The Knit and Natter group at Northesk Church are placing handmade crocheted angels on the railings outside the church every Sunday and are inviting people to take one to decorate their homes this festive season.

A sign on the railings says: “Hark! We are angels knit by members of Northesk Church and friends for you to take home and make part of your Christmas.

“Pop us on a tree, place us on a shelf, hang us on your banister, and let us remind you of the light and life that Jesus brings to us all.”

Parish minister Rev Hayley Cohen said: “The response has really been amazing.

“As a group of the knitters and I were taking photos of the angels for our Instagram and Facebook page, a few folk came along and took them and then handed me money for the church out of gratitude.

“When I told them the angels were free and a gift from us to the community, they still insisted we take the money, which was incredibly generous and deeply appreciated.

“I have to say a huge thank you to the talented folk who have spent months knitting these angels.

“Each one was knitted with prayer and is a symbol of the light and life that Jesus brings to the world at Christmas.”

Reverend Cohen said the church has a very active group of knitters, crocheters and crafters who meet every other Wednesday for the Knit and Natter group.

“It’s a wonderful initiative that started from within the congregation and helps people connect over their shared passion for wool,” she explained.

“In addition to their own personal projects, they work together to knit for various charities such as SiMBA (Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal) and CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) amongst others.

“At one of their meetings earlier in the autumn, one of the members was knitting angels for her daughter’s church in Edinburgh, as they were planning to festoon their railings with angels for Christmas and we thought, what a great way to connect with people walking by on the street and bring a bit of joy to people in our community who are maybe feeling a bit isolated or blue this Christmas.”

“Included with the angels is a little note wishing whoever takes them a Merry Christmas and inviting them to join us for our Christmas Eve service on 24 December at 4.30pm and our Christmas Day service at 10.30am,” she added.

The last of the angels will be attached to the church railings this Sunday – 22 December.

Scottish Greens spokesperson for housing, Ariane Burgess MSP, has landlords to avoid evictions this winter to ensure that nobody is left out in the cold this Christmas. 

Almost nine months since the moratorium was lifted, Scotland faces its first winter without an eviction ban in place leaving many tenants feeling less than festive as they face the risk of homelessness due to the rapidly increasing cost of living and rent fees. 

Ms Burgess said: “Christmas is a time of togetherness and goodwill to all. This season should serve as a reminder to show compassion and kindness. 

“It can be a very difficult time, and there are many families who will go without presents and Christmas day dinners to keep a roof over their heads this year.

“The housing crisis in Scotland is getting worse; yet many homes and buildings lay empty that could be retrofitted and repurposed to create safe, sustainable, affordable social housing. 

“Homelessness is on the rise as many cannot meet the soaring fees to rent privately, and I fear that this will increase over Scotland’s first winter since the temporary eviction protections that the Scottish Greens introduced came to an end.

“We brought in a rent freeze and evictions ban in 2022 to ease the financial pressures and stress of insecure tenancies for people during the pandemic. 

“Now, both the freeze and ban have ended. The forthcoming Housing Bill should offer stronger rights for tenants, but I fear that what we will get is a watered down version of the bill by the Scottish Government. 

“This winter there is a real threat of more tenancies ending abruptly and more people facing homelessness as a result. That is why we need robust and permanent protections.

“In the meantime I urge every landlord and others across the rental sector to be compassionate this winter; to avoid evictions and ensure that everyone has a warm, safe place to call home over the festive season and beyond.”

From Friday night Gas Holder 1 in Granton will be permanently lit up as the centrepiece to the regeneration of the area.

First constructed in 1901 the 46 metre high gas holder has been refurbished in a multi million pound project carried out by contractors, McLaughlin & Harvey on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council.

This was one of twelve storage tanks serving Edinburgh and the surrounding area and had already been repainted 72 times before the recent works to overhaul it.

The frame has more than 100,000 rivets including the tanks, tank walls and carriages.

The new space now has a multi-sensory play zone with a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation area and outdoor exercise trails.

There is an outdoor space to hold markets, sports, seasonal events and festivals.

Work began on the project in January 2023 and some of the expense was paid for by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Scottish Government provided £1.2 million to provide the high quality park inside the gas holder frame.

This work to refurbish the gas holder which is such a focal point is part of the £1.3 billion regeneration creating a new coastal town at Granton Waterfront.

Granton Gas Holder Park inside the gas holder will open to the public on Saturday.

The £1.3bn regeneration project is the biggest of its kind in Scotland. As well as many early stage projects being complete or well underway, the first phase planning application for a new neighbourhood was given the green light to go ahead in November. It includes plans for 847 “net zero ready” homes (with 45% being affordable) and capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network. There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space all being delivered from 2025 to 2032.

More than 900 Hibs fans will be making the long journey up to Pittodrie and head coach David Gray urged his players to send the travelling supporters home happy. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference Gray said: “I remember going up there last year and seeing them travel in their numbers. Hopefully we can send them back down the road very happy. 

“They’ll be very important during the game; we’ll need them right behind us – like they always are – and hopefully we can put in a performance for them.” 

Hibs drew 3-3 with Aberdeen at Easter Road at the end of November – a game that has been seen as a turning point in Hibs season. 

Whilst Gray expects a different challenge at Pittodrie, he’s demanding the same level of work ethic and application from his side this weekend. 

“It’ll be a different game than the one at Easter Road. It’ll be a full house at Pittodrie and the expectation will be on them, which is good, and we need to use that to our advantage. 

“We need to remember how we played against them. I felt we deserved to win the game, but we let ourselves down in certain moments. We looked at that game very closely and saw where we can improve. 

“The focus has been on that and the areas we can hurt them. We know we can do that, we’ve demonstrated that, but we need to be at our very best to do that.” 

Police have released an image of a male they believe might be able to assist with inquiries into an incident on Tuesday, 5 November, in Calder Road.

The male is described as white, between 18 and 20-years-old, 5ft 6ins tall with a stocky build.

He was wearing a black hooded top, thick black gilet, black gloves, black trousers, black trainers with white soles and a small black cross-body satchel.

Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “We are keen to talk to this male as we believe he may have information which could assist with our enquiries. The male pictured, or anyone who may recognise him, is asked to please contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting Calder Road incident dated 5 November 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

West Lothian Council has backed a Third Sector website which helps voluntary groups tap into national funding streams. 

The fund has been set up at a time when the county’s Voluntary Sector Gateway has reported income in the charity sector dropping by almost 20% in the face of surging demands on the sector. 

The council’s Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) also heard that education department funding had helped more than 4,000 youngsters take part in summer holiday clubs. 

Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager, told councillors: “In 2023/24 West Lothian Council invested in West Lothian 4 Communities, a funding website that supports the Voluntary and Third Sector to search for funding.  

“The website is accessible for West Lothian based organisations to easily search for funding opportunities across the UK. The site will pull together a list of possible funding sources based on the type of organisation and what activities are being delivered or what will be achieved from the provision.  

“The functionality of the website significantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for funding and increases access to funding that organisations are aware of to apply too.” 

She concluded “Whilst it is too soon to see the impact in terms of additional funding, feedback from the sector has been positive to date. The financial benefits are likely to materialise in 2024/25 and will be reported in next year’s annual report.” 

The VSG annual report highlights over £42.4 million of funding going into the Third Sector from West Lothian Council, health partners and some external funding managed by West Lothian Council in 2023/24. 

The report detailed that Income for the VSG had dropped 19.1% between 2022/23 and 2023/24 from £110m down to £84m. 

Over the same time the expenditure of the Third Sector in West Lothian fell by only 0.67%- £89.5m down to £88.9m in the last financial year. 

The report said:  “With funding, there is much more investment that supports the Third Sector and Council to deliver than the investment that goes into the Third Sector through Council and partners.  

“The key importance of how the Third Sector is able to draw down funding from external funders is recognised and how that ability helps to deliver key support to our local communities.” 

