Public Health Scotland publishes the latest data on Covid-19 in Scotland each day. Today’s figures are set out in the table below.

Today in the UK the highest number of deaths for one day was recorded since 9 March. The number of people who have died from Covid-19 is 223 today and 24 of those are in Scotland.

The number of cases in Scotland has risen again and the test positivity rate is at 12.4% which is more than double what the World Health Organisation believe is the level at which a pandemic is under control.

The Scottish Government has announced there will be no changes to mask wearing at schools when pupils return after half term.

If you wish to see the figures up to 31 August and 30 September for each day (with some highs and lows from the past few months) then please read below and also read this article here.

Scotland has now moved beyond Level 0 but the legal requirement for wearing masks in indoor settings is to be retained largely as it has been.

Any figures marked with * are affected by IT or other reporting issues.

Deaths involving COVID-19 Week 40: 4 – 10 October, 2021

As at 10 October, 11,262 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 4 – 10 October, 126 deaths were registered that mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, 17 less than last week.

26 deaths were of people aged under 65, 24 were people aged 65-74 and there were 76 deaths of people aged 75 or over. 82 deaths were male, 44 were female.

98 deaths were in hospitals, 19 were in care homes and 9 were at home or a non-institutional setting.

Glasgow City (14 deaths), West Dunbartonshire (10 deaths) and West Lothian (9 deaths) had the highest numbers of deaths at council level. In total, 24 (out of 32) council areas had at least one death involving Covid-19 last week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,353 – 315, or 30%, more than the five year average.

There has been 1 further death where the underlying cause was adverse effects of  the COVID-19 vaccine. This takes the total to 5.   By 30 September 2021 statistics from Public Health Scotland state that 4.2 million people had been given at least one vaccine dose.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The latest figures show that last week there were 126 deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This is 17 fewer deaths than last week.

“With 1,353 deaths from all causes this week, this is now the 20^th consecutive week with excess deaths above the five year average and is the highest level of excess deaths (315 this week) since week 1 (4 – 10 January) of 2021.”

Beyond Level 0

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings has been removed from Monday 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five.

Test and Protect will also implement revised guidance for under 18s. This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen and a targeted approach, that only identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, will be adopted. Fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools in the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks. This will help support a safe and sustainable return to education after the summer break.

While the gateway condition on vaccination has been met, with 92% of those over the age of 40 protected by two doses of the vaccine, there are still many more people who have not had the vaccine, cannot have it, or are not yet eligible for it. Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12 to 17 year olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. This follows the recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The government expects to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

The JCVI has now recommended vaccination to young people aged 16 and 17.

West Lothian has nearly halved its carbon emissions in eight years, building on the 40% cut it achieved after declaring its climate emergency policy in September 2019.

Reports set to go before the council next month will show that the CO₂ emissions for 2020/21 will be approximately 30,700 tonnes CO₂e – down from the first year of measurement 2013 where the figure was 61,061 tonnes.

In a report to the Environment Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel Energy & Climate Change Manager, Peter Rogers, counselled caution on the plunge in figures because of the pandemic lockdowns. He said: “It is clear that the figure has been significantly impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and is, therefore, likely to increase again in 2021/22 as recovery progresses.” 

However figures also show the council did make a dramatic start, cutting the annual emissions figure to 36,635 tonnes in its first year under the new policy.

Mr Rogers was optimistic that the council’s target of net zero-carbon emissions by 2045. 

The report added: “There are a number of direct actions that have contributed to our emissions reductions including the implementation of energy efficiency projects, replacing street lighting with low energy LED equivalents, investing in renewable and low carbon technologies such as biomass boilers and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and reducing the volume of waste being sent to landfill.”

He laid out the development of the climate emergency strategy that has been building since autumn 2019. 

Significant challenges that face the council lie in redeveloping transport  strategies as 37% of the total CO2 emissions for the West Lothian area. It is also the only major sector where emissions have increased since the council’s baseline year. Emissions targets can only be achieved with a shift away from petrol/diesel car use, and significant improvements in the public transport sector.

Obvious actions include de-carbonising the council’s transport fleet and promoting the development of cleaner public service transport. More tricky is the change of attitudes away from individual car use towards public transport and active travel.

The council is actively pursuing a policy of encouraging the development of  EV charging points across the county  but Mr Rogers acknowledged that the council “can only be a part of it” as EV infrastructure has to develop to encourage greater use of Environmentally friendly transport.

The introduction to the strategy document sums up in its foreword: “No single person or organisation can tackle climate change alone, so we are asking our partners, businesses, community groups and individuals to embrace the changes that must take place. There are many small changes we can all make to reduce our impact on the environment that, together, will help secure a better future for everyone in West Lothian.” 

Councillors across the chamber praised an “impressive piece of work” in the 51-page document. Regular updates on progress of the strategy will come before the Environment PDSP.

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.

Edinburgh Monarchs and Poole Pirates have agreed dates for the SGB Championship Knockout Cup Final.

Monarchs host the first leg at Armadale on Saturday, October 23 (tapes-up 2.30pm) with the return at Wimborne Road on Wednesday October 27.

And the two sides could also meet in the league title decider – depending on the outcome of Edinburgh’s play-off semi-final against Glasgow later this week.

Poole co-promoter Danny Ford said: “Of course we would hope to have a good following behind us but for Poole fans unable to travel we understand that Edinburgh will be streaming the meeting.

“We will be putting tickets on sale for the second leg shortly and we hope to attract a large crowd as we seek to secure the KO Cup and the first part of the double.”

Picture: Ritchie Worrall, a key man for Monarchs and a former Poole rider

The next public, live and in person performance from Live Music Now Scotland has been announced and will take place this coming Sunday, 24 October.

Taking place at Holy Cross Church in Edinburgh, this one-off concert will feature a world premiere of a new piece for clarinet and piano by Jennifer Martin, performed by and commissioned for clarinettist Calum Robertson and pianist Juliette Philogene.

Entitled ‘What’s for you…’ the piece is one of two commissioned by Live Music Now Scotland and written by Jennifer Martin, who recently published a book Creative Composition for the Classroom alongside Scotland’s famous composer Sir James MacMillan.

‘What’s for you…’ is a reflective piece that was inspired by the hopes, joys and fears that must come with motherhood; joyous, irregular, humorous, difficult, but always looking on the bright side.

Jennifer Martin, composer and author of Creative Composition for the Classroom, and Chief Executive of The Cumnock Tryst, said: “It is a huge honour to have been asked to create two bespoke pieces for Live Music Now Scotland, an organization whose work is so vitally important when it comes to getting live music to those who may not otherwise get a chance to hear it, and in the career development of musicians.

The second piece by Jennifer entitled ‘Bi-Cycle’ will also be performed on Sunday 24. The concert is free of charge although booking is required, and the concert will also feature Nocturne by Ronald Stevenson and Three dances by Germaine Tailleferre.

Martin said, “Both ‘Bi-Cycle’ and ‘What’s for you…’ examine the relationship between mother and daughter in a myriad of ways, and I can’t wait to hear them in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Cross Church, performed by the brilliantly talented Calum and Juliette.”

The location of this exciting performance is no coincidence. Throughout lockdown Holy Cross Church was incredibly supportive of LMNS, engaging artists to sing and play as part of worship when live performances were not allowed elsewhere. Not only that, but the costs were also covered by the congregation, meaning a live world premiere seemed like a fitting tribute. The concert will slot into a new series of afternoon events in the church.

