Gregor Poynton MP has raised urgent concerns in parliament about the growing crisis of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) affecting homes in his Livingston constituency, particularly in Craigshill’s Chestnut Grove.
While repair plans are underway for public buildings and social housing, the MP says that private homeowners are facing significant challenges. Many homeowners, who purchased properties in good faith and relied on surveys from reputable firms, are now dealing with significant losses, with some properties seeing their value slashed by as much as 50%.
In response to these issues, Poynton has reached out to key organisations, including Almond Housing Association, The Scottish Government, and Springfield Properties, urging a coordinated effort to find solutions for those most affected.
“I have written to the relevant authorities to ensure they understand the severity of the situation faced by homeowners in the Livingston constituency. However, it is crucial that this issue is addressed at the appropriate level of government,” said Mr. Poynton. “I have asked the Leader of the House to schedule a debate on this matter in Parliament, but it is clear that this is a devolved issue, and the Scottish Government must now step up with a comprehensive plan to find a workable solution for homeowners in the Livingston constituency and across Scotland.”
Mr Poynton encourages any residents who have been impacted by this issue to reach out for assistance. Homeowners are invited to contact Gregor’s office by email at Gregor.Poynton.MP@Parliament.UK.
He said: “I am committed to continuing the fight for fair treatment and support for all affected residents in Livingston.
“I will keep the community updated on any progress and work tirelessly to ensure this issue is addressed.”
Gregor Poynton MP
All square between Hibs and Rangers after pulsating six-goal thriller at Easter Road
Hibs came from behind to secure a share of the points with Rangers following a pulsating 90-minutes at a cold and wet Easter Road this afternoon.
Rangers scored twice in the opening 20-minutes and looked as thought they would run riot but Hibs fought back and equalise through two Martin Boyle goals.
Rangers thought they had won it late on before Hibs equalised in dramatic fashion.
David Gray made just the one change to his Hibs team following the 1-1 draw at St Johnstone on Thursday as Dwight Gayle replaced Junior Hoilett, who dropped to the bench.
Elie Youan, Mykola Kuharevich and Joe Newell all missed out.
Credit: Ian JacobsCredit: Ian JacobsCredit: Ian JacobsCredit: Ian JacobsCredit: Ian Jacobs
A mistake from Lewis Miller inside his own box, created an early chance for Hamza Igamane before Rocky Bushiri was able to mop up the danger.
However a mistake by Bushiri moments later culminated in Igamane firing home from close range to the delight of the travelling support.
Rangers almost doubled their lead in the 8th minute Bushiri deflected a shot from Nedim Bajrami just wide of the target.
Moments later Igamane managed to find space free inside the Hibs penalty area, but his strike was deflected wide of the target.
At the other end Nicky Cadden sent in a tremendous cross which just evaded Martin Boyle and Gayle.
But Rangers continued to press forward and Nedim Bajrami beat the offside trap but Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith did well to save.
Then in the 19th minute Rangers doubled their lead when Igamane headed home a cross from the left.
Nectar Triantis almost pulled one back with a header from a Boyle corner but his effort was deflected over the bar.
Hibs pulled one back in the 31st minute when a Gayle free kick found Lewis Miller. His header was knocked on by Josh Campbell to Bushiri who knocked the ball down to Boyle and the ‘star man’ slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
After a VAR check for offside the goal was given sparking celebrations from three quarters of the stadium.
Vaclav Cerny had a half chance but fired well over the top from 18 yards.
Just before the break Nicky Cadden was harshly shown a yellow card for a sliding challenge on Nico Raskin.
Rangers started the second-half on the front foot and in an early attack Igamane almost scored his hat-trick after more mistakes in the Hibs defence but Smith did well to save his shot.
In the 53rd minute Nathan Moriah-Welsh replaced Kwon in Hibs midfield.
Moments later Hibs were awarded a penalty when Hagi brought down Campbell and Boyle fired the spot-kick straight down the middle to secure a well-deserved equaliser.
Gayle almost gave Hibs the lead with a header from a Chris Cadden cross but Liam Kelly in Rangers goal pulled off a good save.
Kelly then did well to save a powerful strike from Miller then moments later Miller struck the post with a fine header.
But in the 73rd minute Rangers regained the lead and once again it was an error by Moriah-Welsh which surrendered possession.
The Hibs defence were unable to clear and Igamane fired in his third of the day after Vaclav Cerny picked him out with a superb low cross.
Then with eight minutes later Bushiri headed home from another wonderful Nicky Cadden corner from the right.
Two minutes later Robin Propper was shown a yellow card for bringing down Boyle in the edge of the area.
Kelly then did well to hold Nicky Cadden’s effort at goal.
With one minute remaining another Bushiri mistake allowed Igamane a clear run at goal and he should have scored but his effort struck the post.
Four additional minutes were played and in the last minute Boyle won possession in midfield, raced forward and sent a powerful effort inches wide.
Hibs: Smith, Miller, Bushiri, Iredale, C Cadden, Kwon, Triantis, Campbell, N Cadden, Boyle, Gayle.
Biscuit Factory proceeding with new range of events in the new year
The first planning permission to be passed under the Edinburgh City Council’s newly adopted City Plan 2030 in November 2024 was a Section 50 approval for the Biscuit Factory. This permission will allow the venue to proceed with the organisation of a range of new events in the New Year.
The Biscuit Factory is situated at the former Crawford’s Biscuits on Anderson Place in Leith, and it has announced new and exciting events for 2025.
Fiona Hamilton, Managing Director of the Biscuit Factory, said: “We are so happy to finally be able to move forward with my original plans for the Biscuit Factory. Through our events and bar management the Biscuit Factory has been able to supplement the rents of over 20 local businesses housed inside our walls allowing them to thrive, collaborate and support the Leith community and each other. With the Council’s ruling we are now able to comfortably execute our plans for building accessibility and environmental improvements as well as continuing to offer up a fantastic events space as well as a nice co-working space to enjoy a drink.”
The Biscuit Factory have already started to branch out from purely event hire business by opening the Factory Floor/Café which has been operating since the end of the summer serving up former Biscuit Factory alum, Santu Coffee, and offering a cosy, industrial co-working space on the factory ground floor Monday through Friday from 7am until 3pm.
On Saturday 18 January starting from 11am The Biscuit Factory will host an Open House/Community Day with new neighbours PLATFORM_. The team at the venue will use the occasion to thank all of its customers and clients for their support over the years and as an opportunity for the community to meet the businesses that are housed inside the Biscuit Factory from Walkie Talky Brewing Co. to Fundamental Hair Salon, and Pivot Pole Studio.
