Andrew McKinlay, Hearts’ chief executive officer, admitted that the club’s position in the William Hill Premiership is ‘concerning’, but he firmly believes the Jambos will start to climb the table.

The Tynecastle team, who finished a strong third last season, currently prop up the rest in the 12-strong division with ten points from 15 games, two behind Hibs and three adrift of fellow-strugglers, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.

Speaking after the annual general meeting, McKinlay said that the way the fixtures have fallen hasn’t been kind to the club and Hearts’ new head coach, Neil Critchley, went straight into an intense run of games.

Looking ahead, McKinlay added that Hearts now go into seven games, four at home, three away, which takes the Capital combine up to the end of the second round of fixtures. He stressed: “We need to do well in those fixtures.”

Scoring goals has proved difficult this term with skipper Lawrence Shankland misfiring after two prolific seasons and McKinlay acknowledged that a lot of fans felt Hearts should have signed a striker during the summer.

The forward player recruited was 23-year-old, Spanish-born, Musa Drammeh, and McKinlay said: “Musa, it’s fair to say, has taken a little bit of time to settle, but I am now quite excited by what I’m starting to see.”

The January transfer window is not far away and McKinlay confirmed that Hearts are looking at options with the aid of analytics to recruit a goal grabber. He said: “We’re all aware that the priority would be a striker.

“We forget as well, hopefully we’ll see him soon, we’ve got Calem Nieuwenhof coming back who will help in the midfield.”

Sunday’s injuries to defenders Stephen Kingsley, he was carried off with hamstring issues against Aberdeen, and Frankie Kent (pictured by Nigel Duncan), who hobbled off with a quad muscle problem, have caused McKinlay concern, but he said: “You just never know what’s going to come.

“The striker is the priority. January tends to become a bit of an ebb and flow. It depends on markets, because different countries have different seasons and some people’s contracts actually might be out.

“January is never an easy time to do business. Good players are not generally available in January but finances are available. There is a particular striker we’re looking at, but not just one.

“Often you don’t get your first choice. Other positions and other things that we do, I think, might depend on what might go out.”

He was asked about a possible investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom and McKinlay said: “Again, all I can really say about Tony Bloom is that he has expressed an interest in investing.

“He has said he would like to take a minority stake in the club and we have on-going discussions about that. Obviously it’s quite complex.”

More than 250 people went to the National Records Office at the weekend to see a letter taken from Sir William Wallace by his English captors more than 700 years ago.

The fragile letter known as the “Wallace Safe Conduct” is considered one of the most important Scottish artefacts in existence.

It was with the freedom fighter when he was captured in 1305 and the letter was dated 7 November 1300.

The document went on public show for the first time in six years on St Andrew’s Day last weekend. The letter is usually kept out of the light for years at a time to preserve it for future generations. It was displayed free of charge at General Register House in Edinburgh for just five hours.

Archivist Jocelyn Grant said: “It was a pleasure to put this rare document on show, alongside two tapestries inspired by it, and the so-called Lübeck letter.

“It was nice to see so many people take advantage of one of the few opportunities to see this document in-person.”

Wallace left Scotland for France in 1298, after his defeat to English King Edward I at the Battle of Falkirk.

He travelled to the court of King Philip IV in an effort to persuade him to support the Scottish Cause against Edward.

Written in Latin, the message from King Philip commands his agents in Rome to support the Scottish hero in “those things which he has to transact” before Pope Boniface VIII.

The letter, seized from Wallace in 1305, was rediscovered in the 1830s in the Tower of London and is now officially part of the collection of The National Archives in Kew.

It was returned to Scotland in 2012 for the first time in 707 years on loan to the National Records of Scotland (NRS). But because of its age and fragility it can only be displayed for very limited periods of time.

Gary Stewart, of the Society of William Wallace, spent seven years campaigning for the letter to be returned to Scotland.

He was among those who travelled to the capital for a rare glimpse of the document on Saturday.

He said: “The Wallace Safe Conduct is a rare direct link to Scotland’s greatest hero.

“It was in his possession when he was captured and taken to London so this is something he held in his own hands.

“It allows you to feel that connection to Wallace. It was good to see so many people share that experience.”

The letter is one of only two surviving documents with a personal connection to Wallace, together with the Lübeck letter, which he and Andrew de Moray wrote to German merchants to encourage them to resume trade with Scotland following their victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297.

English records state Wallace was carrying a safe conduct letter from the King of France when he was captured before being taken to London where he was hanged, drawn and quartered for treason on 23 August 1305.

The recent Roman Re-Enactment event went ahead in St Margaret’s Park on 23 November despite the snowfall during Storm Bert.

Hundreds of local people came out to see the Sixth Legion in the local heritage centre and library.

Friends of St Margaret’s Park have a newsletter for future events which you can sign up to at friendsofstmargaretspark.wordpress.com

Eye Pavilion at last

The Scottish Budget includes funding for a new Eye Pavilion to replace the tired building by The Meadows.

The government said the £2 billion increase in frontline NHS spending will increase overall health and social care investment to £21 billion to reduce NHS waiting lists, making it easier for people to see their GP, and progress the Belford Hospital, Monklands Hospital and Edinburgh Eye Pavilion projects.

Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack and Conservative MSP, Miles Briggs, have both been campaigning to have a new eye pavilion. Both say they are delighted.

Ms Boyack said: “This project is long overdue and we need the work to start immediately.

“I want to pay tribute to all the tireless campaigners and sight loss charities and my fellow Edinburgh MSPs that have been pushing hard for a new hospital for years.”

Miles Briggs said: “Over the last eight years SNP Ministers have on three occasions promised a new eye hospital for Edinburgh only to cancel and pause it. I welcome the announcement that a new hospital has been included in the Scottish Government’s budget and will work to make sure they keep their word and deliver.”

Housing emergency

The council declared a housing emergency in the capital in November 2023. Since then housing convened Cllr Jane Meagher has told us she has been pushing the case with The Scottish Government for more funding to allow Edinburgh council to invest in much needed new homes for social rent. Cllr Meagher has also been in regular contact with Scottish Ministers over the problems facing the council in finding accommodation for people who present as homeless.

On Wednesday planning approval was given to a new development which the council believes will be one of the biggest new housing developments in the capital for decades.

West Town Edinburgh will include 7,000 homes, and 35% will be affordable homes. This is intended to become a new £2 billion 20 minute neighbourhood on a 205 acre site close to the airport.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “With urgent solutions to our housing and climate emergencies needed, our new City Plan is helping to make sure development in the city creates sustainable, affordable homes. And by unlocking underused sites to the West and to the North of the city, we’re now starting to see affordable low carbon homes built at the pace and scale we need.

“The Council has approved planning in principle for over 12,000 new homes this year and more additional green space than any other city as we work urgently with partners to sustainably address Edinburgh’s housing emergency. The biggest housing-led development in Edinburgh of modern times, West Town will provide a huge number of the new homes our city needs and I’m pleased Council officers and developers have worked together to get a great result. This is a major £2 billion development of 7,000 energy efficient homes, alongside shops, schools, local amenities, and lots of greenspace.

“Consider this alongside our £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton Waterfront, which is the biggest development of its kind in Scotland, with over £250 million invested with partners and good progress being made towards delivering around 3,500 new net zero carbon homes. All of this is welcome news for the city, for our climate ambitions, for the thousands of residents in need of new housing and for Edinburgh’s economy – which is bucking national trends and continues to grow.”

Following the announcement of more money for housing in The Scottish Budget, Places for People’s chief executive Greg Reed said: “The £768m investment in affordable housing turns a new page for Scotland, where a worsening crisis sees every twentieth person awaiting a social home and where 10,000 children are stuck in temporary accommodation.

“The Finance Secretary’s injection into the Affordable Housing Supply Programme – reversing the devastating 2023 cuts to the budget – will pave the road to recovery for housing in Scotland and urgently kick-start the supply of 8,000 vital new affordable homes.

“But while this funding is welcome, this is just the start. A long-term and strategic approach is the only way to truly end Scotland’s housing emergency, reduce homelessness and eradicate child poverty. We welcome the Finance Secretary’s pledge to look at all the levers available to her to achieve this.

