The Statue for Elsie Inglis charity is moving on with plans for a statue of the renowned doctor and suffragist to be depicted in the uniform of her medical field service at a site on the Royal Mile.

A sculptor, The Royal Sculptor in Ordinary to the King, Alexander Stoddart, was appointed in 2022 by the trustees to create a fitting tribute in what will be a rare example of a statue for a named woman in Edinburgh.

The trustees advise they are now ready to apply for the necessary planning permission to site the statue outside 219 High Street which is near the hospice which Dr Inglis set up for poor women and children in 1904. Their core object is stated to be: “To ensure the heritage and history of Dr Elsie Maud Inglis (1864 – 1917) is preserved in Edinburgh; commemorating her life and work at home and abroad, whilst educating children and visitors to the city and ensuring her legacy is remembered by future generations.”

Dr Inglis was born in India but studied medicine in Edinburgh at Sr Sophia Jex Blake’s newly opened Edinburgh School of Medicine for Women. After a career which took her to London and Dublin she came back to Edinburgh in 1894 to establish a medical practice. The University of Edinburgh has placed a plaque in hr memory on the south side of Old Surgeons’ Quarter.

Frank Ross, Chair of Trustees and former Lord Provost, said: “The submission of the planning application for a statue to commemorate the life and work of Dr Elsie Inglis is a significant milestone in the project to deliver a lasting tribute on the Royal Mile.

“The design statement included with the application details the highest quality of materials to be used and as such we expect the total project costs to be in the region of £300,000.

“The Trustees continue to be committed to the delivery of this project and we hope that all those who recognise the life and work of Dr Elsie Inglis will be supportive.”

The design brief which will be published along with the planning application explains that no expense is to be spared given the subject and the high profile location in the city.

Mr Stoddart has created other statues in the capital with the best known including those of James Clark Maxwell, Adam Smith, David Hume, William Henry Playfair, and The Robert Louis Stevenson monument on St John’s Road.

The statement prepared by Jewitt and Wilkie Architects, confirms that Mr Stoddart was appointed by the trustees and that this commission was not a competitive one. This is factually correct, but there was previously a competition set up by the trustees, who had at that time raised around £50,000 or so for the project from public and other donations. No further public fundraising is envisaged. The competitive process was then halted immediately when Mr Stoddart agreed to the commission, causing an outcry among those sculptors, some amateurs, who had wanted to submit their designs for the important statue.

The instructions to the sculptor are both extensive and detailed and confirm that the statue which is “designed to form a lasting, fitting and serious monument to the most famous female media in Scottish history, will have a pedestal and low granite plinth. It is proposed to be patinated in a gentle verdigris with a pedestal which will be “richly decorated with enamelled coloured passages evoking the characteristic idiom of architectural and sculptural adornment of the 1920s era in which the city of Edinburgh excelled”.

Our headline is a reference to the advice given to Dr Inglis when she tried to sign up with the Royal Army Medical Corps. She was told to “Go Home and Sit Still”. Instead she set up 14 Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Services. Dr Inglis raised the equivalent of £50+ million in today’s money to found her hospitals staffed by women but who treated the men injured during the First World War. One of the hospitals was set up in Kragujevac, Serbia. After the war, the Serbian population had been decimated by a typhus epidemic and Dr Inglis worked there. She refused to leave until a boat transporting her and the Serbian soldiers was commissioned to sail to Newcastle. She arrived there in a frail condition and died on 26 November 1917.She is buried in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.

In April 1916 Dr Inglis was awarded the Order of the White Eagle (First Class) by Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia.

On Sunday, Hibs recorded their second successive victory over Hearts, a feat they last achieved 16-years ago. 

And by avoiding defeat, David Gray’s men stretched their unbeaten run to 15-games, the first time they had achieved such a run in the same season since the days of the Famous Five, eight decades ago. 

A superb goal from Martin Boyle and an even better one from Jack Iredale, his first for the club, secured the three points that moved Hibs up to third in the table. 

Iredale’s ‘Wayne Foster’ style celebration on the advertising board will live long in the memory of Hibs fans. 

Here are some of Ian Jacob’s photographs from the day. 

Edinburgh councillors have moved forward with plans to run a new series of events at the Ross Bandstand.

If approved, the plans would see £264,000 spent per year to help local groups host events at the venue, in order to make using the space easier.

Right now, hosting an event at the bandstand often has a starting cost of £10,000, with costs set to increase slightly due to new UK Government requirements that event organisers have plans in place for if terror attacks occur.

Labour councillor Val Walker said when introducing the motion late last month: “We want to see a new series of performances in place for the Ross Bandstand to help revitalise Princes Street Gardens.

“These events would be truly free to the residents of Edinburgh.”

The council conducted a survey of local residents to get opinions on how the bandstand should be used.

A vast majority of those surveyed said that they enjoyed attending events at the bandstand, and over half supported the suggestion that new, major events should take place there in May and September.

However, slightly over 50% of respondents also said that they did not want to see money spent on refurbishing the venue.

And, 67% of respondents said they wanted a third-party organisation to coordinate events at the space.

The council report notes that the bandstand, given its lack of modern amenities, inherently requires acts performing there to bring large amounts of kit with them, driving up the cost of hosting an event there.

It also notes that the bandstand faces some barriers to its use by acts, including the long-running closure of King’s Stables Road limiting access to the space and its nature as an outdoor venue, facing closure when inclement weather hits.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

Parents should be encouraged to photograph bad drivers outside schools in a bid to crack down on the problem, it has been suggested. 

More needs to be done to encourage considerate parking around Bathgate’s primary schools, especially by council contracted taxis, councillors agreed this week. 

SNP Councillor Willie Boyle told a meeting of the town’s local area committee that he’d encouraged the parents council at Boghall primary to photograph vehicles parking badly and blocking gates and vehicle access to the school. 

And he suggested the police could work with the council’s licensing officers where licensed vehicles such as taxis were regularly parked badly outside schools. 

Bad parking by vehicles on contract to the council was a bad example to parents, said councillor Boyle who added: “it’s getting silly”.  

Sgt Jamie Duthie told the committee that officers had continued to monitor parking around Bathgate’s shopping centre where resources and time allowed. Community officers have also been working with Boghall primary on issues around the Elizabeth Drive school. 

Chairing the committee, Councillor Harry Cartmill said that high visibility police presence around schools served as a  “reassurance.” 

“You mentioned the initiative at Boghall primary schools. That’s very welcome it doesn’t matter what school it is, there are issues with inappropriate parking, inappropriate driving. I think all the schools would feel reassured if you were to show a presence there.” 

He added that even a police car driving past a schools: “seems to instantly adjust people’s attitudes. It’s sad that it needs to be done at times. It provides a lot of reassurance if you are there and monitoring  at Boghall,  but also at Simpson and Balbardie [primaries].   

In a report to the committee Sgt Duthie said: “Officers continued to focus efforts in relation to road safety particularly in the Bathgate town centre focusing on protecting pedestrians at crossings and other locations.  

“As a result of various patrols throughout the month community officers issued: one Conditional Offer for parking within a crossing (three Points and fine) as well as three tickets for parking on double yellow lines – resulting in a fine.” 

And he added: “Community officers have continued to support local primary schools in relation to the issues of inconsiderate parking, notably at school drop off and collection times.” 

Councillor Boyle said:” I have been encouraging Boghall  parent council to take photographs of private hire vehicles that are contracted with West Lothian Council.”  

