students face Watsonians at Peffermill on Saturday (push-off 1.30pm). Imrie said: “This will be tough game as they are going well in the league but we are looking for a win as there is no margin for error at the top of the table.”

Watsonians are fifth on 15 points after their 7-2 victory over Kelburne in Edinburgh with Inverleith now sixth following their 10-2 demolition of struggling Dunfermline Carnegie in the Capital. Two straight wins have improve Inverleith’s position in the table.

Elsewhere, Erskine Stewart’s Melville failed to build on their first win when they were edged 4-3 by seventh-placed Hillhead at Inverleith but they remain second-bottom as FMGM Monarchs lost 7-2 at Uddingston, their seventh defeat in eight matches.   

Watsonians thrashed city rivals Inverleith 14-0 to move six points clear at the top of the women’s Premiership as they bid to retain their title while Western occupy second spot after their 4-0 victory over Uddingston.

Edinburgh University are third with 16 points after sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Clydesdale while Grange Edinburgh Ladies earned a 1-1 draw at Glasgow University and on Sunday lost 3-0 at home to Clydesdale Western with the goals all coming from penalty corners. Full story on another page.

Bonnyrigg scored a late leveller to claim a point at bottom club Forfar Athletic, but the injury-hit side still slipped to second-bottom spot in the cinch Scottish League Two.

George Hunter slammed the ball home three minutes into injury time to spark wild scenes amongst the travelling support.

Jaden Ferguson’s goal after 76 minutes saw the Angus side take the lead at Station Park in front of 520 fans but Bonnyrigg dug deep and the players received praise from manager Robbie Horn for their never-say-die attitude.

Rosey Posey now travel to Stenhousemuir next Saturday (15.00) who are in fifth position in the ten-strong table with 19 points, five better off than the Midlothian men.

Albion Rovers also have 14 points and they are eighth and Annan have 16 to occupy seventh place with Stranraer sixth on 19 points.

Horn said: “I thought we deserved something out of the game. In the second half we were probably in the ascendancy and the loss of the goal was disappointing but the players showed character to come back. They kept plugging away.”

The manager admitted that the squad have faced criticism in the last few weeks but added: “That is part and parcel of football.”

However, Horn said: “One thing you can say about today is that we showed plenty of character and I thought they were fit and they kept on going right to the end.”

Josh Ginnelly fired home to scrape a 1-1 draw for Hearts against a robust and uncompromising Livingston side at a packed Tynecastle in the cinch Scottish Premiership, but the post match chat was not about the quality of the goal, and it was quality, or the drama of the situation, coming as it did in the seventh minute of injury time.

The chat, as the 18,448 fans filed out of the packed stadium, was also not about Craig Gordon’s penalty save with his left foot with the scoreline at 1-0 in favour of the visitors, and not about the straight red card for Kye Rowles or how Livingston were able to pierce Hearts’ defence with a three-man move and edge ahead through a right foot shot from Sean Kelly,.

It wasn’t even about Robbie Neilson’s rush onto the pitch after Ginnelly (pictured) had bulged the net in the dying seconds with a rocket shot or even about the subsequent yellow card handed out to Hearts’ boss for his on-field celebration.

Instead, the post-match chat in the surrounding streets, in pubs and even on buses to the outskirts was about the interventions of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The BBC quotes post-game were also dominated by VAR as was the post-match briefing with print and broadcast media underneath the stand at Tynecastle after the game. The gripe appears not to be about VAR itself, but by the way VAR is operated.  

Robbie Neilson, Hearts’ boss, and then David Martindale, the manager of Livingston, expressed their confusion. Simply, they want the time taken to come to vital decisions to be shortened.

After the fallout, Hearts enter the break for the World Cup in fifth place in the table with 21 points from 15 games. Livingston are fourth with 23 points from their 15 starts and Aberdeen are third with Rangers second and Celtic out in front.

The match facts at Tynecastle are that Stephen Kelly put Livingston ahead with his first goal for the club after 55 minutes following a three-man move down the right following a long kick-out from goalkeeper Ivan Konovalov. Andrew Shinnie picked up the ball on the right hand side of Hearts’ box and provided the final pass.

