Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive of NHS Lothian.  

Mr Campbell will join NHS Lothian on 15 June 2020 for a handover period before taking up the reins on 25 June.

NHS Lothian Chief Executive, Tim Davison, has a period of planned leave before retiring in early August. 

Esther Roberton, NHS Lothian Interim Chair said: “NHS Lothian Board members and I would like to thank Tim for his talented leadership and outstanding commitment throughout an exceptional 37 year career in the NHS in Scotland. We wish him a very enjoyable retirement. 

“Calum Campbell comes to us as a dedicated and already highly experienced Chief Executive and we look forward to welcoming him to his new role here at NHS Lothian.”

At 6.30pm on Friday, 22 May 2020, Underbelly will share an exclusive video of one of the UK’s most-beloved children’s authors, Julia Donaldson, reading her 2019 bestseller, The Smeds and The Smoos, alongside her husband Malcolm.

This special bedtime story will be published on Underbelly’s Facebook page for 24 hours only.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe regular, Donaldson presented her The Gruffalo, The Witch and The Warthog at Udderbelly in 2018.

It was one of the Festival’s main family highlights. Unable to share her latest work with theatre audiences this August, Julia and her husband Malcolm recorded an 8-minute long video in which, as Grandma Smoo and Grandpa Smed, they read the captivating story of the Smoos and the Smeds, set in outer space.

Featuring illustrations from the book and finishing with a song for all family to sing along to, the video is a perfect bedtime story for the little ones! 

This exclusive video is a reading of the book which is published in paperback on 4 June.

www.juliadonaldson.co.uk

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, a minister from Tayside, was officially installed as the new Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

He will represent the Kirk at home and abroad for the next 12 months, and described the role as an “enormous honour”.

A special ceremony was held at the General Assembly Hall in Edinburgh this morning and streamed live online to enable people across Scotland and beyond to share in the occasion. You can watch the whole service here on the Church of Scotland Facebook page.

Today the annual gathering should have opened in Edinburgh, but it was cancelled for the first time in 330 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Fair, 56, will continue to serve as the minister of St Andrew’s Parish Church in Arbroath and undertake Moderatorial duties when required until further notice.

He said: “I’m not sure I’ve ever felt a greater weight of responsibility but neither have I ever felt more supported, practically and by the prayers of God’s people.”

Dr Fair succeeded Very Rev Colin Sinclair and was inaugurated before a small group of people including his wife, Elaine.

The minister, who grew up in Thornliebank on the southside of Glasgow, said he recognised that many people were suffering due to the pandemic and every life lost speaks of struggle and tragedy.

“Let me assure the nation that the Church of Scotland, with our partner churches, will continue to pray for and support those who are most acutely affected,” he added.

“And the same commitment I make to those who, 75 years after VE Day, find themselves on this new frontline – we value you deeply.”

The service was opened by Mr Sinclair and included  hymns, prayers, readings, a Benediction and followed strict social distancing guidelines to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19.

It was broadcast live on the Church of Scotland website and Facebook page and included a video message from the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP and former Moderator, Very Rev Jimmy Simpson.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to sincerely thank Very Rev Colin Sinclair for his work over the past year and particularly the last few difficult months caused by the restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“His continued efforts to support the community, even as we stay apart, are hugely appreciated.  

“I also want to send my very best wishes to the Right Rev Dr Martin Fair on his appointment as Moderator. 

“At this challenging time, the Church continues to provide support and guidance to people across our country – through virtual services, pastoral duties, and charitable work in our communities. 

“I’m hugely grateful to everyone involved and I look forward to working with the new Moderator, in tackling the challenges, and also seizing the opportunities, that lie ahead.”  

Those present in the Assembly Hall included Mr Sinclair’s wife Ruth, audio visual technicians  and Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk to the General Assembly who ensured correct process was followed and gave a Bible reading.

Dr Fair received a letter expressing best wishes from the Duke of Cambridge, known as the Earl of Strathearn in Scotland, who was meant to be Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly, his grandmother’s representative.

The Moderator’s chaplains, Rev Gregor McIntyre and Rev Catherine Beattie and Mr Sinclair’s chaplains, Rev Andrew Anderson and Rev Tim Sinclair, recited prayers via video conferencing.

Dr Fair, who has served St Andrew’s Parish Church since 1992 and will wear the Moderator’s ring and chain of office during official duties, said the pandemic had forced the Kirk to re-evaluate because church buildings were closed and ministers across the country were spreading the Gospel message online.

“We find ourselves in uncharted territory, having to re-imagine church,” he added.

“We may not have a blueprint but this calling has always been about a willingness to venture beyond the familiar and comfortable.

“Jesus didn’t give much away when he called those four fishermen.

“He called them and sent them with no terms and conditions, no detailed plan, radical or otherwise.

“Though every circumstance change, God’s love remains.

“And from love flows peace. 

“‘The storms of life may come and go but the peace of God you will know.’”

Dr Fair said circumstances change but he was called to serve the “same as always God”.

The video introducing the service, which will be available to watch on the Church’s YouTube channel, was narrated by Susan Pym, Vice-Convener of the Assembly Business Committee, and the British Sign Language interpreter was Rev Rosie Addis.

Dr Fair is the first Moderator from Arbroath and is serving during the 700th anniversary year of the Declaration of Arbroath.

A special celebration of the life of the Church of Scotland in all its richness and fullness is being streamed online tomorrow, Sunday.

The digital version of Heart and Soul, which will run for just over two hours from 2pm via the Church website and Facebook page, features an eclectic mix of worship, music, stories and good conversation with a host of guests.

Saturday 16^th May is a date memorable for Hearts fans. It was the day in 1998 that Hearts ended 36 years without a major trophy by winning the Scottish Cup. The Edinburgh Reporter’s Mike Smith recalls the events of 22 years ago in an excerpt from his book The Team For Me – 50 Years of Following Hearts.

As a
hypnotherapist, I usually ask my clients to describe the happiest moment in
their life. Occasionally, the reply comes ‘May 1998’. From that I can deduce my
client is a Hearts supporter. For that was the date when Hearts finally put
decades of disappointment and near misses behind them and won the Scottish Cup.

Since attending my
first Hearts game at Brockville in 1968 I had always wondered what it would be
like to see my team winning a trophy. A major trophy, that is. Hearts had
flirted with minor successes such as the Tennent’s Sixes tournament in 1985
(played at Ingleston in Edinburgh with the highlights shown on the BBC) and the
odd East of Scotland Shield (usually beating Hibernian in the final) And the
Gorgie boys had lifted the First Division title in 1980 <check> but when
Scottish football re-organised in the mid-1970s, the First Division was, in
reality, the second division. The country’s top clubs were now in the Premier
Division. Winning these trophies, whilst important, wasn’t quite the same as
winning the major prizes – champions of Scotland, the Scottish and League Cups.

From the depths of
despair in the late 1970s and early 1980s – when Hearts nearly went out of
business – the club embarked on a resurgence which nearly saw them win both the
Premier Division title and the Scottish Cup in the space of seven days in the
spring of 1986. Nearly but, heartbreakingly, not quite.

Akin to the popular
television quiz show of the time called Bullseye, Hearts then became the
perennial victims of ‘here’s what you could have won’. Scottish cup semi-final
heartbreak in 1987, losing to St. Mirren; a year later when Hearts turned a 1-0
semi-final lead over Celtic with two minutes to go into a 2-1 defeat; and other
Scottish Cup semi-final defeats in the early 1990s, most notably to
Airdrieonians, managed by former Hearts boss Alex Macdonald who clearly had a
point to prove against the club who sacked him days into season 1990/91.

I had resigned
myself to never seeing Hearts win anything of note. Until season 1997/98 when
the best Hearts team of my generation was assembled by manager Jim Jefferies.

The former
Hearts defender, who had played at Tynecastle during those dark days of the
1970s, had to be prised from the managerial job at Falkirk where he had done a
sterling job on a limited budget. Jefferies initially turned down the offer to
manage Hearts but Tynecastle chairman Chris Robinson refused to take no for an
answer and persuaded ‘Jeff’ to take charge in Gorgie in the summer of 1995.

It was an
inauspicious start as Hearts slumped to the bottom of the Premier Division and
another relegation battle looked on the cards. But Jefferies rebuilt the team
and not only avoided relegation but took Hearts to the Scottish Cup final –
where they lost 5-1 to Rangers in 1996. But Hearts were at last on an upward
turn and by season 1997/98 had assembled a very good team that entertained,
played free-flowing football, scored goals for fun and gave Celtic and Rangers
a run for their money in the league.