He said that holding a public transport vehicle licence was a privilege not a right.  If taxi drivers continued to ignore the rules by blocking access and parking on zig zags they should be made an example of. 

“Licensing has said the school needs to report it to the police. I’d encourage other schools to do the same. It’s getting silly.” 

He added that parents driving their own children to school would see contracted taxis parking badly and think it legitimate to do the same. 

“I’m really hoping we can get Licensing, and the police to tackle this. Hopefully that would have a knock on effect with parents.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

An Edinburgh landlord has been banned from letting property in the city after he failed to report a sex crime conviction on his registration form.

Kevin Cowley, originally of Easthouses, East Lothian, was jailed for four years in 2018 after being found guilty of indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl.

A representative of Police Scotland read out a narrative of Cowley’s attack during a committee meeting.

On 21 May 2017, he went to stay at a friend’s caravan in East Lothian after he had been out drinking in Leith.

The daughter of the friend woke up in a state of partial undress with Cowley leaning over her.

She screamed and ran from the room, telling her parents that she was in pain and that she did not know what happened before she woke.

Cowley was sentenced on 20 August 2018 at the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty.

During sentencing, Lord Boyd of Duncansby told Cowley: “You gave no explanation for your behaviour but it is clear it was for your own sexual gratification.

“It is clear this had a traumatic and lasting effect on your victim.”

Cowley was placed on the sex offender’s registry for life, and jailed for four years.

Councillors heard on Monday that Cowley did not report his conviction when applying for landlord registration in the city.

He did not attend the committee meeting, and his landlord registration was revoked in his absence.

Cowley’s landlord registration covered one property, on Water Street in Leith.

Police Scotland was contacted for comment.

By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter

The latest Business Fives football event in Edinburgh raised £6,107 for local and national charities.

Top fundraisers were Agbio Investors who contributed £1,160 to the British Heart Foundation but it was Scottish Water who claimed the Champions League title during which they they were able to donate £350 to WaterAid.

The champions faced strong competition from NCM Fund Services in the final while Anderson Strathern and Clearwater Analytics, by reached the semi-final also qualified for the National Final in Leeds on Friday 25 April, with the option to compete in the Scottish final in Aberdeen on Friday 10 October.

In the Europa League, CT: Accountants Advisers came out on top after overcoming BioAscent in the final, earning a £150 donation for Greyhound Rescue Fife to top up the £400 they had already raised. That secured the final qualification spot for the National Final.

The Europa Conference League saw Forvis Mazars lift the trophy, earning a £100 donation for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation after edging past BlueFloat Nadara Partnership on penalties after the teams finished level at 3-3.

On the individual front Becky Morley from Clearwater was named female player of the tournament while Andy Muir, from Scottish Water, picked up both the top goal scorer award and player of the match in the final.

 Jordan Pettigrew, from Scottish Water, secured the golden glove for his goalkeeping heroics and prizes were presented by ex-Hibernian midfielder Marvin Bartley.

The competition returns to Edinburgh on Friday 13 June and Friday 5 September for summer Business Fives events.

Before then comes the Business Sevens event on Thursday 24 April 24 followed by the Business Fours golf event at Ratho Park on Friday 30 May. 

Edinburgh Trams has announced an increase in ticket prices of 20 pence on an adult single fare. This mirrors an announcement by Lothian earlier that bus fares will also increase.

This is the first increase since 2023 and the tram operator says it reflects their increased costs during the last two years. The new fares will come into effect on Sunday 6 April.

Lea Harrison, Managing Director at Edinburgh Trams, said: “While every effort has been made to keep fare increases to a minimum, the rise will allow us to meet our commitments to providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly travel across the city.

“We understand that fare rises are never preferred, but demands on the network and on staff have never been higher, with trams now running more frequently every day. These fare changes will allow us to continue to maintain and improve the tram network for the benefit of the customer.”

Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, said: “Edinburgh Trams provides an award-winning and vital service to our city, with over 12 million journeys completed last year alone. We’ve all seen the benefits from Trams to Newhaven and it’s fair to say that the arrival of the trams has breathed a new lease of life into the north of the Capital.

“I realise that these fare increases are a difficult reality in the current economic climate. However, it’s vital that we continue to invest in and protect our tram network, whilst continuing with our bold vision for a new tram line from North/South in the future.

“Keeping Edinburgh moving is my priority, and I’ll continue to work alongside Edinburgh Trams to make that happen.”

Customers can still buy discounted bundles of tickets on the et app or pre-book some ticket types on Edinburgh Ticket to ensure that they can access the best fares.

The city’s bus company, Lothian, is recruiting up to 30 new drivers to help provide extra services to meet increased customer demand in Edinburgh and Lothians.

The company has announced a mix of service improvements and new connections throughout the network which they say are designed to improve reliability for customers. The changes will be in place from Sunday 6 April along with newly increased fares. The single journey fare will rise by 20 pence.

The company says this will produce improved timetables and connectivity for a number of services. (Lothian Country services will not be affected by any change.)

East Coast Buses

The company is however introducing significant changes to its East Coast buses network in East Lothian in response to growing customer demand. Service X4, a new express bus between Haymarket and Tranent (Windygoul), will be introduced to offer faster connections to the city from new housing developments in Prestonpans and Blindwells.

Lothian’s Airport Services will be enhanced with alterations made to current Skylink 200 and 400 services which have been renumbered Services 17 and 18. These services will now operate as part of the Lothian city network and offer city fares providing more cost-effective connections for those travelling to and from the airport.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at Lothian, said: “As the main transport operator across Edinburgh and the surrounding area, Lothian is fully committed to the local communities we serve.

“The introduction of further improvements to our network of services to meet customer demand and enhance service reliability will allow us to recruit a further 30 drivers to our business, boosting the local economy and further cementing our position as one of Edinburgh’s largest employers.”

Fares increased

In line with the service change, Lothian have also announced that fares will be revised across its group of companies; Lothian, Lothiancountry and East Coast buses, from Sunday 6 April 2025.

The fares review will mean increases to some of the company’s fares for the first time in two years, with adult single fares increasing by 20p, while adult DAYtickets will increase by 50p. Lothian’s night single tickets, which were last increased in 2009 will also see an increase, along with Lothian’s season ticket Ridacard and child tickets.

Sarah continued, “Since our last fares review in 2023, we have continued to see a rise in costs across all aspects of our business.

“With all fare revenue reinvested into the running of our business, the decision to increase fares at this time allows us to continue to prioritise investment in our fleet, our people and our wider customer offering.

“While no fare increase is ever welcome and we are aware of the cost pressures faced by our customers, Lothian fares continue to represent excellent value for money.

“As a fully commercial operator it is necessary to take these steps to safeguard the ongoing viability of our network and continue to set high standards of service delivery.”

Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re incredibly lucky in Lothian to have an award-winning operator which continually provides great service to our city, employs many of our residents and drives economic growth and activity.

“The changes we’re seeing today recognise changing patterns of demand and will help deliver a better service to all bus users.

“I’m also conscious that fare rises are a difficult but necessary decision to take. We need to recognise the need for further future investment to retain and improve this integral part of our transport network.

“I’m committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and look forward to working with Lothian in the future.”

For more information visit www.lothianbuses.co.uk

The W Edinburgh has been named Scottish Hotel of the Year for 2025.

In addition the hotel also won the Lifestyle Luxury Hotel of the Year, Cocktail Bar of the Year for João’s Place and Spa Treatment Award of the Year.

