An Airbnb owner has lost his appeal to keep operating but been told he can keep his lock box in place.

The owner of the flat on Dirleton had asked Scottish Ministers to throw out an enforcement order demanding he stop renting it for short term lets and remove the key box.

But while the Scottish Government Reporter rejected his call for the notice to be quashed he did agree that the demand from East Lothian Council for the box to be removed was excessive.

In a ruling issued today, he said: “The council says that as the key lock box installed here facilitates the unauthorised use, its removal would assist in remedying the breach of control.

“However, the appellant says that the box was installed prior to the start of the property’s use as short-stay accommodation and is associated as much with his own personal use of the property as with the use of the property by commercial short-stay residents.

“Given that, and because it seems to me that the requirement to remove the box is not necessary for the short-term let use to cease, I agree with the appellant.”

The owner of the property, in The Red House, in the village, was refused a certificate of lawfulness allowing them to rent it out as a short term residential let without applying for a change of use by the council in November 2023.

They appealed the decision to Scottish Ministers who threw the case out last April but when the council issued an enforcement notice demanding they stop operating they appealed that as well.

They argued the enforcement notice was not competent because there was no breach of property law and that the three months notice given to the owner was too short.

However the Reporter threw out the arguments and said claims the owner needed more time because they had bookings was not accepted because they knew in November 2023 the flat was not compliant.

Amending the enforcement notice to delete the removal of the lock box, the Reporter rejected the appeal against it.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Hibs have announced the signing of Gambian international Alasana Manneh from Odense Boldklub, subject to international clearance and visa approval. 

The terms of the transfer will remain undisclosed, with the 26-year-old putting pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal. 

The central midfielder was in the famous La Masia, Barcelona’s Academy, and featured for their youth team and B Team, alongside the likes of European Championship winner Marc Cucurella. 

Manneh has since gone on to make almost 200 career appearances playing in the Bulgarian, Polish, and Danish top-flights. 

During the 2024/25 campaign, he’s played a vital role for Odense Boldklub (OB) as they look to bounce back to the Danish Superliga. He’s set up seven goals in 17 league games, as they sit top of the league. 

On the international front, he’s a regular for The Gambia, earning 18 caps to date. 

On his signing, Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray said: “We’re delighted to bring Alasana to the Club. 

“As a player he’s very competitive, has a fantastic work ethic, and has good technical ability on the ball. At 26, he has good experience at senior level and playing in high-level leagues, and he adds extra strength in depth to the middle of our midfield. I look forward to working with him.” 

Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: “We have been diligent in our work throughout the January transfer window to ensure we add quality and not quantity to our First Team squad. 

“Alasana is someone we’ve been watching for a long period of time knowing his contract was due to expire in the summer. After positive conversations with OB, we’re delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal to bring him in during the January window, so he can make a real impact from now until the rest of the season. 

“He has a real good pedigree coming from Barcelona’s Academy and playing in the top-flights in Poland and Denmark, and I look forward to seeing him perform for us.” 

West Lothian residents have been advised not to visit local cemeteries and churchyards, along with the country parks, as staff work to clear fallen trees and repair damaged headstones in the wake of storm Eowyn. 

The council’s arborist teams tackled more than 600 trees toppled across the county and surveys are ongoing at Beecraigs, the largest of West Lothian’s country parks. 

Cemeteries, including Brungrange at West Calder were also badly hit with damaged and fallen trees and headstones toppled by Friday’s storm, described as “a once in generation event.” 

Contractor costs to help with clear-up are likely to run into thousands of pounds, it was warned. 

A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “The strong winds of the Red Weather Warning had a huge impact on the area.” 

They added: “The council’s arborist teams were dealing with over 600 fallen trees enquiries because of the winds, which led to a number of roads being closed. The majority of these have now re-opened, thanks to teams working through the weekend to clear them.” 

Visitor centres and other facilities in the parks will remain closed until this process is completed. 

The spokesperson said: “We have around 100 urban parks, 400 play areas and other play areas including MUGAs, outdoor gyms, and skate parks etc. It will take a few weeks to inspect them all properly. If you are out and about, please be cautious regarding accessing these open space areas and facilities.  

“We are also advising residents not to visit the 32 cemeteries and churchyards cemeteries maintained by the council unless it is considered essential. These areas all have mature trees, tall headstones, and high walls which could have been impacted by the winds. 

“It will take our teams some time to check them all, so please be cautious if you need to visit a cemetery and steer well clear of headstones, trees, and walls”. 

Bathgate’s Glasgow Road cemetery has now reopened, the council confirmed today (Tuesday). 

Linlithgow High Street was closed by Police Scotland because of fallen masonry on Friday but has now fully re-opened. Bus shelters were blown from their sockets in Livingston and Dechmont, and had to be moved to safety by council staff.  

The council’s street lighting team is continuing to carry out repairs to hundreds of street lights that have been damaged. 

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “Thanks to all the dedicated council staff who worked to tackle the impact of Storm Eowyn. 

“I can’t recall West Lothian facing such high winds, which were described on the BBC as a ‘once in a generation’ event. 

“Special praise must go to our Roads operatives, Arborists, street lighting teams, social care staff and everyone else who was out during the Red Weather warning period and over the weekend to deliver the essential services people rely on. 

“There’s still a lot of work to do to clear up all the damage caused by the storm, and hard-working council staff will continue to make every effort to ensure services are brought back to normal as soon as possible.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Scottish Ministers have backed a council leader’s decision to stop a family building three new homes next to their business.

East Lothian Council leader Norman Hampshire had to cast the deciding vote as planning convenor over the application after fellow councillors were split last year.

Applicant Carol Auld had argued that the new homes were needed to secure her family business on the edge of Elphinstone and pointed to more than 100 new homes built by developers Bellway on the other side of the road as further support.

However her claim that there was a need for the houses on the site were dismissed by the Scottish Government Reporter who said she saw no reason why the current situation where the family live nearby was not adequate.

And she said that despite the new Bellway estate, the site  Ms Auld proposed to build on remained outside the boundary of land earmarked for housing in the area.

The Reporter said: “The appellant indicates that the family all currently live locally, possibly in Elphinstone itself. The businesses are said to be a delivery depot and a landscaping/ maintenance business.

“There is no evidence that these businesses are not operating effectively at present, with the appellant and her daughters and one of their partners living nearby.

“This indicates that siting the proposed houses next to the businesses is not essential to their management.”

Planning officers recommended refusal of the application when it went to the council’s planning committee last year but elected members were split voting five for and five against allowing it.

Councillor Hampshire’s casting vote to reject the application saw it thrown out.

At the time he said allowing the housing to go ahead would set a precedent for ‘every village’ in East Lothian.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Detectives in West Lothian are appealing for information after a man was attacked and seriously injured in front of his partner and child in Broxburn.

The incident took place around 7.30pm on Monday, 27 January 2025 when a 37-year-old man was confronted by four men armed with weapons in a house in Cardross Avenue.

He was assaulted, dragged from the house into the driveway and further attacked causing serious injury. The suspects fled into a white or silver van and drove off towards Cardross Road.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he was treated for serious injuries.