Players
such as Colin Cameron, Stevie Fulton, Stefano Salvatori, Neil McCann, Gilles
Rousset and Stephane Adam revitalised Hearts and it was no surprise when they
reached another Scottish Cup final in 1998.

Rangers-Hearts
Scottish Cup finals have a history of having remarkable beginnings. The 1976
final between the pair began at two minutes to three, Rangers scored
within 80 seconds, and so Hearts were a goal behind before the official
kick-off time! Astonishingly, the 1996 final kicked off at a minute to three
and Hearts lost their captain Gary Locke within seven minutes. The fans
wondered what the 1998 final would have in store – they got their answer after
just 33 seconds. Stevie Fulton’s lung-bursting run into the Rangers
penalty box saw him fouled. Colin Cameron took the resultant penalty kick – and
Hearts were in front.  I had never seen
Hearts take the lead in a cup final before. I turned to my mate and asked how
long there was to go…

There was no further scoring until early the second half. Then, Hearts
keeper Gilles Rousset launched a long ball down field, and it seemed
that Rangers Amoruso would clear the danger. But the Italian dithered as he
went to strike the ball and Frenchman Stephane Adam nipped in behind him.
Taking the ball into the penalty box, Adam fired in a powerful shot which Rangers
goalkeeper Goram could only parry into the net. 2-0 to Hearts and Adam ran with
outstretched arms to an ecstatic Jambos support to milk the celebrations.

The noise from the
Hearts end was deafening. The supporters, so often kicked in the teeth by
countless near misses from their side, could scarcely believe it. Rangers
pulled a goal back towards the end through Ally McCoist. And 20,000 maroon fingernails
at Celtic Park were chewed to the quick.

The last few minutes were tense, nervous and fraught for supporters of both sides. The period of injury time seemed to last forever. Fully four minutes stoppage time had been played when, at last, referee Young blew for the end of the match. The Hearts support roared themselves hoarse and danced for joy. Jim Jefferies almost crushed his assistant Billy Brown with a hug of delight. Hearts had won the cup for the first time since 1956 and four decades of heartbreak had come to an end.

The scenes which followed were remarkable. Grown men wept and the tide of emotion that washed over those in maroon seemed almost to overpower them.

When Steve Fulton went to
collect the trophy, he invited club captain Gary Locke to go up with
him. The injured Locke – a dyed in the wool Hearts fan if ever there was one –
didn’t need to be asked twice and the two players held the cup aloft to a huge
ovation from the Hearts support.

Edinburgh partied
all weekend as the players paraded the cup through the streets of the famous
old city and on to Tynecastle Stadium for a truly emotional homecoming. An
estimated one hundred thousand people welcomed them home and Edinburgh let down
its collective hair. Manager Jim Jefferies had said before the game that the
players could become legends if they won the cup and there’s little doubt that
the Hearts support treated their heroes in a way befitting such a status.

It was an emotional
end to an emotional season.

It’s true to say Hearts
had become something of a laughing stock in Scottish football because of their
lack of success and their almost constant failure to produce the goods when it
really mattered. Season 1997-98 changed all that. Throughout the season Hearts
had consistently produced a sparkling brand of fluent, attacking football which
delighted the purists.

And, after 36 years
of hurt, they had finally brought silverware back to Tynecastle.  

The Team For Me – 50 Years of Following Hearts is still available to buy here

Police are appealing for information after an attempted
theft of a dog which took place around 10pm last night on Longcroft Gardens,
Linlithgow.

A 62-year-old man was walking his golden retriever dog from
the direction of Falkirk Road when he became aware of three men walking behind
him.

As they passed the dog walker two of the men continued walking but one stopped and attempted to grab the dog’s lead.

The walker managed to get away with his dog and left in the
direction of Falkirk Road.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are keen to speak to
anyone who may have information.

In particular they are keen to speak to anyone who may be
able to identify a man described as being white, in his mid-20s, around 5ft
10in tall and slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey long
sleeved top, blue jeans and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Lynn Myles of West Lothian CID said:
“Fortunately the man was not injured but he was left shaken by this
unsettling incident.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen or heard a
disturbance in the Longcroft Gardens areas on Friday around this time to let us
know.

“I would be particularly keen to speak to anyone who
may have private CCTV to review their footage and pass on anything of note to
us.

“Anyone with information can contact police on 101,
quoting incident 4243 of 15 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111.”

An event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Arctic convoys
due to be held at Loch Ewe this weekend has had to be postponed because of the
Covid-19 pandemic.

There were 78 convoys, starting in August 1941, after
Germany invaded the Soviet Union and more than 3,000 Allied seamen lost their
lives to the freezing conditions and attacks by U-boats or aircraft.

The ships assembled in the easily defended Loch Ewe in Wester Ross and travelled by sea via Iceland to the Russian ports of Archangel and Murmansk.

They transported four million tons of supplies and munitions
in what wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill described as the “worst
journey in the world”.

Eight years ago after a long-running campaign by survivors a
decision was taken to award the Arctic Star medal for operational service of
any length north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32’N) from September 3 1939
to May 8 1945, inclusive.

One recipient was Hibernian legend Eddie Turnbull who was posthumously
awarded the military campaign medal in recognition of his part in the four-year
struggle.

Eddie joined the Royal Navy as a teenager and was assigned to the destroyer HMS Bulldog as a torpedo loader.

The ship, which had previously played a vital role in
capturing U110 and its Enigma Code machine was deployed to the Arctic convoys.

At the time Norway was filled with occupying German Forces
and the convoys were attacked on a regular basis by Luftwaffe dive bombers and
U Boats. The crew also had to deal with mountainous seas and freezing
conditions.

On several occasions HMS Bulldog came under attack and the
sailors were aware that one direct hit would result in certain death. During
that time Eddie lost several close shipmates and many of his former colleagues
who had transferred to other ships were killed in action.

After leaving HMS Bulldog, Eddie was transferred to HMS
Alnwick Castle where he served as an Able Seaman responsible for deploying
depth charges then HMS Plover where he carried out dangerous work clearing
mines until being demobbed in 1946.

He later recalled: “Plenty of records and statistics show
how dangerous the convoys were and we sailors were only too aware of the
casualty rates, but it is virtually impossible to adequately portray the
hardship we went through as we escorted ships carrying vital supplies for the
Russian war effort.

“Every journey was fraught with danger and you lived with
the constant knowledge that underneath you could be men in submarines trying to
kill you and that every sight of an aeroplane might be your last.

“We were really under the cosh round the clock. Every single
person on the ship had to be alert to the dangers that were all around us. Each
individual member of the crew had his part to play when the ship went into
action or came under fire , and you knew that not only might your life depend
on the man next to you, his might equally depend on you.

“One of the many things I took from the Navy into my later
life: the knowledge that you can’t do things for yourself all the time and that
teamwork is essential for success. I also learned that practice makes perfect.

“We could never see the point of endless drills the captain
put us through – until the day we had to do the things for real and everything
went like clockwork. When action stations sounded, you knew exactly what your
specific task was.

“I emerged from active service a stronger, better person as
I knew nothing I would face in later life could ever be worse than the dangers
I had experienced on the Arctic convoys. We lived under the constant pressure
of knowing that we might not survive another hour or day but it all made me
tougher.”

An initial funding package to help the social care sector in Edinburgh deal with the financial implications of coronavirus has been welcomed.

The £4.056 million funding was confirmed by The Scottish Government as part of a £50 million package for the sector across the whole of Scotland.

The funding is to help address immediate challenges faced in the social care sector and support ongoing provision of social care.

Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland have all put in place mobilisation plans to ensure the health and social care system is as well placed as possible to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “The social care sector is at the frontline of the current pandemic and will inevitably face additional costs.

“This funding demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to social care and will ensure that any increasing need for social care as a result of the pandemic is met.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Edinburgh when I share my utmost gratitude towards those working in social care, and all of our frontline key workers, who are doing vital work in the most difficult of circumstances.”

An investigation is underway after a badly injured dog was
found abandoned in a lay-by on the B1377 between East Linton and North Berwick
with a wound on his back which had become infected with maggots.

A member of the public alerted the Scottish SPCA but the dog
had to be put to sleep as a result of its injuries.

Inspector Emma Phillips said “The male dog was found collapsed with a wound to his back end. He had fly strike and a maggot infestation in the open wound.

“We immediately took him for veterinary attention but the
poor boy was suffering so much that the vet made the difficult decision to put
him to sleep.

“He was black and white, overweight, and had a green slip
collar on. We are hoping someone recognises him as we are keen to speak to the
people responsible for the condition he was found in.

“If anyone has any information about who the dog belonged to
or how he was abandoned in this way, please contact our animal helpline on
03000 999 999.”

