Six clubs have confirmed their participation in the 2023 National Development League (NDL) ,but Armadale is not one of them.

A preliminary meeting of clubs took place earlier this week where it was agreed that full details on competition structures will be deferred to January 17 when the complete membership of the third tier will be known.

Champions Leicester will be back to defend their title and will be joined by Belle Vue, Berwick, Kent, Oxford and newcomers Workington who make a welcome return to the sport at the redeveloped Northside facility.

The league is awaiting confirmation from Armadale and Mildenhall who are currently looking into various availability issues, and it is very much hoped that both clubs will come to the table next year.

Plymouth have declared their intention to step away from NDL racing in 2023, but the door does remain open to any other club who wishes to enter prior to January 17.

A points limit of 42.00 has been agreed, and the cut-off date for play-off qualification has been brought forward by a fortnight compared to this year, which will now be September 17.

The NDL will also bring in the points scoring system adopted by the Premiership and the Championship, including aggregate bonus points and Super Heats for drawn encounters, meaning a unified scoring system across the sport.

And it is also anticipated that the transponder system being rolled out across the two senior leagues will be extended into the third tier during 2023. The BSP will update further on the full NDL structure for next season when confirmations are received.

LIBRARY PICTURE: of speedway racing

Claims that plans to build 37,000 new homes in Edinburgh over the next decade are unrealistic have been played-down by the council as it prepares to submit its blueprint for future development to The Scottish Government.

‘City Plan 2030’ sets out how land will be used to meet “ambitious” housing targets, reduce carbon emissions and expand public services and infrastructure to meet the needs of the city’s growing population.

The 200-page report, which the council’s planning convener called “a mammoth bit of policy” will replace the 2016 Local Development Plan (LDP) and will be debated again by councillors this week before it is sent to Scottish ministers for examination.

If approved, the plan will introduce a raft of new planning policies aimed at tackling Edinburgh’s affordable housing crisis by cracking down on short-term lets and student developments, improving active travel links and ensuring developers work sustainably to build energy efficient homes as part of the council’s 2030 net zero strategy.

A key commitment is to deliver 37,000 new homes across 117 sites in the next 10 years, with around 47 per cent of those affordable homes. Under City Plan 2030, developers seeking planning permission will be required to commit to making 35 per cent of all properties built affordable, which is an increase of 10 per cent.

And whilst the local authority remains confident it can meet this target, doubt has been cast over whether tens of thousands of new homes are realistically deliverable by 2032.

A recent study by planning consultancy Lichfields suggested that in Edinburgh there is an average period of two to three years between planning permission being granted and residents moving in with the length of time increasing with the size of a development.

The report also claimed that many of the sites earmarked by the council for new housing would face difficulties getting planning consent in time for the proposed completion date. It added this means there will be a “significant shortfall in homes against the housing land requirement identified”.

In light of the study, Nicola Woodward, head of Lichfields’s Edinburgh office, called on council planners to “be more realistic about delivery assumptions.”

But The City of Edinburgh Council played down the concerns and said it can’t propose a plan that won’t deliver.

Planning Convener Cllr James Dalgleish said: “I desperately hope we will be able to meet these targets, because at the end of the day it’s homes for people. It’s a roof for someone to put over their head. So we’re going to try as hard as we can and I am confident we will be able to meet those targets.

“Edinburgh needs as much housing as we can deliver to help alleviate the housing crisis and to get people into good quality homes.

“They’re ambitious numbers but that’s what we need, a bit of ambition to get stuff moving in the right direction. You can’t make false promises when it comes to planning policy and the City Plan, you have to be credible, legitimate targets that we put in front of us.”

GREENBELT CHALLENGES

Another of the key promises contained within the plan – to protect the city’s green belt from any development – has also been met with challenge.

According to analysis by 4 Consulting, commissioned by the Edinburgh-based Holder Planning, the commitment to build new housing only on brownfield sites could displace up to 400 businesses, lead to the loss of over 3,000 jobs and cost the city’s economy £2.6 billion over the next decade.

The study also warned that land used by businesses could be reallocated for housing through the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and added the impacts are “likely to be most pronounced in the more deprived areas of Edinburgh, which are more reliant on the industrial and manufacturing jobs provided by the businesses which would be displaced”.

But the council insisted this research didn’t consider all elements of City Plan 2030 which it said was about making best use of sites in the city through development of mixed uses as opposed to changing designated employment sites to housing. It added CPOs are only used in specific circumstances and the council has no plans to use them ‘routinely.’

Cllr Dalgleish said: “At the end of the day there’s been research done into this and we don’t see the urgent need to start working on the greenbelt and it’s a commitment from myself and the administration – and the various other political parties – that we don’t want to be going on the greenbelt.

“With such a big plan no one’s going to be 100 per cent happy but it’s about trying to listen to those concerns, act on them and try provide a plan that’s best for the city.”

As well as raising the minimum proportion of affordable new builds, plans for student housing on any site bigger than 0.25 hectares (around half the size of a standard football pitch) will have to comprise of at least 50 per cent residential housing. But the council said this will not apply in “self-contained campus locations”.

“With City Plan we’re getting a much better balance, we fully expect as a big city and the capital of Scotland that we’ll need to welcome students and we have some great universities here but at the same time we’ve got a real need for more housing,” Cllr Dalgleish said.

CRACKDOWN ON SHORT TERM LETS

In addition the council will introduce tougher rules on short-term letting by way of a new planning policy which states that any proposals will not be permitted, which would “result in the loss of residential dwellings through demolition or a change of use” unless in “exceptional circumstances.”

It is hoped this will prevent more housing stock in Edinburgh being sacrificed for short-term lets (STL) of which it is estimated there are now 10,000 in the capital. From April next year, anyone operating a STL will need to apply for change of use of properties as part of a new licensing scheme being launched by the council. Hundreds of planning applications seeking approval of holiday lets in advance of the crackdown have already been refused.

The planning convener said it will help to “balance out communities.”

He added: “It’s a change going from having very little policy and powers in terms of short term lets to being able to implement planning permission and licence policies – it’s a big change and as a council we’ve had to adapt to that.

“The powers we’ve had from the Scottish Government – albeit not exactly the powers we would have wanted – are welcome.

“There is of course always going to be issues in setting up these big policies but we’re working hard to make sure we get a fair and balanced approach.”

TRANSPORT AND THE 20 MINUTE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Changes to the city’s transport system to reduce congestion and increase bus, tram and train patronage whilst creating more active travel routes to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling is a core part of the new City Plan.

Integral to this – and the wider goal to drive down carbon emissions – is delivering a “network of 20-minute walkable neighbourhoods.”

“This means you can get all the services that you would need within walking in a 20-minute radius of your neighbourhood,” Councillor Dalgleish explained.

“If you’re walking, wheeling or cycling to work or somewhere in your neighbourhood that’s much better than taking a car.

“Fundamentally, the plan wants Edinburgh to be net zero by 2030 and some of that will feed into active travel.”

He added: “I personally hope we’ll have a better tram integrated system with our buses and hope we have buses and trams that are the most environmentally clean and safe.”

He said the 10-year transport plan will be about “connecting the dots” and creating a system that is more integrated.

“It’s just trying to think of new and innovative ways to get everything joined together and also to keep disruption for residents, especially businesses, at a minimum,” he added.

And Cllr Dalgleish – who has been planning convener since he was first elected to the council in May – recognised significant investment in local infrastructure will be essential if the city is to welcome tens of thousands of new residents in the next decade.

He said: “We have all these plans – but the question is if we’re building new housing do we have a school for the children to go to, or a hospital to take care of elderly residents.

“So we’ve put in a lot of thought to asking if we’re going to expand stuff, do we have the infrastructure to support that expansion? That’s where developer contributions and all the rest come into it.”

The Planning Committee will meet to debate City Plan 2030 on Wednesday and it is anticipated councillors will vote to submit it to the Scottish Government for examination.

by Donald Turvill

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Scottish campervan company recognised for its dedication to staff wellbeing

A campervan converter based in North Berwick has won the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership for its outstanding efforts in employee engagement and welfare.

Jerba Campervans accepted the award from Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House this week after showcasing its 100% employee-owned status.

Co-founders of the firm, Simon Poole and Catherine Brookes, along with trustee, David Miller, were able to discuss the company’s long-term goals and ambitions with the First Minister when they went to collect the prize.

The accolade celebrates competitive and innovative manufacturing companies in Scotland which champion fair work and inclusivity while investing in the skills and wellbeing of its employees and contributing positively to the planet.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: “I am very pleased to announce Jerba Campervans has won the First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership.

“All of the applications received for the award were of a very high standard. However, with their responsive employee driven approach, Jerba Campervans best exemplified the ethos of the award.

“In demonstrating how a productive and growing company can at the same time offer real benefits to staff, community and the environment, they clearly demonstrated the principle that business for good is good for business.”

During the application process, Jerba Campervans illustrated how the company is measurably strengthened by employee ownership, how its staff have benefitted from the scheme and how staff have provided support in other aspects of the business, including eco-friendly initiatives.

As well as its 100% employee-owned credentials, Jerba Campervans has recently joined The Good Business Charter which measures and recognises responsible business practices through components such as employee wellbeing.

The firm has also recently appointed a new Managing Director to take the company forward through commercial and product development domains.

Simon Poole, said: “It is a great privilege for Jerba Campervans to have been recognised in such a high-profile way.

“To be rewarded for the work we are doing is very humbling and this achievement marks a really fantastic opportunity for both the company and employee ownership as a whole.

