Road-workers carrying out vital work in Linlithgow High Street were subjected to ‘aggressive’ abuse from frustrated locals, West Lothian council has heard. 

The resurfacing of roads and footways completely closed the street for ten days, leaving shopkeepers and shoppers complaining and council staff and contractors on the front line. 

And the abuse suffered by staff working on the scheduled and vital upgrade was made worse by anger whipped up on social media. 

Local Lib Dem Councillor Sally Pattle – who owns a bookshop in the town – slammed those who had abused staff, but admitted the roadworks had caused “major disruption” to local businesses.   

And she called for better consultation and communication over sensitive roadworks. 

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:  “The major roadworks have encompassed several pieces of work that have been rolled into one major disruption, and which has included 10 days of total road closure, effectively cutting Linlithgow in two.” 

Councillor Pattle said the total closure had severely impacted people trying to go about their business and those living in surrounding residential streets which they found became rat runs for traffic trying to negotiate a route through the town. 

She added: “Linlithgow High Street is rightly celebrated for its wealth of independent businesses, which should be enjoying a busy run-up to Christmas. Instead, many are sitting in empty shops and cafes.” 

She added: “In Linlithgow we’ve got a Town Management Group, a Town Centre Manager, a Business Improvement District, and an active voluntary group of traders. 

 “None of these groups were consulted about the timing of these works, they would happily have sat down with the roads department and worked out a more suitable time for the works to take place. 

“I have repeatedly asked what framework is used by the council to determine when works of this magnitude should take place. In the written response provided to me today, they state that they inform large businesses so they can plan shift patterns, but apparently no consideration is given to small businesses. 

“As a trader on the High Street myself, I am acutely aware of the challenges we are facing with the combination of skyrocketing operating costs, the cost-of-living crisis and the result of the recent budget which is adding yet more pressure onto small and medium businesses.”  

Councillor Pattle castigated those who had targeted the road crews with abuse: “Of course it’s not right for anyone to be cross with the workers, in fact they’ve been incredibly helpful to traders trying to get deliveries etc.  

“The issue is the lack of consultation with regards to the timing and the failure to acknowledge the negative impact this decision.” 

This week, as workmen finalised the work and began dismantling barriers a council spokesperson told the LDRS: “It’s a significant amount of work and, sadly, council staff and the onsite contractors staff have been subject to considerable abusive and aggressive behaviour from members of the public.  

“We are also aware of abuse directed at our staff by others on social media, alongside misinformation.  

“This is from a minority of people but it is really disappointing and nobody deserves this whilst working and doing their job. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  

“The safety measures that are in place protecting the worksite are there for the protection of the public and road staff carrying out their duties. Cars and pedestrians are therefore not permitted to pass through barriers and into closed roads and footways.  

“Unauthorised and illegal access to the site is not permitted at any time and may lead to injury and unfortunately Police Scotland have had to be notified to assist the council in the instances that have been recorded. 

“We understand that there are people who are not satisfied with road works and the impact that they have. However, they are carried out to improve roads and paths and they will be over soon.” 

Councillor Pattle  said she intended to raise the issue   with the council in the New Year. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Neil Critchley views Celtic as Scotland’s No 1 and it is The Hoops who visit Tynecastle on Saturday (kick-off 19.45) in front of a likely packed and passionate Gorgie crowd and a national Sky Sports audience.

It’s a massive test for the struggling Jambos and Hearts’ head coach could be able to call on 23-year-old, Japanese forward Yutaro Oda who has trained this week.

Costa Rica-born striker Kenneth Vargas has suffered plane problems returning from international duty – he had not arrived by the press briefing on Friday lunchtime – but Kye Rowles, not used by Australia in midweek but who travelled, and Scotland duo, Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland, are all in contention for places.

Critchley said he is no stranger to using analytics. Of course, Jamestown Analytics, have just signed a deal with Hearts and the Englishman looks forward to using that data to improve the club.

The former Blackpool boss said Hearts can now use that knowledge and expertise for opposition analysis, how Hearts benchmark their own performances post-match, and also for recruitment going forward.

He added: “It is exciting, and I know what a big aid it (data) can be, so it is a big announcement, fantastic for the football club, and it plays a big part of what we do in our processes working forward. If you look at the clubs this company has been involved with, they have all progressed.”

Meanwhile, Critchley confirmed that he has read the comments attributed to Vargas about his future while he was away on international duty, and the response of the player following the reaction to the  publication of those comments.

He said: “I have not had a chance to speak to him yet. When he does return I will be speaking to him, obviously. I read his initial comments but I also read his initial response to his own comments and that is something as a club we will deal with internally.”

The immediate focus is Celtic, however, and Vargas, said Critchley, sill has a chance of being involved in the William Hill Premiership clash, but he said: “Yutaro (Oda) has trained enough to be considered for selection.

“Calem (Nieuwenhoff) is a good few weeks away yet as he has not trained since March and he needs time to regain confidence in himself.

“Shanks (Lawrence Shankland), Craigie (Craig Gordon) and Kye (Rowles) have all returned fit and able and ready to go.”

The recent cold snap has not had any real impact on training this week. Hearts were on grass earlier in the week at Riccarton and, in the last few days, they have trained at Tynecastle which, of course, has a blanket.

Focusing on Celtic, he said: “They are a fantastic team, the best in Scottish football at this moment in time, and they are in a really good moment. In fact, they are unbeaten this season (in the league) and they have only conceded three goals in the league and one of them was a penalty.

“We know the challenge that is right in front of us but we take confidence in some of our recent performances.”

Critchley added: “If you look at Celtic’s team, they have been consistent in who they pick and how they play and, even if they reshuffle, they still have quality players to bring into the team.”    

Plans to convert an ex-serviceman’s cottage into a new sustainable home have been backed on appeal after one councillor described the design as ‘beautiful’.

East Lothian Council’s planners had rejected the proposal to extend the country cottage, at Newmains Holdings, near Athelstaneford, creating a link from the main house to an outbuilding, saying it did not reflect the ‘architectural heritage’ of the cottages.

However a meeting of the council’s Local Review Body this week heard praise for the design from councillors who rejected the decision by their officers.

Councillor Shona McIntosh said she welcomed the planned home.

She said: “I do not agree it will be harmful to the character of the area, I think if I was cycling past and looked towards this new home I would think “oh what a beautiful house’.

“I applaud the level of ambition, particularly around sustainability.”

The award-winning architects behind the design Edinburgh-based WT Architecture had argued the changes they planned for the bungalow were “exactly the type of development that East Lothian Council should be encouraging”.

They said their proposals would turn a group of unsustainable buildings, built to house servicemen post World War Two, into  quality homes, reducing their environmental impact and extending their lifespan using sustainable techniques.

