Hibs Head Coach David Gray can feel the momentum building at the club as his players battled back to earn a point in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Rangers on Sunday afternoon. 

Hamza Igamane put Rangers two goals ahead inside 20 minutes. Martin Boyle replied with two goals of his own either side of half-time to draw level before Igamane netted his hat-trick to put Rangers back ahead. 

But Hibs refused gave up and Rocky Bushiri headed in an equaliser late on to claim a much-deserved point. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Gray shared his thoughts on a ‘chaotic’ 90 minutes. 

“I think that is a good choice of word – chaotic. From a neutral point of view, I am sure it was a really good game to watch. 

“I thought we struggled in the first 20 minutes of the game, Rangers started miles better and we were a bit ‘gung-ho’ with our pressing and got that wrong. 

“But the second half was much more like us. The character, desire and effort was clear for all to see. By the end of the game, we got at least what we deserved. 

“We had to rely on our goalkeeper in the first 20 minutes to make some saves and keep us in the game. The game could’ve got away from us, but we made a change after 25 minutes to tweak our shape to make sure we stayed in the game and got through to half-time. 

“We knew the next goal in the game was hugely important. At half-time, we reminded them how quickly this game could change. 

“We got it back to 2-2 which was incredible considering the way we started the game. At that point, we created more good chances, Dwight Gayle had a header and Lewis Miller hit the post. But we were pegged back again, but we showed great desire, work-rate, and togetherness to get back level. I thought we got what we deserved from our second-half performance.” 

The result extends Hibs unbeaten run to six games – and Gray is confident his team are heading in the right direction as they enter the second half of the season. 

“You can feel the momentum building at this Club. You can feel that in the stands, the fans were right with us all game and everyone can feel that. 

“The fans can clearly see the effort that is going into our performances and the fight on the pitch. The spirit is there, it has been questioned a lot this season – but if you look from where we have been, to where we are now; we have given Rangers a two-goal head-start but we came back and got a point today which was the least we deserved. Massive credit goes to everyone involved.” 

Teenager Rosa Ross was invited to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award This is Youth celebration at Buckingham Palace, in recognition for her resilience during cancer treatment.

She was named Boundary Breaker of the Year for doing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award at the same time.

The 14-year-old Trinity Academy pupil was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin lymphoma a year ago, just four months after beginning her bronze Duke of Edinburgh. She used the award as a focus during weeks of treatment involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, steroids and operations. She used her Volunteer section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to help organise ward activities to bring other young cancer patients together. She also offered support to those worried about hair loss.

Rosa was determined to continue singing as part of her DofE Skills section. She said: “My lungs had partially collapsed with treatment, so part of my physio was blowing bubbles to try and encourage my lungs to work. We used to sing a lot of Taylor Swift – it was the highlight of my week and really good for increasing my lung capacity. I had to have nasal oxygen and I was sleeping sitting upright as the tumour was pressing on my lungs, so it was definitely a challenge. 

“I had the mindset of, if I have to go through this horrible experience, there must be something good to come out of it. I could see how much going through cancer treatment absolutely sucks and if I could do anything to make it a tiny bit easier for the other young people, just a tiny smile or a laugh, I wanted to. It meant I could enjoy aspects of my time, while also helping others. 

“I’d support the staff by going and having a chat with any young people who were worried about losing their hair. I could give a first-hand perspective and say ‘yes it’s terrible, but when it comes back it looks like this’. I’d let them try on things like a fun pink wig and a headband that looks like hair, or my wig. I think it makes it less scary. I was losing my hair at the same time, so it felt like we were in it together. One of the kids left me a note saying thank you and signed it ‘from your new friend’ which meant a lot.

“I don’t want people to think they can’t do something just because they can’t do it like everyone else is – they might be able to work around it. By doing my DofE, I felt like I’d accomplished something, and I could come out of my time in hospital with something to show for it. I went through this horrible experience, but look what I could get out of it. I knew I wanted to carry on to the Silver Award, and I hope to go all the way to Gold one day.” 