“The SNP’s recent £1m investment in homelessness prevention, alongside a winter fuel allowance for pensioners, will provide a vital shot in the arm to Communities – but a focus on existing homes is also urgently needed. A current shortfall of £20m is preventing suitable adaptations to many homes – such as stairlifts and ramps – meaning too few properties meet Customers’ needs.

“At Places for People Scotland we work tirelessly to create, support and manage thriving Communities. Last year we built 430 homes, supported over 3,200 people with financial and digital inclusion, and helped 300 individuals who were homeless or at risk of being so. But with more support we can go further and faster.

“Housing in Scotland had taken two steps back but today makes a giant stride forward. This Government grasps the enormity of the challenge and we stand ready to work together to ensure everyone has a safe, suitable and quality home.”

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY FOR COMMUNITY GRANT FUNDING

If you have an idea that will make a difference to your local community then apply now for a grant of up to £5,000 to make your idea a reality.

The application deadline for the Community Grants Fund (CGF) has been extended to 5pm on Monday 16 December 2024. This is the last chance to apply for a grant this year.

You can apply for up to £5,000 for community-focussed activity taking place in 2025. Areas with funding still available are: Almond, Craigentinny/Duddingston, Forth, Inverleith, Morningside, Pentlands, South West and Western. 

Alan Gordon, Secretary for Longstone Community Council, said of the fund: The CGF is an accessible fund for local groups across the city to make good use of. It brings ideas to life, activities to communities and often makes the difference between something happening or not. If you have an idea for improving your community, the CGF can help it to blossom. 

There are 13 local pots of money, each covering a different area of the city. In some areas the money for this financial year has already been allocated. However, there are several areas where funds remain. For more information about how to apply and to check how much money is available in different areas, go to the Council’s CGF web pages.  

If you require further information or help to apply, please email communitygrantsfund@edinburgh.gov.uk

The Pitt

The Pitt in Leith used to be a good place to hang out at the weekends until it closed – and the good news is that it will be back soon – literally bigger, and better than ever.

The street food market has moved. It will now be sited at a new bigger location in Granton and will open its doors on 6 December. According to the organisers it will become a local hub with retail and market units as well as spaces for community groups and families – and the permanent street food market. And there will be coffee.

The Pitt opens from 6 December.

Read more here

Subscribe to our monthly newspaper

Our new paper is published.

You can read it here https://issuu.com/phyllisstephen/docs/ter_122024

But it is not too late to add it to your Christmas list and buy a subscription for yourself or someone else as a gift

Diving in Edinburgh is on the up with the addition of Adam Smallwood as Aquatics GB Performance Centre lead coach.

In the new role Yorkshireman Smallwood will develop the Royal Commonwealth Pool as a GB High-Performance Centre, with the aim of producing world-class talent from a growing diving programme.

Adam brings a wealth of experience having nurtured and coached some of Great Britain’s top diving talent in Jack Laugher, Anthony Harding and Lois Toulson, all of whom returned from Paris 2024 with Olympic medals.

The appointment is a key part of the project to create a centre of excellence for diving at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Adam said his plan is “simply to turn Edinburgh Diving Club into one of the top three in the country and cement its Performance Centre status within the next two Olympic cycles. The plan for Scotland is to develop other centres outside of Edinburgh to grow the talent pool across the country.

“I believe that the current set up in Edinburgh is a great foundation to build a sustainable and high achieving training centre. The current coaching team has really good depth and is capable of delivering high standards at all levels.

“The Royal Commonwealth Pool itself is such an iconic venue and one which allows top end athletes to thrive but at the same time has the space and capacity to give plenty of children the opportunity to try the sport in the lessons programme.

“It is a totally different type of challenge to the one I have had in the last two Olympic cycles. I have gone from working with just a small group of select athletes that spent the last eight years on the international circuit competing at the highest level to now working with a much larger team of people, not just athletes but coaches and people within the connecting partnerships. So, the scale of this new challenge seems much bigger. However, that is what excites me about the upcoming years – I‘m looking forward to all the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead for everyone involved in Edinburgh diving and other centres across Scotland.”

A newly introduced trainee programme for diving coaches has been introduced over the past six months. Edinburgh Leisure’s Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson, who recently judged at Paris 2024, has trained and developed four new coaches who have now successfully completed their coaching and NPLQ lifeguard qualifications, and have joined the coaching team at the RCP.

Vicki has now started work on a project with Scottish Swimming to redesign the national dive coaching framework and to create a new course which will support the training of Dive Trainees of the future. The new course will be piloted in 2025 at the RCP.

This month the W has one of the best twinkly views of the city and it has a range of wining and dining options available to book for an intimate dinner for two or a meal for a large group of friends.

Christmas Day & New Years Day Brunch

25th December 2024, 1 & 2 January 2025

Experience a luxurious festive brunch at W Lounge, located on the 11th floor of the iconic Ribbon Building, where you can savor traditional dishes while enjoying panoramic city views. The brunch offers three set menus all featuring succulent sharing roasts, classic à la carte options, and delectable desserts. Priced at £65 per person for a three-course meal, you can elevate your experience to £100 with Laurent Perrier champagne. For a unique twist, try the Bloody Mary Cocktail festive brunch, which pairs the three-course menu with a selection of Bloody Mary favorites.

Booking for the festive brunch can be made anytime between 12noon -5pm for 25 December as well as 1 and 2 January. Reservations are now live through this LINK. 

SUSHISAMBA EDINBURGH

Festive ‘Taste of Samba’ Menu

1st November – 30th December 2024

This winter, elevate your holiday traditions with the new seasonal, chef-curated festive ‘Taste of Samba’ menus. This one-of-a-kind exquisite menu reinvents Christmas dinner, including experimental dishes such as, the scrumptious Wild Seabass Tiradito as well as a limited edition sushi plate, the Sambaziona Roll. 

Indulge in the delicious new options paired with SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh’s most beloved dishes including everyone’s favorite beef wagyu gyozas and new itemps including speciality brazilian jumbo prawns. Better yet, enjoy a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne as part of the multi-course selection. This menu starts at £125 per person for a minimum of two guests. Bookings are open now and you can book HERE. available from 1st November – 30th December. 

Visitwww.sushisamba.com or follow @sushisamba.edinburgh on Instagram for more information. 

SUSHISAMBA Sambaziona New Year’s Eve Party

31st December 2024  

The infinitely popular SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh, brings you a thrilling New Years Eve event – SAMBAZONIA. Don’t miss ringing in the 2025 bells, whether you’re looking for a meal before the street party or dining at the late-night sitting to secure access to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle, SUSHISAMBA has you covered. 

The custom SAMBAZONIA menu will run for one night only, offering a multi-course blend of Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian cuisine, with lively entertainment and sparkling décor. This event is set to be just as unparalleled as the views it provides. 

Starting at £125 per person this magnificent menu consist of all the SUSHISAMBA favorites including, mouth watering crispy taquitos and the ever so popular poussin teriyaki accompanied by one-of-a-kind, limited edition SAMBAZONIA Roll, consisting of all your favorite sushi ingredients including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, snow crab, avocado and cucumber.  Finish your meal in Hogmanay style with an indulgent Coffee and Whisky Mousse. 

Lock in your unforgettable celebrations and book your table now, with dining tables available at 5:30pm, 7:45pm and 10pm. All tables have a 2-hour seating duration. 

Visitwww.sushisamba.com or follow @sushisamba.edinburgh on Instagram for more information. 

Joao’s Place 

Intimate Festive Cocktails

Throughout the season  

Celebrate the festive season at Edinburgh’s best kept secret speakeasy Joao’s Place, tucked away on the 11th floor of W Edinburgh, Joao’s is the perfect party destination to mark the start of the celebrations with liberdade libations. Soak up the city’s twinkling lights while enjoying boastful views of Leith and beyond or step out onto the private terrace and toast to the season by the warming fire-pits. This winter, Joao’s will be serving light bites and sushi bites to accompany your cocktail. 

Joao’s is the ideal location for an intimate Christmas get together with your favorite people. The bar is available now for exclusive Christmas party hire. 

