When Mowgli opened its doors on Hanover Street in April 2023, it felt like welcoming an old friend to the city.

Having first fallen for their charms in Manchester nine years ago, I went along to see how their Christmas Feasting Menu would measure up.

Located in their stunning home – a B-listed former Clydesdale Bank building crowned with an impressive cupola, the space itself is magical, draped in twinkling fairy lights that create an enchanting atmosphere year-round.

I’ve long admired Mowgli’s CEO, Nisha Katona, who left a 20-year career in 2014 as a Child Protection barrister to set up Mowgli. Nisha had a nagging obsession to build an eatery serving the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets.

Passionate about growth, she builds Mowgli simply to enrich lives in the cities where they go to, by creating jobs in a nourishing workplace, giving back to their communities through charitable giving and spreading the love of an Indian home kitchen.

The £35 Christmas Feasting Menu starts with a welcome glass of fizz or Cobra beer alongside their iconic Chat Bombs. These crisp bread puffs, filled with chickpeas, spiced yoghurt and tamarind, demand to be eaten in one mouthful – though serving five between two diners creates an awkward moment of portion politics.

A word about those famous swing seats – while Instagram-worthy, they’re not for everyone (including those with dodgy knees). Thankfully, traditional seating is available, and the staff are accommodating when it comes to preferences.

The menu features some standout dishes: punchy Gunpowder Chicken and Himalayan Cheese Toast with its warming spiced cheddar, particularly shine.

The main event comes in towering tiffin boxes filled with chef-selected curries. The butter chicken, gently requested, was everything I remembered, while the Mowgli House Chicken – a Keralan curry with coconut milk and almonds – proved equally impressive.

While the enthusiastic young staff bring great energy, there were some opening-night jitters with the Christmas menu. The timing of dishes needed fine-tuning (mains arrived before starters), and portion guidance needed clarification – one tiffin box between two would not have sufficed. However, their manager was quick to step in and sort out my concern that it should be one tiffin box each, rather than one shared between two.

Though the chocolate brownie was absent on our visit, the alternative desserts – salted caramel and coconut ice cream cones – provided a satisfying finale, although that’s not necessarily standard on the Christmas menu, instead a mango sorbet cone is on offer.

Verdict: Despite some service hiccups, Mowgli’s Christmas Feasting Menu offers a vibrant alternative to traditional festive fare. At £35 per person (available until 5 January), it’s ideal for those seeking something different for their Christmas celebrations and offers vegan and vegetarian options too. The food remains true to its home-cooking roots, and the atmospheric setting makes every meal feel special.

Tips:

• Skip the swing seats if you have mobility concerns
• Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance on portion sizes
• Consider requesting staggered service if you prefer a more measured dining pace

Goal scorer Nicky Cadden was left gutted after Hibs fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to St Mirren at Easter Road. 

A first half double from Conor McMenamin gave Hibs a mountain to climb at the break and the supporters made their frustration known. 

Martin Boyle missed a penalty just after the hour mark, before Nicky Cadden scored from the spot in added time. 

It looked as though Hibs had rescued a point, when Cadden found the back of the net in the sixth minute of added time – but the goal was correctly chalked off for offside after a VAR review. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Cadden shared his disappointment on the result. 

“It is extremely tough to take, we know that wasn’t good enough from our perspective. The Gaffer doesn’t deserve that. 

“We had a mountain to climb at half-time, and we were a lot better in the second half.  

“But ultimately, that wasn’t good enough – we need to be winning these games at home. 

“I thought I had scored a second at the end there, but it looks like it might have hit Gayle. It’s just unlucky at the end of day, and it’s these fine margins that are costing us. We need to try and regroup and take it from there. 

“I know it’s hard to say at the moment, but we need to stick together as a team – be there for the boys and be there for the Manager because he doesn’t deserve this.” 

Hibs head coach David Gray apologised to the fans after his side fell to defeat against St Mirren at Easter Road yesterday. 

The Buddies went 2-0 ahead in the opening 45 minutes, and managed to hang on to all three points as a late Nicky Cadden equaliser was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. 

When speaking after the game, Gray gave his thoughts on the defeat. 

“Firstly, I apologise to the fans for the first half performance. I haven’t had to do that this season. Today that first half performance wasn’t good enough. 

“There was a lack of fight at times, we were slow to react at times, there was a lack of quality and bravery on the ball, individual errors, people trying to play in the wrong areas at times, and we didn’t show the attitude to win the ball back. 

“They started on the front-foot, won more second-balls, showed more fight than us, but when we showed any kind of quality, we played through them, which is what we worked on all week. 

“The first half performance was way below what we expect, though; that was the message at half-time. 

“Second half we had more of a go and went to the very end, but the damage was done in the first half. 

“We really needed a big performance today. We talked a lot about last week and deserving results, but we absolutely deserved nothing because of that first half performance today. We let ourselves down.” 

This is the most up to date list of roadworks, road closure and events leading to road closures or diversions for traffic in Edinburgh for the next week or so.

If you see anything on the roads which is not on the list then let the travel team know on Twitter @EdinTravel or otherwise you can check on the Scottish Roadworks register which is a comprehensive list of places to avoid.

Updated versions of the listings are posted to the website most weekday afternoons, these can be found by going to https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel

Any new works or events are marked in blue.. Read the full list below – which is arranged according to council Ward.

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Hibs remain stuck at the foot of the table after a lacklustre performance and a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren at Easter Road yesterday. 

David Gray made two changes to his starting XI following last weekend’s draw with Dundee United. 

Mykola Kuharevich was suspended following his red card and Lewis Miller dropped to the bench, with right-back Chris Cadden and forward Elie Youan both starting the game. 

St Mirren started the game with passion and Conor McMenamin opened the scoring with a deft flick at the front post after getting on the end of a Scott Tanser cross from the left. 

Youan then did well inside the Saint’s box but his powerful effort rebounded off the post. 

McMenamin then added a second after dispossessing Warren O’Hora on the half way line. His strike struck Joe Bursik on the way into the net. 

The half time whistle was met with a chorus of boos from the disgruntled fans. 

Gray made a triple change for the second half with Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, Nector Triantis, and Warren O’Hora replaced by Nicky Cadden, Rocky Bushiri and Dylan Levitt. 

The crossbar then saved Hibs before they were awarded a penalty when Martin Boyle was brought down by Mark O’Hara. 

Boyle took the resultant spot kick but Ellery Balcombe produced a fine save. 

 Boyle was then substituted along with Junior Hoilett. Dwight Gayle and Harry McKirdy came on in their place. 

Then in time added on Hibs were awarded their second penalty of the day when a Joe Newell shot struck the arm of former Hibs defender Alex Gogic. 

Nicky Cadden dispatched the spot kick. 

The in the dying seconds he thought he had scored an undeserved equaliser when his effort flew into the net however the ball had struck Gayle who was standing in an offside position and after a VAR check the goal was disallowed. 

Another chorus of boos greeted the final whistle from the fans who were left and Youan had to be restrained by Bushiri from confronting a disgruntled supporter. 

The result sees Hibs remain at the foot of the table. 

After the final whistle Gray told BBC Sportsound: “First half performance, totally unacceptable. I think I need to apologise to the fans because of the situation we find ourselves in. 

“The need for points and the need for wins… to offer that up is just not good enough. 

“You need to give credit to St Mirren as well. They started on the front foot but I thought we started really poorly.” 

Hibs: Bursik, C. Cadden, Ekpiteta, O’Hora, Obita, Kwon, Newell, Triantis, Boyle, Youan, Hoilett. 

Substitutes: Smith, Miller, Levitt, Doyle-Hayes, Iredale, McKirdy, N. Cadden, Bushiri, Gayle. 

St Mirren: Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Tanser, Phililips, O’Hara, Kiltie, McMenamin, Olusanya. 

Substitutes: Urminsky, Kenny, Penman, Smythm Adeniran, Scott, Mooney, Ayunga, Mandron. 

It is the most stylish area of the city so it was only fitting that Stylish Santa should lead the way. He helped the band and the dancers on to a specially reserved Edinburgh tram at Haymarket and then ushered them all off at St Andrew Square.