Rosa was selected by category judges Jodie Ounsley – aka ‘Fury’ from Gladiators – and DofE Youth Ambassadors Abi and Freya, was celebrated alongside six other This is Youth winners at a star-studded event hosted by The Duke at Buckingham Palace*. They shared their stories – and afternoon tea – with His Royal Highness and this year’s This is Youth judges. 

This is Youth Boundary Breaker of the Year judge, Jodie Ounsley, said: “Rosa’s determination and resilience are among the reasons she stood out to me as this year’s Boundary Breaker of the Year winner. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is tough no matter your age and I am in complete awe of her positivity and selflessness during this time of her life.  

“Rosa’s positivity knows no bounds and to hear how that positivity, coupled with her DofE, has brought young people together, reducing isolation and providing reassurance, makes her a shining example of what This is Youth Boundary Breaker of the Year stands for. Congratulations Rosa – you are so deserving of this recognition.”  

Tills & Company, the second-hand bookshop and café in Portobello is on the market for sale.

The business on Portobello High Street was refurbished in 2023, changing the former Salvation Army premises into a shop and café for book and coffee lovers. The shop’s quiet atmosphere, along with its selection of books and specialty coffee, has made it a go to destination.

The owners have decided to sell as the result of a change in their personal circumstance, marketing the Portobello shop as a going concern, so that they can concentrate on their original bookshop in Newington.

Kate McNamara, who co-founded Tills & Company with a friend in 2023 said: “Renovating and establishing Tills & Company has been a great pleasure.

“The community in Portobello is just so lovely, and I wish we could carry on our work there. We are now looking for a new owner who can take over the running of the business, and who is able to give Tills & Company the time and focus that the space deserves. We began this business with the desire to foster literary community spaces on our high streets. The response from Portobello has only made us more sure of this – Tills & Company has become such a hub for the locals. We hope that we can find someone who appreciates these values, and that the project continues to thrive.”

There are no plans to close the business, and the Tills team is hoping to find the right new owner who can continue running it.

The business is for sale as a going concern, and so comes fully equipped and running, with a turnover of more than £230,000 per year.

The Scottish Greens have renewed their call for an Unexplained Wealth Order to be issued relating to Donald Trump’s investments in Scotland on the fourth anniversary of the riots at the US Capitol.

The party says it does not want Scotland to welcome President Trump if he visits this year, as he has promised to do. The co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie, said that Donald Trump tried to block the democratic process in the US four years ago.

Mr Harvie said: “Four years ago Donald Trump was inciting rioters to storm the Capitol and block the democratic process. In the time since, he has doubled down on right wing conspiracy theories and refused to show even the slightest shred of contrition or regret.

“The thought of four more years of a racist, climate-wrecking and misogynistic Donald Trump in the White House is one that should concern us all. He is a friend of despots, demagogues and dictators and a threat to migrant communities, LGBTQ+ people and reproductive rights.

“We cannot stand aside or condone the divisive and hateful politics that he represents.

“With the prospect of Donald Trump coming to Scotland for the opening of his golf course, it is crucial that our government takes a stand for human rights, equality and the other values that Trump has done so much to oppose.

“I urge the First Minister and his colleagues to turn down any meeting requests while he is here. Political relationships with other countries are important, but those relationships should be focused on those who share civilised values and respect for basic democratic norms.”

Mr Harvie added: “Trump’s investments here in Scotland have already been cited as part of a recent criminal case in New York, which is why we have consistently called for the Scottish Government to issue an Unexplained Wealth Order to investigate his dealings.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says Scotland can end the culture of wasting public money and using quangos to cover up governmental failure.

Speaking before making a New Year speech, Mr Sarwar said that Scotland must take a new direction, and claimed that the SNP had “abandoned responsibility and wrecked public services”.

He said that at the next election “we face a choice: more decline managed by the SNP, or a new direction for Scotland”.

The speech, which will be delivered on Monday at Glasgow University where Mr Sarwar studied to be a dentist, will promise an end to a culture of “jobs for the boys” where politicians evade responsibility, and tough decisions are dodged.