Carol Main MBE, Director at Live Music Now Scotland, said: “We are so excited to see a public LMNS performance, and a world premiere no less, return to the wonderful surrounds of Holy Cross Church in Edinburgh. Not only is a beautiful space, but one we feel a deep affinity with after the support they have shown our musicians throughout the pandemic.

“We also feel incredibly lucky to be able to hear these two pieces, commissioned especially for our musicians by the amazingly talented Jennifer Martin and performed by the equally talented Calum and Juliette, surrounded by a live audience.”

The two LMNS commissions were made possible by funding from Gavin McEwan.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased at scotland@livemusicnow.org

Website: https://livemusicnow.scot/ 

Facebook: Live Music Now Scotland

Instagram: @livemusicnowscotland 

Twitter: Live Music Now Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced that the current Covid-19 safety mitigations in schools are to remain in place for now, following advice from senior clinicians.

Pupils will continue to be required to wear face coverings in secondary school classrooms as they begin to return from the October break.

Secondary-school pupils, and staff in primary and secondary schools, will also still require face coverings in communal areas or when moving around the building. 

The Chief Medical Officer has advised that while there are encouraging signs, a more cautious approach would allow more time for 12 to 15-year-olds to take up the vaccination.

Confirming that school mitigations will remain in place for now, Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville also urged continued vigilance to protect pupils and staff.

Ms Somerville said: “In recent weeks we have seen the previous sharp decline in Covid-19 case numbers starting to level off, and that is why we have decided to adopt a cautious approach and maintain safety mitigations in school for the time-being. Progress with vaccinating 12-15 year olds has been remarkable and is already over 40%. However, this was only rolled out a few weeks ago and allowing further time will mean that that encouraging figure rises even higher.

“This decision is based on advice from senior clinicians and takes account of the most recent data. We will continue to monitor case rates on a weekly basis, with a view to lifting restrictions at earliest possible time. 

“While I fully understand that this will be disappointing news for some young people and their parents, as has been the situation throughout, the safety of children, young people, and all education staff, remains the overriding priority. There is no room for complacency and we must all continue to remain vigilant to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”

The charity, Veterans Housing Scotland, celebrated its 106^th Anniversary with a reception in the City Chambers.

The charity was established during the First World War to provide homes for heroes returning from the War with disabling and life-changing injuries.  Since that time thousands of veterans have been helped and it has grown to boast a portfolio of almost 700 homes across Scotland.  Veterans Housing Scotland is honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen as Patron.

The reception was hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Veterans Champion, Cllr Frank Ross alongside VHS Chairman, Group Captain Bob Kemp, CBE, QVRM, AE, DL.   Guests included Lord Provosts and Provosts from all over Scotland alongside military representatives, local authority veterans’ champions and charity partners.

As part of the event, VHS Tenant Sam McGeachie was presented with her HM Forces Veteran’s badge by Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Colonel Charlie Wallace.  Sam was recently medically discharged from the Army.

Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded green flag status to a record-breaking 38 capital parks – including 35 managed by the council.

There are only 77 flags awarded in Scotland, so more than half of them recognised parks in the capital as high quality green spaces.

One park, Bloomiehall at Juniper Green, was a first time winner joining the list of 34 others run by the council. Harrison Park and Braidburn Valley Park were both awarded Green Flags for the 15th year in a row, and Friends of Corstorphine Hill received a Green Flag Community Award for Corstorphine Walled Garden.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our beautiful parks in Edinburgh and it’s wonderful that we’re once again the proud holders of more Green Flags than anywhere else in Scotland (more than half of the awards granted).

“Green Flags are given to those parks that give everyone access to a safe, clean and pleasant green space where they can relax, play and exercise and I’m delighted that so many of our parks have achieved this important and much sought-after recognition which is well deserved.

“Despite the challenging times we’re all still facing and with increased investment, the quality of Edinburgh’s parks continues to improve. I want to pay tribute to everyone, staff, friends of parks and volunteers, who work so hard all year round, and in all-weathers to keep our award-winning parks so beautiful. These public spaces have been a source of comfort, solace, fun and relaxation for residents over the difficult last 18 months and are essential to our wellbeing. There’s always more to discover, though, so I’d encourage everyone to get out and explore our parks this Autumn.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, said: “This is fantastic news, parks have proved to be real havens in recent times and my thanks to our skilled and dedicated parks staff for their continued care and hard work. I also want to thank all our Friends of Parks groups for everything they do. The parks belong to the people of Edinburgh and we’re so grateful for the support from our citizens. Since we first started taking part in the Green Flag scheme in 2007, we’ve gone from just two flags to 38, which is more than half of all Green Flags given out in the whole country – this is a tremendous achievement and we’ll keep working hard to make sure our parks go from strength to strength.

“The Green Flag Award is the UK’s national standard for parks and green spaces and is administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful. To make sure the Capital’s parks are kept to a high standard, each year the Council checks all its parks and gardens using Green Flag Award criteria. This inspection is carried out by formal Green Flag judges along with Council officers, Council partners and members of the public. From this assessment, each park is given a parks quality score.”

The Council has been taking part in the Green Flag Award scheme since 2007, when two Green Flags were awarded in the city.

Martha Wainwright’s Love Will Be Reborn is her first new album in five years.

The 45-year-old has been divorced since releasing 2016’s Goodnight City and there are moments of real catharsis that suggest John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, Getting Older being the most obvious example.

Vocally Patti Smith is all over this record, it’s often punky, brutal and stabbing vocals that leave the listener wondering what hit them. Title track Love Will Be Reborn is a hopeful, driving punch the air moment with a memorable hook.

The beautifully laid back Report Card delivers a country ballad that is also the most abstract track on the record. It also suggests something of her early work with its dreamy slide guitar and drifting piano. Body and Soul follows with a similar mood but is a more visceral and angry animal. Justice has no trouble nailing a sense of crawling out from an unbearably dark time while urging the “new blood” of life returning.

The shuffle of Sometimes seems a more straightforward slice of Americana until the lyrics take us back right back into the struggle. There is always the back and forth of a very real inner battle going on and something of the strength it takes to be a survivor. Rainbow is perhaps Love Will Be Reborn’s most rock n’ roll moment, it’s a hot, sweaty club moment that arrives just at the right time. Falaise de Malaise is a fitting piano-led closer mostly sung in French changing the tempo once again. This isn’t a record to put on in the background, it’s one that will wrestle you to the ground and demand that you are paying attention.

There are endless great lines that will linger long after you’ve given this album the first spin. It’s unlikely there be a more honest, heartbreaking and arresting record that will stand up to Love Will Be Reborn this year, it should be around the top five of many an end of the year list. 

Police Scotland have announced that there will be local and national resources working together to keeping communities all over Scotland safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

There are policing plans set up for events including a policing operation called Operation Moonbeam which has run since 2018 when there was significant public disorder. Then there were attacks on blue light services responding to emergency calls. Operation Moonbeam is there as a reassurance for communities and a deterrent for those who might set out to cause disorder.

In the last few years instances of disorder have decreased, and of course last year the number of organised fireworks displays decreased as a result of the pandemic.

The Executive Lead for Operation Moonbeam, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, said: “Both Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night fall on weekends this year, which also land during our policing operation for the COP26 climate change conference taking place in Glasgow.