“We believe that staff are at the heart of any business and we hope that winning this award will open even more doors for us as we continue to highlight the advantages of employee ownership.

“Since its inception in 2006, Jerba Campervans has focused on an ethical approach to business and an inclusive approach to working with staff. We were guided through our transition into employee ownership by Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS), a core part of Scottish Enterprise – their experience and insight has certainly underpinned our continued growth and success.

“Employee ownership makes our workplace a fulfilling and positive experience that enables employees to have a real voice.”

Jerba Campervans specialises in converting and customising Volkswagen Transporter vans for those passionate about adventure and the outdoors.

Converting Volkswagen T6.1 models, the North Berwick based firm is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a Motorhome Qualified Converter, and is the only firm in Scotland to receive this qualification.

The firm became employee-owned in January 2018 and has seen productivity increase year-on-year.

With a dedicated and flexible team, the Jerba Campervans family adapts to the needs of its customers, creating a house on wheels with the highest UK level of road safety, ensuring that customers have a safe and stylish ride.

www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

A new visitor trail based upon the three bridges over the Forth at Noth and South Queensferry has been launched by VisitScotland.

The Forth Bridges Trail is a five-mile circular route with 16 points of interest in North and South Queensferry and along the Forth Road Bridge. There is a historical element to it sprinkled with local tales and folklore, and of course panoramic views of the Firth of Forth. 

Stops on the trail include Battery Road in North Queensferry remembering The Briggers, the men and boys who constructed the Forth Bridge, The Forth Road Bridge’s towers with views from the walkwayover the marina at Port Edgar on the west and the Forth Bridge to the east, The Hawes in South Queensferry opposite The Hawes Inn featured in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped, and The Binks car park in South Queensferry, which was a natural rock jetty used by Queen Margaret in the 11th century to cross the Firth of Forth – hence the name Queensferry.

The Forth Bridges Tourism Group have developed the trail to encourage visitors to explore the area on both sides of the Forth, and support the area’s year-round tourism businesses which include boat trips, outdoor activities, visitor attractions, cafés and restaurants, independent retailers and accommodation providers.

Supporting Scotland’s ambitions to be a world-leading responsible destination, the trail is accessible by foot, bike,and public transport, including train stations at North Queensferry and Dalmeny.

The signs marking points of interest along the trail have been designed to reflect the famous red steelwork of the original Forth Bridge, awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015. The panels feature illustrated maps, images and stories on the history of the Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and communities of North and South Queensferry in collaboration with local history and heritage groups. Each panel has a QR code linking to further information on the Forth Bridges website. 

Tourism Minister, Ivan McKee officially launched the trail at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry with representatives from local tourism businesses.

Tourism Minister, Ivan McKee said: “The Forth Bridges are one of Scotland’s most loved attractions and visitors are now being offered the chance to explore the area in a thought out and structured way.

“It’s great to be able to launch the Forth Bridges Trail and celebrate Scotland’s iconic bridges, whilst supporting economic recovery and developing the tourism offering to the community.

“The trail supports active and sustainable travel, whilst encouraging visitors to explore the local communities, learning not only about the history of the Forth Bridges themselves, but also that of the communities they walk through as part of their journey.”

Ken Gourlay, Chairman of the Forth Bridges Tourism Group and Executive Director of Enterprise and Environment at Fife Council said: “I am delighted that we are launching The Forth Bridges Trail today. The Forth Bridges communities have welcomed visitors for hundreds of years, be they pilgrims, ferry passengers or those enjoying the coast and our magnificent bridges, and the new trail showcases this long and rich history.

“With the area being so easily accessible by public transport, we hope that The Forth Bridges Trail will encourage visitors to come and explore both sides of the Forth cycling or on foot, enjoying the outdoor activities and excellent hospitality that is on offer, and of course taking in the wonderful views.

“Our thanks go to the local history and heritage groups who have worked with us to identify the stories and images featured on the panels.”

The Forth Bridges Tourism Group was established in 2019 and is responsible for delivering the Forth Bridges Area Tourism Strategy, a 10-year plan endorsed by the Scottish Government to create a sustainable and high-quality visitor destination across the Firth of Forth. Core membership of the group includes City of Edinburgh Council, Fife Council, West Lothian Council, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, VisitScotland and Historic Environment Scotland.

To support the launch of the Forth Bridges Trail, the Forth Bridges website has been redeveloped by Transport Scotland with new content focussed on helping plan and enjoy a visit to the area. This includes the best places to view the Bridges, opportunities for cycling and walking across the Forth Road Bridge, and recommendations of things to do in North and South Queensferry and the wider area. A new visitor video has also been created and there is dedicated activity on the Forth Bridges social media channels. 

https://www.theforthbridges.org/visit-the-forth-bridges/forth-bridges-trail/

Active travel projects to benefit from up to £100,000 with the Open Fund.

Scotland’s walking charity, Paths for All has increased the maximum amount of its active travel Open Fund available to public, community and third-sector organisations who can now apply for grants up to £100,000.

Supported by Transport Scotland, the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund doubled from £2.5 million to £5 million earlier this year as it aims to help cut Scotland’s carbon emissions and improve air quality by supporting people across Scotland to travel in more active and sustainable ways.

Projects will be able to apply for between £5,000 and now up to £100,000 – which is a 50% increase from previous years.

The extension aims to create new opportunities for organisations and projects to extend their ambition to adopt active and sustainable travel in order to reduce the reliance on cars.

Initiatives will be focused on encouraging more people to change their everyday travel behaviours and help provide opportunities to drive less and to walk or cycle as part of their everyday short journeys or to use public transport for longer journeys.

Graham McQueen, SCSP Manager at Paths for All, said: “With the continued support of Transport Scotland, we are delighted to be able to increase the maximum amount of grant available through the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund to community groups and charities across Scotland.

“This increase recognises the importance of encouraging people to drive less and to travel in a more sustainable manner. We are facing an immediate climate crisis and we need to act now.

“With these larger grants, applicants can extend their reach to more people and can be more effective in reducing the number of car journeys being made on our roads.”

A total of £13.5 million has been awarded to 542 projects across Scotland after the Open Fund was first launched in 2017.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All, said: “Being able to announce that Paths for All’s funding programme to help Scotland choose smarter ways to travel has increased its fund ceiling from £50k to £100k for the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund is fantastic news.

“The grant fund is available to support public, third and community sector organisations in Scotland to deliver innovative behaviour change projects that promote active and sustainable travel.

“The fund is helping cut Scotland’s carbon emissions and improve our air quality by encouraging people to use public transport or other sustainable options such as buses and community car clubs for longer journeys, walking and cycling for short journeys.

“This means the potential average award can now increase and we would like to thank Transport Scotland for their continued support for the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund which has left us over the moon.”

Applications for this round of funding are welcome until 31 March 2023 and will be awarded for a period of 12 months. To apply or to find out more, please visit https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/open-fund or take a look at our guidance.

Supported by Transport Scotland, Smarter Choices, Smarter Places is Paths for All’s funding programme that exists to encourage people to choose smarter ways to travel. The programme supports public, third and community-sector organisations across the country to deliver active and sustainable projects, as well as supporting every local authority in Scotland to encourage more journeys by foot, bike and public transport.

To read inspiring examples of how funding has been used to further active travel in Scotland, please visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/active-travel/at-success-stories

Two days before the SNP fights for its 16th seat on West Lothian Council its former depute  leader Frank Anderson has thrown his weight behind the Alba candidate standing in the by-election in Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh on Thursday.

 Mr Anderson, until May’s election, was the longest serving councillor in West Lothian for the SNP over the last 34 years, initially in  Craigshill, and latterly in the multi member East Calder and East Livingston ward.

 He was de-selected by the party in the run up to this year’s council election and stood as an independent.

Now the former SNP depute-group  leader, known for his robust style in the council chambers, has announced that he has joined the Alba Party, formed two years ago by former First Minister Alex Salmond.

 He is now working to support Alba’s candidate, Debbie Ewen, in this Thursday’s by-election.

Mr Anderson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the SNP had drifted away from  independence and only Alba  “could hold Westminster’s feet to the fire”.

He added: “Having been an SNP member since 1985 and an SNP councillor for 34 years, the SNP was drifting away from me for some years and is now no longer the radical party I joined. It has lost its hunger for Independence and become blinkered in pursuit of single issues like gender recognition and women only lists.

He added: “I am absolutely delighted at meeting the large number of ex SNP activists who are busy campaigning for Alba. Some of them were the most active members of their former party.”

Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh already has two SNP councillors – Group leader Janet Campbell and long-serving Diane Calder. The party has two councillors in all but three of the county’s nine electoral wards

Tom Ullathorne who served alongside Mr Anderson in the last council for six months  for  East Calder has been selected to fight the seat for the SNP. 

The by-election was caused by the death of Labour Councillor Ann Davidson in September.  

Two former ward councillors will also join the contest. Tony Boyle will stand again for Labour  and Chris Horne, a Conservative councillor in the last council hopes to reclaim a seat in the chambers as an Independent.

 The full list of candidates standing this Thursday is:

Tony Boyle, Scottish Labour.

Peter John Clarke, Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Chris Cotter, Scottish Greens.

Debbie Ewen, Alba Party for Independence.

Chris Horne, Independent.

Steven Robert Laidlaw, Independent.

Douglas Smith, Scottish Conservative and Unionist.

Thomas George Ullathorne, SNP

by Stuart Somerville Local Democracy Reporter

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency: funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.