Highlighting the need for public sector reform to deliver value for money and better public services Mr Sarwar will highlight the explosion of quangos under the SNP.

Scotland has 131 quangos which results in a bill of more than £6.6 billion annually – and is two more than the number of MSPs in The Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Labour leader said the party would commit to slashing their number and cost in government, putting control of public cash and delivery of key services back in politicians’ hands.

Mr Sarwar said: “Scotland needs a new direction.

“Every public service is straining under almost two decades of governmental neglect, and Scots are paying more for less.

“In short, our country is stuck and it doesn’t need to be like this.

“The SNP came to power in 2007 promising to improve lives, but instead, we’ve seen services crumble, institutions weaken, and communities left behind.

“We must squeeze value out of every penny of taxpayers’ money to deliver public services that work.

“More importantly politicians must stop making excuses and passing the buck – they must take responsibility.

“At the heart of both issues is a growing bureaucratic monster – a sprawling network of unelected public bodies that drain public money and deliver little in return.

“These so-called quangos were created to manage everything from healthcare to education, but far too often they’ve done more to complicate and obstruct than to improve services.

“Scotland spends a jaw-dropping £6.6 billion on these bodies each year. That’s money that could be better spent on improving services for the people of Scotland.

“It has created a culture that means when something goes wrong, the SNP government tries to dodge responsibility by blaming someone you’ve never heard of.

“It creates a culture where the government serves itself, not the people.

“We need a government that’s focused on delivering for the people, not a self-serving political class focused on creating jobs for the boys.

“That’s why a Scottish Labour Government will end Scotland’s quango culture and better spend your money.

“As First Minister, I would commit to cutting the red tape, reducing the number of health boards, and streamlining public bodies and pushing power and resources out to your community.

“The buck would stop with me.

“It’s time to take Scotland in a new direction. A direction where government serves the people, not the other way around.”

The draft 2025-26 Scottish Budget includes provision for funding to replace the Eye Pavilion, deliver school buildings and restore facilities at the Royal Botanic Garden.

Ahead of a speech in Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney urged the Scottish Parliament to back the “ambitious Budget” which “delivers funding for communities the length and breadth of Scotland”.

If passed, the Budget will provide a record funding settlement for Scottish local authorities, including more than £1 billion for The City of Edinburgh Council.

It also includes £7.8 million for school buildings in the capital and up to £1.9 million to support means-tested places at St Mary’s Music School. In addition, the Budget provides an initial £5 million to begin work replacing the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion and £15.4 million for the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh Maintenance and Biomes Programme.

The First Minister said: “This ambitious Budget delivers funding for communities the length and breadth of Scotland – from building new schools and hospitals and improving recycling facilities, to investing in cultural organisations and supporting local authorities.

“This includes investment to help ensure Edinburgh retains its place as a global centre for culture and research.

“For all this, we need the Scottish Government’s draft Budget to be passed, enabling us to renew our public services and make the most of our country’s many opportunities.

“That is why I am urging Parliament to work together to pass the Budget.”

Currie Community High School, Liberton High School and Wester Hailes High School refurbishments or rebuilding will be assisted by some of the funding.

The allocation for St Mary’s Music School will support the school’s Aided Places Scheme.

The Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh Maintenance and Biomes Programme will protect the gardens’ 13,500 plant species, including many that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats. 

“Never let the old man in.”

These words will continue to inspire Edinburgh’s Alan Bremner as he reflects on a third place in his age-group (65-69 years) at the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii.

Initially Alan was disappointed with his performance, revealing: “I’d gone out 19 days early to prepare properly for the heat and humidity and really wanted to win as it would have been the ideal way for me to finish triathlon.

“However, the more I thought about my fellow competitor’s words to me and the need to keep inspiring other older athletes the more I want to keep going.

“In addition to that I have had to understand that 2024 was a pretty good year for me in my sport.”