His partner and child were not injured but were very frightened by what happened.

Detective Sergeant Tony Gilhooley, Livingston CID, said:“The fact that the suspects knew the child was in the house but continued with this vicious attack is abhorrent and it is imperative that we trace those responsible.

“Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and viewing CCTV to identify the men and trace the van, and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard the disturbance or assault to contact police.

“We would be keen to view any dashcam or doorbell footage from the street between 7pm and 7.45pm on Monday night just in case it caught footage that would assist the investigation.

“Officers remain in the area. Information can be passed to them or via 101. Please quote incident number 3140 of Monday, 27 January, 2025, when calling. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The Scottish Government has made agreements with both the Scottish Liberal Democrats and also separately with the Scottish Green Party to support the proposed 2025-26 Budget.

This will include deals on bus fares, drug services and free school meals.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced she will table amendments to the 2025-26 Budget Bill to allocate £16.7 million funding to:
• Bolster drug and alcohol services, including £1 million for specialist support for babies born addicted to drugs
• Begin a £2 bus fare cap pilot in one regional transport area
• Further strengthen support for hospices from £4 million to £5 million
• Increase Nature Restoration by £3 million to its highest ever level
• Invest in targeted support for the College sector and protect Corseford College
• Extend free school meal eligibility in S1-S3 in eight local authority areas for pupils in receipt of Scottish Child Payment
• Offer flexibility for Orkney Island Council in terms of capital and resource funding

Ms Robison said: “We are determined to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland – and that is why this Budget invests in public services and in eradicating child poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs.

“The First Minister was clear that we would bring forward a budget by Scotland for Scotland, and the negotiations we have taken forward have been in that spirit. These additional initiatives demonstrate the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.

“During every stage of this process the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have engaged in our discussions in a positive and constructive manner.

“Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a budget that will strengthen services and support our communities. With the agreements with these two parties now in place this will secure a majority in parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”

Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said: “The Scottish Greens put climate action, tackling child poverty, cheaper buses and ferries and funding for schools at the heart of our budget negotiations. We have delivered progress on all of these fronts, so our MSPs will be voting for the budget.

“No young person should be sitting in school hungry. As a result of our work, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now receive a free school meal. This will build on the success of expanding free school meals in primary schools, a policy delivered by the Scottish Greens a few years ago.

“Our Green MSPs have also secured a year-long regional trial where bus fares will be capped at £2, because we know the cost of public transport needs to come down. This also builds on the success of free bus travel for young people, another Scottish Green policy we made a reality.

“With climate chaos all around us, we have worked to deliver record funding for nature restoration and our environment. These Green projects are creating well-paid jobs in communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.

“From schools to libraries to social care to bin collections, our councils deliver the services we all depend on. We have worked with Scottish Green councillors to ensure that this year’s budget delivers a fair deal for local councils, including an end to the Council tax freeze.

“These changes secured by Scottish Green MSPs will lift more children out of poverty, reduce the cost of public transport, create good quality jobs, tackle the climate crisis and protect local services. That’s in stark contrast to Labour, who agreed to let the SNP’s budget pass without making any attempt to improve it. If you want action to help people and planet, voting Scottish Greens is the best way to deliver it.”

Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said: “We have today reached an agreement with the Scottish Government. There is a long list of policies and projects that we’ve won for our constituents, and for Scotland as a whole, and so we will be voting for the Budget.

“In a Parliament of minorities Scottish Liberal Democrats will always act responsibly and try to find common ground.

“As a result, Lib Dem priorities will now be backed by hundreds of millions worth of government investment. I am pleased that we have secured money for new drug and neonatal services. As a former youth worker I know how important it is to give children the best start in life and few have it tougher than babies who are born addicted to drugs.

“Alongside the long list of Lib Dem demands baked into the first draft of the budget, we have also secured additional money for new college programmes focused on care and offshore wind, more money for hospices, and backing for the young people attending Corseford College.

“Scottish Labour’s decision to abstain on the Scottish Budget confirmed once and for all that there would be no early election. This was always very unlikely and that’s why all along Scottish Liberal Democrats have sought to shape the budget to unpick some of the damage caused by years of SNP neglect.

“This budget shows that by backing the Liberal Democrats you get a local champion focused on the issues that matter the most.”

Three new board members have been appointed by Sistema Scotland the charity which aims for social change through music with its Big Noise orchestra programmes, one of which is in Wester Hailes.

Former Chief Executive of COSLA, Sally Loudon, joins the charity, alongside BBC Scotland’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Luke McCullough and Karen MacFayden, who brings a wealth of experience in both banking and the third sector.

Ms Loudon said: “I’ve known about Sistema Scotland and Big Noise since its inception in Raploch and followed its path as it has developed and opened new centres across Scotland. From my own family’s experience, I’ve seen the difference that playing a musical instrument and joining an orchestra can make, and I’m over the moon to be joining an organisation that brings that opportunity to thousands of children and young people.” 

Mr McCullough said: “Having grown up in Stirling, and lived since in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, I’ve long admired the essential work which Sistema Scotland delivers through its Big Noise programmes. I’m looking forward to supporting that work on the Board and helping the organisation deliver its musical education and associated aims for communities in Scotland.” 

Ms McFadyen said: “I believe that music really is food for the soul. Music can transform lives; it brings people and communities together, and like education and sport, it really does make a difference to people’s lives. Everyone should get the opportunity to have the roots to grow and wings to fly – and Sistema Scotland gives that chance to young people that ordinarily would be out of their reach. We really don’t have any other organisations in Scotland like it.” 

Sistema Scotland Chief Executive, Vicky Williams, said: “Sally, Luke, and Karen join Sistema Scotland’s Board at an exciting time, as Big Noise continues to grow and deepen its impact across Scotland. Their collective expertise, enthusiasm, and belief in the transformative power of music will prove invaluable in strengthening the work of Sistema Scotland and our board. 
“On behalf of everyone at Sistema Scotland, we warmly welcome Sally, Luke, and Karen to the Board and look forward to the contributions they will make in the years ahead.”

Sally Loudon has been at the heart of local government in Scotland and was previously chief executive at Argyll and Bute Council. She has held a range of non-executive roles, including positions with SOLACE Scotland, The Promise Scotland Board, and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.  
Luke McCullough is a former commercial radio managing director, programme director and radio broadcaster and journalist in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. A former chair of the CORRA Foundation, brings a strong understanding of the importance of creativity and culture in Scotland. 
Karen McFadyen was head of operations at  Royal Bank of Scotland and capital appeal director at St Andrews Hospice. She has supported, led, and participated in many charitable events and causes throughout her career will use her skills and experience to make a difference for children and young people at Sistema Scotland.

Tickets are now on available for Hibs Women v Rangers Women at Fir Park in the Sky Sport Cup Final on Saturday 22 March; 3pm kick-off. 

The Club are currently working on transport options for supporters, pre-match hospitality and sponsorship packages, further information will be shared in due course.  

Tickets for the match are on sale now through the Motherwell e-ticketing website. 

Prices: Adults – £10 – Concessions (U16s) – £4 – Disabled Supporters – £4 – Family Ticket – £25 (two adults and two children) 

There will be no formal segregation at the match although Hibs have been been assigned the North Section and Section M. 