Rowes was given his marching orders after 75 minutes, only minutes after rattling the crossbar with a header from an Alex Cochrane cross from the right, for a tug on the shirt, therefore denying a goal-scoring opportunity, then Scotland international Craig Gordon stuck out a foot to save a Sean Kelly spot kick. 

Hearts then protested to the referee after Ginnelly was hauled down in the box as he attempted to reach a Smith cross ball. Not given.

Then, Ginnelly had another chance, this time after Barry McKay fed substitute Alan Forrest. He crossed to the back stick and Ginnelly failed to test the goalkeeper.

Alex Cochrane was then the subject of a VAR check for a tackle on Livingston captain Nicky Devlin near the left touchline, but this was waved away, and then Hearts’ skipper Gordon had to pull off a one-handed save on 90 minutes to deny a Jack Fitzwater header from the edge of the six-yard box. That kept the home side in the game.    

Frustrated fans urged Hearts forward and lively Forrest broke free and crossed into the box. The ball was palmed away by Livingston goalkeeper Ivan Konvalov who then blocked one effort by Shankland and was sharp enough to stop a second from the same player.

The clock continued to tick down and finally Hearts found a way. Michael Smith sent a long ball to Forrest just inside his own half. He crossed into the box and the ball was not properly cleared allowing Ginnelly to fire home with aplomb in the sixth minute of injury time. The fans, and Neilson, erupted.

Now, over to the managers. Neilson first: “I had absolutely no idea what was going on today. It’s a shambles to be honest with you. We do not need three or four minutes to check a every decision.

“It needs to be done a lot quicker. We are stopping games for everything and that is going to kill football.”

Martindale said he could not understand the decision made after the tackle on Devlin and, in the build up to the goal, he felt that if his man had gone down in the box then there could have been a penalty in his favour. 

Then, he said, Michael Smith cleared the ball to Alan Forrest who, he claimed, handled it. Frustration, confusion and controversy and no end of talking points from a match which had a dramatic, and controversial, finale.

Climate campaign groups combined forces to march through the city centre on the Global Day of Action during the UN Climate Conference COP27 which is being held in Egypt.

Beginning from St Andrew Square the groups (Edinburgh Climate Coalition, Climate Justice Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Global Justice Now, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Tipping Point, BankTrack, Jubilee Scotland, Scot.E3 and others) marched first to HSBC Bank on Hanover Street demanding that the banks cancel all debt owed by global south countries. Countries in the Global South are currently spending 5 times more on unjust debt repayments than they are addressing the impact of the climate crisis.  HSBC is one of the private creditors charging high interest rates for debt repayments from African countries, including continuing to demand debt repayments throughout the pandemic. Campaigners at Global Justice Now are calling for HSBC bank to cancel the debt of African countries.

Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns Global Justice Now said: “We’re joining with thousands of others around the world demanding action from those in power to tackle the interlocking crises of climate, energy and the cost of living. All three are the result of an economic system that puts profit before people’s lives and the health of the planet.

“This profit-driven system is hurting us all – here in the UK and around the world. And countries in the global south are getting hit particularly hard. They’re suffering some of the worst impacts of climate change, despite having played almost no part in causing it, and they’re additionally burdened by enormous debts. Banks here in Scotland are implicated in that – with companies like HSBC, who we’ll be passing as we march on November 12, and BlackRock making big profits from the interest on those debts and refusing to cancel them.”

The march then continued to the UK Government Office on Sibbald Place where campaigners demanded an end to new fossil fuel projects. Since COP26 campaigners say the UK Government has opened new oil and gas fields, encouraged further exploration and is considering approving the huge Rosebank oil field that contains 500 million barrels of oil.

Mary O’Brien, a grandmother of 10 who is involved in the Stop Rosebank campaign said:“If the UK Government were to approve the vast new Rosebank field it would be adding fuel to the fire that is engulfing our planet. Climate science is perfectly clear that new oil and gas is incompatible with the urgent action we need to take to cut climate pollution.  Projects like Rosebank only benefit oil companies at a time when they are already making billions in profits and causing widespread harm.

“Given the urgency and seriousness of the climate emergency, it is unbelievable that we are even having to fight against new oil and gas projects. But thousands of people across the UK and around the world are coming together to stop these climate-wrecking projects and to build that better future. I’m doing this for my grandchildren and for future generations, so that they can have a liveable planet. Join us on the march as we demand a rapid and fair transition away from fossil fuels to reliable, affordable renewables.”