They said: “This proposed scheme represents the most high-quality, contextual and sensitive architectural intervention ever put forward for any of the properties along Newmains Holdings, and will significantly enhance the character of the existing buildings and area.

” We believe the merits of this application are clear and believe that the application is not merely acceptable, but should be actively supported and praised as an exemplary architectural addition to this part of East Lothian.”

Planners had refused permission saying the new home was a “large, dominant dwellinghouse” which would not “be reflective of the architectural character or style of the dwellinghouses at Newmains Holdings”

The Local Review Body upheld the appeal by three votes to one with Councillors McIntosh, Neil Gilbert and Jeremy Findlay supporting it and Councillor Andy Forrest, rejecting it.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Two men approached a vehicle on Hailesland Road, threatened the driver, demanded money from him and damaged the vehicle.  

The men then got into a light-coloured car and drove along Murrayburn Road in the direction of Longstone Road. 

Detective Constable William Doughty said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the victim and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the men responsible. 

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, who witnessed the incident or noticed anything suspicious, to come forward. 

“Additionally, we urge anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to review it and bring anything significant to our attention.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 4500 of 15 November. Alternatively, details can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

In a shock move, new Liberal Democrat councillor, Louise Spence, has resigned “for personal reasons” just a week after being elected.

The win by Ms Spence was heralded by LibDem leader, Alex Cole Hamilton MSP as a new surge for the party when she was returned to the 63 strong council with a sizeable majority.

The Edinburgh Reporter understands that Ms Spence’s home is on the market for sale, and that may have been a recent decision.

The council will now have to hold next month’s by election to elect two new councillors and not just one as we reported earlier this week when Marco Biagi resigned to become a special adviser with The Scottish Government. Read more here.

Each by-election costs the council around £80,000 in printing and staffing costs.

There were contrasting finishes to the women’s and men’s finals when the Edinburgh International Seniors curling event took place over three days at Curl Edinburgh.

The women’s team, lead by Jackie Lockhart, required an extra end to retain their title against Team Kennedy.

As for the men it required only five ends for Team Connal to overcome Team Cormack.

Altogether 16 men’s teams and eight women’s teams took part.

The winning men’s team – left to right – Mark Brass, Mark Fraser, Alastair Scott, Graeme Connal

It’s been a cold week. The temperature has fallen to a chilly 4 or 5 C in most of Scotland.  It reached minus 11.2°C in Braemar, the lowest temperature for mid- November for 26 years. 

Snow fell in many parts of the Highlands and the North East. Around 100 schools had to close.  And all this was in contrast to a very mild spell at the beginning of the month.  More evidence of our increasingly unstable weather. 

Our 67,000 farmers know more about it than most. They’ve been appealing to the government, and the general public, to understand their present plight and their role in providing half of our food.  They have mounted their tractors and taken to the streets of London and Edinburgh and Orkney to protest against “the last straw”, the UK government’s decision to impose a 20 per cent inheritance tax on all farms worth more than £1m.

This, the farmers say, would drive many family farms out of business. Sons and daughters would not be able to pay the death duties out of their meagre earnings.  When their parents die, they would be forced to sell the farm, which may have been in the family for generations.  This comes at the end of a long list of woes, up to now ignored by the public and the government. They include the uncertainly over state subsides following Brexit, the rising costs of fuel, animal feed and fertiliser, the low prices for their produce imposed upon them by the supermarkets and the vagaries of the weather.

The UK Government says the fear over inheritance tax is much exaggerated. Not all of the 70,000 farms across Britain that are worth over £1m will be subject to inheritance tax. It says the figure is below 500, when the farmer’s wife’s share, is taken into account and these will be the larger estates. Even then the tax is only 20 per cent, not the usual 40 per cent, and owners will be given 10 years to pay. Besides, the tax department needs to close the loop-hole which has allowed wealthy people to buy up agricultural land to avoid inheritance tax.       

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the argument, the new Labour government has run into a culture war it should have avoided. Town versus Country is always a sensitive issue. We saw that when fox-hunting was banned 20 years ago, in both England and Scotland. Thousands of horn-blowing, horse-mounted, green welly-ed country-folk took to the streets, not just to defend fox-hunting but to protect their way of life.   

As in the case of ending the winter fuel payment, neither Sir Keir Starmer nor Rachel Reeves foresaw the trouble their policies would cause. Surely they will now mitigate the changes and claim they are a listening government. This they could do without losing a lot of tax revenue. The genuine family farms could be distinguished from the land investors by a time qualification or a means test.  And on the winter fuel payment, it could be given to all those eligible for pension credit whether they claim the benefit or not.  

In the unlikely event of the UK Government not listening, The Scottish Government might try some mitigation of its own. The Labour leader in Scotland Anas Sarwar has already called on the first minister John Swinney to do this in the case of the winter fuel payment. It will be interesting to see if the Scottish budget has anything to say on this when it is announced on 4 December.

The finance secretary Shona Robison will have a tough job allocating the £40 billion she has at her disposal.  Every department is crying out against the austerity they’ve been suffering for the last two decades.  NHS waiting times are at record levels. Schools are cutting hours or teaching assistants, and in Glasgow’s case, teachers. Universities and colleges are heading for deficits.  Local councils are £1bn short of funds to keep services running. Police numbers are set to fall drastically and the prisons are so over-crowded parliament had to vote this week to release most short-term prisoners after they had served just 40 per cent of their sentence.

The auditor general Stephen Boyle has pointed out in his latest report that the Scottish government has been short of “fiscal sustainability”. It’s a kind way of saying it has stumbled from funding crisis to funding crisis, with no long-term plan to pay the bills. He suggests “reform” of the public services to make them viable.  Government ministers too talk of reform but are slow to get round to it.  Spending on preventive measures in health or crime, for example, is less glamourous than building hospitals and prisons, and it takes much longer to yield results.  Politicians want immediate impact and we let them get away with it.

Weary readers who have been following the Hebridean Saga of the “Glen Sannox”, will be relieved to learn that the ship has finally passed all its tests and has been handed over by Ferguson’s shipyard on the Clyde to Caledonian MacBrayne.  It will come into service on the Arran route in January, six years after it was first commissioned.  Now that IS long term planning….of sorts.  

Brendan Rodgers brings his Celtic side to Tynecastle under the floodlights and the glare of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday (kick-off 19.45) riding high in the William Hill Premiership, going well in the Champions League, and with an enviable record against the Men in Maroon.

They have won three of the last five games, losing two, and that includes the 2-0 win over the Jambos at Celtic Park on September 14 when an Arne Engles penalty after 52 minutes and a strike from Luke McCowan in the final minute of regulation time did the damage.