“While this will undoubtedly be a time of exceptional demand on the police, and all of our emergency services colleagues, I can assure the public and our partners that we are fully committed to responding to any disorder which may occur as a result of these annual events.

“Owing to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 , there are far fewer organised events taking place this year, but be assured plans are in place to manage any problematic unauthorised events which may occur.

“I encourage those who are parents to young people to speak clearly and seriously to them about the potential for personal injury when handling fireworks, as well as the devastating damage they can cause to property. In addition, anti-social behaviour and violence can have life-long consequences, including a criminal record, regardless of their age.

“We absolutely will not tolerate our officers, or our colleagues in the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service, being lured into situations where they face being subjected to violent attacks. We will do all we can to prevent these incidents occurring in the first place, but should they happen, we will respond in whatever means necessary to keep our people and our communities safe.”

In collaboration with Craft Week Scotland, Albion Business Centre plan to host their annual Albion EXPO 2021 Open Studio event on 29 and 30 October 2021.

The building is home to 60 independent businesses and is one of Edinburgh’s hidden creative treasures.

The Albion will open its doors and welcome the public in to show them the range of skills and expertise which are practiced there. These include fine woodworking, furniture making, design and architecture.

Unit 5 and Unit 8 are both woodworking studios with exceptional facilities specialising in freestanding and built-in wooden furniture and accessories. 

Book a free slot to visit the studios and meet participating designer-makers to see for yourself the broad cross section of work that is produced in the workshop, purchase pieces from the pop-up gallery or discuss commissioning custom work for your own home.

Friday 29 October             12:00pm -5:00pm

Saturday 30 October         10:00am -1:00pm 

                                           2:00pm – 5:00pm

Address: Unit 5 & Unit 8 Albion Business Centre 78 Albion Road, Edinburgh EH7 5QZ

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/albion-expo-2021-tickets-184882507557?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

As the winter approaches, experienced front of house and drinks expert Nikos Matsikas of Brasserie Ecosse in Dundee, offers his rundown on some of the nation’s favourite winter cocktails.  

Known for offering cocktails that are a little bit different, showcasing more unusual spirits such as Haroosh and Hpnotiq, Nikos references global influences in his drink selections, having worked in five star hospitality across the Globe, including the States and in Greece. 

Here, he looks at the Pink Margarita and the Hpnotiq Harmonie. Nikos said: “We offer a fabulous Pink Margarita at Brasserie Ecosse, with the pink elements coming from Blood Orange juice and Aperol. Our Pink Margarita is made with Patron silver tequila, Aperol, lemon juice, and Blood orange juice served in a mini Patron glass bottle which is handmade. It looks really beautiful. Presentation is everything with our premium cocktail selection.

“But where did this popular cocktail originate? Some believe it originates from the Mexican drink, the Daisy (margarita is Spanish for “daisy”), remade with tequila instead of brandy. It became popular during prohibition as US residents travelled to Mexico for alcohol. It’s certainly always been associated with glamorous ladies, with Dallas socialite Margarita Sames reputed to have concocted the drink for her guests at her Acapulco holiday home in 1948.

“Tommy Hilton reportedly attended, bringing the drink back to the Hilton chain of hotels. However, José Cuervo was already running ad campaigns for the margarita three years earlier, in 1945, with the slogan, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” According to Jose Cuervo, the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender in honour of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa.

“I’ve heard another common origin tale – involving yet another glamorous female,” added Nikos. “Some say the cocktail’s history begins at the legendary Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas where, in 1948, head bartender Santos Cruz created the margarita for singer Peggy (Margaret) Lee.  He supposedly named it after the Spanish version of her name, Margarita! 

“Whatever story is true, there is no doubt that the Margarita is an appealing, sexy cocktail, known for its attractive salt rim. The salt is not just for decoration though, as the salty flavour is an essential part of the overall drink, complimenting the lime.

“If making your Margarita pink why not add something like Himalayan Pink Salt around the rim? It goes perfectly with margaritas as well as so many other dishes.  

“Finally, I’d like to mention our Hpnotiq Harmony cocktail,” said Nikos. “Hpnotiq is another spirit you may not have tried. We have had great feedback on this glamorous Champagne cocktail. A blend of premium French vodka, exotic juices, and a touch of cognac, the Hynotiq is topped with Champagne foam, and instead of a traditional garnish, I use a mini rubber ducky! It has a vibrant violet colour which not only looks beautiful, but makes it ideal for layering. It also mixes well with white wine, champagne, or enjoy it simply over ice!” 

Further details on all of Brasserie Ecosse’s current cocktail choice here.

Edinburgh-based Lung Ha Theatre Company and touring theatre company Plutôt La Vie’s new theatrical collaboration, ‘An Unexpected Hiccup’, will receive its World Premiere at The Studio in Edinburgh on 26 October, running until 3o October.

Caught in a storm and miles from anywhere, Murdo decides to ask for the help of total strangers. But when he knocks on the door of a dark old house, the family inside seem to be expecting him.

The new play based on a story by Ian Cameron and developed by the acting ensemble takes audiences on a long night of comic misunderstandings, sinister goings on and dangerous eccentricities.

‘An Unexpected Hiccup’
26 – 30 October 2021
The Studio | 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh

Tickets from £10 available on capitaltheatres.com or by calling 0131 529 6000.

A young Linlithgow Bridge cyclist set out on Sunday (17th Oct) to make an attempt on the Scottish record for cycling the height of Everest in support of a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy charity.

Alex Ball, (19) took up the challenge of riding up and down the local Kingscavil hill, just outside Linlithgow, to reach a total of 8,848m, the height of Mount Everest, to help raise funds for the Project GO charity.

^{Before and after. And still smiling. © 2021 J.L. Preece}

Prior to the attempt, Alex said “’Everesting’ is a challenge in which a person rides up a climb of their choice until they reach the accumulative height of Mt Everest. Kingscavil has an elevation of 70* meters so I will need to ride up and down 122 times!”

The teenage ace grew up as a member of his local cycling club, West Lothian Clarion, but now rides for the Vanelli-Project GO racing team. And that’s where his inspiration to attack the leg busting record and raise funds at the same time came from.

Alex said “Half of the money raised will be donated to Project GO {https://www.duchenneuk.org/project-go/}, a charity which is associated with my current team Vanelli-Project GO. Project GO was set up by Nick and Kirsty Ohly, and aims to raise awareness and funds towards finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after both their children were diagnosed with the disease.

“I’d love to help such an important cause, while also showing my gratitude for the support my team has provided this year.The other half will go towards covering the costs of me living and racing in Italy with Zappi Racing Team next year.”

The Scottish record for Everesting prior to Alex’s attempt was 10 hours 11 minutes, and Alex hoped to better that time on the day, saying “I chose Kingscavil because it’s steep and gains height in a short distance, plus it’s got a reputation of being the toughest climb in the Bathgate Alps!”

And, on the – rather wet and miserable – day, the record was trashed. Alex rode the ‘distance’ in a, rounded, time of 9 hours 57 minutes. However, to ensure the record stood, he had ridden an extra four ascents. This meant that his time for the, required, ascent was (pre-ratification) 9 hours 39 minutes 57 seconds. That was for a mere 130* laps of an approximate 69 metre ascent.

It was noted that his fastest lap was lap 41 at 4:06 and his final lap was 4:14, so was so consistent throughout. (Kingscavil needs to be seen to understand how impressive this feat is – JLP). This was not just a feat of physical endurance, but one of incredible mental strength as well.