Police are seeking the help of the public to trace a 60-year-old man reported missing from Edinburgh.

Guy Bargery was last seen around 9.15am on Monday, 27 January, 2025, in the Dundas Street area of the city.

He is described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with grey/white hair.

When last seen, Guy was wearing a checked green and cream shirt, denim jeans, a beige jacket, and is believed to have been wearing black trainers. He may be driving his grey Volvo XC60 with registration SK13 VPZ, and travelled to the Fife area.

Inspector Jonathan Wilson said: “It is important that we make sure Guy is safe and well, as there are growing concerns for his welfare.

“We urge anyone who has seen Guy, his car, or has any information on his whereabouts to please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3443 of 27 January

Timeball and Nelson Monument to temporarily close

Nelson Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, is set to temporarily close for the final phase of essential refurbishment works and the reinstallation of its historic Timeball and mast.

The refurbishment will include inspection and restoration to the monument’s external walls and windows, the installation of some new internal lighting, as well as the reinstallation of the Timeball mechanism to full working order.

Museum items have been safely secured in preparation for the closure. Visitors will be unable to access the monument from Monday 27 January 2025, with the scheduled reopening expected in July 2025.

Read more here.

Eat Out Edinburgh is back

The city centre campaign to boost sales at restaurants and bars, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March.

Diners should expect a month of deals, discounts and events to put in the diary at the capital’s best establishments.

Following the successful campaign last year, with month long celebrations, Eat Out Edinburgh 2025 will once again bring family, friends and colleagues together to support Edinburgh’s hospitality sector with more than 50 venues expected to be involved this year.

Read more here

Today at Holyrood

Today at Holyrood there is a packed agenda as ever with several committees meeting as well as business in the Chamber.

9:15am Health, Social Care and Sport Committee 3rd Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content

9:15am Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee 4th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content

9:30am Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee 3rd Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content

9:30am Finance and Public Administration Committee 4th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content

9:30am Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 3rd Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)Show Committee Content

10am Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee 4th Meeting, 2025 (Session 6)

• 2pm in The Chamber
• Time for Reflection: Mirrin Kirkpatrick and Sarah-Jane McKeown, Holocaust Educational Trust Ambassadors
• Scottish Government Debate: Investing in Public Services Through the Scottish BudgetShow Parliamentary Business Content
• 5pm Decision Time
• Members’ Business — S6M-16143 Clare Adamson: Brexit Harm to Scotland, Five Years Since the UK Left the EU.
• This motion reads: “That the Parliament notes that January 2025 marks five years since the UK left the EU; recognises that people in Scotland voted to remain within the EU and that there was a majority vote for remain in every one of Scotland’s local authority areas, and considers that, despite this, Scotland was removed from the EU against the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland; believes that Brexit has caused, and continues to cause, substantial harm to the Scottish and UK economies; acknowledges reports that there is an estimated loss of £2.3 billion every year in public revenues for Scotland as a result of Brexit; notes with concern that the Office for Budget Responsibility has reportedly estimated that Brexit will reduce the overall trade intensity of the UK economy by 15% in the long term; understands that a recent study from the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics found that goods exports from the UK dropped by £27 billion in 2022 alone as a result of Brexit; further understands that the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply revealed problems with supply chains and trade routes, exacerbated by Brexit, which could see imports cost between 5% and 20% more, fuelling a new cost of living crisis; considers that Brexit continues to pose significant barriers to people coming to live and work in Scotland, including in vital public services; believes that Brexit is impacting young people’s right to live, work and study in 27 European nations, and denying future generations a wealth of economic, social and cultural opportunities, and notes the belief that Scotland should rejoin the EU to rebuild strong ties with fellow Europeans and to ensure that businesses, students and workers in Scotland, including in the Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, can benefit from access to the world’s largest single market and the rich cultural, social and economic benefits that membership of the EU brings.”

Cargo Bike Movement

The Cargo Bike Movement had to cancel its plans to hold a session on Bruntsfield Links last Friday. The session when anyone can Give it a Go will be held this Friday instead.

Lantern Parade in Portobello

You are too late to take part in the lantern making workshop which took place this weekend but you can still take part in the lantern parade next Saturday which will leave the intersection of Northfield Broadway and Mountcastle Drive at 5.30pm.

Just bring your own lantern or fairy lights. The idea of the parade is to shine a light on the dark cut through at Fishwives Causeway which is an off road alternative for pedestrians and cyclists to get to Portobello.

Roads in a small Edinburgh community were not ‘sufficiently cleared’ during a recent cold snap leaving them inaccessible and unsafe, it is being claimed.

Edinburgh City Council’s transport convenor Councillor Stephen Jenkinson is calling for winter plans for Balerno to be reviewed after concerns about the state of some streets.

In a motion due to go before the transport and environment committee this week, Councillor Jenkinson says the local community had raised issues after secondary routes were not cleared properly during recent wintry weather.

He says a number of roads were not ‘sufficiently cleared’ causing “significant accessibility and road safety issues”.

The transport convenor, whose Pentland Hills ward includes Balerno, is calling on officers to hold talks with the community to ensure it is not left struggling in the future.

In his motion he says: “Whilst Balerno has a number of Priority 1 roads and pavements scheduled for clearance many of the Priority 2 and 3 routes weren’t sufficiently cleared of snow and ice causing significant accessibility and road safety issues.”

He asks councillors to back his request for officers to meet with local ward councillors and Balerno Community Council to “review the current winter readiness schedule for Balerno and to consider future enhancements.”

The motion will be discussed at the transport committee meeting on Thursday.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

 .

West Lothian Council is to write to the Labour government demanding a rethink on its decision not to compensate some 10,000 local women in the Waspi pension scandal. 

A majority of councillors rejected a Labour motion and backed a call by the SNP to demand that Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions allow MPs to vote on a compensation package denied in December. 

Independent Andrew McGuire said local Labour MPs needed to put their “shoulders to the wheel” to support the call.  

The Chief Executive will also write to local MPs Kirsteen Sullivan and Gregor Poynton urging them to back the women who had campaigned as the Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi). 

The amendment, by Armadale councillor Lynda McKenna, won support across the chamber   beating Labour’s motion by 19 votes to 12. It followed robust and, at times, emotional debate over the pensions rights of women in their late Sixties to compensation. 

A seven-year investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found in March last year that the government was guilty of maladministration in the way that the changes to pension age had been introduced for women. 

In many cases women born in the 1950s were unaware that the pension age would rise after 2010, and many found themselves having to change plans and stay in work beyond the age of 60. 

Depute SNP leader Pauline Stafford welcomed general agreement across the chamber that fair compensation was deserved but added: “An injustice this serious really needs more action. We should rage against this decision on behalf of these women.” 

Echoing comments made by the deputation she acknowledged that many of the women affected don’t have time on their side, and she highlighted her own mother. 

“A  Waspi woman dies every 12 minutes. It’s a shocking statistic. For me it was more shocking because my mum was one of those who died three weeks ago, aged 66, and I wanted to remember what one of those lives looks like. After a lifetime of work both paid and unpaid she saw just seven months of her pension and it came at a time when her health was already seriously deteriorating.  

