Police are continuing enquiries into a robbery which happened on Tuesday, 29 December, 2020, where a taxi driver was assaulted and his taxi stolen in West Pilton Grove in Edinburgh.

 The 39-year-old taxi driver was driving along West Pilton Grove around 2.40pm when he had to stop his car due to a number of youths throwing stones at it.

On stopping and getting out of his car he was attacked by around six or seven youths and assaulted. 

One of the youths then drove off in his taxi, a grey coloured Mercedes car which has the registration number WP14ZRY.

 As yet the car has not been recovered. 

Two of youths involved are described as being (1) male, white, 16/17 years, 5’8” tall, medium build with light brown short hair. 

He was wearing a brown/yellow jacket and black tracksuit bottoms.  He spoke with a local accent. 

(2) Male, white, medium build, dark curly hair, wearing a black tracksuit.

The other youths are only described as being male, in the 16 to 17 years age range and were wearing dark coloured clothing.  As a result of the attack the victim received a number of bruises to his face and body.

Detective Constable Zaira Marker of Edinburgh Division’s CID said: “I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this robbery, or who may have any information which might assist us in this investigation to call us on the 101 number, giving the reference number 1841 of 29 December 2020.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has criticised ‘deeply irresponsible’ protestors for ‘putting people’s lives at risk’ by gathering for an anti-lockdown protest which was staged outside the Holyrood Parliament yesterday.

Scotland Against Lockdown organised the “march for freedom” event, which coincided with the Scottish Government coronavirus briefing.

When questioned about the protest she said: “It’s not some that’s particularly earth-shattering but I’m a passionate believer in freedom of speech and freedom of speech and people’s right to protest in a democracy.

“But right now, coming together in groups is putting people at risk. It’s putting people’s health at risk and frankly it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s putting people’s lives at risk.

“I think it’s deeply irresponsible to be doing that, whoever you are and whatever the cause is that you might be protesting for or protesting against.

“To people who are Covid deniers. Covid’s not fake, it’s not made up, it’s not a figment of anybody’s imagination. You try telling that to the 1600 people in Scottish hospitals today suffering from Covid; the more than 100 people in intensive care suffering from Covid today; the more than 4000 families who are currently grieving the loss of a loved one because of Covid.

“It’s not made up, it’s very, very real and if you think not wearing a mask or gathering together in groups and encouraging people not to take the vaccine makes you smart, I just think the vast majority of the population disagree with you and think you’re actually being really irresponsible.”

Police Scotland later  confirmed that four people had been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly breaching Covid restrictions.

Hibs fans have taken to social media in support of former defender Sol Bamba who has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Messages of support to may be passed on to Sol via club@cardiffcityfc.co.uk

The news was broken on current club Cardiff City’s website in a statement which reads: “ We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“With the close support of the Club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.

“Universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital, Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family. During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.

“All future updates on Sol’s progress will be provided only via official Club channels. While we request privacy for him and his family at this time, messages of support to be passed on to Sol may be sent to club@cardiffcityfc.co.uk.

“We are all with you, Sol.”

Hibs retweeted Cardiff’s tweet adding ‘Sending all our love and support to Sol’.

Sol progressed through the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain before spending five years in Scotland initially at Dunfermline and then Hibs.

He made his debut in September 2008 in a 2-1 win over Dundee United but was shown a red card that day.

In total he played 80 times for Hibs scoring four goals.

Born in Paris but to Ivorian parents he chose to play for the Ivory Coast and won his first cap at full international level in a friendly against Israel in November 2008, under coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. He later made second appearance in a friendly match against Turkey. Although he was born in France, Bamba represents his parent’s homeland of Ivory Coast.

On 29th March 2009, Bamba made his competitive debut in a 5-0 win against Malawi, a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Throughout his time at Hibs, Bamba became a regular in the national side, competing in both the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also scored his first international goal in a friendly against Rwanda as part of the team’s preparations for the 2010 African Cup.

In January 2011, he moved to English football as he re-united with former Ivory Coast boss Eriksson in the Championship with Leicester.

Lewis Stevenson was glad that Hibs took a share of the points with a late equaliser against Celtic at Parkhead last night but believes that they did enough to have won the game.

Stevenson replaced Josh Doig at half-time to make his 500^th appearance for Hibs, joining Arthur Duncan, Pat Stanton and Willie Ormond at the top of the club’s all-time appearance list.

It looked as though it would end in disappointment however when Celtic took the lead from a David Turnbull free-kick which Stevenson believes was wrongly awarded by referee Steven McLean then in the last minute the SPFL’s joint top-scorer Kevin Nisbet made it 1-1 with a well taken strike.

After the final whistle Stevenson told Sky Sports: “It was a strange one obviously with the build-up. There were a lot of things going on. Josh (Doig) had a tight hamstring at half-time so I got the call.

“I’m happy we didn’t get beat but I think we are a bit gutted. We thought we should have done a bit more. We huffed and puffed but deep down we should have been better than that tonight.

“We had a fair bit of territory that you don’t usually get at Parkhead but our final ball was poor.

“It’s been a strange day all round and to come away from the game with nothing would have been a travesty so we are glad we got a point but deep down we think we should have come here and won.

“I’m a bit disappointed at their free-kick. I think Stephen (McGinn) got a bit of the ball and I didn’t think it was a free-kick at the time so we were gutted about that.

“It was a great strike from Turnbull but we showed good character to come back and hopefully that can be a turning point after our wee sticky patch.”

His former manager Alan Stubbs who was commentating on the match added: “He’s an absolute credit to himself and the football club. He is a brilliant lad and a great professional.

“He’s not a minute’s trouble whatsoever. If you wanted a perfect player to coach he comes into that category. He deserves all the plaudits tonight and I have full respect for him.”

Four people were arrested and charged with alleged breaches of coronavirus regulations earlier today after protesters clashed with police outside the Scottish Parliament as they demonstrated against lockdown measures.

A small crowd took part in the Scotland Against Lockdown event which had been promoted as being a peaceful march from Holyrood to Bute House in Charlotte Square.

Officers warned the protesters that they would face a fine if they stayed at the prohibited event and the majority left the scene as instructed.

In addition to the four arrests one person was charged with obstruction and two others were given fixed penalty notices.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that four people were arrested and charged in connection with alleged breaches of coronavirus regulations at a planned demonstration at the Scottish Parliament today.

“All are due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court in due course.

“One other person was charged with police obstruction and will be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.

“Two other people were given fixed penalty notices for breaching coronavirus regulations.”

Police Scotland had earlier urged people to stay away from the protest and to find other ways to express their views, such as online.

Several photographers and press who were at the protest on Monday reported ‘rough handling’ by police officers. But police officers are heard on the video content on social media telling photographers to consider their own social distancing and they were asked to move back and keep off the road.

One of the most extraordinary days in the history of Scottish football ended in high drama at Celtic Park as Hibs grabbed a share of the points with a last minute equaliser by the league’s joint top scorer Kevin Nisbet.

A late David Turnbull free-kick seemed to have secured a victory for Celtic but Hibs’ never say die attitude denied them the three points.

Hibs Head Coach Jack Ross made five changes to the starting XI that lost to Livingston last weekend.

New signing Matt Macey replaced Dillon Barnes whilst Josh Doig, Melker Hallberg Jamie Murphy and Drey Wright took over from Lewis Stevenson, Stevie Mallan, Martin Boyle and Christian Doidge.

Celtic were without manager Neil Lennon and 13 players who had been forced to isolate following a Covid scare on their return from a winter training camp in Dubai but were still able to field a relatively strong side which included internationals Shane Duffy, Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor and Diego Laxalt. In fact eight of the starting XI had been in the squad that lost to Rangers on 2^nd January including five that started.

There was a major surprise when Duffy was included as Celtic had previously stated that he would be unavailable having left the ‘bubble’ to return to his home in England from Dubai.

Ahead of the game Hibs requested that additional on day tests be carried out on the Celtic players but the club and the SPFL refused and Hibs were warned that not fulfilling the fixture would result in sanctions.

Hibs started brightly and Joe Newell split the Celtic defence with a superb ball to Murphy but his shot was deflected wide of the post. From Hallberg’s corner  Nisbet’s header flew inches over the bar.

Newell was next to try his luck with a half volley which Conor Hazard parried away.