Visitwww.joasplace.com or follow @joaos_place on Instagram for more information. 

Two more candidates have been chosen for the January by-election to elect two new councillors in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward where three councillors have resigned in the last six months.

Edinburgh Labour have selected Conor Savage to stand in place of their last candidate, veteran Sheila Gilmore, who only won 1,441 votes, trailing in third place behind the winning LibDem and the Conservative candidate, Neil Cuthbert. Mr Savage previously stood as a Plaid Cymru candidate in Bangor, Wales, in 2017 when he was in last place among six candidates. And, at the recent general election he was the Labour candidate for Orkney and Shetland – although he lives in Edinburgh. He won 1,493 votes but the seat was retained by Alastair Carmichael for the Liberal Democrats.

His social media account still shows that he is a Labour candidate for Orkney and Shetland.

He is described as a sustainable finance expert and marine scientist and when he stood in the summer he confirmed to our colleagues on Shetland News that he would be happy to relocate north. We have contacted Mr Savage requesting an interview.

Edinburgh Liberal Democrats have chosen Peter Nicholson for whom we have little information as yet, although we have emailed the group leader Cllr Kevin Lang asking for a bio and a photo.

Conservative councillor, Jason Rust, who is the sole councillor for the ward at present commented on the Labour selection. He said:”It does concern me if Labour have selected a candidate willing to stand for any party, in any part of the country, just to try to win a seat.  Local voters have already been badly let down by the Liberal Democrats with their scandalous Dubai debacle and this further costly by-election.  They do not want Labour with their infighting taking them for granted either.”

The three resignations were: firstly Councillor Scott Arthur who was elected to Westminster in July, secondly the newly elected LibDem councillor Louise Spence who resigned after just six days saying that she was moving to Dubai, and thirdly Councillor Marco Biagi who represented the SNP in the ward and who is taking up a position as a special adviser to the first minister.

Hibernian Community Foundation have launched their 2024 Christmas Appeal looking to raise funds and spirits for those in need this festive season.   

When the club was formed in 1875, the funds raised from games were used to support the local community through clothes, food and shelter.  

This work is continued all-year round by HCF but is never more prevalent than throughout the Christmas period. 

For over 20 years Hibernian and its surrounding community have pledged support to those in need through our Christmas Appeal.  

In recent years there has been a focused effort on increasing the support provided throughout the festive period, with the annual Christmas Appeal now including a silent auction for Hibs fans to bid on prizes such as Oasis tickets, Premier League experiences or Easter Road Hospitality. 

Continuing the tradition from recent years, the Foundation will continue its commitment to serve over 500 free meals on Christmas Day to members of the local community. 

Further to the meals and the auction, HCF also works hard to provide warmth and comfort over the brutal winter months. At the recent Hibernian Community Foundation Matchday over 400 jackets were collected from Hibs community members, distributed by local partners to those vulnerable to the extremities of the Scottish winter.  

Funds raised throughout the Christmas Appeal go a long way to supporting regular food provisions: three meals a week from the Community Hub, 52 weeks a year.   

“By participating in the Christmas Appeal you’re not just securing yourself some fantastic items through the silent auction, you’re helping create a brighter Christmas for those within our community,” said HCF Director, Daljit Singh.   

“We want to provide warmth, comfort and food all year round, and Christmas is a great chance for us to promote our activities while receiving the necessary funds to support our yearly initiatives.  

“If you’re debating whether to get involved, be assured that your money will be used to support those in need all year round with Hibernian Community Foundation.”

Members of North Berwick Golf Club have appealed to East Lothian Council to make them exempt from parking charges due to be introduced on the streets around their club.

A report to councillors next week sets out the results of a consultation into plans to introduce new charges in the seaside town, with on street and off street parking fees.

The proposals also include residents permits which will allow some parking in zoned areas of the town.

A report into the consultation revealed members of North Berwick Golf Club had called for their own free parking permits saying it was unfair they would have to pay to park.

And they were not alone in asking for exemptions with the report revealing tennis club members who live in surrounding villages had also asked to be given special permits to park outside their regular sports venue for free.

However council officers were not impressed by the arguments of the private club members saying it would create a ‘disparity’ between them and other residents and businesses as well as putting too much pressure on demand.

In the report officers say concerns were raised by members of the North Berwick Golf Club who said the cost of parking was too high.

Officers said they had amended the maximum stay restrictions on the parking order to allow for a round of golf, estimated as up to five hours, to ensure the fee would be a standard £5.

However golfers had said this would mean that if they played two rounds a week it would cost up to £520 extra a year.

The club recently closed its waiting list to male applicants due to the high number of those already on it although it will still accept female applications. A round of golf for visitors costs up to £285 in green fees.

The report on the parking charges consultation says the club is a business and issuing permits to players could be considered the same as providing them to customers on the High Street.

And they said a call from local members living in the proposed new ‘east zone’ of the town to allow their permits to extend to cover parking at the golf club had also been dismissed because they could walk.

It says: “The maximum walk distance from the east zone to the golf club is approximately 1.6km, a walk time of 18 to 22 minutes.

“This when considered against the walk distance for a round of golf being 6 to 8km and a potential 5 hour play time, does not appear to be overreaching acceptability for those within walking distance to consider a mode change to visit the Golf Club.”

The report reveals that there had also been calls from people living outwith the town to have permits.

It said: “These requests have been particularly for users of the tennis
club in the east zone and those undertaking regular trips to the town.

“The allowance of additional permits for the wider community is likely to place a higher demand on streets with residential parking which would disadvantage residents of those streets which the scheme looks to give priority.”

The full proposals and amendments following the consultation will be considered by councillors at a meeting next week.

The report is available to read on the council website.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry today said it was too early to tell what impact lifting a council tax freeze will have on residents in the coming year.

Speaking as the Scottish Government lifted the freeze while promising a record funding increase for local authorities Councillor Parry, SNP, welcomed the ‘flexibility’ it will give moving forward.

But she said time will be needed to establish the impact of additional funds on the cash strapped council which is facing a budget gap of £9.4million next year.

The council last month held a consultation with residents over its priorities for the year ahead in which it said every one per cent rise in council tax could generate £670,000 extra a year for council services and cost the average Band D Council Tax payer £9 a month more.

This would mean meeting the deficit through council tax alone would require raising it by 15 per cent.

Councillor Parry said it was too early to say what the additional funding promised in the budget would mean for Midlothian residents.

She said: “I am delighted that John Swinney’s first budget has delivered so strongly for local government – investing in the key services that people in our communities rely on and delivering the largest uplift in funding in recent times.

 “Whilst it will take some time to work through what the detail means for Midlothian Council specifically, the flexibility of funding will allow us to make real progress in delivering on people’s priorities in Midlothian.”

Her comments came as the independent body Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)Scotland described the Scottish Government’s view giving more cash to council’s would mean they do not need to increase the tax as ‘too complacent’.

LGIU Scotland chief executive Jonathan Carr-West said: “We know from our annual survey that local government finances in Scotland are hanging by a thread. This budget does not engage with the scale of this challenge.

“There is an increase in core funding in the budget but it doesn’t cover the ever growing costs of core statutory services.

“The Scottish Government has responded to the concerns of councils and has removed the freeze on council tax rises, but the cabinet secretary’s expectation that record funding levels should mean councils do not need to put up council tax is too complacent.

“The truth is that even with the additional funding announced today, local authorities will still need to raise council tax and make cuts to services and will still edge closer to being unable to balance their books.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A home owner who claims a neighbour’s CCTV camera has pointed into her bathroom window for 14 months says the fight to remove it has had a ‘horrendous toll’ on her health.

East Lothian Council’s planning committee ordered the owners of the camera to remove it in May this year after ruling it was intruding on their neighour’s privacy.

However a meeting of the committee this week heard that the camera remained in place as the owners applied for an alternative to be installed.

And members were asked to approve the replacement camera, which owners said would be fixed and unable to point at their neighbour’s home.

Objecting to the new camera, the neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the committee the lack of action to remove the camera made it look “redundant”.