“She worked over 40 years in the NHS and like many went above and beyond. She worked night shift to look after myself and my brother then, like many women, she became a sandwich care,r looking after elderly relatives until just a few years ago until her own health failed.  

“We know that women disproportionately bear this brunt of unpaid care work on top of their paid jobs. If Labour don’t rectify this, what you are saying is that you are still not valued, still not good enough”. 

Councillor Stafford described the decision by the Government despite earlier promises that compensation would come, as a “really dangerous position” given the loss of trust in mainstream politics and the rise of protest parties such as Reform. 

SNP Councillor Andrew Miller said: “Kind words and nods of support are welcome but only go so far. Action is needed. I would urge my colleagues opposite to challenge the actions of its own party and push for a vote and a reversal of this dreadful decision.” 

 Lib Dem Sally Pattle said: “It has been disappointing to watch the actions of the Labour Government. They have demonstrated very clearly those sections of society that they seem to see as less deserving, first by removing the winter fuel allowance and then by the budget which has hit small and medium enterprises and they have now betrayed the Waspi women. 

“For years the Liberal Democrats have campaigned for the Waspi women to be compensated fairly. I would like to say that I am supporting the Labour motion because it asks for fair compensation but I’m sorry it has come to this.” 

Independent Andrew McGuire said: “There’s an inherent injustice in all of this. There was a social contract where women reasonably expected to retire at a certain age then all of a sudden the rug was pulled from beneath their feet. I’m minded support the amendment. 

“We live in a representative democracy, and I think in this instance we need to send a message to our MPs that they need to put their shoulder to the wheel and help a little more. We should find the money to pay people what they deserve.” 

The ombudsman had recommended compensation payments of up to £2,950 to those affected. 

Carla O’Hara the co-ordinator of West Lothian Waspi Women led a deputation to a meeting of the full council and told the meeting that the decision by the government in December not to pay compensation for the maladministration   came as a “shock”. Around 10,000 women are believed to fall into the Waspi category in the county alone. 

 A meeting earlier this month of 70 MPs in Westminster Hall had backed a call to reverse the decision. 

Ms O’Hara told councillors:”Surely an apology is meaningless if no steps are taken to right the wrong.” 

Labour’s motion by Councillor Susan Manion had said: “Council is asked to write to the Prime Minister and ask that fair and proportionate compensation be paid to those women who have been impacted.” 

That didn’t go far enough for the majority of councillors who criticised the Labour Government’s refusal to consider any compensation programme or even allow a vote on the matter. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Further refurbishment work at the Nelson Monument will lead to its temporary closure.

The final phase of renovating the monument will include inspecting the external walls and windows, installing new internal lighting and also reinstalling the timeball.

All of the historical items in the monument are now safely secured and visitors can no longer access museum from today. It is expected that the monument will reopen in July 2025.

Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We are excited to embark on this next stage of the important refurbishment of the Nelson Monument, ensuring that both the iconic structure and its fascinating history continue to be celebrated for generations to come. The restoration and reinstallation of the Timeball and the enhancements to the monument will provide visitors with an even richer experience, connecting them to the legacy of Charles Piazzi Smyth and the monumental role this site has played in both Edinburgh’s heritage and the history of navigation.”

Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Charles Piazzi Smyth, added the TImeball in 1853. It was essential for ships in the Port of Leith helping them to adjust their clocks for accurate navigation. It used to be released at 1pm at the same time as the One O’Clock Gun provided an audible reminder of the time.

Later this year the 220th anniversary of Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar will be celebrated.

The Nelson Monument is one of the two highest revenue sources which the council has along with the Scott Monument. Between April and July 2024 the Nelson Monument raised almost £60,000.

Concern over the impact of Storm Eowyn saw the owner of woodland lose his bid to put a 6ft fence between it and a main road.

East Lothian councillors refused to overturn a decision by officers to refuse permission for nearly 100 metres of wooden fencing along the land on the edge of Carberry, in  Whitecraig.

And they said the red weather warnings issued with the storm highlighted the dangers of having high fencing next to a busy road.

A meeting of the council’s Local Review Body on the eve of the storm, last Thursday, heard the owners of a cottage at Carberry wanted to replace an existing wire fence with a six ft high timber one.

The applicants argued it would safeguard the woodlands which were at the bottom of their garden and provided a buffer between their home and a recycling plant.

However planning officers had rejected the proposal saying it would create a ‘harmfully imposing feature’ at the entrance to the community.

The Local Review Body was told the landscaping officer had suggested the applicants consider a wire and post fence which would have less of an impact on the area.

Councillor Donna Collins, review body member, raised concerns about the method of installing a timber fence and whether concrete would be used for the posts.

She said it could become a hazard on high winds pointing to the impending storm as an example.

Councillor Collins said: “It is quite a wet section and just thumping the posts in, given what is happening tomorrow, with a red alert, with that height of fence next to a very fast road.

“We get bad winds and stuff, that is just going to topple if it is not anchored properly.”

Her concerns were supported by review body chairperson Councillor Andy Forrest, who said: “If the fence is going up it would be closing the road in, with the weather we get it is there to be blown over.”

Fellow review body members also pointed out that an alternative had been offered to the applicants but did not appear to have been accepted.

Councillor Neil Gilbert told the meeting: “To me because of the height and construction of the fence it would be a dominant and intrusive feature on the landscape changing the entrance to the community entirely.”

The review body unanimously voted to refuse the appeal and back officers recommendation to reject the application.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The city centre campaign to boost sales at restaurants and bars, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March.

Diners should expect a month of deals, discounts and events to put in the diary at the capital’s best establishments.

Following the successful campaign last year, with month long celebrations, Eat Out Edinburgh 2025 will once again bring family, friends and colleagues together to support Edinburgh’s hospitality sector with more than 50 venues expected to be involved this year.

Founded in 2022 by Essential Edinburgh, the city’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID), Eat Out Edinburgh offers everyone the chance to sample new cuisines and take advantage of discounts and curated offers. The aim is to attract more people to come into the city centre. In 2024 the helped to boost Edinburgh’s hospitality sales by 9.2% for the month of March.

Once again, the campaign highlights restaurants, cafés, and bars from Princes Street to George Street, from Charlotte Square to St James Quarter who will take part. The list includes established restaurants such as Chaophraya, Lady Libertine, BABA, and Bonnie & Wild returning for another year. And there are new additions such as Dishoom, Manahatta, SUSHISAMBA, The Dome and Roxy Lanes.

Any other businesses within the BID area are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, whether they participated in 2024 or would like to be a part of the 2025 campaign for the first time.

A full list of participating Edinburgh venues and offers will be available to browse on Eat Out Edinburgh’s website soon. There will be special tasting menus, events and exclusive offers for city centre workers and residents. Diners are encouraged to sign up for regular updates on participating venues and the best deals available at www.eatoutedinburgh.com

With support from Scotland Food & Drink, this year’s campaign highlights Scotland’s fresh, seasonal produce on the menus created by each restaurant.