2022 is set to be a big year for the Linlithgow lad, a move to Italy is the next step up for Alex after spending the summer racing in there country as a guest rider for the Zappi Racing Team.

Alex says “The racing in Italy was much harder than I’m used to with races as long as 180 km in 40 degree heat, but I enjoyed the experiences and learnt so much about the tactics of road racing So I was so excited to be asked to join the team for next season.”

Donations are still welcome and can be submitted here: https://gofund.me/0e1a1bf0

Original press release and data supplied by Alex’s Dad and cycling correspondent Matt Ball.

*The height of the course came in for some minor discussion and it was thought that riding more than sufficient extra laps would ensure the desired result.

On Wednesday 27 October Debate Night will be filmed at a venue in Edinburgh city centre.

Host Stephen Jardine invites you to join the audience and join in the discussions, just ahead of COP26 starting at the end of the month. Spaces are limited.

The dates of filming for the next programmes are as follows:

Wednesday 27 October              Edinburgh

Tuesday 2 November                 Glasgow COP26 Special 

Wednesday 10 November           Stirling

Wednesday 17 November           Glasgow

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/debatenight and click ‘Apply to the Audience’ then select a location near you.  Complete the online application.

It is the questions from the audience that lead the discussion – the stories and experiences and opinions that are shared. 

Debate Night is the only television programme of its kind in Scotland where you can put questions to some of the key decision-makers and public figures.

Perhaps you run a business or are a frontline worker? You might be a parent, a carer or a student?  Retired, self-employed or just starting out in the workplace?  Whatever your situation, you are encouraged to apply so that there are as many different voices as possible.

Public Health Scotland publishes the latest data on Covid-19 in Scotland each day. Today’s figures are set out in our table below.

The daily case numbers remain high, although the number of people in hospital and intensive care units are decreasing but not necessarily in a completely straight line.

If you wish to see the figures up to 31 August and 30 September for each day (with some highs and lows from the past few months) then please read below and also read this article here.

Scotland has now moved beyond Level 0 but the legal requirement for wearing masks in indoor settings is to be retained largely as it has been.

Any figures marked with * are affected by IT or other reporting issues.

Deaths involving COVID-19 Week 40: 4 – 10 October, 2021

As at 10 October, 11,262 deaths have been registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 4 – 10 October, 126 deaths were registered that mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, 17 less than last week.

26 deaths were of people aged under 65, 24 were people aged 65-74 and there were 76 deaths of people aged 75 or over. 82 deaths were male, 44 were female.

98 deaths were in hospitals, 19 were in care homes and 9 were at home or a non-institutional setting.

Glasgow City (14 deaths), West Dunbartonshire (10 deaths) and West Lothian (9 deaths) had the highest numbers of deaths at council level. In total, 24 (out of 32) council areas had at least one death involving Covid-19 last week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,353 – 315, or 30%, more than the five year average.

There has been 1 further death where the underlying cause was adverse effects of  the COVID-19 vaccine. This takes the total to 5.   By 30 September 2021 statistics from Public Health Scotland state that 4.2 million people had been given at least one vaccine dose.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: “The latest figures show that last week there were 126 deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This is 17 fewer deaths than last week.

“With 1,353 deaths from all causes this week, this is now the 20^th consecutive week with excess deaths above the five year average and is the highest level of excess deaths (315 this week) since week 1 (4 – 10 January) of 2021.”

Beyond Level 0

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings has been removed from Monday 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Some protective measures will stay in place such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect. Capacity limits of 2000 people indoors and 5000 people outdoors will also remain in place although some exceptions may be possible on a case by case basis. These will be reviewed on a three weekly basis to ensure they remain proportionate.

Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will also no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated. The requirement to take a PCR test will not apply to children under the age of five.

Test and Protect will also implement revised guidance for under 18s. This means that the blanket isolation of whole classes in schools will no longer happen and a targeted approach, that only identifies children and young people who are higher risk close contacts, will be adopted. Fewer young people will have to self-isolate, and most will be asked to self-isolate for a much shorter period of time. To allow time to monitor the impacts of these changes, the majority of the mitigations that were in place in schools in the previous term will be retained for up to six weeks. This will help support a safe and sustainable return to education after the summer break.

While the gateway condition on vaccination has been met, with 92% of those over the age of 40 protected by two doses of the vaccine, there are still many more people who have not had the vaccine, cannot have it, or are not yet eligible for it. Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12 to 17 year olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid. This follows the recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The government expects to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.

The JCVI has now recommended vaccination to young people aged 16 and 17.

Opening with a suite of songs from her 2013 masterpiece Once I Was An Eagle carrying only her guitar and a glass of red wine we were soon swept away by Marling’s atmospheric voice on Take the Night Off, I Was An Eagle and Breathe.

Their dark, sardonic lyrics, open tunings and blend of Celtic, Indian and Arabian styles resembles Jimmy Page’s acoustic Zeppelin zenith. Just as we were being absorbed into her Astral Weeks moment, the night was interrupted by a fire alarm. Soon the audience, after being evacuated, was spilling out onto the Clerk Street night while rubbing shoulders with punters having a cigarette outside The Grapes and other Friday night revellers.

When the fire brigade arrived the gig stopped only to recommenc after a 40 minute break. Marling continued as if nothing had happened soon recapturing where she left off with Hope In The Air from her recent album Song for Our Daughter.

The track leans closer to an Americana style of folk with shades of Leonard Cohen. A cover of the Canadian singer/songwriter’s Avalanche stirs the audience, the moment of connection clear in these unsettling times. His influence is further apparent on The End of the Affair beautifully sung by Marling, and the audience members in the front row seemed to hang onto every word.

Great art and live music such as this is as vital as breathing in times such as these, Marling is one of the few to keep the great mystery going. 

The social app, Jodel, is being rolled out in Edinburgh after a successful debut in St Andrews where one in ten of the students downloaded the app in the first month. The app founder, Alessio Avellan Borgmeyer, hopes it will help to prevent loneliness among students by connecting them with like-minded people.

The app is a way to connect to the local community instantly – but without the need to create a profile. It allows students to seek advice, relate funny stories and make connections with people with open communication.

Jodel say that their research found that a quarter of 17 to 24-year-olds are annoyed by the fake imagery used on other social media platforms and one in seven said that these platforms lead to insecurity and social pressure. By the end of this year the target is to sign up at least 11% of all Scottish students.

Lara Budge, UK Expansion Manager at Jodel said: “Entering the UK in Scotland was a deliberate choice because we know the student satisfaction is so high in the university cities, so there’s a really strong student community to support. The pandemic has greatly affected not only students’ social lives but also their mental health, so we hope Jodel can be a force for good, allowing online connections to build into in-person socialising and to entertain young people with fun, local, interesting content from fellow users.” 

Jodel is now targeting students in Scotland before focusing on the rest of the UK. To try out Jodel in download via the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The hyperlocal community platform was founded in 2014 and had enrolled one million users in the first year in Europe. Within a default radius of 10 km, users can share so-called Jodels – messages, pictures or videos – to exchange information or even meet up with people who share the same interests. People use the platform to share relatable funny stories and memes, discover local news and ask questions – all with people from the same area. Jodelers are not required to register a public user profile and can keep their privacy. Its business model is built around virtual goods as well as unique interaction formats to connect businesses and communities.

https://jodel.com/

At the first FOSROC Super6 match at the recently named Edinburgh Rugby’s DAM Health Stadium on Sunday it was the Ayrshire Bulls who won the day in a match which had a bit of everything.