She warned: “There have been nine objections to this camera being placed outside my window as it would set a precedent and mean anyone could place a camera on anyone’s property, be denied permission and then exploit planning loopholes to keep the camera there.

“The committee is made to look redundant and vulnerable, isolated people who may not have my resources are made to suffer as I most certainly have.”

She went on to tell the committee that the row over the CCTV camera, and publicity it received  had impacted her health.

She said: “As a private citizen I am an innocent victim with my name, photos of my property and private life in the media.

“I am grateful they have publicised this appalling situation but I do ask for this privately, something this situation has denied me taking a horrendous toll on my health, due to the applicants refusal to remove the camera despite the harm it is causing.”

Earlier this hear the home owners who placed the camera as one of a number of CCTV security measures around their property, on Hummel Road, insisted it had a ‘curtain’ system which protected its neighbour’s privacy.

However the planning committee meeting in May refused to allow the camera in question to remain ruling it was intruding on the neighbour’s privacy.

Members were told that the owners had then applied for an alternative fixed camera to replace it and had not been pursued to remove the original camera while the applications were ongoing.

In a report to councillors, officers recommended the new camera is approved but ask for a condition to be added insisting the old one is taken down at the same time.

In May councillors heard from the neighbour of the property who said she first realised the security system had been installed when she stepped into her garden and heard an alarm announce ‘you are being recorded’.

She told the committee she realised there was one outside her bathroom when she went for a shower in it.

The owners of the CCTV system said the cameras were installed because of an increase in house break-ins in the area.

During this week’s planning committee local ward councillor Jeremy Findlay said he had objected to the original camera but would support the replacement which he believed satisfied previous objections.

He said: “It is not the job of this committee to resolve the differences between two property owners.

“Six months ago when I objected to the first camera that was because it could and, indeed, would look into the bathroom. In my view the camera now proposed would satisfy the objections from last time round.”

The committee unanimously approved the new camera with a condition it could not be replaced in the future with an alternative style.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Almost half the population of West Lothian sought information and help with financial problems during a recent week of action. 

The Challenge Poverty Week in West Lothian saw close to 90,000 people accessed a range of events. 

The annual event in which the council is joined by community planning partners and outside agencies offers advice on services ahead of the winter months. 

First introduced in 2013 the event organised by The Poverty Alliance is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about poverty and its impact and promoting solutions to tackle it.   

The council’s online services and social media are increasingly being developed to open doors to advice and information. It provides a platform for individuals, communities and organisations from the more than 180,000 people who live in the county to come together and discuss ways to improve financial well-being. 

In a report to the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources POlicy Development and Scrutiny Panel, the  Nahid Hanif, the  Anti- Poverty Service Manager   said: “Annually, the Anti-Poverty Service leads on the development of a programme of events and engagement, delivered in partnership with Tackling Poverty Partners and designed to showcase the different ways we can tackle poverty in West Lothian, and engage with the public to encourage self-referrals and take up of advice and support.  

“Each year, the Poverty Alliance sets a number of themes to Challenge Poverty Week; for 2024, the week was split into 5 different daily themes of: Housing, Transport, Adequate Incomes, Food and Communities & Volunteers.”  

Early feedback from the opening conference and subsequent seminars and information days has been positive, Ms Hanif added. 

Data compiled by the council shows there were 86,207 interactions with events online over the week in early October. The largest interaction online came from the Poverty and Trauma conference which attracted 16,421 impressions. 

The report said: “The conference, which had 65 delegates from a range of organisations in attendance, was opened by Councillor Andrew McGuire and included a keynote speech delivered by the West Lothian Trauma Champion, Pauline Cochrane; a very well received lived experience account by Jinty Dobson who now works as a Peer Navigator, supporting students at West Lothian College; and rounded off with a choice of three themed workshops where delegates could discuss and explore practical solutions to supporting trauma experienced individuals.” 

Feedback comments included: ‘Once again… a fantastic and informative event’; ‘The lived experience was particularly inspiring’ and ‘A really positive outlook on partnership supports is what I found most beneficial’. 

The report also highlighted how the council and other agencies are developing online advice platforms to widen access to services. 

Ms Hanif said: “Other online presence included a remote, online advice clinic delivered through the Attend Anywhere platform; daily social media posts; and an online Ask the Adviser Session which was particularly successful at raising awareness and engaging the local community, with a final reach of over 20,000 and almost 200 interactions (151 comments, 19 shares, 2 saves and 24 reactions). The Ask the Adviser Session also received 12 contacts from customers through Direct Messenger on Facebook and via email. “ 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Concerns have been raised over a continuing rise in sickness absence across West Lothian Council. 

The latest figures showed almost 20,000 days lost between April and September to mental health and behavioral reasons alone. 

That is more than double the time lost for the next highest category – musculoskeletal 9,948 – and accounts for almost a third of all absences over the period this year. 

The 19,691 days lost prompted the council’s Conservative group leader to ask “when are we going to change?” 

Claire Wallace, the Interim HR Services Manager, told a meeting of West Lothian’s Corporate Policy and Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP): “It is a national trend. We are not alone.  This is seen right across the board.” 

Councillor Damian Doran-Timson asked: “I note that sickness when comparable to this time last year is greater and with a huge amount of absence for mental behavioural. 

“What are we going to do moving forward? When are we going to change what we’re actually doing to stop this increase of absence from council staff.” 

Ms Wallace said: “There’s a number of things that we are doing at corporate and service level. Mental and behavioural is by far the highest. Personal stress is a significant factor and obviously it’s difficult to influence that. 

“However, we provide a range of support services, including our employee assistance programme. We are reviewing our sickness absence policy. We have gone through engagement and are now into consultation. We are hoping that will have an impact.” 

She pointed out that the council had won accreditation for its policies on allowances for staff who have caring responsibilities. 

One of the highest reasons for personal stress has been care responsibilities. The council has developed flexible working to help people manage responsibilities and is also rolling out a stress audit tool trialled by staff in the Advice Shops to other council services. 

 “A number of the measures in the people strategy are aimed at improving wellbeing. We’re improving the wellbeing framework reviewing the mental well-being policy to try and take a more holistic view.” 

In Operational Services there are schemes which are looking at men’s mental health  

Chairing the meeting council leader Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said: “As an administration we seek the best working relationships with our unions and all staff and we accept that certain people can come into difficulties at certain points in their life. 

“But we continually look at and revise our policies to try and get people working and being effective.” 

A breakdown of the mental and behavioural absences showed that personal stress was the main reason with 8,457 days lost between April and September. Work related stress accounted for 3,265 days lost. Other lost  days  in the category included: anxiety 3,921; depression 630, self-harm 183; panic attacks 150 and alcoholism 132.   

After the meeting councillor Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The continuous rise in sickness absence is not acceptable, the council needs to address this and identify why this is happening. 

“It is repeated every time the sickness levels are reported to elected members that there are processes in place, and all is being done. Quite obviously this is not working, and the council have a duty to their employees and the taxpayers of West Lothian to bring the sickness levels down drastically.”# 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Problems at a new housing estate where homes remain without a link to a mains sewage system must be resolved quickly, East Lothian’s council leader has said.

East Lothian councillors were being given an update on the situation at the Bellway housing estate, on the outskirts of Elphinstone, when Councillor Norman Hampshire made his comments.

Last month elected members delayed a decision on a further 100 homes being built at the site after they were told some homes had no connection to mains sewers.

Instead Bellway had to organise tankers to empty a local tank three times a week with raw sewage then pumped into connected public drains.

Bellway has said it is working to put temporary underground pumps systems in place to deal with the issue while a permanent solution is found but added it required permission from the ‘Highways Department’ to undertake roadworks to connect to main sewage in the village.

It said: “Regretfully we can only fully connect the sewer when granted permission to do so, that is outside of our control.”

A meeting of the council’s planning committee yesterday heard that talks between planners, Bellway and Scottish Water had been held and it was hoped an update could be provided by the next planning meeting in January.

Local ward councillor Colin McGinn, who called for the delay to a decision last month, said he was involved in setting up a group to tackle the issues.

Councillor McGinn told the meeting: “What we have agreed is to set up a group with residents, with representatives from Bellway, Scottish Water and East Lothian Council to improve communication as we press ahead.