Roeder & Bell, a brand new online food retailer, has launched this month giving customers in Edinburgh a new way to buy independently sourced artisan food and drink.

Each week, gourmet parcels of fresh provisions are meticulously curated by the team and packed with glorious things to eat, drink and enjoy, delivered directly to your home. 

Selections change twice a week with large, small and vegetarian boxes available alongside a well-stocked pantry section with top quality and hard to find products.

The idea is to offer shoppers a contactless home food and drink delivery service, and the opportunity to experience and support the very best food produce from bespoke and independent suppliers. Food and drink parcels can be delivered daily, to postcodes across Edinburgh. 

It is hoped the online service will also help give food brand suppliers a boost whilst restaurants are shuttered during the current Covid – 19 crisis. 

Roeder & Bell’s focus is entirely on local and independent brands, showcasing some of the most innovative and exciting products on the market. 

The new company offers a wide range of meats, fruit and vegetables, treats, drinks, condiments and pantry products. Suppliers include: George Bower Butchers; I J Mellis, Yester Farm Dairies; The Edinburgh Butter Co; Union of Genius; Aye Pickled; Dr Wills; Yorkshire Dama; East Neuk Kilnhouse; Ocelot Chocolate; Heather Hills Farm; Pekoe Tea; The Source Coffee Co; Jarvis Pickle; Rora Dairy; Au Gourmand; David Lowrie; Charles Stamper, and Company Bakery. 

Roeder & Bell has also partnered with Raeburn Fine Wines, one of Scotland’s most respected wine merchants, specialising in old world wines and offers a selection of, mostly organic, wines and champagne from their world class stock. 

Cameron Bell and Emma Roeder, the husband-and-wife team behind the Edinburgh based online food retailer, bootstrapped the business out of the recent Covid-19 lockdown. 

Originally the couple had ambitions to open a boutique grocery store in the capital in the hope to elevate the traditional grocery store experience. But, with Covid-19 restrictions, the duo thought it best to explore opportunities with their innovative business idea and launched Roeder & Bell services online.

Roeder & Bell Co-Founder, Emma Roeder said: “We decided from the beginning to do things differently. Consumers have increasingly turned their attention to online purchasing in recent weeks and there is a renewed interest in supporting local businesses – especially in the food and drink sectors. 

“The landscape is changing fast and Roeder & Bell aim to provide customers in Edinburgh with a range of fresh meats, dairies, vegetables, fruit, baked goods and artisanal items at their fingertips without the hassle of visiting multiple stores. 

“Our food selections and parcels are a celebration of unique products we know people will absolutely love discovering, with the added benefit of supporting local businesses.  

“Supporting local neighbourhood stores has never been more important and our Roeder & Bell selections come from suppliers we know and trust, who meet the quality and high standard our customers desire.”

Cameron Bell continued the story:”We are all about old fashioned service combined with the modern convenience of online ordering and same-day delivery. We care about where our food selections come from, and at Roeder & Bell, we hope we’ve made it easy for customers to click and buy. From award winning George Bower Butcher Scottish Beef to our Heather Hills Farm Honey and the perfect-pick fresh produce from Charles Stamper, all of our selected food products come from independents we know and trust.”

“We hope that our weekly Roeder & Bell selections change our customers’ usual shopping patterns, force them to try new and exciting products with every order and inspire home chefs to experiment and create their own culinary creations with our fantastic fresh produce.” 

Orders for Roeder & Bell food selections are now available online priced from £40. Their gourmet food parcel selections change twice a week and customers can order seven days a week, with same-day delivery when ordering before 1.00pm. 

Roeder & Bell current delivery area is anywhere across Edinburgh, inside a five mile radius of the city centre.

To order and purchase visit: https://www.roederandbell.com/

More than 70 families in Sighthill this morning received books and education packs thanks to The Royal Bank of Scotland and the Scottish Book Trust.

Sighthill Primary School teachers Laura Paterson and Marie Dunn took delivery of the “Bookbug Bags” at the Calders Community Flat in Sighthill and then dropped them off to families with nursery and primary pupils living in the estate.

The packs have been developed to help keep children reading. It’s also hoped that reading will help with learning while schools and libraries are closed during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Royal Bank of Scotland has created a distribution centre for the Bookbug Bags at its base in Gogarburn, with The Scottish Book Trust making an appeal to the public for donations to support the programme.

Launched on Monday, pupils at Broomhouse Primary have already received donations, with more school pupils across Scotland expected to receive packages over the next few weeks.

Sighthill Primary teacher Laura Paterson said: “During this time when schools, libraries and other activity groups are closed, the Bookbug Bags are a fantastic resource that our families can use with their children to share stories and activities.  The children were so excited to receive their own pack and it was lovely to be able to provide them with these.”

Volunteers from The Calders Residents Association helped the teachers to distribute the books. The CRA volunteers are also preparing and distributing packed lunches to the most vulnerable members of their community. 

Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scotland Board chair, Malcolm Buchanan, said: “Directly or indirectly, everyone is affected by the current situation but during these difficult times we are seeing some of the best examples of people caring for one another.

“The Scottish Book Trust’s appeal will help children everywhere and it is great to see local communities get behind it and do what they can to make a positive difference.”

As well as a space and a partnership with the Scottish Book Trust, Royal Bank of Scotland has turned its Gogarburn Conference Centre into a temporary distribution unit and foodbank centre. 

Organisations including The Trussell Trust, FareShare and Social Bite are using the space and working with Royal Bank volunteers to help support and provide meals and toiletries for vulnerable families and individuals during lockdown. 

Created just seven weeks ago, the unit has allowed Social Bite alone to produce and deliver 150,000 meals to families across Scotland.

Others helping with the drive include Baxter Storey and Edinburgh Private Hire.

To donate to The Scottish Book Trust’s Children’s Book Appeal Click here

The SFA’s Joint Response Group (JRG) is considering the use
of ‘hub’ stadiums which would host multiple matches over a weekend centralise
match day resourcing and manage spectator safetyto enable Scottish football to
resume in front of fans.

Other issues discussed include social distancing in stadia,
closed-door games, online streaming, virtual season tickets, and a change to
the summer transfer window.

President and JRG chair Rod Petrie reiterated that any return would be in adherence in Scottish government guidance.

At present football is suspended until 10 June under current
guidelines and the JRG have said six weeks of training would be needed before
competitive matches could be played.

Mr Petrie said; “I would like to thank the sub groups for
the dutiful way in which they have embraced the challenges and responsibilities
placed before them in finding a viable plan to restart Scottish football.

“At this juncture I would also like to acknowledge the clear
guidance and pragmatic approach from the Scottish Government which anchor our
plans in reality, and are based on sound medical advice and expertise.

“Naturally, we all wish to see football return as quickly as
possible but we must continue to adhere to the guidance of the Chief Medical
Officer whilst using the power of football to convey messages that will keep
people safe and at home.

“The work of the sub-groups shows the breadth and depth of
work being undertaken to ensure a smooth and safe return at the appropriate
time.”

A further update is expected from the JRG at the end of the
month on developing medical protocols for training and games, plus screening,
testing and management of those with Covid-19, a “behind closed doors or a
hybrid model” for the Premiership and another for the lower leagues and looking
at player contract issues in the light of new government guidance.

Today, anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card launch their latest educational film.

The film will air on YouTube at noon today, and was made in collaboration with Scotland’s teaching union, highlighting racism still suffered in Scottish workplaces.

Backed by sports stars and human rights activists such as Kevin Harper (former Albion Rovers manager), Roza Salih (Founder of Glasgow Girls), Tony McCaffery (Founder of Diversity Scotland) and Kieron Achara (former Scotland and Team GB basketball player), the short film provides deeper insight into the less visible forms that racism can manifest itself within Scotland’s workplaces. 

Filmed shortly before Government advice to stay at home, interviewees involved in teaching, health care, civil service, Scottish football and recruitment industries detail their personal stories in a plea to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar circumstances.

Shan Saba, director of Brightwork recruitment says “what’s classed as ‘banter’ at work is sometimes uncomfortable to challenge. People still harbour those same prejudices and racist views. Today, they manifest themselves differently to the past”.

As many of us prepare for a phased return to workplaces, while our key workers continue to put us all ahead of their own wellbeing, the film’s goal is to ensure equality remains at the forefront of our minds and that racism in all its forms will be challenged.

The video, Challenging Racism in the Workplace, launches at midday on Friday 15 May 2020 and you will be able to watch it at the link below from then.

Hearts’ fate could be decided today when the SPFL host a
meeting of the Scottish Premiership clubs.

The 12 teams will convene by video conference and are
expected to agree to crown Celtic champions and relegate Hearts.