The Bulls stand-off Tom Jordan added 16 points for his team and won FOSROC Player of the match, but at the end of the encounter the Bulls lock Tom Everard was given a red card for a dangerous hit on Jacob Henry the Knights full-back.

Bulls began in the sixth minute as they meant to go on with a try set piece. Knights allowed too many penalties in the opening exchanges and with 10 minutes played the scoreline was already 10-0.

By half-time the scoreline had changed to 13-6 in the Bulls favour. Knights began in the Bulls territory in the second half, but Yaree Fantini (Bulls) was given a yellow card for an illegal move just as the driving maul surged into action. Fantini returned to the pitch to see the penalty ping-pong continue, this time Jordan on target (16-19, 57 mins)

Knights threw everything into the final few minutes but the Bulls were resolute and celebrated their success in front of their own ecstatic supporters.

FULL-TIME: Southern Knights 16 Ayrshire Bulls 26

Southern Knights: Jacob Henry; Patrick Anderson, Nyle Godsmark, Billy Wara, Sam Pecqueur ; Jason Baggott, Murdo McAndrew; Grant Shiells CAPTAIN, Fraser Renwick, Euan McLaren, Daniel Suddon, Angus Runciman, Harry Borthwick, Ruaridh Knott, Iain Moody

Subs: Russell Anderson, Shaun Gunn, Calum Crookshanks, Dalton Redpath, Allan Ferrie, Cameron Jones, Cameron Scott and Andrew Mitchell

Ayrshire Bulls: Matt Davidson; Aaron Tait, Robert Beattie, Tom Williams, Elias Caven; Tom Jordan, Jordan Lenac; George Thornton, Alex McGuire, Michael Scott, Edward Bloodworth, Tom Everard, Ryan Sweeney, Yaree Fantini, Blair MacPherson CAPTAIN

Subs: Rhodri Tanner, Ruairidh Sayce, Calvin Henderson, Rory Jackson, Gavin Wilson, Harry Warr, Christian Townsend and Gavin Lowe

Red-card: Tom Everard. Yellow-cards: Yaree Fantini and Jordan Lenac.

Referee: Keith Allen. Assistant referees: David Sutherland and Finlay Brown.

All photos from the Southern Knights v Ayrshire Bulls match in Edinburgh – Ian Jacobs

A book by Colin Robertson and Andrew Hoggan, Bobby Walker This is his Story, has been written to remember the magnificent footballer player, who was regarded by many as one of the best players in Europe during the years of 1896-1913.

The work features the highs and lows of Walker’s playing career with both Hearts and the national side, as well as his retirement and alcohol problems, before his passing in 1930, aged just 51. 

Co-author Colin Robertson said: “While researching Bobby Walker’s career with Hearts we constantly heard that no book had ever been produced. This started a project to research and document Bobby’s life and career. This book has many images which cannot be sourced in modern day publications. It will serve as a tribute and tremendous record for Hearts fans and historians. It will also be appreciated by football historians the world over with its fantastic record of the Bobby Walker era with Hearts and Scotland.”

This is the story of Scotland’s first superstar considered by many to be the finest player in Europe in a distinguished period spanning from 1896 – 1913. He is the only Scottish player to be granted a national testimonia

All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Hearts Heritage and Museum. 

The book can be purchased here.

The Festival of Politics begins on Wednesday 20 October 2021, running for four days until 24 October.

The event under the overall chair of the Presiding Officer of The Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, brings together academics with writers, policymakers with business people and politicians all debating the climate emergency.

Over the five days there are free panel online sessions offering you to have your say and assess for yourself whether the planet is still saveable. This event is themed around the United Nations’ Sustainable Goals and will explore poverty and inequality alongside climate impact.

This year you do not even need to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy the many talks which will all be aired online.

Here are our top choices:

Greenwashing – can planet and profit work together?

The opening hour long event will allow you to join the panel chaired by Claire Baker MSP to find out about profit motivation and the pursuit of climate friendly practices in a business setting.

Participants include Ian Cochran of University of Edinburgh Business School, Clare Reid of Scottish Council for Development and Industry and Jo Chidley who is co-founder of Beauty Kitchen and a circular economy expert.

Safe city spaces for everyone 5pm to 6pm

Making the inner city safe for everyone no matter their age, or whether they are men or women, is a question posed to a panel chaired by Paul McLennan MSP. The participants include Sophie Reid a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament who represents GirlGuiding, Dr Ellie Cosgrave, an engineer and Associate Professor of Urban Innovation and Policy at University College London and Alex Bottrill of Sustrans leading their strategic objective ‘Liveable Cities and Towns for Everyone’.

Book tickets here.

In Conversation with George Monbiot

George Monbiot is a writer, activist and environmentalist. As well as having a regular Guardian column, his books include: Feral, Age of Consent, How Did We Get into This Mess? and Out of the Wreckage: A New Politics for an Age of Crisis. His latest collection, This can’t be happening (Penguin), is a collection of galvanising speeches and essays, calling on humanity to stop averting its gaze from the destruction of the living planet, and wake up to the greatest predicament we have ever faced.

George co-wrote the concept album Breaking the Spell of Loneliness with musician Ewan McLennan, and has made a number of viral videos. One of them, adapted from his 2013 TED talk, How Wolves Change Rivers, has been viewed on YouTube over 40m times. Another, on Natural Climate Solutions, that he co-presented with Greta Thunberg, has been watched over 60m times. George is working on a new book, to be published in 2022, about how to feed the world without devouring the planet.

This event is chaired by Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

Book tickets here.

What will power my home in 2045?

Scotland is cited as Europe’s potential green powerhouse where renewable and clean energy is plentiful. But how do we overcome the resource, commercial, cultural and behavioural barriers to achieve this impressive claim?

Join the panel to discover how and when renewable energy inventions will power our homes and workplaces – and what can we learn from other nations – and how will households with fuel poverty and social housing be affected by this low carbon revolution?

This event is bought to you in partnership with the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh. It is chaired by Dean Lockhart MSP, Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

Book tickets here.

Radical Solutions to poverty – give everyone £5,200?

One in four children in Scotland live in poverty – the vast majority within working households. Is it now time to get radical and adopt the suggested Universal Basic Income of a guaranteed £5,200 per person, per year? 

Would this stop generations of children growing up without resources to obtain the type of diet, amenities, living conditions and ability to participate in activities, that we’d expect in 21st-century Scotland?

What other radical solutions are out there to mitigate the detrimental effects of poverty? And to improve life chances before the cycle of generational poverty finally ends?

This event is brought to you in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University. It is chaired by Neil Gray MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

Book tickets here.

Fast Fashion

Fashion is allegedly one of the world’s biggest polluters. Even worse – 300 000 tonnes of used clothes are burned or buried in landfill annually, much of this unworn, as manufacturers dispose of unsold stock.

The UK is one of the worst offenders when it comes to buying disposable clothes, with the average person buying more clothes per capita than any country in Europe.

Join the panel who will help fast fashionistas understand why it’s now time to make radical changes in our clothing manufacturing and buying habits.

This event is brought to you in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland. It is chaired by Monica Lennon MSP, Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

Book tickets here.