The hotel with its 360 degree views of the capital opened in 2023 and comprises the Ribbon Building with some rooms across the square in refurbished buildings on James Craig Walk. There are options to choose from with SUSHISAMBA, the W Lounge and W Deck as well as João’s Place which is offering as its speciality the Brazilian Bambo cocktail – Abelha Cachaca, Umeshu Sake and orange bitters.

Ken Millar, General Manager at W Edinburgh, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as Scottish Hotel of the Year 2025, particularly in such a competitive landscape. It is testament to our talented team who have worked incredibly hard to bring this property to life over the past year. We are honoured to be part of the vibrant Scottish tourism sector and are thrilled to continue offering our esteemed guests our now award-winning W hospitality.”

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ediwh-w-edinburgh/overview

Rob Aberdein has been appointed as Group Managing Director of the Scottish legal firm, Simpson & Marwick.

Mr Aberdein returns to the helm after three years as Chief Commercial Officer at Progeny, the private-equity backed professional services firm that acquired Moray Group in 2022, a business he founded.

His appointment as Group MD marks a new era for the firm, which has served clients since 1886, as it looks to strengthen its core property business while preparing for future diversification and expansion.

Rob Aberdein said: “’Simpson & Marwick’ is a name that carries enormous respect in the Scottish legal and property sectors, and I am thrilled to be able to commit full time to building the business.

“One of the biggest challenges for all professional advice firms right now is balancing traditional values that are ubiquitous in great businesses with innovation.

“The Simpson & Marwick brand has a legacy of excellence that spans nearly 140 years, and my job is to ensure that while we honour that history, we also embrace the future.

“Clients today demand speed, efficiency, and convenience, and we will continue to invest in the tools and processes that deliver exactly that.”

The 45-year-old has built a reputation as one of the country’s most progressive lawyers, with an impressive track record of growing and transforming legal and property businesses.

Prior to launching Moray Group, Rob oversaw significant growth in Scotland and England for Aberdein Considine before becoming the youngest ever equity partner at English legal powerhouse, Walker Morris.

Now, Mr Aberdein is focused on elevating the brand and harnessing technology to provide a peerless client experience.

He added: “Looking ahead, I believe we can evolve Simpson & Marwick into a broader professional services powerhouse, but right now, the priority is on driving growth in the areas where we already excel.”

With a history dating back to 1886, the firm has built an exceptional reputation in Scottish legal and property services, having been involved in landmark legal cases such as the Piper Alpha inquiry and the Lockerbie bombing proceedings.

Sean Nicol, MD for Simpson & Marwick’s Estate Agency business, said: “Rob is a recognised leader and builder of successful and dynamic businesses.

“He isn’t afraid to break from the norm and to shake up a sector with smart use of technology and a clear vision. We’re delighted to welcome him back in a formal capacity in this new role.”

For more information visit: https://www.simpsonmarwick.com/

Scotland’s rugby team returns to Scottish Gas Murrayfield this month for an encounter with Wales.

And star stand-off Finn Russell is set to have an involvement OFF the pitch as well as on it.

In looking to business interests beyond his playing days Finn has signed up for event management company IGNITE to provide match day hospitality advice.

Finn says: “IGNITE is committed to creating unique and premium experiences and that’s what really resonates with me. Rugby is more than just a game – it’s about bringing people together to have a great time – and that’s exactly what this partnership is all about.

“I can’t wait to work with the team … bring my perspective as an athlete.”

The company will continue to assist the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, named in memory of former Scotland rugby cap, Doddie Weir, as it raises funds to aid research into Motor Neurone Disease.

Police are asking owners of vehicles to be aware following a number of thefts across Lothians and Borders.

A blue VW Golf R, registration PO15 XVW, was stolen from Onslow Street, Craigshill having been parked and secured on the driveway, at 11pm on Friday, 28 February, 2025. Other items were taken from the property after entry was gained.

About 1.30am on Saturday, 1 March, a white Golf R, registration CE65 RZF, was taken from East Lodge, Uphall. The vehicle was subsequently recovered on the M9 motorway after the occupants have made off in a separate grey Audi S3.

A short time later, around 1.50am, two people entered a business premises in Goschen Place, Broxburn, stealing keys for vehicles however no vehicles were stolen at this time.

Around 3.30am the same day, people wearing balaclavas were seen at the side of a property in Redmill Court, Whitburn. Entry was not gained to the property and they left the area in a white VW Golf R, believed to be the one taken from Uphall.

Around 1.30am on Monday, 3 March, officers received a report of the attempted theft of a VW Golf and a Range Rover from Kings Well Crescent in Broxburn.

Later, around 2.50am, a grey Audi was stolen from West Holmes Place in Uphall. This was later traced.

Around 3.10am a BMW and a Jaguar were stolen from a driveway in Forkneuk Road, Uphall. Both vehicles were traced nearby a short time later.

Inspector John Fleming said: “We have officers investigating these crimes as a matter of priority in an effort to disrupt this criminal activity.

“We are treating these incidents as linked and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.

“We’d strongly urge the public to ensure security measures are in place to try to protect vehicles.

“If you have a garage, please use it to secure your vehicle out of sight. Ensure your vehicle is locked and all valuables removed when not in use. Trackers and tracking devices are also a form of additional security and can assist recovering stolen cars quickly.

“If you witness any suspicious activity, I would ask you contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

British band Police Dog Hogan, known for their distinctive blend of country, folk and bluegrass, will perform at Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms on 5 April as part of their Spring 2025 tour.

The eagerly anticipated performance follows the release of their latest album “LIGHTNING STRIKE,” now available on all streaming platforms as well as CD and vinyl. The title track and new single, “LIGHTNING STRIKE,” has already become a firm live favourite and serves as an apt metaphor for the album’s unique creation.

Recorded over a single weekend at Middle Farm Studios in Devon, the band took a deliberately vintage approach to production. No technology developed after 1971 was used, with the entire album recorded directly onto 2-inch tape as the band played live together in one room.

The new album features fresh compositions including “Money Can’t Love You Back,” “I Might As Well Try,” “Tomorrow Will Be Better,” and “Feel It in My Bones.” It also includes long-standing live favorites that didn’t make it onto their previous two studio recordings, such as “Old Guitar,” “3 Drinks,” and “One Thing For Certain.” Fans will be delighted by the revamped version of their well-known track “Shitty White Wine.”

Ken Ansell designed the album artwork with a deliberately retro feel that perfectly complements the organic recording process.

Formed in 2009, Police Dog Hogan have become fixtures on the UK festival circuit, with appearances at major events including Glastonbury, Cornbury, Cropredy, Latitude, Beautiful Days, and the Sidmouth Folk Festival. Their reputation continues to grow, with their song “Devon Brigade” receiving a nomination for best original song at the AMA-UK Awards in 2018.

Their previous album “Overground,” produced by George Murphy at Eastcote Studios, produced fan favorites “Westward Ho!” and “Hold On.” The band has developed a loyal following through their captivating live performances, which blend a mixture of humour, fine song smithery and pathos and fill numerous venues around the UK Their popularity is evidenced by sold-out shows at prestigious London venues including Shepherds Bush Empire, Scala, Union Chapel, Lafayette, and the Clapham Grand.

In November 2024, the band released the single “Pull Away,” inspired by the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. The song pays tribute to the volunteer lifesavers by telling the story of a daring Christmas Day rescue off Devon’s south coast.

Police Dog Hogan features James Studholme (guitar and vocals), Tim Dowling (banjo, guitar, and vocals), Edward Bishop (fiddle, mandolin, and vocals), Shahen Galichian (accordion, piano, harmonica, and vocals), Don Bowen (bass and vocals), and Al Hamer (drums and vocals). “LIGHTNING STRIKE” was produced by Pete Miles at Middle Farm Studios in Devon.