Both players scored their first goals for Celtic on the day and the home side had 18 shots to seven from Hearts.

Six were on target with three in reply from the visitors and The Bhoys enjoyed 71 per cent of possession against 29 per cent in the opposite direction.

It’s the first time the pair have met at Tynecastle this season and Rodgers (pictured by Ian Jacobs) looks like having a full quota of players available for the trip along the M8.

The squad could include influential, Cameron Carter-Vickers who missed Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock, but Rodgers may opt to reshuffle as The Bhoys play Club Brugge in the Champions League in midweek and that could mean in-form Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn is rested. He has scored in his last three games.

Adam Idah, who started at Rugby Park, could lead the line with Alex Valle and Paulo Bernardo, who were used substitutes at Kilmarnock, coming in against Hearts.

The Northern Irishman admitted that it is always tough going to Gorgie but added: “It’s a great game to get started (after the international break) and we’ll be prepared.”

Celtic are unbeaten in the league and have 31 points from 11 starts – ten wins and a draw – while Hearts have earned nine points from their first 13 fixtures, two wins, three draws and eight defeats, and are currently second bottom of the table.

It is not where new head coach, Neil Critchley, wants to be and he is desperate to put points on the board after their 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in their last outing before the international break.

That desperation is heightened as the next visitors to Tynecastle are high-flying Aberdeen (Sunday, December 1, 15.00) who are second in the table on goal difference from Celtic and the manager has stated that he does not want his men to be classed as “a nearly team”.

His message at the break in their last domestic outing, which was at Ibrox, was to show more believe and more aggression, particularly without the ball, and those qualities will certainly be required against Celtic.

Calem Nieuwenhof, Gerald Taylor and Yutaro Oda are sidelined through injury but Kye Rowles, who was in Australia’s squad but did not play in their World Cup qualifiers, and could be in contention.

Leith Harbour and Newhaven Community Council

The next meeting is at 6.30pm on 26 November at Custom House on Commercial Street. The meeting is being convened to discuss:

Western Harbour 24/05114/FUL – proposed residential development of 104 apartments
Bangor Road PAN
BT Hubs
Leith Connections (Henderson St, Hawthornvale to Seafield)
Water of Leith Basins
Landscape/greenspace reinstatement – tram corridor
Leith Chooses

A reminder that comments are invited on the planning application at Western Harbour Ponds until 29 November. A spokesperson for Friends of Western Harbour Ponds said: “On 4 November 2024, prospective developer FM Group’s application for planning permission on plot A1, the woodland plot, went live on the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning portal. Residents of neighbouring properties would have received notification, but ANYONE can comment – the deadline for comments is Friday 29 November.” Read more here.

Pirate Radio Special

Callum Easter will be broadcasting live this weekend on Saturday in a Pirate Radio Special, inviting fans to tune in and get a taste of what to expect when he plays the Queens Hall in Edinburgh on 2 December as part of this year’s Soundhouse Winter Festival.

This one-off temporary broadcast, will be transmitted live at Leith Depot in Edinburgh. It will also be available to fans by tuning into 87.8FM at the following times/places:

Saturday 23 November 2024
Around Morningside and near Calton Hill 7-9pm
Around Leith Walk 9-11pm

Find out more about the Soundhouse Winter Festival here.

Christmas is coming

Bad weather will affect opening of some of Edinburgh’s Christmas. The Polar Ice Bar and Coorie Inn on George Street will not open until the afternoon of 26 November.

But Santa Claus and his elves are ready to welcome families at St. Andrew Square where they can find Santa’s Stories, a letter writing station and a post box with a direct line to Santa’s workshop. Santa’s Stories begins Saturday 23 November in the Piccolo Spiegeltent, with each visit ensuring kids get the opportunity to meet Santa himself before the big day, and take home their own present.

Also in St. Andrew Square, the all-new Christmas Tree Maze opens on Saturday 23 November, until 24 December. This immersive holiday experience, with tickets from £5, offers one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree walks.

Time to lace up your skates! Edinburgh’s premier outdoor Ice Rink opens on George Street from the evening of Friday 22 November right through until Saturday 4 January 2025. With a covered rink, it could be the perfect festive activity, rain or shine for you.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is now open featuring a jam-packed programme of festive family fun. Get ready for bright lights, Christmas tunes and mulled wine as the festive season kicks off.  Last weekend’s opening in East Princes Street Gardens welcomed 100,000 visitors during the weekend.

There is more to entertain you at Ross Bandstand (all free) this weekend.

Edinburgh Sings 24 November at 2pm – details are here

Silent disco on 23 November in the late afternoon – details here

Leith Creative Trail

Tthe Leith Creative Trail is a map of all the markets and open studios that are happening on Saturday 30 November until Sunday 8 December.

You can pick up a map at any participating venues or by downloading it online as a pdf. Venues include:

• Out of the Blue, Drill Hall
• Portland Street Studio Jewellers
• Heart of Newhaven
• Art Glass Studio 34
• Leith Makers
• Glass Lab
• Silverhub Studios
• Custom House
• Mote 102
• Edinburgh Open Workshop
• Portland Street Pottery
• Leith Police Box
• Out of the Bluie Abbymount Studios
• Akvile Su & Wojtek Kutyla
• Leith Market
• Coburg House

At Macmillan Square on Saturday

A free bike event is being held in Macmillan Square (just next to the almost ready North Edinburgh Arts building) on Saturday from 11am to 1pm. Take your bike along and Dr Bike will give it the once over.

Also a family friendly bike ride around the area is planned (depends on the weather which does not look the best..). And there will be two cargo bikes to try out. No need to book a place just drop in.

And children are welcome but must be over 8 years old and accompanied by an adult.

More details here.

It is claimed that controversial sex education being taught in Scottish schools has fuelled an explosion in the numbers of transgender children over the last decade.

Data shows there has been a rapid rise in the number of young people questioning their identity or experiencing gender dysphoria, with 1100 children under 18 waiting for gender change treatment on the NHS in Scotland at the end of 2023.

They included dozens of children aged under 10 and two under five.

Critics claim there is a direct link between the introduction of the Scottish Government’s Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education (RSHP) in 2014 – which they say promotes transgender ideology – and the “exponential” rise in the number of trans youngsters.

Scottish Conservative shadow equalities minister, Tess White MSP, said: “It is crucial that children are able to attend school without being exposed to potentially damaging ideology.

“This can be deeply confusing for young people. We must allow children to just be children.”

Ms White added: “The SNP Government must ensure that various organisations including LGBT Youth Scotland are not left to promote their own brand of ideology on our children.”

Dr Jenny Cunningham, of campaign group Scottish Union for Education (SUE), says the Scottish Government’s ‘Cass Review – Implications for Scotland’ report published in July records the rise in referrals to the Sandyford gender service since 2014–2015 but fails to address the essential issue of “why”.