“I am pleased we are moving forward with some of the issues, I am concerned residents are still upset and they will not be happy until we have good communication and developments pressing ahead in a manner that does not disrupt residents.”

Residents living next to the new housing told the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the disruption and concerns caused by the new housing in their village.

Villagers say the smell caused by the regular sewage collection trips is unbearable at times while the noise generated by the tankers can go on for hours.

Graham Drummond, whose home backs onto the collection site, said some Mondays the visits go on all day.

He said: “After the weekend, in particular, they make several trips and can be here from 9 in the morning til late afternoon pumping out the sewage.

“It can create a smell and is noisy, it makes using our garden impossible and we are concerned it will carry in until the summer as there seems to be no solution coming forward to solve the problem.”

At this week’s planning committee Councillor Norman Hampshire, planning convenor and council leader, said it was vital a solution was found quickly.

He said: “Norman: “Let’s hope we can come to a resolution here because it is not satisfactory for anybody in this situation so hopefully we can get answers and this thing resolved as soon as possible.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Three teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the serious assault of a 14-year-old boy in Edinburgh.

Around 8pm on Monday, 2 December, 2024, a 14-year-old boy sustained serious injuries when he was assaulted by a group of youths at Slateford Green.

The group of youths involved seven males and three females, aged in their mid to late teens.

The boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, where he remains in a stable condition.

Following enquiries, two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old female youth have been arrested and charged in connection with serious assault. They will each be reported to the relevant authorities.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace all those involved in this unprovoked attack.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we have increased high visibility patrols in the area and these will continue over the coming days as enquiries progress.

“I encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to these officers.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have dashcam or private CCTV footage to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident 2315 of 2 December, 2024.

Willie Murray, left, and Keith Anderson received their trophy for winning Postal Bowling Club’s senior pairs at the annual prize giving.

In the final Willie and Keith lived dangerously and where two shots down going into the last end against David Proudfoot and Colin Turnbull.

However, with the last bowl Willie drew a third shot to clinch victory by the narrowest of margins.

“Remember, you are citizens of Edinburgh, city of Hume and Boswell. You are Europeans, not dowdy provincials.” 

Channeling my best Jean Brodie, whether in my prime or not, I think Muriel Spark put it best.  Where Glasgow might have been the Second City of the Empire, Edinburgh has always been a European city of learning and enlightenment.

In the 2016 EU referendum, Edinburgh voted 74.4% to remain within the EU. Like much of Scotland, there was little debate, more a general consensus that EU membership suited us, felt comfortable and didn’t need changed.

It was changed anyway, and the last few years have seen the City, Scotland and the UK get poorer to the tune of billions of lost revenue, increased costs and untold heartache and inconvenience for tens of thousands of New Scots, folks who have paid Scotland the supreme compliment of making us their home but had to go through a humiliating process of securing their legal right to stay. 

Many decided not to and took their talent and enthusiasm elsewhere.

We in the European Movement in Scotland are a diverse bunch, from all politics and none, united around the idea that Scotland (and the UK if it comes to it) need to rejoin the EU.  Not because of any passing events like the Trump Presidency (though it has certainly concentrated some minds) but because we believe countries should work together, share ideas and work in concert to beat common challenges like the energy transition and climate crisis. 

Scotland has many constitutional futures to choose from and that will rightly remain a lively debate, but EU membership transcends this and we will continue to press the argument. 

Come and join us! https://euromovescotland.org.uk/join-us/

Alyn Smith is a former SNP MEP and MP.

Fort Kinnaird is calling on customers to help spread festive cheer in the community this Christmas.

The centre has teamed up with Cyrenians, an Edinburgh-based charity that tackles the causes and consequences of homelessness, to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.

The local community are being asked to write their warm wishes in a Christmas card or letter and post without an envelope in its ‘Letters of Hope’ mailbox free of charge. The initiative will then see these heartfelt Christmas cards distributed to those at risk of homelessness in and around Edinburgh.

There will also be a contactless donation point where shoppers can tap to donate £3, £5 or £10 as well as a QR code displayed on the side of the post box where visitors will be able to tap to make donations and support the charity’s vital work in the city.

The initiative is part of Cyrenians’ Winter Appeal which launched earlier this week to support the charity’s services to stop homelessness in its tracks. The city is facing significant housing challenges, and the funds raised will help Cyrienians reach more people this winter, while providing a little light through initiatives like the Letters of Hope mailbox.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, we know that the winter months, and especially the festive season, can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness.

“It’s our visitors who make Christmas so special for us here at Fort Kinnaird, so we know we can count on them to spread some cheer to those who need it most.

“We hope our ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, and the fundraising support for Cyrenians, will help to bring a few more smiles over the seasonal period.”

Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians, said: “Winter is dark enough, so we are delighted to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird this season to bring a little light to those who need it most.

“Cyrenians works across the community to break the cycle of homelessness. With services across addiction recovery, family mediation, supported housing, food distribution and more, we will provide vital support to many people who are struggling this Christmas. Thanks to Fort Kinnaird and their customers, we can work to tackle homelessness together.”

Letters and cards can be posted into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema –from now until 20th December when they will be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

https://cyrenians.scot/

New European style Café-Bar & Brasserie and cocktail lounge now open in Edinburgh

Liberté Café-Bar & Brasserie and Bar 1819, has opened at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel at the east end.

The restaurant is designed to be a refined, yet relaxing place to gather, eat or drink with a menu celebrating the best of Scottish produce. The venue is the centrepiece of a £2 million ground floor renovation of Apex Waterloo Place, owned by Norman Springford’s Apex Hotels.

With an eye-catching design delivered by ISA, one of Edinburgh’s leading architectural and design firms, the new day/night venue oozes European style with stunning Georgian interiors inspired by the Palm Courts of the 1800s. 

The new venue also benefitted from expert input from one of the UK’s top hospitality specialist Stuart McCluskey, former co-owner of the Bon Vivant, current owner of ‘Paz’ and recently opened ‘Little Capo’ and Ian McLaren – former Bacardi digital director and owner of drink marketing consultancy Neoteric Spirit.

The bar sits next to a brasserie restaurant and private dining area – La Belle with its range of banquettes, booths and cosy corners.

Bar 1819 is an elegant cocktail bar and lounge with a wide range of drinks and signature cocktails curated by Stuart and Ian, each with big flavours to sip and savour. 

The new menus showcase the very best from Scotland’s larder, using European influences and modern cooking techniques.

Liberté has a day to night menu packed with locally sourced ingredients hand-picked for quality and provenance. Guests can dine from dawn to dusk, with fresh, locally sourced coffee and pastries available in 1819 for those morning meetings, to all day dining as well as a range of tasty snacks, shares and nibbles in the restaurant. Liberté’s seasonal festive fare includes a Christmas day menu and a bespoke private dining menu at La Belle.

Highlights from the menu include Balvenie smoked salmon, lemon creme fraiche and herring roe to start, Ox cheek in a red wine sauce, served with potato puree, bacon and gremolata for main and finishing off with Matcha Tea creme brûlée.

Bar 1819 and cocktail lounge will serve a wide range of drinks from specially crafted cocktails to hand selected single malts. Highlights include the Dubbel Malted Old Fashioned a mix of brewing, distilling and blending traditions – dark and malty Dubbel Trappist Ale Syrup mixed with Angostura Bitters and Homemade Whisky from Woven, the award-winning Leith whisky blender. 

Other dishes to delight include ‘Negroni au Chocolat’ balancing rich chocolate with bitter orange and berry flavours and the velvety ‘Praline Espresso’ a heady mix of almonds, hazelnut, honey and espresso shaken to foaming perfection and served with freshly grated chocolate.

The 1819 menu offers small plates to nibbles and sharing boards. Don’t miss the charcuterie with terrine, remoulade, balsamic onions, cornichons and mustard or the rump fillet tataki with ponzu, cucumber, spring onion and crispy garlic. 