PLATFORM_ the management company which is overseeing the new build flats around the Biscuit Factory will be in attendance to answer any questions about the development.
The following week on Saturday, 25 January at 7pm The Biscuit Factory will partner with Planet G Foods and Benriach Distillery for the first ever Alternative Burns Night. Early bird tickets are on sale now at www.biscuitfactory.co.uk/ for £45.00 per person which includes a fully plant-based haggis burger meal, three whisky drinks, poetry readings and Ceilidh dancing until late.
The Biscuit Factory Beverage Festival (BFBF) will return in April 2025. The BFBF’s first year in April 2024 welcomed more than 1,000 guests to sample beer, boutique spirits, fine wines, and quality beverages.
The team plan on building on past success and feature an even more diverse grouping of drinks vendors, additional food options and a series of specialized seminars throughout three sessions on the evening of Friday the 18th of April as well as an afternoon and evening session on Saturday 19 January.
Tickets are now on sale on the Biscuit Factory website for £20.00 which includes access for one for a 3-hour session, a branded festival cup as well as a free drink provided by the Biscuit Factory.
Holly Dobbin, Murray Clarke, Fiona Hamilton and Michael Johnstone.
Photo Nathan Hinze
Musselburgh Windsor acclaim for volunteer Martin
Martin Stobbart has become the latest Honorary Member of Musselburgh Windsor FC, recognising outstanding contributions on the coaching side but also as a financial administrator.
Volunteer Martin is pictured receiving his certificate and pin badge from Lawrence Brown, son of Joe Brown who founded the football club in June, 1953.
Martin began his journey in youth football much like any other father – an enthusiastic volunteer for his son’s team beginning in 2005 as a new coach for the under-8’s and is credited with running the team impeccably alongside fellow coaches Mike Broadway and Gary Archibald.
He was introduced to the coaching role by Dougie Hall, a club legend and himself an Honorary Member and former vice-chair, coach, kids school co-ordinator as well as creator of the Club motto ‘Many teams, one club’.
It was, however, in the financial world that Martin’s skills really came into their own.
In 2011 he was elected to the office of General Secretary. A year later he moved into the role of General Club Treasurer, a move deemed crucial to the club’s future as Musselburgh Windsor needed someone who could navigate and present to the Office of Scotland’s Charity Regulator (OSCR) the club accounts. Windsor had
grown rapidly and the financial management of funds needed to be
restructured. Martin spent countless hours reconciling team accounts, recalled president Scott Robertson, even taking a week of annual leave from his full-time job to spend time preparing the
OSCR submission for scrutiny.
In recognition of his dedication, the Club honoured Martin with the highest accolade, the John Murray Shield Award, in season 2011/12.
After the successful submission of club accounts, Martin stood down from the post of Treasurer. However, his commitment to the club remained, and he took up the invitation to become the Club’s financial auditor, thus ensuring the high standards he set remained in place.
His final contribution, some 13 years after joining Musselburgh Windsor, was to review the application to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2018. His involvement proved fruitful, as the club’s application was approved, and a new era began.
President Robertson told a full meeting of club members in late December: “We had to radically change our financial structure and systems, prepare and present audited accounts to OSCR and work pretty hard to ensure all the accounts representing every team were closed and moved into one main Club account.
“The task was huge but necessary, and the foundations laid down nearly two decades ago still form the basis for the operation of the club today. Windsor is greatly indebted to Martin for his tireless efforts and is truly worthy of becoming our latest Honorary Member.”’
Martin said: “I was proud to receive my Honorary Membership from Lawrence Brown at the club meeting.
“Since 1953, MWFC has played a huge part in the community, and I am glad to have contributed. Hopefully, MWFC will continue to evolve for many years to come.”
Other Honorary Members include Derek Weir, Dougie Hall, Johnny Brown, Colin Johnston, Lawrence Brown, Tim Olton, Stuart Turnbull and Maurice Wilson (recently deceased).
World team bronze for Edinburgh ultra runner Dougie
Corstorphine Athletics Club have led the praise for their ultra distance runner Dougie Selman who returned from the world 100k championships in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India, with a bronze medal as part of Team GB.
Selman finished 29th in a massive field 13 places behind fellow Scot Chris Richardson from Aberdeen who was also in the GB and N Ireland line-up.
Runners had to endure heat and humidity which meant the race over 20 laps of a 5k course started at 6am local time.
Corstorphine AC said on social media: “Well done to Dougie Selman for completing the World 100km Championships in 29th place in the men’s race.
“You’ve done us proud.”
Scottish Athletics added: “It was a first GB and NI championships for both Chris and Dougie after years of hard work in our sport and we send our warm congratulations to both and their families, coaches and support teams.”
Japanese runners occupied three of the first four places in the men’s race.
Dougie Selman after winning the Celtic Plate event back in March.
Prison deaths hits a milestone
Shocking numbers of prisoners are dying “needlessly” in Scotland’s crisis-hit jails, it has been claimed, after more than 50 died behind bars in 2024.
Data published by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) shows 53 prisoners died up to December 18 — an increase of 13 on last year’s total of 40 jail deaths.
It takes the overall number of deaths in Scotland’s overcrowded prisons to 422 since 2013.
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said the “shocking figures” exposed the SNP’s failure to “get a grip on Scotland’s ever-growing prison crisis”.
He said: “The Scottish Government has known about this catastrophic situation for years and has been told in no uncertain terms how to deal with it.
“Yet still hardly anything has been done and lives continue to be needlessly lost.”
Mr Kerr added: “Hardworking prison officers simply haven’t been supported to tackle rampant violence and drug use in our prisons which puts them and other prisoners at risk.
“SNP ministers are detached from the reality occurring daily in our prisons and must accept their current approach simply isn’t working.”
The news comes as 477 convicts were released early in a desperate bid to ease chronic overcrowding in Scottish jails, where numbers often exceed 8300.
Data shows at least six prisoners took their own lives this year with another seven dying as a result of drug overdose.
There are fears these figures could rise further as the causes of five deaths currently remain “unascertained” and no cause has yet been given for 10 prisoners who died between October and December 18.
Eight deaths involved “untried” prisoners and two were on remand — with three untried and one remand inmate among those who took their own lives.
Privately run Addiewell in West Lothian has recorded the most jail deaths at 11, with eight at Glasgow’s crumbling HMP Barlinnie.
Despite campaigners warning that inmates are most vulnerable immediately after admission analysis shows many are dying within just days and weeks of being incarcerated.