She said: “The report regards the explosion in referrals to the Sandyford gender service… and the subsequent lengthy waiting times for assessments, as simply a question of capacity, reflecting the difficulty retaining and recruiting clinicians for the service.

“There is no attempt to interrogate why this increase in the rate and quantity of referrals occurred. Where did all these children and young people come from – they came out of Scottish schools.”

“This coincided with the Scottish government’s implementation of its Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenting (RSHP) curriculum for pupils of all ages.”

Dr Cunningham added: “RSHP introduced the ideas of gender identities and sexuality early on, and by 9-11 years, the concept of transgender individuals, who believe they are ‘in the wrong body’ and want to be treated as the opposite sex.”

In August 2021, the government issued its “Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools: Guidance for Scottish Schools” which Dr Cunningham says was “essentially a modified LGBT Youth Scotland document full of gender ideology”.

She insists there is “clear evidence” that trans ideology is being taught in Scottish schools despite Public Health Minister Jenni Minto saying in parliament that “children and young people are not taught about their own gender identity in schools”.

Ms Minto had gotten into a spat with SNP MSP Fergus Ewing who had asked her to remove all gender ideology references from teaching about RSHP and remove third party activist groups from schools.

A government spokesperson subsequently stated that “The Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools” guidance does not recommend pupils are encouraged to socially transition and that “any claim otherwise is completely incorrect”.

Dr Cunningham has now hit back, saying “they ought to read the guidance more closely”.

She said: “The guidance advises teachers that they should not question a child or young person’s expressed desire to transition to the opposite sex. That they should allow them to socially transition — including changing their name and using their preferred pronouns, and changing their hair and clothes.

“They are advised that they should avoid ‘deadnaming’ young people — using their previous name — and, what is more, that they should respect the pupils’ right to withhold information about their social transitioning from their parents.”

Dr Cunningham added: “Clearly children and young people will continue to be at great risk from government-sanctioned transgender ideology in Scottish schools.”

She also claims controversial charity LGBT Youth Scotland has the ear of the Scottish Government and has been given access to secondary schools across Scotland to push its contested gender ideology.

She said: “LGBT Youth Scotland is probably the most influential of the various transgender activist organisations which the Scottish Government includes in its various policy making or consultation groups.

“LGBT Youth Scotland has carte blanche to go into Scottish secondary schools to run lunchtime groups and promote its agenda.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “RSHP education has been part of the Scottish curriculum since 2010 and equips young people with the knowledge and understanding of issues like safe, healthy and appropriate relationships and boundaries.”

Allanwater Homes has opened a new three-bedroom show home at its Oaktree Gardens development in Alloa, offering a glimpse into contemporary family living away from the city.

The Sidlaw house type has a sophisticated design that maximises space and natural light. Lynn McNair, the company’s Development Sales Manager, carefully curated the home’s interior, drawing on her background in fabric and design.

Visitors are greeted by a light-filled hallway leading to a spacious 5.7m living room. The kitchen/diner features an on-trend greenish-grey palette with gold-coloured accents, and there are double doors opening to the garden.

Upstairs, the main bedroom offers a serene retreat with natural colors and soft textures. The second bedroom boasts a fashionable oversized headboard and striped feature wallpaper, while the third bedroom appeals to children with a subtle elephant-themed wall design.

This show home is in the final phase of Oaktree Gardens, a development which began in 2004. The current release includes three and four-bedroom homes with impressive specifications, including solar PV panels, integrated appliances, and stylish bathroom fixtures.

Each home comes with built-in wardrobes and carefully designed spaces that cater to modern family needs. With its thoughtful design and attention to detail, the Sidlaw show home demonstrates Allanwater Homes’ commitment to creating desirable, contemporary living spaces.

Prospective buyers can explore this showcase of modern family living at the Oaktree Gardens development.

Lynn said: “When this phase is complete, Allanwater Homes will have created over a thousand properties, building a thriving community.

“The journey here at Oaktree Gardens is far from over for us, however, as with new house types, and our very latest specification, exclusive to Oaktree Garden buyers, we are well placed to help many more local people achieve their homebuying ambitions. There’s no better way to appreciate our new specification than to see it for yourself, so we hope our new show home will delight and inspire – we want every prospective buyer to imagine themselves living in this home.”

Oaktree Gardens is surrounded by countryside walks, convenient for shops and services in Alloa and has excellent transport links to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. The show suite is open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5.30pm. Call Lynn on 0771 0304482 to arrange an appointment or visit www.allanwaterhomes.co.uk

The thermometer hovered in low single figures, but crowds homed in on The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on opening night of Christmas at the Botanics.

Vibrant bursts of light could be seen shooting through branches of trees near the entrance to the annual show which this year runs for 35 nights until December 30.

Raoul Curtis-Machin, director of horticulture and visitor experience, said mystery and surprise were the theme for this festive season and visitors, young and old, witnessed the garden transformed by many new installations.

There is also an eco-friendly element as 95 per cent of the lights on the extensive trail are LED and the event has been assembled to complement the Botanics’ existing landscape.

Around 80 per cent of the trail has been given a fresh perspective, but the hugely-popular Christmas Cathedral, the backdrop for many happy memories from previous years, is included. Santa is also there, housed in a special area.

New installations include Sea of Light with thousands of individually controlled LED lights, reminiscent of the roots of trees and plants that twist and turn.

A sparkling flock of red, gold, bronze and orange robins, their sequined feathers shimmering in the breeze, was also appreciated and the Pealit Tree excites.

There, thousands of tiny LED lights illuminate the Turner oak, Quercus turneri Pseudoturneri, one of the garden’s mightiest trees and a country champion in Scotland for its remarkable girth.

Firework trees was our favourite. It is the last exhibit and brought an enjoyable walk to a real climax.

The busy garden, one of Britain’s leading garden attractions, welcomes over 1 million visitors a year and Curtis-Machin said that the show kick-starts Christmas for many.

Cash raised from the winter light show supports the garden’s wider work to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.

Ticket sales also helps fund the Botanics’ international plant research, conservation work and education programmes, strengthening its commitment to building a positive future for plants, people and the planet.

Sarah Cathcart, director of learning and engagement at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, added: “Each installation depicts a story about the inspiration taken from the natural world, encouraging visitors of all ages to think more deeply about protecting our planet.”

An off-peak offer is available and it features reduced-priced family tickets and visitors are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee their preferred time slot.

Incidentally, Christmas at the Botanics is one of 14 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter RG Live, a division of Sony Music and the event is presented in partnership with creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

With only seven properties left at Dandara’s Eskbank Gardens development in Dalkeith, time is running out for interested buyers.