Hibs continued to press forward and won four corners in the opening six minutes but the Celtic defence held firm.

Murphy then set up Nisbet with a great through ball but Hazard did well to hold his angled drive.

At the other end Macey did well to save a long range effort from Turnbull.

Celtic had a great chance when Newell was dispossessed outside his own penalty area and Mikey Johnston slid the ball to Cameron Harper but the youngster’s shot hit the side netting.

Macey did well to hold a long range effort from Tom Rogic then Alex Gogic fired high over the bar from 25-yards.

In the 30^th minute Ismaila Soro was booked for a late challenge on Gogic then Macey had to be alert  to hold a low cross from Harper.

Celtic finished the first-half on the front foot and Macey did well to save strikes from Soro and Laxalt.

In the final action Turnbull lobbed the ball into the path of McGregor but he mishit his effort which flew harmlessly wide.

Lewis Stevenson replaced Doig at half-time to make his 500^th appearance for the club then six-minutes later Doidge replaced Wright.

Hallberg was booked for a trip on Soro then Newell slid a superbly weighted through ball into Hallberg’s path but Hazard was able to smother his effort.

Newell then tried his luck from the edge of the area but his shot was deflected for a corner.

Soro broke clear for Celtic but some great defending by Murphy on the edge of the box cleared the danger.

Johnston went down under a challenge by Porteous but referee Steven McLean was in the perfect position to deny the penalty claim.

Newell who picked up a strain was replaced by Mallan in the 67^th minute then Porteous was booked for stopping Celtic taking a quick throw in.

Moments later Paul McGinn fired in a cross from the right but Nisbet’s shot deflected off Doidge and Hazard was able to save.

Mallan then set up Hallberg with a clever back heel but his shot was blocked for another corner.

Mallan then tried his luck from 30 yards but his effort flew high and wide.

With 12-minutes remaining Stephen McGinn replaced Hallberg and his first act was to trip Turnbull on the edge of the ‘D’ and the former Motherwell midfielder fired the resultant free-kick into the top corner of the net.

Hibs continued to press forward and Hazard did well to save a powerful strike from Murphy.

A Paul McGinn cross was met by Doidge but his close range effort was blocked and the ball was cleared to Mallan but his effort flew just over the bar.

In the last minute, Laxalt tripped Paul McGinn and Mallan sent the resultant free-kick to the back post. Paul Hanlon headed the ball back across the face of the goal and Duffy’s clearance fell to Nisbet who fired the ball into the net for a much deserved equaliser.

Hibs almost grabbed a winner in time added on but Mallan’s effort from the edge of the area deflected inches over the bar and the game finished with honours even.

After the final whistle goalscorer Nisbet told Sky Sports: “I thought we played well and had a lot of chances. It was a great free-kick but we showed a bit of character and got back in the game. We kept our shape well and I was delighted from a personal view (with the goal) and it was good to get back on the score sheet and it’s another point toward the end of the season.”

Celtic: Hazard, Duffy, Soro, Turnbull, Rogic, Johnston, Frimpong, McGregor, Harper, Welsh, Laxalt. Subs: Doohan, Taylor, Connell, Coffey, Oko-Flex, Henderson, Ralston, Hjelde, Katamoko

Hibs: Macey, P. McGinn, Hanlon, Porteous, Doig,  Gogic, Newell, Hallberg, Wright, Murphy, Nisbet. Subs: Dabrowski, Gray, McGregor, S.McGinn, Gullan, Mallan, Bradley, Doidge

Referee Steven McLean

Despite warnings about gathering at Holyrood to stage a protest against lockdown measures, a small number of people did gather there on Monday.

Police Scotland are reporting this evening that four people have been arrested and charged with alleged breaches of the laws around coronavirus and public gatherings.

Two women were taken away in police vans, and others were warned they would be fined if they did not leave. There were angry exchanges between police and protesters about the illegal gathering by Scotland against Lockdown.

Police officers at Holyrood are heard in video posted online asking photographers and camera crew to move back and retain social distancing. There may have been around 40 or more police officers outside the Scottish Parliament, advising photographers and press to get on the pavement and stay off the busy road.

A police officer is heard advising that as the women did not move on following a warning they would receive penalty tickets, then they are seen, apparently handcuffed, being moved towards police vehicles. The other woman shouted loudly that she was being kidnapped, which was countered by a woman police officer who told her she was not being kidnapped.

Police Scotland officers, some from Glasgow, were also gathered in significant numbers in Charlotte Square, but none of the protesters against the lockdown reached the West End. The advertised Scotland March for Freedom did not take place.

Hibs have been assured by the SPFL that any Covid 19 issues that may arise from fulfilling tonight’s fixture against Celtic will be taken into account, and the Betfred Cup semi-final against St Johnstone postponed if required.

Following today’s announcement that 16 players and staff members of Celtic were being forced to isolate, Hibs asked for an additional round of ‘on the day’ Covid 19 testing of Celtic players to provide an extra measure of assurance but this was refused.

A club statement published on the official website read: “Hibernian FC today reiterated it would do everything possible to ensure it meets its duty of care to all players and staff ahead of tonight’s fixture at Celtic Park.

“The club had asked the SPFL and Celtic to carry out an additional round of ‘on the day’ Covid 19 testing of Celtic players to provide an extra measure of assurance. We regarded this as a reasonable request – given the incubation period of the virus – but, unfortunately, our request was refused. The request followed 16 members of staff and players at Celtic being told to self-isolate on their return from an overseas training camp to Dubai after a positive result for one player, Christopher Julien, who is long-term injured and whom we wish a speedy recovery.

“The SPFL made clear that not fulfilling the fixture would have severe consequences for Hibernian. The club also notes that we are being asked to fulfil this fixture less than two weeks from our Betfred Cup semi-final. We have been assured by the SPFL that any Covid 19 issues that may arise from fulfilling this fixture will be taken into account, and the semi-final postponed if required.”

Meerkats made of papier-mâché have appeared on Leith Links which photographer Ian Jacobs caught on camera earlier today.

It is a bit of a mystery still as to why they are there… so if you know then could you perhaps enlighten us?

We wonder if perhaps they are there to keep an eye on whoever has been moving the Covid-19 barriers to allow cars into a road space reserved for those on wheels or Shanks’s pony on Links Gardens?

Hibs’ Official Technology Partners tec:agency have teamed up with The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) & The Sick Kids Hospital to provide access to watch the team over the course of the rest of the season.

Unfortunately the squad weren’t able to make their annual trip to The Sick Kids Edinburgh hospital over the festive period with the current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the club hope that tec:agency gifting their virtual season passes will go some way to giving kids a lift during a difficult time and ensure kids and families can still catch all the action from Easter Road.

The initiative began with Hibs fixture pre-Christmas vs Dundee United and thanks to tec:agency, all home matches for the rest of the season will be streamed within the hospital.

Traiam Rus CEO of tec:agency said: “As official technology partners of Hibernian, we acknowledge the impact of technology upon our daily lives and actions. But, thinking of vulnerable communities and the way they could benefit from the technological advances of the era, we know that even the smallest initiatives can change a moment into a beautiful, maybe even meaningful one.

“That is why we wanted to donate two match passes to the Sick Kids hospital, so that kids and their families can still watch their favourite team.

“We are happy to be able to contribute, even in such a small and modest manner, to the wellbeing of a family in need – because, for us, the valuable thing technology can do nowadays is bring communities together.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Director of Children’s Wellbeing added: “The Hibs players are always fantastic supporters of children and families at the Sick Kids, especially at Christmas time. Things are a little different this year as, due to Covid restrictions, we were sadly unable to have the players visit the wards – something which is always a highlight of our Christmas activities

. “So we would like to say a huge thank you to Hibs for this generous gift and their continued support. Some of the children and young people at the hospital are avid supporters of the team so we know these passes will bring lots of joy.

If you would like to make a donation to support children, young people and families at the Sick Kids, please visit

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has once again questioned whether Celtic’s trip to winter training camp in Dubai was essential.

Earlier today Celtic confirmed that 13 players plus manager Neil Lennon have been forced to isolate after Christopher Jullien tested positive for Covid-19 on his return. A total of 16 players and staff have been identified as close contacts but despite this, the match against Hibs tonight will go ahead.

Speaking at her daily briefing, the First Minister said: “Unfortunately it’s impossible for me to talk about Dubai today without making some mention of the situation with Celtic Football Club.