Entries are now open for the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards, an initiative which champions and celebrates businesses across the regions.

Hosted by the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, the awards will recognise, reward, and celebrate the achievements of a range of businesses and talented individuals, especially relevant following the unprecedented challenges we have all faced over the past years.

The awards are calling for applications across ten categories and nominations close January 27. The awards are free to enter and businesses can enter more than one categories and you don’t have to be a member of the Chamber to apply.

The categories up for nomination are business high growth, business innovation, environmental impact, commitment to youth development, community impact, family business, new business of the year, micro business of the year, SME of the year and local hero.

     
Shortlisted entries will be announced at the end of February and winners will be revealed at the Chamber Business Awards Ceremony and Dinner on March 29 at The Brunton, Musselburgh (pictured by Nigel Duncan). 

Karen Ritchie, chief executive, said: “The Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards are firmly established among the largest events of their kind in the regions, with a history stretching back over 20 years.

“Businesses are going to be facing significant challenges over the coming year, so it’s more important than ever to celebrate and recognise our success stories.”

For further information on the awards or sponsorship opportunities contact Dita Macfarlane, Chamber manager on 0131 603 5040 or email at dita@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk

Kyren Wilson produced three ton-plus breaks to dispose of Hong Kong-born women’s professional On Yee Ng in his first BetVictor Scottish Open appearance.

But the Kettering-based professional (pictured) was annoyed that he missed a potable red into the middle pocket as he eyed a fourth, straight 100-plus break in the match which is part of the Home Nations Series.

The world No 8 took his century break total to 350 with the treble and believes that he has sent out a message to the rest of the field that he is playing well.

Wilson, nicknamed The Warrior, rattled in a 100 break in the opening frame which he won 100-19, then added another 100 in the second which had a 106-14 scoreline and then a 114 in the third (score 114-6), and it could have been more had he not missed a black.

Then he missed on the red in the fourth having built at break of 46 and was looking good. The red rattled both sides of the jaws but stayed above ground and the facial expression of the affable, 30-year-old player, spoke volumes.

Wilson, who has never played in Edinburgh before, ended the frame a 74-6 winner against the only women in the BetVictor Scottish Open field and was asked what was in his porridge for breakfast.

He quipped: “I live near the Weetabix factory in my home town so I definitely had my Weetabix this morning.

“It is weird to say, but I was a little disappointed as I was looking at four 100 breaks in a row and that very rarely happens.

“That would have been very nice but, I can’t be too greedy. I should not have missed it (the red). The thinking was to do the simple bits as there were three reds around the pink spot. Yes, I took my eye off the pot but overall I am very pleased with the way I played.

“It is nice to make records and it is nice to have your name written down for little things like that and, if you can tick it off, it is obviously great.”

He added: “I have been playing really well. I had a strong showing in the qualifiers in Leicester recently, qualifying for the German Open, and won both matches without dropping a frame.

“So, here we are at the (BetVictor) Scottish Open in Edinburgh. It was around 5hr 30mins to get here and it was my first experience of a train journey of that distance. It is nice to go out to a new venue and a new city.”

Wilson said that the Meadowbank complex, which has just been subject to a £45m facelift, looked great and it was good to have a good crowd in for the first game of the day.

He added: “We are looking good. When you put in a performance like that you show your competitors and yourself that you are playing well and I have confidence going forward.”

Later, English player Joe O’Connor edged Zhao Xintong 4-3 thanks to a well-constructed, 87 break in the fourth frame after the Chinese player missed a red, the ball rattling the pocket, early in the frame.

And Bristol-born Judd Trump opened his game against fellow-Englishman, Mitchell Mann, with a stunning 147 break, his eighth in tournament play.

He moved into three figures with a red into the middle and then potted a tricky red as the cue ball was tight to the cushion to move to 113 and then he potted the colours, even if the pink was out of place, lying near the blue which was on its spot in the centre of the table.

The world No 3 finished in style, sending the pink into the middle pocket and bringing the cue ball back to an ideal position to pot the black in the bottom bag. He raised his fist in triumph and his opponent sportingly offered his congratulations. The crowd loved it.

Larkhall-born Graeme Dott bowed out to Joe Perry after losing 4-3, however the Scot battled back from 3-1 down to take the tense tussle to the deciding frame.

The 45-year-old lost the first 58-43 and the second 60-4 but snapped back in the third to take it 57-19 but he lost the next to the man nicknamed The Gentleman after a 50 break by his opponent. The scoreline was 73-40.

Dott’s back was to the wall but the Scot rallied to take the sixth frame 95-0 thanks to a break of 60 and the next was his as well with an even better break, this time of 67 for a 75-1 scoreline, but the long final frame ended in disappointment as Wisbech-born Perry edged it 58-35.

There was much better news for Scottish fans as Perth-born Scott Donaldson, who now lives in Dunfermline, beat 40-year-old Shaun Murphy, originally from Harlow, 4-0, racing to a 3-0 lead with breaks of 93, 77 and 64.

The 28-year-old Scot won the final frame 89-1 to march on in the competition.

The tournament, with Ronnie O’Sullivan, the world No 1, and Scottish hope, John Higgins, runs until December 4.

Less than a year since social enterprise the Scottish Tech Army began the deployment of its innovative local economy platform SOLE in East Lothian, it is celebrating scooping the Scotland Loves Local Digital Town Award at this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference held in Kilmarnock.

The project – SOLE – Supporting Our Local Economy – is a focal community platform created by the Scottish Tech Army (STA), a 2,000-strong community of passionate volunteers providing technology solutions to the benefit of people and communities in Scotland. 

The STA’s deployment of SOLE in East Lothian has been supported by the UK Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund and East Lothian Council and will inject further impetus to help East Lothian’s post pandemic business recovery. 

Available as a downloadable mobile app or via a web-enabled platform, SOLE is designed to empower all East Lothian residents to ‘think, act and shop local’. The app has been created and designed as a single digital point of discovery that allows people across the county to access local shops and other services such as booking activities or events, find a local service, join a group, go on a walking trail with friends, right across East Lothian.

Since the spring, the SOLE Scotland team has been on the ground in the county, attending and supporting events, encouraging and working with local organisations and businesses to ‘onboard’ them to the platform and the community’s response has been very positive, with more the 2,000 downloads of the app in the first three months.

Alistair Forbes, Founding Director and CEO, Scottish Tech Army said: “This is a wonderful recognition of the contribution of our volunteer community, our technology partner OCS and the hard work and dedication of our local engagement and customer success teams and we are extremely grateful to the communities in East Lothian for their support for this project.”

Scotland’s Towns Partnership Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “Congratulations to the Scottish Tech Army and its partners. This is a thoroughly well-deserved award. “The work of the SOLE project in East Lothian has embraced digital innovation to provide a tremendous platform for local businesses while also encouraging residents to think, choose and spend locally – helping to build a stronger future for the region.”

East Lothian Provost, John McMillan added his congratulations, saying: “We are delighted that this innovative project has been rightly recognised in this year’s Awards. Local businesses, community organisations and the people of East Lothian are enjoying the best of living locally thanks to the implementation of the platform across the county.”

Ellis Notley beamed as she was presented with a shirt with 150 on the back under her name to signify her 150th game for Hibs and she told the media: “I can’t ask for much more, 150 appearances and a win in the Capital Cup. Disappointed not to get the three points. The memory will last.” 

The player, known as Miss Consistent, said the 8,066 crowd who attended Sunday’s Derby sponsored by fund managers Baillie Gifford at Easter Road was great for the women’s game.

And the 23-year-old (pictured speaking to the media by Nigel Duncan) stressed that the talented Hibs team has evolved massively since day since she made her debut in 2016.

The former Player of the Year admitted: “When I first came in I was a wee girl and I have seen the steps and strides the club has made in making.

“The backing of the women’s team and the professional contacts and the professional players have been a real benefit and the club has grown massively. We making steps forward.”

So much so that Notley believes Hibs can challenge the big guns in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

And she is confident that Hibs, currently sixth in the 12-strong table, can catch Hearts who are fourth, four points ahead, and then challenge sides in the top three.

Notley said: “100 per cent we believe we can catch Hearts (in the table) and, for us, there have been disappointments in terms of some results.

“We have got a massively talented team, a team I know can go on and catch teams above us, but we need to have belief.”

Every game Hibs go into they aim for three points said the midfielder who reflected on the Capital Cup clash with Hearts which also doubled as a league game.

Hibs went 1-0 down but continued to press and were rewarded with a late leveller and Notley said: “First half we dominated the ball, we created chances and their keeper made some excellent saves.

“We took confidence from that and we knew it we went behind we will get back in the game

“We had chance near the end to sneak a win, but we got the win on penalties.”

Overall she said: “We will continue to work and we will be ready for them the next time.

Bethany Christian Trust is trying to raise £40,000 in one week to support people without a home this winter.

The Scottish homelessness charity is taking part in the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2022, with supporters’ donations doubled because of match funding.

This year, the charity knows that more people than ever need emergency assistance at the Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre in Edinburgh, and it has to urgently raise crucial funds to provide support.

For this week only, donations towards the charity’s Buy a Bed campaign will be generously doubled by The Mackie Foundation and The Together Project, meaning each donation can support twice as many people who are homeless.

Every £21 Buy a Bed donation helps someone facing a night on the streets, and provides the opportunity to come in from the cold and access a warm and safe en-suite bedroom, hot meals and 24-hour support.