Prospective homeowners can take advantage of a range of offers, including pre-paid LBTT on the four-bedroom ‘Iona’ home, saving up to £10,250, and part exchange options for an easier move. The development also features one remaining Golden Share home, allowing eligible buyers to purchase at 80% of the open market value.

Tony Williamson, Sales Director at Dandara East Scotland, said: “We’ve seen firsthand the strong demand for homes in Scotland, and our final homes at Eskbank Gardens are no exception, with a significant number of buyers already reserving the few remaining properties.

“These homes are designed with modern living in mind, featuring spacious open-plan areas and high-quality kitchens with integral appliances. I strongly encourage any interested buyers to act quickly, as we anticipate these last properties will sell very fast!”

Eskbank Gardens offers a diverse range of homes suited for first time buyers, young professionals, and larger families looking to settle down. Families will appreciate the proximity to several schools within three miles of the development, ensuring easy access to all levels of education, from nursery to high school.

The development is ideally located for professionals commuting to Edinburgh, with Eskbank station and the Edinburgh City Bypass nearby. These transport links provide easy access to Tweedbank, Edinburgh Waverley, the A1, A7, A68, and Edinburgh Airport for international travel.

Each home at Eskbank Gardens is equipped with photovoltaic panels for low-carbon electricity and features energy-efficient double glazing, helping residents reduce energy costs. The homes come with a 2-year builder’s warranty from a 5-star HBF builder and a 10-year NHBC warranty, ensuring coverage until 2034.

Currently available are three, four, and five bedroom homes. The three bedroom mid-terrace Mull is priced at £228,000 through the Golden Share scheme, while the four bedroom Islay is available for £306,995.

www.dandara.com/eskbank-gardens or call 0131 608 4217.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra has added a special afternoon concert for older music lovers at the Queen’s Hall on Sunday 1 December to is upcoming Remembering Duke tour.

In partnership with Care UK, the SNJO will present a relaxed edition of its celebration of jazz legend Duke Ellington’s music which is specially tailored for an older audience with accompanying family members.

“We believe that music has the unique ability to evoke memories, lift spirits, and foster connections, and we recognise how important these experiences are for older people,” says SNJO founder-director, saxophonist Tommy Smith.

Using the Queen’s Hall’s cabaret-style seating and keeping the auditorium well-lit, says Smith, will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to ensure that everyone can enjoy the music in a comfortable and supportive setting where people can move around or take breaks when required.

The concert will last between 45 minutes and an hour and will feature many of Duke Ellington’s most familiar compositions. Wheelchair spaces and welcoming front-of-house staff will be on hand and the doors will open forty-five minutes before the scheduled start time of 3pm to let everyone settle in.

Under Smith’s direction the SNJO has developed an international reputation for interpreting Ellington’s music, with its In the Spirit of Duke album from 2012 earning critical acclaim in the US and Europe as well as here at home.

The shorter afternoon concert will precede the scheduled evening performance of Remembering Duke which is part of a tour involving a thirty-four-strong cast. As well as a performance by the SNJO and special guest, vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, the evening concert will feature an opening set by the seventeen-piece Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra.

“We’re looking forward to playing this great music, which has so much depth and character,” Smith adds. “The audiences at both the afternoon and evening concerts will experience Ellington’s music in its authentic style in terms of staging, attire and musical equipment and we want everyone to enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy playing it.”

Boroughmuir High School is Celebrating its 120th Anniversary with a dinner on 29 November at Canalside.

The Former Pupils Association has collaborated with the School in organising a dinner to celebrate the 120 years since the school was established in Edinburgh in 1904.

ALL FORMER PUPILS AND STAFF ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Speeches will be made by the newly appointed headteacher of the school and historian, Kate Fraser, along with senior pupils and vice-president of the association Douglas Johnston.

Musical entertainment will be provided by senior pupils.

VIDEO TRIBUTES WILL BE MADE BY FPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING THOSE BY NOBEL PRIZE WINNER RICHARD HENDERSON AND THE BBC’S NORTH AMERICA EDITOR SARAH SMITH

CONTACTS: Douglas Johnston 07971 522092; School Office 0131 229 9703 boroughmuirfpa@gmail.com

Six school staff reported being assaulted every day in Midlothian last year, according to figures released by the council.

More than 1250 attacks were recorded in Midlothian schools during 190 school days over 2023, ranging from assaults with weapons to biting, physical assaults and things being thrown at them.

The shocking figures, revealed by workers union the GMB, are feared to be just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ by their local representative.

Midlothian Council said it was committed to tackling the issue and supporting staff and pupils on a daily basis.

Figures released by the local authority to the GMB revealed a total of 1,254 assaults were reported last year with 90 per cent taking place in the classrooms themselves.

They included 964 physical assaults, six involving a weapon, and 107 involving biting. In 75 cases the staff member was hit with an object while a further 22 were struck by objects thrown at them while 62 reported verbal assaults and the rest were described as ‘other injuries’.

John McCartney, the GMB organiser in Midlothian Council, said the figures were ‘shocking; but not surprising.

He said: “Violence against staff in our schools is clearly at crisis levels but official records are still underestimating the scale of that crisis. These reports are the tip of the iceberg.

“From what our members tell us, the incidents of violence and abuse that are not being reported, recorded or investigated could far outstrip those that are.

“No worker should go to their work in fear and feel relief if they arrive home unhurt. No one should be asked to go to their work to be punched, kicked, bit, spat on, and expecting to suffer verbal or physical abuse.

“Our members do not feel the authorities are tackling or even recognising the violence in schools but are instead glossing over it and allowing it become normalised.”

A Midlothian Council spokesman said the council was committed to supporting its school community.

He said: “Policies, processes and training are in place to help staff to prevent incidents from occurring and to de-escalate pupils in distress. When an incident does occur, staff are encouraged to report it to their line manager and record it on the health and safety management system. Incident data is used to review the support packages in place for individual children and across schools.”

A national survey of GMB members has revealed two thirds of incidents are never recorded while three out of four victims said they receive no feedback if they do report an incident.

The union is piloting a poster campaign to bolster reporting systems with trial in schools in five local authority areas initially and plans to roll it out across the country if successful.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

National RAAC campaigners have called on West Lothian Council to back their petition to the Scottish Government. 

A meeting of the full council voted in favour of a plea by Wilson Chowdhry the leader of the campaign group to be heard at this month’s meeting. 

Mr Chowdhry last week presented a petition to MSPs at Holyrood on behalf of RAAC homeowners from across Scotland. 

However, a local campaigner criticised the response the council had given to Mr Chowdhry after he appeared via a video link from his home on Tuesday. 