Tickets for the April 5th show at Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms are available now.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Police Dog Hogan’s unique sound and energetic live performance.

Hibs Women beat Celtic at Meadowbank on Sunday. 

Eilidh Adams nabbed the only goal of the game to seal Hibs’ victory – lifting the team up to second-place in the league table while remaining level on points with leaders Glasgow City. 

A resilient, hardy performance from the backline, and a solid shot-stopping performance from goalkeeper Erin Clachers, helped earn the team a seventh clean sheet across their last eight matches. 

Head Coach Grant Scott praised his side’s first half showing.  

And although pleased with the performances on show before the interval, Scott admitted the second half was less to his liking; describing the match as “strange” overall. 

“As simple as it sounds, and as boring as it sounds, for us it is another three points,” Scott said “We said before the game today that was our focus. 

“For us, it is less about statements and more about gaining points. But it is a substantial win against a good team. 

“I thought we were a lot of good actions on the things we’d spoken about that players executed really well. A couple of slip-ups here and there but I think if we got a second goal, I don’t think we could have been grudged it at all. 

“It was a strange game because it completely changed second half,” the Head Coach added. “I thought Celtic were dominant and created a few half chances, a couple of things that were really close to getting on the end of. 

“We’ve had to ride it out, see it out, and fight it out like a proper team. Overall, I’m very happy with the first half performance, but I thought we could have done a little bit better with the ball in the second.” 

“I think that there has been good consistency in defence. We’ve had to make a couple of forced changes at times, but I think the girls coming in have done really well. 

“Again we’ve kept a really good dangerous team at bay. And it’s another clean sheet for Erin. Her and Noah are pushing each other every day and it’s good to see, it’s good to have two quality goalkeepers like that. 

“The girls at the back have been doing really, really well and give us a solid platform to play from.” 

There was also further discussion on another defender, Caley Gibb, who made her second Hibernian debut as an 87th minute substitution.  

The full-back, who made her senior debut at Hibs aged 15, re-signed for the Club on Friday from Partick Thistle on a loan deal until the end of the season.  

“I thought she did really well,” Scott commented on Gibb. “It’s a tough one to get thrown into; that level of game with seven minutes of stoppage time to play. 

“Even in that seven minutes, I thought we saw little flashes of the player she can be. But she has to obviously be used to playing with the players in a team that have been doing well. 

“I’m delighted to get her on the pitch and to see her in a Hibs strip again.” 

Tegan Bowie described the home victory over Celtic as “huge”. 

It was the winger’s perfectly executed cross that allowed Adams to thrash in the decisive goal. 

“Today I was up against a really tough opponent, Emma Lawton,” Bowie admitted. “I knew it was going to be a battle. 

“I’m just trying to trust myself. I know I have the pace to beat players, it is just about trying to put the ball in the right areas. 

“Eilidh said to me before the game to ‘just put it on a plate’ for her. And that is what she done, she put it away in the back of the net. 

“We knew how hard it was coming into today. The team the are, the way they move the ball, we knew it would be a lot of running. But we know getting in front, we could hold off until til the end. 

“We were poking for a second goal. But in the end, it was about clearing our lines and digging deep for the win. 

“Grant is trying to drive that belief into us with the results we are getting. I think we have to start believing now. We are up there with the top teams. 

“Once we find our feet, there is just no stopping us. The hunger in us to see out the game is always there. We are playing for the badge.” 

The artist Jack Vettriano, OBE, has died over the weekend at the age of 73.

His publicist said that Vettriano was found dead in his apartment in Nice on Saturday 1 March, but there are no suspicious circumstances.

The Fifer, born Jack Hoggan, was raised by his father and mother in Methil in what he described as poor circumstances. He started delivering papers and milk at the age of 10.

He took up painting as a hobby – and the self taught artist found it difficult at first to get noticed.

Eventually when he became known Vettriano’s paintings sold at auction for high prices, but he was rejected by Edinburgh College of Art to study there. His painting The Singing Butler was sold by Sotheby’s at an auction held at Hopetoun House in 2004 for £744,500.

His breakthrough came when he submitted two paintings for the Royal Scottish Academy show in 1988. Two paintings sold on the firs today and his career began in earnest. His paintings were

Just last year a Vettriano helped to boost the funds raised by broadcaster Glenn Campbell for Brain Power, a Brain Tumour Research Charity at Bonhams in Edinburgh. Vettriano’s Portrait of the Artist fetched £26,000 at the sale last August.

Hibs hero Jack Iredale was left speechless at full time after his second-half volley earned the Hibees a memorable win in the Edinburgh Derby. 

Iredale’s first goal for the Club came the perfect moment – volleying home from the edge of the area to earn the Hibs a 2-1 victory over Hearts. 

Martin Boyle’s early opener was cancelled out by Jorge Grant’s strike in what was a frantic opening 10 minutes or so before Iredale slammed in the winner 15 minutes from time. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, the Hibs defender tried to explain that moment of elation when he hit the back of the net. 

“It is so difficult to sum that up, it is such a special feeling to be able to share a moment like that with the fans. I thought the ball was just outside the post the whole way, but it crept in at the end and – to be honest I am struggling to describe the feeling at the moment. 

“I just thought why not, it sat up really nicely – it was probably the highest I got up the pitch that day – I thought if there was a day to score a goal like that then why not today? 

“I am still a bit speechless, it was a massive day and a special day for the Club and I am just happy to be contributing in that way.” 

The result sparked wild scenes at full time with Sunshine On Leith belting out around Easter Road for the second time in the space of eight days. 

“That has got to be the best song in world football – it is so special to hear it,” Jack continued. 

“Some of the lads have said they haven’t heard it in quite a while and then we have gone and done it twice in the space of a week. You’ll never get used to something like that. 

“In terms of the game, I thought we started really well, we got the goal through a pattern that we had worked on during the week and from the messages from the coaches. Their equaliser was a bit sloppy from us, but I thought we did well to get in at half-time at 1-1. 

“You saw the reaction at half-time, we came out and played a really good game.” 

The win lifts us up to third in the league table and stretches our unbeaten run to 15 matches in all competitions. 

“A winning dressing room is a happy dressing room. We went through a lot of adversity at the start of the season, but we never cracked – we never broke, we were always in it together and you can see that from our performances and results of late.” 

Former Hibs head coach Shaun Maloney has been sacked by Wigan Athletic after two years in charge. 

Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Reading spelt the end of his time at the club leaving which is now just six points above the relegation zone. 

On taking over the fans’ favourite provided some much-needed stability at the Brick Community Stadium although he unable to save the club from relegation in 2023. 

Maloney kept the club in League One last season despite an eight-point deduction. 

A statement from the club reads: “Wigan Athletic can confirm that Shaun Maloney has departed his role as Wigan Athletic Manager with immediate effect. 

“Shaun was appointed Wigan Athletic Manager in January 2023 during what would be an extremely turbulent period in the Club’s history. Whilst he could not prevent the Club’s relegation from the EFL Championship, Shaun ensured that the Club returned to the third tier with fighting spirit. 

“Furthermore, through a change of ownership in the summer of 2023, Shaun stuck by the Club and helped us overcome an eight-point deduction and a squad overhaul to retain our 2023/24 League One status comfortably with matches to spare. 