With a focus on personalised care and support, the Welcome Centre aims to not only provide shelter from the elements, but also tries to help people move on into more permanent accommodation, as well as offer assistance with mental health, addiction, wellbeing, medical needs and accessing benefits.

This winter The City of Edinburgh Council are covering the cost of the room hire. Bethany are providing the large professional team to support people in crisis and are raising essential funds through the Buy a Bed campaign to enable this service. The Welcome Centre also relies on around 1,000 volunteers from churches across the Lothians who provide the catering and hot evening meals. The support provision at the Welcome Centre is also supported by the voluntary donations of trusts and foundations, individuals, local churches, companies and communities, as well as local and national government grants.

Last year the charity took part in the Christmas Challenge for the first time and was amazed at the response from supporters, raising their target of £20,000 in under four hours. This year, with circumstances becoming increasingly difficult for many of the people they serve, the target for the week has increased to £40,000.

Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive at Bethany Christian Trust said: “Your donation will provide our team with the means to help those most in need find a warm and loving place to stay this Christmas and support to move on to further accommodation. Your gift will save lives. We have just one week to double this giving opportunity through generous match funding and raise the support needed to provide this life saving service.”

How can you get involved?

● Get online and donate to Bethany Christian Trust’s campaign between 30 November at 12pm –  7 December at noon to double the impact.

https://donate.thebiggive.org.uk/campaign/a056900002ND6UIAA1

Ronnie O’Sullivan blew his Chinese opponent away in less than an hour at the BetVictor Scottish Open at Meadowbank and the lightning fast four frame win included the second fastest century break on record.

The man nicknamed The Rocket fired the ton in 3min 34sec missing out on the record set by Maltese player Tony Drago in the UK Championships against Scot John Higgins in 1996 by just three seconds.

How the Scots loved the display from the world No 1 who was quick to point out that he does not chase records.

He’s brought his running shoes to Edinburgh and intends to take in some of the city’s best training locations. On this form, however, the other players should run for cover.

There was, however, no real inclination of what was to come as the match against 20-year-old Chinese player, Bai Langning, had a scrappy start.

Bai pulled away to lead 27-0 before he failed on a red into the middle bag, the ball hitting both jaws and staying out.

O’Sullivan (pictured in the background behind John Higgins, one of the other big attractions at Meadowbank) was straight into the reds with position on the black and he made the most of it, but got lucky with a cut off the pink into the centre pocket as the white moved down the table to the bottom pocket and rattled both jaws before staying above ground.

His break of 54 came to an end and then O’Sullivan fouled on the yellow.

The 46-year-old Englishman was back in after Bai failed with a long red, but Ronnie also missed a long pot to the bottom pocket. Then Bai failed with a red into the middle allowing O’Sullivan back but his stay was short-lived.

Bai opened with a red into the middle, then pink, then red, black, red before going for safety. O’Sullivan went for a double off the cushion and failed and then Bai also failed with a long red. 

Bai capitalised starting his break with a long black then pink, taking the cue ball up to near the yellow bag before opting for safety with the score 62-61 in favour of the Englishman. 

O’Sullivan, the world No 1, missed which started a period of fencing before O’Sullivan got back in with break of eight before he missed an easy yellow. Bai went for a snooker and Ronnie converted with the yellow but left it in an ideal potting situation.

Bai potted the yellow followed by a fine green into the middle but missed a long brown with O’Sullivan ahead 70-66 and the fans applauded as he sunk the green, blue pink and black for the frame win 79-66.

Frame two and O’Sullivan went behind 9-0 down but responded with a lightning-fast break of 118. The audience were spellbound with the century break timed on site as 3min 34sec. It ended with O’Sullivan missing a black, but it was one of the fastest ever ton breaks on record.

O’Sullivan broke for frame three leaving the cue ball in baulk behind the green. Bai left the Englishman with a long red with the white close to the bottom cushion but it failed in the jaws in the yellow pocket.

Bai missed so the world’s top player picked it off. The break halted on 11. A long red from baulk near the spotted brown started Ronnie rolling again and he raced to 56-0 before a mistake allowed Bai back.

He missed on a blue and Ronnie roared again before missed a red and ending the break on 15 but Bai said that was enough.

Bai broke in frame four and Ronnie potted a difficult, long red to get going again, concentrating on the black, break 30. His opponent missed but O’Sullivan didn’t, again working on the black, and breaking the pack to leave options.

A cute red made the break 35 and then the blue another red and the pink disappeared. The rest is history and the event lasted 57 minutes. He was gone

People in Scotland are being asked to consider if they could open their homes to displaced people from Ukraine as part of a new campaign to find new hosts.

The campaign aims to increase the supply of volunteer hosts across the country for people who are currently in short-term welcome accommodation. A new webpage has been set up to provide prospective volunteers with clear information on the application process, and what is expected of them if they are matched with a displaced person from Ukraine who is already in Scotland.

Hosts will register their details online which will then be sent to their local authority, where checks are undertaken to ensure that homes offered are suitable for hosting.

Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “I’m so proud of the warm welcome the people of Scotland have given to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. We have welcomed so many people through our Super Sponsor Scheme who would otherwise not have been able to travel. We don’t want people to spend any more time than necessary in temporary accommodation and we are keen to match people with hosts as soon as we can.

“We need more hosts and that’s why we’ve launched this campaign. We know that being a host is a big commitment so we have set out exactly what will be expected so people can make an informed choice before providing their details. The most successful arrangements happen when both the needs of hosts and Ukrainians align. Many people may prefer to live in areas close to amenities and services, or close to pre-existing Ukrainian communities. In addition, volunteer hosts will have their own preferences and may not have space for larger family sizes or complex group compositions.

“Matching takes time and considerable input. This is why we have increased resources to our local authorities to boost the process.

“I’m extremely grateful to people who are already hosting, as well as those who have already put their details forward and are still waiting to be matched. Rest assured your generous offer is under consideration and your local authority will be in touch. Anyone who has already provided us with their details, will not need to do so again.”

Simon Tyas MBE from Scot Hosts said: “We are pleased to support this campaign, which is very much needed. Over the past nine months, Scot Hosts been working with hosts (through the Facebook group Scotland Ukraine Host Support Group) and Ukrainian families across Scotland to try and ensure that they have a positive and effective time during their time together in Scotland. We’ve created a support network where hosts can share positive and negative experiences, and we stand ready to welcome new hosts who are willing and able to offer their homes.”

To find out more about hosting or to apply to be a host visit mygov.scot/offer-a-home

Scot Fraser Patrick (pictured) was in his sick bed with a virus last week but he pulled off the shock result on Day One of the BetVictor Scottish Open with a 4-3 victory over defending champion Luca Brecel.

The Glaswegian, currently ranked No 86, got off to a great start with a 62-40 scoreline in first frame, then he won the second 63-12 but Brecel, nicknamed the Belgian Bullet, hit back with a 76-0 win in the third and then levelled with a break of 72 in the fourth.

He edged ahead against a man ranked No 11 in the world, with an 83 break in the fifth but the 37-year-old Scot steadied himself and claimed a 93 break in the sixth before holding his nerve to claim the match with a 66-41 scoreline in the deciding seventh.

The snooker player, who has previously juggled his hours on the practice table with a job working as an Amazon delivery driver, said: “I was not expecting too much as I’ve not been playing.

“I’ve been under the weather and came here thinking whatever happens, happens and I did not feel any pressure. It can’t get much better than that, on the main table, beating the defending champion and I was lucky to get in straight away. I got the win and that’s all I’m concerned about really.”

Later, Judd Trump, ranked No 3 in the world, was out of the blocks quicky with 36 break but Sanderson Lam stepped in to notch break of 65 but missed a red into middle due to cue ball being tight to the right hand cushion.

In stepped Trump to clean up despite the pink being out of position. Frame score 68-65.

The second frame saw Trump out in front again, but a screw back on the green saw the cue ball finish close to the yellow in baulk and he failed in an attempt to get back in among the reds.

Lam then forced him to play again but eventually, after a bout of cat and mouse, Trump took control to emerge with a scoreline of 91-16  thanks to a break of 63.

Lam raced to a 50-13 advantage in frame three and worked a snooker which Trump just failed to counter. Lam put Trump in again, the cue ball positioned behind the brown in baulk and he was short by inches.

Attempt No 3, this time another direction. Same result. Cue ball back behind brown. This time success, but only just.

Lam back in with cue ball near red on bottom cushion, sending the white to the top of the table. He was on 62. Trump then attempted long red into bottom pocket and converted, leaving the white well placed for the pink.

Then he faced a red tight on cushion but sent it safely into the bottom pocket followed by the black and he would not be denied, cleaning up 63-62. Lamb looked down at the floor.

Trump had to sit and watch his opponent build a break of 56 in the next, but the Englishman got back in after an attempt on a black to a bottom pocket rattled the jaws but stayed above ground.

Trump made him pay and from 31-56 behind he secured a great pink off the rest into bottom bag for 53-56. It left a tight black but he sent into the top pocket. Score 4-0.  

Bristol-based Trump said: “It was not that comfortable and there were quite a few opportunities for both of us but I managed to make long pots at crucial times.

“Any win is a good win and anyone in the professionals can make a clearance but I did not play at my best but very happy to come to a great new arena and put in a performance.”  

John Higgins, nicknamed the Wishaw Wizzard, beat English rival Anthony Hamilton 4-2 and then admitted that his confidence is low.

Higgins started well, winning 95-16 in the opening frame thanks to a break of 55, but Hamilton hit back instantly with a wonderful break of 123 to win the frame, leaving Higgins with much to ponder.