Three councillors Sally Pattle, Craig Meek and Andrew McGuire voted against hearing the deputation. A fourth, Danny Logue, abstained. 

Ghost estate campaigner Kerry Macintosh said “Shame on those councillors who voted against hearing the deputation. Sally Pattle has homeowners and tenants who have RAAC in their homes.  These people need help.” 

She added: “The council should be supporting the national campaign to raise funds for homeowners.” 

Mr Chowdhry told councillors he was disappointed at the council’s stance not to offer financial help to tenants facing RAAC problems. He reiterated that he believed that the council could use existing legislation to tackle RAAC. 

He told the meeting: “RAAC is not a routine housing repair issue—it is a public safety crisis. We are talking about structural instability that threatens the habitability of homes and the safety of residents. By treating this under the same approach as general home repairs, the council is failing to recognize the scale and urgency of the problem.” 

He called on the council to work with the Scottish Government to secure funding and also for greater clarity on the actual numbers of homes, private and tenanted, who may be affected by RAAC. 

He said: “As elected members, you have the unique ability to act without the constraints of political neutrality. Your endorsement could play a crucial role in advancing the aims of both this council and the UK RAAC Campaign Group, ensuring a fair deal for the homeowners affected by this crisis.” 

Councillor Andrew McGuire asked Mr Chowdhry whether he was a resident or council taxpayer in the county, and exchanges became testy, with Mr Chowdhry asserting that he had contacted all MSPs seeking support for the petition. 

The only public support given by MSPs so far has been from Conservatives from the Highlands and North-East, and from Lothians’ Miles Briggs. 

Councillor Pattle, who had questioned whether the deputation should be heard without relevant papers coming before the council, asked Mr Chowdhry if he would recognise the work that the council had done in trying to tackle the RAAC crisis. 

Local campaigner Kerry Macintosh said she was “appalled” at the way Mr Chowdhry had” been rushed” through his presentation.  

“I was not happy about the way the whole thing was conducted. Wilson was rudely interrupted not once but quite a few times.” 

Referring to councillor Pattle’s  question  she said: “The council has not sorted RAAC out, they’ve done nothing since 1990.” 

Kerry added: “West Lothian needs to step up. They need to support homeowners, and they need to support the petition. We’re fighting for funds for the council.”  

A spokesperson for the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We note the discussion at council and presentation from Mr Chowdhry. A response will be provided to him in the near future.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

First-night-itis struck again at the Edinburgh press night of 101 Dalmatians. Steps’ star, Faye Tozer, was on the sick list, much as Matt Cardle was when &Juliet came to town, as was Jason Donovan when The Rocky Horror Show came to Glasgow.

On both those previous occasions, the alternate to the star name proved top notch and so it was with 101 Dalmatians, understudy Rachel Lee-Gray proving a sassy, sexy and deliciously wicked Cruella De Vil.

In a quite fabulous performance, Lee-Gray relished her every sashay, song and moment of evil intent, marking her out as an exciting star of the future.

Continue reading here…

At Edinburgh Playhouse until 23 November. Tickets here.

A second by-election will be held in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward following the resignation of Cllr Marco Biagi.

Residents will be able to cast their votes on Thursday 23 January 2025 to select a new councillor to represent the ward. The ward, which also covers Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston has a current electorate of 19,907. 

Only last week a by-election in the same ward resulted in a Liberal Democrat win when Cllr Louise Spence became one of the three elected members who represent the ward. Cllr Jason Rust who remains in post is the Conservative representative for the area.

On Friday 6 December the formal Notice of Election will be published and the Election Timetable, Election Notices and Nomination Papers will all be accessible from the City of Edinburgh Council website.

The Returning Officer, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, Paul Lawrence said: “Last week’s by-election saw the highest turnout for a mainland council by-election this year, and I hope the residents of Colinton/ Fairmilehead will show similar enthusiasm in January when they have the opportunity to choose their new councillor.

“I want to wish outgoing councillor, Marco Biagi, well in his future role and thank him for his service on the Council.”

Mr Biagi is becoming a special adviser with The Scottish Government, and for that reason he had to resign his position as councillor – he was only elected in 2022 – with immediate effect.

Candidates will be confirmed when nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 December.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 23 January.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference rather than using a single cross. Voters can give a rank to as many or as few candidates as they like.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/elections

People in Whitburn and Fauldhouse will get a chance to air their views on proposals to “move” their towns into a new parliamentary constituency in time for the next Holyrood elections. 

Plans by Boundaries Scotland to lump the communities in with North Lanarkshire caused concern when first announced a month ago. 

Now, a local public inquiry will take place in Whitburn early next month to give residents their say. 

Boundaries Scotland is carrying out a review of constituency boundaries for the next Holyrood elections in 2026. The body has suggested that the two West Lothian communities join an Airdrie constituency   based around the town 14 miles to the west. 

Councillors criticised the plan when it was first mooted to them, suggesting no communal ties between Whitburn and Fauldhouse to the town in the North Lanarkshire Council area. 

The same proposed changes would see West Lothian removed from the Lothians’ regional list and put into a Central Scotland list for a choice of MSPs in the 2026 election. 

Boundaries Scotland said in a statement: “The Whitburn Local Inquiry will be held on 3 December 2024 at the Whitburn Partnership Centre and will be chaired by Assistant Commissioner Ross.  

“Two sessions will be held with the first starting at 2pm until 4pm and the second at 6pm until 8pm.  

“The Whitburn Local Inquiry concerns proposed boundaries for the Scottish Parliament regions of Central Scotland and Lothian and the Airdrie constituency.  

“The Provisional Proposal for regions amended the existing Central Scotland region boundary to include West Lothian. In response to previous consultations and Local Inquiries, the Further Proposal for the Airdrie constituency included Fauldhouse and Whitburn.”  

Speaking to last month’s meeting of West Lothian Council’s Executive Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said the proposals contravened two of the four rules laid down by Boundaries Scotland governing boundary changes. 

He said: “This proposal disregards the boundaries of West Lothian and very strong existing ties with these communities. By splitting two West Lothian Council wards between Airdrie and the other constituencies the proposals conflict with the fact that regard must be had to the boundaries, and rule four, they disregard local identities, links and ties with local communities. 

“I think we all agree Fauldhouse and Whitburn have strong links to the rest of West Lothian. In terms of work education people from these communities are more likely to commute to and work in Livingston, Bathgate and Edinburgh.” 

Chair of Boundaries Scotland, Prof Ailsa Henderson said: “Local Inquiries are held by us in areas where a local authority has objected to our proposals for constituencies or regions, where there has been a strong local response or where we feel we require additional information. They are an important part of the review process. If we subsequently change our proposals in any area we will consult again early in 2025.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Strategic hire reinforces commitment to independent living

A leading provider of specialist housing and care has strengthened its management team with the hire of an experienced transformation expert as Head of Digital Services.