Among them were untried prisoner Edwin Rose, 43, who died the day after being admitted to Loss Moss prison on February 23 and John Gartland, 58, died two days after arriving at Addiewell, while Kevin Malia, 48, an untried inmate at Barlinnie, died on June 6 three days after admission.
Emma Jardine, policy and public affairs adviser with the Howard League penal reform group, warns admission was known to be a time of “increased risk” and said the uncertainty associated with being on remand was an additional stressor.
She added: “The SPS’ new mental health strategy looks very promising on paper but under current prison conditions will be almost impossible to deliver.
“There are very long waiting lists for mental health assessments and interventions. There’s lots of research on the heightened risks for those newly coming into prison — particularly for the first time and for those on remand, who are often faced with the unknown of when they’ll come to trial.”
Data shows 28 of the prisoners who died this year were aged under 50 with the youngest just 17, and 10 were aged over 70.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has claimed lives of Scottish prisoners are being put at risk by decades of inaction by the Scottish Government.
It published a damning report in July highlighting decades of failures to reduce suicides and end the use of segregation for people struggling with mental health.
The report criticised the “glacial pace of change” in tackling overcrowding, suicides and mental health problems in prisons and said recommendations made 30 years ago have still not been implemented despite ministers agreeing to them.
The SPS says there has been an increase in the number of inmates dying of natural causes, as well as a growing proportion of older people requiring social and palliative care.
According to an SPS report, a “death in custody summit” is planned to “map out pathways” for keeping people well in custody, preventing death and, where appropriate, agree a “minimum standard to allow someone to have a dignified and compassionate death”.
A spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of all those in our care is a key priority and we engaged fully with the Independent Review of the Deaths in Prison Custody report, implementing 13 recommendations and four advisory points to date.
“The first stage of the review of ‘Talk to Me’, our suicide prevention strategy, has been initiated and we have also introduced dedicated phone lines into every prison, giving families a direct route to raise concerns about their loved ones, and in turn improve our ability to identify people at risk.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The safe treatment and mental health of all those in custody who are at higher levels of risk and vulnerability than the general population as a whole is a priority for the Scottish Government.
“Scottish Government departments are working with partners to ensure the safety of everyone in custody.”
Jim Clark Rally now increased to over 100 miles
The Jim Clark Rally in May offers competitors and motorsport fans the longest route in over a decade when it is run over 100 miles.
It was run over 88 miles in 2024 and the Jim Clark Reivers Rally will take place on Sunday, May 25 and it will also enjoy increased mileage this year, taking its total to 60 competitive stage miles.
The traditional rally start is in the heart of Duns Square early on Friday evening and Sunday’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally will again start in Duns Square.
Dan Wright, chairman of the organisers, said: “We are proud to release our outline route for the 2025 Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally and we are confident that it offers one of the most challenging and exciting propositions for many years.
“We wanted to ensure the rally remains progressive and challenging for the competitors and the changes to the route this year can be enjoyed by crews and fans alike.
“The reintroduction of Bothwell for the Friday night loop adds an extra dimension to the opening leg and most competitors will not have done the stage in this way before.
“We have also additional miles on several other stages to give over 100 competitive stage miles for the Jim Clark Rally and 60 for the Reivers making it one of the longest events in over a decade.”
Fife Flyers outshot Coventry Blaze 35-23 but still ended up on the losing side as the Midlands combine ran lout 3-1 winners at The Fife Ice Arena.
Earlier, Latvian-born goaltender Janis Voris started for the home side with Mat Robson between the pipes at the other end of the ice and it was Brandon Alderson who opened the scoring for Blaze after 4min 6sec.
The English combine were 2-0 ahead after 12min 17sec when Michael Regush netted unassisted but Flyers hit back when Kieran Craig scored after being set up by Lucas Chiodo and Voris. Time: 27min 11sec.
The scoreline stayed the same until 63 seconds from time when Alessio Luciani scored for Blaze.
On Tayside, Alexis D’Aoust scored the game winner for Manchester Storm after 45 minutes for a 4-3 victory over Dundee Stars after the teams were locked at 3-3 after 34 minutes and in Nottingham, Panthers edged Glasgow Clan 2-1 with Zsombar Garat scoring the winner after 31 minutes.
Cole Ully scored from a penalty shot after 33 minutes but the Scots could not find a second to level.
On Sunday, Cardiff Devils entertain Nottingham (16.00), Coventry host Belfast Giants (17.30) and Fife visit Guildford Flames (18.00).
PICTURE: Fife v Coventry from a previous clash. Picture courtesy of the Elite League
Police appeal for help to trace missing man who was in Edinburgh to visit relatives
Police Scotland Update: We can confirm that Marius Thuemmler, 33, who was reported missing from Leith, Edinburgh has been traced safe and well.
Thank you to everyone who shared our earlier appeal.
Police are appealing for help to trace 33-year-old Marius Thuemmler who is missing from Leith, Edinburgh.
Marius was visiting relatives in Edinburgh and was due to travel from Leith to Wester Hailes today, however, he did not arrive and as a result police were contacted.
Marius is quite distinctive in that he is 6ft 4 in height, has long dark blond hair, a beard and moustache, and numerous tattoos of various designs on his arms. He is believed to be wearing black jeans, a black hooded top with a t-shirt underneath, and white and green trainers.
Inspector Kenny Robertson, Police Scotland, said: “Marius lives in England and was up visiting relatives over Christmas and New Year. Although he is familiar with Edinburgh, as he doesn’t stay here, he doesn’t have places that he tends to visit regularly.
“We have been checking CCTV and liaising with local bus and taxi companies, as well with as colleagues in British Transport Police, but so far there has been no sightings of him.
“We’d ask anyone who may have seen him, or who knows where he may be to get in touch. We’d also say to Marius to give us a call or return to family. We all want to make sure he is safe and well.”
Information can be passed to police via 101. Please quote incident number 1603 of Saturday, 4 January 2025 when calling.
Alistair Moffat on the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Dovecot this month
Members of the public are invited to join Alistair Moffat, MBE, to hear about Writing the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Mr Moffat is the author of more than 30 best-selling books on Scotland and Scottish history. He is co-chair of the Great Tapestry of Scotland and while it was being made and toured around he was asked to write a guide to the narrative created in the stitches.
Andrew Crummy and his stitchers created the Tapestry and Alistair Moffat then worked to write an accompanying description of it.
Moffat was also instrumental in finding a permanent home for the Tapestry in a purpose built gallery, and wrote a longer history which has now been published.
In this talk at Dovecot he will present an enlightening overview of the historical record.
Afterwards there will be a book signing of the new book The Great Tapestry by Alistair Moffat. Tickets include free entry to the exhibition Stitched: Scotland’s Embroidered Art.