Lothian Buses is the major transport partner with special deals for Lothian Bus employees, and promotion for the event will be shown on bus screens in the city.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “2024’s Eat Out Edinburgh event was a huge success, particularly as our first month-long campaign, with a fantastic turn out filling tables throughout the city centre so well, and a staggering 18,700 bookings made throughout the month of March. 

“With some of Edinburgh’s most exciting new restaurants opening in the BID, we anticipate an even wider range of venues taking part this year, with menus and offers to suit any occasion – giving locals, city centre workers and visitors from further afield a reason to get out, have fun and support the local hospitality industry.”

www.eatoutedinburgh.com

Credit unions across West Lothian are being backed by West Lothian Council as another high street bank shut its doors. 

The Royal Bank of Scotland closed its doors in Bathgate this month, and the town faces the loss of the Bank of Scotland branch in June. 

Bank closures also threaten Linlithgow, while many smaller towns and villages have lost   their branches in recent years. 

SNP group depute leader and Bathgate councillor Pauline Stafford warned that many families struggle in the cost-of-living crisis as traditional banks desert high streets and many face mounting debts and could fall victim “to unscrupulous lending practices”.  

The joint motion between the SNP and Labour, signed by council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “Credit Unions have the potential to play a major strategic role in the fight against poverty and financial exclusion.” 

The big banks say changing customer practice means that high street branches are no longer viable. RBS says more than 97% of its retail accounts are opened over the internet. 

As of December 2023, there were only 404 bank branches left in Scotland, with 636 banks and building societies closing since 2015 – more than 60% in just nine years. 

 Cash access has also been restricted by the loss of sub–Post Office counters.  

The composite motion agreed by council said: “As a result of the withdrawal of many of West Lothian’s high street bank branches there are many people who will struggle further to manage their finances.  

“Without credible, structured and accountable alternatives they could fall victim to unscrupulous lending practices. We have also recently seen the withdrawal of WLC counter staff as another blow to hands‐on financial accessibility.” 

The council already offers financial help and advice through the Advice Shops, and council staff can contribute through payroll deductions to a credit union. 

The motion suggests giving wider support to existing credit unions through council information sites and encouraging the establishment of credit unions – potentially including establishing a credit union development officer – as Scottish Borders Council has. 

One of the key requests asks the council to consider introducing cautions to anyone accessing pay-day loan sites on council computers.  

The motion adds the council should: “Consider introducing a mechanism so that any member of the public trying to access pay-day loan sites from council‐provided public computers in libraries and community centres will trigger a warning page when accessed, and information on how to contact more affordable lenders in the area like the credit union can be provided.” 

Councillor Stafford thanks the Labour party for supporting a composite motion. She added: “I’m sure most of us know and value the work that’s done in our credit unions currently to support our communities. 

“I think there’s still more we can and should do to help raise the profile of credit unions further and explore ways that we can further embed them in a greater range of council services.  

 “Their services have become even more important in the last decade as endemic and worsening inequality continues to blight our society, and as mainstream banks withdraw from communities as has just occurred in my own ward. 

“We also know that the current UK financial sector is not well suited for many low-income households and fo families that have no or very low credit rating they face financial exclusion and often pay a poverty premium just to access mainstream credit.  

“Many of these families are now relying on these loans to cover basic household costs such as food and energy bills.  Having a range of options for them is really essential.” 

Proposals will be addressed by council officers and discussed by the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources PDSP. 

Other key elements of the agreement include: – 

•  That the details of local credit unions are included on the staff intranet and payslips and in all public buildings. 

• The possibility of credit union visits to staff rooms and canteens across the council and the inclusion of regular features in the council’s Bulletin, social media and literature to council tenants. 

• Exploring how the council can encourage and facilitate credit union services in a school setting to offer financial education and promote the benefits of saving. 

• To support and develop a campaign along with local credit unions to promote incentives for housing tenants to save for Christmas, helping to avoid rent arrears related to the Christmas period. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

This year is the 80th anniversary since the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Events are taking place across Scotland and the rest of the world to mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, other victims of Nazi persecution and those who died in subsequent genocides.

The UK Government says that increasing education about the “danger of discrimination and preventing the spread of hatred” is a key objective of the activity.

The government also says it is committed to supporting all communities so they can live and worship safely – and through the Plan for Change will deliver a decade of national renewal, providing opportunity for all.

Among the events in Scotland, Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill visited the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre and Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow before HMD.

She heard more about the community’s history and vast contributions to life in Scotland, the venue’s Holocaust education programmes and modern day antisemitism challenges.

The Minister also hosted a pre-HMD event at the UK Government’s Edinburgh hub, Queen Elizabeth House, with Gillian Field – daughter of Holocaust survivors Henry Wuga MBE and Ingrid Wolff BEM.

Before an attentive audience Gillian described the story of how her parents met in Glasgow after they were brought to the city in 1939, aged 15, through Kindertransport – a rescue operation that moved Jewish children from Nazi-controlled Europe to safety in Britain.

Both her parents deservedly received honours for their services to Holocaust education and Gillian now continues their legacy by shining a light on Jewish life across Scotland.

Ms McNeill said: “The annual Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment for us all to pause, reflect, and remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. It also commemorates other victims of Nazi persecution, those who died in more recent genocides, and educates about the importance of continuing to unite in the stand against hatred, intolerance and prejudice.

“For the past 200 years the Jewish community has made a significant contribution to life in Scotland, a nation which I’m proud to say played a key role in providing sanctuary to so many refugees. It was a privilege to meet community leaders at the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre and Garnethill Synagogue and hear of their excellent work. My conversations with them and Gillian Field fill me with hope that the horrors of the past will never be forgotten and that love and respect continue to be the values by which our diverse range of Scottish communities enjoy their lives.”

Pilmeny Development Project (PDP) is holding a campaign meeting to discuss the impact of Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) cuts on vulnerable older people in Leith.

The charity is facing devastating cuts to funding which they say will mean closure of their project services to socially isolated older people in Leith Walk, Leith Wards and the NE Edinburgh locality.  

The campaign against the cuts meeting is on Wednesday and will give everyone an opportunity to hear the voices of local older people, carers and those who work with them, about the devastating impact this will have on their financial situation. The discussion will focus on actions needed to protect local older folk and launch the campaign, including a petition. 

PDP has worked closely for more than 45 years with a wide range of statutory and voluntary services to provide a range of invaluable preventative and early intervention services and activities. These all enable vulnerable older people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, and so reduce the pressures on the statutory services which the council must provide.

Phil Attridge, PDP Chairperson, said: “Our main goal is to protect vulnerable local older people and stop the loss of their much needed services in this area. We want to inform local folk about the impact of the 100% loss of funding at the meeting and seek their support to fight the cuts -which will include signing our petition, participating in our social media campaign and contacting their local councillors.”

Manager of PDP, Anne Munro, said: “This will be a unique opportunity to hear from local older people who are most directly affected by these extremely short-sighted decisions to cut all funding. We hope the Council and EIJB will listen to us and try to help us find solutions in these challenging times for all”

Wednesday 29 January from 1.30pm – 3pm at PDP Youth Centre 44 Buchanan Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RF.