Frame three saw Higgins into the pack quickly and he moved smoothly to a break of 103 to the delight of the home fans.

The Englishman was obviously having problems with his eyes, and inserting drops at one point, but he still won frame four 74-61.

Higgins rallied and a 55 break in the next won the frame for the Scot with an impressive 82-0 scoreline and he did not let the Englishman off the hook, closing the match out with a break of 74 in a 75-8 frame-six win.

Higgins said: “It is always a tough game when you play Anthony, we’ve played each other for years, playing on the amateur scene and now as professionals, he knows the game inside out. He is a gentleman and there was some great scoring there.”

He added: “It was a great win for me and the turning point was when he came out of the pack and did not land on a red. I am lucky that I have left him a red into the yellow bag and he has missed it.

“My form is bad at the moment and the confidence is really low but it can only take a couple of good matches, to win against a player like Anthony, to get confidence back up again.”

FLY Open Air returns for its tenth edition in May 2023, with Ben Hemsley, Eliza Rose, Job Jobse, Interplanetary Criminal and Sally C among the first names announced with tickets on sale now.

The May edition of the festival will take place in the grounds of Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes just outside South Queensferry.

‘Legend in the making’ Ben Hemsley returns to FLY Open Air with his luring melodies and flavours of old school nostalgia with New Zealand brothers Chaos in the CBD, known for their dreamy take on dance music also confirmed.

Eliza Rose and Interplanetary Criminal, the artists behind this Summer’s most empowering anthem ‘B.O.T.A. (The Baddest Of Them All) join the line-up alongside the universally loved Job Jobse, who made his name as one of Trouw in Amsterdam’s most exciting residents.

Inspired selector Sally C, genre-bending Surusinghe and dynamic electronic duo Prospa are also set to play alongside rising stars of the Scottish scene Hannah Laing, Hayley Zalassi and t e s t p r e s s.

Tom Ketley, FLY Open Air Director, said: “We’re excited to return for our 10th edition of the festival at Scotland’s finest stately home – Hopetoun House. The site can hold over 8,000 people so we expect this year to be our biggest yet!”

More artists will be announced in the coming months with early bird tickets on sale now and a payment plan option also available here.

Forth Children’s Theatre’s Christmas production this year is Beauty and the Beast.

The young cast will stage their show in the Wee Hub in Ocean Terminal at the beginning of next month, and will then perform their panto in a free show for the Ukrainians living on board MS Victoria in Leith.

Forth Children’s Theatre (FCT) is in rehearsals and sprinkling stardust over a cast full of fairytale characters in their brand new, musical production of Beauty and The Beast: The Panto.

Written and directed by Lewis C Baird and choreographed by Taylor Doig – the talented team who made FCT’s last production of Oliver! a massive success. They will be joined by vocal coach Erin Munro.

For the panto, the group has taken up residence in the new community space, The Wee Hub, in the old Debenhams store in Ocean Terminal.  They have a team of magicians creating a set as far removed from a department store as humanly possible.  By December, the hub will be transformed into a Scottish castle fit for Belle and the beast.

And then the performers will perform a free show for the Ukrainian families living on board MS Victoria.

The Wee Hub offers a dedicated space for the community of Leith and beyond to come together and share in dance, song, and fun. This traditional family pantomime follows Belle as she travels into the unknown to save her father, who has been held captive by a hideous beast in the mysterious Dalkeith Castle.  Is the beast as evil as he appears? Oh aye he is …oh no he’s no!  You will have to decide for yourselves.

The theatre was established in 1979 to encourage interest and active participation in theatre and drama among young people.  They normally stage two shows a year, Easter and a Fringe show, and regularly play to sell-out houses.  They have won a host of awards but as with many theatre companies, they had to close their doors during the pandemic. The young company has decided to make the next 12 months a bumper year, starting with the panto and closely followed by Cole Porter’s Anything Goes in February.

This promises to be a fun-filled evening full of song, dance, and lots and lots of laughs.

Date: 8-10 December 2022

Time: 7:30pm with an additional matinee on Saturday 10 December at 2:30pm

Location: The Wee Hub, Old Debenhams, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Leith, EH6 6JJ

Tickets Cost: £15 – Adult, £10 – Concession + fees, Family tickets available

For tickets: https://www.forthchildrenstheatre.org/upcoming-shows

A finance sector recruitment specialist has been named as one of 14 ground-breaking business trailblazers in Scotland by WIRED Magazine and HSBC UK.

Core-Asset Consulting was identified as an innovative, fast-growth scale-up that is pushing boundaries and helping to lead the conversation on major social, economic and environmental issues.

The Edinburgh firm has joined a community which features the likes of Intelligent Growth Solutions, a global agritech innovator delivering more sustainable food systems, Skyrora, an Edinburgh-based rocket company and Numan, a health app devoted to tackling the stigma around men’s health.

To celebrate, Core-Asset founder Betsy Williamson joined senior leaders from the other Scottish trailblazers for a networking event to discuss ways in which to spread the message of sustainability in business.

Betsy said: “The trailblazing event brought together the very best of innovative business leaders across a number of different sectors.

“Everyone was conscious about how to make Scottish business more sustainable as well as socially and economically progressive. It was great to hear about a number of companies which were not just surviving through this economic uncertainty, but thriving.

“Being named as a WIRED Trailblazer, and identified as one of the UK’s most innovative and inspiring businesses is a tremendous honour.

“We will continue to do all we can to raise awareness of socio-economic issues in the Scottish workplace.”

Core-Asset has joined 73 other businesses across the UK to be named in the first cohort of WIRED Trailblazers.

The WIRED Trailblazer hub is a place in which other business leaders can get help and advice from the thoughts and insights of the community.

Core-Asset Consulting was formed in 2005. Initially the firm carved its reputation in Scotland’s globally-renowned asset management sector. However, the success of its model allowed it to expand across the wider financial services market. It now boasts dedicated accounting, investment operations and finance teams and also works in Scotland’s thriving legal sector.

New archery sessions entertain elderly care home residents.

Active pensioners at an Edinburgh care home are proving you are never too old to take up a new hobby.

The introduction of archery to Cramond Residence’s calendar of activities has been well received by residents who channelled their inner Robin Hood as they learned how to shoot a bow and arrow for the first time.

The home’s Lifestyle team were keen to introduce an activity that many residents wouldn’t have had exposure too to compliment the rich and exciting rota of activities offered which has been tailored to residents’ interests to improve their wellbeing and independence.

Garylee Rushforth, Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom home, said: “It really was a spur of the moment idea – when I was purchasing new sports equipment for the home, I saw an archery kit online and thought it would be a great outdoor activity to try with our residents.

“Initially, the idea of archery was a very alien concept as none of the residents had ever engaged with such an activity before. However, we ended up seeing a huge turnout – with around 20 residents participating in the first session – so we decided to make the activity a regular addition.

“The residents have been loving trying out archery – there’s always lots of laughs and smiles, which is always so rewarding to see. It’s been a great hit!”

The activity was integrated into the home’s bustling events rota, among a series of other sports and exercise classes, to encourage movement and improve the residents’ physical wellbeing.

Garylee continued: “Physical engagement is vital in supporting the mental stimulation and physical needs of our residents, as well as creating a happy and thriving environment for them to enjoy.

“Working in conjunction with our physiotherapy team, we offer at least one physical activity every day. We have seen that increased activity aids mobility and reduces the likelihood of falls occurring amongst residents, creating a safer living environment.

“We offer a wide range of sporting activities at Cramond Residence – from boules, to tennis, to dance. We even held a sports day for the residents, which was a great success.”

Cramond Residence adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

cramondresidence.co.uk/ 

On Wednesday at 7pm, Edinburgh International Festival is hosting a special viewing event on YouTube.

The 30-minute film Edinburgh is a Story, which shows off the city at its best and includes artists from the 75th Festival, includes some video of a new commission from Scottish Ballet at the National Monument, choreographed by Nicholas Shoesmith, and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in the Scottish Parliament Building. The film is made up of five short films which create a journey through Edinburgh.

The films feature Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery, Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, British pianist Wayne Marshall and Australian didgeridoo virtuoso, William Barton.

The film is available worldwide to watch for free, and is directed by Oscar Sansom (Biffy Clyro, Liam Gallagher, Royal Blood, Belle and Sebastian) from Glasgow-based production company’s Forest of Black.

The At Home programme some of which has already been released during November takes place until 1 December with three digital releases per week, each at 4pm, all freely available to be watched from anywhere in the world at www.eif.co.uk/at-home and on the Edinburgh International Festival YouTube Channel.

See the full programme of releases below.

Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive, Edinburgh International Festival said, “We are proud to welcome viewers from around the world to join us in celebrating St Andrews Day, with a special viewing of Edinburgh is a Story, which shares world-class performances from some incredible artists from this year’s programme. We are grateful to abrdn for making this possible through their support for the At Home programme.”

Judith Kynaston, Head of Global Brand at abrdn said “We’re delighted to continue our support of the Edinburgh International Festival Digital ‘At Home’ Programme for a second time. ‘At Home’ gives global audiences the opportunity to experience a diverse programme of live performances for free, and we’re excited to continue our association with the world’s leading performing arts festival in 2022. Looking forward to watching.”

RELEASE SCHEDULE

Title: Arab Strap – Music Session
Released: 27 October, 4pm
Description: Arab Strap perform ‘The Turning of Our Bones’, recorded onstage before their International Festival performance at Leith Theatre.