Provenance is a mantra of Liberté and 1819, with the restaurant partnering with some of the finest suppliers across Scotland – these range from oak smoked salmon from Campbells & Co, exquisite fresh mussels from the Shetland Islands to delicious, cured meats from East Coast Cured. Drinks partners include Newbarns Brewery, Royal Mile Whiskies, Liberty Wines and Mothership’s Lucky Liqueurs and Affinity brands. 

Liberte opens for lunch at 12.00 noon, serving food until 22.00. 1819 opens at 8.00am until 1.00am Monday to Saturday and 8.00am until 11.00pm on Sundays.

Stuart McCluskey said: “It has been exciting to work with the team at Apex. Their enthusiasm for delivering this project has been infectious. Ian, Will and I have relished developing a beverage programme fit for such a beautiful setting, focusing on working with quality products and local suppliers.”

Book on the Liberté website

An Edinburgh journalist and a national news photographer have teamed up to give would-be travel writers a platform to hone their writing and photography skills.

The Rabbie Burns inspired weekend in January could be the perfect Christmas present which kick-starts new writing careers, says established travel writer Jean West.

On Assignment – a writing and photography retreat held at the Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness – includes three nights accommodation, dinner and a Burns Supper at the five-star establishment.

Daily workshops which unveil a toolbox of professional media tips will revolve around the life of Scotland’s national Bard and the stunning historical attractions of the Highland Capital.

The workshop is tagged for those who want to have a go at travel writing – and there will be plenty of colour to draw on from the natural world and ancient and historic Inverness. But the pair are also excited to encourage those keen to establish a blog or who simply want to create a professional diary of their hobbies.

Photographer Colin Macpherson has spent three decades documenting the nation’s biggest news and feature stories for Scottish and international newspapers and magazines while West is an established travel journalist whose work is published in leading publications.

Jean West said: “We have deliberately chosen Burns weekend for this exploration of how to create written and visual stories with confidence. Whilst we will discuss the writer’s legacy during the weekend and celebrate with a colourful Burns Supper at Ness Walk, our broader teachings will be about capturing and representing this magnificent Scottish Highland capital city as you find it today.

“From the elegantly placed hotel on the banks of the majestic River Ness we are presented with a rich opportunity for source material. The city boasts an ancient cathedral and castle, vibrant art galleries and museums, and a thriving music scene and its colourful past and present draw thousands of international visitors each year.

“We will help guests distill the stories harvested during the weekend course into exciting copy animated by stunning visuals and they will leave with a practical toolbox of tricks that will serve long after departure.”

“We want to pass on our skills, expertise and confidence so that participants feel they can produce content they feel more than happy to share,” says McPherson, who has had work displayed in the National Galleries of Scotland.

“Past workshop participants have loved to travel and take a camera or notebook to record their experiences. We want to tool them up with the courage to share with friends and family, on a blog or even attempt publication.”

On Assignment Burns Night Photography and Writing Retreat at the Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness runs from 24-27 January. For more details and to book, visit here.

Founder Mark Glasgow has said he is very proud of his company, Edinburgh Boiler Company (EBC), being named Building Services Contractor of the Year at the H&V News Awards 2024.

The Dalkeith business landed the prestigious national honour after impressing the judges with its growth over the past year following a successful transition into renewables.

The last 12 months has seen the firm more than double its staff to 50, using the nearby Energy Training Academy to upskill gas engineers into heat pumps and electricians into solar battery storage as part of a complete rebrand of the company. Turnover is also on course to hit record levels due to the ongoing demand.

The H&V News Awards are the biggest and most respected event for the sector and to come out on top in the Contractor of the Year category, is a real milestone for the company which launched in 2015.

“One of the key objectives we set at the at the start of the year was winning an H&V News award and it goes without saying how happy we are. Being recognised in this way when up against some of the UK’s largest contractors is a special achievement for us,” said Mark.

“We knew we had to adapt to the changes in the sector. Transitioning into renewables was never going to be easy and the team deserves enormous credit for what they have done.

“I put a lot of faith in Dougie Bell when making him managing director and he has taken the business to another level while fostering a terrific spirit within the staff and delivering an enhanced customer service.

“In terms of recognition, it has to be my proudest moment since starting the business. We lifted the Small Company Achievement of the Year award in 2021 but this is the big one we wanted.

“Congratulations to all the other winners.”

Dougie Bell took on the MD role in January this year as Mark stepped into the chairman role and reflecting on this latest honour, he said: “Being nominated was a big thing for us but to actually win contractor of the year is incredible.

“I was stunned when I heard us called out as the winners and there was a bit of disbelief to be honest! It’s still not really sunk in that we have been recognised in the industry as the best contractor in the UK.

“None of this would have been possible without our amazing staff, from those in the office to everyone out in the field. It’s been a real team effort and credit to everyone – this award is for all of them as they have all flourished over the past year.

“It was a big decision to move into the renewable space and we carried out a full rebrand of the business to reflect that. If we hadn’t made that transition, we wouldn’t have seen that exceptional growth in the past 12 months.”

On a memorable night in London for EBC, it was also highly commended in the low carbon impact category.

Neil Merrett, editor of emap’s H&V News said: “It is a pleasure to be part of the continued recognition of innovative thinking across the HVAC and building engineering sector. The winners in 2024 demonstrate some of the most transformational technologies, products and services being developed to tackle notable challenges in the supply of lower cost and lower carbon heat for a range of users.

“They also serve as important case studies for the wider industry to demonstrate the different approaches to efficiency and decarbonisation.”

https://theedinburghboilercompany.com/

Heart of Midlothian Innovation Centre has partnered with Stellar Omada to launch a Cyber Security Escape Room initiative for Edinburgh schools.  

The educational programme, which follows a successful pilot, is aimed at raising awareness around online safety and it is expected that over 200 pupils from secondary schools across Edinburgh will take part in the sessions between December 9 and 11.  

The initiative will see small groups of pupils work together to tackle simulated cyber security scenarios with guidance from the Stellar Omada and Innovation Centre teams. 

Colin Frame, the company’s founder and managing director, said: “I am continually alarmed at the spread of cyber crime and its impact not only on the business world, but also how it impacts society and young people in particular.  We hope this initiative with Hearts can provide a blueprint for further activity in this important area.” 

Ann Park, director of community and partnership at Hearts, said: “The Innovation Centre works with over 2,000 young people every year from a broad range of socio-economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. We deliver free courses across a range of STEM and STEAM disciplines including coding, app development, and robotics.

“We are acutely aware of the increasing dangers faced online by young people and welcome this forward-thinking initiative.”

PICTURE: Pupils involved in the project

Santa Claus is coming to Edinburgh soon, thanks to the UK’s leading Smart PAYG energy supplier

Energy supplier, Utilita, will provide a different kind of energy this winter, transforming Utilita’s Energy Hub, located in Newkirkgate Shopping Centre into a grotto on Saturday, 7 December. All children who attend will be given a gift completely free of charge and there will also be a festive family photo opportunity.

In the spirit of giving, Utilita is asking every family to bring a non-perishable food item with them if they can. These will be distributed to local food banks across the UK. ­

Gifts are aimed at young children up to the age of 10, but anyone is welcome to meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. There will be one gift per child, free of charge, while stocks last.

Natasha Baillie, Manager at the Leith Hub, said she is hoping the grotto will spread some festive cheer: “We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to our Energy Hub on 7 December. Excited tots will get an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus and receive a free gift between 11.30am and 3pm.

“There’s plenty on offer for visiting adults too – you will be offered a cuppa as well as free and simple energy advice to help make your energy spend go further this winter. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item – if they can – which will be distributed to our local Food Bank.”

Utilita Head of Energy Hubs, Helen Kyne, added: “We began the roll out of our Energy Hubs in 2018 across the UK to provide a personal touch to our customer service, helping people to better control their energy usage, as well as supporting various community initiatives. 

“Unfortunately, we know that another tough winter lies ahead for many and that’s why all visits to our grottos will be completely free. During this time of festive giving, we are also collecting items for local food banks, which play such an incredible and vital role in our local communities.”

Utilita’s high street hubs make it super simple to manage your energy – no phone lines or online dashboards, just a friendly face to speak to. Whether you’re looking for account support, help to manage your spend or energy-saving advice, Utilita’s Energy Experts are on hand to help.