At Santander Bank in the city centre the campaigners called for fossil fuel finance to end.

Natasha Ion, climate campaigner at Banktrack, said their organisation would be highlighting the fact that world’s largest banks have pumped $4.6 trillion dollars into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was signed. She said: “The climate march will tell banks that they must go beyond burning, and stop financing the extractivism that is wrecking the planet. The fossil fuel industry is one of the main drivers of climate change, and has been implicated in endless human rights violations, primarily against Indigenous communities and those on the frontlines of extraction in the Global South.

“Commercial banks also finance major companies guilty of mass deforestation in regions such as Latin America. The highly polluting meat and dairy industry, with massive business like JBS at the centre, has consistently encroached on indigenous lands and been active in illegal deforestation. Likewise, biomass companies have been accused of land grabbing and causing social conflict in Latin America, while falsely promoting themselves as a “green” fuel alternative.”

At Market Street the attention was focussed on the UK and other governments which are increasingly persecuting activists cracking down on protest and restricting civic space.

Protesters surrounded The Scottish Parliament with demands that can be delivered by MSPs. The fossil fuel energy price crisis is driving the cost of living pressures being felt by people across Scotland. This action is to remind The Scottish Government that action they take at home can cut emissions and improve lives such as insulating homes and improving public transport.

All of our photos can be viewed on FACEBOOK

Although children and young people have been using the new £28 million building for a few months, the official opening ceremony was held yesterday.

Castlebrae Community Campus on Niddrie Mains Road has been created by Hub South East Scotland Ltd in partnership with Morrison Construction and will have a school roll of 700. This will be expanded to 1,200 at the state of the art school which lies next to the East Neighbourhood Centre. It is a long way since 2013 when the council recommended closing the school but was met with protest from locals.

There are three main plazas for learning so that staff plan innovative and creative learning experiences. There is also an extensive area of landscaped ground for outdoor learning and social areas for leisure and recreation. In addition there is a 3G sports pitch which can be booked for community use out of school hours.

Norma Prentice, Head Teacher at Castlebrae Community Campus, said: “The learning plazas and classrooms provide an excellent environment for the highest quality learning and teaching. It is a pleasure to work here and all the staff and pupils love being in such a bright and open building.”

S4 pupil Evan Glass said: “It’s a brilliant modern building and is very accessible for everyone. It’s an inclusive school and allows all pupils to achieve. The school is amazing for pupils like myself who are on the autistic spectrum as the breakout spaces mean when I need a quiet safe place I do not miss out on my education as much as I used to.”

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We want all our schools to provide the very best learning environment for our young people. The new Castlebrae Community Campus is a great example of this with its collaborative learning plazas and breakout spaces and is an asset for the whole community to enjoy.

“The new school campuses we’re planning are innovatively and sustainably designed so they are inspirational places for learning for the next generation of young people in Scotland’s capital. That’s why we have a £500m planned investment programme over this decade with a number of new schools already in the pipeline such as Liberton High School and Currie High School.”

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The name of the new school, Castlebrae Community Campus, really says it all as it’s right in the heart of Craigmillar and is there for all the community to use. It’s been a long road for the school to reach this milestone and it couldn’t have been achieved without the hard work of staff, students and the wider community and support of key partners.

“The campus shows our commitment to creating a first-class learning environment for all our children in the city and one that showcases what can be achieved when you build an exciting, inspirational and creative hub for the whole community.”

Scott Brown, Hub South East’s Project Director, said: “We were delighted to be welcomed back to the Castlebrae Community Campus for its official opening and see the positive feedback from pupils, staff and the local community. We’re proud to have delivered this fantastic learning space for the City of Edinburgh Council, alongside our main contractor Morrison Construction.

“Importantly, in addition to the state-of-the-art building, the project realised a range of community benefits from apprenticeships and work experience, to donations of money and time for local projects. The social value delivered leaves a lasting legacy in the area and demonstrates the positive wider impact of projects being delivered through the Hub programme.”

egg & co have just opened a new space in Waverley Market where shoppers can find a wide variety of gifts, vintage clothing, flowers, homeware, books and jewellery. There is also a good selection for children.