Title: Hannah Lavery – Edinburgh is a Story
Released: 1 November, 4pm
Description: The first film from Forest of Black’s Edinburgh is a Story series features a performance of Makar Hannah Lavery’s titular poem. The special commissioned piece was also performed at the International Festival’s Opening Event, MACRO, at BT Murrayfield this year.

Title: Behind-the-scenes – Edinburgh is a Story
Released: 2 November, 4pm
Description: Behind-the-scenes look at the making of At Home, featuring interviews with Oscar Sansom (Director), Beth Allan (Producer), Hannah Lavery, William Barton, Wayne Marshall, Sian.

Title: Jordi Savall – Music Session
Released: 3 November, 4pm
Description: Jordi Savall performs with an ensemble of musicians from Hespèrion XXI from the stage of the Queen’s Hall.

Title: William Barton – Edinburgh is a Story
Released: 8 November, 4pm
Description: The second part of the Edinburgh is a Story series features Australian digeridoo player William Barton as he performs ‘The Rising of Mother Country’ from the Salisbury Crags.

Title: Brandenburg Concertos – Full Concert
Released: 9 November, 4pm
Description: The first full concert recording from the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival features Richard Egarr leading The Brandenburg Concertos, a collection of Bach’s iconic compositions filmed as live at the Queen’s Hall.

Title: Brìghde Campbell – Music Session
Released: 10 November, 4pm
Description: Brìghde Campbell who featured in MACRO is a leading contemporary performer of Celtic music and plays a rendition of ‘Clann Ulaidh’ backstage at Leith Theatre.

Title: Wayne Marshall – Edinburgh is a Story
Release Date: 15 November, 4pm
Description: Edinburgh is a Story continues as audiences join Wayne Marshall in a unique and intimate performance from the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

• Title: Saul – Highlights 
• Released: 16 November, 4pm 
• Description: Filmed highlights of The English Concert’s performance of Handel’s Saul at the Usher Hall as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival, conducted by John Butt and featuring Neal Davies in the title role

Title: Aref Ghorbani – Music Session
Released: 17 November, 4pm
Description: Aref Ghorbani performs the Persian folk song recorded ahead of Vocal, part of 2022’s Refuge series, in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council.

Title: Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra – Edinburgh is a Story
Released: 22 November, 4pm
Description: The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson and featuring soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska, perform ‘Abscheulicher, komm Hoffnung’ from Beethoven’s Fidelio in a historic performance at the Scottish Parliament Building, reflecting Edinburgh’s position as a twinned city of Kyiv.

Title: The Closing Concert – Full Concert
Released: 23 November, 4pm
Description: The closing concert of the 2022 Festival, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius marks the final full performance recording, a grand spectacle performed by the RSNO led Sir Andrew Davis and featuring the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

Title: Sian – Music Session
Released: 24 November, 4pm
Description: Gaelic vocal trio Sian performs ‘Na Gamhna Geala’ outside of Leith Theatre before their performance in Niteworks: Comann which closed the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival.

Title: Scottish Ballet – Edinburgh is a Story
Released: 29 November, 4pm
Description: An exclusive commission choreographed by Nicholas Shoesmith features dancer James Garrington concluding the singular releases of the Edinburgh is a Story series.

Title: Edinburgh is a Story – Full Film
Release Date: 30 November, 7pm
Description: Audiences across the world are encouraged to gather and celebrate Scotland on St Andrews Day by watching Edinburgh is a Story in full. The film will take the viewer on a beautiful journey across the city of Edinburgh as world class artists perform in wild and stunning locations.

Title: Takacz Quartet – Music Session
Release Date: 1 December, 4pm
Description: The final Music Session features the Takacz Quartet performance of the first movement of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s ‘Five Fantasiestucke Op 5’.

Visit www.eif.co.uk/at-home for full details of Edinburgh International Festival At Home in partnership with abrdn.

Leith Rotary Club supports children’s charity at annual concert

Musical talent from two Edinburgh schools joined forces this week to support a charity transforming paediatric surgery in low and middle income countries.

Around 80 pupils from Leith Academy and Trinity Academy took to the South Leith Parish Church stage for Leith Rotary Club’s annual charity concert, helping to raise over £1,000 of vital funds for Edinburgh headquartered charity, Kids Operating Room (KidsOR).

KidsOR is a global organisation focused on the single task of providing dedicated operating rooms for children’s surgery and to date has provided over 75,000 surgeries in 22 different countries.

Leith Rotary Club chose to support KidsOR at the annual aid concert due to the charity’s exceptional aims, which reflect the club’s motto of ‘service about self’ and conveys the philosophy of unselfish voluntary service.

Rachel Cram, Fundraising Manager at KidsOR, said: “The funds raised at this concert will help directly improve access to safe paediatric surgery and ultimately save children’s lives. We’re extremely thankful to both schools, as well as Leith Rotary Club, for supporting KidsOR’s work and ambitions.

“It is especially encouraging to see pupils actively supporting similarly aged children who are living in countries where the lack of accessible healthcare is overwhelming.

“Safe surgery is something that we so often take for granted and it is fundraising events like this one that ensure KidsOR is able to continue its vital work towards reaching its goal of ensuring life-saving surgery is available to all.”

All proceeds collected during the event will now go towards providing state-of-the-art operating rooms, the training of paediatric surgeons and the provision of anaesthesia to support the charity’s vital work.

Mike Irving, Headteacher at Leith Academy, said: “This is a very worthwhile cause and I hope the concert allows KidsOR to continue having a positive impact on the lives of the children who so desperately need surgery.”

Nick Burge, Headteacher at Trinity Academy, said: “We were so pleased to receive an invitation from Leith Rotary Club and the children were delighted to contribute their time and talents to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”

KidsOR work with Ministries of Health, hospitals and local teams to install and equip state-of-the-art children’s Operating Rooms and surgical units and currently operate in more than 40 countries.

The charity builds high-quality paediatric Operating Rooms and trains surgeons so they can go on to care for their own nation’s children.

For more information on KidsOR, please visit: www.KidsOR.org

Guests can now sample a new Bordeaux, together with several other outstanding reds, plus the Karma Group’s own “Travellers Gin” at Karma Lake of Menteith.

Known for its fantastic curated wine and spirits collection, assembled since 2016, Karma Group, the collection of 44 worldwide luxury resorts, has introduced a fantastic new red wine to its collection – “Grand Vin de Bordeaux” which can be enjoyed by guests.

With a velvety taste, this wine is notable for its extraordinary artwork on the label, designed by Australian artist, Helen Norton, depicting a creative rendition of the opening scenes of The Tempest, by William Shakespeare.

Other red wines on offer include a 2012 Chateau Jean Voisin St. Emillion Grand Cru, a 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc blend produced at a 14 hectare vineyard around the St Emillion chateau, using no pesticides or herbicides.

Hailing from Italy is a 2018 Le Miccine Carduus Toscana IGT. Named after the Latin for Thistle, to reflect the winemaker’s Scottish heritage, this is a delicious Tuscan wine which is both spicy and plumby.

Made with carefully selected, globally sourced ingredients, such as Tuscan junipers, Balinese sage, Indian peppercorn and French orange peel, Karma Group’s new signature “Travellers Gin” has already made its mark since launch, being awarded a silver medal at the Global Spirits Masters 2021 in the premium gin category.

Karma Lake of Menteith General Manager, Chris Diplock said: “We are delighted to add these two outstanding new drinks to our own Karma Group collection which guests across our 44 global resorts can enjoy, including those here at the beautiful Karma Lake of Menteith.

“The Grand Vin de Bordeaux is the perfect accompaniment to one of our locally sourced venison dishes which we are offering in The Menteith Restaurant at the moment, with the venison coming from Rednock Estate just along the road.

“Our owner and founder, John Spence, is a real wine connoisseur, committed to creating a quality range of wines and spirits to offer his guests, so he is always coming up with something new to add to the collection.

“And as gin is still very much in vogue, a spirit continuing to enjoy a huge resurgence, we wanted to have our own gin too. We are really pleased our Travellers Gin has had such an impressive debut, receiving a prestigious award on launch. It keeps selling out here in Scotland but rest assured, we have ordered more.

“Expect a warm spicy flavour with a touch of citrus, together with a clean dry finish when you try it.”

The Hotel is running its 12 Days of Christmas Karma throughout the festive season, offering a variety of dining and social experiences open to everyone, residents and non residents alike. This will include live music, quizzes, food showcases and more.

Special festive dining is available to book at Karma Lake of Menteith on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The Karma Lake of Menteith Christmas Menu costs £49.95 for three courses, with any two at £39.95 & includes chef’s canapés.
End 2022 on a high with Karma Lake of Menteith’s traditional Gala Dinner, taking place on 31 December with fireworks, live music from Fergus Woods, and traditional ceilidh dancing.

For further details on short breaks and dining experiences at Karma Lake of Menteith, please click here.

Fancy a change of scene? This substantial and well established self-catering business comprising a B-listed Georgian House, Garden Flat and Cottages which can sleep up to 36 guests is now on the market.

Commercial Property Agency for the hospitality sector, Drysdale & Company, has Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages on the west coast of Islay on their books, a unique property representing an outstanding lifestyle business opportunity.