Scottish Islands on the front line of climate emergency

Scotland’s islands are the ‘canary down the mine’ on the climate emergency. Since 2000, the rising sea levels, heavier rainfall and frequent powerful storms have been eroding the dunes and machair land that protects many low-lying communities whose well-being and livelihoods are now being altered.

Join the panel to hear from local island communities dealing and adapting to the climate emergency on their doorstep: from innovative carbon neutral energy and transport schemes, to food sustainability and packaging-free shops, the future lies in the islands.

This event is chaired by Liam McArthur MSP, Deputy Convener of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee and Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. 

Book tickets here

Resilient and sustainable cities

With two-thirds of the earth’s population estimated to be living in urban centres by 2050, and 90% of those urban areas located by coasts and rising sea-levels, it’s in everyone’s interests to make cities as resilient and sustainable as possible.

Innovation to address these challenges is already in place from Vancouver to Singapore, and Stockholm to Glasgow.

One of the panelists is Anna Richardson who leads the City of Glasgow Council. She is currently Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, with a particular interest in transport, equalities and the mainstreaming of sustainability across all Council functions and is lauded with the introduction of cycling measures in Glasgow.

Ideas range from retro-fitting buildings to district heating, vertical and urban forests, and the creation of the 15-minute city, where people can walk or bike to work, shop and deal with a government agency, within 15 minutes.

This event is chaired by Elena Whitham MSP, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.

Book tickets here

Following a two week grace period, The Scottish Government has now reminded everyone that enforcement of vaccine certification at larger venues in Scotland begins from Monday.

Anyone visiting higher risk venues must have proof of vaccination – and it is the venue which must take steps to verify vaccination status or face enforcement action. Council officers will enforce the scheme through engaging, explaining and encouraging the person responsible at the venue before any enforcement is considered.

Visitors to venues such as music festivals or large sporting events – whether indoors or outdoors – must show their vaccination status either using the NHS Scotland Covid Status app or using a paper certificate.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The grace period allowed venues and businesses affected more than two weeks to test the scheme in practice and make suitable arrangements. It has also provided the Government with helpful feedback from the sectors affected and we continue to liaise with them going forward.

“This is a very limited scheme and we hope this will allow businesses to remain open and prevent any further restrictions as we head into autumn and winter. This virus has not gone away and vaccine certification will have a role to play in keeping transmission under control as part of a wider package of measures. It adds a further layer of protection in certain higher risk settings. 

“I also want to ensure that as many people get vaccinated as possible and particularly to increase uptake in the younger age cohort, so anything to incentivise that is helpful.”

People in Scotland can download the NHS Scotland Covid Status App via their mobile device. A paper certificate or the downloadable PDF is also available from NHS Inform.

Exemptions to the scheme include under 18s, participants in vaccine trials, as well as people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and people working or performing in the venues.

Proof of vaccination will be required to enter:
• late night venues open after midnight with alcohol and music and dancing
• unseated indoor live events, with more than 500 people in the audience
• unseated outdoor live events, with more than 4,000 people in the audience
• any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance

Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Bailliesaid: “The shambles that followed the release of the vaccine passport app was a predictable disaster. 

“Weeks have passed and we have seen no change of plans despite concerns from the public, public health experts and businesses.

“This whole debacle has happened because the SNP are arrogant enough to believe they are right and Scotland is wrong.

“The First Minister is making this up as she goes along.

“If we want to control the virus we must look at proper resourcing of our test and protect system which has collapsed in recent weeks. 

“If we want to drive up vaccination we should be going door-to-door to convince those we know are hesitant and making it easier to just walk in for an appointment. 

“Instead the Government is doubling down on this mess.”

Fife Flyers snapped a depressing eight-game losing streak with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Manchester Storm at Kirkcaldy in the Elite League.

The fired-up Fifers, who lost 5-0 in Manchester on Saturday, finally got their act together and the new-look squad had their loyal fans on their feet at Rosslyn Street.

The confidence-boosting win was sparked by an early goal, Jacob Benson netting after four minutes and six minutes later it was 2-0 thanks to Greg Chase and then 3-0 after 25 minutes when Matthew Carter (pictured) found the net.

A power play strike followed after 29 minutes when James Anderson counted unassisted and two minutes later Craig Peacock scored No 5.

And Flyers piled on the agony for the visitors with two more before the second break.

Benson claimed his second after 38 minutes for 6-0 and Dumfries-born Bari McKenzie added a seventh four seconds from the end of the session.

Imants Lescovs increased the score with No 8 with less than five minutes remaining to complete the rout in which Fife outshot their opponents 46-36.

In Dundee, Stars lost 2-1 to league pace-setters Sheffield Steelers who led 2-0 after only eight minutes Connor Stills scored Dundee’s consolation after 35 minutes.

Another South African side on the bounce were Edinburgh Rugby’s Round Four opponents in the 2021 United Rugby Championship as the Vodacom Bulls lined up to try and do what the Stormers had failed to do the previous week and beat Edinburgh at home.

The hosts’ were straight up into the Bulls’ faces right from the start forcing the visitors to try to break out rather than kick. But, they retained possession well and managed to kick clear eventually.

There followed a brief exchange of aerial play before Edinburgh took took to running the ball back. A combination of backs and forwards pressed the Bulls back into their 22, but the South Africans forced a penalty and regained the ball.

In the runup to the opening try, the home side flung the ball about, keeping the Bulls on the hop until they regained the 22 then Damian Hoyland went back to the boot, slotting a neat grubber through the line, where the chasing Henry Immelman collected the ball just short of the line and slid in for the try and 5-0. Jaco van der Walt then missed with his conversion so it stayed at 5-0 with eight minutes played.

The next period was fairly evenly matched despite being mostly played in the visitors’ half. Their defence was, on more than one occasion, more than capable of snuffing out the home attack, with their wingers proving to be particularly elusive, but they were finding it difficult to get out of their territory.

When they did, they looked quite dangerous, but Edinburgh gave as good as they got in the defensive stakes and only a 21st minute, successful, penalty from the visitors’ Chris Smith for 5-3 worried the score board.

Something had to give though and another penalty gave van der Walt the opportunity to advance the scoring, which he duly did for 8-3 in the 28th minute.

The next six minutes it was a case of attack, penalty, repeat as the Bulls were, again, held tight and, again, were penalised for their efforts as successful kicks from van der Walt on 32 and 36 minutes saw the score out to 14-3.

It wasn’t all good news though when, just on 40 minutes, as the Bulls were up in Edinburgh’s 22, van der Walt suffered a serious looking shoulder injury which had the stand-off clutching the joint in agony, before being helped from the field by the medical staff. So half time and it was 14-3 to Edinburgh. And the rain was on…

With van der Walt off, James Lang stepped up to the tee for the first penalty attempt a few minutes in, but he struck the post high up so the score stayed at 14-3.

With the rain falling and slippery conditions prevailing, the game became a bit of a repeat of the previous match, being largely confined to the middle with only a couple of 22-bound breaks on the cards.

Then, with just over 10 minutes left on the clock, the Bulls launched a drive that was to prove decisive. Pushing the home side back to their line with a combination of running and penalties, the visitors pack set to and rucked their way almost 20 metres across the front of Edinburgh’s posts before something had to give.

And it was the defence that folded as the Bulls’ captain, Marcell Coetzee burrowed over for the try. Veteran stand off, Morné Stein, then converted for 14-10 in 70th minute.

Three minutes later, the gap was extended as Mark Bennett, deputising for, the now injured, Lang converted a penalty from wide for 17-10 after 73 minutes.