The shop which will host Christmas events during its festive pop up will be open in the former Superdry store from Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm.

egg & co, Scotland’s largest online and offline community for women, first came to the High Street in the summer in the former Laura Ashley shop on George Street where they welcomed more than 10,000 people. Launched by Kylie Reid in 2017, egg is a platform for a community of more than 65,000 women.

Independent Scottish brands such as flavoured gin and vodka distillers House of Boë, fashion houses Unfolded, Fifth Season Vintage and Tom Vintage, jewellery brand Missa & Kissa and Fruit Salad Flowers will all have a space within the shop.

Head egg Kylie Reid said: “This Christmas it is more important than ever that shoppers support local independent businesses when choosing gifts for loved ones. Since egg’s inception, we have always championed Scottish brands and our network of over 65,000 women across Scotland has been integral in helping many of these small businesses to grow.

“Our pop-up shop on George Street during the summer was a tremendous success – as well as showcasing lots of fabulous local brand, it was wonderful to bring our online community together in a beautiful space.

“Now we have even bigger space and lots of the residents from our George Street pop-up will be back alongside lots of exciting new businesses. We can’t wait to welcome old friends and new faces over the coming weeks.”

Owen Thompson MP joined Help for Heroes in Parliament on their 15th anniversary to discuss their work and called for improvements to mental health support for veterans.

Men and women are forced to leave their careers in the Armed Forces because of physical or psychological wounds, and their lives are changed forever. Help for Heroes was founded in 2007 and has helped wounded veterans to live secure and healthy lives with purpose. They do this by providing physical, psychological, financial and welfare support. 

At the reception, Owen Thompson who is a prominent campaigner for improvements to veterans’ benefits – discussed with Help for Heroes the need for better recognition and support for mental health as well as the need for further measures to support the rehabilitation of veterans who may have complex physical and mental injuries. 

Mr Thompson said: “We all owe our Armed Forces an immense debt of gratitude so I welcome the work that Help for Heroes has done over the last 15 years to make veterans’ lives better in the UK. Any veterans in Midlothian who are in need of support should get in touch with them to see if there is anything they can do to assist.

“Charities like Help for Heroes have an important role to play, but there are many areas where the support for veterans from government urgently needs to be improved. Along with fellow members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Veterans I am currently campaigning for reforms to Veterans UK, and I would encourage any veteran who has applied for financial support through the war pensions or armed forces compensation schemes to fill in our short survey at VeteransSurvey.UK and let us know about your experiences.

“I look forward to working with Help for Heroes in future to help amplify the voices of veterans and make sure everyone gets the support they need.”

James Needham, Interim CEO, said: “When we began our mission in 2007, large numbers of people had returned from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so veterans and their families’ needs were at the forefront of the public’s minds. Whilst the needs of our ex-service men and women have not diminished, these needs are perhaps less prevalent in people’s minds.” 

“We at Help for Heroes continue to support veterans across the UK to provide them the support to live the best quality of life possible.”

Viaplay Elite League: Glasgow Clan 1, Fife Flyers 2

Highly-rated netminder Shane Owen (pictured) produced a wonder save as Fife Flyers came from behind to snatch their fourth win of the season and move into seventh spot in the ten-strong Viaplay Elite League.

Canadian marksman Zack Phillips fired home with 52 seconds left on the clock to nudge Fife on to ten points from 15 games, a point ahead of Manchester Storm who have only played 12 matches.

However, Fife are now two points in front of Dundee Stars and five ahead of bottom club Glasgow Clan despite Stephen Dixon’s men heavily outshot their rivals in the first part of the game but it took until the 30th minute for Clan to break through.

Steven McPartland, the Glasgow club’s second top points gatherer, was on the mark after being set-up by Dyson Stevenson and coach Dixon. It was his third goal of the season.

Tempers flared and Flyers’ Chris Lawrence and Stevenson were called for fighting after 34 minutes. Both were sent to the sin bin for five minutes.

Flyers, sponsored by Wolseley, stuck to their task and counted after 47 minutes. Janne Kivilahti, their top marksman, and the Man of the Match, did the damage with his seventh league goal of the season after being set-up by Phillips and Mikael Johansson. It carried extra significance as it was Fife’s 900th in all Elite League competitions.