“During his tenure, Shaun and his young team have provided the Club and its supporters with some proud moments, including an Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie with Manchester United, as well as three memorable victories over rivals Bolton Wanderers, just to name a few. 

“Shaun has also helped develop a number of our young players, some of whom have moved on to further their careers to the mutual benefit of the Football Club. 

“However, it cannot be overlooked that the current League One campaign has clearly not progressed as anticipated. Home results and performances, in particular, have been disappointing and below the standard at which our supporters expect. For this reason, the Board felt that it was time for a change. 

“The timing of such change will allow the club the necessary time to appoint a successor and enable the Club to look forward to the future. 

“Wigan Athletic Assistant Manager, Max Rogers, has also departed. 

“The process of appointing a new Wigan Athletic Manager begins immediately. In the interim, First Team Coach, Glenn Whelan, will take charge of the first team supported by Club Ambassador and former Manager and Assistant Manager, Graham Barrow, along with Lead PDP Coach, Frankie Bunn. 

“As a Board of Directors, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Shaun and Max for their service, efforts and dedication to the Club. 

“We hope that in the years to come Shaun’s time as Manager is remembered fondly by supporters, as is his time as a player for the Club. Shaun and Max will always be welcomed back to Wigan Athletic Football Club and the Brick Community Stadium. 

“The Club will make no further comment at this time.” 

Stormy weather which swept across West Lothian last month has brought more damage and flooding for council crews still working to clear up after Storm Eowyn.  

Bad weather saw 79 more calls into the NETs land and countryside teams to deal with new hazards as 60 mile an hour winds battered the county hitting all areas. 

Damage was reported from Fauldhouse, to Bathgate, where trees lost boughs in the town’s Glasgow Road cemetery, and Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow. Many woodland areas are still closed because of the January storm damage. 

Tree surgeons and contractors have restarted the Ash Dieback felling programme on B roads in the south-western end of the county around Fauldhouse. The aftermath of Storm Eowyn delayed Ash Dieback work by a month. 

The council’s countryside teams were deluged in late January with more than 800 calls in the days following Storm Eowyn on 24 January. The final bill for the clear up is expected to run into thousands of pounds in terms of work hours and contractor payments. 

Crews worked through the January storm to make safe dangerous trees and clear roads and were out again on Friday tackling the most dangerous falls.  

They have since been working through triaged works in clearing broken and fallen trees on council owned land and areas where there’s a potential danger such as alongside footpaths and roads. 

Pat McArdle from the NETs team told a meeting of Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley Local Area Committee that last Friday’s (21 February) high winds had brought in more calls. “I’ll give you some figures from the storm.  There were 300 jobs committed and 200 have been completed.  

“At the weekend in the mini storm with yellow warnings there were 60 more added because of the high winds. Our arbour team is constantly working, and we’ve got contractors in. We are still getting requests from rural areas that haven’t been touched yet.” 

 Mr McArdle said an initial sweep had been done of danger areas and the work triaged. A lot of initial work has been to open up areas of damage to clear the path in and work crews will go back in to reassess. 

“This year the workload will be excessive,” he added. 

Councillor Pauline Clark said: “There has to be masses of commendation give to the arbourists and others involved after the two storms.  I think the work the council has done in that regard has been absolutely fantastic.” 

She added that one of her concerns was over trees that have been damaged and may present a danger in the next storm. 

Mr McArdle said that staff had to assess damage in all areas after initial “make safe work”. Further work is undertaken to clear fallen trees and debris that has been made safe and then to return to check  the safety of what is still standing.  

“We have a duty of care to assess the damage.  We will go back and revisit. All areas will be assessed for damaged trees.” 

Felling work for Ash Dieback is now under way on the B7010 around Fauldhouse, the B792 which runs through the ward from West Calder to Blackburn and B7015 which runs through Stoneyburn to  join the   main north/ south A701. 

A council spokesperson said: “There were 79 separate enquiries / tree incidents reported by the public after the most recent high winds. 

“We also had multiple trees down again on managed woodland sites, including Beecraigs and Calderwood, where we have continued working to get paths cleared.” 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Hibs head coach David Gray was proud of his players for continuing their “special run” as they beat Hearts 2-1 at Easter Road. 

A wonder strike from Jack Iredale sealed all three points in the Edinburgh Derby, in what was an excellent second half showing from the players. 

When speaking to Hibs TV, Gray gave his assessment on the performance. 

“I’m very proud of the second half to be honest. It’s always great to win games of football but it’s even better when you beat your closest rivals. 

“You saw the scenes at the end, really special moments. We’re on a special run at the minute, but the players thoroughly deserved the win because of their second half performance. 

“First half we struggled a little bit; we were a wee bit nervous at times and our quality or decision making let us down. Every chance Hearts got in the first half was through an error from our point of view. 

“We fixed that second half, we were much more like us, we were much more aggressive, switched the play a lot more, and caused them a lot more problems. 

“Like I said, we deserved to win following the second half performance.” 

At the end of the game, the players, staff and supporters again all came together for a special rendition of Sunshine on Leith. 

“There’s a real connection there, and that’s been developing all season. When we were going through that tough time and adversity the fans were living it with us, but they always stuck by us and believed in us. 

“They’re right behind us right now, and that’s clear for everyone to see. When Sunshine on Leith played, you could see all the staff in the centre circle, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it as a player, and I know when you stand in the middle of the pitch what it feels like; it’s the greatest song in football for me. I said to all the staff to come and experience it in the centre circle, because it feels completely different when you’re in the centre circle. 

“It’s a special moment for everyone involved, everyone deserves it, and we keep moving forward.” 

The driver of a Volvo lorry that failed to stop after a collision with a pedestrian in Edinburgh has been traced say police. 

The collision took place around 6.15pm on Sunday, 2 March, 2025 on the A701, Craigmillar Park, near the junction with Lygon Road. 

The 55-year-old male pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as critical.  

Officers said that the HGV did not stop at the scene but was later traced, as was the 37-year-old male driver.  

The A701 was closed while crash investigations were carried out and reopened around 10.15pm.  

Enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.  

Edinburgh Road Policing Constable Mhairi Deuchar said: “I’m appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any information about what happened, to contact us.  

“I’d also ask drivers with dashcams who were in the area at the time to please review your footage and bring anything you think may be significant to our attention.”  

Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2676 of 2 March. 

Blood donors wanted, Western Harbour planning consultation, pavement in Morningside, Eat Out Edinburgh and a plea for help from Sunflower Scotland

Give blood at Leith Theatre

To book an appointment to give blood on Tuesday 4 March call Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service on 0345 9090999 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Or use an online donor account or email [email protected]

An appointment must be made 14 hours before the session begins – but in any event by 5pm today for giving blood tomorrow.

Drop in on Tuesday at The Heart of Newhaven

The event is open from 4pm to 8pm and is being held by APT Planning, FM Developments and 56three Architects who are looking to engage with the local community. The project they wish to discuss is the five sites at Western Harbour.

This is the second event relating to the proposed residential development and associated works on reclaimed land at Plots A2, 81, 82 and C, Western Harbour, Newhaven.

Friends of Western Harbour Ponds criticised the first event held last year when even the number of residential units was not specified on the display boards, but architects at the event confirmed there would be around 650 flats.

Proposals to extend pavement outside Waitrose in Morningside

Cllr Neil Ross says the council has produced first designs for extending the narrow pavement on the west side of Morningside Road opposite Waitrose.