When football was suspended Celtic were 13-points clear at the top of the table having played 30-games, one more than second placed Rangers.

At the bottom of the table, Hearts had 23-points from
30-games and were four behind Hamilton and six behind Ross County and St
Mirren.

Any decision taken today would still need SPFL board
approval, and no board meeting is planned until next week.

Uefa asked associations to either end their season or lay
out plans to resume by 25 May. In reality there is no chance of this season
finishing in Scotland considering that a number of clubs will have insufficient
number of players and the cost of testing would be prohibitive.

Ann Budge has previously stated that she will look at al
options available to prevent Hearts being demoted to the Championship.

Walking in Princes Street the other day we noticed that work has begun on this year’s Floral Clock.

The council has confirmed that the clock will indeed be planted although it will not actually tell the time as remedial works due to be carried out are not possible at this time.

In a change to plans for the clock’s 2020 design, it will carry a message of thanks from the city to NHS and key workers and as a tribute to those working hard through the Covid-19 outbreak.

Until April, this year’s design was to be a special commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The redesign comes with RBGE’s full support and the council says it looks forward to working with RBGE in the future.

The parks team responsible for creating the clock have unveiled their design, which will be a colourful tribute to those who have kept the city moving as well as their counterparts across the country.

The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our legendary floral clock will be paying tribute to the ongoing hard work of the NHS and key workers who we’re so proud of.

“People love to see the clock every summer and it’s undoubtedly one of our Capital’s most cherished attractions. My hope is – once it is safe to do so – the clock can be enjoyed by all.

“Huge thanks to our fantastic parks team who have put together the design and are currently hard at work to realise their vision.”

City of Edinburgh Council Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “The team have excelled themselves once again and I very much looking forward to seeing the final clock and hope all NHS employees and key workers in Edinburgh will be able to visit and enjoy the floral tribute.

“We have seen the city working together in many ways and showing great appreciation for NHS and key workers and I would like to thank RBGE for forgoing their celebration this year and look forward to working with them in the future.”

The Floral Clock was first created in 1903 by then Edinburgh Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. It initially operated with just an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904, followed by a cuckoo clock in 1952. Until 1972 the clock was operated mechanically and had to be wound daily.

Since 1946 it has been designed in honour of various organisations and individuals, including the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Queen, for her Golden Jubilee. In the clock’s centenary year in 2003 it won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

It will take the team of three gardeners six weeks to plant the 35,000-plus flowers and plants used to create the clock, which will be in bloom until October. There will be over 20 different plants included in this year’s design including numerous Echeverias, Sedums, Saxifrages and Pyrethrum.

Unfortunately, this year it will not be a fully functioning floral clock at first as important parts, due to the ongoing pandemic, are not available

Floral Clock fact file

• The clock was created in 1903 and is the oldest floral clock in the world
• It is housed in the plinth of the Allan Ramsay Monument at the north-east corner of West Princes Street Gardens
• Planting begins in May each year
• Up to 40,000 plants are used in the design each year (compared to 13,000 in the 1930s; 25,000 in the 1950s)
• 1952 – a cuckoo clock was added and still chimes every 15 minutes
• 1973 – when the clock began being operated electrically 
• In 1946 the clock began celebrating a different event or anniversary each year
• 2003 – the clock won a Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
• Clock circumference: 36 ft
• Clock width: 11 ft 10 ins
• Weight of large hand (when filled with plants): 80lbs 
• Weight of small hand (when filled with plants): 50lbs 
• Floral clocks are now distributed worldwide and many were made in Edinburgh, where the idea originated. 
• Floral clocks can be found in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, United States of America, Canada and many other European countries.

Edinburgh company, GTS Solutions CIC, says it has again been named among the top 100 UK social enterprises in the NatWest SE100 Index.

Now in its 10th year, the NatWest SE100 celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of social ventures in the UK by naming the most impressive 100 social enterprises of the year in the Index from those that apply.

The top 100 list for 2020 was compiled by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital, with the winners announced after a “rigorous process” to assess the best performers of the year from almost 300 applicants.

The honour comes after last year’s nomination, and Operations Director Tracey Smith said: “We are very pleased to be recognised again in the Index as one of the top 100 social enterprises operating in the UK today.

“It’s an honour to receive such an accolade and reflects the hard work a lot of people have been putting in. Our business continues to evolve and our focus remains as strong as ever on
delivering our social aims and objectives.”

Applicants to the NatWest SE100 were asked to complete a comprehensive survey exploring key aspects of their business performance: from turnover, growth, profit and how effectively they manage their impact, to leadership, resilience and storytelling.

Megan Peat, CEO of NatWest Social & Community Capital, said: “Congratulations to all the social enterprises who have made it onto this year’s lists.

“In such incredibly tough times, when we know many of you will be facing some significant challenges, it’s important to recognise the incredible dedication and effort that the UK’s social enterprises have shown in building business solutions to deliver a positive future for some
of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.”

Eddie Finch, partner in the charity and not-for-profit team at Buzzacott accountants, whose team did much of the due diligence for the SE100 judging, said: “While the incredible events of 2020 to date continue to take shape I have been warmed by the response of social businesses – including many of our past SE100 Award winners – stepping in to meet new needs.

“While no doubt some businesses will be broken by the crisis, there are clear signs that the speed of adaptation and resilience of the sector are making massive contributions to lessening its worst effects on individuals and communities – I look forward to recognising those astonishing achievements next year.”

Families with vulnerable children who are shielding at home in Edinburgh have had hundreds of books delivered to their doorsteps thanks to a new charity partnership.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children – has teamed up with Edinburgh City Libraries to help children and their siblings who are shielding for 12 weeks.

Edinburgh City Libraries & Information Services has filled a Book Bus with around 1800 books for children and young people. The bus is stationed at the ECHC office and volunteers collect book packages for delivery. The families who get the book packages are those known to the Sick Kids. ECCHC is trying to bring fun and distraction to the children and help improve their mental wellbeing during lockdown.

Baillie Gifford has sponsored the book delivery service.

Caroline Leishman has been shielding her family of three boys for eight weeks as her youngest son Finlay is having treatment for Leukaemia.

She said: “Coming up with new and exciting ways to keep everyone occupied and distracted while also looking after a clinically vulnerable child becomes a little bit harder as each week goes by.

“It was such a relief when the book parcel from ECHC arrived on our doorstep. The kids were so excited to open it and discover all the new books they had to read which gave us some much needed breathing space!

“Books are such a wonderful resource for children who are shielding. They let their imaginations run wild so they can go on all sorts of fantastic adventures without ever leaving the safety of home.”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “We know from our work in the hospital that taking part in fun and creative activities that feed the imagination is the best way to take away children’s fear and feelings of isolation when they are unwell.

“It must be unimaginably tough for children and their siblings having to shield at home when they already face significant health challenges. We know the power of storytelling and the benefits that brings to children in hospital so we’re positive it will have the same effect in the home.

“We believe that nothing should get in the way of being a child. Even though they can’t physically be out and about in the world right now, children have a huge appetite for adventure and there’s a whole world of creativity and magic in their imaginations.

“Bringing books to their doorsteps through this wonderful partnership with Edinburgh City Libraries is a great way to ensure they still have access to that. We’re also so grateful to Baillie Gifford for their sponsorship and to all our volunteer drivers for making this possible.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’re delighted we can help families known to the Sick Kids and thanks to our library team who have been superb. One of our mobile libraries is filled with about 1,800 children’s books so what better way of putting these books to good use.

“Books are a wonderful resource and will really help families having to self-isolate in their homes for 12 weeks. Reading as a family is a joy and can help to improve wellbeing – a recent study found that six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 60%. This is a great example showing how working together with partners in the city can respond to the needs of our communities.”

Book deliveries are one of a number of things that ECHC is doing to support children and families during the pandemic, all of which are being delivered safely in line with government restrictions during this time. All books that are returned to the Book Bus will be held on board for 72 hours for infection control before being recirculated.

The charity is also distributing Emergency Care Packs of food and essential supplies, toiletries and arts and activity items.

Families known to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children who would like any of the emergency care packs on offer are asked to contact Leigh at ECHC on 0131 668 4949 or leigh.drake@echcharity.org

Donations to ECHC’s Emergency COVID-19 Appeal can be made online here

Although City of Edinburgh Council libraries are currently closed the public can still borrow e-books, e-audio books, e-newspapers and e-magazines online using their library card. If you’re not already a library member, you can join online here

This has been the week when the four nations of the United Kingdom each took their own route out of the coronavirus maze. 

It has caused a little confusion and some political distress.  But it can mostly be explained by the possibility that the “R number”, the reproduction rate, might be different in different parts of these islands.