Blackwood Homes and Care has appointed Jamie Gray, who previously led digital transformation at the V&A Dundee and brings more than 15 years of experience in technology innovation and digital services.

Jamie will now be overseeing the organisation’s strategic development and implementation of digital initiatives with a primary focus on enhancing service delivery, customer experience, and operational efficiency through the use of innovative technologies.

Originally from Dundee, Jamie’s career includes eight years at NHS Fife as Web & Intranet Co-Ordinator before taking on the role of Head of Digital & IT at V&A Dundee, where he successfully implemented numerous digital initiatives to improve visitor experience and operational efficiency.

Jamie said: “Blackwood has always been an organisation I have admired and getting the opportunity to lead both strategic development and operational delivery of digital services that directly impact people’s lives is incredibly motivating.

“My immediate focus will be on strengthening our digital infrastructure, enhancing cyber security, and ensuring our services consistently meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. The CleverCogs platform has enormous potential, and I look forward to driving its evolution.”

CleverCogs is one of Blackwood’s most ambitious and innovative products to date. It is a bespoke digital platform that plays a pivotal role in keeping residents independent and connecting them to a range of services from care and health to communication to friends and family and entertainment.

The housing provider, with operations across Scotland, has established itself as a pioneer in technology-enabled care. It has transformed the lives of hundreds of residents through its digital services and specialised accommodation to help customers to live their life to the full.

Simon Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive at Blackwood, said: “Jamie brings impressive past experience. He will provide us with invaluable experience and expertise that aligns perfectly with our innovation strategy.

“Having led significant digital transformations in both the cultural and healthcare sectors, his appointment will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our digital services to support our customers.

“Jamie’s vision and understanding of technology’s role in improving lives will be crucial to our future development.”

The appointment adds to Blackwood’s strengthened leadership team, supporting its mission to revolutionise independent living through technology-enabled care and housing solutions.

Blackwood are specialists in housing and care, empowering individuals to take charge of their lives in residences customised to suit their requirements. With decades of experience, Blackwood offers unparalleled expertise in modifying properties and crafting personalised care plans to reflect each person’s individuality.

The housing specialist puts customers at the heart of everything it does, and their satisfaction is critical to Blackwood’s success. As a modern, supportive employer it also provides individuals with pathways towards achieving long and rewarding careers in roles that make a positive difference.

https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/

Plans to build 63 new homes on land which could be cut off by flooding in the future will be referred to Scottish Ministers after councillors voted to support the development.

Environmental agency SEPA and City of Edinburgh Council’s own flooding team objected to the proposals for housing on the site off Gorgie Road, in the city.

A meeting of the council’s development management sub-committee this week heard that although flood risk maps suggested the site itself would not be at high risk of flooding, it could become an ‘island’ in the event of the Water of Leith breaking its banks in a future flood event.

However the majority of councillors supported their planning officers’ recommendation to approve the development with one adding that while new residents might face “getting their feet wet” it should not stop the use of a space which could provide much-needed housing in an already built up area.

A report to committee warned that a decision to back the application by Dundas Estates to demolish old garages and industrial units at the site behind 495 Gorgie Road, and create new blocks of flats, garages and parking spaces, would have to be sent to Scottish Ministers because of SEPA’s objection.

The report said: “The site and area will have a flood risk in the future. This may result in an inability to provide safe, access and egress for residents from the development in the event of a flood.

“Residential use is supported in principle here through its City Plan housing allocation where there is an identified need for new homes. It is in an area that is increasingly residential in character.

“Having regard to the above and level of future risk of the site being flooded, there is a presumption on balance to support residential use.”

Committee convenor Councillor Hal Osler said the fact the City Plan had been approved by the Scottish Government Reporter with the land included gave her confidence in approving the housing.

She said: “The City Plan was approved by the Reporter. They had the choice to take this particular space out and say it was not fit for development, they chose not to do this.

“I am comfortable this is fine for us to approve today based on the wider aspect of what it is delivering and benefits.”

And fellow Councillor Joanna Mowatt backed it saying sending it to Scottish Ministers would be an opportunity for them to state their position on similar applications involving areas which could be affected by surrounding floods in the future.

She said: “I would like to see this tested” adding that refusing permission because residents might “not be able to get out if the surrounding area floods until it subsides or get wet feet” rather than allow the brownfield site to be developed did not seem the right decision.

She was backed by Councillor Amy McNeese-Meechan who said: “Given how desperate we are for housing and people needing homes. I think we have to approve this.”

Scottish Ministers will now be notified of the councillors decision.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Scots have just over a week to wait until they can see a rare letter written for William Wallace when it is on display at National Records of Scotland on St Andrew’s Day.

The short note written in 1300 in a form of Latin shorthand is a message from the King of France to his agents in the Pope’s court in Rome.

He asks them to support Wallace “in those things he has to transact”.

What Wallace was doing in Europe and whether he ever made it to Rome is not known. This is one of just two original records closely associated with him and from his lifetime.

Wallace is famous for leading the Scots in the defeat of the English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. By 1305 he was back in Scotland where he was captured and taken to London where he was convicted of treason and executed. 

The letter, on loan from The National Archive, will be on display at General Register House at 2 Princes Street in Edinburgh from 10am to 3pm on St Andrew’s Day 30 November. Entry is free.

The Dogs Trust is currently caring for the tallest dog they have ever cared for who is 76cm in height when standing on his back paws and weighs a whopping 47kg, the same as a baby hippo.

Great Dane Crossbreed Harley was handed into the care of Dogs Trust West Calder in May this year after his previous owner’s circumstances changed which meant they could no longer provide him with the home he required.

The one-year-old gentle giant has the sweetest personality and brings a smile to his carers’ faces every day with his comical facial expressions and playful antics. Harley absolutely loves his toys, especially soft squeaky toys and his football which are thrown around
with great gusto due to his strength and joie de vivre.

Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Harley is the tallest dog we have ever cared for. He is an incredibly sweet natured dog who has no idea of his size. He loves human company and is our BFG, big friendly giant, who is affable, playful and loves nothing more than a fuss and cuddle. He requires an owner who can cope with caring for a big, strong, dog and who owns a rather large sofa they don’t mind sharing with Harley as he enjoys affection and cuddling in for some quiet time.

“As a youngster he would benefit from further training especially when meeting new people as he loves people so much, he can get excited and forget his manners. He enjoys learning new things and is a clever lad so learns very quickly. Harley prefers human company to that of other dogs so further training around meeting other dogs will also be required. His favourite walks are in quiet locations where he can relax and take in the sights and smells. Whoever adopts Harley will be guaranteed a life full of fun, joy and laughter with this lovable lad.”