With a freehold asking price of offers over £1.9 million, Kilchoman, set over thirty seven acres of ground and just five minutes from Machir Bay and beach, one of Islay’s most popular spots, could offer a new owner the option of living in a large family home whilst operating the self catering cottages as a business. Alternatively, the entire estate could be run on a 100% commercial basis, with guests also staying in the B listed Georgian House, which was built in 1825. Able to comfortably sleep twelve people, the House is an impressive detached stone set over two levels. Accommodation includes a recently refurbished kitchen, formal dining room which can seat eighteen, main sitting room and family room.

Next to the main house is a separate annexe building beneath a double pitched roof which includes a one bedroom flat with lounge. The sitting room overlooks a large walled garden with views over Creag Mhor.

The six individual Kilchoman cottages comprise of four, two-bedroom cottages and a separate three-bedroom cottage, sleeping a total of twenty four people. The original block was the minister’s former stable and coach house until its conversion to individual holiday cottages.

Stuart Drysdale said: “Owned and operated by the present owner for the past eight years, Kilchoman is a thriving business with plenty of potential for further redevelopment, subject to planning. Along with all the other buildings there is a large single storey agricultural garage lying to the south of the main house. The extensive acreage available here provides significant potential for the addition of further development or lodges subject to appropriate planning permission being granted. It’s another box ticked on what makes this entire estate so attractive. We are delighted to bring it to the market at this time.

“Kilchoman’s safe and attractive setting makes it an ideal place in which to bring up a family.

“Older children, as they turn into adults, could easily get involved in running the business too – there is a great deal of scope for a whole new lifestyle.

“We expect this listing to be very popular indeed.”

Current owner of Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages, David Thomson said: “It has been great fun building the business, we have many friends from the regular guests who visit, some coming for over 20 years. A great deal has been invested in building the business, particularly in maintenance and improvements to the product. Trip advisor results and guest comments are very gratifying and Kilchoman and Islay cottages is something we are both very proud of.

“Having been involved in the hospitality industry all our working lives, we think that the time is right to move on.

“We have another very successful business on Islay, the “Peatzeria” which keeps us involved. We now have three grandchildren and counting who require our attention, also the chance to spend a lot more time travelling is very appealing. Kilchoman is a very special place, and we will miss it and the buzz very much. There is a lot more that could be done, but it is time to leave it to someone younger to take Kilchoman and Islay Cottages to the next stage.”

The southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Islay is a busy tourist destination popular with wildlife enthusiasts, golfers and whisky lovers. Nine working whisky distilleries are to be found on the island, the oldest of which is Bowmore, founded in 1779. The closest whisky distillery to Kilchoman lies just to the east, Kilchoman distillery, established in 2005, Islay’s only single farm single malt whisky producing distillery. Regular ferry services are provided from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to Port Askaig (1 hr 55 mins) or Port Ellen (2hrs 20 mins). Logan Air provide a flight direct from Glasgow International airport which takes 45 mins.

Telephone Stuart Drysdale on 07815 317186, email Stuart@drysdaleandcompany.co.uk

www.drysdaleandcompany.com

Victoria Square and The Orangery Restaurant in Stirling is a well-established business with strong growth potential according to commercial property agency for the hospitality sector, Drysdale & Company, which has just placed the business on the market.

This VisitScotland Five Star Gold rated and award-winning business comprises a detached Victorian villa with ten boutique style bedrooms plus staff accommodation. There is also a thirty two cover restaurant and private gardens and a car park. The business has been rated No.1 on TripAdvisor for both accommodation, and as a restaurant. Victoria Square and the Orangery is now offered for sale in walk in condition. It is on the market at offers over £1.35 million.

The property has been sympathetically restored by present owners Phil and Kari Couser, and it has a residents’ lounge. The main breakfast/dining room can accommodate twenty diners, with an additional twelve seated in the conservatory/orangery extension.

Staff accommodation consists of an attic apartment and lower ground floor level room that are presently used by two live-in members of staff. The whole of the lower ground floor level was previously used as owners’ accommodation and has an open plan kitchen and lounge area. There is potential to use some or all of the lower ground floor garden rooms as owners’ accommodation if a buyer wished to live in.

The current owners have run the business since 2013, opening initially as a seven room guest house before expanding to ten rooms in 2016. A restaurant was added in 2019 and the business was rebranded as a restaurant with rooms in 2021. This last financial year has been the first full year of trading in this model without interruption since the pandemic began. The business is marketed as having significant potential for growth based on a very strong and still growing reputation as one of the finest places in which to eat and stay in Stirling.

Updated trading information will be provided to parties on viewing the property.

Phil Couser explained the background to the sale: “Whilst we have no immediate plans to retire, and are open-minded about new career and business opportunities, we decided to put the business on the market now because we always said it was important to sell when you are still on the way up. We opened the restaurant side of the business just before the pandemic and this is the first year of running as a restaurant with rooms without interruption. The accommodation side of the business is very well established, but there is still a lot of growth potential in the restaurant, building on its excellent and multiple rated reputation.”

“We are very proud of what we have created here, Victoria Square being our first foray in hospitality.

“My wife Kari has led in the day-to-day management of the business, before this she had a career in education. I had a career as an army officer before switching to working in senior management within the NHS, which I continued to do until 2021.

“Highlights for us have definitely been finishing the initial phase of refurbishment and taking satisfaction from returning the grandeur to a beautiful old building. Secondly, unexpectedly being awarded our 5-star grading from Visit Scotland on our first inspection. Thirdly and more recently, achieving the top spot in the Stirling area both for accommodation and as a restaurant on TripAdvisor.

“We will miss working with a great team of staff and, secondly, interacting with our diverse and international clientele and we wish any new owner well in their endeavours here.”

Contact Stuart on 07815 317186, email Stuart@drysdaleandcompany.co.uk

Click here for the sales brochure.

www.drysdaleandcompany.com

Scottish Thistle Awards Regional Final success.

A year after it suffered severe storm damage, eco self-catering business, Cairngorm Bothies, situated in the Cairngorm National Park, is celebrating being chosen as a national finalist in the Scottish Thistle Tourism Awards.

The business, which is fast becoming a byword for green tourism, won the “Working Together for Tourism” Award for the Aberdeen City and Shire region. This award “celebrates partnerships, collaborations and team working, whether that be with local businesses, communities or a group of individuals”.

Cairngorm Bothies, owned and run by Dr Gordon Drummond, who is already the winner of an Unlocking Ambition Entrepreneurial Award from Scottish Enterprise, started off with six “off road and off grid” woodland bothies in summer 2020. The innovative “off grid” holiday development may well have been the very first of its kind in Scotland. Solar panels are used to generate power, with the stored energy driving a water pump to purify water. Wood-burning stoves, supplied with logs from the estate, perform a multitude of tasks, from heating the main living areas, to heating a water circuit for towel rails, providing hot water for washing, and powering a cooking range, complete with oven.

Had it not been for the storm damage another six Bothies would have been added to the portfolio.

Dr Drummond said: “We are delighted to have collected this prestigious award which is in recognition of our team efforts and performance in keeping the business going during the Covid pandemic, and also our efforts in coming out of that quite dreadful period. These were very difficult and challenging times for myself and my team. I very much remember just how supportive my staff were, my contractors, and of course, the guests that turned up when they could and obliged us by adhering to the rules.

“This award is in recognition of their efforts. I am extremely proud to be part of this team.

“This has given us a huge boost after setbacks earlier this year which left us with hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage after the storms. We picked ourselves up and continued pressing ahead with our plans to increase the size and scope of this innovative off grid holiday development. We now look forward to being a part of the National Awards, representing the North East of Scotland.

“Those who have stayed in the Bothies over the past two seasons have said what a special experience it was, giving them a flavour of the considerations of sustainable living, integrated into nature, whilst in the spectacular setting of an ancient woodland.

“They are for those who want to enjoy and experience a remote setting. We deliberately site them as far from tie in points to existing infrastructure, such as phone, water and electricity.”

Having been selected as one of a number of innovative “green” businesses from all over Scotland to win the Unlocking Ambition prize last year, Gordon received a cash grant, and is benefiting from specialist mentoring to help him grow the business.

www.cairngormbothies.com

www.cairngormlodges.com

Amorist Bistro Bar in Dunfermline gives Mediterranean food a Scottish twist which you will love.

Serving seasonal, local produce with a taste of the sun, the restaurant has unveiled its new Festive Menu.

Diners can choose the three course festive menu at £35 per head every day throughout December until Christmas Eve.

Pick from a starter of Salt & Pepper Squid, Portobello Mushroom Paté, or the Soup of the Day.  For main courses choose between a delicate Poached Hake with a parsley sauce or a Butternut Squash and Beetroot Wellington with parmentier potatoes. Traditional Roast Turkey with a haggis stuffing and all the trimmings is of course a popular choice.

There are three indulgent dessert choices: Crème Brulee with blueberries, Chocolate Salted Caramel Cheesecake, or for a taste of Spain at Christmas – Churros with chocolate sauce and honeycomb ice-cream.

Nihat Oymak, owner of Amorist said: “We are delighted to release this festive menu, full of delicious favourites such as pate and roast turkey, but also offering dishes that are a little bit different, taking your taste buds on a culinary journey. Many people may have missed out on festive dining last year which is highly social point in the calendar as we often catch up with friends and family over a meal. Let’s enjoy it this year and plan ahead now.

“We have a fantastic atmosphere in Amorist with a newly decorated interior.

“We can’t wait to show off our stunning peacock wall above the bar, coupled with our mirrored walls which create a lovely warm glow.”

To make a booking at Amorist this Christmas please call 01383 871474 or book here with Open Table.

Edinburgh Monarchs have confirmed that their captain of recent years, Sam Masters will not be in next year’s side. The popular Australian has signed for Monarchs’ rivals Oxford along with Lewis Kerr as part of a new-look septet for their second season back in the Championship.

Scott Nicholls, who completes a strong top three, is one of only two riders to return from the Cheetahs’ 2022 line-up along with Cameron Heeps. The Cowley side also include three riders who competed for their Chargers National Development League (NDL) side this year – Jordan Jenkins, who rode in the second tier for Redcar, Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen.

Team boss Peter Schroeck said: “Sam is a great coup for us, and we are delighted to have him on board. He has been a tremendous asset for Edinburgh and developed significantly as a rider during his time north of the border.

“Lewis really shone at Oxford during his appearances for Redcar last season and will bring a lot to the team, as will Scott and Cameron who we believe has great potential and is a steal for his average

“What’s especially pleasing is to have three Chargers riders step up to represent the Cheetahs in 2023. Jordan, Henry and Luke are all fully deserving of this promotion, and we wish them every success with us in the second tier.”

Masters explained that he and Tegan have just had their second child, Kobe, and he wants more time with them and he added: “The sole reason I have to have some time away from Edinburgh is the travel from my base in the UK.

“I don’t really want to leave to be honest, because Edinburgh is an awesome club – the club, the fans, the track are all great. I have two good mechanics in Robbie and Cammy up there as well.

“By riding down south I will have a bit more time with the family. I will really miss Edinburgh, and Tegan will too. If Edinburgh was three hours further south I would have spent my whole career there I am sure, but for now I need to have one or two years away – that’s what I’ve told John. There’s no reason other than travel I’d want to leave, I’ve never had any hassle or drama with them.”

Sam’s Aussie season is starting soon with the New South Wales titles on December 3. The Aussie Championships will be staged for the first time for a while and several riders want to get themselves on the Grand Prix qualification path, Sam included.

“I feel I’m riding well enough to be in the GP series, I have beaten these guys riding for my Polish club and I’m keen to do it.”

Had Sam been staying with Monarchs, it would not have been easy fitting his 10.58 average in. A way would have been found however. He is held in the highest regard by everyone at Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway.

Sam’s achievements with Monarchs don’t really need re-stating – two league titles (5-1s with Craig Cook in the deciding heat both times), one KO Cup, two Premier Trophies, one Four Team, one Pairs, and in season 2022 the Championship Individual to sit alongside the one he won with Somerset back in 2012. 233 appearances for the club, 2602 points and an average over 7 seasons of 9.53.

Through his commitment to British Speedway Sam has earned a Testimonial meeting which will be held at Wolverhampton in 2023. This will certainly have plenty of Edinburgh

Inevitably, Sunshine on Leith blared out over the speaker system to celebrate Hibs winning silverware, The Capital Cup and there were other issues to celebrate, a record attendance of 8,066 for a game in the Scottish Women’s Premiership.

Photos Ian Jacobs

Reports pre-game suggested that 11,000 tickets had been booked and it was disappointing that the full complement did not show up as the players indulged the fans with an entertaining tussle at the Leith San Siro.

The arrival of a white flare on the pitch after Hearts opened the scoring was an unnecessary and unwanted side issue but, overall, let us hope that those who witnessed the 1-1 draw will come back for more.

That’s what the coaches and players would love to see and, of course, there is another installment of the Capital Cup, this time at Tynecastle, in February.

Hibs obviously enjoyed for winning the Capital Cup and a small matter of the Sky Sports Scottish Women’s Cup Final at Tynecastle against former league pace-setters, Rangers, looms on Sunday, December 11.

However, forget the record crowd and the penalty shootout for the silverware, this game was also for much-needed league points.

Photos Ian Jacobs

Hearts are fourth with 19 points from 11 starts and would have opened a seven-point gap over their city rivals with a win. Hibs remain on their coat tails only four points adrift with 15 also from 11 starts and there was no doubt that Hibs settled into Sunday’s game better than the Jambos.

Michaela McAlonie had a shot saved and Eilidh Adams sent her effort just wide before Krystyna Freda was denied and Hibs forays down the left hand side of the pitch caused real problems for the Hearts defence.

The Girls in Maroon had to thank goalkeeper Charlotte Parker-Smith on several occasions during the first session including stopping a free-kick from Siobhan Hunter.

Hibs continued where the left off in the first half, starting the second session strongly, but it was Hearts who struck first on the hour.

Ciara Grant swung an inviting ball over the Hibs defence from the stand side and unmarked defender Emma Brownlie stole in and sent her header into the net giving the Hibs goalkeeper no chance.

The goal came in front of the Hearts fans in the South Stand. How they celebrated and the goal lifted a Tynecastle team which had struggled to find any consistent rhythm during the game.

Grant was a tower of strength for the visitors in the middle of the pitch and she was aided by Cailin Michie, but it was Grant who sent another tempting cross into the Hibs box but substitute Katie Rood sent a looping header onto the roof of the net.

Hibs did not let the loss of the goal disturb their play and they continued to press for an equaliser however, at the other end, Gwen Davies had the ball in the net with less than ten minutes remaining. She started to celebrate when she and the fans noted the raised flag of a linesman. 

The clock ticked down and it looked as if Hearts, who lost all three games to Hibs last season, were on course to claim their first victory over their Capital rivals since December 2020 until substitute Crystal Thomas intervened.

Hearts had failed to properly clear a second corner and Thomas popped up in the box to smash the ball home. That signalled an all-out assault by Hibs in the final minutes as they looked for a game-winner.

Parker-Smith kept her cool to thwart the eager Easter Road assaults taking the game to penalty shots to decide the Capital Cup, sponsored by Baillie Gifford. Both teams, of course, pocked a point as this was a league game.

Hibs kept their nerve despite Parker-Smith getting her hand to two penalties, one deflecting off her outstretched hand, hitting the post and trundling along the goal-line before deviating into the net.

Siobhan Hunter, Hibs’ No 4, smashed the ball into the roof of the Hearts net with her right foot on the decisive fifth penalty giving Parker-Smith no chance. As the ball bulged the net she raced across the turf pointing to her club badge and making for the touchline at the main stand side before sliding across the turf on her knees with her arms outstretched.

She was joined by her elated colleagues. The flags waved and drums beat. Cue hugs and high fives involving the players tto the sound I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) then Sunshine on Leith.  

Minutes later, Hibs manager Dean Gibson (pictured by Nigel Duncan meeting the press) said: “Today it was all about the Capital Cup, as much as being a league game. We could have scored two or three in the first half and could have had two in the second, but we are not clinical enough. 

“I knew the girls would keep going despite the loss of the goal. They roll their sleeves up and get on with it.”

Thousands have come to the city centre over the weekend to enjoy the festivities, from stories with Santa and some junior activities in West Princes Street Gardens to the Christmas market stalls, the famous Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens and Lidl on Ice on George Street, all of which will run throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

On Saturday alone 80,000 people filed through the one-way system in East Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the funfair by Taylor’s of Edinburgh and all the Christmas market stalls. The queue begins on Waverley Bridge and not on Princes Street. People are counted in and counted out to achieve a constant flow and no overcrowding.

Enjoy our photos and remember to use the website to get your 20% discount if you have an EH postcode.

Five-star Livi dominate Dryburgh to tighten grip on top

Livingston have consolidated their position at the top of the Scottish Women’s Championship with a comfortable 5-0 victory over bottom side Dryburgh in Dundee.

Goals from Anderson, Mason, Hay, Somerville and Hughes-Lee extend the Midlothian club’s goal difference and maintain their six-point lead at the top of the table.

Rossvale held their position in second with a 3-2 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Highlands in what proved to be an end-to-end game. Caley Thistle had opened the scoring through their top scorer Kayleigh Mackenzie but Rossvale’s Morgan Anderson bagged a brace alongside a goal from McJacobs put the Glasgow side in front. Caley fought back with a goal from Alex Andrews and had opportunities towards the end to grab an equaliser, but Rossvale held on. 

Third place Renfrew also recorded a narrow victory, requiring a late goal from Sinead MacLeod to secure the three points after Hutchison Vale had equalised through captain Angyl Learmonth.

Ayr United have moved up to fifth in the table after beating Morton 2-0 at Parklea.

In SWF League One, leaders FC Edinburgh won 2-0 at home against a spirited St Mirren side, while Westdyke moved back into second with a thumping 8-2 victory over Airdrie Ladies in the North-East.

Westdyke had also been given the advantage after the Stenhousemuir vs Falkirk derby ended goalless, the main talking point being a nasty-looking clash of heads between Stenny’s Rachel Vickerman and Falkirk striker Suzanne Wyatt, which saw the latter sent off.

Falkirk keeper Rachel Pirie told club media afterwards she felt her side had got “lucky”, despite pulling of some tremendous saves herself in the second half.

“I definitely think a draw is a bonus, from the performance we had,” she said.

In the battle of the bottom sides, Dundee West came from behind to defeat Gleniffer Thistle 3-1 and leave the Paisley side rooted to the foot of the table.

Visitor Experience Assistants Laurinda Kelly and Laurie Turner put the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree.

This year’s decorations are inspired by the colourful textile designs on display in the current exhibition, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour. 

The Museum will be open throughout the festive period with the new exhibition Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder opening on 9 December, drop-in drawing sessions during the school holidays and family activities as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme. 

Visitor Experience Assistants Laurinda Kelly and Laurie Turner put the finishing touches to the National Museum of Scotland’s 2022 Christmas tree.

Find out more at nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events