From there the Saltire Street Band played more Christmas tunes and the ballerinas twirled their way through the Quarter to Register Square where Buttons and Santa turned on the Christmas lights.

Panto star Grant Stott was in the square waiting to meet Buttons (Jordan Young) who had been calling “Hiya Pals!” to his many fans in the Galleria.

Following the magical opening weekend, St James Quarter will continue to be a glorious hub of holiday spirit with a packed calendar of events all the way through to Christmas:

• There’s fun for all the family with Elf Adventures on Sunday 24th November, where kids can enrol in Elf School, make reindeer food, enjoy festive face painting, plus, grab an ‘elfie’ with Santa’s little helpers!

• On Thursday 5th December, St James Quarter will be filled with the sounds of the season, as it plays host to an evening of live performances including Soul & Disco with a festive twist from Groove Down Band, and smooth jazz vocals from Marianne McGregor.

• Experience an afternoon of elegance, sophistication and luxury on Sunday 15th December, as A Bridgerton Christmas takes to the Quarter. Dear Readers will be welcomed into the galleria by Capella, an award-winning string quartet, before Bridgerton Ballerinas join the Quartet for a spectacular performance not to be missed. Guests will also be invited to take part in a Bridgerton themed dance class suitable for all ages.

• To ‘wrap’ up the festive season, your gifts can be beautifully packed by professional gift wrappers onSaturday 21st and Sunday 22nd December in exchange for a donation to the Quarter’s charity partners, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind.

• And that’s not all, throughout the festive season, there will be several unexpected choir and carol singing performances from the local community.

Many of these events will take place against the sparkling backdrop of St James Quarter’s very own magical Christmas shop window, an enchanting and immersive festive display on Level 3 that guests can step into, to embrace the magic of the season and snap the perfect Christmas picture. Anyone who shares their pictures from the window to their Instagram Grid, tagging @stjamesquarter, will be entered into a draw to win a £500 St James Quarter gift card.

“We are delighted to unveil our most spectacular Christmas programme to date,” says Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter.  “We have created an enchanting festive experience that captures the magic of the season for all our guests to enjoy, with a well-crafted calendar of magical music, dance and interactivity.”

Find out more about what’s on and festive opening hours on the St James Quarter App which you can download here.

In the face of a threat of immediate cuts to their core funding many third sector organisations mobilised to make written and verbal protests to the November meeting of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).

The meeting was a lively one when a great deal of time was devoted to hearing the many deputations which had requested to speak about the impacts of the proposed £4.5 million cuts on third sector work. This led to one of the members of the board, Peter Knight, saying that it had been very informative. He admitted he had learned things he had not known during the three years he has been on the board.

The next meeting of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) will be on 17 December 2024 when the members of the board will consider what was agreed at the November meeting.

Part of the agreement was “to hold discussions as soon as possible with NHS Lothian, the Council, and third sector organisations to consider alternative proposals for the long-term future of third-sector funding, mindful of the current financial position across the Scottish public sector and the need to meet EIJB objectives”.

60+ organisations

There are 60+ organisations which receive core funding from the EIJB. All deputations explained that the EIJB money is the money on which they can depend and then make applications on the basis of it for additional funding for specific projects. Core funding pays for rent and keeping the lights on, but without it then the charities and third sector bodies will be stuck without enough money to keep going. If the £4.5 million cut had been made on 1 November then at least 100 people in paid positions could have been made redundant, along with around 3,000 volunteers involved in the third sector.

The Health Agency

When we met The Health Agency in Wester Hailes this week they have not yet had the opportunity to have any discussions with the EIJB but they understand that there are possibly conversations being held “higher up”. This is regarded as a pioneering way of delivering healthcare. GPs, dentists as well as the third sector are all housed in one building which allows everyone to work in tandem. The main message is that by using alternatives such as yoga, or walking or gardening groups people do not need to see GPs so often. Some patients avoid the need to take anti-depressants, and they stay well for longer.

In an area where the life expectancy is around 60 – 15 years younger than other areas in the city, this is crucial.

The patients

We spoke to several people who had come to the Health Agency to use their services. Some did not want to speak on camera, but were happy to share their stories.

Curtis is a young man who has been coming to the Health Agency for about a year. He said: “I found the community that is a part of is ideal. It is getting people on their feet and understand how to manage their body. I suffer from a mental health disorder and when I first came I wasn’t confident. It is different now. It is people like Dom who have helped me.

“I reached out to them for help, and for me they have tried to make everything possible happen. I did the guided gym group for about 10 weeks and I learned about the machines and how to use them. I also do walking football. I have experience playing football.

“There are few people here but even with those few people their scope is huge. I have changed for sure in the last year. One of the biggest factors is being able to be around people and the reason for that was the gym and football. This is like taking me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible and make it become my comfort zone.”

William is retired and needs a new knee because of osteoarthritis. Just over two months ago he was in his own words “literally housebound”. On meeting him at The Health Agency he certainly did not look like someone who could not manage to get over the doorstep. He said: “This is the difference that the Health Agency has made to me. I was referred by my doctor as I have been on the waiting list for a new knee for about two years now. Last year I had an operation on my elbow so that I can have complete movement. During Covid my mental health was badly affected, and I was advised to stop smoking and drinking – which I did, but I ballooned in weight.

“Just about three months ago I was told I was on the threshold of becoming diabetic and that was a massive scare. Now I’m in the gym three times a week. They got me out of the house. I had had to retire from work because of my condition – I used to do landscaping work. This is helping me get my buzz back on again. My goal is to reach my target weight to get my operation. In 12 weeks I have lost just over a stone. All that I have learned here has led me to better ways of eating and my confidence has been boosted. I have just completed a six week kayaking course.

“I hadn’t done that for years since I was in the Army. I joined a class at Meggetland and I completed the course.”

Simin is Iranian. She told us that for the last 20 years she has suffered from depression, but since she has come to the Health Agency she feels “much better”.

She said: “I was on tablets, but I couldn’t leave my house. Last year I was diagnosed with diabetes and then I got referred to The Health Agency. They helped me to reverse my diabetes and introduced me to the walking group. At first my husband had to bring me here to meet with them, now I can get the bus here on my own. The group has helped me to come out of my shell. After joining this group and getting help from Kim and Dom I feel so much better.”

Amanda and Bahar

Amanda has Long Covid and she said she has benefited hugely from the services at Westerhaven, a part of The Health Agency, during the last two years. She said: “I was referred by my GP. I came here to have a massage from one of the counsellors, Linda. That was the start and this has massively helped me.

“When I first came here I struggled to walk from the front door, and I wouldn’t be able to talk without taking lots of breaths. Mentally it was a struggle as I wasn’t able to work. I used to be a dental nurse. The government had said they would bring in Long Covid clinics and there was nothing at at all.”

Bahar has had cancer treatment. She said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and I also have fibromyalgia. I don’t have many family members here and it was a friend who told me about Westerhaven. I used to work as a teaching assistant at Wester Hailes Education Centre, but I had not heard about it before. From the first minute the questions they asked me on the phone were very detailed and they started referring me to the right therapies. I had started losing my mobility which I had never expected. The brilliant thing about this place is that they are extremely professional and friendly. We have a relationship with each other now.

“Everything happens in the same place which is not very usual. This has helped me enormously – just to get dressed and get out of the house. The chair yoga and the art classes are great for me. Talking about my specific needs during counselling has also been good for me. I had to get healthy and lose weight after my treatment. My livelihood and emotional and physical wellbeing depends greatly on Westerhaven.”

The staff

Kim Anderson is a qualified personal trainer, and she changed her own life around by losing a great deal of weight after having children by using the Couch to 5K programme. She is passionate about the project Positive Moves which she now runs. This incorporates physical activity and wellbeing along with learning about food and eating – the ideal complement to everything else that goes on in the Health Agency. She explained that patients with Type 2 diabetes can be referred to her and it involves looking at what healthy eating looks like along with exercise.

She said: “We run a six week course highlighting empty calories, hidden sugars, how to read food labels.

“My project also includes physical activity. We have people referred to us by GPs who only have ten minutes for an appointment. All of my initial appointments are an hour long. We need to hear all of it to peel back the layers and work out what is really needed. It may be a sore knew but there could be a need for counselling in amongst that.