Indeed. For Alan, president of the David Lloyd Newhaven Harbour triathlon club, was sole qualifier for the Hawaii event from a race in Lanzarote and from there warmed up by winning the gruelling Alp d’Huez Triathlon.

There are other reasons to keep going although on return he has had to undergo delayed double hernia surgery.

Among those encountered in Hawaii were Billy Monger (former winner of the Helen Rollason Award for facing down adversity at the BBC Sports Personality Awards), who, as a top motor sport prospect, lost both legs in an accident.

Monger smashed the course record in Kona, Hawaii, for a double amputee by two hours.

Additionally there was a competitor with stage four cancer, Alan recalled.

One real highlight for Alan was a local old lady presenting him with a home made Saltire when she heard he was Scottish and no Scottish flag might be available (it was).

Less well received were a host of jellyfish stings and who knows how things might have turned out in the swim part of an event which also includes running and cycling with a bike Alan had specially flown out.

“We heard later there were sharks in the water while we were racing but at the time I was not aware,” said Alan with an element of relief, no doubt?

The first competition of the year at Craigmillar Park Golf Club has been won by Martin Davies who captured the prestigious Hunter Cup at stake in the annual three-club event.

Despite failing to score at the first of the nine holes Martin went on to notch a highly commendable 23 stableford points. As well as a trophy, presented by ex-captain George Hunter, right, Martin picked up a £30 sweep prize.

He was closely followed by Ian Macdonald on 22 points who won £20 in the sweep. 

Several players carded 21 points but Stuart Duncan won on a count-back and won £10 in the sweep. 

James Penrice, a shining light for Hearts so far this season, fired home in the second-half to earn a thoroughly-deserved but narrow win over high-flying Dundee United at Tannadice in the William Hill Premiership.

The stunning strike followed a ball from young defender Adam Forrester and the former Livingston and Partick Thistle volleyed home.

Hearts dominated the game. In fact, the visitors hit the bar twice in front of 10,000 fans, 1,800 of them from the Capital, and the Men in Maroon were the better team throughout as United, who started the day in third spot in the 12-strong table, struggled.

The visitors, wearing their navy blue, third strip, started well and young Forrester crossed into the box. Musa Drammeh saw his shot held low down, then Liam Boyce, who has linked up well recently with teenage striker, James Wilson, ratted the cross bar with United goalkeeper Jack Walton beaten.

Kevin Holt shot wide for Dundee from a Will Perry long throw, a rare chance for the home side, before Hearts’ defender, Craig Halkett, headed towards goal when in a good position at the back post but his effort failed to break the deadlock.

Jim Goodwin, United’s manager, rang the changes before the break in a bid to spark his men, but it was Blair Spittal who was next to threaten, crashing the ball off the crossbar from 30 yards with Walton beaten from a free-kick.

United, however, continued to disappoint until the late stages when they upped the pressure on the Jambos in a bid to salvage something from the game and they forced Craig Gordon into a late save.

United won 1-0 at Tynecastle earlier in the season so Hearts gained revenge and how the travelling fans celebrated.

Hearts now look forward to a trip to flagging Aberdeen who have failed to win in their last ten games. The 2-0 defeat at Motherwell came with defender Slobodan Rubezic sent off after 43 minutes after an incident also involving Tony Watt near the half-way line.

The three points were welcome for the Jambos but they remain in second bottom spot with 23 points from 22 games. However, they now enjoy an eight-point cushion over bottom club St Johnstone who lost 3-1 in Perth to Dundee.

Kilmarnock are tenth with 24 points after they lost 1-0 at home to resurgent Ross County who now have 25 points, the same as eighth-placed Dundee.

PICTURE: Thomas Brown captures action from Tynecastle earlier this season

Police Scotland Update: “We can confirm that Safdar Hanif, 14, who was reported missing in Edinburgh, has been traced safe and well.

“Thank you to everyone who shared our earlier appeal.

Police are appealing for assistance to trace Safdar Hanif, 14, who is missing from the Swanston area of Edinburgh.

Safdar was last seen in Tryst Park around 8.20pm last night, Saturday, 4 January 2025. His family contacted police when he didn’t return home.