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) has said that The Scottish Government must lobby the UK Government to scrap the controversial UK Internal Market Act.

The call comes as EMiS lodges its response to a Holyrood committee examining how effectively The Scottish Government is at aligning new Scottish laws with EU regulations. 

The Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee has invited interested parties to submit views on how the Scottish Government is responding to its promise to align Scottish legislation with EU law, whenever possible. 

David Clarke, chair of EMiS said: “Prior to Brexit we had seamless trade with the world’s biggest free market for goods and services. That was possible only because UK and Scottish legislation was fully aligned with EU regulations. The introduction of the UK Internal Market Act was motivated for narrow political reasons. It gets in the way of rebuilding our trading ties with the EU.

“Keir Starmer has said he wants to reset the UK’s relations with the EU. Abolishing the Internal Market Act would send a signal to Europe that the UK is serious about that. The Act is a symbol of the narrowness and insularity of the Brexit project. It would not be missed.” 

EMiS argues that the existence of the Internal Market Act, which was introduced by the Conservative government in 2020, makes divergence from EU trading standards and regulations more likely, at a time when the need for closer alignment with the EU is urgent and economically imperative. 

The UK Office of Budget Responsibility has reported that the UK’s long-term productivity will reduce by 4% because of Brexit. It forecasts that imports from and exports to the EU will be 15% lower in the long run. 

The response to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee was made on behalf of The Executive Committee of the European Movement in Scotland and endorsed by its President, former Labour MEP David Martin and Vice-President, former SNP MEP and MP, Alyn Smith.

Aussie racer Kye Thomson will start his fifth season as an Edinburgh Monarchs rider in 2025 and is pleased to be back with the Armadale club.

The 26-year-old eyes silverware next season and said: “I am super excited to say I’ll be back. As you all know, I had some extensive time out with injury (last season) which was not the way I wanted to end the year.

“It has made me super-motivated and I can’t wait to get preparations underway for the new year.”

Thomson burst onto the scene in 2021, averaging a strong 5.46 in his first season. Since then Kye has enjoyed three steady campaigns averaging around 6.50 and knows that next year is a big one for him and the club.

He added: “It’s a fresh start and I’ve got my eyes on some silverware. I can’t wait to meet the new faces in the team.”

Former Hibs star ‘Super’ John McGinn is now only two behind the legendary Lawrie Reilly in the Scotland goal-scoring charts. 

McGinn went into the international double header last month on 18-goals, then grabbed the winner at Hampden against Croatia before opening the scoring against Poland.

The two victories mean that Scotland now move on to a play-off in March to preserve their place in the A division of the Nations League.  

McGinn’s strike in Warsaw saw him overtake former Rangers striker Ally McCoist making him his country’s fifth highest scorer , an incredible achievement for a midfielder. 

Speaking after the final whistle he said: “Aye, it’s mad.  

 “My dad was over it again. He’s not one for emotional messages, but he sent a nice text to say it’s surreal seeing his boy in the top five of all-time scorers for Scotland, which is a bit mad. 

“I’m sure I’ll wind up Ally McCoist the next time he’s commentating on a Villa game, but for us the most important thing was getting the win. 

“We’ve been through a right rough spell, taking a lot of criticism, which has been deserved in the most part. 

“Personally, long goal drought, club and country, but managed to get two in two and back on scoring form and back to winning ways for us.” 

McGinn joined Hibs under Alan Stubbs in July 2015 and helped the club to their famous Scottish Cup win and promotion back to the top flight. During his three-years at Easter Road he played 136 times for Hibs, scoring 18-goals before a move to English Championship side Aston Villa in 2018 for a reported £2.75m. 

He was an instant success south of the border and scored the winning goal in the play off final which secured promotion to the Premier League. 

He is now captain of the team and a huge favourite at Villa Park. 

McGinn received the first of his 73rd caps against Denmark in March 2016 and scored his first goal three years later against Russia in a Euro 2020 qualification match. 

Reilly scored 22 times for Scotland including six goals in seven games against England. 

After scoring a late goal against England at Wembley in 1953 he became known as “Last Minute Reilly”. He was inducted into the SFA Hall of Fame in 2005. 

Sir Kenny Dalglish, Denis Law both scored 30 international goals, and Hughie Gallacher scored 23 times. 

Budget, bikes, pubs and ceilidhs all feature in our round up of what is important to know about in Edinburgh today.

Budget Day

Today Finance Minister, Shona Robison, will deliver the Scottish Budget which she says will focus on delivering progress for the economy. Ahead of that, Ms Robison visited Logan Energy, a leading clean energy technology manufacturer whose products are designed, developed, and manufactured in Scotland.

Ms Robison said: “This will be a Budget that delivers progress for Scotland, by Scotland – laying the foundations for long-term success.

“We will invest in measures to tackle the climate emergency in a way that maximizes opportunities to create jobs and provide new economic opportunities for businesses and communities. Our ambition is for Scotland’s green energy to be central to the decarbonisation of transport and industry at home and abroad, and for our expertise and innovation to be providing climate solutions, like Logan Energy, that are made in Scotland and sold to the world.

“The First Minister has made clear his focus on delivering on people’s priorities –  eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, improving public services like our NHS, and tackling the climate emergency.

“Unlike the UK Government’s Budget which treated Scotland like an afterthought, today we will publish a Budget that puts the people of Scotland first.

“We have listened carefully to the needs and priorities of organisations and businesses, and the people of Scotland. This is a budget that will deliver for them by building on the positive change we’ve delivered for Scotland, creating more jobs, and putting more money in people’s pockets.”

Scottish Labour Finance spokesperson Michael Marra said that his party would rather go to the polls than support a bad budget. He said: “This budget is an opportunity to turn the page on 17 years of SNP failure – anything else will not do.

“Every single institution in Scotland has been left weaker by SNP mismanagement and waste.

“Our NHS is dangerously overstretched, with almost 1 in 6 Scots stuck on an NHS waiting list – but the SNP has no plan to fix this mess.

“Our education system is falling down the international league tables, our justice system is in chaos and trust in public institutions is collapsing.

“More of the same will not cut it – Labour has delivered record levels of funding for Scotland and the SNP must use it to deliver a genuine change in direction.

“Scottish Labour will fight an election before backing a bad budget and subjecting Scots to another year of SNP misery.”

Pubs and restaurants need 100% rates relief

Lothians Conservative MSP, Sue Webber, has urged the SNP government to deliver 100 per cent relief for local pubs and restaurants this week.

Ms Webber’s call comes after it was revealed that pubs in Scotland are closing at a higher rate than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Ms Webber said:“Pubs and restaurants across the Lothian Region are really struggling and are desperate for support from the SNP in their Budget this week.

“I am urging SNP ministers to back the Scottish Conservative plan to give pubs and restaurants in the Lothian Region 100 rates relief for the year ahead, meaning they won’t pay any rates relief at all. 

“Pubs and restaurants are closing at a higher rate in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. I know ones in the Lothian Region have suffered due to the shameful failure of the SNP to pass on rates relief delivered by the UK Conservative government over the last three years.

“Their struggles have now been compounded by the new UK Labour government’s tax-raiding Budget.

“Pubs and restaurants are the lifeblood of the community across the Lothian Region and need a shot in the arm. The Scottish Conservatives are on their side and the ball is in the SNP’s court. If we are to save our local pubs and restaurants, then the SNP must show some common sense and back our plan to avoid pubs and restaurants paying a penny in rates relief in the year ahead.”

“This is a ferociously competitive market for food and drink and giving the owners the relief their counterparts in the South are receiving will give them a better chance to survive and thrive. They are already being thumped with Labour’s National Insurance raid and a healthy hospitality sector is vital for the whole city economy.”

Cycle Hire scheme for Edinburgh

We may get a cycle hire scheme again in the city by next summer, depending on negotiations between the council and likely service providers.

The key aims of the scheme must be to operate within the city centre, operate on a no-cost to the council basis, and the service will be based on e-bikes.