“We run a pre-hab clinic along with the cancer clinic, Westerhaven, we run supported gym visits, taking people to the gym at Edinburgh Napier University in Sighthill. This can be for any reason from needing to lose weight to social isolation. We give them a one-to-one induction class first of all. Then they go to the gym for six to eight weeks and have the opportunity to join the gym at a reduced rate – £25 for three months – after that. We find that people join but they often go along at the same time as they have started to enjoy the social side as well. We have a walking group, a walking football group and three chair based exercise groups.

“In association with my colleague Stacey from Tasting Change we have funding to run a four week diabetes course – two weeks cooking and the other time for education about diabetes. We may be able to help people get the Joe Wicks app for free. I have grown the service and now have three sessional workers including Dom. We are a victim of our own success I guess.”

Rossi Craig

Rossi Craig, the Acting CEO of the Health Agency, said that she was at her desk in the middle of making many applications for new grant funding. (She is not letting the grass grow under her feet.) She explained what a normal day is like at The Health Agency. She said:”We have a community lunch every Thursday and everyone is welcome. We have a pre-hab yoga class which Dom leads. The idea is to maximise good health before cancer treatment.

“About 45% of our funding comes from the IJB – about £170,000 a year. This is our core funding to help stabilise us and allow us to more than double our funding by leveraging in other grant funding on top. Without that core fund we would struggle to carry on. It pays for our operational costs.

“This is a one stop shop for local community members to come to. We have everything from children’s services to drugs and alcohol counselling. During Covid we provided meals and check in calls. WE can adapt very quickly and without us there will not be the response the next time a health crisis happens.”

“We are always willing to be creative but we have to be careful that we don’t just run everything on a shoestring.

“I think the EIJB needs to look a bit closer. They didn’t have time to do that before. I understand that, but they really need to look at the impact of the services that we do provide – also what will happen if we are not here.”

Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh

Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh is a GP in the Wester Hailes Practice. She has been a doctor in the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre since it opened in 2013. She said: “The building itself is a flagship project around the importance of co-location of services. I think the first thing to say is that we all operate under great financial pressures across the piece, so it is not just the EIJB that are in that position.

“We have a fixed budget, so if something happened to the Health Agency then there would be needs that are not met. All of use who work in health and social care and in the third sector always think if we can just do that little bit more, if we can see that one more patient, but you cannot meet all of that demand. So we really value and depend on the services offered here.

“We can really pose the question about how these services should be funded – and if that is not possible within current structures then we need to know what a new structure might look like. In our day to day work as GPs we think about how organic and fluid and self-sustaining the relationship is between us and The Health Agency. We work really collaboratively, very closely together on a number of projects. We also know there are many patients who never make their way to us because of support from The Health Agency.”

Dr Anna Noble

Dr Anna Noble is also a GP in the same practice which has around 10 doctors, although not all are full time. She said: “If the Health Agency was to close then I couldn’t do what I do. There is absolutely no doubt about that. We have a population here that suffers from ill health a lot earlier in their lives. Our life expectancy is early sixties and in Tanzania it is 62. I drive from my home in the leafy suburb nearby. We need to be really aware that this is how close these health inequalities are. We know that from a cold financial point of view that things we have been working on on a lot – such as diabetes – will take an awful lot of money from the NHS within the next few years.

“These things are getting worse. For example we now have to prescribe contraception for people with diabetes which is not something we thought about before. Patients used to be diagnosed at 55, but now we see people being diagnosed in their twenties. It is not drugs and alcohol, it is deprivation. Poverty makes you sick.

“The stress comes from things that others take for granted – like where you will live next year, the job you will have next year. I dont need to say that the NHS is stretched to the limits. The way that NHS deals with that is to deal with patients as one prescription per year, one blood test a year. What we really need to do is help these patients help themselves.

“If you go to the food bank what does that mean for diabetics? If you only have a microwave then you cannot always cook the broccoli we are recommending. That is where The Health Agency comes in. We can refer patients there for ongoing support. And we know it works.

“I have contact with around 50-60 patients on an on call day. Appointment times are short and I would like to know my patients better. In areas of deprivation ongoing care is the key.”

Grass Roots Remedies

Jillian Faichney is the clinic dispenser, product maker and course administrator at Grass Roots Remedies. This involves people in gardening, growing herbs which are then used in producing free herbal remedies. This is a co-op which has its base at The Health Agency. They provide supportive treatment of chronic illness of all kinds, all tailored to the individual. It is the kind of add on service which is encouraged, and which the building fosters. An initial constulation lasts about an hour. Read more about their work here.

Next steps

By December the Chief Officer, Pat Togher will have moved to his new position in Glasgow. His position in Edinburgh – which he only took up in November 2023, is currently being advertised here at an annual salary of £180,443 per annum.

The board will meet then to discuss how to fill the funding gap of many millions which they have – and hopefully will have some ideas about how to engage with the third sector without cutting their budgets.

When they are produced the papers for the meeting will be at this link here.

The members of the EIJB are as follows:

• Chair Katharina Kasper
• Vice-Chair Cllr Tim Pogson (Labour)
• Chief Officer (vacant)
• Service User Representative Eugene Mullan
• Member Philip Allenby
• Allied Healthcare Professional Representative Hannah Cairns
• Member Cllr Alan Beal (Liberal Democrat)
• Member Elizabeth Gordon
• Member George Gordon
• Staffside Representation City of Edinburgh Council Ben Owen
• Service User Representative David Belfall
• Chief Social Work Officer Rose Howley
• Member Peter Knight
• Chief Nurse Jacqui Macrae
• Service User Representative Allister McKillop
• Member Cllr Alys Mumford
• Member Cllr Max Mitchell
• Member Cllr Vicky Nicolson
• Chief Finance Officer Moira Pringle
• Registered medical practitioner Emma Reynish
• Staffside representation NHS Lothian Helen Fitzgerald
• Dr Robin Balfour
• Rose Howley
• Matt Kennedy

Registers of Interest

This part of the EIJB information is empty in the case of the Chair Katharina Kasper, Cllr Alys Mumford, Matt Kennedy, Rose Howley and Emma Reynish. In the case of George Gordon it seems to be out of date as it was completed in May 2022, by which time the former SNP councillor was no longer an elected member as stated.

A rugby enthusiast, credited with transforming his Dalkeith club’s mini and youth sections, among other achievements, has won the Volunteer of the Year award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards 2024.

Stevie Halliday has been recognised for the time and dedication he has given to rugby in Midlothian, particularly at Dalkeith RFC.

Serving as the Director of Youth Rugby last year, Stevie transformed Dalkeith RFC’s mini and youth rugby sections. Under his leadership, the club fielded its first under-18 team in over a decade, culminating in Dalkeith RFC’s inaugural appearance in a national final. 

The club’s mini and youth sections have seen remarkable growth under his guidance, now boasting over 300 boys and girls. Thanks to Stevie’s hard work and organisation, Dalkeith RFC consistently field boys’ teams at under-13, under-14, under-16, and under-18 levels, along with its first girls’ youth teams. 

One of Stevie’s focuses has been providing opportunities for girls graduating from mini rugby to continue playing at Dalkeith RFC. This initiative has been a success with 27 girls now actively participating in youth rugby. Stevie also coaches the under-18 side, steering them to the National School Bowl Final at Murrayfield, marking the club’s first national final in its history.

Stevie’s support for Dalkeith RFC’s youth players extends beyond coaching. He has organised first aid courses, mental health workshops and encouraged players to take on roles in running the club and coaching. His commitment to Dalkeith RFC is longstanding, having served as a player, club captain and president.

Stevie said: “My view is you always gets out of something what you put in. I met my wife at the rugby club; we’ve got two kids who are both involved in the rugby now so that drives me on to make sure there’s a place for them to be. It’s been a place that’s been a good environment for me and I want to make sure it stays that way for everyone else.”

Jason Hendrie,1^st XV coach at Dalkeith RFC, said: “Stevie’s always pushing everyone at the club to make things better. He’s always wanting the best for the club, if we didn’t have Stevie I don’t know where we’d be. He drives it so much.”