Scotland was a week or so later into the Covid-19 epidemic than England. We also have an older population and more poor communities.  Taken together, the experts estimate that the R number is between 0.7 and 1, and probably nearer 1, which means the number of people being infected is neither rising nor falling.   So Nicola Sturgeon has told us we must continue to “Stay Home” while the slogan in England has been downgraded to “Stay Alert”. 

While the English are being
urged to return to work and can play golf, visit garden centres and look
forward to schools re-opening in June, we are still confined to barracks. We
are however allowed out of our houses more than just once a day to stretch our
legs and take the air.

Everything depends on the casualty rate. This week, we’ve continued to make positive progress.  There have been 110 fewer deaths than last week but the total in Scotland now stands at over 3,000. Again, most casualties were in nursing homes (57 per cent) and over 90 per cent had at least one underlying health problem. What was new in the statistics this week was the finding that people living in deprived areas were 2.3 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than those in rich areas. Hardly a surprise, but shaming to have it confirmed.

The belated realisation that the real battle against the disease is in our nursing homes has dominated the news headlines this week.  An NHS rescue team has had to be sent in to Home Farm care home in Portree on the Isle of Skye where there have been seven deaths and where 59 residents and staff have tested positive for Covid-19.  And at the Highgate home in Uddingston, where 22 residents have died, questions are being asked by both Labour and Conservative leaders as why it appears that none of the staff were tested for the virus. 

Ms Sturgeon has also faced questions as to why a Covid-19 outbreak at a Nike sportswear conference in Edinburgh back in February was kept quiet.  She said everyone at the conference was traced but, because of patient confidentiality, no public announcement was made.

Overall, it’s been a tough week for the First Minister, having to explain faults in the testing system and defend her stricter lockdown in Scotland. “There isn’t an hour goes by when I don’t question myself,” she told MSPs. “I agonise over the decisions we are taking, to make sure we’re learning as we go and getting these decisions as right as possible.”

Meanwhile, more horror stories are emerging about the state of the economy. Official figures show that national income fell by 6 per cent in March – that includes only one week of lockdown.  The Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland said a third of its members may have to close down for good as a result of Covid-19.  The universities are in financial trouble because of the likely loss of high-paying foreign students. And the plight of the tourism industry was thrown into sharp relief when even The National Trust for Scotland had to announce it may have to shed 400 jobs and sell some of its properties, one of which is Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence.

In the depths of recession it’s hard, but essential, to think how we might climb out of it.  The Chancellor Rashi Sunak has certainly been thinking about it. His extension of the job retention scheme till October, costing a colossal £14bn a month, will no doubt keep some of the economy alive.  But I wonder how much things will change in the future. Will we work more from home, or near home? Will we buy more locally, and be prepared to pay more for it? Will we holiday abroad?  I, for one, hope there will be huge changes to our economy, and our society, for the better.

There are hopeful habits developing.  I’ve never seen the streets and parks so full of people walking and cycling.  We’ve learned the importance of good public services.  Volunteers have turned community centres into food distribution centres for the poor. Fund raising events for the NHS and care services have sprung up like spring flowers. The Edinburgh runner Olivia Strong has now raised £5m from her Run for Heroes campaign.  And 90-year old Margaret Payne is half way through the ascent of her stair mountain in Sutherland and has already raised over £300,000.  

My fear, though, is fear itself.  We’ve all become a little paranoid, frightened and suspicious of each other.  When the end of lockdown comes, we have to be brave and rediscover our humanity.  Soon we will be able to look back at Covid-19 as just another epidemic, like bird flu or foot-and-mouth, or Ebola or Sars.  And next time, be a bit more prepared.  

by Paul Kiddie

Newly established Edinburgh firm Breathe Easy is producing the first face masks for the deaf community in Scotland.

Set up last month by city businessman Gavin McAdam to help in the fight against Covid-19, the company has been inundated with orders for their reusable face coverings since trialling the first prototypes in early April this year.

Breathe Easy is currently manufacturing around 200 masks a day, with over 5000 having already been distributed for free to those in need around the Capital and beyond. Plans are being put in place to increase production in line with demand.

Gavin, who is fully funding the operation from his own pocket, took over rental of a tailoring workshop in Newington to complement his Corstorphine base and now has a staff of seven, including three full-time seamstresses to cope with the soaring demand – all adhering to the social distancing guidelines in the production process.

He has been working closely with Deaf Action Scotland, National Deaf Children’s Society (Scotland), Forth Valley Sensory Centre, NELFT foundation trust in England and has supplied each organisation with the masks that allow lip-readers to have access to protection via a plastic insert which allows sight of the movement of the mouth.

“The initial plan was to manufacture and distribute quality fabric masks to front line workers, those at-risk, vulnerable groups and anyone concerned for friends or family,” said Gavin, who is using material bought from surplus John Lewis stock.

“While not medical grade, the masks are ideal for casual use and provide a barrier which brings a real source of comfort for many people worried about contracting coronavirus while out in public.

“I was keen to produce something to help the deaf community and the designs have been well received. The thicker material works well for these masks as it is more structured and is better for holding the soft, malleable plastic – which is the same as used as covers for boats – in place.

“The outward fabric is 100 per cent 2-ply cotton and at least 600-800 thread. The inside liner is soft linen so it’s very comfortable on the face and we have over-the-ear and behind-the-head ties. The masks are all washable and will be as good in six months’ time as they are on day one. We also have a variety of designs to suit all tastes.”

Hundreds of the face coverings have also been distributed to other charities in Edinburgh including Steps To Hope, Visualise Scotland and Positive Pathways, while a special needs primary school in south London, who are keen to trial the masks with their pupils, has been in touch. Businesses preparing for the relaxing of guidelines in the weeks to come have also lodged orders.

Gavin owns MACI Innovations, an established project management company specialising insupport of client organisations in the aviation sector.  

After posting a turnover of nearly £1 million for the past three years, the business came to a standstill in the wake of the pandemic, prompting Gavin to wonder if he could help alleviate the situation regarding personal protective equipment.

“I feel really quite excited about this project and am getting a lot out of trying to do good for people in these worrying times,” he said. “It is amazing how quickly things have progressed from a wee idea to where we are now.

“I’ve invested a lot of money and time in this but it’s been well worth it due to the positive feedback from so many people. I have run many successful businesses in the past and been involved in the corporate world for some time but this just has a different feel about it completely and is giving me a real buzz.

“We just ask for donations for the masks destined for frontline, care sector workers and vulnerable groups and every penny we get goes to the production of more masks to help others and that is why we’re all enthused by this. Bliss Dancewear in Corstorphine is applying our branded logos and we have a couple of local taxi drivers delivering the masks for free so there is a real feeling of being in this together and doing what we can to help.”

Members of the public and businesses can now purchase standard masks from Breathe Easy on 40 Corstorphine High Street www.breathe-easy.info

The council got to the end of a very long Policy and Sustainability committee earlier today when some of the most important measures fell to be discussed and decided.

These are the plans to change streets and roads in the city to allow space for social distancing and more space for exercise. They will undoubtedly affect everyone in the city whatever form of transport you use to get about. They were approved in outline, without any specific streets being approved today.

Initially, the report asked that the council noted a long list of possibilities where change could be made. It asked that the council delegates authority to the Chief Executive, along with the Council Leader and Deputy Leader, to take action where they saw fit. Local councillors would be consulted for no longer than five working days. Everyone recognises the need for swift action, and that the council is temporarily at least free of the restrictions of the TRO framework which takes so long to implement.

In view of the combined cross-party amendment to the initial report there will be periodic ‘member briefings with details of actions, rationale and impact’. There will be bus gates and new bus lanes, removal of street clutter, hedge cutting and pavement scraping (nobody clarified what that actually means during the meeting).

The council agreed to develop a travel code to enable everyone to travel safely while applying physical distancing.

Some streets which are currently 40 mph streets will be reviewed and may become 30mph. Some which are 30 mph may be subject to a 20mph limit.

Just as soon as workers are allowed to return, the road investment programme will be continued, and some roads will be resurfaced and treated, and some pedestrian crossings will also be created.

Eventually, after a lot of discussion by the various political groups, the coalition administration pulled out an amendment which had been agreed with the Greens and Liberal Democrats and this three page document along with the initial report, is what was approved.

The amendment does not say that it fully replaces the council report – just as well as that contains a lot of minute detail in the appendices. There is a wide range of possible road schemes to be considered, but it is clear that simply by passing the report these are not just simply agreed upon.

There is also the matter of money. And the council will now move forward with an application to The Scottish Government for funding from the £10m ‘Spaces for People’ funding for local authorities.