Grant Scott was delighted with Hibs Women’s 3-1 victory over Glasgow City at Meadowbank yesterday, a result which extends their unbeaten league run to 11 games, 

The result sees Hibs go within two points of the defeated league leaders.  

Kathleen McGovern scored twice with headers with another header from Eilidh Adams sandwiched in between. 

All three goals came from Ciara Grant dead balls. 

“Delighted with the performance today. We didn’t have a lot of chances, but took the ones that came really well, competently,” Scott told Hibs TV. “They were well finished from our two strikers who are in-form. 

“Honestly, as daft as it sounds, it’s just another three points. We are game-by-game. Our objective was three points today, and we would have been disappointed with anything else based on that performance. 

“A tight game, not an awful lot in it. The set-plays were critical.” 

Brenna Lovera’s first half strike was the first goal Hibs have conceded in the league since November – ending a streak of five consecutive clean sheets.  

And while full of kind words for both the attackers and midfielders, who performed admirably throughout the full 90, Scott was keen to ensure his robust defensive unit were given the credit they duly deserved. 

“It’s easy when you talk about the girls up front, they do the glamorous bit of putting the ball in the net. But I’ve got to praise the back line. We’ve been fairly consistent in that area this season. 

“Linzi Taylor dropping into the backline, for Poppy Lawson in her absence, has done really well. Shiv has been present every game. 

“Credit to Noa as well, in her first season as a pro she has had to bide her time. She has stiff challenge from Erin. Today, she looked assured and her positioning was good. 

“It’s a team performance, a full squad performance. I’m delighted with the full team, I’m full of praise for them all.” 

Berwick Bandits move into their 58^th season backed by a new title sponsor following a link with Northumberland-based, R.E.D Campers.

The Borders speedway outfit’s owner, Jamie Courtney, said: “Sponsorship is invaluable when it comes to keep the bikes roaring at Shielfield Park and, to have the backing of such a respected, locally-based company, is very satisfying.

“We have assembled a competitive side, thanks in no small part to support from companies like R.E.D.”

A lifelong love of camping inspired Paul and Louise Rushton to launch their company, creating bespoke permanent and removable units which can turn a basic van into a home-away-from home based in the town of Wooler, 15 miles south of the Bandits’ Shielfield Park base.

R.E.D undertake full conversions on vans and larger motorhomes in addition to 4x4s with their in-house upholsterer.

The company name was inspired by the couple’s three daughters Rachel, Emma and Daisy and R.E.D have backed the club and individual Bandits’ riders for a number of years.

Meanwhile, Berwick’s press and practice evening is on Saturday, Apil 12 at Shielfield Park with their first competitive fixture at Glasgow Tigers in the BSN Series on Good Friday, April 18. The sides meet in the return at Berwick the following evening (April 19).

This week at the City Chambers

Monday, 27th January, 2025

• 9.30 am – 3.00 pm Licensing Sub-Committee27/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

Tuesday, 28th January, 2025

• 9.30 am – 2.30 pm Licensing Sub-Committee28/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

Wednesday, 29th January, 2025

• 9.30 am Planning Local Review Body (Panel 1)29/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers
• 10.00 am Education, Children and Families Committee29/01 – Virtual Meeting – via Microsoft Teams
• 2.00 pm Planning Committee29/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

Thursday, 30th January, 2025

• 10.00 am Transport and Environment Committee30/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

Friday, 31st January, 2025

• 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Regulatory Committee31/01 – Dean of Guild Court Room – City Chambers

One of the matters to be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday is the petition to the council to set up a bus service to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. More details here.

Leith Links Activity Park

The landscape layout has been published for the new public loos which will be installed in Leith Links. This is part of the Public Toilets in Parks project according to Leith Links Activity Park – a Facebook group which is leading on the plans. It is hoped to install the new public toilets by the end of May.

Critical Mass

If you are interested in joining the Critical Mass cycle rides in Edinburgh this is the full schedule to put in your diaries for the year ahead.

£1 tickets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

For 2025, a new scheme of £1 tickets, which are available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits, has begun at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, initially available between 1 January and 4 April 2025. 

Those eligible can bring up to five members of their household along with them to explore the Palace for £1 each. The scheme is part of Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to find welcoming and inclusive ways for everyone to enjoy the Palaces and the Collection.

It was first launched in 2024 at The King’s Galleries in Edinburgh and London, which will continue to offer £1 tickets for exhibitions in 2025. Tickets are on sale now.

In addition to £1 tickets, a range of concessionary rates will continue to be available. These include half-price entry for children and discounts for young people, while visitors who purchase standard tickets directly from Royal Collection Trust can convert them into a 1-Year Pass, allowing free re-entry for 12 months.

There is already a similar scheme in place for visitors to see the paintings and artwork in The King’s Gallery for £1 on the same basis. The next exhibition Royal Portraits – A Century of Photography opens on 28 February.

Scotonomics

Sign up now for a festival of economics to be held in March at Leith Dockers Club with Ivan McKee MSP and Minister for Public Finance. Click on the image below.

It was 2.30pm at Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh. The thermometer hovered around zero under a lead-grey sky, but the wind chill made it feel a lot colder. Fingers froze. A day to be inside, with the central heating on, watching a movie or sport on the small screen.

Yes, it is late January, in the middle of a Scottish winter, but was decidedly chilly. Coach Chris Duncan’s voice pierced the air, exhorting his Scotland women’s team to work on shape and plays while, at the same time, being acutely aware that hamstring and other issues can occur in such low temperatures.

The girls rubbed their hands and word chilly was used often. However, it is a different spelling that Duncan and his squad have etched on their minds. Chile, South America, is their next port of call for the 2025 FIH women’s Nations Cup from February 23 to March 2.

They have to train, no matter the weather, flight delays to in-coming players as happened on Friday with Storm Eowyn, which caused chaos to public transport throughout Britain, and Duncan  is keeping his fingers crossed that the squad make it to London next weekend as they have crucial warm-up games arranged with England at Bisham Abbey.

That will give the coaching staff some indication of where they are and what they need to do before they head for South America.

The Tartan Hearts need competitive games to build-up for what will be a supreme test against quality sides who may be full-time – Scotland’s squad is made up of students, solicitors, doctors and teachers, to name a few – and other teams who have prepared in warmer climates.

And it is forecast to be warm in Chile, looking at the long-term forecast. The average daily temperature in Santiago, the capital city, can hit 29c in mid-February. Scotland, ranked No 16 in the world, their highest place for several decades, are in Group B with Ireland, New Zealand and South Korea. Group A features Canada, hosts Chile, United States and Japan.

Duncan believes the grouping gives Scotland an opportunity to test themselves against teams in the top echelon of world hockey.

So what are Scotland’s chances? Ireland are No 12 in the world, New Zealand tenth, Korea 15^th. Scotland have played Ireland in recent years and performed well against them. The Tartan Hearts, the nickname for the women’s squad, lost narrowly to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, but the match will be remembered by many for a ‘goal’ ruled out by the video umpire.

Scotland were 1-0 down early in the first-half but earned a penalty corner. The video umpire said the ball had not left the circle, but spectators posted on social media to show that it had, and the referee supervisor later admitted a mistake had been made.

The Kiwis eventually won 1-0, Rose Tynan scoring from a penalty corner after ten minutes. That result still hurts those players who remain in the squad include Great Britain squad players Amy Costello and Jen Eadie plus Scotland striker, Sarah Jamieson.

Make no mistake, this is an expensive trip which includes a 14-hour flight from London and Scottish Hockey are not awash with funds. In fact, they have launched a gofundme appeal to offset costs.

The target is £10K and money is coming in. To date, £4,755 has been raised, including an anonymous donation of £2,000. It is much appreciated.

A number of the Scotland players have not played a competitive game since the outdoor season shut down in November. Yes, they have been keeping fit, some playing indoor hockey, but there is a huge jump between that and top level outdoor hockey in a totally different climate and against team ranked in the top 15 in the world.

Duncan is delighted with the preparation and application of the players in the squad, one flew in from Belgium last weekend, several from London and others from all over Scotland, and they trained under the watchful eye of the team physio.

She shivered on the sidelines as the girls worked out with a drone piloted by Gareth Ikin, the director of hockey for Uddingston Hockey Club, at the controls. and tagging plays which will be gone over by the coaching team which includes Duncan’s assistant, Jimmy Culnane, director of hockey at Wimbledon Hockey Club in London.  

Duncan said: “It is a huge challenge for us but one the girls are relishing. They play hockey to compete with the best and the teams we will face are among the best on the planet. Who would not want to be in Chile?

“The girls have worked extremely hard in trying conditions. That is not an excuse, that is a fact, and we will be playing full-time teams. Another fact and not another excuse, but a measure of how far our players have come as a squad.

“We aim high, and rightly so, as we have some great talent in the squad. The girls have earned the right to be in Chile and it is the job of the coaching and support team to get them there in the best possible shape and ready mentally and physically to compete.”

He added: “We aim to win every game. Yes, that is sometimes a tall order, but there is no point in going all that way just to make up the numbers. We are going there to compete and believe we can compete with everybody in the tournament.”

FLASHBACK: Sarah Jamieson and Heather McEwan celebrate a goal for Scotland

Drummond High School, Forrester High School and Craigmount High School will remain closed until further building inspections have been conducted. These are due to take place on Monday morning.

All schools are in touch directly with parents and carers.

Now that Storm Éowyn has passed through, building and safety inspections have taken place at all Edinburgh Council schools and early years buildings to make sure they are safe for reopening and it is only these three which continue to be affected.

All schools, nurseries and early years settings will reopen as normal on Monday.

Scotrail has issued an update for passengers. All trains on Friday were cancelled and services are slowly getting back to normal again.

A spokesperson said: “We are sorry to any customers who have been disrupted by the ongoing impact of Storm Éowyn on rail services. Work continues today (Sunday) to recover the railway from the very significant damage caused by the storm.

“Network Rail, which owns and maintains the railway infrastructure, has teams out checking routes for damage and carrying out repair work. Since the storm began on Friday, Network Rail has reported around 500 individual incidents across the network, including 120 fallen trees on the railway.

“Once Network Rail gives us the green light to reopen a route, we will get services back up and running as quickly as possible on that line.”

The following routes are currently operating services:

• Edinburgh – Aberdeen
• Edinburgh – Leven
• Edinburgh – Bathgate
• Edinburgh – Queen Street (via Falkirk High)
• Glasgow – Paisley Gilmour Street
• Glasgow – Kilmarnock
• Glasgow – Barrhead
• Glasgow – Dumfries
• Perth – Inverness
• Edinburgh – Inverness
• Edinburgh – Glenrothes (via Cowdenbeath)
• Edinburgh – North Berwick
• Edinburgh – Tweedbank
• Edinburgh – Dunbar
• Perth – Aberdeen
• Inverness – Kyle
• Inverness – Wick
• Aberdeen – Inverness
• Crianlarich – Oban
• Fort William – Crianlarich
• Fort William – Mallaig

Network Rail hopes to reopen more routes this evening and first thing tomorrow morning after further repair works have been carried out, but there will be disruption into Monday.

Anyone who is unable to use their tickets, or has made alternative arrangements, is entitled to a full refund on their unused train tickets, with no admin charge. Alternatively, tickets already purchased can be used up to and including Friday, 31 January 2025. Customers should visit ScotRail.co.uk for details of how to claim a refund.

Check the ScotRail website and app for the most up-to-date information when planning your travel.

In the Botanics the tallest tree – a Cedrus deodara – was one of more than 40 which came down in the winds. 

This 29 metre beauty hails from the western Himalayas and has both religious meaning and cultural significance. There was considerable damage to glasshouses and at least 15 trees were uprooted so badly they cannot be recovered.

The garden has however reopened to the public on Sunday.

Since 2009 The Edinburgh International Book Festival has hosted the Between the Lines exhibition by award winning photographer Chris Close.

All the portraits were taken at the venue, either in Charlotte Square Gardens in Edinburgh or more recently at The Futures Institute, Quartermile. Printed onto canvas they were displayed at the venue within hours of being taken. The exhibition presented a new face of writers, whose previous means of identification was often little more than a small black and white print on a book jacket. Between the Lines gave a whole new outlet of self expression and creativity with its often fast and furious approach. Ideas were spontaneous and a combination of the interaction between the writer and photographer.

By the end of each Book Festival in Edinburgh Chris had produced an exhibition of anywhere from 80 to 130 portraits.

He has decided it is now time to clear the decks of many of these pieces. 

“I was often asked what happens to the prints and had to say that they are simply rolled up and sit on a shelf in my office.”

“Very few people got to see them after The Book Festival exhibition.”

Now however, Chris wants to free up some space in his studio so is selling them for £25 each and he says most are still in very good condition despite having been exposed to the elements.

Chris who recently won the Albert Watson Portrait Award said: “According to my hard drive I have over 75,000 images from The Book Festival dating back to 2009. I do not have every author I have shot, although I can print fresh canvas prints for £80. I have never seen another venue attempt to produce something similar. Logistically it is very tough and time consuming. I would frequently be walking home after midnight to be on site the next morning but it has produced a unique body of work that maybe should be archived somewhere.

“I cannot choose a favourite picture but some that spring to mind are Ian Rankin as Jack Nicholson in The Shining, Alasdair Gray after having had a few whiskies, Cressida Cowell author of How to Train Your Dragon. Will Self also springs to mind. I shot him once and he rarely lets anyone take his picture which meant when people needed a picture they often came to me. Thank you Will.

“I am looking forward to seeing the recently released film of The Nickel Boys. I shot Colson Whitehead and that picture has been used a great deal including a full page on the inside cover in his book.

“I would love to shoot Ben McIntyre again as he is my most read author, whereas at the time I had not read any of his. He wrote SAS Rogue Heroes.

“My portrait of Evelyn Glennie is now in The National Portrait Gallery, I saw it hanging recently. There are simply so many.”

See the portraits here and contact Chris through the website to make any purchases.

Hibs head coach David Gray was left frustrated at the end of yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Ross County in the Highlands. 