The sportscotland COV Awards celebrates the people who make sport happen in communities across Scotland, who inspire and enhance the lives of others and often commit their own time to help make sport accessible to as many people as possible. This year nearly 300 nominations were received covering 34 different sports and all 32 local authorities.

The COV winners were invited to collect their award at a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said:

“Individuals like Stevie have dedicated a huge amount of their time to helping others realise their sporting potential.”

Local players were prominent when the Lothians’ under-13 and under-17 badminton championships, sponsored by Martin Campbell Financial Management and equipment firm Yonex, with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council, took place at the Jack Kane Centre.

In the under 13 age group Emily Jobson was a triple winner and Yingfan Wang reached three finals, winning the boys’ doubles with

fellow Lothian player Oscar Feng and the mixed doubles with Emily.

Akshara Chavan also reached three finals in the under 13s, winning the girls’ doubles.

In the under 17 age group, Shona Brown and Yingfan’s older sister Ingrid Wang both won two titles while Luke Parkinson reached three finals, finishing off the weekend with a victory in the mixed doubles with Ingrid.

 Lothians’ Lingyun Xiao won the boys’ doubles with Max McCabe while Anshita Jaiswal also reached three finals and narrowly losing out in the girls’ doubles by the narrowest margin in the deciding set.

Final results:

Under 13:

Boys’ Singles – Yingfan Wang bt James Huang 21-7, 21-11

Girls’ Singles – Emily Jobson bt Akshara Chavan 21-16, 21- 7

Boys’ Doubles – Divyam Goyal and Atharv Sharma bt Oscar Feng and Yingfan Wang 21-18, 17-21, 21-14

Girls’ Doubles – Akshara Chavan and Emily Jobson bt Anvita Aswathi and Ava Li 21-7, 21-9

Mixed Doubles – Yingfan Wang and Emily Jobson bt Divyam Goyal and Akshara Chavan 21-14, 21-12.

Under 17:

Boys’ Singles – Arnav Saraswat bt Luke Parkinson 21-16,21-10

Girls’ Singles –Shona Brown bt Anshita Jaiswal 17–21, 21–19, 21-15

Boys’ Doubles – Lucas Chin and Lingyun Xiao bt Max McCabe and Luke Parkinson 21–19, 21-16

Girls’ Doubles – Shona Brown and Ingrid Wang bt Anshita Jaiswal and Chloe Mackenzie 21-16, 12-21, 23-21

Mixed Doubles – Luke Parkinson and Ingrid Wang bt Max McCabe Anshita Jaiswal 21-18, 21-18

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for four years and six months for causing death by dangerous driving in Edinburgh.

Ralph Fairhurst was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 7 November, 2024.

Officers were called to the fatal collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Easter Road around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022.

The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh however he died on Wednesday, 29 June, 2022.

Fairhurst, the driver of the car, fled the area and was traced by officers later that day.

Road Policing Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts remain with family and friends of the young man that lost his life, and I hope that today’s sentencing brings them some comfort and allows them to move forward.

“Ralph Fairhurst showed absolutely no regard for the law and his reckless actions highlight the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the lasting impact it has on those involved, along with their families and friends.”

Later today there will be a parade through Edinburgh’s city centre.
St James Quarter will unveil an ensemble of sparkling lights, unexpected live performances and family fun this festive season.

The Christmas Parade will feature a vibrant cast of performers, including energetic jazz musicians, Saltire Street Band, graceful ballerinas, Edinburgh Panto stars, and a stylish Santa making his grand entrance in signature St James Quarter fashion.

Spreading festive cheer throughout the capital, the parade will travel aboard the tram to St Andrew Square, before making its way through Multrees Walk and into the Galleria, concluding at Register Square with a mesmerising light switch-on and Christmas sing along led by the incredible, Edinburgh Rock Choir.

After this magical opening weekend, St James Quarter will continue to be a hub of holiday spirit with a packed calendar of events all the way through to Christmas:

• There’s fun for all the family with Elf Adventures on Sunday 24 November, where kids can enrol in Elf School, make reindeer food, enjoy festive face painting, plus, grab an ‘elfie’ with Santa’s little helpers!

• On Thursday 5 December, St James Quarter will be filled with the sounds of the season, as it plays host to an evening of live performances including Soul & Disco with a festive twist from Groove Down Band, and smooth jazz vocals from Marianne McGregor.

• Experience an afternoon of elegance, sophistication and luxury on Sunday 15 December, as A Bridgerton Christmas takes to the Quarter. Dear Readers will be welcomed into the galleria byCapella, an award-winning string quartet, before Bridgerton Ballerinas join the Quartet for a spectacular performance not to be missed. Guests will also be invited to take part in a Bridgerton themed dance class suitable for all ages.

• To ‘wrap’ up the festive season, your gifts can be beautifully packed by professional gift wrappers onSaturday 21 and Sunday 22 December in exchange for a donation to the Quarter’s charity partners, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind.

• From now till Christmas there will be several unexpected choir and carol singing performances from the local community.

Many of these events will take place against the sparkling backdrop of St James Quarter’s own magical Christmas shop window, an enchanting and immersive festive display on Level 3 that guests can step into, to embrace the magic of the season and snap the perfect Christmas picture. Anyone who shares their pictures from the window to their Instagram Grid, tagging @stjamesquarter, will be entered into a draw to win a £500 St James Quarter gift card.

“We are delighted to unveil our most spectacular Christmas programme to date,” said Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter.  “We have created an enchanting festive experience that captures the magic of the season for all our guests to enjoy, with a well-crafted calendar of magical music, dance and interactivity.”

Find out more about what’s on and festive opening hours on the St James Quarter App which you can download here.

A letter taken from Sir William Wallace by his English captors over 700 years ago is to go on public display in Edinburgh to mark St Andrew’s Day.

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

Dated 7 November 1300, it was with the freedom fighter when he was captured in 1305.

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

The document was discovered in the Tower of London in the 1830s and is now officially part of the collection of The National Archives in Kew.

It is currently on loan to the National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh.

It will go on display free of charge at General Register House in Princes Street from just 10am until 3pm on November 30.

Alan Borthwick, Head of medieval and early modern records at NRS, said: “While Wallace is known to have been in France in 1300 it is not known why.

“Some have suggested he may have been seeking support to have the deposed Scottish king, John Balliol, restored to the throne.

“What is certain is that this is a rare document and a wonderful opportunity for the public to see it in person. It is the first time it has been on display since 2018 and it is free of charge to visit.”

The letter is one of only two surviving documents with a personal connection to Wallace. The other is the “Lubeck Letter” that Wallace and Andrew de Moray wrote to German merchants to encourage them to resume trade with Scotland following their victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297.

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

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

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

The letter was returned to Scotland in 2012 for the first time in 707 years on an initial two year loan to NRS, which has since been extended.

Because of its age and fragility, however, the letter can only be displayed for limited periods of time and spends much of its time in Scotland in safe storage.

Gary Stewart, of the Society of William Wallace, which has campaigned for the letter to be kept in Scotland permanently, said: “It is a rare direct link to Scotland’s national hero. It’s important that people in Scotland should have every chance to see it.”

Two tapestries inspired by the only two surviving original letters known to mention Wallace will also be on display.

Skilled weavers from the Dovecot Studios created the tapestries, inspired by the intricate lettering and historic parchment of the documents.

Brunton Theatre Trust are collaborating with critically-acclaimed Wonder Fools theatre company to present a new pantomime set in East Lothian and it will be staged in two venues.

From Wednesday 4 December to Saturday 14 December the location is the Corn Exchange, Haddington, and from Tuesday 17 December to Saturday 4 January the show is in Loretto Theatre, Musselburgh.

The title is A Christmas Carol and the festive show has comedy, songs, and lots of joining in.

The pre-panto blurb said: “Meet Scrooge, Musselburgh’s grumpiest miser and proud owner of Scrooge’s Speedy Cash, who’s in for a rude awakening when three mischievous ghosts turn up to ruin her silent night.

“With belly laughs, feel-good festive songs, and a hearty dose of Scottish panto spirit, this isn’t just any Christmas tale, it’s a full-blown panto party that will leave you shouting “Bah humbug!” all the way home.