The council moved swiftly in the last couple of weeks to close Silverknowes Road, Links Gardens, Braid Road and Braidburn Terrace, as well as Cammo Walk. Future schemes will make space for people to exercise, travel safely around the city, reduce the risk to those who use roads for travel or exercise and make space for people in high streets and in the city centre.

So what should you now expect?

More measures like this, removal of guard-rails on some city centre pavements, removal of street clutter and perhaps, when circumstances change, some resurfacing of roads and streets that need it. That will certainly be necessary if cyclists are to be encouraged to use roads not pavements.

Victoria Street and Cockburn Street

There was no mention at the meeting of these specific measures, but The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wrote to committee members yesterday expressing the concerns that businesses have raised about the proposed closure of Cockburn Street and Victoria Street to traffic.

Garry Clark, FSB Development Manager for Edinburgh, said: “Many businesses in Edinburgh right now are putting in place the support they gave received to keep their businesses viable, whilst others are having to do their best to get by since they do not qualify for the support packages that have been made available so far.  All, however, have one eye on the future and are planning ahead for our eventual emergence from lockdown.

“Businesses in Cockburn Street and Victoria Street are no different and many are in sectors like hospitality, retail and tourism, which are likely to be impacted by the lockdown, social distancing and changing consumer behaviour for some time to come.

“In this context, any plans to close these streets to traffic need to be fully thought through with the interests of local businesses in mind. Local businesses have told me that they are concerned that there has been insufficient consultation on the planned measures and that any closures implemented during the lockdown or recovery phase could seriously damage already fragile businesses.

“FSB has written to the Committee outlining these concerns and we hope that Councillors will respond positively by putting local businesses first.”

Sustrans

John Lauder, Deputy CEO Sustrans and National Director, Sustrans Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland said:“It is clear that the way we travel, work, spend  time with each other and enjoy our urban spaces has been changed by the pandemic. It is increasingly clear that there is no ‘old normal’ to go back to. 

“Sustrans therefore welcomes Edinburgh’s leadership in envisioning how Scotland’s capital can have the resilience to deal with the twin challenges of ensuring people have safe space to physical distance and a more sustainable and less polluting way to get around the city. We warmly welcome the measures to create safe spaces for walking and cycling approved today and we look forward to more changes in the future.

“We strongly welcome the emphasis on public safety, the connection between better public spaces and economic recovery, and the recognition that making space for walking, cycling and wheeling is central to getting the city reconnected and back on its feet.  

“Delivering temporary measures based on existing plans to change Edinburgh’s streetscape is a sensible and pragmatic approach. This will enable works to be delivered with the urgency demanded by the circumstances, and will address areas of the city which, even prior to Covid-19, required much more space for pavement users”.

If you are a member of a community council, traders’ association or a member of the public then you can suggest additional schemes to be assessed against the criteria in the form of a webpage and dedicated email, spaceforeveryone@edinburgh.gov.uk

Deputations

There were deputations lodged for this meeting, but none were read out, they were referred to by the council leader at the beginning of the meeting. We have not found these published anywhere on the council website. We understand the deputations were sent to all members of the committee, but perhaps not all councillors.

The Edinburgh TUC sent theirs to us – it is embedded below, and you will see that they reckon there is a democratic deficit at the City Chambers.

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There were others from the Unite the Union Edinburgh Cab Branch among others.They were annoyed that they did not get to speak to the meeting ‘live’. This is what they wanted to say:

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If we get copies of any others then we will publish them here too.

The Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) has to survive on individual annual memberships and fees from clubs as sportscotland have withdrawn funding, president Mike Horn has confirmed.

Kirkcaldy-based Horn (pictured) said the organisation, which is now in lockdown because of COVID-19, must now manage their income carefully.

Another challenge has been the retiral of Kirkcaldy angler Ian Napier as secretary and SFSA president Horn admitted his departure has left a “massive” hole.

Three new members have, however, been elected, Mike Kyle from Dalkeith and Horn’s son, Chris, also from Kirkcaldy, plus Alasdair Campbell from Lanark, bringing, said Horn, enthusiasm and a social media skill set to the board.

He said: “We face challenges both financially and in personnel, however the executive have been working hard in the background to keep the federation in a good position.”

Before the world-wide pandemic struck, the federation had run competitions, attended international events and organised training.

He added: “There is much more we would like and need to do and our objective is to improve, promote and protect our sport. For example, I would like to see the federation become even more active on environmental issues and grass roots development.”

And the president, who is a keen competition angler, reminded fishermen that members enjoy personal indemnity insurance cover in case an accident happens.

Individual memberships are £20 for seniors, £22 for families and £2 for juniors and club membership fees are £50 per club.

Hibs have unveiled their new charcoal and purple away kit for season 2020-21.

It follows on from last month’s reveal of the home kit that  players will wear next term – which quickly
became the fastest-selling strip in the history of the club and was hailed by
Scotland’s Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Joe FitzPatrick.

Both shirts convey thanks to the frontline heroes of the NHS, who are going above and beyond on a daily basis to nurse the nation through an unprecedented period.

Designed in consultation with NHS Scotland and the Scottish
Government – while aimed at appreciating the efforts of the health service
throughout the UK – Hibs will be working in partnership with NHS Lothian and
the Hibernian Community Foundation to deliver a layer of meaningful
communications, engagement and community service.

The first league home game played before a crowd will also
be ‘Thank You NHS Day’ and the club will welcome hundreds of NHS staff along as
our guests.

Hibs are also planning further fundraising and expect to
hand over a six-figure donation by the end of the season, with a minimum of 100
tickets donated to NHS staff and other key workers for all our home matches
through a ticket fund. Donations to that can be made via the club’s website.

As with the home strip, supporters will be asked to pay the
sum of £5 to have the ‘Thank You NHS’ transfer applied, with all profits being
donated to our local charity, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation.

ELHF supports longer lives, better lived. They work in
strategic partnership with NHS Lothian and other partners who share their
vision and values to make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing on a
local, regional and national level.

Last year they contributed over £5 million in charitable
grants to health-improvement projects. As the official charity partner of NHS
Lothian, their current focus is on supporting staff and patient wellbeing
though their Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund.

The charcoal and purple offering is available to pre-order
now, with deliveries due to be fulfilled in July.

A choir of blind and partially sighted people, launched by RNIB Scotland earlier this year, is harmonising over the phone-line.

The choir’s organiser Mike Holroyd, a community co-ordinator with RNIB Scotland, is a guide-dog user, and formerly lead a choir of blind and partially sighted people when he lived in Bristol.

He said: “We started face-to-face in January, but when lockdown started folk were keen to continue and we now get together every week.”

The emphasis currently is on the fun of getting together and 76-year-old Hazel Kelly (pictured) from Corstorphine, Edinburgh, said: “I haven’t sung in a choir since I was a teenager.

“It (the choir) was originally held at the RNIB Scotland offices at Hillside Crescent every second Tuesday with just four of us and a piano.

“The numbers gradually increased. Our organiser Mike makes us work hard and we had started to harmonise a bit, although this is more difficult now we’re all at home.

“We tried to get together with Zoom which was not particularly ideal, and Mike is still working on the best solution for us.”

She added: “I am now chatting and singing with a lady from Glasgow and another from Stirling among others but I don’t think we are quite ready to perform anywhere yet.

“It is good fun and you find yourself singing in the bathroom and while pottering around the house.”

* The RNIB Helpline is available to help blind and partially sighted people and their families and carers on 0303 123 9999.

Edinburgh residents’ group is concerned about the way the Council is working during the Covid-19 crisis.

So far there has been no action to set up accessible virtual meetings of the Council.

Edinburgh East Save our Services want an immediate return to a more transparent decision-making process.

Lorna Frost of Edinburgh East Save our Services said: “Since mid-March CEC has changed its way of operating.

“Other organisations have already formulated guidelines for meetings, and it is timely for our council to rethink the way it proceeds during the Covid-19 crisis. Our community group wanted to take these issues up with the council but our attempt to ‘talk about it’ has been rebuffed.

In addition, our councillors,  who are our elected representatives, have been told any issues they raise with a council officer must be virus-related. But we think the current crises across our city – in care homes, schools, Lothian Buses and those regarding poverty and mental health – are all virus-related.

“It is crucial that the Council re-engages fully with the people of Edinburgh,  their elected representatives,  and voluntary groups immediately. Community councils should also be reactivated in a secure way. We need to work together to tackle the severe issues of poverty and inequality arising from the Covid-crisis.”

Edinburgh East Save our Services tried to ask the council a question for consideration at yesterday’s Policy and Sustainability Committee, the only substantive council committee which continues to meet.