“I can’t tell you how disappointed and frustrated I am to be facing another briefing that may be dominated by football.

“Football, and elite sport more generally, enjoys a number of privileges right now that the rest of us do not have.

“These privileges include the right to go to overseas training camps and be exempt from quarantine on return.

“It is really vital, also for public health reasons but I think out of respect for the rest of the population living under really heavy restrictions that these privileges are not abused.

“I know what I’m about to say won’t please everyone, anything I ever never pleases everyone.

“I do have doubts, based on how the club itself described it, about whether Celtic’s trip to Dubai was really essential.

“I have doubts based on some pictures I’ve seen whether adherence to bubble rules was strict enough.

“As with any situation like this it’s for the football authorities to decide if any further action is required and they should consider that carefully.”

“The football authorities should look at whether the trip was essential and whether they want to reflect on that and give advice to clubs about the circumstances of when it is reasonable to travel right now and the circumstances in which it isn’t.

“That’s not me picking on football. Every time I mention it I get pelters from one side or the other saying I’m somehow seeing these things out of a partisan view.

“I don’t have partisan views when it comes to Rangers and Celtic. You might have noticed I’m not the world’s biggest football fan.

“My sole preoccupation is trying to get everyone to behave in a way that limits transmission.

“Elite sport – not just football – has privileges because we want our sports people to do well and be able to train. But those privileges can’t be abused. Fans of football clubs right now, Celtic fans, aren’t able to travel freely, we are all under the stay at home restrictions.

“So if you have privileges then you shouldn’t be abusing those. You should be asking yourself whether going to a training camp and then what you do there is necessary.

“I hope Celtic reflect seriously on this. You have significant numbers of players now required to isolate. The coaching team are amongst those who have to isolate and that will have an impact on their performance.

“I hope they reflect on it and that the football authorities reflect on it. We want to keep these things going as far as possible, people have few enough pleasures in life and I don’t want to stop football fans watching their teams but teams and clubs have to take responsibility for their own conduct just as all of us do.”

 “I’m not talking today about revoking privileges. It’s important we see this from a public health perspective.

“One of the things football fans get upset about – whatever team happens to be in the spotlight and therefore whatever fans feel they are then seeing their club subject to punishment when it’s not justified. I understand that.

“We don’t want to take punitive action here that punishes the whole of football because there’s been one episode.”

Celtic have defended their decision to travel to the middle east in a statement which said: “The reality is that a case could well have occurred had the team remained in Scotland, as other cases have done in Scottish football and across UK sport in the past week.

“Celtic has done everything it can to ensure we have in place the very best procedures and protocols. From the outset of the pandemic, Celtic has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football and we will continue to do so.”

The political party Reform UK has launched in Scotland on Monday.

Michelle Ballantyne, the independent MSP for Southern Scotland, has been announced as its leader sitting in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood as a Reform UK Scotland member. Until November 2020, Ms Ballantyne was a Scottish Conservative MSP.

Richard Tice, former MEP and Chairman of Reform UK, which was previously known as The Brexit Party until it was granted use of a new name by the Electoral Commission on 6 January 2021, said: “There is no need for any referendum for a generation – far better that existing powers, including those repatriated from the EU are used to better effect than create further bitter division between Scots and within the UK.

“There is always a need to consider how we improve the accountability and governance of our political decisions. Be it Westminster and Whitehall or Holyrood and Victoria Quay, the political class can become detached from the people they are paid to serve. We have seen this magnified by the Covid crisis with shocking levels of incompetence and centralised bureaucracy making our response so much poorer than it should have been. By all means let’s have a grown up debate about what reforms will make genuine improvements – such as devolving from Holyrood down to communities – but all within the context of the solidarity and security of the United Kingdom.”

The name Nigel Farage is undoubtedly linked to the new party. Mr Farage was formerly the leader of the Brexit party.

Michelle Ballantyne expressed the need for Reform UK in Scotland. She said: “We are pro Scotland and pro the UK because we believe it is simply the best choice for the people of these islands. Why, because it is the most successful union ever created. It has served us well for over 300 years and never so well as in the last few months as the combined power of the Union has brought us financial aid and the first and fastest vaccination programme in Europe. 

“Scotland needs an exit strategy not just out of Covid but to recover from lockdowns. Children need to get back to school, healthcare needs to fully open and human beings need to be able to interact socially.

“But we must not forget that even before Covid struck there were deep rooted problems within the public sector services in Scotland. Here are a few reminders: Curriculum for excellence, Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital, NHS Waiting times targets, BiFAb, Ferguson Shipyards, and Prestwick Airport. It is clear to many of us that government and service delivery in Scotland needs reforming. Scotland needs a reform party.”

Emphasising her commitment to the making Scotland and the UK ‘even more successful’, Michelle said: “We will make the positive case for the Union but I would also say to those who dream of an independent Scotland that without an economically strong base and a public sector that is both affordable and effective your dream will deliver chaos to the things you value. 

“Unionists and Nationalists can and must come together now for the shared goal of rebuilding Scotland.

“Reform UK Scotland will champion personal choice, community response and local networks. Our policies will reflect these values and respect the basic rights of freedom of thought, speech and worship”

Reform UK Scotland will have candidates in the regional lists for the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections in May, and will decide its own policy platform and choose its own candidates through a national management board drawn from Scottish supporters.

Lothians beer enthusiasts are alerted to the fact that tickets are now on sale for The Great British Beer Festival Winter from 19-21 March 2021.

The festival, which was due to be held in Birmingham, will instead be held in the comfort of your home, in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

The festival follows the success of the virtual Great British Beer Festival last September.

Festival-goers will be able to take part in personalised beer tastings from some of the UK’s leading experts, featuring collated beers, ciders and perries.

Ticket holders will also have access to recorded content covering entertainment, food and recipes, books, beer tastings and brewery tours, as well as live round-table discussions with beer experts.

Five ticket types are available, each associated with a beer or cider box which will be delivered in time to taste alongside the experts at the festival.

Customers can choose from milds and dark beers, pales and IPA’s, cider and perry, West Midlands Beers, or if feeling a little adventurous, something different.

There is also a content only ticket available for those wanting to just immerse themselves in everything beer and cider that the festival has to offer without the added expense of the beer or cider delivery.

Festival Organiser Mark Parkes said: “This year has proven to be an immense challenge for the industry we love and so passionately support. While we’re unable to open the doors of the Great British Beer Festival Winter physically in Birmingham this winter, we were keen to still find a way to celebrate the incredible determination of the UK’s breweries, cider and perry producers and beloved pubs and clubs.

“The Great British Beer Festival Winter at Home will work hand in hand with those in the industry to share their stories, their deep-rooted knowledge and their excellent products with our attendees. In turn, we hope it will help us to further share the message that pubs, breweries and producers need everyone’s support to ride out the impacts caused by the pandemic.”

For more information on the festival and to buy tickets, go to winter.gbbf.org.uk

All football below Championship level has been suspended from midnight tonight. The impacted leagues are: SPFL League One, SPFL League Two, Scottish Women’s Football Premier Leagues 1 & 2, Highland League, Lowland League, East, West & South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA Leagues and the North Caledonian League.

The suspension of the game below the SPFL Premiership and Championship will be for three weeks, until 31st January, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Scottish FA Board in partnership with Scottish Government.

The SPFL Championship will also be able to continue provided it commences weekly PCR testing.

The Scottish Cup will also be suspended, with any matches scheduled to be played prior to the 1st February to be rescheduled in due course.

The Scottish FA Board met last night to discuss the escalating COVID-19 situation across the country and its impact on the national game at all levels.

While the updated Scottish Government guidance permits the continuation of professional sport, the board meeting, which followed a Joint Response Group discussion on the matter last Friday, nevertheless considered the implications of doing so at all tiers of the Scottish football professional pyramid, against a backdrop of increased positive cases across the country.

In particular, the board gave extensive consideration to making a decision in the interests of public health, taking cognisance of the government’s wish to reduce travel and possible contact with others whilst safeguarding commercial broadcasting contracts that sustain the professional game.

Following a meeting between the Scottish FA and the Minister for Public Health Sport and Wellbeing, both parties have agreed to impose a temporary suspension of all football beneath the Scottish Professional Football League Championship, encompassing all predominantly part-time tiers of the Scottish professional pyramid, from midnight tonight.