He has confirmed that the roadway should still be wide enough to allow two buses to pass each other safely. A pedestrian crossing will be renewed and the bus stop outside the surgery will be extended by removing one parking space, which is designed to make it easier for buses to pick up and drop off passengers. The raises junctions with Falcon Avenue, Abbotsford Park and Steel’s Place may also be replaced. This work is not likely to happen until 2025/26.

Eat Out Edinburgh

The city centre business improvement district, Essential Edinburgh, has begun a month long programme of deals and discounts involving more than 50 top restaurants, bars and cafés.

Diners can now explore the special offers live online at www.eatoutedinburgh.com, with deals from some of Edinburgh’s best-loved venues from Princes Street and Charlotte Square to St James Quarter – all designed to showcase the city centre’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Sunflower Scotland – plea for help

The chair of Sunflower Scotland, the Ukrainian charity founded in Edinburgh has issued a plea for help. Oleg Dmitriev said: “We need good-quality rowing machines – we are supporting a rowing team of veterans who have lost their legs, and they exercise with prosthetic legs.

“Please let me know if you have one, and I know that only people with kind hearts donate something really good and valuable.

“This will really help someone hurt by the war, to recover from pain and misery.”

An Edinburgh dad has been caught in possession of a horror haul of child sex abuse material.

Philip Bampton was found to have stored hundreds of images and videos depicting young children being sexually abused by adults on two devices when police raided his home in 2023.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court was told the shocking collection of pictures and videos included male and female children aged between six and 14-years-old.

Fiscal depute Matthew Miller said police officers received intelligence that child abuse material had been “uploaded” to a device at Bampton’s home in the Muirhouse area of the capital.

A raid was carried out on the property and officers were met by the 44-year-old offender and his family members at around 8.30am on November 3, 2023.

Two devices – a computer system unit and a mobile phone – were subsequently seized and found to contain 229 images and three video files showing the sexual abuse of children.

Mr Miller told the court there were 70 files discovered that were rated by specialist police officers as Category A – the most depraved end of the spectrum.

Bampton appeared in the dock at the capital court on Monday, February 3, where he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children at his home between December 19, 2022 and November 3, 2023.

Sheriff Matthew Auchincloss said: “I have to find out if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence for you, so I will have to call for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

“That means you will meet with a specialist social worker who will produce a report for me about the background circumstances and the risk that you pose for further offending.

“It is very important you cooperate with that process.” 

Bampton was placed on the sex offenders register on an interim basis and sentence was deferred to March.

Scotland edged Japan 2-0 to claim fifth spot in the FIH Nations Cup hockey thanks to a dominant performance and goals from Amy Costello and Fiona Burnet in five crucial minutes of the final quarter in Chile.

The Tartan Hearts did survive one real scare on a Japanese breakaway and Scotland goalkeeper Jessica Buchanan (Wimbledon HC, London) also got down low at her near post to smother, a wonderful reflex save in a tough situation.

Olympian Charlotte Watson, the Player of the Match, was all smiles at the end of the crunch clash played in 27c, and the Beeston HC star said: “We’ve played above our rankings and I am absolutely delighted and very happy.

“Now we want to try and qualify for the World cup and hopefully we can make it.”

Japan had six penalty corners against Scotland’s five, four of them coming inside the last minute, and Scotland scored with their sixth and final award, but this is a great result for Scotland who moved up to No 15 in the world during the tournament but were still going in against Japan, a side ranked No 12.

Earlier, Scotland, making their first appearance in this competition, dominated the first quarter against a side they last played nine years ago, and it was the same story in the second session, but the scoreline was deadlocked. However, Japan broke near the end of the quarter and Nanami Kaneko received the ball just inside the Scotland half.

She raced in on goal with blue jerseys frantically trying to get back. Buchanan advanced. The Japanese player rounded her but then lost control and the ball spun out over the goal line. A tremendous chance against the run of play, gone.

Scotland re-grouped and continued to drive forward with Japan clearing off the line from a penalty corner late in the third quarter.

And the Scots finally broke through with 13min 11sec remaining, Olympian Amy Costello, who plays club hockey for HGC in The Netherlands, firing towards goal from a penalty corner and the ball landed in the net after a deflection. The referee referred the incident to the video umpire, but the man in the box ruled in favour of the Tartan Hearts.

Japan drove forward looking for an equaliser and Buchanan had to produce a wonder stop at the foot of her near post to deny their rivals, and it proved to be crucial.

Minutes later, the Scots mounted a quick attack, driving through the heart of the Japanese defence and the ball was picked up by Fiona Burnet (Club Egara, in Terrassa, Spain) who arrowed the ball between the goalkeeper and a defender and into the backboard. Joy for Scotland and a 2-0 lead with just over eight minutes remaining.

Their opposition again charged forward but the Scots held out despite some nervy moments and those four penalty corners, starting with 43 seconds left. Another was awarded with 12 seconds on the clock and a third with 11 seconds remaining.

The final award came with two seconds left but Scotland survived and the players raised their sticks in triumph before going over to celebrate with a knot of flag-waving Scots in the stands.

Chirs Duncan, Scotland’s head coach, had called on his squad to produce one final performance in what he called their “cup final”, and they did against opponents who defended well and provided a tough challenge in the heat of Santiago.

Earlier, Canada were relegated when they lost 2-0 to Korea.

PICTURE: Bronwyn Shields (Wimbledon HC) in action against Japan in Chile

Boroughmuir Blaze under-18s have made club history by becoming the first female side to win a Scottish Cup final.

The Pleasance-based outfit, coached by Bart Sengers and Eden Simpson, travelled to the Regional Performance Centre in Dundee and defeated Gladiators 91-41.

The most valuable player award went to Noura Saleh who contributed 20 points from eight rebounds and three assists.

In the lead up to the final Blaze defeated Sony Centre Fury, 59 – 88 then West Lothian Wolves, 73-63.

Hopes of a Blaze club double were, however, crushed when the men’s side lost out to Dunermline Reign in their final.

The winning squad was: Cioamhe Stupart, Clara Dick, Emma Harbisher, Abbi Dolton, Eva Holburn-White, Noura Saleh, Abby Harbisher, Aimie Gaye, Libby Harrison, Roma Millar, Amy Cosgrove and Fleur Gamal.

Hibs deservedly took the honours and bragging rights after a pulsating 90-minutes at Easter Road this afternoon. 

And the result means Hibs now, for a few hours at least, sit third in the table. 

Hibs head coach David Gray made two changes to the starting line up that beat Dundee United in midweek. 

Chris Cadden replaced Lewis Miller and Kieron Bowie replaced Mykola Kuharevich. 

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley also made two changes to the side that beat St Mirren on Wednesday. 

Jorge Grant and Blair Spittal replaced Sander Kartum and Calem Nieuwenhof who both dropped to the bench. 

The first chance fell to Lawrence Shankland after Nectar Triantis was caught in possession in midfield, but Jordan Smith parried the shot away. 

Then moments later Martin Boyle gave Hibs the lead when he outpaced Gerald Taylor and side-footed the ball past Craig Gordon to the delight of the home fans. 

Hearts responded immediately and a mistake in the Hibs defence culminated in Grant firing home from just inside the box. 

More carelessness by Hibs allowed Spittal a strike from distance but his effort went wide. 

Another mistake, this time from Warren O’Hora gave Hearts a chance which ended with Shankland heading into the side net. 

Hearts thought they had taken the lead when Elton Kabangu beat Smith with an angled finish, but the Hearts striker had gone too early with his run and after a VAR check he was clearly offside. 

At the other end Nicky Cadden fired the ball in hard and low and Boyle was inches away from connecting inside the six-yard box. 