The Gateway, which acts as the Third Sector umbrella group for voluntary organisations in West Lothian also has a crossover to the council’s Education portfolio, to the Children and Families forum within the sector. 

It aims to improve the effectiveness and maximise the contribution of Third Sector to the planning and delivery of services and activities for children, young people and families.  

Ms Stewart said: “The funding that was allocated to the 3rd and Voluntary sector in 2023/24 for the provision of playgroups, the Pupil Equality Funding from both primary and secondary schools for a range of provision and the collective delivery of the West Lothian Summer programme 2023 which engaged 4,815 young people. “ 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Number 10 has announced that political peerages will be conferred by The King on those people listed below.

The Scots who will be honoured include former MSP, Wendy Alexander, and Margaret Curran former MP and mum to Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP, Chris Murray.

Nominations from the Leader of the Labour Party:

1. Professor Wendy Alexander FRSE – Vice Chair of the British Council, former Member of the Scottish Parliament for Paisley North and previously Labour Leader in the Scottish Parliament.
2. Sir Brendan Barber – former General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress and former chair of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
3. Luciana Berger – former Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree and current Chair of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.
4. Mary Bousted – formerly the Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), and education policy adviser.
5. Kevin Brennan – former Member of Parliament for Cardiff West and former Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
6. Lyn Brown – former Member of Parliament for West Ham and former Shadow Minister.
7. Dinah Caine OBE CBE – Chair of Camden STEAM, formerly Chair of Goldsmiths University and CEO and Chair of Creative Skillset.
8. Kay Carberry CBE – former Assistant General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC).
9. Margaret Curran – former Member of Parliament for Glasgow East and formerly Minister within the Scottish Executive.
10. Thangam Debbonaire – former Member of Parliament for Bristol West and former Shadow Secretary of State.
11. Julie Elliott – former Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central and former Shadow Minister.
12. David Evans – former Labour Party Regional Director, Assistant General Secretary and General Secretary of the Labour Party 2020-2024.
13. Sue Gray – former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister and former Cabinet Office Second Permanent Secretary.
14. Theresa Griffin – former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for North West England.
15. Anji Hunter – Senior Advisor at Edelman, and former Head of Government Relations in Downing Street.
16. Carwyn Jones – former Member of the Senedd (MS) for Bridgend and First Minister of Wales.
17. Mike Katz – National Chair of Jewish Labour Movement and a former Camden Councillor.
18. Gerard Lemos CMG CBE – Social Policy expert and Chair of English Heritage, Chair of National Savings & Investments (NS&I), and Chair of London Institute of Banking and Finance.
19. Alison Levitt KC – Master of the Bench of the Inner Temple. Previously Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions and a Circuit Judge specialising in serious crime, including rape.
20. Anne Longfield CBE – Campaigner for children and formerly served as the Children’s Commissioner for England. Founder and Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives.
21. Deborah Mattinson – former Director of Strategy to Sir Keir Starmer. Co-founder of BritainThinks.
22. Steve McCabe – former Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hall Green and Birmingham Selly Oak, and former Government Whip.
23. Claude Moraes OBE – former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for London and chair of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee.
24. Wendy Nichols – UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Convenor and Branch Secretary and Labour Councillor.
25. Simon Pitkeathley – Currently the Chief Executive of Camden Town Unlimited and Euston Town, formerly the Mayor of London’s ‘Champion for Small Business’.
26. Dame Anne Marie Rafferty DBE FRCN – Professor of nursing policy and former President of the Royal College of Nursing.
27. Krish Raval OBE – Founding Director of Faith in Leadership.
28. Marvin Rees OBE – former Mayor of Bristol and Head of Bristol City Council. Former journalist, voluntary sector manager and NHS public health manager.
29. Revd Dr Russell David Rook OBE – Partner at the Good Faith Partnership and Anglican priest.
30. Phil Wilson – former Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, and former Opposition Assistant Whip.

Nominations from the Leader of the Conservative Party:

1. Nigel Biggar CBE – Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and Anglican priest.
2. Joanne Cash – Co-founder of Parent Gym and barrister serving as the Southeastern Circuit Junior and a member of the Bar Human Rights Committee.
3. Rt Hon Dame Thérèse Coffey PhD – former Deputy Prime Minister and former Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal.
4. Roger Evans – former Deputy Mayor of London and former member of the London Assembly for Havering and Redbridge.
5. Rachel Maclean – former Member of Parliament for Redditch and former Minister of State for Housing and Planning.
6. Toby Young – founder and director of the Free Speech Union, and an associate editor of The Spectator.

Nominations from the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party:

1. Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed MBE – former Sheffield City Councillor and chair of the Liberal Democrat Carers Commission.
2. Dr Mark Pack – former President of the Liberal Democrats.

Edinburgh city council has called on Scotrail to rethink plans to cut opening hours at the city’s Gateway railway station as part of a nationwide plan to slash staffed office times by a third across the nationally owned network. 

The rail operator says the changes will improve customer support, increase passenger assistance, and improve staff visibility. 

But a motion by Councillor Katrina Faccenda backed by the city council this week highlighted that violence against women and girls on the transport network had risen by 20% in a year. 

Conservative  Councillor Marie-Clair Munro added an addendum, accepted by Councillor Faccenda seeking guarantee that no jobs would be lost. 

Councillor Faccenda told a meeting of the full council: “Safe and accessible public transport is essential and the fact that Scotrail is already under public ownership would actually make you think it would be a priority for them to maintain staff at stations and in ticket offices because that is absolutely crucial to people feeling safe. 

 “We need to increase the use of public transport and trains.  Speak to any ticket office worker and they will tell you how important their job is in navigating the complicated ticket service. They’ll also tell you about how dangerous it is to be out on the concourse or the platform as well. 

“We need the Scottish Government to step in on the side of rail users.” 

Councillor Munro said that Scottish Government research carried out during the last proposed cut of staffing hours in 2022 had shown that “women and girls feel safer when ticket offices are staffed during journey times.” 

She added that cutting hours would disproportionately affect travel by disabled and blind people who already face multiple barriers to using public transport. 

“If ScotRail cuts these hours it will worsen passenger safety,” she said. 

Council accepted Councillor Faccenda’s motion and the Conservative addendum. 

Unions have renewed their criticism of proposals to reduce staffed hours at stations first mooted in 2022 by national rail companies. At the time ScotRail was owned by the Dutch firm Abellio. It has since been taken back into Government ownership by the SNP Holyrood Government. 

The council heard a deputation from RMT the largest rail staff union before the debate. 

ScotRail’s plans are a scaled back version of those proposed in 2022. In total 54 stations would see reduced hours next year mainly across the central belt and in and around Glasgow. 

The rail operator says that hours would be extended at 12 stations; there would be no change at 77 stations. 

ScotRail currently operates more than 2,000 train services through 359 stations, of which 143 have staffed ticket offices across the country. 

Opening hours for ticket offices have by and large remained unchanged in over 30 years. 

Outlining plans on its website the publicly owned operator said: “The proposed changes would impact 120 stations. Some locations may see minor changes whilst other locations may see reduced opening hours to align with customer usage.  

“No staff will lose their jobs and will instead be redeployed to provide enhanced customer service on the frontline. A total of three ticket offices are proposed to close but the stations will remain open with all other facilities remaining, such as ticket vending machines, help points where customers can speak to staff, and 24-hour CCTV.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The owner of a tiny short term holiday flat in the attic of a former care home has lost their fight to keep it operating.

Kirsty Baird appealed to Scottish Ministers after East Lothian Council planners refused to issue a Certificate of Lawfulness for her Gullane let.

The certificate would allow her to continue renting out the flat, known as Little Archer, without the need to apply for planning permission.

But while she argued that its use as short term accommodation for couples was no different to it being a permanent home, the Scottish Government Reporter disagreed.