Manager of the Month David Gray looks forward to Rangers visit
David Gray is looking forward to the visit of Rangers to Easter Road on Sunday after a wholeheartedly positive end to 2024.
Hibs go into the fixture off the back of a five-match unbeaten run – which included four straight wins to end the year picking up 13 points out of the last 15 available, whilst The Gers come into this one off the back of an impressive 3-0 victory in the Old Firm derby.
Speaking ahead of the game Gray said: “It will be a really tough challenge.
“Naturally, with the number of fixtures over the festive period it is always hard to go back-to-back and this is the second week of doing that.
“It will be a good game to look forward to, I think the last place Rangers would want to come to is the inform team in the league, which is ourselves.
“Yes, they are off the back of a fantastic win in the Old Firm, but we need to take the confidence from how we have been playing of late. It will be tough, but if we can play to the best of our ability we know we are a match for anyone.
“We are in a very different place from when we played them last time, but we can’t take that for granted. We know it will be a tough game, but it is one we are very much looking forward to.”
Hibs run of form saw Gray named the Scottish Premiership Glen’s Vodka Manager of the Month for December.
Speaking to Sky Sports after collecting his award, Gray dedicated the award to his players and staff.
“This award is a reflection on all the staff and all the hard work the players have put in, so a massive thank you goes to them from me, personally.
“We have gone through difficult times this season, but this clearly shows the belief we have in the group – it has been a real collective effort.
“We weren’t shying away from it, we had a poor start to the season – but we always believed that we would turn it around.
“The character has been questioned this season, but we have shown our character in spades.
“We have got big results and if you look at the run we have been on, you need to give credit to the players for their performances and believing in what we have been doing.”
Critchley boosts defence after recruiting McCart
Central defender, Jamie McCart, is a Hearts player after signing from Rotherham on an undisclosed fee.
McCart came through the youth system at Celtic before loan spells at inverness Caledonian thistle, St Mirren and Alloa Athletic ahead of a permanent move to Inverness.
He then switched to McDiarmid Park and was part of the St Johnstone squad which beat Livingston and Hibs in the League Cup and Scottish Cup Finals respectively.
McCart signed for Rotherham in 2022 and spent part of the 22/23 campaign on loan at Leyton Orient, helping them to the League Two title.
The 27-year-old then went on loan to Barnsley and this season he has been a regular for Rotherham who are in Football League One.
Neil Critchley, Hearts’ head coach, said: “We feel we are recruiting Jamie at a good stage of his career. He has shown a real appetite to join us and we are confident his presence and leadership will help to improve us.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Aidan Denholm has returned to Tynecastle from his loan spell at Ross County after making 17 appearances.
The young player received an injury as County beat Dundee in December and will enter rehab at Gorgie.
Moving on is midfielder Callum Sandilands who has joined Montrose on loan until the end of the season but one player leaving is Columbian player Andres Salazar who returned to his parent club, Atletico National, before Sunday’s win over Motherwell after only playing one game for the Gorgie club.
The 21-year-old has failed to make an impact and Critchley said: “We can’t guarantee him the game time he wanted.”
Another player who could be leaving is Aussie defender Kye Rowles who has been linked with a move to America in a deal worth £600k and skipper, Lawrence Shankland, is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks because of a calf strain.
PICTURE: Lawrence Shankland in action but now sidelined for several weeks after a calf strain. Picture Thomas Brown
Edinburgh flights to and from Tenerife diverted due to problem at Reina Sofía airport
A flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife was diverted to Gran Canaria on Thursday after a broken-down executive jet at Reina Sofía airport led to 20 commercial flights, mainly from the UK being diverted.
The plane landed at Tenerife South at 5.45pm but suffered a technical fault on the runway which left it temporarily immobilised.
A subsequent Edinburgh-bound easyJet flight was diverted to Madrid overnight causing passengers a 24-hour delay.
This was due to out of hours issues affecting the crew.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: “Following the temporary runway closure of Tenerife airport, easyJet, like all airlines, experienced some disruption to its operations to and from Tenerife.
“We are making every effort to get customers to their destination and any customers whose flights are disrupted due to the impact of the runway closure are being notified and provided with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where needed.”
One passenger on the incoming flight told the Edinburgh Reporter: “As we were approaching Tenerife, I noticed that the plane appeared to be in a holding path then the captain announced that we would be diverting to Gran Canaria.
“We were held there for a couple of hours which allowed the plane to refuel before we took off again back to Tenerife.
“The easyjet staff kept us informed of developments and everyone remained calm. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a phone signal to alert my friend who was due to pick us up. And I couldn’t even check the Hibs score.
“It was touch and go whether we would have to stay on Gran Canaria and even get the ferry in the morning but thankfully it worked out OK.
“We were 90-minutes late in taking off from Edinburgh but had we been on time we would have landed shortly before the private plane that caused the problem.
“When we did arrive, due to the number of other flights also coming in we were held at passport control for over an hour then had to wait in a massive taxi queue for over an hour but thankfully the staff at the rank were excellent and there was plenty available.
“We finally got to our apartment five hours later than we should have but at least we were all safe.”
Hibs youngster Malik Zaid joins Edinburgh City on loan
Hibs youngster Malik Zaid has joined Edinburgh City on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Following the conclusion of his loan spell at Annan Athletic – where the 20-year-old spent the first half of the season – Zaid will now join up with Edinburgh City until 31 May, 2025.
Upon his departure, Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay commented: “This is an opportunity for Malik to kickstart his career by going to a club in a competitive division.
“We wish him the best of luck with the next step in his career.”
Woman 87 who was injured in Corstorphine crash has now died
Police are continuing to appeal for information following a now fatal crash in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 5.45pm on Monday, 30 December, and involved the driver of a black Ford Fiesta being driven on St John’s Road between the Drumbrae roundabout and Corstorphine Bank Drive and an 87-year-old female pedestrian.
Emergency services attended and the pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where she died on Friday, 3 January. No one else was injured.
The road was closed for crash investigation work and re-opened around 1am on Tuesday, 31 December.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died and they have asked for privacy at what is a very difficult time for them.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and we are keen to speak to anyone who can assist who has not already spoken to officers.
“We are asking road users who were in the area at the time to check their dash-cam to see if they have captured anything that could help with our investigation.
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2432 of Monday, 30 December, 2024.
Must See Theatre Awards – Outstanding Contribution
Outstanding Contribution Award for services to Edinburgh Theatre goes to Pam Aldred of Edinburgh Playhouse, where she has worked for nearly three decades.