Based on the imperatives of acting in the best interests of public health and participant safety, whilst ensuring professional clubs’ survival, the SPFL Premiership will be exempt from the suspension, provided it continues to adhere to the stringent testing protocols.

Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President: “The Scottish FA is well aware of the efforts all clubs take to comply with the exacting protocols that were conditional on elite football being given an exemption to continue amid the pandemic.

“None the less the continuation of football at all levels has weighed increasingly heavy on me as President, my colleagues on the board and the Joint Response Group as we have watched the new strain of the virus spread rapidly.

“While the national sport has been afforded the privilege of elite sporting exemption, the risk of mass transportation of untested, largely part-time players is something that cannot be sustained as the cases continue to rise and available hospital beds become increasingly scarce.

“After discussions with the SPFL, the Premiership and Championship will continue on the proviso that both adhere to the existing testing regime. The vast majority of teams in those divisions are full-time professional clubs and so the risk of transmission remains manageably low. The cost implications to lower-division clubs was one factor but so too the realisation that many – with some notable exceptions – consist of part-time players who are either prevented from working due to the virus or have to work.

“In either case, the risk is currently too great amid the developing nationwide spread of the virus.

“Much has been said of football’s relationship with the Scottish Government during the pandemic. As President of the Scottish FA and Chair of the Joint Response Group, I am grateful for the clinical expertise provided by government specifically to football and for the timely award of £30m in grant and loan funding for the game.

“We reiterate our commitment to playing our part in the collective effort to eradicate the virus.”

by Joseph Anderson Local Democracy Reporter

Proposals to demolish a 19th-century hotel and replace it with student flats are set to be rejected by Edinburgh City Council.

Property developers Audley (Edinburgh) Limited, which is registered in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, wants to demolish the Northfield House Hotel on Lasswade Road, Liberton.

The developer’s plans would mean that the hotel, which dates back to 1870, would be replaced with a five storey student accommodation block with 103 bedrooms.

So far, 98 objections have been lodged with the council, along with 28 letters of support.

Objectors have raised concern over the perceived over-provision of student accommodation in the area, as well as the need for affordable housing in the area, and the size and scale of the proposed development.

Supporters of the proposals say the students will bring economic benefits to the area, and that making bespoke student accommodation available will reduce the demand, and therefore the cost, for rented flats in the area.

A design statement, submitted by capital-based architects 56three, reads: “The house operates as a hotel and restaurant, with four ensuite bedrooms, customer lounge, dining and bar.

“The house has had numerous alterations and extensions over the years, notably the conservatory style restaurant to the south and back of house service areas to the east and north.

“The hotel is currently closed but was previously operating on an adhoc basis for private functions prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The kitchen and dining facilities were also previously closed to nonresidents.

“The owners have reviewed the business model for the hotel and have concluded that the retention of the existing house is not viable.

“The inflexibility of the existing house does not lend itself to suitable conversion to provide sufficient, modern facilities to be competitive within the Edinburgh service industry.

“The house provides a limited internal floor area compared to its large plot size. We have reviewed options for extending the building however due to the small scale of the house and its position on site there is limited opportunity to provide a suitable increase in density.

“The proposal is to demolish the house to make way for a new purpose built development. The house is not listed and there is limited architectural merit to warrant retention.”

The application is set to be deliberated on by councillors at Wednesday’s development management committee meeting.

However, council planning officers are recommending the proposals be refused.

A report, sent to councillors ahead of the meeting, reads: “The principle of student accommodation is acceptable in this location and the development will not result in an excessive concentration of students in the locality.

“However, the proposal is not of an appropriate scale, form or design and will not draw from positive characteristics of the surrounding area.

“The features worthy of retention within the site have not been identified, incorporated and enhanced through the proposals design.

“The development will have a damaging impact upon the protected trees within the site.

“Whilst adequate levels of cycle parking will be incorporated on site, the proposed cycle stores will not be located in suitable locations and will not be completely weatherproof and secure.

“The proposal does not comply with the Local Development Plan and there are no material planning reasons to justify approval.

“There are no material planning considerations which outweigh this conclusion.”

Hibs game against Celtic at Parkhead will go ahead tonight as planned after a morning of confusion following the news that the Scottish Government are strongly recommending that all travellers who had returned from Dubai since January 3 should isolate.

Neil Lennon and his squad travelled to Dubai for a mid-season training camp on 2^nd January following their defeat to Rangers which  was within the rules as it was a work break for an elite sports team.

The entire Celtic squad was tested upon arrival into Glasgow Airport last Friday and received the results yesterday with Christopher Jullien returning a positive result.

Earlier today Celtic issued a statement confirming that tonight’s game will take place.

“Celtic Football Club confirmed today that Christopher Jullien has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home. We wish Christopher a speedy recovery.

“While all of the other members of the squad and backroom team have tested negative, we have been informed by the authorities that, having been deemed ‘close contacts’, Celtic manager Neil Lennon, assistant John Kennedy and 13 first-team players will be required to self-isolate on a precautionary basis as required by the current regulations. 

“The Club would like to thank the Scottish FA, JRG and the Scottish Government for their assistance in managing this case. Celtic will, of course, fulfill its fixture against Hibernian this evening.   

“Clearly we are hugely disappointed, as we know our supporters will be. The contacts were identified during the period from Wednesday last week, primarily around flight and team coach travel, during which time Celtic applied the same rigorous protocols used for pre-season training camps, UEFA match travel and for all domestic match arrangements in Scotland.   

“These protocols have served us well in the past, as the Club has not had one positive case in our own ‘bubble’ until now. As we have already stated, Celtic’s decision to travel to Dubai for a training camp was for performance reasons. Whilst we were in Dubai, the announcements made on January 4 significantly changed the COVID landscape. 

“The reality is that a case could well have occurred had the team remained in Scotland, as other cases have done in Scottish football and across UK sport in the past week.

“Celtic has done everything it can to ensure we have in place the very best procedures and protocols. From the outset of the pandemic, Celtic has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football and we will continue to do so.

Hibs will again be without goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and Jack Ross will decide on whether new signing from Arsenal Matt Macey or Kevin Dabrowski, who was recalled from Dumbarton will start the game.

Kyle Magennis and Sean Mackie remain out while Scott Allan is building up his fitness after illness.

In addition to the 13 players, Celtic will be without central defenders Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton who is suspended following his Ibrox red card and Duffy will miss the game after leaving Celtic’s Dubai training camp early to deal with a personal matter.

James Forrest remains unavailable but has stepped up his rehab work following ankle surgery.

Michelle Brown who runs Love Your Business (LYB) tells us the organisation is looking for a new charity partner who will benefit from the LYB activities. The cut off date is 25 January so if you run a charity then get in touch with Michelle as soon as possible.

Michelle explained: “This month we are delighted to celebrate the third anniversary of Love Your Business networking club – thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way, particularly last year when many of us had big changes to make.

“The aim since January 2018, which continues today, is to help businesses build their network, share contacts and referrals, find collaboration opportunities and socialise and meet new people. Our aim since 2019 has also been to appoint a charity partner every year. In 2019 it was Scotland’s only secondary breast cancer charity, Make 2nds Count and last year Support in Mind Scotland which helps people affected by mental illness, including family members, carers and supporters – both an honour to support.

“The charity partnership is designed to help raise awareness throughout the year, provide PR & Marketing support and raise funds through the monthly ticket sales. Last year due to Covid-19 and the impact on many businesses we ran the club for free for a couple of months to help as many people as possible and give everyone, including us, time to get up to speed with online networking.

“Thereafter to continue to make it affordable for everyone, tickets were £5 with 50% going to Support in Mind Scotland. Complimentary tickets were issued throughout the year to charities and people who lost their business, which we’ll continue to do. We’re delighted to say we raised £470 for the charity – thanks to everyone who helped make this happen by buying a ticket.

“If you are a charity or know a charity which would benefit from being our Charity of the Year 2021, drop me a line at michelle@michellebrownpr.com.”

Colin Leslie, Fundraising Manager at Support in Mind Scotland said: “Support in Mind Scotland are so grateful to Michelle Brown and all connected with Love Your Business for their support during 2020.

“LYB has been a great platform for us to showcase our work and bring attention to important mental health issues and how they relate to life, business and the workplace. It has also allowed us to forge a number of lasting working relationships.