Owen then dived to his left to prevent a tap-in from Canadian Gabriel Chabot, stopping the puck with his glove hand with the forward only inches from the goal-line.

Glasgow’s new defenceman Jake Bolton was called for hooking as the pressure mounted, but Clan, backed by Aspray Glasgow West, survived his two minute penalty, a crucial kill for the home side.

However, 30-year-old centre ice Phillips fired Flyers into the lead with a goal inside the last minute after being set up by Christian Hausinger. He was skating near the half-way line, close to the right hand barrier and was fed by a cross ice pass from Brayden Sherbinin. Phillips skated in to pick up Hausinger’s pass and send the puck into the left hand side of the net past John Muse. Signal celebrations among the Fife fans in the 3,297 crowd.

Clan gambled by withdrawing netminder Muse to give themselves six skaters, but the move failed and Fife skated away with the two points leaving Clan on the bottom of the table with five points from 15 matches.   

Premiership: men: Erskine Stewart’s Melville v Hillhead; Grange v Edinburgh University; Inverleith v Dunfermline Carnegie; Watsonians v Kelburne; Uddingston v FMGM Monarchs; Western v Clydesdale.

Women: Dundee Wanderers v GHK; Glasgow University v Grange; Hillhead v Gordonians; Inverleith v Watsonians; Western v Uddingston; Clydesdale v Edinburgh University.

Grange disposed of Kelburne 7-1 in Glasgow last weekend, but the stakes increase on Saturday and now it’s crunch time against Edinburgh University (Fettes 1pm).

Stevie Grubb’s men are in pole position in the 12-strong Premiership with maximum points from seven starts and Edinburgh University are on their coat-tails in second spot with 19 points from their seven games.

Grubb, Grange’s coach, said last Saturday’s win over Kelburne was a good result and a comfortable win with the Edinburgh side dominating from start to finish, but he warned: “This weekend’s game looks to be interesting with Edinburgh University taking their chances in recent games.” Last Saturday they brushed Uddingston aside 8-2 at Peffermill.

Grubb added: “It will be up to us to reduce the opportunities they have and make sure we keep scoring at the other end.”

Western, the defending champions, are third with 18 points after their 9-0 win at lowly Dunfermline Carnegie and they go in against Clydesdale, who are fourth, four points behind.  

At the other end of the table, second-bottom Erskine Stewart’s Melville hope to build on their first win since promotion to the top tier of Scottish men’s hockey, thanks to a 3-1 success at fellow-strugglers FMGM Monarchs in Dundee, last Saturday. They host Hillhead who are seventh.

In the ladies title race, Watsonians, the title holders, maintained their unblemished seven-game record with a comfortable 6-1 win over Glasgow University last weekend and they go in against city rivals Inverleith who are second bottom of the table. 

Edinburgh University, who are six points adrift but have played a game less, thrashed bottom club Dundee Wanderers 14-0 at Peffermill, and they have a tricky tussle at Clydesdale who are third but also have 15 points from six games.

Michael Smith knows what to expect if he appears for the Boys in Maroon against Livingston at Tynecastle in the cinch Scottish Premiership on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The 34-year-old Irishman said: “It is always tough playing against Livingston. You are always up against it and they are always really up for the game. It is never easy. It is at Tynecastle and it is up to us to go out there and win the game.”

Monkstown-born Smith has been a regular in Robbie Neilson’s line-up during the first phase of the season and, reflecting, the international defender, said the club have enjoyed some good results and some bad ones. Europe, he added, had been a learning curve.

Everybody, he admitted, has found the schedule tough at times, with a few long distance travels thrown in, but he said: “I know what I have to do to get myself ready for the next match.”

Of course, Smith (pictured in training by Nigel Duncan) played in England so has knowledge of playing twice a week for a sustained spell and said: “Down south it is Saturday. Tuesday and I have experienced that before. It is tough on the body, but it is all about recovering well and being ready to go again.

“If you are winning most weeks it can be really easy and you look forward to the next game but, if things are not going so well, things can go wrong, even in training, but I feel the group here are brilliant and the coaching staff as well, and everybody’s attitude has been spot on.

“Yes, we’ve had a lot of injuries but, I think, especially if we win tomorrow, we will be sitting right up there.”

After the break Hearts should have pretty much everybody back with people vying for places and if that happens Smith said: “We will be really strong.”