He is Asian, 5ft8, has short black hair, and is wearing a navy blue Nike jacket, and green and grey Nike tracksuit.

Sergeant Louise Gordon, Wester Hailes Police Station, Edinburgh, said:“We would ask anyone who has seen Safdar or knows where he is to contact police.

“Our concern is that despite both police and his family trying to contact him, no one has managed to get a hold of him yet.

“We have been checking CCTV and are liaising with local taxi, bus and train companies in an effort to trace Safdar.

“He may be with friends but the fact that he has not been in touch or heard from is of concern. Although he looks older, he is only 14-years-old and we and his family want him home safe.”

If you have any information as to Safdar’s whereabouts, please call police via 101 and quote incident number 2957 of Saturday, 4 January 2025.

Members and visitors to Whitehouse and Grange Bowling Club will benefit in the new season from ramped access for wheelchair users.

The improvement comes thanks to a Community Grant from City of Edinburgh Council.

At the same time life has been made easier for volunteers like secretary Stephen Fox, pictured, and charged with putting out bins for collection on Hope Terrace!

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.”

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. 

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 8^th 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 19^th 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 31^st 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 53^rd 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 73^rd 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. 

Substitutes: Bursik, O’Hora, Levitt, Amos, McKirdy, Obita, Moriah-Welsh, Hoilett, Molotnikov. 

Rangers: Kelly, Yilmaz, Sterling, Propper, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami, Hagi, Cerny, Igamane. 

Substitutes: Munn, Cortes, Barron, Dessers, Matondo, Nsiala, Dowell, King, Danilo. 

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.

www.biscuitfactory.co.uk

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).

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.

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.”

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.”

Elite League: Fife Flyers 1, Coventry Blaze 3; Sheffield Steelers 4, Guildford Flames 1; Nottingham Panthers 2, Glasgow Clan 1; Dundee Stars 3, Manchester Storm 4

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 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.

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.

Tickets here.

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.” 

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

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 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.”

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.

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.

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
• Aaliya Seyal, Chief Executive Officer, Legal Services Agency Ltd
• Donna Hutchison, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Cyrenians
• Angela Barron, Chief Executive, Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
• Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Women’s Aid
• Alana Harper, Chief Executive, Tayside Deaf Hub
• Pam Hunter, Chief Executive, SAY Women
• Karen Moore, Interim Change Manager, Motherwell District Women’s Aid
• Shirley Middleditch, Manager, South Ayrshire Women’s Aid
• Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, Rape Crisis Scotland
• Maria Jose Pavez Larrea, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC)
• Paul Wilson, Chief Officer, Volunteer Edinburgh
• Nicola Livingston, Chair, Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
• Dr Richard Groden, Chair, Jewish Care Scotland
• Dr Donny Lyons, Co-Chair, Cosgrove Care
• Sabir Zazai OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Refugee Council
• Jane Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Homes for Scotland
• Catherine Dyer CBE, Chair, Community Justice Scotland
• Stuart Stevens, Chief Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association
• Jaci Douglas, Chief Executive, Care and Learning Alliance
• Ben McLeish, Director, 2020 Together
• Louise Licznerski, Founding Director, Scottish Outdoor Learning Association
• Irene Audain, Chief Executive, Scottish Out of School Care Network
• Jonathan Broadbery, Director of Policy and Communications, National Day Nurseries Association
• Sharon Fairley, Chief Executive, Scottish Private Nursery Association
• Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive, Early Years Scotland
• Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive, The Promise Scotland
• Francis Scott, Director of Services, St Phillips School
• Stuart Provan, Chief Executive Officer, Seamab Care and Education
• Mary Geaney, Chief Executive Officer, Rossie Young Peoples Trust
• Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council
• Pauline Radcliffe, Chief Executive, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
• Graeme Jackson, Interim Chief Executive, Colleges Scotland
• Frank Mitchell, Chair, Skills Development Scotland 
• Damien Yeates, Chief Executive, Skills Development Scotland 

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.