Edinburgh tennis ace Jacob Fearnley has gained direct entry to the opening Grand Slam event of the season – the Australian Open – in Melbourne from 12 to 26 January.
Initially, Jacob was one place outside the required ranking to gain direct entry at No 99 due to players such as Nick Kyrgios and Kei Nishikori using rankings protected after injury troubles to play.
But the withdrawal of Austrian star Sebastian Ofner opened the door for No 1 alternate (reserve) Fearnley to feature from the outset and guarantee himself a share of record prize money this year of $Aus 86,500,000. A major ranking point boost will also be on offer from the 128 player draw completed by wild cards and qualifiers.
It had already been decided that Jacob, who climbed the most number of ranking places on the ATP tour this year – 547 – on the way to winning four times on the second tier Challenger Tour would play preliminary tournaments down under.
Jacob will join fellow Britons Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie in the men’s main draw.
Concerns raised over national insurance bill
Scottish public sector and voluntary organisations raise concerns about the increase to employer National Insurance contributions on their finances.
A letter to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, calls for funding to fully cover the additional costs some organisations will face.
Organisations delivering public services in Scotland estimate that to cover the increase in employer National Insurance contributions could amount to £700 million.
The joint letter from First Minister John Swinney and COSLA President Shona Morrison has been supported by 48 organisations including the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and British Dental Association.
The First Minister said: “I would like to thank all the public and voluntary sector organisations who have come together to call in a unified voice for this decision to be reconsidered.
“We are disappointed that the UK Government did not engage with the Scottish Government on the change to employers National Insurance Contributions and we are concerned about the additional pressure it places on all employers. The Scottish Budget is expected to pass within weeks, and alongside local authorities, we need clarity.
“We will continue to press the UK Government to raise our deep concern about the implications of the increase to employer National Insurance contributions for organisations across Scotland, and the risk to the vital services they provide if these additional costs are not fully funded.
The letter has been supported by:
Roz Foyer, General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Martin Green, Chair, Community Pharmacy Scotland
Eilidh Thomson, Chair, Optometry Scotland
David McColl, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee, British Dental Association
Jacki Smart, Chair, Scottish Hospices Leadership Group
Gavin Sinclair, Director of Funding and Partnerships, Venture Trust
Wilma Thomson, Manager, Rape Crisis Grampian
Sharon Aitchison, Chief Executive, Monklands Women’s Aid
Marsha Scott, Chief Executive, Scottish Women’s Aid
Lauren McGregor, Children and Young Person’s Team Leader and Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate, Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA Ltd)
Susie Stein, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre
Jan Swan, Chief Executive, Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Colin Lee, Chief Executive, Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) Scotland
Frank Mitchell, Chair, Skills Development Scotland
Damien Yeates, Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland
At the Playhouse – Bat Out of Hell
Inside the rehearsal room with the cast and band of Bat Out Of Hell ahead of the show’s opening at Edinburgh Playhouse on 6 January, taking a look at what’s in store for Edinburgh audiences.
A major theme of histories and sociological studies of Edinburgh have been the city’s hidden aspects.
These include the powerful institutions which quietly wield power and influence. Also, the ‘the custom’ of its inhabitants of ‘lying low in catacombs’ – to quote the architectural historian Charles McKean.
Covert coffee spots
We shouldn’t be surprised that these ‘customs’ pervade many aspects of the city, even its specialty coffee scene. Some of the best places are found in slightly covert places. These include Williams and Johnson, tucked behind Custom House in Leith, and Gamma Transport Division, hidden away in the placid backstreets of Comely Bank.
The Bastard Barista on Queen Street is another. I was recently given a tip about this place. My ‘informant’ telling me not to be put off by the name or its slightly concealed location. You enter by heading down into the basement and then through a rather heavy front door. So heavy that you’re not initially sure whether the place is open. However, as I stepped in, I felt immediately embraced by a warmly lit café, buzzing with chilled conversation and the hissing of the coffee machine. I had the sense of entering a secret meeting place. Thankfully, no suspicious eyes were cast on me, and there was no painful initiation ceremony to go through!
Instead, there was an appealing aroma of freshly ground beans – and an array of good coffees available on their ‘What’s in the grinder?’ board. They offer house espresso, a guest, a decaf, a V60 and AeroPress coffee. – and apparently ‘Edinburgh’s best matcha’. Plus, a nice selection of baked goods, which they are happy to warm up for you.
Beans by Kickback Coffee Roasters features prominently – an independent roaster based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. The V60 coffee is made using coffee by renowned Edinburgh roasters Cult. For those not familiar with the AeroPress, this simple pair of plastic tubes is perhaps the best way to make good coffee, inexpensively, at home. In contrast to the traditional Moka pot. it gives them a much cleaner flavour.
Focus and precision
As always, having good beans is no guarantee of good coffee. On my first visit I saw the baristas showing the type of focus and precision needed to get the best from specialty beans. This care was also evident in the heating and stretching of the milk, which was done at low volume. Not the harsh screeching you sometimes hear. Their efforts were manifest in the excellent cup I had, which had stark but satisfying flavours.
Behind the counter, the baristas worked with busy efficiency and good teamwork. This is something I saw a lot of on a recent trip to London. There, the best coffee spots have a constant stream of customers, so require well oiled teams of baristas. Though less common, it can happen in Edinburgh. Somewhere such as the Bastard Barista will get waves, especially mid-mornings; they seem adept at dealing with them. This helps to add to the unrushed feel of the place.
The interactions I saw with customers were warm and good humoured. One set of tourists paid for their drinks and cakes using a few handfuls of coins that they had presumably picked up during their stay. Rather than finding this annoying, the barista assisted with the counting, helping them to weed out some stray coins from other currencies!
Far from soulless
The humour is also found in the loos, where the left hand cubicle is the Men’s, while the other is the for females as ‘Women are always right!’. The character of the place is also evident in the unusual but impressive styling of the place. On my second visit I found myself sitting beneath a stuffed squirrel, caught mid bite through an electric lead! I also discovered a charming ‘secret’ nook, opposite the front door. A small group were warming their cockles there on a bitterly cold morning. The Bastard Barista is very far from a soulless place.
The Bastard Barista has clearly already built up a substantial number of regulars, with several of them featuring on the wall in annotated Polaroid snaps. Friendly gestures were given to those regulars who stepped in and unfinished conversations from previous days resumed with gusto.
In this review, I’ve had to overcome the dilemma inherent in giving publicity to a ‘hidden gem’. The Bastard Barista is further evidence that in Edinburgh you can be just a few metres from tourist hotspots, and still find relative tranquillity. At the Bastard Barista, those few steps down into the basement take you into a different realm. Or, as they accurately put it themselves, ‘a little gem nestled comfortably beneath Queen Street’.