In a ruling on the appeal he pointed out the small property, which has floor space of just 45 metres squared, was accessed through a key in a lock box.

And he said that although the owner said the flat had a 4pm check in the lock box meant there was not way to control the times people arrived.

Refusing the appeal the Reporter said that the use of the top floor flat for short term guests was not the same as a residential home.

They said: “Despite the small number of guests, guest changeovers and luggage being moved and the property being cleaned as often as every 1-2 nights would be an increased level of activity than would be expected from long-term residents.

“Given the location of the property close to local amenities and hospitality venues, I consider that guests would be more likely to come and go   throughout their stay and do so later in the evening, potentially generating noise and disturbance for neighbouring properties.

“While a check-in time of 4pm is indicated, the key code system would allow for arrivals and departures at all times of the day and night, creating disturbance for neighbours.”

The flat, in the former Muirfield Care Home, on Gullane High Street, is currently advertised for booking on Crabtree & Crabtree website.

In their findings the Reporter said that East Lothian Council’s planners had been right to refuse the certificate.

They add: “As no planning permission has been granted I find that use is not established and is not lawful.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

A ‘life and limb’ service is putting the health and safety of some of East Lothian’s most vulnerable residents at risk after financial cuts forced social workers to reduce support to a minimum, health chiefs have been told.

Team leaders from across the county’s health and social care teams joined forced to produce a report for bosses setting out the stark reality facing their staff and the impact on the people they are there to support after funds were slashed.

And they warned any further pressure on the services could reduce their ability to achieve “positive health and well-being outcomes for East Lothian residents”.

Among concerns raised were a lack of monitoring of private guardians – people appointed to make decisions for adults and children unable to do so themselves – with hundreds of reviews outstanding and no way to catch up and an inequality in care home provision after council beds were cut.

There were also concerns that support being offered to people was already reduced to the minimum required and claims people’s quality of life was being impacted because of difficulty getting rehab treatment.

One manager told bosses: “It is not only about the right to live in their own home, it is about the right to rehabilitation to ensure they are living their best life.”

The report to East Lothian Integration Joint Board, which oversees health and social care policy, called on members to escalate the risks the service faced to funding partners.

It set out the concerns of staff working across the health and social service who are having to cope with changes to the way they work and funding available and said in some cases it was proving almost impossible to meet the professional standards set for them.

Among changes  brought in to save funds in social services was a move to maximise people’s independence and ensure they have “just enough” support offered to them.

Concerns were raised over care packages being reviewed by a new resource panel instead of being set by health professionals inviolved and it was revealed the backlog in reviews for private guardians was no longer expected to be cleared up.

It said: “It is a statutory requirement to monitor and supervise private guardianships – currently, 172 remain outstanding for review and there is no capacity to do this work.

“There are 63 outstanding cases to be reviewed where the guardianship is managed by the local authority.”

The reduction in council funded care home beds, which have fallen by 100 since 2017 were also said to be creating inequality.

The report said: “This creates disparity as there are fewer placements available for people who do not have sufficient funds to self-fund their
care.

“This results in longer waits for hospital for a local authority care home placements and people having to remain at home with care that is
not sufficient to meet their needs, for longer.”

Board members promised workers voices were being heard through the report and agreed to write to the Scottish Government and escalate the concerns to funding partners East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian.

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, board convenor, praised the work of the county’s health and social care workers and promised to ensure their concerns were heard.

She said: “We all come into this to make a difference to people’s lives and that has become something which is hugely challenging  every single day.”

The full report and findings can be read here www.eastlothian.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/17296/east_lothian_integration_joint_board

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

I’ve been looking back through my diary of this year and three recurring stories leap out of its pages – wars, climate change and elections.

From all of them, Scotland has escaped unharmed. We have looked out on a troubled and angry world from a peaceful, temperate and very fortunate land.

The wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Sudan have reached us only in the form of dreadful scenes on television, appeals from aid charities and a trickle of refugees. We have had to stand back and watch a divided and timid United Nations unable to stop Putin and Netanyahu do whatever they like, to take vengeance on their enemies.

On the climate emergency, we watched catastrophic flooding hit Spain, Eastern Europe, Brazil, China, Bangladesh, even parts of England and Wales. We’ve seen violent storms wreak destruction in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean islands, and the southern United States. And yet, the world seems in retreat on measures to curb carbon emissions. The COP climate conference in Azerbaijan could only produce a flimsy compromise.

And despite all the elections this year, democracy is in an unusually fragile condition. Over half the world’s population went to the polling stations this year in 100 countries – India, South Africa, Nigeria, the USA, Mexico, France, Ireland and here in Britain, the fabled home of parliamentary democracy. But in all of them the results revealed deep divisions in their societies and a general disillusionment with governments and politicians. And so the rise of extremist parties.

Here in Scotland, the UK general election in July was peaceful enough but it gave us dramatic results – the Labour Party came storming back from having just one MP to having 37 while the SNP fell from 48 to 9.

It’s not been a brilliant year for the SNP. Their leader Humza Yousaf had to resign in April after making two major errors: announcing another council tax freeze when councils were struggling to keep local services going, and ending the coalition agreement with the Greens. The party then called back a former leader John Swinney to steady the ship and take charge as first minister. But he immediately ran into the headwinds of real cuts in funding from Westminster and the global cost-of-living crisis.

The independence movement also lost its most successful leader Alex Salmond who died suddenly in October at the age of 69. But even his reputation was tarnished by his public falling-out with his protegée Nicola Sturgeon and his bizarre decision to flounce off and form his own Alba Party.

Scotland has not been untouched by climate change this year. We’ve had our storms – Isha in January, Ashley in October and Bert in November – but we’ve escaped lightly, with winds of 60 mph, and not nearly as much rain and floods as in England and Wales. We did however have our wettest summer on record and the autumn has swung from being unusually mild to severely cold (minus 11°C in Braemar).

Scientists are still trying to work out if climate change is responsible for sightings of unusual beluga (white) whales off Shetland and the stranding of 77 pilot whales on a beach in Orkney in July. Not to mention the dramatic decline in the population of sea birds.

But despite the increasing impact of climate change, The Scottish Government has joined the global retreat from climate action. Annual emission targets have been dropped, the plastic bottle return scheme has been postponed and there’s no longer a presumption against new oil exploration in the North Sea and Eastern Atlantic. Instead there’s a headlong rush for any kind of economic growth which, strangely, is seen as the only way of improving public services.

In Scotland we’ve not suffered from the culture wars in England and the USA but we’ve had earnest public discussions, shall we call them, over a number of sensitive issues during the year. They include gender recognition, sexual violence against women, early release from prison, assisted dying, the targeting of welfare benefits, arts funding and various town-versus country matters, like agricultural subsidies, land ownership and wildlife crime.

We can always escape into the happier world of sport. Scotland sent 34 athletes to the Paris Olympics as part of the BG team. We watched Duncan Scott win his 8th gold medal in the swimming and sympathised with runners Laura Muir and Eilish McColgan in their disappointments.

In football, we had that glorious moment of our men’s team playing the opening game at the World Cup – only to go down 5:1 to the hosts Germany. Women’s football has been getting more television coverage this year, though the national side just failed to qualify for the World Cup, beaten at the post by the Republic of Ireland. And in rugby, Scotland had the pleasure of beating England in the Six Nations, though we threw the glory away in the next match against Italy. In the autumn internationals, Scotland won four of its five matches, ending with an impressive 27-13 win over Australia.

Last weekend we got a cracking game in the final of the League Cup between Celtic and Rangers. It ended 3-all at the end of extra time and Celtic ended up winning on penalties. And of course there was the usual controversy, this time over a VAR decision on a jersey-tugging incident inside/outside the penalty box.

If I had just a few words to sum up the year 2024 for Scotland, I’d say: “Fate, the universal referee, let us off lightly.”

Police have released an image of three men who may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault and robbery which took place around 7.20pm on Sunday, 17 November 2024 at Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh.

The first man is described as being Asian, around 6ft tall, stocky build with black hair. He was wearing a glasses and a padded jacket.

The second man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with a short beard. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, light blue gilet and white trainers.

The third man is described as being black, around 6ft tall, stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a black padded jacket, grey trousers and white trainers.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2986 of Sunday, 17 November 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Drugs worth more than £50m were seized across the country in 2024 as Police Scotland continues to act to tackle organised crime. 

A number of significant drugs recoveries have taken place across Scotland throughout the year, including multiple high value cannabis cultivations. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. 

“We remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in serious crime impacting Scotland at all levels, whether they are operating from within Scotland, the wider UK or beyond our borders. 

“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain. 

“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. 

“Action like this is only possible with the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

“I can assure you that your information will be listened to and will be used to help us take action on those involved in criminality.” 

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Illegal drugs ruin lives and blight communities and I welcome Police Scotland’s commitment to disrupting organised crime groups who seek to profit from this misery. 

“Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and we will continue to work together to reduce the impact of such crime on individuals and communities.”  
 

The word quality jumped out in Neil Critchley’s immediate post-match summation as Hearts crashed out of Europe. In the Jambos case, it is lack of quality, particularly in the final third.

The effort was evident, they were aggressive, but poor decision making at key times, lack of pace and penetration and poor game management proved their downfall on a depressing night in Gorgie.

The Men in Maroon could have made history by progressing to the knockout stage in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Instead of riding high on a wave of euphoria, they left the field to a chorus of boos from disgruntled fans. They expected, Hearts failed to deliver.

Critchley’s face spoke volumes. The 46-year-old was obviously hugely disappointed by the performance and so were thousands of the faithful who suffered at Tynecastle and at home on their TV screens.

Frustrated Critchley said the game was in the home side’s control at 2-1 but he added: “We lacked the nous and experience on the pitch to see us through.”

Petrocub’s leveller was a case in point. It was caused by an opposition player being allowed to stand unmarked at the back post.

Craig Gordon made a great block but the ball was pinged back towards goal and, arguably, it was a soft penalty award.

James Penrice, one of the home side’s better players on the night, was unlucky to see the ball glance off his arm.

The fatal error, however, was not keeping tight on the player at the back post and the strike was, ironically, on one of the few raids the Moldovan club made on Hearts goal in the second half.

Results elsewhere left Hearts out in the cold and this is a results business. Two wins early in the European campaign put Hearts in a prime position to qualify.

Four defeats in a row have been hugely costly to the Tynecastle team, not just in revenue terms going forward, but also in denting moral in the dressing-room and among the faithful.

Scotland’s coefficient in Europe has also been damaged, but now Hearts full focus is on domestic football, starting on Sunday.

The critical nature of Sunday’s home clash with St Johnstone (kick-off 15.00) is clear when you look at Hearts’ position in the William Hill Premiership.

The Tynecastle club prop up the rest in the 12-strong division with 13 points from 17 fixtures. St Johnstone are one place above the Jambos with 14 points collected from the same number of games.

Both teams have identical recent records with one win, a draw and three defeats. The Perth side have scored 20 goals and let in 32, the third worst total in the league, while the Men in Maroon have scored 18 goals and shipped 26.

Two clubs are above the Saints on 15 points, Ross County in tenth spot, and Hibs whose win over the Dingwall side at Easter Road last Saturday elevated them into ninth position.

Of course, manager Simo Valakari has had a clear week to prepare. He wants to create something special at St Johnstone and believes in teamwork and collective power.

Valakari also seeks to play exciting football and engage the fans.

Last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to ten-man Kilmarnock at Rugby Park was a real setback for the ambitious Jambos, but Critchley, can look to the last meeting between the clubs.

Then Jambos edged St Johnstone 2-1 at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, November 2, when an own goal from Nicky Clark after 23 minutes broke the deadlock.

Clark scored from the penalty spot to level at 1-1 after 68 minutes but Kenneth Vargas claimed the win for the visitors with a strike after 76 minutes in a match in which the home side had five shots on target to Hearts’ two.

Valakari’s men enjoyed 62 per cent of possession against 38 per cent and the home side connected on 539 passes. Hearts had 335.

Hearts have been focused on Thursday night’s clash with Petrocub but Craig Gordon, one of the senior men in the club’s dressing-room, is determined to steady the ship and secure the much-needed win on Sunday.

He revealed that the team spoke about Sunday’s Rugby Park defeat in the dressing room immediately after the game and they have also talked about it at Riccarton this week.

Critchley is also keen to see a response and he added: “We have a really important period coming up with lots of games in a short period of time. We’ve obviously reflected on what happened at the weekend and we need to do a lot better than what we did (at Kilmarnock).”

Critchley has presided over 14 matches since he took charge and has only celebrated four wins and secured a draw against the Moldovan champions who finished bottom of the Conference League with only two points.

Three of Hearts’ next four games are at Tynecastle. Critchley said his men did not do enough against Petrocub. They must do enough on Sunday and in subsequent games to move off the bottom of the pile.

Lawrence Shankland, Hearts’ skipper, told TNT Sports, after the draw in Europe: “We didn’t do enough. I didn’t feel the boys didn’t try or work hard, it was just lack of quality.” That word again.

Hearts must find that quality and a cutting edge quickly.

ALL PICTURES BY THOMAS BROWN

The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh lit up the festive season with its annual Christmas show, A Race Across the world!

This year’s production featured an exciting race between two teams, the Huskies and the Reindeers, competing in a thrilling journey to the North Pole, featuring special performances inspired by “The Beatles” and “ABBA.” The spectacular show involved every pupil and staff member, celebrating the talent and creativity of a school where all pupils have complex disabilities.

Head of Learning, Lucy Chetty, who also had a starring role in the show, expressed her gratitude for everyone who made it happen, saying:

“Our annual school show is such an important highlight of the year for everyone connected to the Royal Blind School – pupils, parents, and staff. The team works tirelessly, with planning starting as far back as the summer, to ensure every single pupil is given the opportunity to take part in a way that celebrates their individuality and strengths. The show is written specifically with inclusivity in mind, and it’s incredible to see the joy it brings to our community. The photos are fantastic, and we hope everyone who attended had a magical time.”

Labour cling on to power at the City Chambers

At the City Chambers on Thursday the ruling Labour group retained control with a new group leader elected as Council Leader. The new council leader was joining the meeting from 5,000 miles away and the former leader, Cammy Day joined the meeting online with his camera switched off.

When asked by Cllr Lesley Macinnes that the former leader be told to turn his camera on even for the vote, the Lord Provost declined the request. Cllr Day voted with the Labour group and the Tories and Liberal Democrats ensuring that Labour retained control 32 votes to 28.

Cllr Katrina Faccenda was the sole member of the Labour group who abstained from voting to keep the group in administration saying that: “We have failed in the last two and a half years. We do not have enough time here today to go through the ways in which we have failed.

“I am the only councillor who does not receive a Special Responsibility Allowance and so I am the only one who could make a dispassionate opinion.” After the decision was made Cllr Faccenda said on X: “As if it wasn’t enough that the former leader of Edinburgh Council felt it appropriate to attend council online, he left once the tight vote on the future administration was taken. An absolute disgrace”.

The next full council meeting takes place in February to discuss the Tourist Tax.

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Edinburgh Farmers Market

Support the local producers at Saturday’s Farmers Market. Here are the producers who will be there on Saturday on Castle Terrace

At the National Galleries

National Galleries of Scotland hosted its latest dementia-friendly Gallery Social event at the Portrait gallery to explore the Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection exhibition.

Welcoming a group of people affected by dementia along with their relatives, friends and supporters, they enjoyed a relaxed and sociable art session before going on to explore the exhibition. Gallery Social sessions take place on the fourth Friday of every month exploring exhibitions at the Portrait, Modern and National. All are welcome.

Led by a team of friendly artists, the sessions have a relaxed and slow start, with a chance to enjoy refreshments and socialise or perhaps take part in a light-touch art activity. This is followed by a short gallery tour where all contributions are welcomed and valued.

Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection is open until 16 March 2025.

The club desperately wanted to be in Europe after the Festive break for the first time in 35 years and Petrocub from Moldova were already out of contention for the play-offs. The coach warned against complacency as Petrocub produced a spirited display in their last Euro outing, a 1-0 defeat at home against Spanish side Real Betis last week.

It was important for the home side to impose themselves on the game after three straight defeats in Europe, and they dominated the opening minutes, moving the ball across the field in front of a near full house, forcing the visitors back.

Read the full report here

Hearts hopes of playing European football into the New Year were shattered with a 2-2 draw against Moldova champions Petrocub at Tynecastle.

They looked to be on course when Blair Spittal netted with a header in the second-half but a penalty award proved a body blow to the Tynecastle team who slipped into 25^th position and out of the qualifiers.

Four straight defeats in Europe have proved so costly and boos rang out around Tynecastle after the final whistle.

Earlier, Hearts head coach Neil Critchley made four changes from the side edged 1-0 at Kilmarnock on Sunday in the William Hill Premiership, putting his faith in two teenagers, striker James Wilson and midfielder, Macaulay Tait, for the club’s 100^th game in Europe, match six of six in this year’s league qualification competition.

The club desperately wanted to be in Europe after the Festive break for the first time in 35 years and Petrocub from Moldova were already out of contention for the play-offs, but the coach warned against complacency as Petrocub produced a spirited display in their last Euro outing, a 1-0 defeat at home against Spanish side Real Betis last week.

It was important for the home side to impose themselves on the game after three straight defeats in Europe, and they dominated the opening minutes, moving the ball across the field in front of a near full house, forcing the visitors back.

There were encouraging signs and Yan Dhanda forced a corner on the left which was cleared but, seconds later, Wilson had a sharp chance but was blocked by opposition defenders, then James Penrice burst down the left after being fed by Dhanda but the danger was snuffed out.

Skipper Lawrence Shankland burst onto the scene with a shot which looked to be destined for the back of the net before goalkeeper Silviu Smalenea dived full length to his left to parry for a corner.

It was one-way traffic as Hearts penned the Moldova side into their own half, but the Hearts fans were frustrated as Shankland sent Alan Forrest away down the right and his pass was directed towards an opponent.

At the other end, Craig Halkett had to make a last-gasp challenge as Petrocub broke free, but the home side’s pressure told as Dumitru Demian was booked after 17 minutes as he tried to foil another Hearts raid.

The home side forced a corner and Dhanda found Kye Rowles free in the box six yards out. His header flew agonisingly wide of the right-hand post, a major chance spurned, and Hearts paid a heavy price.

Their rivals broke and exploited a gaping hole in the home defence by visiting skipper Vladimir Ambros. The slick move was finished by Sergiu Platica and the goal stood after a VAR check. Time 21 minutes.

Jambos fans voiced their disapproval, but Hearts kept on probing and Dhanda was fouled by Ambros. Dhanda whipped in a free-kick and the goalkeeper cleared under pressure but clattered into Rowles at the same time. Both continued after medical attention.

Shankland was found by a long ball and he nodded on to Wilson who was wiped out by the goalkeeper but the referee waved play on and the visitors moved up field to threaten again. Home fans were unhappy and let the team know.

But, seconds later Shankland had the ball in the net after a cross from lively Penrice. He challenged the goalkeeper who lost his grip and the skipper bundled the ball home. The referee blew for a foul.

Disappointed Shankland argued the case but his protests were waved away and the skipper then had a shot blocked at the edge of the box as Hearts tried to claw their way back into the game.

Halkett, however, was the next player to go into the referee’s notebook following a challenge near half-way after being caught on the wrong side of an opponent, but the home side kept plugging away and Penrice threatened but, once again, the home side were thwarted by the physical defenders.

At the other end there was real danger and Gordon was short with a ball out to Daniel Oyegoke on the right side of the pitch in injury time. Platica was presented with a chance but fluffed his lines when in a good position.

Hearts responded, putting real pressure on the opposition goalkeeper, but they failed to find a way through before the break.

Spittal was introduced by Critchley for Forrest and Devlin was fouled just outside the penalty box. Dhanda took the free-kick but the danger was cleared only for the ball to be recycled back up field to Shankland who fired for goal. The ball was deflected for a corner but, once again, the ball was cleared.

Hearts lack of pace and penetration was there for all to see but the ball was delivered into the box and Rowles headed wide but paid a price with another clash of heads with a defender.

Oyegoke then danced away from several opposition players and eventually Dhanda fired for goal, but the sting was taken out of his shot by a defender and the goalkeeper gathered.

Spittal then drove into the box and was floored by a clumsy challenge but the referee waved play on. Seconds later 17-year-old ice cool Wilson levelled after a move started inside Hearts half in which Shankland was involved. Time 63 minutes.

It was his third goal for Hearts and it came at just the right time. Petrocub had offered little in the second half as Hearts upped their game and increased the pressure and Rowles had another great chance with his head from close in after a delivery from a Penrice corner.

Critchley made changes with Jorge Grant and Malachi Boateng replacing Tait and Halkett and immediately Hearts were ahead when Spittal headed home from the centre of the penalty box after a ball from Dhanda into the box which was headed out by a defender straight to the former Motherwell man who did the rest. Time 69 minutes.

It had been six minutes between the goals and Tynecastle was buzzing again. Hearts attempted to turn the screw and pressed for a third. Kenneth Vargas was introduced to add to the attacking threat and the visitors also made changes.    

They almost paid off but Gordon made an unbelievable stop and then Penrice stopped a header on the goal line. A VAR check was in operation and the crowd waited. The referee was called to the screen with nine minutes left and a penalty was awarded.

Penrice was yellow carded in the aftermath and Victor Mudrac sent Gordon the wrong way to level at 2-2.

The pressure was back on Hearts in the race for qualification and Vargas fed Shankland only for the ball to be nipped from the toe of the captain. Liam Boyce was sent on with six minutes left for Oyegoke as the Jambos gambled.

Vargas was denied after a nod down by Shankland and Petrocub reshuffled again. Six additional minutes were signalled as Hearts hemmed the visitors in but they were unable to find the goal they needed.

Spittal said: “We got ourselves in front but have to defend better. It is very frustrating and it is a very disappointing night.” 

PICTURE: Forrest floored by a tackle at Tynecastle. Picture Thomas Brown

Landmark development promises to transform international student living

A groundbreaking student accommodation project is looking for a strategic partner to develop up to 200 purpose-built apartments.

The Scottish Institute (The SI), Scotland’s only theatre school accredited by the Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDDT), is spearheading the landmark project in Livingston.

Following the opening of its new campus in September 2023, The SI is now inviting specialised accommodation providers to join in developing a transformative student living environment.

A prime location will be carefully selected for the new development and will be designed to create purpose-built living spaces that will support students from across the world, promising to revolutionise international student living in Scotland’s educational landscape.

“We’re dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and socially,” said Andy Egan, President and CEO of The Scottish Institute.

“This project represents a unique opportunity for a strategic partner to play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation of performing talent. 

Recognising the growing demand for high-quality student housing, the institute is now actively seeking partners to develop and deliver student apartments that will welcome up to 200 new students from 2026.

With established partnerships with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD), the development promises to provide world-class facilities that support artistic education and international student experiences.

The chosen partner will be responsible for the full design, development, and management of the apartments, while The SI focuses on educational excellence and student support. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic approach to student living that goes beyond traditional accommodation models.

Andy added: “This is more than a construction project. It’s an opportunity to create a living and learning environment that supports artistic growth and international collaboration.”

The new project will leverage Livingston’s strategic location near Edinburgh and Glasgow, offering international students a modern, supportive living experience.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Andy Egan for further information on how to participate in this landmark project: a [email protected]

Edinburgh city council has called on the Scottish Government to remove free bus passes from young people guilty of anti-social behaviour on city transport. 

The call comes on the back of growing violence on city buses which saw £1,700 worth of damage in broken bus windows in three days last month and 60 % rise in reports of ASB since the introduction of the passes in 2022. 

The SNP group warned against getting “into a dangerous place” targeting young people as the “obvious culprits” when anti-social behaviour was widespread among adult passengers. 

Labour’s Stephen Jenkinson accepted amendments from the Tories seeking the pursuit of stricter policing of bus passes for those under 22 and the Lib Dems who urged better use of existing laws to control anti-social behaviour on buses. 

All parties agreed that attacks on bus drivers and bus vandalism were unacceptable. 

Councillor Jenkinson said: “This issue has been prominent on buses in Edinburgh where a string of incidents has raised alarms for public safety and the welfare of  of bus staff. 

“The free travel pass scheme introduced in 2022 was designed to provide young people with accessible transport, reducing costs and encouraging sustainable travel. Whilst its benefits cannot be overstated, with 100 million journeys made so far, it has undoubtedly brought unintended consequences. 

“In recent months we have seen heightened reports of vandalism, verbal abuse and physical threats. This violence isn’t isolated. Across Edinburgh anti-social behaviour has escalated police have identified patterns of young individuals misusing passes to travel between areas sometimes to engage in disruptive or even criminal behaviour. 

“It’s crucial to recognise that the majority of young people including my own children use the pass responsibly. Eliminating the scheme entirely would penalise those who rely on for education, for work or family commitments. Instead, measures must focus on accountability. 

“Ideas such as temporarily suspending travel cards for those involved in misconduct have been debated and I know from my discussions with Lothian Buses they would be supported. But we know that technological and logistic hurdles currently remain.” 

He called for community collaboration between transport operators, the public and police to help address the issues as well as work in schools to address anti-social behavioural issues. 

“We must ensure this landmark policy continues to benefit the majority while protecting those who work tirelessly to provide safe and reliable public transport in Edinburgh and Scotland.” 

Councillor Katrina Faccenda said: “Its really important that bus operators step up and guarantee as safe a working environment as possible. We need Police Scotland to get more police actively on buses and the safety within bus stations.” 

Speaking for his amendment the SNP’s Danny Aston said: “We all know there are very real consequences when Lothian Buses withdraw services. It is a minority of people who are causing these problems and unfortunately not limited to young people. The worst incident I have witnessed towards a bus driver was by a fully grown adult man. 

“I do think we need to be clear that bus operators can already restrict access in line with their conditions of carriage and I think there’s a lot of work to be done with operators with trade unions and others to further develop existing powers and what further powers might be needed. 

“But I think we are getting into a dangerous place by making this just about young people. I’m not suggesting that either Councilor Jenkison or Faccenda suggested that, but I read the Tory amendment, and I see they have taken the Labour motion like catnip.  

“ I would ask Labour colleagues to think about punching down on groups like young people. I understand the instinct   to go after who the obvious culprits are but I think we are missing the whole story. 

  “Our amendment seeks to set out the bigger picture here of having properly funded youth work and alleviating poverty which create the context for some of the terrible behaviour we have seen.” 

Councillor Neil Gardiner said: “I think we need to be careful when we exclude young people. The net consequence for young people and for wider society is not good so on the one hand I stand up for drivers but on the other hand I’m worried about the tone of this. I think we do need some good youth work.” 

Youth anti-social behaviour was a cry for help from young people which the council had to answer, he added. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

The leader of the UK RAAC campaign has claimed that homeowners are being kept in the dark over plans for their future. 

Wilson Chowdhry says his request to join a meeting between West Lothian Council and the Scottish Housing minister was turned down. 

Campaigners from across Scotland, including Livingston’s Ghost estate campaigner Kerry Macintosh, have raised a petition for their case to be heard by the Scottish Parliament. 

Writing in his blog Mr Chowdhry said: “Local councils and government bodies have acknowledged the issue, but there remain critical gaps in transparency and inclusivity in addressing these concerns.” 

 He said that he had been told by the council that the meeting with Housing Minister Paul McLennan was a “political” one between the council and the Scottish Government, which precludes the involvement of third parties. 

 He said that the decision was “puzzling” and a report on the blog added: “his involvement would seem both relevant and beneficial, ensuring the concerns of those most impacted are effectively communicated and addressed.”  

Mr Chowdhry said: “Excluding representatives of affected groups from such critical discussions undermines the principle of collaborative problem-solving and risks leaving key questions unanswered.” 

Mr Chowdhry said it had been suggested he request a meeting with the minister himself, something which has been refused at Holyrood. 

 Mr Chowdhry said: “Homeowners, who are the most affected, should have their voices heard, either directly or through those they trust to represent them.” 

A spokesperson for West Lothian council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service responded: “We have facilitated meetings with West Lothian homeowners who may be affected by RAAC, collated the feedback from homeowners and have ensured that the issues and concerns raised by homeowners have been shared with the housing minister at previous meetings, and this will continue. 

 “The purpose of our meeting with the Government is to put forward the feedback of West Lothian homeowners. It would not be appropriate for a UK wide campaign group to attend a meeting between the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council.  

“The UK RAAC campaign group can request a meeting with the Scottish Government should they wish to do so. 

“We have advised the representative of UK RAAC – who we understand is not a West Lothian resident – to contact the Minister for Housing direct to discuss the full range of issues that are being raised in their capacity as the chairman of the UK RAAC campaign group.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Two men have been convicted in connection with a serious assault in Edinburgh in November 2021.

A 32-year-old man was assaulted outside a supermarket on Gracemount Drive and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

George Baigrie, 42, was found guilty of attempted murder on Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Kevin Richardson, 24, was also convicted in connection with the incident.

Both men are due to be sentenced at a later date.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This was a shocking attack in a public place which left a man with life-changing injuries as a result.

“We will continue to target those involved in this kind of violence as we work to make our communities safer.

“I would like to thank the public for their support and everyone who worked on the investigation.”

Paco Castagna has put pen to paper to return to the Stellar Monarchs following his best season in the sport and he will again skipper the side.

The Italian-born rider proved to be one of the most improved riders in the league with his Cab Direct Championship average increasing from 5.30 points to 7.11 points.

He joins Justin Sedgmen, Victor Palovaara, Jonatan Grahn and Kye Thomson in the blue and gold colours and 2025 will be Castagna’s fourth season with the club.

The 30-year-old said: “I’m super, super happy to be back for my fourth year. It has been three good years with very good people.

“I’m looking forward to being in the team again next year. It looks like it has got lots of potential – some new faces, some old faces – I’m very much looking forward to it.”

The popular racer added: “I am proud to be named captain again and everybody saw how much I loved it this year and how much it improved my game.

“April is just around the corner and I’m looking forward to seeing you all.”

Labour’s minority administration has clung on to power after a two-hour debate in the city Chambers. 

The party, which has been propped up by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats since 2022, faced a challenge following the resignation earlier this month of leader Cammy Day following allegations. 

The SNP and Green Party had put forward coalition plans to take over the council claiming that a continued Labour “super minority” administration would be disastrous. 

But they were defeated, with Labour winning by 32 votes to 28 after a roll call vote – the first in this council where each councillor had to state their position. 

Portobello and Craigmillar Labour councillor Jane Meagher is now the new council leader. 

She joined the meeting remotely, insisting she would look together basis services like waste, cleansing and transport right and invest in a green stable future. 

Many councillors spoke of personal conflict before the vote and some Conservatives had proposed delaying the vote until the New Year. 

Another Conservative Phil Doggert described the vote, including an amendment proposed joint SNP Green administration as voting to ‘defend the indefensible’. 

“I look around the room and I see members across all parties who the capabilities to run committees in a collaborative way… who I have worked with to achieve good outcomes,” he said. 

‘If I support the status quo, I am defending the indefensible…” 

He voted to support the motion backing the administration. 

The former council leader Cammy Day resigned from his role earlier this month following accusations of bombarding Ukrainian refugees on social media with sexual messages. 

He is also facing another unrelated council probe into whether he is renting out homes under his ownership. 

Councillor Day attended the meeting remotely, but without the camera switched on. He spoke only to vote for the motion. 

There were some councillors calling for Cllr Day to remove himself from the meeting, while Green councillor Alys Mumford said it was ‘incredibly offensive’ that Cllr Day’s name on the meeting screens was still displayed as ‘council leader’.  

Tory leader Iain Whyte admitted making the decision now would be difficult for his party, and said: ‘If we do have to come to a decision that is a difficult decision for us to make I am very conscious the allegations against Cllr Day are still being investigated’ 

And he said if the vote went ahead his group would support the labour ‘superminority’ administration continuing. 

Labour Councillor Margaret Graham said she would support a delay on the vote, put forward by Conservative Max Mitchell. 

She told the meeting herself uncomfortable with some of the decisions she’s had to support over last few years but added: “’You do not make the best decision when you are in a situation of turmoil and for some of us trauma’ 

Labour’s Katrina Faccenda won cheers in the chamber when she abstained during roll call. 

The meeting saw a number of heated exchanges and councillors debated who should be the new leader,  

Independent councillor Ross McKenzie – who resigned from the Labour group last year – had put forward a motion to stand for council leader but withdrew it at the meeting as he slammed his former party for their running of the city, and said Cllr Day had ‘none of the skills you would want from an elected representative’. 

Some councillors including Councillor Mitchell argued that the decision on a new leader should be put off until the new year, when a number of by-elections are set to be held.  

Councillor Mandy Watt the depute Labour group leader summed up the debate by saying  councillors should look to the experience of the failed Bute House agreement, a former alliance   between the two in Holyrood when considering the SNP/ Green amendment. 

 She added that a decision had to be made before Christmas recess adding “we don’t want to go away without knowing where we stand.” 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Police Scotland is urging people to be cautious when buying electric bikes or e-scooters this festive season, as some models may not be permitted for use on public roads.

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly common in towns and cities across Scotland, with most being used appropriately and in line with current legal guidelines. However, some vehicles are being modified to exceed speed and power limits, which can reclassify them under motorcycle legislation.

From the beginning of January 2024 and the end of September 2024, officers have made 281 seizures.

Inspector Hugh Niccolls said: “This year officers have seized a growing number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland.

“E-bikes can legally be used on public roads if they meet specific requirements, including that the motor should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph and must have a maximum power output of 250 watts. Vehicles that exceed these limits are motor vehicles and are subject to the Road Traffic Act, meaning the rider must hold a full UK driving license, have insurance, and wear an approved helmet. Failure to comply with these legal requirements could face enforcement action under the Road Traffic Act.

“E-scooters, however, are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other public spaces, as they do not meet the necessary legal standards. Their use is only legal on private land with the landowner’s consent.

“Anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers and removed to a contractor’s yard, with a significant cost to the owner. Additionally, using vehicles that do not meet legal requirements poses a serious safety risk, increasing the likelihood of injuries to both riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians.

“If you are buying an e-bike or e-scooter this Christmas, please check its specifications to ensure it complies with legal requirements. If you already own one that does not meet these standards, I urge you to keep it off public roads to avoid penalties and avoid risking the safety of others.”

For further information on the use of electric bikes visit: https://orlo.uk/86uCq

Residents at an Edinburgh care home have spent a Christmassy afternoon with local toddlers and babies.

Residents at Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, were joined by parents and their little ones, to celebrate the festive season. The three generations came together for a Christmas carol sing-along, where everyone enjoyed singing and dancing to classics.

The sessions, which run every three months, also include a baby yoga activity. Louise Burchell, from Yoga, Birth & Wellbeing, led a yoga class for the little ones and residents joined in using dolls and teddies to copy. The session brought back many fond memories for residents Pat Wood, aged 82, and Marjory Murch, 99, who are both yogis.

Marjory took up yoga at her local church when she retired, with some of her favourite positions including the warrior and tree pose.

Marjory said: “Oh yes, I very much enjoyed it, yoga was very popular back then! I found it relaxing but also challenging, it was a great way to keep your body moving. It was lovely seeing the babies giving it a go!”

Residents and the Murrayside team are keen to continue to build on the blossoming friendship with the local parents and babies, and plan to work together on more fun activities and initiatives in the new year.

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “We love having new parents and their babies visit us at Murrayside. It has been lovely to see everyone interacting and have residents share stories about their own children and chatting about how times have changed since they were new parents.

“Intergenerational activities play a vital role in fostering emotional well-being and physical health in residents. These activities help bridge the gap between generations, promoting connection, empathy, and a sense of purpose for older adults. As Christmas is a time for togetherness, we can’t think of a better way for residents to spend time with the local community!

“We want to thank the new parents and babies for visiting us—it has been brilliant to see new friendships blossoming already!”

careuk.com/murrayside

While Edinburgh Labour have chosen their Housing Convener as their group leader – and also contender for Council Leader – the Green group are keeping a focus on last week’s spat with Shelter over homelessness rights.

Green councillor, Ben Parker, has raised an emergency motion to be discussed at Thursday’s full council meeting in which he reminds the council that Shelter said last week it had “lost confidence” in the council leadership on matters relating to homelessness rights.

He says the intervention by Shelter is “alarming” and asks that the council will in future prioritise a rights based approach to tackling the Housing Emergency declared in November 2023.

Shelter last week asked that the government and the Scottish Housing Regulator would intervene against The  City of Edinburgh Council after the local authority voted “in favour of stripping homeless households of their basic rights”. This view is contested by the council.

The charity said that at a meeting of the city’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee last week, councillors voted in favour of proposals to strip people experiencing homelessness of their right to adequate housing through the provision of suitable temporary and permanent housing.

Councillors had voted 6-5 against the emergency motion which was lodged by Green councillor, Ben Parker. 

This asked that the Housing Convener would do a u-turn on a letter sent previously by the former council leader and the Housing Convener asking the Scottish Government to relax three separate pieces of legislation relating to homelessness rights. 

In the motion, the Green group requested the Convener to write again to the Government confirming that the council did not wish to “downgrade the rights of homeless people” but should instead seek additional funding from the Government in order to “ensure that all homeless people can be treated with dignity and respect, in the way the law intends”.

So, on the face of it, the council voted against protecting people’s rights. However, thanks to an SNP amendment, councillors did agree that if the Government were to agree any relaxation in the rules protecting homeless people, policy changes at a local authority level would need to be agreed at a committee meeting.

This week Cllr Parker told The Edinburgh Reporter: “It’s been unusual to see the Council and third sector organisations disagreeing so robustly and so publicly – especially at a time when the Council is in such flux. What’s clear to me is that all parties need to come together to find a way forward through the housing emergency without compromising on human rights. 

“I remain deeply concerned that the Council’s initial engagement with the Scottish Government on this point has put a rights-based approach in jeopardy, and my Emergency Motion is an invitation for Councillors of all Parties to request absolute clarity on matters at the next Housing committee meeting. 

“I hope that the Housing Convener, whoever it may be after Thursday, will take note of the strength of feeling around this as we head into the New Year.” 

Royal Amateur Boxing Club coach, Junior Burton, has heaped praise on fighters who successfully flew the flag for the club at a show organised by Leith Victoria AAC in Tynecastle Stadium.

Youngsters, pictured left to right, Lee Dobson, 11, James Neri, 10, and Adam Brownlie, 11, all passed their ring tests with distinction.

Also, senior welterweights Craig Ferrier and Mark Mikkelsen enjoyed wins, the former by a first round stoppage and the latter by a unanimous decision.

Burton, who trains his charges at rented premises in Holyrood Business Park assisted by Mikey Wood, says: “James had his first cub bout and although there was no scoring involved he, like his young club-mates, showed real grit and determination.

“Lee won his bout and there were classy touches by Adam in what was deemed an exhibition contest.”

Appointment of a new council leader

The City of Edinburgh Council’s final meeting of the year takes place at 10am this morning. While deputations are usually heard first before any other business, there are only two and one of those is written.

But the most pressing matter before the council of 61 councillors is to elect a new council leader and either a Labour group member to each of the positions vacated by Cllr Cammy Day who has been suspended by Scottish Labour and who can no longer lead the council. There is also the possibility of the council electing a whole new administration – or the matter could be continued until the end of January or beginning of February.

The main part of what will be discussed is in Item 6.1 of the agenda – but also, and perhaps more importantly in the amendments lodged by only some of the political groups.

• Labour have put forward a motion to appoint Cllr Jane Meagher to the position of Council Leader. Cllr Meagher was chosen as Group leader on Sunday. She will be joining the meeting virtually.
• Independent councillor Ross McKenzie has put himself forward to become Council Leader – which probably just gets him more time to speak on Thursday morning but possibly not any more votes.
• The SNP and Green groups are putting forward a proposed coalition. Read more about that here. This would replace the Labour administration which is currently running the council with only 10 councillors.
• The Liberal Democrats and Conservative groups have not put forward any position. While it is likely that the Liberal Democrats will prop up the Labour group, it is difficult to see that the Conservatives would.
• The possibilities are many, and we have explained at least some of them here.

The council meeting begins at 10am and the papers are here.

The Edinburgh Reporter asked Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Alex Cole Hamilton why his 13 councillors in Edinburgh were not stepping up to form an alternative administration and he said that “Labour deserve the opportunity to stay in power” if they can cobble the votes together.

At tomorrow’s council meeting the SNP @SimitaSKumar and Greens @susan4leithwalk @CllrChasBooth have proposed forming a new administration in Edinburgh, Labour want to hang on – and now it seems LibDem leader @agcolehamilton thinks they should have the opportunity to do so pic.twitter.com/WVjobksvYg

— Edinburgh Reporter (@EdinReporter) December 18, 2024

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Community Wellbeing Collective

In Wester Hailes on Saturday the Wellbeing Collective invite you to celebrate the season with them from noon to 7pm (or any time in between.) There will be a community meal, crafts and an open mic at Westside Plaza. Read more here.

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Bikes For Refugees

The cycling charity has a very simple mission. It would like to provide 100 children & young people with bikes and cycling accessories this Christmas. And everyone is asked to help.

With each bike the charity provides essential accessories as well as some information about free community services.

• £25 will help to get one child cycling
• £35 donation will get one teenager on a bike
• £50 donation will help the charity get one adult on a bike.
• And for £100 the charity can provide bikes to one family.

Read more here.

WICKED

Wicked fans are invited to a special Sing-Along screening at Vue on Boxing Day.

After becoming one of the most ‘popular’ big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day. 

Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and now nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.

Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans will now be able to join in as the lyrics appear onscreen to their favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity, along with follow Ozians.

To add to this musical spectacle, ahead of this special sing-along version of Wicked, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have recorded a special vocal warm-up video, to get fans all set to join in with all of their favourite tunes.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked has simply enchanted audiences since in launched in November, so we’re thrilled to be able to provide this spell-binding new way for fans to enjoy one of the biggest releases of the year.

“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to join in with every musical note and magical moment, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.

“Of course, those looking to simply enjoy Wicked for the first time or once again, without singing along, we are still screening standard showings of the film for you to enjoy.”   

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

Young dentists to benefit from specialised training

A new innovative education programme in Scottish dentistry has been unveiled to help meet the demand for practitioners across the country.

Scottish Dental Care, a leading dental provider in Scotland, has introduced ‘Pathways’, a groundbreaking education programme that sets a new standard as the most comprehensive professional development initiative for early-career dentists in the country.

The 16-module programme, spearheaded by John McQueen, Clinical Director of Education and Philip Friel, Co-Founder and Director of Dentistry at Scottish Dental Care, has been designed to help bridge the gap between university training and independent practice, offering young dentists structured guidance as they embark on their careers.

John McQueen said: “The transition from a structured educational based environment through Vocational Training to associate, developing your practice and managing your career, can feel like being thrown into the deep end, with young dentists left to find their own way having.

“Pathways is what I wish I had when I finished my university training.  You don’t know what you don’t know – which is what inspired us to develop this training programme.

“It is incredibly rewarding to be in a position to pass on knowledge to the next generation of dentists, while also learning from their fresh perspectives.

“Pathways will provide an unprecedented level of comprehensive and hands-on training, aimed at empowering emerging dentists to excel in their careers.

“There’s no pressure to specialise or pick one discipline with this programme – this is an opportunity to develop skills and explore practices that you may not otherwise be exposed to.”

Pathways offers a unique blend of hands-on and theoretical training, providing 16 dedicated training days over two years.

The curriculum covers all key areas of dentistry, including treatment planning, oral surgery, implants, prosthodontics, and endodontics, with modules led by Scottish Dental Care Clinical leadership as well as other practitioners prominent in their field. In addition, participants will have opportunities to shadow experienced clinicians and observe real cases in clinic.

John added: “We’ve structured Pathways to push the envelope beyond what’s taught at university.

“It’s not just about developing technical skills, but also about preparing dentists for the personal, physical, and mental challenges of the profession. By including workshops on mental wellbeing and financial planning, we’re helping young dentists build holistic careers.”

The Pathways programme addresses the critical need for dental talent retention in Scotland by focusing specifically on early-career dentists in their first five years of professional practice.

Philip Friel added: “We believe in continuous education and development, offering learning opportunities for associates at every stage of their career.

“The programme delivers an exceptional professional development pathway, offering extensive training courses and opportunities at a significantly subsidised cost.

“We want to set a new standard for professional growth and career satisfaction in the dental industry.”

Commencing in February 2025, training days will be held at Scottish Dental Care’s Glasgow central office, it is open to all early-career dentists, with just 14 spaces available.

Scottish Dental Care has 21 locations across Scotland consisting of 90+ dentists, employing more than 200 dental nurses and practice staff, and serving more than 250,000 patients.

www.scottishdentalcare.co.uk www.advanceddentistryscotland.com

The cost of holding the recent by-election in Colinton/Fairmilehead has now been broken down by the Finance Convener – at least in part.

The councillor elected in November, Liberal Democrat Louise Spence, resigned after just six days in post – and it has been confirmed to us that she did not seek any payment for those six days.

But the cost to the council of holding an election is considerable. There will now have to be a repeat election in January.

Cllr Jason Rust, is the only remaining councillor serving the ward until the new by-election is called. He asked for a breakdown of the costs and the Finance Convener, Mandy Watt, has confirmed that it was a total of £76,758.87.

Cllr Rust asked if the Finance Convener would provide a breakdown, to include:
(a) hire of polling stations
(b) payments to polling station staff
(c) payments to election count staff
(d) production of ballot papers
(e) publication of notice of poll and all advertising
(f) council staff time
(g) any other third-party payments
(g) all other costs.

The answer published in council papers on 18 December is as follows:

(a) £3,427.73
(b) £10,203.05
(c) £406.50
(d) £14,050.35
(e) £468.00
(f) £1,977.33
(g) £46,225.91 (third party and all other costs).

The Edinburgh Reporter has asked Cllr Rust if he has any further comment – and it is open to him to ask further questions at Thursday’s council meeting. That meeting will be webcast from 10am. The papers are here.