Just before the break O’Hora picked up a knock and was replaced by Miller. 

Shankland was then booked for kicking the ball away after a foul on Nicky Cadden. 

Hibs started the second half on the front foot and a superb cross from Nicky Cadden just evaded Campbell. 

At the other end James Penrice fired over following a Spittal corner. 

Hibs had a penalty claim when Nicky Cadden went down under a challenge from Taylor but a VAR check decided there was insufficient contact. 

Bowie almost got on the end of another Nicky Cadden cross as Hibs pressed forward. 

Boyle was booked for tripping James Wilson to prevent a Hearts break. 

On the hour mark Nathan Moriah-Welsh fired inched wide from 20-yards. 

Nicky Cadden then did well to clear the danger from a Penrice cross. 

Chris Cadden then tested Craig Gordon with a powerful angled drive. 

Moriah-Welsh then set up Boyle but his volley flew well wide. 

In the 67^th minute Sander Kartum and Calem Nieuwenhof replaced Grant and Wilson. 

Moriah-Welsh and Bowie were replaced by Dylan Levitt and Dwight Gayle. 

In the 73^rd minute Hibs regained the lead when a Nicky Cadden cross was cleared into the path of Jack Iredale who fired a sensational strike into the corner of the net. 

In the 84^th minute Jordan Obita and Junior Hoilett replaced Nicky Cadden and Boyle. 

Hibs continued to dominate and Gayle had the ball in the net in added time but was clearly offside. 

Then at the final whistle three sides of Easter Road erupted in celebration and the customary ‘Sunshine on Leith’ was belted out by the delirious fans. 

After the final whistle goal-hero Iredale told Sky Sports. “I’m struggling for words at the minute. 

“You can see what it means to this club, to these fans. 

“The ball just sat nicely, and I just thought ‘why not today’? I just need to go and enjoy this now.” 

Hibs: Smith, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, C Cadden, Triantis, Moriah-Welsh, N Cadden, Campbell, Boyle, Bowie. 

Substitutes: Bursik, Miller, Levitt, Youan, Obita, Gayle, Hoilett, Kwon, Kuharevich. 

Hearts:: Gordon, Taylor, Steinwender, McCart, Penrice, Baningime, Grant, Spittal, Shankland, Wilson, Kabangu. 

Substitutes: Clark, Drammeh, Vargas, Milne, Neilson, Nieuwenhof, Forrest, Kartum, Forrester. 

Edinburgh diner chain Hollywood Burgers & Shakes is offering a tasty 20% discount for all students in the city for the remainder of 2025.

The special deal is available for the next 10 months at its two venues at Dalry Road and Musselburgh High Street, and is part of ongoing birthday celebrations to mark three years serving delicious smash burgers in the capital.

Hollywood bosses introduced a similar discount for all customers in January but are extending the student deal for the rest of the year.

There are over 20,000 students in the city of Edinburgh and the discount will be applied on production of official student ID such as a matriculation card or Young Scot card.

Student visitors from outwith Scotland are also eligible for the discount, providing they have an ID card, or other identification such as the UNiDAYS app or an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Both diner venues have the option to sit in or takeaway and the 20% off will apply across the board.

“Both Dalry and Musselburgh are very popular with young people and students in particular have been our most regular customers since we opened in Edinburgh three years ago,” said owner Mohammed Safraz.

“We wanted to give something back to them. They’re always on the go and popping in for a quick burger has become a bit of a routine for many. We know that money can be a challenge for them, though, and hopefully this discount will help their budgets.

“We want them to know they can go out and enjoy Edinburgh’s finest smash burgers without their pockets being hit too hard.”

Edinburgh’s Matt Rankin, 20, is a former British junior No 1 and the 2022 Scottish junior player of the year who is currently on a tennis scholarship at university in Kentucky, USA.

During his junior days Matt played grand slam events in Melbourne, New York and Wimbledon and we caught up with him to learn that his target is to enter the pro. ranks when studies finish in much the same way as his close friend, Jacob Fearnley, who is making such inroads at the top end of the men’s game including gaining direct entry to the highly prestigious Indian Wells tournament next week, has done.

Matt speaks thoughtfully in a question-and-answer format about how much inspiration he takes from Jacob, a Texas Christian University graduate, while also giving his unique insight into what a sports scholarship to a USA College really means.

1/ HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK THE MOVE TO KENTUCKY (IN 2023) HAS BENEFITTED YOUR TENNIS SO FAR?

“Being at Kentucky has benefitted my tennis hugely. It’s a huge sports school so a lot of emphasis is on the sports programs and every sport is also greatly supported by the public. The coaches are excellent, training programme is tough but first class and having access to great facilities makes practising easier and more accessible in between classes. There is time to work on the small details of the sport which can make the difference.”

2/ WHAT SORT OF LEVEL ARE YOU PLAYING AT COMPARED TO IT YOU’D STAYED AT HOME AND GONE TO UNIVERSITY HERE?

“There are many levels of tennis in the US College system. It varies greatly from team to team and conference to conference. Being at Kentucky we play in the SEC Conference which is one of the toughest and strongest Conferences in the US. The level of every team in the SEC is exceptional. Most players who play in SEC teams have professional experience, some are very highly ATP ranked so EVERY match is hard. There is also a great university tennis program in the UK. Stirling University have an excellent tennis team, programme and facilities. The schedule is maybe not as long and vigorous but excellent. Unfortunately they don’t have the budgets the schools

have in the US which I would say is the biggest difference.”

3/ WHAT IS THE BACK UP LIKE IN TERMS OF COACHING, FITNESS ETC LIKE?

“We have three great coaches at Kentucky who are there for you whenever you ask. If I need to work on my serve with Matt Gordon he is always there to help or if I wish to work on my forehand with Cedric Kauffmann he is also always there for you. I like to hit a lot every day so coach Carey Rubin is a fantastic coach to hit with. Each coach offers something different which is extremely useful. We have a great support team around us like our fitness coach James who drives us hard in the gym and travels with us on the road. The physio team are amazing. I access treatment every day whether it’s a just a massage or more intense treatment. There’s also a team of doctors on hand if you are ill or require any advice. All of the bigger teams in the US have similar set ups.”

4/ WORD HAS IT MATCHES CAN BE CONDUCTED IN A VERY BOISTERIOUS ATMOSPHERE. HAS THAT BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE?

“Yes, matches can be extremely loud and hostile, particularly away games to rival schools. You have to be very focussed and not let the environment throw you off your game as opposing fans will try anything to upset you. There is no atmosphere like it!”

5/ARE YOU PLANNING A PRO CAREER AFTER LEAVING COLLEGE?

“Yes, my plan is to go Pro after College. I’ve two years left at school after this one and hope to start immediately playing ITF Futures in singles and doubles. I’ve already been fortunate to have gained experience playing a number of Futures already, gaining ATP points in singles and doubles and enjoyed reaching the Doubles final of a Futures in Michigan last year with my good friend Alafia Ayeni.”

6/ ANY PLANS TO COME BACK TO THE UK AND PLAY TOURNAMENTS THIS SUMMER?

“I haven’t had a chance to plan my schedule for the summer yet as we are in the middle of our tennis season here in Kentucky and school work is also full on at the moment. Very soon I will sit down with my coaches and plan the schedule for the summer. I will certainly be home in the UK at some point in the summer, so will hopefully play a tournament in the UK.”

7/ HOW MUCH OF AN INSPIRATION HAS IT BEEN TO SEE JACOB EMERGE FROM THE US COLLEGE SYSTEM AND IMMEDIATELY MAKE HIS MARK?