As Edinburgh tried to get clear just after the restart, the Bulls turned the ball over on the fringes of the 22 and quickly recycled the ball out to Steyn. His experience then came to the fore and his cross-field kick was gathered by Madosh Tambwe out on the right wing and the No. 14 looked like scoring all day as he skipped past Hoyland and made tracks for the line.

However, it was Edinburgh’s other winger, Darcy Graham, who ran Tambwe down and ‘stopped’ him short of the line. Tambwe scrambled clear and touched down, but a lengthy TMO consultation deemed that the South African had been tackled so his scramble for the line was, therefore, a double movement and “no try”.

And that was the final line-worrying play as the game drew to a close with at 17-10 giving Edinburgh their second win in the URC. They now sit in third place in their Conference on 13 points, even with Ospreys and two points behind Glasgow Warriors.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.

Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars both skidded defeats on Saturday as Glasgow Clan’s new coach Malcolm Cameron jetted in to take charge.

Flyers have now lost eight straight in all competitions following an 5-0 reverse at fellow-strugglers Manchester Storm.

While Ryan Finnerty’s men celebrated their first win of the season, Todd Dutiaume (pictured), Fife’s head coach, told fed-up Fife fans he does not have a quick fix.

The experienced Canadian admitted: “It is very frustrating. I have been coach of this club for long-term that we are not (in a better position) and we are obviously actively searching for players.”

His opposite number, former Glasgow Clan coach Ryan Finnery, said: “The guys have not been getting wins and we have been working hard in practice and focused on how we wanted to play and how this club and our fan base expect us to play. “The guys stuck with it and did a great job.”

Chris Hamilton, Adam Brady, Finlay Ulrick, Jared Vamwormer and Tyson Fawcett netted. Storm netminder Matt Ginn stopped all 22 shots he faced while his opposite number, Shane Owen, dealt with 41.

Elsewhere, Dundee Stars lost 3-0 at Guildford Flames with Jake Bolton scoring after ten minutes and Chris Gerrie and Levi Cable netting twice in the first six minutes of the third.

In Glasgow, Clan coach Malcolm Cameron (pictured) has arrived from North America and will start work with his new-look squad this week.

Glasgow Clan head coach Malcolm Cameron (picture from Glasgow Clan) has revealed that his new-look squad will begin to arrive in the next few days.

He added: “Now we can focus on doing what needs to be done.”

Cameron admitted that after so much talking and preparing it is good to be in Glasgow and he said: “I can’t wait to get everyone together and finally get this show rolling.”

Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, have a friendly arranged against Dundee Stars on Wednesday, November 3 (7.30pm) and start their Elite League campaign against Fife Flyers on Saturday, November 6 at Braehead (7pm).

Cameron said the non-homegrown players will begin to arrive over the course of the next week and he added: “We’ll go from there.

“Now that I’m here, the work begins and I’m delighted we can concentrate on starting to do what we do best.”

Roadworks are planned on the A1 northbound between Thistly Cross roundabout and Abbotsview junction with improved road markings to be applied during one night of works on Wednesday 20 October.

The works will complete a £265,000 programme of road marking and stud improvements on the A1 between Edinburgh and Dunbar, carried out since April 2021 by Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland.

To ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists, the A1 will be closed to northbound traffic between Thistly Cross roundabout and Abbotsview junction between 7.30pm on Wednesday 20 October and 6am on Thursday 21 October.

A diversion will be signposted from Thistly Cross roundabout to Abbotsview junction via the A199. This diversion will add approximately 4 minutes to vehicular journeys. 

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to make them aware of the plans in advance. 

Emergency services will be able to pass through the works at all times.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “These road marking upgrades on the A1 will enhance safety for motorists and form the final phase of a programme of improvements on this route that began back in April.

“We’ve scheduled the works overnight to minimise disruption, however please allow a few extra minutes for your journey if you will be affected by the diversion.”

www.trafficscotland.org

At Halloween a silent horror film festival is ready to scare you at the Hippodrome Bo’ness all weekend long.

Ghouls and ghosts and things going bump in the night will terrify audiences brave enough to go along on 30 and 31 October. There are six spooky screenings leading up the conclusion of the early Swedish horror film Häxan from 1922.

The full programme is below but special mention must be given to the double bill of Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) on Sunday afternoon. With these legendary films, British director James Whales is rewardingly unfaithful to Mary Shelley’s famous source novel of a mad scientist who creates a new life from the body parts of the dead. With a liberal use of humour and exaggerated, expressionistic visual style these films transcend the horror genre and become two of the most deceptively complex ‘creature features’ ever conceived.

The Hippodrome’s Halloween activity will conclude with the finale of HippFest’s fourth Taste of Silents season on Sunday 31 October with early Swedish horror Häxan (1922), with live accompaniment from Jane Gardner and Hazel Morrison. An enthralling mix of documentary and fiction, this early horror film explores the history of witchcraft from its earliest days through to present. It shows representations of evil in a variety of ancient and medieval artworks, offers vignettes illustrating a number of superstitious practices, demonology, and Satanism, and presents a spine-chilling narrative about the persecution of a woman accused of witchcraft.

Musician Jane Gardner commented on the film: “Häxan is one of the weirdest and most unsettling films I’ve seen – thankfully with regular injections of the director’s irreverent humour! Drawing from Medieval beliefs, in particular those depicted in ancient art works, there are scenes of torture, potion-making, demons, devil worship, a witch giving birth to monsters, a spell which leaves a man unable to close his screaming mouth, and lots more gruesome stuff. The final chapter comments upon contemporary (1920s) treatment of women with mental illnesses whose behaviour or manner would have been regarded as witchcraft in the past.”

Audiences at Paranorman are invited to wear their creepiest costume to enter the Hippodrome Halloween competition, but fancy-dress isn’t just for kids!  Come to the double-bill dressed in a Hammer Horror inspired outfit, or your most gruesome outfit in tribute to the Evil Dead trilogy to be in with the chance of winning free Hippodrome tickets. The café / bar will be serving a macabre menu of refreshments and the projectionist has a few surprises in store to enhance the ultimate Hippodrome horror experience. 

Tickets for the double-bill of Frankenstein/Bride of Frankenstein, and for Evil Dead 2 are are £7.20 (£5.60 for concessions, £4.50 for 16-25-year-olds). Tickets for the HippFest Taste of Silents screening are £10 (£8 for concessions, £4.50 for 16-25-year-olds). 

HippFest will return to the Hippodrome for its full festival programme 16 – 20 March 2022. 

The Hippodrome Silent Film Festival was launched at the Hippodrome in Bo’ness in 2011 and has since become a key annual event in the cultural calendar, drawing audiences from across the UK. The event is organised by Falkirk Community Trust with key funding from Creative Scotland and Falkirk Council.

For tickets and programme information for the Taste of Silents season visit www.hippfest.co.uk

Paranorman

Sat 30 Oct 11:00 & Sun 31 Oct 12:00 

£7.20 | £5.60 | Jeely Jar 2-4-1 offer on Sat 30 Oct

Dir. Chris Butler & Sam Full / USA / 2012 / 1h 32m

With: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Goodman

Frankenstein / Bride of Frankenstein Double-Bill 

Sat 30 & Sun 31 Oct 14:30

£7.20 | £5.60 (conc.) | £4.50 (16-25 years)

Dir. James Whale / USA / 1931 & 1935 / b&w / 1h 10m & 1h 15m / 20m interval

With: Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester.