Despite Wednesday’s defeat at Ibrox, the defender said: “We are staring to pick up form now. We have a game before the World Cup and we will see if we can end it (the first part of the season) on a high.”

He also had encouraging words for 23-year-old English defender Toby Sibbick, a target for some fans earlier in the campaign. Smith said: “Toby suffered from a lack of confidence at the start, but the last few weeks he has been a rock, phenomenal.

“We always knew he was a good player. He has got pace, he’s got power and he is good on the ball and I am really pleased for him. He has been brilliant in the last few weeks.”

Robbie Neilson, Hearts’ manager, faced the media and was asked about the importance of finishing the first phase of the cinch Scottish Premiership with a home victory over near neighbours Livingston on Saturday (kick-off 15.00). His answer was short and swift: “Every game is important to Hearts.”

That underlines the philosophy of the ambitious 42-year-old manager who is determined to steer the Jambos to another high finish in the 12-strong league this season.

This is the last game before the World Cup hiatus and it comes after a 1-0 defeat by under-pressure Rangers at Ibrox in midweek. Jambos fans are likely to see much the same squad on duty against the Livi Lions.

Of course, 35-year-old Robert Snodgrass is a former Livingston star, having played 79 games for the club, scoring 15 goals, between 2003 and 2008, and Neilson praised the player for his contribution since joining the Capital outfit this year from Luton Town.

He was also complimentary about the West Lothian club who, he said, had done well this season and had recruited wisely during the close season, not just strong players but players of good ability.

In fact, Livingston arrive at Gorgie in fourth spot spot in the table with 22 points, two points ahead and a place above Hearts with both clubs having played 14 games.

David Martindale’s men moved into the top four after beating third-placed Aberdeen 2-1 at the Tony Macaroni Arena in midweek thanks to goals from Jack Fitzwalter after six minutes and Sean Kelly after 17 from the penalty spot.

Neilson said: “Tomorrow is really important to us. It is the Remembrance game and we will have a full home crowd. If we can go into the break with three points it would be excellent for us.

“Livingston will be full of energy and the league position they are in is justified as they have had such a good start to the season.”

Hearts are, he stressed, looking forward to the game against Livingston and, once that it is done, some players will get some time off and some are away on international duty before they get back to the league again in December.

The Paisley-born boss argued that the break for the World Cup gives the coaching staff a valuable chance to start working on things again and he said: “Because of the number of games, Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday it has been difficult to do work on the training ground. We’ve also had a number of injuries as well. Hopefully, this period allows us to get back to what we have been good at.”

Looking at the season overall, Neilson said there had been some good and some bad but added: “When I looked at the schedule I knew it would be a tough start to the season with the amount of games and the quality of the opposition.

“To be where we are and in contention for third is great and getting a couple of wins in the group stage (in Europe) was great for us.”

Neilson stressed that Hearts always want to be among the front-runners in the table and admitted it was a big ask but said: “We have the players who can get us to that position.”

On Snodgrass he said he was delighted with the contribution made by the Glasgow-born former Scottish international since he arrived and Neilson added: “We knew he had the technical ability and he (Robert) understands the game. He helps the younger ones.

“You can see him improving week-in, week-out and this mini pre-season because of the World Cup break will really help him as well. If you have a player of Robert’s ability you have to get him on the ball as much as possible, when he gets the ball you know he is going to keep it. He will make the right decisions. Robert can play a number of positions.”

So, expect Snodgrass to play a key role as Hearts go for another three points against the Almondvale club.

Advice Direct Scotland held a parliamentary reception at Holyrood where Lothians MSP Foysol Choudhury met them to find out ways they can help his constituents.

The charity provides free practical advice to anyone who is worried about money, offer advice on understanding their energy bills, support on issues around meters, or helping to move suppliers.

Staff from the body also highlighted their moneyadvice.scot service which also provides free advice and support on a wide range of debt-related issues. Households have now begun to receive the first instalments of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme payments with their October electricity bill, and this will be applied in six instalments until March 2023. Anyone who has a prepayment meter will receive vouchers by post. Advice Direct Scotland is also keen to make sure that people avoid scams and fraudulent messages.

The charity encourages people to check their benefits with its calculator here www.advice.scot.