“2020 was a difficult, challenging year like no other, but Michelle and her team and the people who have attended have shown great kindness and community spirit towards the charity throughout. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time as charity partners and would encourage other organisations to follow in our footsteps.

”The next online event is on Thursday, 28 January where we have more fantastic speakers lined up and great networking opportunities in the breakout rooms afterwards.

Tickets are £5 plus booking fee – Available here

The latest figures detailing the number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours in Scotland have been announced by the First Minister during the daily media briefing from St Andrew’s House where she was joined by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith.

The statistics in Scotland as at 11 January 2021 are shown below, demonstrating that the number of people in hospital in Scotland is more than at the peak in April 2020.

From today daily

As at 11 January 4,969 deaths have been recorded of people who have tested positive.

According to the National Records of Scotland figures issued on Wednesday 6,686 deaths were registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate – up to 3 January 2021.

You can also see the latest numbers laid out visually on the Travelling Tabby website here. It is updated at 3pm daily.

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Stay At Home Guidance”]

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
There is a list of examples of reasonable excuses below. Although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible. Shop on-line or use local shops and services wherever you can. Travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise in a socially distanced way. To minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus it is crucial that we all avoid unnecessary travel.
Examples of reasonable excuses to go out:
for work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home.
for education including, school, college, university or other essential purposes connected with a course of study.
for essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person. You should use online shopping or shops and other services in your immediate area wherever you can.
to obtain or deposit money, where it is not possible to do so from home.
for healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
for childcare or support services for parents or expectant parents.
for essential services, including services of a charitable or voluntary nature such as food banks, alcohol or drug support services.
to access public services where it is not possible to do so, including from home:
services provided to victims (such as victims of crime),
social-care services,
accessing day care centres,
services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions,
services provided to victims (including victims of crime),
asylum and immigration services and interviews,
waste or recycling services,
to provide care, assistance, support to or respite for a vulnerable person
to provide or receive emergency assistance.
to participate in or facilitate shared parenting.
to visit a person in an extended household.
to meet a legal obligation including satisfying bail conditions, to participate in legal proceedings, to comply with a court mandate in terms of sentence imposed or to register a birth.
for attendance at court including a remote jury centre, an inquiry, a children’s hearing, tribunal proceedings or to resolve a dispute via Alternative Dispute Resolution.
for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.
local outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households
to attend a marriage ceremony or registration of a civil partnership.
to attend a funeral or for compassionate reasons which relate to the end of a person’s life. This includes gatherings related to the scattering or interring of ashes, a stone setting ceremony and other similar commemorative events.
if you are a minister of religion or worship leader, for the purposes of leading an act of worship (broadcast or online), conducting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or a funeral.
to donate blood.
for activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for. Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday. You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.
to avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.
for those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.
to visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a person to a medical appointment.
to register or vote in a Scottish or UK Parliament, Local Government or overseas election or by-election, including on behalf of someone else by proxy
to visit a person detained in prison, young offenders institute, remand centre, secure accommodation or other place of detention.
[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Meeting Outdoors”]
You can only meet people from another household outdoors and in indoor public spaces for certain reasons, such as for work, to join your extended household, for sport, exercise, social interaction or to provide care and support for a vulnerable person. This can include providing emotional support for someone whose wellbeing is at risk, including for those who are isolated because of disability or a caring situation. Read Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for unpaid carers
Up to 2 people from 2 separate households can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people permitted to gather outdoors.
Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others indoors or outdoors.
The members of an individual or extended household can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.
[/su_spoiler]

Owen Thompson MP has said that people over pension age would be well advised to check that they are claiming all the grants, benefits and allowances which they qualify for.

Mr Thompson advised people to call the Age Scotland helpline for information and support. They can also get in touch with the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Dalkeith or Penicuik, or Midlothian Council’s welfare team to have their benefit income checked.

Statistics from the DWP show a significant number of older people are not claiming money they are entitled to, particularly pension credit for those on low incomes, with just over 60% of those who are entitled to it claiming it – meaning many older people in Midlothian are struggling much more than they have to.

Mr Thompson said: “It’s wrong that so many older people are struggling to put food on the table, pay their bills and stay warm this winter when they could be getting a bit more support to ease the strain. With the added TV license cost for over 75s it’s even more urgent people check if they are due pension credit and make sure they claim.

“The system of benefits and allowances has become a bit of a complex maze, and understandably many people just don’t know their options, but there are specialist advisers you can call to help navigate through it.

“It’s even more important during the Covid19 crisis that no-one struggles alone. I would strongly advise older people in Midlothian to check and make sure they are getting the benefits they are due. Age Scotland’s helpline is there for advice and help to make a claim, and also as a friendly voice if you need support during these trying times.”

Age Scotland Helpline 0800 12 44 222

Citizens Advice Dalkeith 0131 660 1636 Penicuik 0131 675 259 

Midlothian Council Welfare 0131 270 8922 

UK Gov information on how to claim pension credit:https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

One of the Edinburgh highlights of last January was undoubtedly the Burns&Beyond events.

With Neu! Reekie! putting their own individual twist on Burns in the Freemason’s Hall, and a silent disco in the lane outside Assembly Rooms, the final evening was certainly one to remember. Oh yes – and then there was KT Tunstall too. The events opened with an actor playing Burns in a setting in St Giles complete with Chinese lanterns to recognise the coincidence of Burns and the Chinese New Year. This festival may be one of the newest in town, but it really feels part of the furniture now.

The 2021 programme which will take place from 23 to 25 January has just been announced in collaboration with 200 year-old Johnnie Walker and will offer anyone anywhere the opportunity to celebrate the life of the bard. All of the online events are brought to you by Unique Events FREE of charge.

The theme of Love, Hope, Honesty and Kindness is of course very much related to Rabbie Burns himself, but even more poignant in a time of pandemic and lockdown. The full programme will be on the Burns&Beyond website on Monday.

Lucky Middlemass’s Tavern will be recreated online. Filmed on location at Norrie Rowans’ The Caves, this is the famed 18th century tavern where ale and claret mixed with music and progressive discussion. Literary greats such as Burns, Hume, Smith Deacon Brodie, James Watt and Benjamin Franklin were some of the regulars.

Lau’s Aidan O’Rourke has curated the menu of song and poetry. Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross, folk-noir balladeer Rachel Sermanni, Aidan Moffatt from Arab Strap, piper Allan Macdonald and poet and author Kathleen Jamie all perform alongside O’Rourke.

This year Neu! Reekie! founders Michael Pedersen and Kevin Williamson are back with a sinister, sanguine and surreal performance featuring poetry, music and dance. Withered Hand, punk-poet Billy Liar, dance and performance artist Suzi Cunningham, Scottish Algerian poet Janette Ayachi are all part of the mix. Do not miss it.

Penny Dougherty and Alan Thomson, Directors of Unique Events, said: “We believe that this year it is more important than ever to celebrate the words and music of our National Bard, and to bring some light into our lives after the dark days of 2020.  Burns&Beyond 2021 highlights the deep and universal themes of Love, Hope, Honesty and Kindness which run through the work of Robert Burns, all of which resonate now more than ever. Once again Scotland is being asked to Stay Home and Save Lives and Burns Night 2021 is an opportunity for everyone to show kindness to each other while giving continued thanks to our frontline staff and key workers.”

Lucky Middlemass’s Tavern performances will be available to view online free of charge from 5pm on Saturday 23 January 2021 through the Burns&Beyond website, with audiences encouraged to make their own act of kindness for Burns Night by donating to the festival’s official charity Tiny Changes, helping make a big impact on the mental health of children and young people across Scotland.

On Burns Night itself ‘Hame’ provides participants with a fun, celebratory Burns Night enabling friends and family to connect across the country and around the world.  Burns&Beyond have hosted a sell-out not-so-traditional Burns Supper each year, and while such a gathering is not possible in 2021, the Festival is providing a menu of words and music together with a free, online, step by step guide to celebrating your own Burns Supper at Hame. 

From The Selkirk Grace and Address to the Haggis to a guide to creating Toasts Tae the Lads & Lassies, elements of a traditional Burns Supper will be provided by some of Scotland’s most talented performers including poetry and music from the Burns&Beyond performers.

For those who do not wish to cook their own, the Burns&Beyond website has a list of Edinburgh restaurants who will be offering take-away and delivery Burns Suppers.

Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “I’m delighted that the Burns&Beyond Festival will be returning for its third year particularly in these difficult times. The programme of online events promises to delight fans of Burns, with much more on the agenda to be enjoyed too.

“As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature Edinburgh is always the place to be to mark the life and legacy of Scotland’s Bard.  I would encourage everyone to explore the guide to creating your own Burns Supper at Hame as well as the online programme of music and poetry from Lucky Middlemass’s Tavern. This is an annual event not to be missed.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This virtual event will bring together a wealth of Scottish and international talent to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Robert Burns with poetry, music and performance. 

“Burns Night is one of Scotland’s most well-known and best loved celebrations, enjoyed here and across the world. Although we are unable to meet up physically this year, we can still come together and enjoy taking part in this event to continue the traditions of Burns Night, from the safety of home.”

Burns&Beyond with Johnnie Walker is produced by Unique Events and supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, Johnnie Walker, Scotland’s Winter Festivals, EventScotland’s Scotland Events Recovery Fund and Essential Edinburgh. 

Full details of all events in the 2021 Burns&Beyond with Johnnie Walker Festival, and free to view Lucky Middlemass’s Tavern and Burns Night Hame on the website.

www.burnsandbeyond.com

From Monday at 4am travellers coming back from Dubai must quarantine for 10 days on arrival in Scotland.

In addition, passengers who have travelled to Scotland from Dubai since 3 January are also being asked to isolate for 10 days, from the date they arrived back in the country.

The Scottish Government says this is all due to a number of positive cases identified in passengers who have flown into Glasgow since New Year. The preventative action is intended to address the significant rise in cases of coronavirus and the increase in cases testing positive in Scotland in recent days.

The Scottish Government guidance is clear – people should not be travelling abroad other than in exceptional circumstances.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is evident, both in Scotland and in countries across the world, that the virus continues to pose real risks to health and to life and we need to interrupt the rise in cases.

“Imposing quarantine requirements on those arriving in the UK is our first defence in managing the risk of imported cases from communities with high risks of transmission. That is why we have made the decision to remove Dubai from the country exemptions list.

“Whether or not an overseas destination has been designated for quarantine restrictions, our message remains clear that people should not currently be undertaking non-essential foreign travel. People need to stay at home to help suppress the virus, protect our NHS and save lives.”

Earlier today it was reported that one member of Celtic Football Club who had travelled with the team to a training camp in Dubai had tested positive for Covid-19 on the team’s return. The new guidance could mean that anyone from Celtic FC who was on the trip, and who arrived back in Scotland on 8 January must now self-isolate, although that is in doubt as they were part of an ‘elite training’ camp overseas.

Are digital-only theatre showcases the shape of things to come?

A guaranteed alt.Fringe Show front-seat performance in the intimacy of your own, ‘They’re coming to bring-me a take-away,‘ pizza-crust-crumbed, dog-salivaed, front-room sofa?

The dark prospect of not ever going out again to a live, audience ambient gig? theSpaceUK launched to the press on Saturday and is now available online until 31 January – and it begs to differ. It is not the survival of the fittest, a spurious eugenics lie, but the survival of the most adaptable.

It was the mammalian shrews who screwed the dinosaurs when the cataclysmic comet came crashing by. Think post-Covid – be shrewd!

Established in 1995, theSpaceUK specialise in producing live performance. Their theatres are widely recognised as the home of award-winning theatre and new work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Hosting the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival, they offer an array of new writing, theatre, dance, music, children’s and family shows, comedy, drama, sketch, cabaret, opera, a capella, exhibitions, events and stand-up comedy shows.

This was full-on belts ‘n braces preparation for Fringe 2021 and be damned otherwise.

Representing theSpaceUK, Nick Abrams fielded an array of questions to artist, movers & shakers and guests on Zoom. Given the audio/visual limitations of said medium it would be unfair to lend any critical comment on the three or so minute showcase/taster acts.

Consider though, the prospect of Twenties, featuring a surreal interview involving compulsory dinosaur costumes to be worn by successful candidates. Or, perhaps an encounter with New York based, ‘Half-Baked Alaskan’ Canadian musician/comedian, Sally Anne Hall. Her dead-pan, battery-acid for eye-drops, finger-nail pulling observations include, ‘If you can make it in Alaska – ask yourself why?’

https://online.thespaceuk.com/show/half-baked-alaskan

Broadway Baby’s Richard Beck, had some salient advice for prospective acts planning to take on the discerning punters this summer. Stating the obvious, he began with, ‘The Fringe is what ever you want it be, especially as it is the easiest and quickest way to lose all your money! Make sure your show is as bloody good as it can be!’

It was important to get impartial input and reach outside your mutual back-slapping, self-congratulatory bubble. Get networking. Get yourselves out there – Now! Other advice focused on keeping your ‘fliers’ functional, informative and have a story to tell and please…No Brexit shows! Also, research active reviewers from past Fringes and make contact with those you think will be sympathetic to your muse. Start now and keep in touch. Invite them to your show – but (Edinburgh Reporter disclaimer) don’t sleep with them beforehand). Your Press Release is vital to your profile. Remember that story about your Company. Keep publicity neat and simple. For previews/reviews give the writer easy access to cut & paste copy and please, oh please, clear, precise easy to read email/website contact details.

Elaine Chapman, highly respected reviewer and avid supporter of independent Arts projects, emphasised the need to target shows at The Offies, (Launched in 2010 to recognise and celebrate the excellence, innovation and ingenuity of independent Off West End theatres across London).

More details about Season 2 here

The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam Mcvey has warned anyone thinking of protesting in Edinburgh tomorrow against the lockdown to stay at home.

Cllr McVey said: “We’ve been liaising with Police Scotland and we fully support their advice that people should stay at home. While people are entitled to express their opinions, to do so in this way and at this time puts our residents at unnecessary additional risk. This simply isn’t safe.

“To attend a protest like this now would be incredibly selfish and those doing so would be putting our families and communities at greater risk when numbers of transmissions are already far too high in Edinburgh.

“This attempt to create a crowd is utterly disrespectful to our businesses and residents who are sacrificing so much to try and keep all of us safe. Anyone thinking of breaking rules by travelling to Edinburgh to attend this event should not do so- they are not welcome.”

Earlier in the week, Police Scotland urged members of the public to stay at home and not attend a demonstration and march being planned to start at the Scottish Parliament on Monday.

Under current Level 4 restrictions, such gatherings are not permitted and anyone wishing to demonstrate is urged to find alternative ways to protest, such as online, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Superintendent David Robertson, from Edinburgh Division, said: “We understand people want to make their voices heard, but they must do so lawfully and safely.

“The Scottish Government regulations are clear that public processions and static protests are prohibited under the current Level 4 restrictions.

“Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to use the 4Es approach, which is to engage with the public, explain the restrictions in place, encourage compliance and, as a last resort we will use enforcement, where required.

“The Chief Constable has been clear, where officers encounter wilful breaches, we will act decisively to enforce the law.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility and stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives.”

For more information on the latest coronavirus guidelines please visit the Scottish Government website at www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance.

The Scotland Against Lockdown group is a “campaign that says NO to mandatory Facemasks. NO to the Scottish & U.K. Governments Coronavirus Act 2020. NO to Social Distancing. NO to mandatory Vaccines. NO to the New Abnormal.”

The weather forecast for tomorrow is rainy most of the day according to the Met Office. Read more here.