Schools’ performances, matinees and evening shows are available and the team includes Graham Crammond, the much-loved panto dame who has delighted Brunton panto audiences for many years with his wit and charm.

He plays Scrooge and the remainder of the cast is Michael Dylan (who plays Fred), Robbie Gordon (Tiny Tim), Laura Lovemore (Ghost of Christmas Present), Rebekah Lumsden (Ms Cratchitt), Chloe-Ann Tylor (McGuffin).

The co-artistic directors, Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse, have created the show fresh from winning Best Debut at the Edinburgh Festival from the Skinny and Fest Magazine’s Bestie Awards.

Amy Robinson, The Brunton’s Dance and Drama Officer, is the panto’s choreographer and the professional cast are supported by a chorus of 22 talented young performers from East Lothian.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol can be bought 24 hours a day, online at www.thebrunton.co.uk or on 0131 653 5245 from Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm.

FLASHBACK: A picture from a previous Brunton panto

MORE than 20 Scottish school children – including two primary pupils – were referred to the terrorism prevention programme last year, it can be revealed.

Police Scotland data shows 85 people in Scotland were referred to the Prevent de-radicalisation programme in 2022-23 – from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 – with 87 referrals in total as two were referred twice.

They included 21 youngsters referred from secondaries and two from primary schools, with a further six from higher education and the largest proportion of referrals at 31 involving people aged 15-20.

A quarter of referrals involved children aged under 15 while 14 referrals were for those aged 21-30.

Concerns over right wing extremism accounted for more than a third of all referrals with 37 for concerns relating to a “mixed, unstable or unclear ideology”.

Ten referrals were for concerns related to Islamist extremism, with four of those involving children under the age of 15.

Referrals were overwhelmingly male at 92% with female referrals accounting for 7% and one transgender male.

Sharon Dowey, Scottish Conservative spokesman for victims and community safety, said: “These figures are deeply alarming. “It is crucial that authorities monitor any potential concerns to ensure that the public are kept safe, and children are not exposed to extremism.”

The Prevent strategy aims to tackle all forms of violent extremism and terrorism, including international, Northern-Ireland related and the extreme right wing.

It is reserved to the UK Government and delivered in Scotland through devolved functions such as education, policing and local authorities.

While the stated aim of the voluntary programme is to divert people from terrorism before they offend and is not a criminal sanction or a punishment, critics claim it has an adverse effect on children and their educational attainment prospects.

Programme monitors

Dr Layla Aitlahdj, Director and Senior Caseworker at Prevent Watch, an organisation that monitors the programme, called for it to be scrapped.

Dr Aitlahdj said: “The Prevent strategy’s focus on surveillance over support stigmatises young people and disrupts their education, all while breaching their privacy through unconsented data sharing.

“Scotland must not follow the path taken in England, where Prevent has eroded trust in schools and communities. The Scottish Government has a chance to reject Prevent’s damaging approach and instead prioritise genuine community support over securitisation.”

Dr Aitlahdj insisted that regardless of the differences in the ideas Prevent targets, the “reality is that it overwhelmingly impacts innocent children”.

She added: “Prevent is a harmful, ineffective strategy that should be suspended. Numerous human rights organisations and the United Nations have raised serious concerns, warning that it fosters alienation and discrimination rather than ensuring safety.

“In Scotland, where community cohesion is a valued priority, Prevent risks undermining this foundation. We urge the Scottish Government to reject Prevent’s damaging approach and learn from the failures of Prevent in England.”

Data shows Police Scotland and education bodies made the highest number of Prevent referrals accounting for 69% between them, with others coming from schools, colleges and universities, as well as health bodies, local authorities and prisons.

Police made 31 referrals closely followed by the education sector at 29, with 15 referrals from the local authority sector, including 12 from social work and three from housing associations.

One referral was made by a family member.

Early identification

According to Police Scotland, Prevent focuses on the “early identification of individuals vulnerable to being drawn into violent extremism”.

They say the strategy is not “police led” and is founded on a “shared responsibility across partners and communities to ensure vulnerable people are appropriately supported”.

In a report to the Scottish Police Authority, Chief Superintendent Matt Paden said Police Scotland “played an essential role” in the multi-agency delivery of Prevent.

He said: “It holds information crucial in the assessment of risk, safeguarding of those susceptible to radicalisation and disrupting people engaged in radicalising others, appropriately shared through effective partnership working and engagement at local and national levels.”

Of the 87 Prevent referrals in 2022/23, 44 were deemed suitable for Prevent Case Management (PCM), with 43 considered not suitable for PCM and signposted to other services.

No further action was required in 25 cases and were closed, with 18 referred onwards.

Police Scotland comment

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland is focused on working in partnership to protect our communities by continuing to deliver the Prevent Strategy.

“The multi-agency approach, which promotes early intervention, will help safeguard those individuals who have been identified as susceptible to radicalisation and being drawn into terrorism or violent extremism.

“We remain committed to building strong partnerships with communities and other stakeholders to address the underlying causes fuelling radicalisation. The publication of the Prevent Referral data ensures communities have visibility of the critical work that is being undertaken to protect both these people and communities.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All children should be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and supported to understand the importance of shared values such as respect and diversity. We are clear that the Prevent duty should not, in any way, be used to suppress or limit freedom of speech.

“Prevent aligns with existing safeguarding processes such as Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) that are designed to prevent harm and safeguard children.”

Massimo Carozza has put pen to paper for Fife Flyers and head coach Tom Coolen believes the 28-year-old will bring added depth and skill to the injury-hit squad.

The Kirkcaldy club entertain Glasgow Clan on Saturday (19.15) in the Elite League with Fife ninth in the ten-strong table with three points from nine starts. Clan prop up the rest with two points, also from nine games.

It has not been confirmed if the Québec-born forward, who played four seasons in Major Junior in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, will play a part in what is a key test. Flyers visit seventh-placed Dundee Stars on Sunday (17.00).

His former teams include Québec Remparts and Cape Bretton Screaming Eagles where he was previously a teammate of current Flyers stars, Phélix Martineau and Olivier LeBlanc.

Carozza then switched to Concordia University where he was second in points before becoming a professional in season 2018/19 with Italian club Bolzano.

The Montreal-born left wing or centre remained in Italy over the pandemic seasons with Pustertal/Val, where he was top scorer in consecutive years, recording more than a point a game in his 89 appearances.

Then Carozza, who is 5ft 11in, made his Elite League debut with Nottingham Panthers in the 2021/22 season, icing on 26 occasions, scoring ten goals and setting up 14 other strikes, before heading to France to play with Bordeaux. Last season he returned to Italy with Cortina and played in more than 30 games, scoring 11 goals and assisting in 19 others.

Coach Coolen (pictured by Fife Flyers Images and courtesy of the Elite League) commented: “Massimo is a welcome addition to Flyers, giving us depth and additional skill. He plays a well-rounded game and is an exceptional playmaker.”

Meanwhile, Czech-born forward Martin Latal has left Fife with immediate effect.

Saturday fixtures: Fife Flyers v Glasgow Clan (19.15): Sunday: Dundee Stars v Fife (17.00).

Joe Newell marked his 200th appearance for Hibs against Dundee United last weekend but the midfielder admits that he has not had time to dwell on the milestone after what has been a difficult spell of results. 

And the Hibs captain is confident results will turn and insists the Club need to stick together.  

Speaking ahead of today’s game against St Mirren at Easter Road, Newell said: “I haven’t had time to think about that milestone, to be honest. Hopefully in the not to distant future I can get my top signed by the boys – but at the moment that is all irrelevant to me, we all know the situation we are in and how desperate we all are to turn it around. 

“I personally don’t believe there is a lot that needs to change. If you look at the last game for example – the performance was good, but without the decision at the end then I think we go on to win 1-0. With that said, we can definitely be more clinical and put games to bed earlier – that is something that we have been trying to work on.”  

“The other thing that we need to do is just maintain that belief in the squad. The performances we have been putting in have been good, we have been the better side in a lot of games, so we need to have the belief that we will turn it around. 

“I know the fans will be hurting, just as much – if not more than us – at the moment. The support that we get on a weekly basis is incredible, we were sold out away at Dundee United, they turned up away at Ross County in midweek – the support has always been fantastic. 