“Jake has always been an inspiration to me. We’ve known each other a long time from days in Buckstone Primary and Merchiston Castle School and more recently training together in Edinburgh and Stirling. I’ve always felt he would reach the top in our sport and it’s great to see him achieve this going through the College system.”

8/ FROM WHAT YOU KNOW OF HIM – AND FEW SCOTS WILL KNOW HIM BETTER, TENNIS-WISE – HOW HOW AN JACOB FEARNLEY, CURRENTLY WORLD NO 82, CLIMB?

“Jake can reach the very top. He has the complete game to do this. He’s a great athlete, physically in great shape, technically solid and very strong mentally, so the complete package. The challenge in tennis is to stay injury free as the physicality of the game gets a lot tougher the higher the level you play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jake get into the top 50 very soon. We keep in touch regularly and it’s great to see him reaching the top of our sport.”

9/ WHAT IS IT YOU FIND BEST IN THE AMERICAN SYSTEM? AND WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT HOME?

“There is a good balance between the tennis and academics in the US. For aspiring tennis players it allows time and the support to improve. The facilities tend to be excellent in the US schools. The greater budgets allow players to access proper training, treatment and equipment. I enjoy the format of the College matches.

Doubles is always frantic as its only 1 set we play, so anyone can win.

I miss the food back home in the UK, especially my mum’s home cooking. It can be challenging to always find healthy options in the US. I’m extremely careful about my diet and try to eat as healthily as possible. I also miss the culture in Scotland and Edinburgh as a city. The culture and people in Kentucky are amazing and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed experiencing living here the last couple of years although I’ve yet to sample the Bourbon Kentucky is famous for as I’m not 21 yet!”

10/ HAVE YOU NOW HAD TO FOCUS ON A PARTICULAR ACADEMIC LINE OF STUDY AS WELL AS PLAYING TENNIS?

“The academia in the US is very different to the UK. For the first 2 years of study we have to complete mandatory subjects before we specialise on our chosen Major which is Economics for me. I’ve had to do courses in Music, Spanish, Maths, English and other interesting topics. We also have to achieve 90% or above throughout the

semester to be given an A, which can be extremely challenging keeping a high GPA. This semester I’ve been studying accounting and marketing which are tough subjects. If we don’t do well in classes we can be dropped from training and playing in matches so it’s important to stay on top of your school work.”

11/ ARE YOU COMMITTED TO PLAYING (BRITISH) INTER-COUNTY WEEK IN 2025?

“My intention is to be home to play County Week. I’m hoping I can fit County Cup into my summer schedule. I always love playing in this event especially when we’re on the grass in Eastbourne. The East of Scotland have an excellent team and it’s always great to be part of this week. We just need to try and convince Jake to join us this summer!”

Josh Landers has followed in David Gray’s footsteps after sealing a £100k move to English Premier League side West Ham United last month 

The former Peebles High School pupil had been at Hibs since the age of nine. 

He was just 14 when he scored his first goal for the under-18s and played in the UEFA Youth League shortly after turning 15. 

He made his first-team debut when he came off the bench to replace Dylan Vente in the Viaplay Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. 

Landers will play in the Premier League Two for West Ham. 

Gray experienced a similar journey as a youngster when he made a £50k move from the Hearts academy to English giants Manchester United in 2004. 

Gray said: ““I can relate to it a little bit. When I was 16, I had the opportunity to play in Scotland and stay in Scotland. But the opportunity to go down south was something I decided to take. 

“I had just done my standard grades and then left school. I’d gone down a couple of times beforehand to get an idea of what I was going to be doing and where I was staying. 

“I lived in digs with a family that I still speak to, Marion and John – a massive part of my life between 15 and 18 before I moved out. 

“They taught me how to iron, taught me how to cook, taught me all these things and I’m very grateful for that. 

“And it was massive for my mum and dad. I’m now a parent myself so when I think back, I think: ‘How could I let my son leave at 16 and go down south?’ 

“I can imagine how hard it would have been for them. So I even think back to Josh’s family now. He’s going away down there himself – but it’ll be really good. 

“It’s going to be very different for him. He’s away from his family, his friends – living down in London where there is a completely different way of living to what he’s used to from up here. 

“I wish him all the best, because it’s a great opportunity for him to really go and try something new – and hopefully kick on and move on to bigger and better things one day.” 

Edinburgh’s West End has a jewel in its crown, and it is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Somewhere by Nico, founded by culinary maestro Nico Simeone, has transformed the former Bar Roma and Foundry building on Queensferry Street into what can only be described as a Salvador Dalí painting come to life.

Having opened its doors in June 2024, this immersive cocktail and dinner destination has quickly established itself as the go-to spot for Edinburgh’s cool crowd – and with good reason.

From the moment you cross the threshold, you are transported into a dreamscape of surreal artwork and hypnotic moving flowers. The lighting is deliberately low, casting an intimate glow across the space, with the bar commanding centre stage. For those seeking privacy, the snug booths comfortably accommodate up to four people, while the plush velvet seating at tables for two offers the perfect perch for people-watching.

On weekend evenings resident DJs craft soundscapes that enhance the otherworldly atmosphere without drowning out conversation – a refreshing change from venues where shouting becomes the only form of communication.

Initially offering a fixed-price cocktail experience at £65 per person, Somewhere by Nico has wisely pivoted to a more flexible, Latin American-inspired menu where dishes are individually priced across categories including Snacks, Raw, Skewers, Tacos, Grill, and Sides, and of course, cocktails.

My fear of the small plate concept is that everything comes out at once, so while it’s probably not encouraged, my dining companions and I have now mastered the art of staggering our order so our table doesn’t become overwhelmed by all the plates.

During my visit, the Croquetas De Aji De Gallina proved a delightful departure from their Spanish counterparts, with a more substantial potato and chicken filling infused with the creamy Peruvian stew. The singular, generous croquette presented a sharing challenge for our party of three – though the Padron Peppers with sea salt, lime, and chilli provided a more communal experience.

From the grill selection, the barbecued onglet with Aji Amarillo and Salsa Verde delivered a punch of Peruvian spice, while the half-grilled poussin with pine nut mole, Nduja, and preserved lemon offered a nod to Mexican culinary traditions. The portions, were described as “small plates,” but proved satisfyingly substantial.

The cocktail offerings are where Somewhere by Nico truly shines, with three distinct menus to explore: Classic, Specials, and In the Spotlight, plus a fourth dedicated to their current Latin American theme. The mixologists demonstrate both technical prowess and creative flair, incorporating smoke infusions and playful illusions that transform drinking into theatre.

My Brazilian Caipirinha was executed with precision, followed by The Wanderer (a Dirty Gibson Martini) from their ‘In the Spotlight’ menu – a sophisticated blend of gin, dry vermouth, and pickle brine garnished with a pickled onion. While desserts are absent from the food menu, the bar team will happily craft sweet cocktails upon request, but my Black Forest Espresso proved slightly too saccharine for my taste.

For those intrigued by this surrealist escape, Somewhere by Nico has extended their launch offer, with 50% off food bills for bookings made before March 23rd. The venue operates Wednesday through Sunday, serving until late.

In a city not short on dining and drinking destinations, Somewhere by Nico stands out as genuinely transporting – a place where cocktails, cuisine, and ambiance conspire to carry you somewhere else entirely. Just be warned: once you’ve ventured into this alternate reality, you may find yourself reluctant to return to the ordinary world outside.