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Stay At Home Guidance”]

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
There is a list of examples of reasonable excuses below. Although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible. Shop on-line or use local shops and services wherever you can. Travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise in a socially distanced way. To minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus it is crucial that we all avoid unnecessary travel.
Examples of reasonable excuses to go out:
for work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home.
for education including, school, college, university or other essential purposes connected with a course of study.
for essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person. You should use online shopping or shops and other services in your immediate area wherever you can.
to obtain or deposit money, where it is not possible to do so from home.
for healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
for childcare or support services for parents or expectant parents.
for essential services, including services of a charitable or voluntary nature such as food banks, alcohol or drug support services.
to access public services where it is not possible to do so, including from home:
services provided to victims (such as victims of crime),
social-care services,
accessing day care centres,
services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions,
services provided to victims (including victims of crime),
asylum and immigration services and interviews,
waste or recycling services,
to provide care, assistance, support to or respite for a vulnerable person
to provide or receive emergency assistance.
to participate in or facilitate shared parenting.
to visit a person in an extended household.
to meet a legal obligation including satisfying bail conditions, to participate in legal proceedings, to comply with a court mandate in terms of sentence imposed or to register a birth.
for attendance at court including a remote jury centre, an inquiry, a children’s hearing, tribunal proceedings or to resolve a dispute via Alternative Dispute Resolution.
for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.
local outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households
to attend a marriage ceremony or registration of a civil partnership.
to attend a funeral or for compassionate reasons which relate to the end of a person’s life. This includes gatherings related to the scattering or interring of ashes, a stone setting ceremony and other similar commemorative events.
if you are a minister of religion or worship leader, for the purposes of leading an act of worship (broadcast or online), conducting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or a funeral.
to donate blood.
for activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for. Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday. You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.
to avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.
for those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.
to visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a person to a medical appointment.
to register or vote in a Scottish or UK Parliament, Local Government or overseas election or by-election, including on behalf of someone else by proxy
to visit a person detained in prison, young offenders institute, remand centre, secure accommodation or other place of detention.
[/su_spoiler]

The latest figures detailing the number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours in Scotland have been announced by The Scottish Government.

The statistics in Scotland as at 10 January 2021 are shown below with some historic figures for comparison purposes.

As at 10 January 4,968 deaths have been recorded of people who have tested positive.

According to the National Records of Scotland figures issued on Wednesday 6,686 deaths were registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate – up to 3 January 2021.

You can also see the latest numbers laid out visually on the Travelling Tabby website here. It is updated at 3pm daily.

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Stay At Home Guidance”]

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
There is a list of examples of reasonable excuses below. Although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible. Shop on-line or use local shops and services wherever you can. Travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise in a socially distanced way. To minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus it is crucial that we all avoid unnecessary travel.
Examples of reasonable excuses to go out:
for work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home.
for education including, school, college, university or other essential purposes connected with a course of study.
for essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person. You should use online shopping or shops and other services in your immediate area wherever you can.
to obtain or deposit money, where it is not possible to do so from home.
for healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
for childcare or support services for parents or expectant parents.
for essential services, including services of a charitable or voluntary nature such as food banks, alcohol or drug support services.
to access public services where it is not possible to do so, including from home:
services provided to victims (such as victims of crime),
social-care services,
accessing day care centres,
services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions,
services provided to victims (including victims of crime),
asylum and immigration services and interviews,
waste or recycling services,
to provide care, assistance, support to or respite for a vulnerable person
to provide or receive emergency assistance.
to participate in or facilitate shared parenting.
to visit a person in an extended household.
to meet a legal obligation including satisfying bail conditions, to participate in legal proceedings, to comply with a court mandate in terms of sentence imposed or to register a birth.
for attendance at court including a remote jury centre, an inquiry, a children’s hearing, tribunal proceedings or to resolve a dispute via Alternative Dispute Resolution.
for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.
local outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households
to attend a marriage ceremony or registration of a civil partnership.
to attend a funeral or for compassionate reasons which relate to the end of a person’s life. This includes gatherings related to the scattering or interring of ashes, a stone setting ceremony and other similar commemorative events.
if you are a minister of religion or worship leader, for the purposes of leading an act of worship (broadcast or online), conducting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or a funeral.
to donate blood.
for activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for. Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday. You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.
to avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.
for those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.
to visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a person to a medical appointment.
to register or vote in a Scottish or UK Parliament, Local Government or overseas election or by-election, including on behalf of someone else by proxy
to visit a person detained in prison, young offenders institute, remand centre, secure accommodation or other place of detention.
[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Meeting Outdoors”]
You can only meet people from another household outdoors and in indoor public spaces for certain reasons, such as for work, to join your extended household, for sport, exercise, social interaction or to provide care and support for a vulnerable person. This can include providing emotional support for someone whose wellbeing is at risk, including for those who are isolated because of disability or a caring situation. Read Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for unpaid carers
Up to 2 people from 2 separate households can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people permitted to gather outdoors.
Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others indoors or outdoors.
The members of an individual or extended household can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.
[/su_spoiler]

Hibs face a trip to Palmerston Park in the third round of this season’s Scottish Cup where they will face Queen of the South while last season’s beaten finalists Hearts will play Stranraer, should they overcome the winner of the tie between Camelon and Brora Rangers.

Edinburgh City will face Forfar Athletic should they beat Airdrieonians.

Ties will be played on the weekend of 30/31 January and you fans watch two games live on BBC Scotland.

Full draw: Forfar Athletic v Airdrieonians or Edinburgh City; Dundee United v Partick Thistle or Cowdenbeath; Livingston v Stirling Albion or Raith Rovers; Camelon/Brora Rangers or Hearts v Stranraer; Peterhead or Stenhousemuir v Kilmarnock; Rangers v Cove Rangers; Celtic v Arbroath or Falkirk; Ross County v Buckie Thistle or Inverness Caledonian Thistle; Queen of the South v Hibernian; Dumbarton or Huntly v Aberdeen; East Fife v Greenock Morton or Dunfermline Athletic; Hamilton Academical v St Mirren; Dundee v St Johnstone; Elgin City or Ayr United v Keith or Clyde; Formartine United or Annan Athletic v Motherwell; Fraserburgh v Nairn County or Montrose.

Police Scotland are hosting an online recruitment event on Thursday 28th January, 6.30pm – 8pm, via Microsoft Teams.

The event will be aimed at BME communities and will last for 90-minutes.

Those attending will learn of the recruitment process, the training, the role of a police officer and the endless opportunities for those who embark on this career path.

Police Scotland are aware that the diversity of our communities is increasing all the time and recognise the importance of the public being able to relate to officers

To reserve a space email:- recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk providing a name and contact number.

Applicants are also requested to join the Police Scotland closed Facebook page at Police Scotland Positive Action.

Former Hibs’ goalkeeper Chris Maxwell recovered from Covid to become Blackpool’s FA Cup penalty shootout hero against Premier League West Bromwich Albion.

The game finished 2-2 then due to current regulations the game was decided by extra time and penalties.

Despite having been off for a week over Christmas and missing two games Maxwell saved spot-kicks from Kyle Edwards, Darnell Furnell and Matheus Pereira to knock Sam Allardyce’s side out of the tournament.

After the game he said: “It was awful. I was lying in bed for three days, not only feeling bad because a few symptoms hit me hard but also missing football.

“It was nice to come through it and be back in the fold. The win was no more than we deserved. We were excellent throughout the game and were certainly the better team making chances.

“We didn’t care we were up against Premier League opposition. We created more pressure.”

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley was delighted with his captain’s his all-round contribution and added: “After our Accrington game, Chris wasn’t feeling too good and missed 10 days training.

“He wasn’t great and for him to produce that sort of performance on his first game back speaks volumes for his character.

“He is a leader and that is why he is captain. I thought his save from Kyle Edwards in extra-time to take us to penalties was a top save.”

Maxwell Joined Hibs on loan from Preston North End in July 2019 as understudy for Ofir Marciano. He made his debut against Stirling Albion in the Betfred League Cup and played 17 times for the club. His final match was against Celtic at Parkhead.

Doses will be administered at over 1,000 GP practices and community centres.

The Scottish Government has announced that many more people will receive the first dose of the Oxford/Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccine in GP practices and community vaccination centres all over Scotland from Monday.

The vaccine, approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 30 December, has already been given to people in primary care settings in NHS Tayside, Lothian, Orkney and Highland.

First doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will now start to be administered in doctor’s practices and community centres in the rest of Scotland this week.

Scotland has an allocation of 533,640 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in January. These doses are available for local order and delivery to the different parts of Scotland during this month. Those aged 80 years and over will be invited to attend for vaccination by their local NHS Board or GP practice via a letter or by phone.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:“The delivery of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is a major development for the biggest vaccination programme we have ever delivered. I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued efforts to ensure the pace of the programme continues. Next week I will update parliament with further logistical detail of the vaccination programme.

“We have over 1,100 vaccination sites, including over 750 GP practices with a growing core of over 3000 trained vaccinators to deliver the vaccine. When it is your turn to be vaccinated you will be contacted by your local health board and I urge you to please take up the offer. Please do not contact your GP but wait for your letter or phone call. And please remember that when the time comes for your second dose, it is crucial you get it as this is vital for longer term protection and to complete the course.