Car owners using “old school” security devices have helped drive down the number of vehicles stolen in Scotland by almost a fifth
Police Scotland says members of the public are using traditional wheel locks and steering locks, as well as faraday bags and ring camera surveillance systems in a bid to thwart organised criminal gangs from successfully taking and driving off with their vehicles.
Data shows there has been a “significant decrease” in motor vehicle crime compared to the pre-Covid period with 1232 fewer crimes — a reduction of 17.9%.
The number of vehicles stolen between April and September fell by 539 compared to the previous year, down 8.7%, while the only crime to increase slightly was attempted thefts of vehicles, which were up by 62 or 24.7%.
Assistant chief constable Tim Mairs said: “One possible explanation for this is… members of the public are becoming more aware of deterrence tactics and are utilising tools such as faraday bags, surveillance systems such as ring cameras and wheel locks that may be preventing offenders from successfully taking and driving off with the vehicle.”
According to the ACC, “proactive policing, community engagement and vital partnership working” were also key to reductions in the number of cars being stolen.
AC Mairs said: “To increase our understanding of vehicle crime in Scotland… a national overview into the theft of motor vehicles was undertaken.
“This identified success in terms of the volume of this crime type — a decrease of 4.9% — highlighting that proactive policing, community engagement and vital partnership working was key to the reductions.
“The identified areas for future focus relate to organised criminals utilising the ‘keyless theft’ modus operandi, exploiting emerging technology to steal high-value vehicles from driveways via a ‘relay’ device.
“Working with partners, including vehicle manufacturers will therefore be given due emphasis in the forthcoming period.”
Research has found that car crime worry is so prevalent that more than a third of owners are using additional security measures popular in the 80s and 90s, including steering locks and bollards.
Motoring organisations say the return of these old-fashioned security products has been driven by increased concerns regarding keyless vehicle thefts, with over three quarters of luxury cars featuring keyless entry and start systems.
According to the RAC, adding a visual deterrent is a good way to avoid car theft and often enough to make a thief look for an easier option.
They say: “Use a sturdy lock for the steering wheel, pedals or gearstick and have your car’s registration number etched onto the windows.
“These might be old-school deterrents but they’re making a comeback in the digital age. Many thieves are opportunistic and they might pass on a car they perceive to be too much hassle.”
The RAC says wheel locks are an effective visible deterrent adding an extra layer of difficulty for potential thieves as they require specialised tools to remove them, making it riskier and more time consuming for thieves.
Steering locks are also a clear signal to thieves on the prowl that the car is protected, and are known to hinder their ability to drive the vehicle away quickly or quietly, while faraday bags shield devices such as keyless car fobs from outside signals to prevent data from being altered, deleted or added.
David Gray named the Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Month for December
Hibs head coach David Gray has been named the Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Month for December after a string of impressive results.
The Easter Road side won four of their five matches across the month including an Edinburgh derby triumph over Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle to rise up the top-flight table.
Hibs also defeated Ross County, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock across the month.
Gray’s team now sit seventh in the league table with a five-game unbeaten streak after Thursday’s 1-1 draw against St Johnstone.
Gray is the first Hibs manager to win the award since Paul Heckingbottom in March 2019.
He told the club website: “Firstly, I would just like to thank the rest of the coaching staff, the backroom staff and of course, the players, as this has been a real collective effort.
“The festive fixture schedule is always a challenging period, so to come through that with four wins on the bounce was massive for us and brilliant for our supporters. Full credit goes to the players, staff and everyone behind the scenes for all their hard work and continued belief in what we are trying to do.
“We are growing in confidence and we need to make sure we take that momentum into 2025 and finish the season as strongly as possible,” he added.
Hibs clearout begins with three players leaving the club
Three players have left Hibs this month, two on permanent transfers and one on loan.
Jake Doyle-Hayes has left the club by mutual consent and departs with the very best wishes of everyone at Hibernian FC.
The defensive midfielder signed for Hibs in Summer 2021 and went on to make 69 appearances across four seasons with the Club.
Most of those appearances came during his first season at Hibs, where he featured 44 times (all comps) and scored a memorable brace against Ross County in February 2022.
Unfortunately, his playing time has been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.
On his departure, Head Coach David Gray said: “It has been a frustrating few years for Jake where he has struggled with injuries and for regular game-time. We agreed that the termination of his contract was best for both parties to allow him to move on and explore the next steps of his playing career.
“I would like to thank Jake for his efforts and what he has given to the Club over the years. This fresh start will be good for him and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Meanwhile Josh O’Connor has joined Crusaders FC on a permanent transfer.
The terms of the transfer will remain undisclosed, however, the deal does include a sell-on clause.
A product of the Hibernian FC Academy, O’Connor joined the Club when he was 10 years old and steadily progressed through the youth grades.
He signed his first professional contract in 2020 and made his First Team debut in March 2022, coming off the bench against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
He played a key role in helping the U18s lift the CAS Elite League Title in 2021/22, before representing the Hibs U19s in the UEFA Youth League the following campaign.
The 20-year-old made three First Team appearances and contributed one assist during his time with the Club.
O’Connor spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Airdrieonians – featuring 33 times, before joining Dundalk FC for the first half of the 2024/25 season.
O’Connor has now agreed terms with the NIFL Premiership side Crusaders FC.
Upon Josh’s departure, Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay commented: “We would like to thank Josh for all his hard work and efforts during his time with the Club.
“He is a great lad who has represented Hibs with pride all the way through the age groups in the Academy to making his First Team debut.
“Everyone at the Club wishes Josh the best of luck with his next move and all the best for the future.”
Finally Nohan Kenneh will join Ross County on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
He joined Hibs in the summer of 2022 and has gone on to make 19 appearances to date.
He joined Ross County on loan in January 2023 and then spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Shrewsbury Town, making 33 appearances for the English League One club.
Now, he will link up with Ross County once more, joining the Staggies for the remainder of this season.
The 21-year-old’s Hibs contract expires at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
David Gray said: “This is a good opportunity for Nohan to get back to playing more regular football.
“We have a lot of competition for places in central midfield and unfortunately for Nohan, his game time has been very limited here at Hibs.
“I would like to thank Nohan for his professionalism and attitude during his time with the Club and wish him all the best for the future.”
Hibernian FC Sporting Director, Malky Mackay added: “Nohan is going back to a Club that he knows very well and has fond memories of. Hopefully, this move will benefit him and allow him to continue to improve and develop.