Dylan Levitt opened the scoring in Dingwall in the first half, but the hosts struck late after Ross County were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon in the closing stages.  

Ronan Hale converted from the spot, meaning we had to settle for a point. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray admitted he had mixed emotions on the result.   

“We are hugely frustrated at the moment, especially with the manner of the goal we conceded at the end of the game. 

“A point away from home is never a disaster, especially in these conditions up here.  

“It keeps the unbeaten run going – we wanted three points today, of course, but it probably feels like two points dropped right now. 

“When I think back on how the game went, I thought we totally controlled the game in the first half – we dominated the game and got ourselves in front.  

“We frustrated Ross County to very little and I can’t remember Jordan having to make a save in open play. 

“If I am being critical, we probably didn’t play in the right areas of the pitch in the second half and we didn’t finish the game off. When it is only 1-0 you always run the risk of being pegged back and unfortunately that happened today.” 

The hosts were awarded two penalties in the match – one in each half – with both Nicky Cadden and Jordan Smith penalised. 

Gray gave his thoughts on both the decision made by referee, David Dickinson. 

“I am not going to stand and make excuses and say that is purely the reason why we dropped points,  but it is very frustrating. 

“For the first one – nobody appeals for it in the Stadium, but it is poor defending from us originally.   

“The ball bounces up and hits Nicky on the arm and the referee says that the letter of the law his arm is away from his body. 

“For the second one, again we could’ve defended that better initially.  

“The referee described it as a reckless challenge from the goalkeeper, I don’t think it was that in my opinion. It is probably one of those subjective ones that could’ve gone either way.  

“It is frustrating, but I am not going to stand and make excuses for anybody because when you are 1-0 up always run the risk. 

“Hopefully they will all balance themselves out at the end of the season. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of it today, but we need to learn from these moments and keep moving forward.” 

Gray also reserved special praise for the travelling Hibernian FC supporters who made the trip up to Dingwall. 

“I would like to give a special mention to all the supporters that came up today. We left Edinburgh in terrible conditions yesterday, so for 1000 people to manage to come up and support us today we are all very grateful for, and I hope they get home safe.” 

Edinburgh reigns supreme in Scottish indoor hockey with Inverleith winning the men’s title and Watsonians triumphing in the women’s event.

Inverleith men edged Western after a shoot-out which was signalled after the sides were locked at 4-4 in normal time, while Watsonians beat Clydesdale Western 2-0.

Inverleith won the shootout 3-2 to earn the title and qualify Europe next season. Coach Stuart Neave said: “The team gave everything.”

The club’s under-18 side doubled-up by winning their title with Ben Turtle the toast of the squad with seven goals during the finals day.

In the qualifying pool, the Capital club beat wanderers 7-0, Grove 4-1 and drew 2-2 with Kelburne so qualified on goal difference for the final and there they beat Uddingston 3-1.

Watsonians retained the women’s senior title and return to Europe. Coach Keith Smith said: “We were nervous to start with and did well to weather the chances that Clydesdale created in the first half.

“Our defense coped well with the challenge. However, after we scored the first goal, it calmed nerves and we settled down and added much more fluidity to our game.”

It was 17-year-old Jess Garden who broke the deadlock and the victory was secured by Scottish international Emily Dark’s finish from close range.

PICTURE: Inverleith win men’s title and below the women’s winners, pictures courtesy of Scottish Hockey

Neil Critchley, Hearts’ head coach, described the 3-2 win over Kilmarnock at Tynecastle in the William Hill Premiership as “a strange game”.

He told Hearts TV: “Even though there were five goals, there were not loads of chances at either end and I did not think we were at our best, to be honest.

“We were not quite there, our timing was not quite there and technically we turned the ball over a little bit and we did not have control of the game that I would have liked but we always carried a threat.

“Three goals at home is pleasing but we lost two and the goals we conceded were really poor, however, if we can win when we are not at our best then that is a bonus.”

The Englishman felt that Hearts did not start the game well and added: “We were a little reactive, our touch was not there, it was a strange sort of a game to start with, we did score from our first attack and that did settle us down.

“We then had some good moments, particularly in transition on the break which we did not make the most of, but we responded well after their equaliser and we saw the game out.”

Spanish striker Musa Dremmeh had an opportunity late on when he hit the post, and Critchley said that had that attempt gone in it would have been a more comfortable scoreline.

The head coach said that his men would be working on not conceding “poor goals” but, from where Hearts were, the response, he added, has been “fantastic” as the Jambos are unbeaten in the New Year and that builds belief and confidence.

Lewis Neilson (pictured in training by Nigel Duncan), recalled from a loan spell at St Johnstone, came off the bench to replace injured Craig Halkett and Critchley said that the 21-year-old defender contributed to the win. He added: “We keep moving forward and we come back and look for that to continue.”

The Men in Maroon, now ninth in the 12-strong table, travel to Dundee, who are one place ahead of the Jambos, on Saturday, February 1 (kick-off 15.00) on their next league assignment.

Meanwhile, Hearts have confirmed the death of French-born goalkeeper Anthony Basso who made eight appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2009.

At an event on Monday the First Minister, John Swinney, will set out his plan for the recovery and renewal of the NHS.

He will outline actions which will ensure that patients have better access to treatment including:

• A clear plan to reduce the immediate pressures on the NHS
• Shifting the balance of care from acute services to the community, including improved support for GPs
• Using digital innovation to improve access to and delivery of care

The First Minister will say:“The NHS is personal for me – I see first hand all that it does for my own family. It is personal for all of us, and that is why we care about it so much. That is why we want to see it thriving again and why we need all parts of Scottish society to unite behind its renewal.

“There are some who oppose the NHS model and believe that the answer to our challenges is privatisation. They want us to believe that the health service is beyond saving and on the point of collapse. But that is simply not true.

“The challenges are great, of that I have no doubt. But I know that our NHS is fundamentally resilient and robust. There is nothing wrong with the NHS that can’t be fixed by what is right with the NHS.

“That includes the staff who are doing phenomenal things under enormous pressure. Innovations like the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service delivering dramatic reductions in the time from referral to diagnosis. And initiatives like the HPV vaccine programme which has ensured no cases of cervical cancer in women who have been vaccinated – a remarkable, lifesaving achievement.

“The foundations on which we will build NHS recovery and renewal are strong. But the question is how do we do better?  How do we ensure our health service is not just the best in these isles, but the best it can possibly be?

“The actions I am setting out tomorrow will deliver tangible improvements that we can, and will, deliver to make people’s experience of the NHS in Scotland better than it is now.

“It will address the immediate issues in our health services, including the problems of access that I know cause so much frustration and unnecessary pain.

“And it will set out a new course so we can safeguard our NHS for the long-term.”

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s Health Spokesperson, said: “It’s certainly not too late to save the NHS – but the answer isn’t more of the same SNP incompetence we’ve had for nearly 18 years.

“The reality is that nearly one in six Scots are on an NHS waiting list, thousands are stuck in limbo due to delayed discharge and each week thousands more are stuck waiting more than eight hours in A&E.

“Our NHS needs a new direction and Scottish Labour is ready to deliver it.