Mr Choudhury said: “It was great to learn more about Advice Direct Scotland’s service and how they can provide free, practical, and impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, energy bills and consumer rights.  

“These are issues which many of my constituents are unfortunately facing during this cost-of-living crisis. 

“I know that households across Lothian and Scotland are struggling and worried about the coming winter months, especially with the rise in energy prices. 

“Please be assured that we are here to support and assist you wherever possible. 

“I would urge you to use Advice Direct Scotland’s resources and to reach out to your local representatives if you need further help.” 

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It was encouraging to see so many MSPs keen to find out how they can support households through the cost-of-living crisis and difficult winter ahead. 

“With the recent rise in energy prices, and more on the horizon, we know that many households are facing financial difficulties. 

“Right now, we have qualified advisers ready to provide free, practical support to anyone in Scotland through the energyadvice.scot service – and we can also help any customers having difficulties reaching their supplier. 

“Anyone with debt worries should speak to our advisers at moneyadvice.scot for possible solutions, and it’s vital that everyone checks they are receiving their full entitlement to benefits by using our calculator at www.advice.scot.” 

NOD TO THE LOCAL TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN TOWNHOUSE SHOWHOME BY ALLANWATER HOMES

“A design that is both highly stylish yet practical…. a space you can really imagine yourself living in…. somewhere that feels like home”.

This is the design ethos behind the new “Deveron 2” townhouse showhome at Allanwater Homes Hayford Mills development in Cambusbarron.

Just launched to the public, this contemporary mews style home is professionally decorated and furnished to present the perfect showcase for townhouse living. The light, neutral colour palette throughout is designed to create a sense of flow from room to room, with pops of colour giving each room its own identity.

Calming sage greens feature in the living room, which is situated on the first floor of this three storey property. Also to be found on this floor is the principal bedroom, decorated in a striking and contemporary taupe and black colourway. Complete with fitted wardrobes, this bedroom also has a luxury ensuite shower room.

The open plan kitchen/dining/family room is to be found on the ground floor of the Deveron 2, together with a w.c. and utility area. This space has been given a modern, light industrial feel, with contemporary matt black finishes. The second floor offers bedroom two, complete with fitted wardrobes and an ensuite shower room, with bedroom three, and a family bathroom also situated on this floor.

Keen to reference the rich textile heritage of the Cambusbarron area, Allanwater Homes has added some tweed accessories throughout the showhome, ensuring that the property is a visual and textural feast for the eyes.

Some of the country’s top brands have been used to create this luxurious new showhome, including Scion, iLiv, Warwick, Casadeco, Camengo, Project Flooring, and Johnstons of Elgin.

“As well as letting potential buyers appreciate the layout of the property – which in this case, is a townhouse with three floors of flexible living space – a showhome is often a source of inspiration to potential buyers on how they would decorate and furnish the property themselves,” said Development Sales Manager, Lynn McNair.

“We are delighted that this stunning townhouse showhome is open now. Townhouses are that bit more unusual in the newbuild marketplace. We’d urge interested parties to call us to make an appointment to view. We can show them around and chat them through our superb “as included” specification,” finished Lynn.

Priced from £324,995, the “Deveron 2” would suit many different buyers, whether a growing family, a young professional couple, or perhaps a downsizer keen to “upscale” their home.

Specification includes Kitchens by Roundel, selected built in stainless steel kitchen appliances by Zanussi, sanitaryware by Twyford, and Bristan Frenzy thermostatic showers which are fitted in the principle ensuites.

Newbuild homes offer buyers the latest energy efficiency, providing a lower carbon footprint and saving them money on heating costs, which is extremely significant at the moment.

The new Deveron 2 show home can be viewed by appointment Thursday to Monday 11.00am to 5.30pm. Further details at www.allanwaterhomes.co.uk or call 0330 1247695.

Hayford Mills additionally offers two bedroom “Tweed” apartments, priced from £177,995. These stylish modern apartments come with bright and spacious open plan kitchen/lounges with dining areas, alongside two sizable bedrooms, both with built-in wardrobes. A generous bathroom leads off the hallway. The Tweed has lots of storage space and is an ideal home for young professionals, downsizers and first-time buyers.

Enjoying an attractive semi-rural setting, Cambusbarron is within easy commuting distance of Stirling.

www.allanwaterhomes.co.uk