“I would like to thank him for being a top young professional in his time at Hibs and wish him every success in his future career.”
Critchley: ‘United is another game where we want to keep moving forward’
Hearts travel to in-form Dundee United on Sunday (15.00), a team riding high in the William Hill Premiership, but Jambos head coach Neil Critchley believes his men can draw on the positives from their last two games.
Of course, the English-born coach would have preferred to be travelling to Tannadice having pocketed six points instead of four from the 2-2 draw at Ross County and the 1-0 win over Motherwell at Tynecastle.
United have 34 points from 20 games and edged Aberdeen out of third spot with a late winner at Dens Park over Tayside rivals Dundee in midweek.
Jim Goodwin’s men have won their last three and drawn another and they are in buoyant mood after their Derby win following a goal two minutes from time from on-loan striker Sam Dalby which took their goals for tally to 30 for the season. The Tannadice team have conceded 21, the third lowest total in the division, behind pace-setting Celtic and second-placed Rangers.
Hearts have scored 24 goals and let in 31 in their 21 matches and have won two and drawn one of their last five.
One of United’s nine wins so far in this campaign came at Tynecastle on September 1, a 1-0 success thanks to a goal from defender Ross Graham after 76 minutes.
Critchley is fully aware of the threat carried by United despite the fact that he only took over from former head coach, Steven Naismith, on October 15, and he said: “Dundee United will be a tough game. They are a hard team to play and are having an excellent season, but we can draw on the positives on our least two performances. Dundee United is another game in which we want to keep moving in the right direction.”
The former Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers manager, who was also an assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa for a short spell, felt Hearts were excellent for 75 to 80 minutes against Motherwel.
Critchley told Hearts TV: “We dominated the game and played fantastic football, the only thing which was missing was more than the goal we got.
“We created enough chances to put the game to bed and we relied on two fantastic saves from Craigie (Craig Gordon) to win us the game, but we should not have been in that position. That could have been a Ross County situation, and it should not have been.”
The victory was, however, an important win for the Tynecastle team after the loss of two injury time goals in Dingwall, and Critchley said: “We should have six points, not four.
“I told the players at the end (of the game against Motherwell) that they are going to give me a heart attack. I enjoyed watching the play, I thought we were fantastic, we dominated, pushed them back in their own half, and I do not think they had a shot in the first half.
“In the second half, we could have finished the game off and we didn’t. It is on all of us, we have a collective responsibility, not just on the strikers, and the game should be finished. We have to defend the penalty area.
“It is human nature, if you are 1-0 up, they (the opposition) gain confidence from the fact that the game is not over.
“Psychologically, it is a good three points for us (against Motherwell), and we had a clean sheet, but it should have been a clean sheet against Ross County so we have work to do. We need to improve. I know where we have to improve.”
Paiement arrived to boost Flyers
Fife Flyers have confirmed the signing of Charles-Antoine Paiement who arrived in Kirkcaldy from North America on Friday, but it is not known if he will ice for his new club against Coventry Blaze at The Fife Ice Arena on Saturday (19.15) in the Elite League.
The 25-year is a native of Quebec having been born in Saint-Jerome and, as an 18-year-old he played the 2017/18 season with the Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiqueswhere where he finished second in scoring.
He then played the next two seasons in the Quebec Junior Hockey League for his hometown club, St Jérome Panthers, where he recorded 111 points in 96 games.
Paiement joined Concordia University during the pandemic which restricted his playing time with the Stingers, but, over his four years in the USports League, he played 54 games returning 19 goals and 14 assists for 33 points.
He played alongside Phélix Martineau, a current Flyers star, and the newcomer completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree before turning professional in January 2024 with the Trois-Rivières Lions in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
In his rookie season with the Lions, the winger, who can also play centre ice, played 30 games scoring four goals and adding four assists in regular season play.
The 5ft 9in player remained with the Lions to start this season making 23 appearances and recording four assists and his arrived will be a boost to Flyers who prop up the ten-strong Elite League and are in desperate need of points if they want to make the end-of-season, play-offs.
Johnny Curran, Flyers interim head coach (pictured by Al Goold and courtesy of the Elite League) described the new signing as a fast, competetive and skilled player.
Short term lets untenable in West Lothian housing crisis
The boom in short term let of homes has been branded a Wild West and is untenable in West Lothian during a housing crisis, a councillor has claimed.
While local numbers remain small, the trend is upwards. There needs to be open debate in the council on a policy towards short term let said Bathgate’s SNP member Willie Boyle.
It needs to decide the economic worth and social cost of short term lets in a housing market that cannot meet growing demand for homes.
The county has not seen anything like the number of applications dealt with by Edinburgh and East Lothian, where the tourist trade has driven the creation of many businesses built on multiple ownership of short term let properties. e
In East Lothian the growth of the short term let market is seen as a major economic driver for the county.
This calendar year shows West Lothian had had 18 planning applications for short term let use and seven applications for a certificate of lawful use as a short term let.
However, at a recent meeting of West Lothian’s Development Management Committee a planning officer acknowledged: “I think we’ll see more and more of these applications coming forward.”
Councillor Boyle said: “I understand that there can be demand for short term lets for tourism and suchlike, and it is all very positive. It may even be positive short term as a temporary answer to some of our accommodation requirements, but in the long-term planning permission for short term lets rather than residential homes is untenable.
“As a local authority we need to look at the number of applications coming in and ask if we need to take a firm policy decision as to how we embrace, or otherwise short term lets.”
A senior planning officer, Tony Irving told the meeting: “Short term lets over a number of years has been a bit of a Wild West really, with no real control over that. Obviously now there’s planning control and there’s also separate licensing control over short term lets.
“It’s always a matter of fact and degree in every case as to whether there has been a material change of use from a house being used as a permanent home to being used on a short term let basis. In most cases it will require an application so you will start to see these coming through.”
Mr Irving said there is a specific policy in new planning rules, NPF4, which refers to short term lets. It calls on councils to look at the impact of the use of a property as a short term let has on the amenity, ie on neighbours, through noise and disturbance. Secondly the presumption is not to support change of use from permanent home to short term let unless an applicant can demonstrate that there’s economic benefits.
“Any loss of a permanent home would have to have significant economic benefit to get over that. The applications on the delegate listed are beginning to reflect that.”, Mr Irving added.
West Lothian has seen few applications coming through – in December there were only three applications for change of use on the delegated list- the list of planning applications decided by planning officers as per planning laws without being debated by elected members.
Chairing the meeting of the DMC, Councillor Tony Boyle suggested that a policy debate would be something for full council and more members to contribute to rather than only the members of the DMC.