The following is their account of what happened:

The Policy and Sustainability  Committee is due to meet on 14 May.  This is the only part of Edinburgh City Council holding meetings during lockdown.  The meeting is online but only 17 councillors are involved.  EESOS understood that ‘delegations’ to the committee in the form of emails are allowed.

We sent the following question by email:

EESOS submission to EDC PSC 14/5/20
Edinburgh East Save our Services submits the following questions to the meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 14th May 2020 at 10am.

The questions relate to the Council’s Interim Political Management Arrangements for 2020 (item 4 Minute of the LAP 23/4/20)

Why have no measures been taken to set up accessible virtual meetings of the Council and its committees since mid-March?

How long does the Council intend to continue proceeding in this way? ( The Scottish government has already formulated guidelines for meetings.)

Why have restrictions (namely that any issues should be virus-related) been put on our councillors (our elected representatives) raising issues with a council officer?
What exactly are the criteria which define virus-related?
Aren’t the current crises across Edinburgh, in care homes, schools, Lothian Buses, poverty, and mental health virus-related?

In reply we were told that the council refused to accept our submission. Convener Mcvey says it does not meet the requirements of a deputation as it relates to a decision that was taken in April.

This is an astonishing response since the decision was not taken through the council’s normal democratic processes.

We have responded as follows:

Dear Convener McVey

We would appreciate clarification on governance concerns, particularly on the following matter.

We have read the minutes of the April EDC LAP meeting and our understanding of

To note that the Chief Executive would report to the first meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee in May 2020 on potential options for holding meetings of Full Council.

is that accessible/transparent meetings of the Council and its committees may or may not go ahead depending on the report of the Chief Executive tomorrow.

Our opinion is that it is very important the affairs of the city are conducted in an open way, particularly in this time of crisis, and we wanted to aid discussions and provide some input that could lead to more transparent and effective decision-making.
From our reading of the minutes it seems this decision has not already been taken, but that it will be taken tomorrow, and that is why we wanted to influence this decision.

You are responsible for and entrusted with the wellbeing of the people of Edinburgh and we are disappointed with your response and also the lack of any additional explanation. It seems very difficult for residents to interact with their local authority in a meaningful way, if at all.

The council’s Chief Executive presented a report in the form of a set of slides on the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic to the Policy and Sustainability committee today.

It included a lot of detail, but one thing in particular rankled with us.

Importantly for The Edinburgh Reporter, as an independent news outlet, Andrew Kerr, the Chief Executive said during this presentation, that there was a variety of messaging about Covid-19 issued through their Communications team, and in his view they had fulfilled this communications need simply by advertising in the Edinburgh Evening News.

We are advised that the latest print circulation figure for the Edinburgh Evening News is 18,362 each day, although a couple of other senior newspaper contacts tell us that the circulation is closer to being between 10-14,000 per day.

See the second of our tweets below for our immediate reaction. (We nearly choked on the first…)

The Chief Executive says that the council fulfils its remit by just advertising the message in the Evening News.

And there you have it. The Chief Executive of Scotland’s capital city @andychariots says that they have fulfilled their communications remit during Covid-19 simply by placing ads in The Edinburgh Evening News @EmmaMeese #saveindependentnews

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) May 14, 2020

So back to the substance of the meeting…..

The council’s Covid-19 response began on 27 February 2020 when the Corporate Leadership Team first met.

The Chief Executive’s report is fairly detailed and shows how the council is working behind the scenes to protect both their 18,000 employees and Edinburgh’s population of around 500,000, in particular the vulnerable.

The ‘report’ was eventually approved and, following a lengthy discussion around democracy and transparency of procedure, mainly promoted by the Conservative Group, the meeting agreed to add in a ‘dashboard’ in future reports.

The committee will however delegate to the Chief Executive along with the Council Leader and Deputy Leader to explore what measures can be added to that dashboard, based on officer capacity and available data.

Discussion

The Conservatives questioned why the Chief Executive had not produced an official written report, commenting it ought to have been presented in that form in their view. They also asked for the additional figures and numbers to be added in the form of a dashboard for future meetings, largely agreed to in the final vote.

They asked that this item is repeated at each committee meeting as the pandemic unfolds. This would give details of support for businesses and also the presence of Covid-19 in, and safety measures employed in care homes.

The Conservative leader Cllr Iain Whyte said that all of the information should be made public so that the opposition parties can hold the Chief Executive and the Council Leader and Deputy Leader to account. He said: “It’s very important not to delegate this away to two councillors and not a committee of 15.”

Cllr Hutchison backed him up saying that this committee is the correct forum for these things to be discussed in public, and decisions to be made.

Cllr Melanie Main said that a lot of the Chief Executive’s report is historic and that it would be good to have more up to date information included in the way of a dashboard. But she said that the Greens could not support the Conservative request as it was just ‘too prescriptive’, and she thought it should remain flexible in view of the fact that the situation is fast-moving.

The Council Chief Executive said that he would distribute all up to date information to all members, and not just those on the Policy and Sustainability Committee which is, apart from some planning committees, the only substantive committee running the city at this time.

Cllr Rankin suggested that councillors should see the first iteration of any dashboard before discussing amendments to it, and any further inclusions in the report, in any detail.

Cllr Jim Campbell asked if the integration of health and social care had meant that in Scotland we perhaps had a better response. The Chief Executive confirmed that he thought there was a real advantage, and had led to a swifter operational response.

Cllr Nick Cook raised the matter of the Nike conference held in the city in late February. He asked why the Convener of the Governance Risk and Best Value committee wasn’t told about the Covid-19 cases which had resulted there at the same time as other senior councillors. The Chief Executive told him that following the Group Leaders meeting (held behind closed doors) he had nothing to add.

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A father and son from Bathgate have been charged after
Kratom, a new psychoactive substance with a street value of £60,000 was seized
by Border Force.

Kratom is a controlled substance under the New Psychoactive
Substances Act 2016. It is traditionally grown in south-east Asia and used as a
stimulant with opioid-like properties.

Organised Crime Partnership officers arrested the two men, aged 60 and 38, in Bathgate on Tuesday after Kratom was recovered at Edinburgh Airport on 15 April and East Midlands Airport on 6 May.

The seizures were part of a joint National Crime Agency and
Police Scotland investigation.

NCA Scotland operations manager John McGowan said: “We
estimate these seizures would have had a combined value of around £60,000 once
sold on the black market.

“Kratom is a dangerous drug and working with partners
like Police Scotland and Border Force, we are determined to do all we can to
prevent such substances making it on to our streets and damaging the
communities of Scotland.”

Murdo MacMillan, deputy director of Border Force Scotland,
said: “These seizures have taken a large amount of dangerous psychoactive
substances out of the hands of organised criminals and off our streets.”

The men have both been released and will appear in court on
a later date.

Police are appealing for information after a man indecently exposed himself to two young girls in Dalkeith.

The incident happened around 5.40 pm yesterday afternoon when two 11-year-old girls were approached by a man in woodland at the rear of Bruce Gardens and Kippielaw Estate, Dalkeith, Midlothian, who exposed himself.

The suspect is white, around 5ft 10in in height, of slim build, with dark hair which is shaved at the sides and facial hair. He is described as being aged between 25 and 30 and was wearing a red and grey NY Yankees baseball cap, a red hooded top with grey and white vertical stripes to the front, a dark coloured top worn underneath and baggy grey jogging bottoms with Nike trainers.

Inspector Andy Hill of Haddington Police Station said: “Although the girls were not physically harmed this was a serious incident and frightening for them. We are eager to trace the man responsible as soon as possible.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, or who may have any information that could assist with our enquiries, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2972 of 13 May, 2020.

Police are appealing for information after a man suffered
serious injuries following a disturbance which took place around 10.30pm last
night on Hawkhill Avenue.

A 27-year-old man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for
treatment for his injuries.

He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Two men, aged 48 and 41, and a 34-year-old woman have been
arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Clark Martin, of Gayfield CID, said:
“Our enquiries continue to trace a further individual believed to be involved
in the incident and we’d urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the
incident or has any information that could assist our investigation to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting
incident 4131 of 13 May, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The University of Edinburgh has made an award of £5,000 to The Venchie Children & Young People’s Project in Craigmillar.

The organisation is only one of several working to help those most severely affected by Covid-19, which is getting some help from the university’s Community Grants Scheme in Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

Awards of £5000 – from the University’s Community Grants Scheme – have been made to projects that aim to deliver thousands of free meals, provide music therapy workshops for unpaid carers, deliver computers to vulnerable families, and provide isolation and mental health support networks. 