Evil Dead 2

Sat 30 Oct 21:00 

£7.20 | £5.60 (conc.) | £4.50 (16-25 years)

Dir. Sam Raimi/ USA / 1987 / 1h 24m

With: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Denise Bixler

Häxan

With live accompaniment by Jane Gardner (piano) and Hazel Morrison (percussion)

Sun 31 Oct 19:30

£10 | £8 conc. | £4.50 (16-25 years)

Dir. Benjamin Christensen | Sweden | (1922) | N/C 15 | 122mins | Danish with English intertitles

With: Benjamin Christensen, Elisabeth Christensend and Maren Pedersen

Screening material courtesy of Svensk Filmindustri

Hibs first game back after the international break ended in a 3-0 home defeat to on-form Dundee United at Easter Road this afternoon.

Head coach Jack Ross made two changes to the starting XI that lost to Rangers two weeks ago.

Photos Ian Jacobs

Suspended Ryan Porteous was replaced by England Under 20 international Nathan Wood whilst Jamie Murphy returned in place of the injured Paul McGinn with Chris Cadden taking over the right back roll.

Hibs had the majority of possession without creating any clear cut chances in a poor first-half.

The highlight was a collision between Scott Allan and referee Alan Muir that ended with both on the ground then in time added on United took the lead when Peter Pawlett and Ian Harkes combined to find Nicky Clark who curled the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

The half-time whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home fans whilst the large contingent from Tayside celebrated.

James Scott replaced Allan at the break but shortly after the restart United doubled their lead when Scott McMann’s cross was headed home by Ryan Edwards.

A Murphy effort looked to be heading into the top corner but a defender’s head deflected the ball over the bar.

Hibs then passed up a great chance to pull one back when  Wood headed a Jake Doyle-Hayes cross wide but the next goal came for the visitors and ended the game as a contest.

Pawlett and Clark exchanged passes before releasing Ilmari Niskanen who unselfishly squared the ball to the unmarked Kieran Freeman who had the simple task for firing the ball into the net.

Minutes later Benjamin Siegrist made a great save to deny Kevin Nisbet, tipping his effort on to the inside of the post, then celebrated in style.

United almost made it 4-0 when Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick was well saved by Macey in the dying minutes.

Hibs face Aberdeen at Pittodrie next weekend then have Celtic at home on midweek.

Hibs: Macey, Doig, Hanlon, Cadden, Wood, Doyle-Hayes, Newell, Allan, Boyle, Murphy, Nisbet Substitutes: Dabrowski, Wright, Gogic, Stevenson, Scott, McGregor, Gullan

Dundee United: Siegrist, Mulgrew, Niskanen, McMann, Pawlett, Clark, Edwards, Freeman, Harkes, Glass, Fuchs Substitutes: Newman, Mochrie, Chalmers, Biamou, Appere, Hoti, K.Smith

Referee Alan Muir

Attendance: 15,114

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Forth & Clyde Canal re-opening as part of the £83.4m Millennium Link Project, one of the largest canal restoration projects ever to take place in Britain.

In the last 20 years the canal has welcomed the world’s first and only rotating boat lift – The Falkirk Wheel, and the world’s largest pair of equine sculptures, The Kelpies, along with millions of visitors who have enjoyed the canal by boot, boat or bike.

^{Linlithgow Kayak Racing’s Gilly Macwhirter, Lisa Davie, Fiona MacBeth and Anne Moar}

One of the highlight events on the canal since the Millenium works completed, is the annual Glasgow to Edinburgh Canal Challenge – a 2-day event in October, where canoeists of all disciplines, compete in individual and team crews, over the 55 miles to Edinburgh.

Day 1 starts at Speirs Warf, Port Dundas, Glasgow to the Millennium Wheel, Falkirk (approx 23.5 miles). Paddlers portage (run with their boats on their shoulders) around the locks between Banknock and Bonnybridge in the last 5 miles of this stage, which adds to the excitement and spectacle.

Day 2 starts above the Millennium Wheel and the locks of the new Falkirk Interchange on the Union Canal. The finish is at Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh (approx 31 miles).

This year’s event saw 25 crews from clubs from all over UK participate in the event. One local club, Linlithgow Kayak Racing (LKR), had particular purpose in entering their 5 teams this year. Having witnessed first-hand the increased demand to learn to kayak during lockdown, LKR have determinedly supported their members to extend their skills and participate in all kinds of new experiences, including this Glasgow to Edinburgh Marathon.

Becoming a Scottish Charities Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in January 2021 enabled LKR to continue its mission as a flat water kayak racing club, whilst also developing its service to the local community and encouraging many new people to take part in the sport of canoeing.

Through a series of very successful “come and try” events in the summer, followed by multiple blocks of beginners lessons run by qualified kayak coaches, LKR have doubled their membership in 2021, whilst ensuring that all of their members have fundamental paddling skills to ensure their safety and enjoyment on the water.

^{Overall winner Dan Johnston from Chelmsford (left) in a time of 7 hours 43 minutes and Linlithgow Kayak Racing}‘^{s Simon Dean.}

This year’s Glasgow to Edinburgh Canal Challenge overall winner was Dan Johnston from Chelmsford in a time of 7 hours 43 minutes. LKR is still rather proud that the fastest ever course record remains with their K2 relay team from 2012, in an amazing time of 6 hours 48 minutes (Sean Redmond, Lewis Fletcher, Oliver Carruthers and Balazs Lorincz).

There’s plenty time to practise for next year’s October 2022 event – so why don’t you come and join in the fun? LKR warmly welcomes beginners and experienced paddlers alike, and looks forward to many more hours of learning and fun in 2022. Find out more here.

Fife Flyers head coach Todd Dutiaume is looking to finally spark his season into life this weekend against fellow-strugglers Manchester Storm in an Elite League double-header.

The Kirkcaldy club visit The Storm Shelter on Saturday (7pm) and the pair square-up against in Fife on Sunday (6pm).

Dutiaume admitted that The Storm Shelter is not the easiest of arenas to play in as it is tight, but he argued that some of his new-look squad have played in small arenas in North America before and he hopes that instinct can kick in.

New signing Chase Schaber could ice depending on his fitness and Dutiaume admitted: “We need a working centreman and Chase has worked for us in the past. He is a favourite with fans here and we believe that adding him is a step in the right direction.”

Dutiaume said it would unrealistic to ice Schaber for big minutes this weekend as he has been training in North America but not on the ice. He will need time to properly adjust, but he could be used as an impact player if he arrives in time.

Meanwhile, Dundee Stars visit a Guildford Flames in the Elite League (6pm), an English side smarting from a 6-3 home defeat by Sheffield Steelers on Sunday only 24 hours after a 6-4 road win at Sheffield.

Elsewhere, Glasgow Clan forward Matt Haywood (pictured by Al Goold) can’t wait to get back to work but the Braehead-based outfit don’t start their season until Saturday, November 6 when Fife Flyers visit.

Doncaster-born Haywood, the last of the players who made up the original Clan team in 2010, said: “I have to admit, the other teams playing are making me realise how much I miss it.

New coach Malcolm Cameron has assembled a team which the 30-year-old centre or left-wing says looks good on paper and he added: “The style he wants to play suits me.

“It is hard working, high energy, nitty gritty and that’s how I like a team to play. It’s something the fans will really get behind.”