Harley is looking for a home with plenty of space that has direct access to a garden where he can play and stretch his long legs. He has been muzzle trained as he can be unsure how to react when he meets other dogs.

Harley requires to be the only pet in the home and could live with children aged 14 years and over. He is strong on the lead so his adopters must be able to manage his strength and enthusiasm for life and be willing to provide further training to improve his manners.

www.dogstrust.org.uk/westcalder

An online event on 5 December will give two former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) an opportunity to debate what is best for Scotland’s future.

The two will discuss whether Scottish independence or remaining in the UK is the best route to enabling Scotland to regain its EU membership. Entitled “Common Ground” the discussion, between former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, who was an SNP MEP, will analyse how best to achieve Scotland’s return to the EU.

They will also talk about the importance of cross-party working and why each believes their own preferred constitutional route is best for the country. 

The European Movement in Scotland which is organising the event say that in the 2016 referendum, which resulted in the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted 62% Remain. Every local authority district in Scotland recorded a Remain majority. Polls since then have shown that Scotland continues to be strongly pro-EU membership. 

The Common Ground debate is on Tuesday 5^th December at 7pm. Tickets for the event, which is free, can be booked on Eventbrite.

Common Ground is being hosted by the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the leading all-party group campaigning for a return to European Union membership. David Martin is president of EMiS, and Alyn Smith a vice-president.

David Clarke, chair of EMiS said: “Alyn and David are passionate Europeans who share similar views about building an unstoppable momentum that sees us eventually rejoin the EU. They will discuss how that momentum is built and the competing claims of independence or union as the most likely route back to Europe.” 

The European Movement in Scotland says the debate is “must see” event for everyone interested in Scotland’s European future and how pro-EU politicians from across the party divide can work together to achieve ever-stronger ties of trade, education, culture and friendship with our EU friends. 

Police in Edinburgh are asking the public whether they recognise the two pups pictured above. 

The photo is taken from a mobile phone recovered by officers from the Central Initiative Team who executed a search warrant this morning, recovering a number of stolen electronic items.  

Officers are aiming to return these items, however they have been unable to trace the owner of this Nokia mobile.  

They believe the owner may be called Catriona. 

If you know who these lovely pups belong to, please contact 101, quoting incident 0624 of 21/11/2024 or leave your contact details to be passed to PC Callum Johnston. 

Today the National Galleries of Scotland has announced that it has been awarded the Royal Patronage of His Majesty, King Charles III.

This news comes following a review of all the patronages held by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the former Prince of Wales and the former Duchess of Cornwall, earlier this year.  

A Royal Patron provides support and vital publicity for the work that an organisation does, as well as promoting this to others. The awarding of a Royal Patronage recognises the National Galleries of Scotland’s enormous achievements and contributions to society in Scotland. 

Benny Higgins, Chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that King Charles III has accepted the Royal Patronage of the National Galleries of Scotland. His Majesty has consistently shown his support for the arts and has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the value that art offers to everyone in Scotland.” 

Anne Lyden, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “It’s wonderful that His Majesty, the King is now our Royal Patron. It’s a real honour and a recognition of the positive work we do to care for Scotland’s amazing art collection, and to provide our country with free access to the very best art, events and exhibitions. We look forward to His Majesty’s support as we continue our mission to make art work for everyone.” 

This week we celebrate the thirteenth year of Book Week Scotland, a yearly celebration across the country of reading.

This celebration of books demonstrates the importance of books and access to libraries in Scotland. The Scottish Book Trust organises
hundreds of events in recognition of reading and books to reflect Scotland’s love of reading.

WhileScotland’s love for books is apparent, public libraries remain essential for education and improving
literacy, and they play a far more crucial role in the Lothians region, contributing to creativity, social
inclusion, and well-being.

Despite the national importance of reading, libraries are under threat. In Aberdeenshire, its council
has regrettably announced the closure of 13 facilities. This threat to libraries is not new, with public
libraries in Scotland reducing at a closure rate of one in five over the past 15 years. This closure in
Aberdeen is not without opposition, with residents petitioning to save their libraries. Edinburgh, as
UNESCO’s City of Literature, remains fortunate to not have closed any libraries, instead opening new
facilities, like Muirhouse Library, which opened this month at MacMillan Hub.

With Edinburgh as a City of Literature, we continuously celebrate reading and the love of books.
Books are the life and soul of the city, as demonstrated through the global influence of Scottish
authors like Ian Rankin and Conan Doyle. This global impact is furthered through international events
like Edinburgh’s International Book Festival, bringing together authors and community members to
celebrate human connection.

Edinburgh has been and remains a centre for literature, with new
libraries like Muirhouse remaining central to the community, bringing residents together with
authors, like writer Sara Sheridan, who is visiting Muirhouse in December.

Alongside promoting reading and creativity, libraries are the lifeblood of the Lothians region, with
residents brought together through free coffee mornings and youth programming. These community
events are far and wide, with quiz nights and gaming clubs held weekly at Muirhouse Library, free
NHS hearing aid battery replacement available at West Calder Library, and craft groups gathering at
Leith Library, with computer and printing services available throughout the region’s libraries.

Going forward, we need to ensure Scotland’s love of books and reading remains protected, with
libraries built and not closed. Books and libraries are not just for education and literacy, but for social
inclusion and well-being.

University of Edinburgh has found in a recent study that pre-school children who struggle to control emotions and behaviour have more symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age seven.

The research discovered that children internalised their sadness and worries around the age of seven as a result. This is the first study of links between early behaviour and emotion regulation and school age mental health. It is hoped that the research might allow for tailored support to be developed into preventative care before mental health issues arise.

Dr Aja Murray, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, who led the study, said: “Emotion regulation skills are acquired from early in life and are thought to strengthen gradually over childhood. Children, however, acquire these skills at different rates and slower acquisition may serve as a marker for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues. Our findings suggest that monitoring trajectories of emotion regulation over development could help identity which children are at risk of mental health issues.”

The research analysed data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study following the lives of 19,000 children born in 2000-02.

Findings showed that a tendency to have extreme emotional responses and slower development in the ability to regulate those emotions was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, internalising symptoms, and conduct problems in both male and female children at age seven.

Police have charged a 14-year-old boy in connection with a robbery in Livingston.

Around 12.45pm on Saturday, 16 November 2024 a 13-year-old boy was robbed of his mobile phone on Lanark Avenue, near to its junction with Carmondean Centre Road.

The teenager was charged in connection and report will be sent to the Youth Justice Management Department.

Detective Inspector Keith Sinclair, Livingston CID, said: “We would like to thank the public for their help with our enquiry.”