“As ever, we are dependent on the vaccine supply and we continue to explore all possible options to speed up the delivery of all vaccine and bring forward timescales where possible.

“This work, alongside our expanded testing strategy, rigorously complying with restrictions where we live and adhering to the public health guidance, is essential to protect those most at risk and minimise further impact on the NHS and social care services.”

The latest figures detailing the number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours in Scotland have been announced by The Scottish Government.

The Moderna vaccine has been approved by Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having been approved in Europe a couple of days ago.

The statistics in Scotland as at 9 January 2021 are shown below with some historic figures for comparison purposes.

As at 9 January ??????? deaths have been recorded of people who have tested positive.

According to the National Records of Scotland figures issued on Wednesday 6,686 deaths were registered in Scotland where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate – up to 3 January 2021.

You can also see the latest numbers laid out visually on the Travelling Tabby website here. It is updated at 3pm daily.

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Stay At Home Guidance”]

To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
There is a list of examples of reasonable excuses below. Although you can leave home for these purposes, you should stay as close to home as possible. Shop on-line or use local shops and services wherever you can. Travel no further than you need to reach to a safe, non-crowded place to exercise in a socially distanced way. To minimise the risk of spread of Coronavirus it is crucial that we all avoid unnecessary travel.
Examples of reasonable excuses to go out:
for work or an activity associated with seeking employment, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home.
for education including, school, college, university or other essential purposes connected with a course of study.
for essential shopping, including essential shopping for a vulnerable person. You should use online shopping or shops and other services in your immediate area wherever you can.
to obtain or deposit money, where it is not possible to do so from home.
for healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
for childcare or support services for parents or expectant parents.
for essential services, including services of a charitable or voluntary nature such as food banks, alcohol or drug support services.
to access public services where it is not possible to do so, including from home:
services provided to victims (such as victims of crime),
social-care services,
accessing day care centres,
services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions,
services provided to victims (including victims of crime),
asylum and immigration services and interviews,
waste or recycling services,
to provide care, assistance, support to or respite for a vulnerable person
to provide or receive emergency assistance.
to participate in or facilitate shared parenting.
to visit a person in an extended household.
to meet a legal obligation including satisfying bail conditions, to participate in legal proceedings, to comply with a court mandate in terms of sentence imposed or to register a birth.
for attendance at court including a remote jury centre, an inquiry, a children’s hearing, tribunal proceedings or to resolve a dispute via Alternative Dispute Resolution.
for essential animal welfare reasons, such as exercising or feeding a horse or going to a vet.
local outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households
to attend a marriage ceremony or registration of a civil partnership.
to attend a funeral or for compassionate reasons which relate to the end of a person’s life. This includes gatherings related to the scattering or interring of ashes, a stone setting ceremony and other similar commemorative events.
if you are a minister of religion or worship leader, for the purposes of leading an act of worship (broadcast or online), conducting a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or a funeral.
to donate blood.
for activities in connection with moving home (including viewing a property), or for activities in connection with the maintenance, purchase, sale, letting, or rental of residential property that the person owns or is otherwise responsible for. Travelling for the purposes of undertaking essential work on a property other than your main residence should not be used as a pretext for a holiday. You should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work.
to avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.
for those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event.
to visit a person receiving treatment in a hospital, staying in a hospice or care home, or to accompany a person to a medical appointment.
to register or vote in a Scottish or UK Parliament, Local Government or overseas election or by-election, including on behalf of someone else by proxy
to visit a person detained in prison, young offenders institute, remand centre, secure accommodation or other place of detention.
[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler class=”my-custom-spoiler” title=”Meeting Outdoors”]
You can only meet people from another household outdoors and in indoor public spaces for certain reasons, such as for work, to join your extended household, for sport, exercise, social interaction or to provide care and support for a vulnerable person. This can include providing emotional support for someone whose wellbeing is at risk, including for those who are isolated because of disability or a caring situation. Read Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for unpaid carers
Up to 2 people from 2 separate households can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Children under the age of 12 from these households do not count towards the total number of people permitted to gather outdoors.
Children under 12 do not need to maintain physical distance from others indoors or outdoors.
The members of an individual or extended household can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or social interaction.
Those at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (including those who had been shielding, people 70 and over, people who are pregnant and people with an underlying medical condition) should strictly follow the physical distancing guidance.
[/su_spoiler]

Ronald Jan Corbee, Utrecht University and Sara Burt, Utrecht University

The simple things in life sometimes bring the greatest joy – like feeding the ducks at your local pond.

The next time you pay your feathered friends a visit, consider introducing some variety into the food you give them. Just like for us humans, a balanced diet is important for wild animals. The large amounts of bread that people feed wild birds may be well-intentioned, but they could be doing them harm.

Feeding wild birds means that they need to spend less time foraging, which allows them to build their strength and produce more chicks. But this could also make birds dependent on the food humans provide and cause malnutrition, as the nutritional value of processed food is likely to differ greatly from their natural diet. By encouraging birds to congregate around a food source, there is also an increased risk of disease transmission.

We recently embarked on a study of birds living in seven public areas throughout Amsterdam, including squares and parks. We wanted to understand how feeding ducks and other wild birds affected their health, so we examined what kind of foods people were feeding them, and compared its nutritional value with the nutritional requirements we’d expect for each species.

Why bread is bad

Bread was by far the most popular choice of food offered to wild birds, making up two-thirds of the total. Most people feed birds so as not to waste bread or meal leftovers, but for birds, it’s actually the worst option.

The nutritional value of bread is not a good match for the needs of wild birds. It’s deficient in amino acids, fatty acids and several vitamins and minerals, but full of carbohydrates and salt – all the stuff birds don’t need and little of what they do. If birds are overwhelmingly eating bread instead of natural options, it could lead to health problems. In many ways, this is unsurprising. Just imagine how you would feel if your diet only consisted of bread. As your new year’s resolution, avoid bread when feeding the ducks.

But what should you feed them instead? Here are some options, ranked from best to worst.

1. Seeds and nuts

Bird seed is one of the best options, but only in limited amounts – which goes for all the food in this list. Ducks should predominantly eat greens from their own environment, like grass, as well as small fish, and frogs – everything they’d usually have no trouble finding in a pond.

Still, seeds and nuts are a good choice because of their high nutritional value. They’re rich in fat with a high level of essential fatty acids, which means it’s wise to only feed birds with small amounts of seeds and nuts.

2. Fruit and vegetables

Vegetables, such as sweetcorn, lettuce and peas, and fruit, including apple and banana pieces, are great as a source of fibre and water. But they also provide essential vitamins.

The downside is that large quantities can cause stomach upset, especially fruit, but also vegetables high in carbohydrates, like carrots. Try to balance small amounts of these with seeds and nuts.

3. Rice

Rice, both cooked and uncooked, isn’t a bad choice. It provides a good source of energy but is quite low in nutritional value. Feeding birds with large quantities of rice can result in deficiencies in other nutrients. It’s also important to only give plain rice – never seasoned or fried rice.

Giving lots of uncooked rice can give ducks a sore stomach because it reacts with water in their gut. Uncooked rice is perfectly safe in small doses though – in spite of what urban myths might tell you.

4. Leftovers

Leftovers of the processed foods we like to eat – think french fries and pizza crusts – shouldn’t actually be in this list. They do for birds what fast food does for us: lots of energy, but with very little nutrition.

In our study, we found that leftovers were one of the top choices of people feeding ducks. But our advice – as with bread – is to avoid it altogether.

Don’t overdo it

Our final piece of advice is don’t overfeed. If everyone fed ducks with small quantities of a certain food, they might end up eating too much of it in the end, so variety is key.

We also found that people often overfeed birds. Food accumulating in a pond goes mouldy and encourages bacteria which can leach oxygen from the water and produce toxins.

There will inevitably be leftovers that either turn into litter or food for other animals. Based on our calculations, this surplus of food would, on average, provide enough energy to sustain 153 rats per study area.

Brown rats prey on the eggs of waterfowl and young ducklings. This is normal behaviour, but an abundance of rats could skew the natural balance between the species. So be careful with overfeeding, or you might actually reduce the number of ducks in your local pond.

Ronald Jan Corbee, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University and Sara Burt, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Public Health, Utrecht University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.