The Venchie Children & Young People’s Project was set up to provide children and young people with a range of play, recreation and issue-based youth work. They now offer an emergency food service to families in Craigmillar, cooking and delivering 600 meals a day, six days a week.

Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) have also received an award. The group offer music therapy workshops for unpaid carers, and provide a safe and supportive social environment in which they can relax.

CoEL focuses on supporting carers so that they can continue to care for others, providing all types of advice for those who deal with the physical and emotional demands of caring for someone on a full time basis.

The Community Grants Scheme is part of the University’s wider strategy to make a positive social impact locally through connecting staff and students with opportunities to volunteer for grass-roots projects and widening access to formal and informal learning opportunities. 

Donors can add to the University’s grant scheme for community groups, enabling the initiative to expand to support even more social enterprises and charities working with those affected by the pandemic.

By pledging support for the Covid-19 Partnerships Fund, donors will be helping to protect front-line workers, enhancing the research response and supporting vulnerable groups in the community.

Susan Heron, Manager of Venchie Children and Young People’s Project, said: “When lockdown was announced we identified a huge need for an emergency food delivery service in localities in Edinburgh. Through help from the University we’ve been able to address the need.”  

The University of Edinburgh’s Principal, Professor Peter Mathieson, said: “In such difficult times, universities have a crucial role to play in offering hope through new research, clarity by sharing of expert information and direct contributions in offering support for the communities to which we belong.

“Our University community has shown resilience, determination and compassion as the pandemic has unfolded. The Covid-19 Partnerships Fund will help us to build even stronger partnerships for impact across local and global communities which have been most affected. This reflects our overall vision to make the world a better place: it is urgent that we find solutions to combat the medical, social and economic consequences of this virus.”

From Thursday you will be able to have a look at the latest exhibition at The Fine Art Society with the help of some 3D technology.

It will be just like walking round the Dundas Street gallery without the bother of going there.

The exhibition features artist Ron Sandford who lives in Shetland.

RON SANDFORD: 114° E / 1° W

Hong Kong to Shetland

14 May – 13 June 2020

Hong Kong and Yell: two halves of The Fine Art Society’s first exhibition of drawings by Ron Sandford (b.1937). Island life from two geographically and culturally distinct and distant places are united in Ron’s appreciation of the commonplace – or common place – both richly detailed microcosms.

Encouraged by Norman Foster to draw the newly built HSBC building in Hong Kong (completed 1985), Ron found himself in a city that presented the change of pace and scene he needed: a break from commissioned work in the UK, cheap living, low taxes and bountiful material. Upon meeting an ex-pupil, Meilo So – who later became his wife – he settled in Lamma, a small island off Hong Kong.

A sort of paradise is how he described it. Living on the edge of pre-handover China and close to Macau, Ron was drawn to Chinese vernacular architecture. A recurrent motif of mid-stream operations, the at-sea loading and unloading of containers, in the shipping lanes just off Lamma forms the backdrop to many of his pictures from this time. Brooding hulks contrast with decorative domestic environments.

Encouraged by his father-in-law, Ron and Meilo returned to the UK at the handover to China.

He said: “I loved it, could have stayed and would still be there now.” But on returning to London he fulfilled his valedictory commission to draw the Millennium Bridge and then moved to another island, almost as far north as he could get in the UK, to Yell, a place he had first visited in the 1980s. By then he and Meilo had a two year old daughter, Ming. That it was also a trout fishing paradise, he concedes, ‘weighed heavily’. Freed from deadlines and exacting commissions, he followed his own inclinations.

From his studio in The Galley Shed, he draws the everyday, every day: still life, landscape and portrait in pencil, pen, ink and watercolour. Not ordinary, but charged with attitude: flax plants look like an embodiment of defiance, aloe vera appear predatory, a defeated polytunnel struggles vainly in a gale. 

The Last of the Rose is a tribute to a fine, obsolete flitting boat. Mousa Broch is weighted in history and mystery. Old rope, wild flowers, geos, trout, geese and sheep fill pages and pages of sketch books. From the windows of his studio and home, Ron looks across the Bluemull sound to Unst. A distinctive cleft in the cliff face defiantly sits in the backdrop of many pictures, a recurring motif like the container ships

Ron grew up in Greenock, the son of a marine engineer. He was surrounded by plans and elevations. Through war-time rationing, his father brought home disused blueprints for tablecloths. The pale blue background and white skeletal drawings of cross-sections and elevations were, he recalls, ‘soaked up with my porridge’. Upon leaving Greenock High School he trialled at a local architect’s office.

The routine of it was deadening and he chucked it within weeks. From 1956-60 he attended Glasgow School of Art in the etching and engraving department, soon to be taken over by Philip Reeves.

He was still liable for National Service but, encouraged by Reeves, he applied for and was accepted into the Royal College of Art. For three years he studied in the Graphics department and it was there he became friends with Edward Bawden.

Conversations about drawing and plants provided rich common ground. Bawden, who was in his 70s, invited Ron to join him on a drawing trip to Istanbul. Bawden held Ron in high esteem, dubbing him ‘the wizard of the ink bottle’ and helped him secure a part-time teaching job at the College.

Through the 60s and 70s he taught part time at the Central School of Art and Design, the Royal College of Art, St. Martin’s School of Art and Brighton School of Art. From the 1960s he was a corresponding editor of Ambit, a quarterly art and literary publication. Each issue over 40 years included his drawings and around 80 poets have sat for their Sandford portraits.

For 30 years, Ron illustrated books and newspapers and undertook large scale architectural commissions such as Bishopsgate, London. He was commissioned by the likes of the V&A, Longman publishers and architects such as Norman Foster and Richard Rogers.

His oil-rig series, commissioned by Mobil Oil saw him stay on a rig for a month where he could observe the technical details of an offshore installation alongside profiles of the roustabouts. Although he put his own stamp on the work, he had to respond to the needs and demands of the commissioning agents.

Imprinted upon all the pictures from his time in Hong Kong onwards is a small red character. In Cantonese it is ‘san’, meaning mountain, but appropriates the sound of his name, Sandford. Meilo bought the character chop, or seal, on the street almost as a joke but it has become his mark. Much like the man himself, it sits quietly but assuredly in the work, a bold graphic type, no nonsense.

The Fine Art Society | 6 Dundas Street | EH3 6HZ | www.fasedinburgh.com | +44 (0) 131 557 4050

The Policy and Sustainability Committee meets on Thursday to decide upon the way forward to allow for social distancing on our city streets.

We met with the Transport Convener, Lesley Macinnes to discuss these plans and proposals and also met with the new Conservative transport Spokesperson, Cllr Susan Webber to hear her views.

Since 30 April several streets have been affected by a temporary traffic restriction order. Usually these take years to put in place but owing to the unusual circumstances, the council is able to invoke emergency measures. It has closed all or parts of Braid Road, Braidburn Terrace, Silverknowes Road, Cammo Walk and Links Gardens. All of these were chosen as council officers or Police Scotland had identified them as popular areas for walking and cycling.

If these proposals are passed tomorrow, the council will now apply to The Scottish Government for a share of the £10 million funding which the Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson announced recently. The administration also confirms it will continue to speak with the transport spokespeople from various groups.

While the report says that any schemes will in future involve the local ward councillors, it is not entirely clear if they were consulted in relation to the changes already made.

We asked Cllr Macinnes if she just wanted to close all city streets. She replied: “No, no, not at all. Because clearly, the city still has to function, but what we’re trying to do is provide people with good alternatives. At the moment, people are finding there’s quite often pinch points as we call them, where there’s a bit of conflict between people getting safe space to walk, to cycle and where there’s vehicle traffic as well.

“And we obviously also have to take into account public transport the buses and trams, and so on have to free passage as much as we can. I’m particularly concerned about what comes next during the transition to recovery period, when people start to go back to work.”

Cll Webber is only a couple of weeks into her new position as Transport spokesperson for the Conservative Group. She believes that there is too much emphasis on exercise, on cycling and not enough on pedestrian safety and people getting about the city. “It is very difficult to understand the one line of text around each of these road changes. There is so much detail around that which ought to be discussed, but given the number of proposals it would take a long time. It is all a bit vague, I would love to see how each of these plans fits the criteria. I couldn’t agree to that amount of change without more scrutiny.”

During the lockdown the council says that cycling has increased by 16% and there is congestion on walking and cycling routes. At Silverknowes the number of cyclists has gone up fourfold, while the use of public transport has decreased dramatically.

It is also recognised that transport will be central to recovery when the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed, so alternatives to using the car have to be encouraged and supported.

The potential schemes are included in the appendix to the report which is embedded below. The committee meeting can be watched on the council website here.

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