According to the Transport Convener, Stephen Jenkinson, Scotland is the worst area of the UK for cycle hire schemes being targeted by vandals. Certainly that was one of the reasons for the failure of the Just Eat scheme, but the council is keeping an open mind on introducing dockless stations in the capital.

Cllr Jenkinson said: “We want to make it easy and accessible for residents and visitors. Our goals are to increase active travel, reduce emissions, and this is a positive step. I think if we were able to develop a successful e bike scheme, I think that it would be a welcome addition to the public transport network that we’ve got, and this ties in to our goals of increasing active travel.”

The papers for next week’s Transport Committee meeting are published here. Anyone can watch proceedings online or as a recording after the meeting has finished.

Christmas Ceilidh at Dovecot

Dovecot are hosting a ceilidh on Saturday with The Jig Show Band.

The evening’s entertainment will begin at 7pm and “the 4-piece alt folk powerhouse” will have you dancing until 11pm. Book tickets here

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You can read it here – but it is not too late to add it to your Christmas list and buy a subscription for yourself or someone else as a gift

Visitors to Thistle Street are promised a joyful day of shopping on Saturday 7 December as traders on the cobbled street transform it into a festive haven for holiday shoppers.

The independent shops are all combining forces to offer exclusive holiday deals.

The Laura Bond store will host seasonal celebrations from 10 am to 5.45pm. 
Shoppers will be able to receive an exclusive 20% discount on all in-store purchases for one day only. 

Complimentary Christmas themed cookies and a glass of fizz whilst browsing the store. 

• Goodie bags, valued at over £100, for the first 15 Laura Bond *paying customers, filled with holiday-themed surprises. 

Other offers available on Thistle Street include:  

• 20% off all coffee-based drinks at Cobbled Roasters 
• 15% off everything at SMI Store 
• A 50% sale rack, along with 10% off the rest of the store at Stoodio 
• 10% off at Black Moon Botanica 

This special shopping event offers an intimate, community-focused experience, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts in a from small local Edinburgh businesses in a warm and festive setting. By choosing to shop local this season, customers can directly contribute to the success of independent retailers who bring craftsmanship and character to Edinburgh’s retail scene.

Laura Bond, Founder and Creative Director at Laura Bond Jewellery said: “This Christmas, I’m encouraging people to embrace the spirit of community by choosing to shop local for those last-minute stocking fillers, rather than turning to large online retailers. After all, local businesses are at the heart of our communities, adding unique character, creating jobs, and supporting a thriving local economy.

“Even buying just a couple of gifts from independent businesses can make a real difference. Now, more than ever, it’s vital to shop small.”

The new Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches will open on 6 December.

The distillery has created “experiences” which are available to book HERE. Led by the brand’s expert Distillery Ambassadors, visitors on each experience will receive a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s role in the history of gin, and the opportunity to fully immerse their senses by exploring the remarkable flavours, aromas, textures and tastes of the carefully-chosen botanicals that contribute to the brand’s signature gins. 

The distillery will be open from Monday to Sunday 11.00am – 9.00pm.

Tasting Packages and Prices

The Classic Tour & Tasting (1.25hours, £28.00pp)
Step into the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the home of Edinburgh Gin for The Classic Tour & Tasting, immersing yourself in a world of craftsmanship and flavour. After a glimpse into Edinburgh’s role in the history of gin, you will explore our remarkable Flavour Arch to experience the aromas, textures and tastes that our carefully chosen botanicals contribute to our signature gins. Learn the secrets of distillation in our Stillhouse before enjoying a curated sampling of our acclaimed expressions with carefully selected mixer and garnish pairings in one of our fabulous Tasting Rooms. 

Decadent Duo: Gin & Chocolate Pairing (1.5hours, £35.00pp)
Explore the realm of flavour pairings with our Decadent Duo: Gin & Chocolate Pairing. Led by our expert Distillery Ambassadors, this sensory journey invites you to elevate your tasting adventure. Begin your experience with an immersive distillery tour, exploring the intricate process behind our renowned spirits. Enjoy a selection of our finest gins, expertly matched with hand-selected chocolates from the artisans at COCO Chocolatier with every step infused with the essence of craftsmanship and indulgence. The perfect choice for any gin-lover, keen to experience their spirits in a considered new way.

Mix & Muddle Cocktail Class (2 hours, £50.00pp)
Join us for a Mix & Muddle Cocktail Class in our Roof Garden Bar, to learn the art of cocktail making using the pioneering flavours of Edinburgh Gin. Explore the world of mixology and classic gin-based cocktails, alongside intriguing new twists on serves as developed by our creative bar team. Enjoy four expertly crafted concoctions, learning about the different techniques, textures and tastes that go in to building the perfectly balanced drink, including the opportunity to make your own. Step into the stories behind each cocktail, uncovering the secrets that have made them enduring favourites.

Gin Making Experience (3 hours, £140.00pp)
Journey to the heart of gin-making by crafting your own bespoke gin. Following an immersive distillery tour to explore the intricate process behind our renowned spirits, you will unleash your inner distiller in The Arches Gin Lab. Here you will select some of the earth’s finest botanicals under the expert guidance of a Distillery Ambassador, fire up one of our small copper stills and indulge in a seasonal tutored tasting featuring gins from our award-winning range with delicious local produce – whilst our slowly simmering stills release the essential oils and flavours from your chosen botanicals. Commemorate the moment with a custom label before raising a tailored G&T in celebration of your creation.  

www.edinburghgin.com

Sephra Popcorn, made by a Kirkcaldy firm is fast finding its way onto more shelves, with an announcement that supermarket chain, Morrisons, will now stock more varieties.

Around 400 UK wide branches of Morrisons now stocking the company’s Real Butter Luxury Toffee flavoured popcorn, and the supermarket will also sell a smaller 70g “Grab & Go” tub of each of Sephra’s staple lines – Sweet, and Salty & Sweet in 800 of its UK Morrison Convenience Stores, which includes some branches of RS McColls.

Callum Bond, Sales & Business Development Manager at Sephra Popcorn which has its HQ in Fife said: “We are delighted to announce to both existing loyal customers of Sephra Popcorn, and to those who will now be discovering it for perhaps the very first time, that Morrisons have increased their range with us.  They are an enthusiastic and supportive stockist who like to keep product lines fresh and exciting by offering their customers our new flavours and sizing options.

“We’d particularly like to thank Morrisons Scottish team for its support. Allowing us to trial Luxury Toffee in key Scottish stores, has proved be a springboard to a UK wide deal.” 

Callum said that while the Real Butter luxury Toffee Popcorn is available all year round “the rich and indulgent experience it provides, makes it particularly appropriate for the fast approaching festive season, when customers are getting cosy with “at home” cinema nights, or pushing the boat out with parties and festive gatherings.

“The new deal with Morrisons is brilliant news for us as we continue to make our mark in the competitive popcorn market as an independent name with a reputation for quality and innovation. We are additionally pleased that Morrison customers can also buy the 70g “Grab & Go” size in our two original classic flavours. This is an impulse product that customers can pick up to enjoy individually as a fun snack, perhaps as an alternative to crisps as part of a lunch.   Morrisons convenience stores are the perfect outlet for this product.  We aim to give our customers as much flexibility as possible when choosing their popcorn options.

“It’s looking fantastic on the shelves and we’re all set for the crucial festive sales period.”

 Alice Yarwood, Buying Manager, In Store Bakery, of Morrisons  said: “We are excited to have expanded our range of Sephra popcorn within Morrisons Supermarkets, Online, as well as our wider Wholesale business. The Luxury Toffee is delicious and worth a try, especially at the great price of £2.”

Sephra Popcorn, instantly recognisable through its distinctive Cinema style foil lined cardboard tub, has been available since 2017 through major UK supermarkets, plus a number of UK wide convenience store chains. The brand, which offers a variety of different flavours, including the classic cinema Sweet, Salted, Sweet & Salty mix, Luxury Toffee, and a new reduced sugar range with up to 40% less sugar, can also be found across the leisure sector, with holiday parks, theatres, independent cinemas, theme parks, football clubs and many more all stocking its lines.

The company also produces a family of delicious seasonal popcorns, including Toffee Apple, Gingerbread and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

www.sephrapopcorn.com