Willie Boyle agreed: “I don’t know if I should be for short term lets or against them, but I think it’s something that it’s something we should be discussing; whether we need a specific policy lead on it one way or another. Is there a debate to be had that short term lets because they don’t help the housing crisis?.
“Given the number of applications that are coming through it is something we will need to look at as a council.”
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
Hibs come from behind to snatch share of points against 10-man St Johnstone in Perth
A late equaliser from derby hero Dwight Gayle secured a share of the points in front of a huge travelling support in Perth yesterday.
Hibs head coach David Gray made one change to the starting XI that beat Kilmarkock on Sunday with the injured Joe Newell replaced by Hyeokkyu Kwon.
Rudi Molotnikov who this week signed a new four-year-deal with was back in the matchday squad.
Kwon almost opened the scoring in the 7th minute following a well worked corner but his effort was defected wide.
Moments later Sidibeh passed up a great chance to take the lead but his effort missed the target.
Hibs then started to dominate and Chris Cadden had an effort cleared off the line following a Hoilett cross.
Martin Boyle then had a shot blocked as Hibs piled on the pressure and Kwon almost set up Hoilett from a low cross.
In the 39th minute the hosts were reduced to ten men when Jason Holt was shown a red card following a challenge on Chris Cadden following a VAR check.
Just before the break Bozo Mikulic blocked a Josh Campbell’s effort following a great pass from Hoilett.
Yet despite the numerical advantage Saints took the lead from the penalty spot after Rocky Bushiri brought down Jack Sanders in the area and Nicky Clark converted from 12-yards.
Hibs fought to get back into the game and Campbell’s volley was blocked point-blank by Drey Wright.
Martin Boyle thought he had equalised on the hour mark after slotting home a Nicky Cadden cross but Hoilett was offside in the build up.
Gray then made a triple change with Jordan Obita, Dylan Levitt and Gayle replacing Lewis Miller, Kwon and Jack Iredale.
With 11 minutes remaining Chris Cadden’s cross was partially cleared. Nectar Triantis nodded it back into the danger area for Gayle to fire past Rae from close range.
Hibs fought for a winner Nicky Cadden shot just over whilst Campbell headed against the crossbar.
Triantis shot over from the edge of the box and Gayle headed wide from a Nicky Cadden corner kick and Saints just hung on to claim a draw.
The Edinburgh-based all trades insurance reinstatement specialist, Insurepair, is to launch an ambitious business strategy which will see the company invest £100,000 in new technology in the next 12 months.
In what bosses describe as “radical plans”, the firm is to completely overhaul its internal processes with the adoption of US firm CoreLogic’s Symbility® platform, an industry-leading property insurance claim workflow communications management tool.
Insurepair also has plans to use drones as part of its upgraded roof survey service, while there will also be the addition of 3D walk-through software with thermal imaging to provide the most detailed scoping projects.
“We have what might be described as radical plans, albeit we tend to view the growth and integration of new services as being a natural step forward,” said managing director Richard O’Donnell (pictured).
“The business has been operating across the major cities and towns of Scotland, with a dual purpose; a customer-centric, ultimately policyholder-led service for insurance reinstatement works of all types and with unlimited value. That service is now going to be substantially enhanced.
“This investment is a significant one for the company. Our offering will be far superior to many others out there. The Symbility platform is used by all of the major insurers and loss adjusters and it will be a gamechanger for us.
“That combined with our adoption of some of the latest innovations will see us become a leading technological insurance reinstatement company providing a more complete picture to the insurer.
“We will also help improve the customers’ journey, too, by cutting down anxiety levels with real time updates on their claim. We are operating a service to the public and the insurer market, with complete transparency being a must.”
Insurepair expanded into a new Edinburgh headquarters in August, serving central Scotland, Glasgow and the Borders from its modern Morningside base.
The technology investment is the latest phase of growth for the business, which also specialises in domestic renovations.
“AI will be playing a huge part in the claims sector going forward and we will be keeping abreast of all the latest developments,” said Mr O’Donnell.
“We have obtained the necessary licences for introducing drone surveys and we’re also looking at 3D ‘walk-through’ software to ensure we are providing both relevant and market-leading outcomes for our clients.
“We see 2025 as both a growth and a diversification opportunity for our business, and discussions are underway to install the right people and the appropriate technology to not only meet but exceed the demands.”
Porty’s water polo class shines through
The Portobello club emerged as top dogs both collectively and individually when another instalment of the BMC Cup commemorating the late water polo coach and administrator, Brian Campbell, took place in Dunfermline.
Portobello under-14 winners
Porty under-18 boys successfully defended the main event in the most nerve wracking manner when they defeated Rotherham on penalties after the teams had finished 9-9, Ben Williamson grabbing a “hat-trick”. Earlier they had overcome Stirling and Celtic Dragons in knock-out ties.
Meanwhile, in the under 14 development tournament, Porty again came out on top followed by Warrender (5th) and Edinburgh-based Stingrays (7th).
Joe Mathieson of Portobello was top goal-scorer in the under-18 event with 22 while his colleague, Struan Bailey, was named leading goalkeeper.
Joe Mathieson top goal scorer receives the cup from Ally Campbell, tournament organiser, and son of Brian Campbell, who was being commemorated Struan Bailey best goalkeeper
Greens want to ban unpaid trial shifts
Unpaid trial shifts are a shocking exploitation of workers, says Scottish Green Co-leader Lorna Slater MSP, who has called for the unfair practice to be banned.
Unions and campaigners have called the unpaid trial shifts a “dark stain on the hospitality sector” and called on the UK Government to act.
Whilst in Government, the Scottish Greens delivered fair work measures to make all companies receiving public sector grants pay at least the real living wage and a commitment from the Scottish Government that they would work towards banning unpaid trial shifts.
Party Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP said: “Scottish workers have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis and 14 years of Tory misrule at Westminster.
“Those working in bars and restaurants are on the front line of customer service every single day, but a lot of them have to endure very poor pay and conditions.
“Many people moving to hospitality and retail jobs are subjected to unpaid trial shifts, which have become commonplace across the industry. These shifts continue to generate profit for these businesses and are a clear-as-day example of workers’ exploitation. It is shocking.
“A lot of service workers in our shops, bars and restaurants are not in a union and face daily exploitation from their employers, this has to change.
“Labour promised change. They must act now and ban these unpaid trial shifts or give the Scottish Parliament the power to do so.
“The Scottish Greens have used the limited powers of devolution to push for a ban on unpaid trial shifts for companies that receive public sector grants, but more must be done to end this practice for good. If Labour is the party of workers they will use their powers to do so.”