“I know they will be right behind us again on Saturday, and we are going to need them because we all need to stick together at this point. I am more than confident that we will turn it around and it will happen quickly, and we just hope the fans stick with us and we can all celebrate together.” 

David Gray has provided an update on his side’s fitness ahead of today’s game against St Mirren. 

Lewis Miller came off with a knock in the draw with Dundee United on Sunday, whilst Chris Cadden and Dwight Gayle both missed that fixture due to injury. 

Gray said: “Millsy (Lewis Miller) came off after 60 minutes and has been managing an ankle issue. He’s been playing through the pain-barrier the last few weeks. 

“He was back on the grass today so we’ll see how he gets through that. 

“Chris Cadden has trained all week, which is a positive because of Millsy’s situation. 

“Dwight Gayle has been back in training as well, so the group is pretty healthy at the moment. 

“Cadds and Dwight add options to the group, which is good, ideally you’d like them to have more minutes in their legs or on the training pitch, but that’s the situation we find ourselves in. 

“We have to pick the right players and make sure we’re ready to go to get the right result at the weekend.” 

Plans to make someone involved in Edinburgh’s disastrous initial tram project the director of a council-owned transport company have been scrapped over concerns about further reputational damage to the local authority.

Officials had proposed appointing Peter Strachan to Lothian Buses’ board – but councillors rejected the move at a meeting this week.

A report recommending three new non-executive directors for the publicly-owned bus firm went before last month’s transport committee. Members deferred the decision and called for more information after only the names of the proposed appointees appeared in the report, with no additional background on their professional experience.

And eyebrows were raised after it emerged Mr Strachan was a non-executive director of the council’s former arms-length companies Transport Initiatives Edinburgh, known as Tie,  and Transport for Edinburgh Limited (TEL), which were held principally responsible for the Capital’s £400m over-budget, five-years-late tram project which delivered a line half as long as originally intended.

He quit Tie after a deal was reached with the tram contractors in 2011 to resolve differences and complete the construction, and claimed the non-executive directors had been bypassed and not allowed to carry out their role of scrutiny.

A public inquiry saw Lord Hardie pin most of the blame on Tie. He wrote: “Tie’s failures were the principal cause of the failure to deliver the project on time and within budget”.

Mr Strachan, who has worked on infrastructure projects for British Rail, Railtrack, Network Rail and National Express Australia, then went on to become the UK Government’s director general of major projects and London.

Councillors debated whether to approve his appointment to Lothian Buses’ board at a meeting on Thursday, November 7. While acknowledging “considerable” transport experience, his links to the tram fiasco raised concerns.

Conservative group leader Iain Whyte said: “One of the suggestions was a person who had previously been on the board of Tie and TEL at the point the tram project effectively ground to a halt financially; where we were in serious dispute with the contractor and unable to resolve it.

“I’ve done some diligence on that and read the person’s statement to the tram inquiry, which seems very short to me for someone that’s in such a position, and is pretty much along the lines of ‘it all seemed fine while I was there’.

“I don’t want to impugn that individual and I’m sure they would make a very good non-executive director, they do have considerable experience in the transport field, but what I do know is that the tram project was a major scandal in this city. And this council is only just attempting to recover its reputation from that period.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for us reputationally to go back to that position when what we’re doing is appointing someone to the board of Transport for Edinburgh and Lothian Buses, and when the administration’s stated aim is to build more tram lines through those companies and projects and through Edinburgh Trams.”

Council leader Cammy Day said: “These are three of the best people that interview panel interviewed.

He said the necessary due diligence had been done and  added: :”We should support the nominations before the council today.”

Senior council officer Gareth Barwell said at a previous meeting Lothian Buses’ board and nominations committee ‘came to the conclusion the benefits of bringing [Mr Strachan] onto their board outweigh any concerns that others may have’.

While Mr Strachan’s appointment was rejected, with SNP, Conservatives and the Greens voting against, the recommendation to put Loraine Strachan and Stephanie Rivet on the board was approved.

SNP councillor Danny Aston said: “We have not been given sufficient information throughout this process.”

Conservative councillor Marie-Clair Munro said: “Members were not advised of information naturally held by the City of Edinburgh Council, including the prior involvement of candidates with the council or its ALEOs and their performance in such roles.

“Lord Hardie criticised the failure of relationships between ALEOs, council officials and elected members, holding those responsible for many of the individual misjudgements and mistakes which came together so ruinously.

“In particular he criticised the failure to provide elected members with the information necessary to make judgements for which we are responsible.

“It is disheartening then to note the report to committee had the same absence of information and idle assumption of a right of uncritical approval by elected members that Lord Hardie so robustly rebuffed.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries into a wilful fire which occurred on Hammond Place, Edinburgh, around 4.50am on Sunday, 6 October, 2024

Officers believe that the man pictured may hold information that will assist their ongoing investigation.

He is described as: white, between 18-30 years of age, around 5ft 11ins in height and of medium build. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing and riding a mountain bike.

Detective Constable Paul Henderson said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who recognises him, to contact the police.

If you have any information that can assist with our investigation then please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 0861 of 6 October.

Alternatively, make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Community groups in East Lothian are being urged to apply for grants from an annual fund which has given out up to £1 million in the past.

East Lothian Council’s One Council Partnership Fund has opened for applications from groups who work in local communities helping address poverty, inequality as well as those helping young people, the most vulnerable and climate change.

The annual grants will be awarded in the next financial year and councillors have still to agree the amount available as part of their budget, however last year the fund handed out more than £1 million to community projects.

Among groups who received grants were Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) for its weekly one-to-one support for LGBT+ young people in East Lothian, Pennypit Community Development Trust’s school holiday lunch clubs and the New Beginnings Club which provides social and leisure events for their members with physical and learning difficulties to promote positive mental health.

Councillor Colin McGinn, council spokesperson for community wellbeing, said: “Over the years the One Council Partnership Fund has been able to support groups to run projects that have made a real difference in people’s lives.

“Despite the pressures on our council budgets, we are pleased
to be able to continue with these awards. It recognises the huge value that partners offer to local communities and the importance of their work, particularly for some of our most vulnerable residents.

“It remains a challenging climate for many and the support that is provided by community-based groups, volunteers and the third sector across East Lothian is vital to our residents.

“We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated organisations and groups committed to supporting those in need within our area.”

Applicants have until December 2 to submit their bids to East Lothian Council with full details of the requirements and how to apply available via  www.eastlothian.gov.uk/one-council-fund

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Conifox Adventure Park unveils its ultimate family Christmas experience.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Conifox Adventure Park announces the highly anticipated return of its magical Family Christmas Experience for 2024. Back for the sixth year running, this year’s lineup promises more magic than ever before, with exciting activities that will spread Christmas cheer for all ages – Yule not want to miss it!

Starting from 30 November, ticket holders can step into Santa’s Living Room to meet Father Christmas himself and pose for a family photo that will hang on mantle pieces for years to come. All children who visit the Living Room will receive a Golden Christmas Coin to exchange for a gift or a teddy in the Toy Workshop or the Make-a-Teddy Factory.

Returning by popular demand is the Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop with Mrs. Claus, where little bakers can get creative with festive treats. The magic doesn’t stop there – families can check their Naughty or Nice status before journeying through the enchanting Magic Forest with beloved characters like Frosty the Snowman and The Nutcracker.

New for 2024, children can attend Elf School to learn the tricks of the trade. For those who haven’t done so yet – or who want to make their list and check it twice – can write letters to Santa with the help of Buddy the Elf in the North Pole Post Room or even take a flight at Reindeer Flying School – but watch out for the mischievous Mr Grinch who will be roaming around Conifox for the duration of the Christmas Experience! And when the adventures are done, visitors can indulge in festive food and drinks while enjoying the fun at Taylor’s of Edinburgh Christmas Funfair.

Prices start at £5 for babies (0-12 months) and £22.70 for children (1-17 years), the Ultimate Family Christmas Experience will run on selected dates throughout December. Tickets are available now via the Conifox Adventure Park website.

Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said: “”We’re so excited to bring back our Family Christmas Experience for the sixth year, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Each season we aim to create a truly magical experience that brings families together and fills hearts with festive joy. From meeting Santa in his cozy living room to embarking on new adventures like Elf School, we’ve packed this year’s event with even more excitement to make Christmas 2024 unforgettable for every visitor.
“We’re proud to offer something for everyone, young and old, and we can’t wait to welcome families to unwrap the magic with us at Conifox.”

https://www.conifox.co.uk/events

A new Lidl store in Craigshill has been granted a provisional licence to sell alcohol. 

West Lothian Licensing Board heard this week that the new store is expected to be open for business by the end of October next year.  

Lawyers for the supermarket said the new supermarket would create the equivalent of 40 full time jobs. 

The Board heard that the site of the new supermarket- 1 Almond Road- was formerly a car showroom. It has now been cleared and preparatory building work is under way. 

Clerk to the Board Gary McMullen   told the meeting there had been no objections or adverse comments to the application for a provisional licence.   

An agent for the chain which has premises on Alderstone  Road in the town close to the Livingston FC stadium, told the Board: “You may have seen that work has started. The initial stages are now under way. Al being well, the projected opening date is the end of October next year and the expectation is that the supermarket will create the equivalent of 40 full time jobs. 

“This is an additional facility   very much aimed at servicing local residents of Craigshill and Mid and East Calder.  The proposal is for a supermarket with 63.5sqm all year round for alcohol display and we seek an additional facility around Christmas time and that will then be taken away. 

“It is 5% of the overall sales area all year round and just over 5%   with the additional area at Christmas time which is consistent with what they do across the country. Alcohol is displayed in the aisle at the furthest point from the entrance to the premises.” 

Councillor Tony Boyle, chairing the meeting of the Board said: “Given there has been no adverse comment or objection I would move that we approve.” Councillors agreed. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Everyone at Easter Road is working hard to turn the club’s current fortunes around according to head coach David Gray. 

Hibs currently sit 12^th in the William Hill Premiership table heading into this weekend’s game against St Mirren. 

When speaking to Hibs TV Gray stressed how hard the players and staff are working to try and get three points on Saturday. 

“We’ve got a good group at the moment that are hurting because they want to be successful. 

“We know that we’re underachieving massively at the moment, but we know how quickly it can turn. 

“The group is really close, and we know how hard everyone is working. Everyone really, really wants to turn this around, and I believe we will. 

“It’s been a positive week. It was a frustrating start because of the result last weekend, and like I said, the players were hurting because they felt like they deserved three points from Dundee Utd. 

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves or look for excuses, we move on from it quickly and look at the positives from the game. We need to take those into the game against St Mirren and turn that one point into three points this weekend. 

“It’s always a really tough test against them. They’re always well organised, good without the ball and good on the break. 

“They play forward quickly, have power and pace up-front, as they’re a big, strong physical side that will force you to defend. We have to be ready for that challenge.” 

Midlothian council leader Kelly Parry has warned the local authority faces up to £5million in additional costs after the UK Government budget announcement.

Councillor Parry has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves urging her to reconsider the decision to include public sector organisations among employers who will be asked to pay higher National Insurance contributions.

In a letter to the Chancellor, the council leader said she was ‘seriously concerned’ about the impact the additional cost will have on essential public services.

She said: “Local authorities across Scotland are already grappling with funding challenges, and the additional financial burden from these hikes risks deepening the challenges faced by councils, the third sector, and local businesses in our community.

“Midlothian Council stands to potentially lose nearly £5 million from our budget for the next financial year, and subsequent years, as a result of these changes.

“For a council of our size, this figure is significant and will undoubtedly strain our ability to deliver essential services to residents.”

Local authority body COSLA has reportedly said councils across Scotland face paying an extra £265 million when the increase comes into effect in the spring.

While the UK Government said some public sector services will be exempt from the increase it has not been applied to councils.

Councillor Parry warned the impact of the rise in costs will not just be on the local authority but could have a knock on effect on local businesses, charities and third sector groups who work with them.

She said: “The wider implications for local businesses, charities and third-sector organisations that rely on council contracts are of great
concern. Many of these organisations already operate on extremely tight margins, and this additional cost could undermine their ability to deliver vital community services, support economic growth, and sustain employment in the area.

“Without intervention, the additional pressure on council budgets and right across the public Sector could hinder our ability to support the people who rely on public services the most.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

The leader of West Lothian Council has called for a “complete rethink” on sentencing of thugs who attacked police and fire crews in the wake of Bonfire Night violence. 

Speaking at this month’s meeting of the Livingston South Local Area Committee, Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said he found the hostilities around November 5  “depressing”. 

Councillors thanked fire officers for their work in the run-up to the event with Maria MacAulay saying there had been a massive change in areas like Ladywell. 

Watch Commander Paul Harvey gave a run-down of fire statistics for the second quarter of the year to the meeting. These do not include incidents around Bonfire Night, which will be collated for the next meeting.  

While there were some incidents in and around the Livingston area the most serious disruption in West Lothian was in Blackridge where fire crews were attacked in one incident. 

Despite the new Firework Control Zones in place in Edinburgh the capital saw the worst outbreaks of violence, with attacks on fire crews and police officers as well as criminal damage to properties including new cars on a car sales lot. 

Councillor Fitzpatrick said he had heard complaints of a fire being set up in open space on Dedridge Rise – with people throwing fuel on it. The neighbours, who are mostly elderly, were afraid to confront the culprits and the site, which is considered as greenspace and now has to cleared up  by the council. 

Representing Livingston Village Community Council, Diane Loughlin raised concerns about the size of a bonfire in Alderstone Place. Mr Harvey told the meeting that organisers of the bonfire had been spoken to on the day and cautioned against adding more material because the bonfire, when inspected at lunchtime, was at permitted height.  

He said he would consult stats to see if crews were called back and report to the committee. 

Mrs Loughlin said: “Fireworks seem to be out of control for me. It just goes on and on and seems to be so noisy. I just don’t understand why we should be allowing it. It’s gone on for a week now and we know it will happen again again  at Christmas and New Year. My neighbourhood is fed up with it.” 

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “I think we really have to think this through hard, the whole Guy Fawkes night. It’s up to lawmakers because what I found really depressing, bearing in mind what you [ SFRS] and the police do, was what happened in Edinburgh. 

“Fire officers were not able to get out of their machines because they were getting rocks and stones thrown at them and a woman police officer got struck with a brick through a police car window. 

“What is the sentencing arrangement for those who commit crimes like that? Personally, I think there’s a complete rethink required on this issue.”  

Councillor  MacAualy thanked police council and fire crews for all the work they did in the run up to Bonfire Night. “I know there’s an awful lot of collaborative work and it does make a difference. I know the community council I was at last night – Ladywell-  they said there wasn’t as much of an issue this year and that’s the first time they have felt it, so that’s pretty massive. I know it takes a long time for these things to come into effect.” 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Three people have been charged in connection with offences that took place in Edinburgh on Bonfire Night.

On Thursday, 7 November, officers investigating the significant disorder in Calder Road arrested a 38-year-old man following an incident where fireworks were set off within a common stair in Dunsire House North.

The male will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 5 December.

A 13-year-old boy was then arrested today (Friday, 8 November) in connection with vandalism that took place at the Macklin Motors car dealership on Calder Road that resulted in over £20,000 worth of damage to vehicles being caused.

He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

During the evening of Bonfire Night, a car was observed stopping amongst a group of young people, who then took possession of a quantity of fireworks from inside the vehicle. These were then used to cause disorder and antisocial behaviour within the Gracemount area.

As a result of inquiries to trace the driver, a 40-year-old man was also arrested today and he will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder from Edinburgh CID said: “We made it clear following the disorder that put our communities in a state of alarm on Bonfire Night, that we would be unrelenting in our pursuit of those responsible and these arrests are just the first of many, as we continue to pursue various positive lines of inquiry.

“You might think you have evaded arrest, because we’ve not yet come to your door, but we will be doing so imminently.

“The public still have a vital role to play in helping us identify everyone involved in the criminality that took place on 5 November by providing us with photographic, or video evidence, via our Major Incident Public Portal.

“Please submit your footage to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S16-PO1.”

Calls to make it easier to control Edinburgh’s “menacing” seagull population have been rejected after the RSPB raised concerns over “serious recent declines” in some gull species.

Conservative city councillor Max Mitchell argued there should be “more flexibility” to allow removal of nest and eggs where the birds are disturbing residents.

“Lord Provost, seagulls are a menace,” he said while tabling a motion calling for changes to the current system. “They foul over the property which is not only unpleasant but a health hazard.

“They tear apart the bin bags and strew waste across the pavements and parks of this city. They squawk through the day and through the night impacting on the sleep and amenity of the residents.”

He said residents and businesses were increasingly worried about “the number of urban seagulls nesting in the city, especially within tenement areas, and the negative impact this is having on amenity and health”.

Anyone who wants to take action to manage gull populations, including the council, must apply for a licence from NatureScot. The government agency approves the destruction of nests or eggs where there is seen to be a risk to public health and safety. However, culling seagulls is seen as a “last resort” and is rarely licensed as applicants have to prove all non-lethal measures have been exhausted.

Cllr Mitchell’s motion, asking the council leader to “write to the Scottish Government requesting they instruct NatureScot to adapt the licensing scheme to allow local authorities more ability to react and control the numbers of seagulls and their nests within urban areas” was rejected after only getting the backing of the Conservative group at a full council meeting on Thursday, November 7.

In a letter to the council the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland said it was “concerned” by the proposal. “Due to serious recent declines in the UK populations of Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Greater Black-backed Gulls . . . RSPB Scotland do not believe that these proposed measures are justified or proportional and urges the council to reject this motion.”

NatureScot’s website says the latest seabirds count census showed all five breeding species of gull have continued to decline in Scotland by between 44% and 75% depending on species. This is attributed to changes in food availability and land use, and recent outbreaks of avian flu.

Furthermore Green councillors said advocating for action to kill species designated as a UK conservation priority “would make a mockery of the council’s declaration of a nature emergency”.

“The best action the council can take to manage possible conflicts between humans and gulls in urban settings,” an amendment  lodged by the group and passed by councillors stated, “is to take meaningful action to address the climate and nature emergencies in order to reverse the degradation of the natural habitats of gull species, as well as to reduce waste in order to make the urban environment less attractive to them.”

Councillor Mitchell quipped that the arguments made against his motion were “for the birds”.

He called the figures quoted by the RSPB “unreliable” due to “the underestimation of roof-nesting gulls”.

He added: “I am appalled that the other political parties did not back my reasonable request of writing to the Scottish Government to ask for more flexibility in nest and egg removal.

“Every year, seagulls nest en masse in tenement areas causing enormous distress to residents.

“Nest removal is essential for breaking the annual cycle of these pests returning. At the moment, a licence application for removal takes longer than the laying and hatching of eggs leaving residents stuck with a protected species living above them squawking day and night disturbing sleep and making a mess.”

By Donald Turvill Local Democracy Reporter

The lights were added to the Christmas tree on the Mound today in readiness for next week’s big switch on.

The tree has been supplied by the people of Hordaland and Vestland in Norway for the last three decades. The Norwegian people donate the tree to say thank you for the support which Scotland gave to Norway during the Second World War. It is regarded as a symbol of ongoing friendship between the two countries.

Ross Bandstand

Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations will include open access to the Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens which will have a programme of free and ticketed community-focused events in association with various local charity partners. 

A programme of festive fun will take place at the Ross Bandstand offering families colour and joy through the Light Night Concert (Sunday 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert with Edinburgh Churches Together (Sunday 1 Dec), and this year When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 Dec), with another spectacular fundraising event,  giving kids of all ages a chance to join in the festive fun.

The spirit of giving and community continues with Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness, which includes the 10m tall Kindness Tree and Gift Donation point on Castle Street, dedicated to spreading goodwill to those who need it most. Donations can be made to help provide thousands of Christmas dinners, food packs and gifts to homeless and vulnerable families, children, and individuals, or for shelter to those without a roof over their heads this winter.

Residents with an EH postcode are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.com website.

There are several dates to mark in your diary:

• The Christmas Market opens on Friday 15 November with the LNER Big Wheel and the 80m Star Flyer open for business
• Saturday 16 November – the Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair opens alongside the Winter Warmer Zone with its festive food and drink stalls bringing the temperature up with some delicious hot chocolate and treats.
• On Sunday 17 November the Light Night Concert takes place at the Ross Bandstand
• On Monday 18 November there will be a carol concert, the Nativity will be blessed, and the lights on the tree will be officially switched on with representatives from Norway. There will be a procession from the City Chambers at 5.30pm to Mound Place led by the Rt Hon Lord Provost.
• St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 November)
• Nativity Carol Concert (Sunday 1 December)
• When You Wish Upon A Star celebrates 20 years of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 December)

ONE of the UK’s leading water retailers has become the first in its sector to join a prestigious global sustainability network.

 Business Stream has announced it’s joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, further bolstering its commitment to sustainable practices across the company.

 Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 15,000 companies and 3,500 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and 70+ Local Networks.

 By joining the network, Business Stream will meet annual reporting requirements to demonstrate how it’s supporting the delivery of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.

 In addition, the company will benefit from having access to a range of tools, resources and expert-led training, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other members to share best practice and solutions.

 Sophia Goring, Head of ESG at Business Stream, said: “Joining the UN Global Compact marks another milestone for us in our commitment to delivering our vision to make a positive difference. This membership will enable us to better align our activities to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as provide opportunities for us to collaborate with others on key sustainability issues.”

 The Edinburgh-based water retailer becomes the 44^th business in Scotland to join the network and the first water retailer to join across the whole of the UK.

 Steve Kenzie, Executive Director at UN Global Compact Network UK said: “The core of the United Nations Global Compact’s mission is to support companies doing business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with ten universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.

 “We also support business taking actions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. We are delighted and encouraged by Business Stream’s endorsement of our initiative.”

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Business Stream has a driving vision to make a positive difference to its customers, its people, the environment, and local communities.

In recognition of its commitment to sustainability, the company was awarded a Gold rating by global sustainability assessors, EcoVadis, in November 2023 – placing the company within the top 97th percentile of all organisations assessed.

The assessment is based on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact and ISO2600 certification.

• business-stream.co.uk
• @Business_Stream

East Lothian Council is set to become the latest local authority to declare a housing emergency after officers warned it was likely to ‘lose’ more than 1200 affordable homes over the next five years.

A special meeting of councillors has been called for next week to discuss the critical situation they face over housing supply.

It warns a lack of funding from Scottish Government means it cannot invest in projects which would have seen housing developers build over 1500 affordable homes in the county over the next five years with only 340 expected to be delivered over that time period.

It compared with 452 new affordable homes which were completed last year alone in the county.

The report says there are nearly 5,000 applicants on the council’s housing waiting list with an average turnover of just 500 homes annually.

And it says house builders are opting to pay ‘commuted sums’ rather than build the required affordable 25 per cent of all new homes.

A commuted sum is the land value required to provide the equivalent number
of affordable units that the developer is obligated to deliver, allowing the council to purchase equivalent land to build the required number of units elsewhere

However officers point out in their report that the deal does not offer best value and is not practical as other land is often unavailable and costs too high.

The report says: “If investment were available to deliver all of the projects set out in the SHIP (East Lothian’s Strategic Housing Investment Plans) a
total of 1,566 unit could complete over the next five years. Based on the actual
allocation received, there is a very high risk that we could lose 1,226 units of
affordable housing.

“There are currently four sites in East Lothian where developers are ready to enter into contracts with three due to start on site this financial year. Officers have been exploring a number of solutions to secure as many units as possible, however there is an imminent risk that there will be no option but to take a commuted sum on at least two of these sites.

“Taking a commuted sum results in a permanent loss of much needed affordable housing and an increase in market housing. It does not deliver the number of units required to meet our affordable housing supply targets.”

At next week’s meeting councillors will be asked to consider declaring a housing emergency and write to the UK and Scottish Governments seeking additional funding.

The Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency in May this year as supply of social housing fell.

To date 12 local authorities have declared their own emergency including Edinburgh, West Lothian, Glasgow, Fife and Scottish Borders Councils.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter