At St James Quarter Duck & Waffle are gearing up for the American holiday on Thursday with a Thanksgiving menu – for one day only.

Of course there is turkey served with all the trimmings we expect at Christmas. For non meat eaters there is an option of Mushroom and Camembert Wellington. For the really hungry Duck & Waffle are serving some sides of sweet potatoes or truffle mac and cheese.

But first of all there are starter dishes of Cheesy Polenta Croquetas, Bacon wrapped dates or Brioche pull apart roles with whipped honey butter. There is a bourbon pecan pie to end on a sweet note.

Prices are £40 per person for a three course menu.

RESERVATIONS LINK: 
BOOK NOW

Tree felling for Ash Dieback on minor roads around Linlithgow will bring some disruption over the next two months. 

West Lothian’s countryside officers have put together a felling programme on sites ranging from Eccelesmachan to Bathgate with traffic control or partial road closures ranging from one to four days. 

While the felling is along mainly B and C roads many of these are considered primary routes for locals heading into or out of Linlithgow, including the C19 route from  Beecraigs to Dechmont which will be closed for four days from Monday 13 January.  

In all, seven sites surrounding Linlithgow will see work, starting next week, at the B9080 at Kingscavil on 2 December.  

During this second quarter of the year, July to September, the cyclical Ash Dieback surveying was undertaken by the council’s Trees and Woodland Team, over 5,000 trees were resurveyed to determine the progress of the disease. This covered B, C and U roads as well as open space / urban trees. 

Felling and safety works began in mid-October in open space/urban areas, with roadside work to follow over the winter. Updates can be found on the council’s website. 

West Lothian Council continues to survey and monitor ash trees across the county both on council land and on private land where trees are within falling distance of a council asset.  

Surveying takes place predominantly in the summer at present surveying has been undertaken on the whole adopted road network of 640 miles and adjacent paths, including housing estates, and trees on private land.  

Alongside this all schools and play areas have been surveyed and over 50% of public open space has been surveyed. This will be continually expanded upon over subsequent years. 

The roads around Linlithgow which will be affected by traffic control or closure during felling operations are as follows: 

 B9080 – Kingscavil – Date 02/12/2024 – Duration 2 Days;  

 B8046 – Ecclesmachan – Date 04/12/2024 – Duration 1 Day: 

C5 and C6 – Philpstoun – Date 05/12/2024 – Duration 2 Days Closure 

C19 – Linlithgow – Date 09/12/2024 – Duration 1 Day -Work type – Closure 

U14 – Beecraigs – Date TBC – Duration 1 Day – Work type Closure 

C21 – Beecraigs to Dechmont – Date 13/01/2025  – Duration 4 Days – Work type – Closure 

C17 – Bathgate to Linlithgow – Date 10/12/2024 – Duration 1 Day. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter

The capital has been named Scotland’s top hiking hotspot, with a range of trails for people and pets.

Edinburgh came top in the study by outdoor clothing and equipment specialists Blacks, to mark “Take a Hike Day”.

Edinburgh was awarded a hiking hotspot score of 9.99 out of 10 — the highest in the UK.

The study identified 11 hiking trails per km² in the capital, with a range of difficulties, lengths and elevations.

Popular hikes around the city include Arthur’s Seat, the Water of Leith Walkway and the Pentland Hills.

Dunfermline (8.10 out of 10) ranked second thanks to walks such as the Fife Coastal Path and
Pittencrieff Park.

Aberdeen (8.03), where trails include The Old Deeside Railway Line and the Bennachie Range, came third ahead of Paisley and Glasgow.

Scots major towns and cities were ranked for a range of factors including the most trails, dog friendly hikes, loch and sea views, opportunities to see wildlife and average weather conditions as well as numbers of sunrise and sunset social media posts.

Cumbernauld, Livingston, East Kilbride, Hamilton and Dundee made up Scotland’s top ten.

Throughout the UK, Edinburgh came second only to London for hikers’ social media posts, while East Kilbride ranked highly for wildlife hikes including Calderglen Country Park.

As Musselburgh Racecourse launches its nine fixture winter jumps season this week, things are already looking good for a potential capacity crowd New Year’s Day celebration.

Back-to-back fixtures on Thursday and Friday 28-29 November herald the start of the Jumps season at the popular East Lothian track.

And with strong ticket sales for the traditional Virgin Bet New Year’s Day meeting, boss Bill Farnsworth is confidently looking forward to a repeat 6,500 sell-out, with additional covered tented facilities being added in case the weather fails to keep its part of the deal.

With two races featured on ITV1, highlights of the 1 January meeting are the £40,000 Virgin Bet Auld Reekie Handicap Chase and the equally competitive £30,000 Virgin Bet Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle.

“We expect it will be another sell-out so the message is, if you want to welcome in 2025 in the most exciting fashion and plan to celebrate New Year with us at Musselburgh, buy your tickets in advance,” said general manager Farnsworth.

The premier attraction of Musselburgh’s jumps season is the February favourite – the two-day bet365 Scottish Cheltenham Trials Weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February – which is an important staging post for leading trainers looking to compete at the famous Cheltenham and Aintree festivals in the Spring.

Musselburgh has hosted some great prospects over the years with many of the country’s top trainers happy to make the trip north to take on Scotland’s best home-trained horses. So much so that the BHA have signalled that the £100,000 bet365 Scottish Champion Chase, which is currently a Class 2 handicap chase, could be upgraded to a Class 1 event if it continues to perform so well.

Bill Farnsworth added: “It is one of the season’s best quality two-and-a-half mile handicap chases but it has to perform at that level for three consecutive years. It would be great to have that sitting alongside our other Grade 1 race over that weekend, the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle, and we will be doing our best over the next few seasons to make that a reality.

“With the £75,000 bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Race our feature race on the Sunday, we have again lined up a strong programme over two days which gives our race goers a genuine opportunity to get up close to future Cheltenham and Aintree champions.”

The Farmers Race Day on Sunday 16 February and the Go North Finals Race Day on Friday 21 March, which features four finals with £30,000 prize money for each, round off the National Hunt programme at Musselburgh.

For more information on fixtures and to book tickets visit here.

In celebration of the upcoming 75th anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo a new charitable initiative has begun to donate 75p of every 2025 Show ticket sold.

Tattoo fans are being asked to vote which of the selected charities will receive this one-off donation which could amount to £162,000.

The theme for next year’s Tattoo, The Heroes Who Made Us, will spotlight the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years. This theme aligns with the Tattoo’s ethos of ‘Performance with a Purpose’ and its commitment to honour people across the country and support the heroes who are making a difference in their communities.

In line with this ethos and in addition to the brand’s annual charitable donations, five charities have been shortlisted to win the share of the 75p per ticket charity donation for one year only. The shortlisted five charities have been nominated by Tattoo staff who put a case forward for them to be on the list, these are all non-military charities that are close to the hearts of those who put on the iconic spectacle.

They are: the British Heart Foundation, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Parkinsons UK, Rock Trust and St Columba’s Hospice Care.

The Tattoo’s annual charitable giving continues alongside this new initiative, as it aims to build up to pre-Covid donations of £1 million a year which is thanks to those who attend the Show each year. Charities that are continuing to benefit include The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and the Scottish Schools Pipe and Drums Trust.

Fans of the Tattoo across the UK are invited to cast their vote to determine which charity will receive the 75th anniversary donation.

Have your say and vote for your chosen charity through the link at: edintattoo.co.uk/news/have-your-vote Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 5 January 2025. Stay updated by following Tattoo social media channels, where the winning charity will be announced in January 2025.

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In celebrating 75 years of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we honour the heroes who have made the Tattoo so great throughout the years. Additionally, we honour the local heroes within our communities in Edinburgh, throughout Scotland, and around the world.

“Charitable giving is at the heart of everything the Tattoo does. Being able to contribute to our longstanding charitable partners as well as selecting a specific charity chosen by the Tattoo fans is a special benefit this year. We are committed to continuing our legacy of making a meaningful impact to those who continue to make a difference in our communities every day. I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration by casting their vote to support a worthy cause.”

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.

Fort Kinnaird is looking to rein in its first ever Chief Christmas Officer (CCO).

The lucky young recruit will bag a dream role, with the chance to try out the retailers and experiences at the centre for free, indulging in tasty festive treats and taking home Christmas goodies all in exchange for their review.

The new CCO will spend a big day out at the centre. They will watch one of the latest movies at ODEON Cinema to reviewing the new festive menu at Frankie & Benny’s, with Fort Kinnaird’s newest and littlest recruit rating their experience to make sure it’s fit for a fun-filled festive season.

And the CCO will also get the chance to sample the new festive hot chocolate and treats at Hotel Chocolat and test out this year’s most popular toys and gadgets at Menkind, with the lucky individual getting to take one home.

The ideal candidate for the role will be a fun-loving adventurer who loves trying new experiences and must be aged between six and twelve.

To apply for the opportunity of a lifetime, youngsters should ask their parent or guardian to email fortkinniard.CCO@citypress.co.uk with their name, age and why they’d be the perfect candidate, by Monday 2 December at 23.59.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “At Fort Kinnaird, we’re constantly working to improve the experience of our visitors, and launching the quest for our new Chief Christmas Officer does just that – helping one lucky family to make unforgettable memories while ensuring our festivities are up to scratch.

“Whether you’re shopping for a new Christmas outfit, sampling the latest festive menus or catching a much-loved family-favourite on the big screen, Fort Kinnaird is the perfect place to enjoy a family day out, and our CCO’s suggestions will help us to make sure we’re giving visitors the best possible festive season.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child to become our new Chief Christmas Officer will be the ultimate test to see how we shape up, and we can’t wait to welcome the lucky recruit to the centre.”

For more information and to find out whether the CCO role is for you, please see the full job description and terms & conditions, here.

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Edinburgh based Balerno Theatre Company, formerly the Balerno Community Songsters, were established in 1999.  

For more than 20 years the amateur theatre company, that draws cast, crew and audiences from across Edinburgh and beyond, have performed an annual Christmas production at the Church Hill Theatre, Morningside.

With the emphasis on fun and creating an inclusive, family feel over the years, they have staged a wide variety of performances from large scale classic musicals such as Annie, Hello Dolly!, Oklahoma and The King and I, to more modern productions, including Hairspray, The Musical performed in 2019.  

This December they turn their attention to Roald Dahl’s evergreen, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which runs at the Church Hill Theatre, from 4 to 7 December.

Balerno Theatre Company productions regularly feature casts of up 70 performers aged from 7 upwards, who rehearse at Currie Community High School every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Will you be lucky enough to get a ticket to join the world-famous Willy Wonka as he opens the gates to his mysterious factory?
Tickets £16.50
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/balerno-theatre-company

Rocky Bushiri believes Hibs can turn their difficult start to the season around, starting tonight against Aberdeen. 

The centre-half started in oHibs defeat to Dundee at the weekend, but has assured fans that the players will give everything they’ve got to end the current poor run of form. 

“It’s painful, no-one wants to lose games of football,” said the Belgian. 

“Tomorrow is a new game, a new opportunity at home, and we have to give the fans something back and do it for ourselves at all. 

“Every club can go through difficult periods. We are doing everything to turn it around. 

“Playing football is a privilege, everyone should give everything, and you should always play like it’s your last game; that’s how you can be better. We have to do it for the fans as well because they’re always there. 

“What I can promise is that everyone will work hard, and if hard is not enough, then we will work harder to give the fans something back; they’re the heart of the club.” 

A number of players were brought into the club in the summer with leadership experience, and Bushiri believes the strong togetherness inside the dressing room will get us through this tough moment. 

“I haven’t been playing a lot, but I will always give 100% when I’m on the pitch. Defeats are hard, it’s always hard, but in those moments you have to hold your teammates and tell them it’s not over yet.  

“It’s a battle at the moment, there’s a long way to go this season, and things can change quickly. We will do everything to give the fans something back.” 

Two Edinburgh policemen who “saved each other from serious injury” as they faced an attack by a scissors-wielding criminal and his rabid dog are to be recognised at an awards ceremony. 

PCs Jamie Henderson and Matthew Jeffrey provided back up to colleagues who were dealing with a disturbance in the Prestonfield area of the city. 

They gave chase to the man who, along with his bull terrier-type dog, burst out of a property and into a nearby stairwell. 

The duo managed to stop him from closing the main door, with PC Jeffrey placing his boot in the way despite the dog repeatedly biting it. 
The animal then bit PC Henderson on the hand, while the man issued a barrage of threats against the pair. 

PC Henderson was able to spray the dog – which was being commanded to attack the officers – with a fire extinguisher, forcing it to flee up the stairs. 

But this only made the male aggressor even angrier. 

Armed with scissors, he made a number of attempts to stab both officers, before a Taser was used and he was restrained and arrested. 

Their actions “maximised the safety of the public within the common stair,” said CI Neill Whiteside, who nominated them. He added: “Both police constables saved each other from serious injury, if not worse. They both displayed an astounding ability to adapt to the incident.” 

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, gifted by J.K. Rowling’s first literary agent to a close friend has fetched nearly £80,000 at auction.

The 1997 hardback, priced £10.99 on the back cover, was one of only 500 produced in the initial print run.

Rowling’s agent, Christopher Little, gifted it to a friend, who rediscovered it in almost pristine condition, still unread, on her bookshelf after 27 years.

The book went under the hammer at Bonhams’ in London, where it was sold to a collector for £79,140.

Simon Roberts, Bonhams’ Senior Specialist, Books, said: “This was J.K. Rowling’s debut novel and the first appearance of the character Harry Potter.

“This one stands out as it was sent by Rowling’s agent Christopher Little to a close friend shortly after publication in 1997.

“At that time, nobody could have predicted what a phenomenon Harry Potter would turn out to be. To find one in such good condition as this one is very rare indeed.”

The children’s classic was the first of Ms Rowling’s novels about the boy wizard and was written largely in cafes in Edinburgh.

Little was responsible for selling the rights to Bloomsbury in 1996, and continued as Ms Rowling’s agent until 2011. Rare first edition copies are now sought after by collectors around the world.

Copies from the first run named the author as “Joanne Rowling” instead of J.K. as in later versions.

The book also features the highly sought after “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” on the publisher’s imprint page, together with the duplication of “1 wand” on the equipment list on page 53 and the misspelt “Philospher’s” on the back cover, which was later corrected.

Merchiston Community Council restores canal path benches

The benches on the towpath along the Union Canal have been upgraded by the local community council.

A spokesperson said: “The towpath along the Union Canal is much used not just by cyclists and runners but by walkers too, including several walking groups organised especially for older people.   

“So the benches located at intervals along the route are much used. Two of them at the Ashley Terrace Bridge, which were  more than thirty years years old, had become wobbly, uncomfortable and and unsafe, so Merchiston Community Council arranged to have them inspected by local craftsman Richard Ryrko of Doublestop Dynamics, who has made park benches for other city spaces such as The Meadows & Bruntsfield Links. He has worked on other canal-based projects including the refit of boats and the construction of boathouses.  

“We were delighted when Richard advised that there was no need to discard our two benches and that they could instead be refurbished. With the help of Scottish Canals who own the towpath, and of Edinburgh City Council who gave us a community grant, the benches were removed and transported to Richard’s workshop where the teak and metal parts were carefully dismantled, repaired, treated and reassembled to fit them for the next twenty years. 

“One appreciative comment from a member of the public reads “We had a look at the new bench on the canal, and were impressed. It looks classy, and is surprisingly comfortable, and I feel I’m an expert on benches…… Congratulations all round!” .“

Well done to the community council.

Newspaper subscription

Please consider buying a subscription for our monthly newspaper as a gift.

You can buy it online here at our Ko-Fi shop and the gift can begin from our December issue or the January issue whichever you prefer – just send us a note to editor@theedinburghreporter.co.uk Click on the image of this month’s front page below.

Granton:hub Heritage Walk

Granton:hub invite you to join them on a walk on 14 December leaving from the hub at Madelvic House EH5 1HS, gathering at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. The walk will be a loop coming back to the hub around noon. Book on Eventbrite.

Eric Liddell Community – Christmas lights

The Christmas lights will be switched on at the Eric Liddell Community at Holy Corner on 4 December at 6pm. But get there earlier at 5o’clock to hear the music!

The Voice House Community Choir will sing carols outside on the Chamberlain Road steps and will migrate to the warmth inside afterwards where they will continue to perform. Drookit the members of the Scots Music Group will also perform. As well as music there will be “Arts & Crafts Stalls, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, Community Produce Stall, Raffle and Hampers, Santa‘s Grotto and Kids Activities, Choir & Live Music”.

Little Red Robin Hood at St Augustine’s this week

Detectives are appealing for information following a theft by housebreaking at a property in the Leyland Road area of Bathgate in West Lothian.

The incident happened between midday on Wednesday, 20 November, and 10.30pm on Friday, 22 November.

Jewellery with a value of around £3,000 was taken, including a pearl necklace, a marque cut silver ring, a halo cut silver ring, an Armani rose gold watch, a volcanic gem stone bracelet with matching earrings, a gold wedding band with initials, and a gold diamond and emerald ring.

A housebreaking at a property in the Meikle Inch Lane area of Bathgate on Thursday, 21 November, where jewellery was also taken is being treated as linked.

Detective Constable Graeme Comrie, said: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing to find those responsible and we are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

“We are also asking people in the area to check private CCTV and dash-cam to see if they have captured any activity that could help us with our investigation.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4114 of Friday, 22 November, 2024, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Santa is taking a moment this Christmas season to enjoy a magical breakfast with families at The Bridge Inn at Ratho.

Make it a Christmas to remember and bring your little ones to meet Santa and his elves for fun and games, craft activities and photos.  Santa will delight the boys and girls by listening to their Christmas wishes, and he will ensure every child receives a specially chosen present.  His elves will give out bags of reindeer food for the children to take home and sprinkle for Rudolf and his friends on Christmas Eve.

A delicious full Scottish breakfast, with free range eggs and home bred bacon and sausages, or home-made French toast with berries will keep tummies full as Santa and the elves spread their festive cheer. 

Tickets are £17.95 per adult and child. For children under 12 months guest can purchase a baby ticket, which is £5. This will include a gift from Santa however no breakfast will be allocated.

Tickets can be booked online via the What’s On page on The Bridge Inn website.  The Santa Breakfasts take place on December 7^th, 8^th, 14^th 15^th 21^st 23^rd and Christmas Eve at various morning slots. 

The Bridge Inn, 27 Baird Road Ratho, Midlothian EH28 8RA

For more information visit www.bridgeinn.com

It’s the world famous Edinburgh pub where Barbara Dickson and musicians such as Sir Billy Connolly and fiddle ace Aly Bain are often said to have begun their careers.

Now Ms Dickson says it was not a music pub in her day – and she gets “very upset” when she hears dodgy fiddle players in Sandy Bell’s “making a racket” and feels like telling them to “shut up”.

The Dunfermline-born singer, 77, learned to sing and play guitar on the folk music scene before becoming a household name with hits like “January February”, “Caravan Song” and her record-breaking duet with Elaine Paige, “I Know him So Well”.

But she insisted budding musicians in her day would not have presumed to take their instruments out and start performing in a pub, and that what happened in Sandy Bell’s had been mythologised over the years.

She told the A Kick Up The Arts podcast: “It is architecturally almost identical to how it was in 1964 but there are people playing music up the back with instruments – that never happened in Sandy Bell’s.

“Everybody has a completely wrong idea of what Sandy Bell’s was. It was not a music pub.

“The first archway, forward of that to the door was all regulars, like crusty old guys with flat caps on with their pints of light, probably in those days. They had nothing whatsoever to do with the arty-farty crowd at the back.

“We would meet at the back, by the ladies’ loo door, there could be 20 of us. We would be Edinburgh people and also people coming through like Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and people from Glasgow, and we’d all just stand with our pints at the back.

“Nobody took out instruments and eventually somebody – usually someone like the late Derek Moffat, who was a wonderful member of The McCalmans – would burst into song a capella and we would all join in. That was Sandy Bell’s to me.

“We did that all over the place. You didn’t presume to take a guitar out of a case, it was like taking the mickey.

“This is why I get very upset when I hear rather lamentable fiddle playing in Sandy Bell’s. I feel like going up and saying ‘excuse me, do you think you could just shut up, because that’s horrible, that racket you’re making. You need to go and listen to Aly Bain, and then come back’.”

Dickson, who lives in Edinburgh, added: “Also, we were quite, I wouldn’t say shy and if I say well behaved that sounds prissy, but we wouldn’t presume to take over the back of a pub. Nobody did, unless you were invited to play and that was a different matter.

“The Waverley Bar, upstairs, they had a room where you could play and one or two other places, but you wouldn’t just go into a pub and get your fiddle out and start playing because people would say ‘do you mind being quiet’.”

Sandy Bell’s now hosts live music nightly and is a pilgrimage for those with an interest in folk music and the array of musicians who played there.

Sandy Bell’s

According to the Scotland’s Pubs and Bars website, Sandy Bell’s was “a melting pot of writers, poets, artists, singers and musicians” before it evolved into a folk/blues music venue where musicians and singers were encouraged to perform”.

“Budding musicians such as Ally [sic] Bain, Barbara Dickson and Dick Gaughan cut their teeth in the Bells as did Billy Connolly, The Dubliners and many many more.”

Dickson is now one of Scotland’s best-selling female singers as well as the winner of two Olivier awards for her leading roles on the West End stage.

But she said that when she started singing in pubs and folk clubs in the sixties, the only Scots woman who was internationally famous was the late Jean Redpath, who left for America aged 24.

She said: “There were very few women. They would get up and sing at the folk club but they didn’t get through. It’s extraordinary. If people from that time did become successful, it really is a combination of luck and steely determination — maybe not ambition as such but the inability to turn off, ‘I will not go away’.

“It’s not that “I will be here, I’m just not going to go away’.”

Dickson also told podcast host Nicola Meighan she has never considered herself “a star”.

She added: “I remember, nobody I worked with in music then wanted to become a ‘star’. Even when people called me a star, when I was a popstar, I would burst out laughing and I would say ‘I’m not a star’. That applies to someone else, it’s all to do with celebrity.

“We just wanted to learn songs and sing songs and share songs and that was the thing. It was like soaking it up like a sponge.”

David Gray believes that tomorrow’s game against high flying Aberdeen at Easter Road comes at just the right time for his players. 

Hibs lost 4-1 to Dundee on Saturday despite having taken the lead and the result sees Gray’s men stranded at the bottom of the table, one pint behind Hearts having played one game less. 

The fixture is Hibs game in-hand in the William Hill Premiership and an opportunity to get off the foot of the league table. 

When speaking to Hibs TV, Gray said: “The quick turnaround is a good thing. We don’t have any time to feel sorry for ourselves. 

“Mentally we need to be right, recover quickly, and do everything we possibly can to make sure we change our results on Tuesday night. 

“The biggest thing and the biggest message to the players is that during these difficult times, they have to work harder in the areas we’ve been letting ourselves down.  

“The noise won’t go away until results and performances start improving. 

“Tactically we will make sure the players are ready, but they need to be strong enough, roll their sleeves up, put their chest out and believe we can turn this around.” 

Aberdeen have been in excellent form this season and currently sit second in the league table. However, they do come into this one off the back of a defeat. 

“It’ll be a difficult game,” said Gray. “They lost their last game, which was their first loss in a while, so they’ll want to get back on the pitch as quickly as they can as well. 

“We are only focusing on what we can do. It’ll be a tough game, they have talented individuals, but our players will be ready for the challenge. We have to stand up to the challenge and make sure we do everything we can to beat our opponent.” 

Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club on Hope Terrace kicked off a series of social events with their recent annual prize-giving.

Pictured are some of the winners with their silverware.

The annual Winter Fayre will take place this Saturday, 30 November, from 10.30am – 1pm, followed a week later by a clubhouse wine-tasting, from 6.30pm.

Holiday hubs for children with additional support needs in Edinburgh could be provided on fewer days, a review has suggested, as the current service is ‘under-staffed, under-funded and unsafe’. 

The proposals come after talks with parents who fear losing the service –  which the council doesn’t have to provide – and who have accused the council of “underhand tactics.” 

Councillors will discuss options for the future when the Education Children and Families Committee meets on Thursday. 

In working groups over the last two months parents have conceded that  increasing demand makes it more difficult to fund places. Changes could retain services but likely cut the amount of time children can spend  at hubs. 

Proposals will go before councillors this week but no decision on funding will be taken ahead of February’s council budget. 

A report to be heard at Thursday’s stated that “the lack of current resource presents a health and safety risk”, and said it also “increases inequalities … and 
results in the service not being delivered within the available budget.” 

“The priority condition to allow continuation of the Holiday Hub provision is that the service must be safe, fair, equitable, and affordable.  To ensure this, officers propose implementing the following process changes to take effect from summer 2025, subject to confirmation of budget availability through the Council’s budget process:-  

– we will no longer allocate spaces on a first come first serve basis, there will be a cut-off date for applications 

 – there will be no change to the criteria for accessing the service which will continue to be open to children with an additional support need. 

 – if demand exceeds available provision the number of weeks allocated to each child will reduce accordingly to ensure all eligible applications receive a service.” 

Some of the changes suggested were discussed with the parents’ group who felt the rationale was clear and deliverable. The shift from a first come first serve basis was welcomed. 

The February and Easter hubs will go ahead as planned, with changes made for the summer offering. 

A report to the committee will say: “Going forward from there, the aim is to have a safe, achievable, sustainable and financially viable holiday support provision, subject to ongoing funding being approved through the Council’s budget process.” 

It adds: “Options for a proposed sustainable operating model will be presented once we have agreement on the available budget. A decision will not be taken on this ahead of the February committee.” 

Demand has surged since the hubs were first introduced in 2021. The council has struggled to recruit and maintain staff to provide safe cover for the hubs,  especially as numbers attending have risen. Regulations stipulate the level of staff cover needed for groups of children. 

This has meant inability to maintain safe staffing ratios, with an over- reliance on Council staff to provide cover. In practice this means taking statutory workers from the core task of supporting the most vulnerable families. This is an additional uncosted budget pressure and is unsustainable. 

The council has also found it difficult to sustain the hubs in school buildings when  the holidays are normally times of scheduled building maintenance, and seen budgets squeezed by increasing numbers accessing the service. 

There has not been enough of a budget for staffing and venues as well  not enough in parental contributions to offset these budget pressures. 

Plans have been drawn up to slash up to £22.4m from the city’s education budget, while the department’s services are expected to overspend by £6m in the current year. 

Local authority chiefs have presented the “least worst options” to councillors ahead of February’s budget, and warned some teaching posts and school staff would likely be axed as a result. 

They include a £4m reduction to inclusion spending, which supports children with additional support needs (ASN) and tighter caps on how much schools can spend on printing and stationery, which it’s estimated could save £1m a year. 

In September Education services director Amanda Hatton said using a £900k budget supported 120 families for two days in 2021 and now supported 420 families over four weeks, telling councillors it was no longer “sustainable” 

She said: “We have got real challenges in continuing to deliver what is being delivered so far. 

“None of us are suggesting we look at holiday hubs lightly, but they’re not statutory provision. Other authorities don’t do them in the way we do and my fear is that they’re not sustainable in their current form.” 

She said the council would work with families on how the delivery model for holiday hubs is redesigned from next year. 

“That might mean we have to organise them differently, it might mean that some children that currently get a hub don’t,” she said. 

By Stuart Sommerville Local Democracy Reporter 

Swedish prospect Jonatan Grahn will make his debut in British speedway when he joins Stellar Monarchs for the 2025 season.

He will, of course, line up with fellow countryman Victor Palovaara and the 24 year-old said: “I’ve been racing in Sweden for 14 years now. I have also raced in Poland and Denmark and for the Swedish national team this year.

“Now, I will start a new chapter in my career and I am really looking forward to representing Edinburgh next season. See you all at Armadale.”

Last season, Jonatan (pictured courtesy of Stellar Monarchs) rode regularly for Indianerna in the Swedish top division, averaging 5.00 per match including bonus points. Jonatan also finished sixth in the 2024 Swedish Individual Championship, missing out at the semi-final stage and he joins Monarchs on a 5.00 average in 2025.

West Lothian Council has said it cannot afford to replace any of its existing vehicle fleet with electric vehicles over the next five years. 

Officials said a £34 million replacement scheme would instead look to buy “the most efficient diesel or petrol equivalent”, and admitted the cost of electric vehicles and the investment needed in charging infrastructure was unaffordable. 

West Lothian is one of many Scottish council to have declared a climate, and the decision was branded ‘deplorable’. 

Only 10% of the council fleet is currently electric, a meeting of the Environment and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel heard. 

Transport officer Douglas West outlined the council’s plans to slim down the current fleet of 966 vehicles to 850 by 2027/28. The replacement programme will cost £34m. 

A report to the PDSP said: “We have worked extensively with services to develop a Vehicle Replacement Programme involving 850 vehicles over five years from 2024/25. This programme has been created in conjunction with services – discussing vehicle types, utilisation, and opportunities for vehicle sharing.  

“The programme aims to deliver an overall reduced fleet size made up of the most efficient and operationally effective vehicles that can be delivered within budget.” 

Pippa Plevin representing the Joint Forum of Community Councils asked: “You mentioned that you want to replace in a sustainable way, but it would be more useful if you gave some details of how that can be achieved. How many EVs for instance? 

Mr West said: “We are always considering alternative fuel vehicles, but we also have to consider budgetary availability and in this case we felt, with the five-year replacement programme that we have planned, the best use of that budget would be to replace with the most efficient diesel or petrol equivalent at this stage. 

 “The budget constraints are not limited to the purchase of the vehicle. We have to consider the installation of electric charging infrastructure which is a massive outlay as well. 

“The vehicles that we are bringing on are now utilising the most up to date engine technology and the overall reduction of vehicles will also contribute to lowering our carbon output.” 

Ms Plevin said: “So you have no plans to replace them with EVs. That goes against other parts of the council that are trying to move to net zero. I think it’s pretty deplorable”  

 Mr West replied: “At this stage there are no plans to replace with EV. However, we are always exploring alternative fuelled vehicles to see if they could become a realistic option with the budget constraints that we have.” 

Mr West said that hydrogen fuelled vehicles cost three to four times what diesel fuelled vehicles do. The electric vehicles which council currently has were funded through grant streams which are no longer available to   support the difference between and electric vehicle and a petrol or diesel equivalent. 

 Chair of the panel Councillor Tom Conn said the officer’s comments “puts my point of view into perspective.” 

 He added: “It’s okay having national targets but if the financial resources are not given to local authorities, then we are not going to meet those national targets. The Scottish Government isn’t even meeting its own targets. 

“We can only move forward with the resources that we actually have.” 

The projection is that within five years the council will operate 87 large commercial vehicles, over 3,500 kg, including refuse lorries, and lorries, 583 small commercial vehicles under 3,500kg, in vans, flat-beds and tippers and 36 buses and minibuses.   All vehicles are leased but maintained by mechanics employed by the council. 

By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter 

Angry residents in a small East Lothian village are having to put up with tankers pumping raw sewage at the bottom of their gardens after nearly 100 houses were built with no mains link.

The waste collections take place on land which is supposed to be a children’s play area but after housing developers Bellway were unable to link their new homes to a mains sewage system as initially planned, it is used as access to the local sewage tank.

And every Monday, Wednesday and Friday tankers arrive to pump its contents out of one underground container before putting it into main drains on a different part of the developers site.

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

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

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

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

Earlier this month East Lothian councillors delayed a decision over more houses being built on the new estate by Bellway after hearing the sewage issue was causing anxiety among residents.

And they heard it was not the only issue to raise concerns in the village after flooding issues were raised by residents living in homes south of the homes already built.

Homeowners in Waterloo Place, in the village, say their gardens remain waterlogged every time it rains after the developer built more than 80 homes on the site, which was agricultural land.

They are demanding more action is taken to protect people living in the village before plans for another 111 homes on the site are approved.

Rob Moore said the suds ponds created at the bottom of the field were not stopping water pouring into gardens in his street with no solution coming forward.

And he and his neighbours have been left infuriated after Bellway applied for permission to create a footpath from the new homes through their street, requiring a small woodland to be cut down and the loss of a grass play area.

Rob said: “This is a prime example of what happens if you build on agricultural land, taking away the natural protection. Our gardens are waterlogged and nothing is being done to fix it.

“Now Bellway want to push ahead and create a footpath which will remove more woodlands and cross amenity land which belongs to our homes.

“No more housing should be allowed on this site until a proper enquiry into what has gone on so far has been carried out. The council should not allow the development to continue.”

The views of residents in Waterloo Place is mirrored by Graham as he faces regular sewage uplifts at the end of his garden.

He said: “It beggars belief that houses on this estate were signed off and people allowed to move in without all of them being connected to a mains sewage. The council needs to take action now before anything else is allowed to happen here.”

Bellway said it is installing pumps on the site to stop the need for tankers while it awaits the go ahead from the’ Highways Department’ to undertake roadworks to connect to main sewage in the village.

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

On the issues at Waterloo Place they declined to comment saying it was a ‘live planning matter.

A spokesperson for the company said of the sewage situation: “Bellway has been addressing concerns of the local authority and residents on the site waste solution.

“The approved design for the site has two connection points at Elphinstone which connects to the Scottish Water drainage network. One of these was connected in May and June and this takes a portion of the site waste and it is working as designed.

“The connection of the second connection to the waste network has been delayed due to external issues in connecting the system. It is a complex piece of work which has been delayed and we intend to resume these works again in the New Year.

“As a result of the delay initially, we implemented the chamber and tanker solution. When the chamber fills we vacuum this to the other chamber on site, which discharges into the existing drainage network. We are currently installing underground pumps on site as an interim measure until the second connection to the waste network is completed, which will negate the need for the tanker solution.”

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter

Grace is a beautiful Shih Tzu who’s looking for a quiet and patient family to help her feel safe and loved. 

This gentle two-year-old is extremely nervous and needs a calm, understanding home to help her come out of her shell.  

Grace is seeking an adult-only home with no other pets, a very secure garden, and direct access from the house. 

She is a timid soul who needs plenty of time and space to adjust to her new surroundings.  

Grace will require a dedicated area in the home, such as a kitchen with direct access to the garden, where she can stay as she builds her confidence. 

 It’s important for Grace to have an enclosed section of the garden while she settles in, as she isn’t ready to go on walks just yet. 

Grace is still learning to trust people and is currently uncomfortable with being touched or stroked.  

However, she’s making great progress in her foster home, and one of the keys to her heart is through play.  

Grace adores her toys, and playing with her is a wonderful way to build a bond with her. 

She needs an experienced owner who can provide the time, patience, and understanding she needs to thrive.  

If you’re ready to offer Grace a safe and nurturing environment, she will reward you with her trust and companionship as she grows more comfortable in her new home.  

For the right person, Grace will be an incredibly special addition to the family. 

If you think you could provide a home for Grace or any of the 40 dogs currently available for rehoming, please contact us on 01506 873459. Dogs Trust West Calder is currently seeking new foster carers across the whole of the Lothians & Scottish Borders.

If you could open your home to a dog in need, please email HFHWestCalder@dogstrust.org.uk for more info. 

The rehoming centre is also recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles. Anyone interested should email WCVolunteers@dogstrust.org.uk. 

Karolina Dannberg has been named as the Most Enterprising Environmental Intern in the 2024 Bright Green Business awards.

Judges were particularly impressed with her lasting impact on her host organisation, The Leith Collective, and Karolina’s ability to push multiple projects forward during her internship, including strategic planning for the organisation’s sustainability strategy.

The Swedish-born student (pictured by Lee Live) is currently on a Master of Science in Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication course at Heriot-Watt University near Edinburgh.

Edinburgh-based Karolina is also working part-time with The Leith Collective and We Relove, Britain’s first plastic-free, online marketplace, supporting a community of local artists and small businesses to sell their products in a sustainable way.

The recognition, she said, is a testament to the hard work and passion that goes into projects like We Relove and the Winter Coat Exchange where good quality coats were redistributed to those who need them.

The winner added: “I’m very grateful for the support of my managers, Sara and David, and all the makers I’ve had the chance of working with, and I look forward to continuing to drive sustainability efforts and delivering positive change in the future.” 

Karolina was one of four finalists who presented to a panel of experts at Queen Margaret University where she told them about being instrumental in launching the plastic free, online marketplace for her internship host, The Leith Collective. 

Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) sponsored her internship and another intern sponsored by ZWS, Kelvin Akpojevwe, received a special commendation for his work for Saltire Patisserie in developing a muffin made with spent grain from local breweries.

The other finalists were Ana Hernandez, Campus Cycling Officer, City of Glasgow College in partnership with Cycling Scotland and Erin Stowell, Climate Adaption Risk Intern, The Scottish Parliament.

Karen Ritchie, chief executive officer of Bright Green Business, said: “Every year I am amazed by what the interns are able to accomplish. We’re incredibly proud of what our interns do and encourage any business interested in making sustainability a priority to consider taking on an intern.

“Within a short amount of time, they go in and make a massive impact on their host organisation.”

Interested businesses can email bright@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk to request a client information packet which includes up-to-date information on the process and costs to take part.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Karen Ritchie 0131 603 5040 or info@melcc.org.uk

Police are appealing for information following a crash in East Lothian.

Around 4.30pm on Friday, 22 November, 2024, officers received a report of a small white van driving dangerously on the A199 between Wallyford and Tranent.

A short time later the van collided with a car and failed to stop.

Police Constable France Stevenson said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward or who saw the van driving dangerously.

“The van could potentially have damage to the front offside and be marked with grey paint. Motorists who were in the area with dash-cam footage should also get in touch, you may have captured something that can assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2537 of Friday, 22 November, 2024.

The Conservative group at The City of Edinburgh Council has asked the Liberal Democrats to pay the costs of holding the November by-election in Colinton/Fairmilehead, estimated to be around £80,000.

The one remaining councillor in the ward where there have been three resignations in the last six months, Conservative councillor Jason Rust, has written to the leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, Cllr Kevin Lang, asking if his group will pay even a contribution towards the expenses. The costs include printing and posting a poll card to every voter in a ward with 19,000 voters, the cost of printing and posting postal votes for around 4,500 postal voters, payment for venue hire for all polling places, the staff costs for polling, and the costs of staging the electronic count.

The by-election resulted in a resounding win for the Liberal Democrat candidate, Louise Spence, who then resigned within just seven days. The reason stated was a change in her “personal circumstances”. Ms Spence’s home in Colinton is on the market for sale, and it is understood she will be moving to Dubai with her family. It is also understood that when she requested of her party that she could work remotely they suspended her – and then she resigned.

We have been advised that Ms Spence has not claimed any salary or expenses for the six days she served as a councillor.

In addition however the Conservative group say that the same property was advertised for let at £3,000 per month for a period between the local government elections in 2022 and the recent by-election, putting the candidate’s claim as the local candidate who lived in the ward in some doubt.

The by-election was triggered first of all by the resignation of Scott Arthur who was elected to Westminster in July. And then last week the SNP councillor in the same ward, Marco Biagi, resigned to take up a position as Special Adviser in The Scottish Government.A new by-election date of 23 January 2025 had just been announced when Ms Spence resigned.

LETTER

Cllr Rust has also asked about whether the Liberal Democrats will improve their vetting processes in future, and whether it is appropriate for the Liberal Democrat group to publish the home addresses of councillors and candidates in view of the threats and attacks on politicians. He has also questioned Cllr Lang as to his own representation of his constituents since Cllr Lang does not live in the ward he represents. The recent by-election leaflets were peppered with references to the local candidate being the best option.

At the end of last week Council group leader Kevin Lang said: “As a council group, we are feeling a lot of hurt right now. We all worked hard on Louise’s campaign and did so in good faith.

“Louise’s news was shared with the group for the first time on Thursday and once her changed circumstances were clear, we were in agreement that she had to resign immediately.

“We make no apology for setting ourselves high standards as Liberal Democrat councillors. All of us work hard for our local communities and serve our constituents to the best of our ability.”

We are told that Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Alex Cole Hamilton, supports his statement and has confirmed he was only aware of the circumstances a week after the by-election – the same day as the LibDem group on the council.

A copy of the letter is below:

Despite dominating the game Hibs Women had to settle for a draw against Partick Thistle at Meadowbank on Sunday. 

Flying winger Tegan Bowie scored the opener right on half-time but within seconds of the second half beginning, as Cara Henderson thrashed in the equaliser. 

Hibs had plenty chances to take all three points but in the end had to settle for one. 

After the final whistle head coach Grant Scott told Hibs TV:  “Their gameplan has worked better than ours today. 

“The clear objective from them was to keep themselves in the game and minimise our opportunities. I think they have done that well. 

“It was disappointing from us. It’s annoying that we didn’t figure it out in-game. But these things happen. 

“We’ve got to dust ourselves down, learn from it and keep progressing.” 

“The goal is really disappointing for us to lose,” Scott said. 

“It’s a tremendous finish. But, for us, we have gifted them cheap possession in a bad area of the pitch. 

“We [gifted possession to Partick] several times. I’m quite disappointed with the players in that aspect. We need to do better in those situations.” 

Stacey Papadopoulos added: “Super disappointed, especially after getting three points last week. 

“We really wanted to come out and get the job done today. It was hard to break them down. [They had] five at the back and were pretty stubborn. 

“We needed a lot of patience and at times we did that, but at other times we tried to force it and fell into their trap a little bit. We need to reflect and bounce back. 

“They defended really well. We just needed to stay patient when pushing for a second, but we coughed up and conceded early in the second half. 

“That didn’t help us. We knew we had a ladder to climb after that. 

“We tried but it just wasn’t enough in the end.” 

After last Sunday’s thrilling Edinburgh Derby win at Tynecastle Park, Papadopoulos is well-aware that Hibs will need to re-find their winning form as they take on their city rivals once more in the Scottish Cup next. 

“It wasn’t good enough today. Our tempo wasn’t good enough. We need to fix it up for the next game. 

“We always want to beat Hearts and we want to move on to the next round of the cup.” 

A detective sergeant who has served Scotland’s capital city for more than 30 years, including two decades probing the most serious crime is to be recognised at an awards ceremony this week.  

Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford has spent 20 years tackling the most serious crime and has investigated some of Edinburgh’s highest-profile and complex serious criminal cases as part of the city’s CID. 

As well as spearheading a number of operations, the “true gent and family man” has been praised for helping other officers as they progress their own careers. His work has helped solve major crimes and kept the public safe. 

DC Christina Yeoman, who nominated him for the award, said his longevity within the CID proved his ability and commitment to the cause. 

“He has attended all serious incidents and dealt with murder enquiries over 20 years in Edinburgh, and genuinely is the most committed individual to carrying out a thorough investigation to the highest standard,” she said. 

“The attention to detail, enthusiasm and perseverance shown to every crime he has investigated is above and beyond. 

“He has dedicated 20 years to investigating serious crime solely in Edinburgh, and guiding many officers through their journey and careers in this period also.” 

Police officers in Edinburgh and the Lothians have been hailed for their lifesaving acts of bravery and commitment to their communities.

A national awards ceremony will recognise officers from the capital who faced an attack by a scissors-wielding criminal and his rabid dog, a sergeant who has tackled motorbike thefts, and inspector who reduced crime in Hunter Square, and a detective sergeant who has served the city for more than 30 years. 

Two police officers are also nominated for transforming community relations in the north of Edinburgh thanks to their tireless work with local secondary schools. 

Elsewhere in the region, a team of officers rescued a stolen baby from a notorious West Lothian drugs den, fighting off aggressive drug users. 

A brave officer based in Bonnyrigg in Midlothian was stabbed and slashed by a violent male, but still managed to bring a domestic incident to an end. 

And an East Lothian special constable, who sadly passed away recently, has been hailed by colleagues for his commitment to policing. 

 Across Scotland, a total of 29 officers, including constables, sergeants, detectives and inspectors, have been shortlisted in six categories for the Scottish Police Federation’s annual awards which take place this week. 
 
David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Reading through the nominations for this year’s awards is a humbling experience and demonstrates the extraordinary bravery and commitment shown by our officers. 

“The situations dealt with by police serving our communities can sometimes be extremely dangerous, and none of us should ever take what they do for granted. 

“Our annual awards are a moment to recognise those who go above and beyond to keep the public safe with dignity and resolve, before coming back to work to do it all again. 

“We are incredibly proud of all the nominees and are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements. They are a credit to themselves and to Scottish policing.” 
 
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “The bravery, dedication, skill and professionalism of our officers is hugely impressive and I thank the Scottish Police Federation for shining a light on some of their outstanding work. 

“These awards are an important night in the policing calendar, when we recognise and celebrate our officers for their vital public service. 

 “I thank all officers and their families for everything they do for policing and our communities and offer warm congratulations to nominees and recipients.” 

Tickets go on sale today for a concert next year which Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are organising at Usher Hall to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Scotland’s Salute VE80 will take place on 6 May with music from a tri-service orchestra telling the story of the victory. It will bring the stories of those who were there to life and will be an act of remembrance.

The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with BFBS’s own Mark Mckenzie acting as the evenings compere. 

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland are exceptionally proud to bring the latest in our commemorative concerts in honour of this historic milestone in partnership with Poppyscotland. Our Scotland Salutes concert is set to be a fantastic evening, with wonderful music and stories playing out on stage, whilst representing our nation coming together to reflect on the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe, 80 years on.”

At the RSA until 11 December

One of Scotland’s longest-running artist-led organisations is bringing its annual exhibition back to Edinburgh.

Each year, the Society of Scottish Artists (SSA) invites artists from across the country to submit work to its prestigious showcase. As 2024 draws to a close, the SSA returns to the Royal Scottish Academy building in the heart of the capital.

The 126th Annual Exhibition of the SSA opens to the public on Saturday 23 November and runs until Wednesday 11 December 2024.

More than 200 works have been selected from more than 2000 entries. They include painting, sculpture, installations, video and performance.

Since it was founded in 1891, the SSA has had a proud history of promoting contemporary artists at all stages of their career. The Society’s first show in 1892 exhibited work by Rodin, Raeburn and Rembrandt, alongside paintings by established Scottish artists such as Joseph Farquharson and Noel Paton.

Picasso, Munch and Paul Klee were three internationally known artists whose work was exhibited in the following decades, demonstrating the organisation’s pioneering approach to bringing the latest developments in contemporary art to Scotland.

This year’s SSA exhibition includes work from 12 recent graduates selected from Scotland’s five university art schools earlier this year. Artworks by recipients of various SSA awards and international partnerships also feature.

Printmaker and sculptor, Joanne Pemberton, was this year’s recipient of the bi-annual Eichstätt Lithography Residency. Her distinctive artwork will be shown alongside SSA award winners, Niamh Coutts and Hans K Clausen. 

Edinburgh-based Hans K. Clausen will be showing his headline-grabbing installation. Inspired by the 75th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell’s 1984, it features 1984 copies of the iconic novel donated and sourced from around the world.

This work, The Winston Smith Library of Victory and Truth, was first shown earlier this year on the Inner Hebridean island of Jura, where Orwell wrote his seminal work. This will be the first stop on its tour outside of Jura before it finds a permanent home.

Also selected for the exhibition is a delicate and accomplished portrait in oil by the youngest artist to exhibit, 17-year-old Ruby Mitcham, of her Gordonstoun best friend and room-mate, Iona. This rising art star is currently on an art scholarship to the world-renowned secondary school in Moray in the north-east of Scotland.

• Exhibition: 126th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Scottish Artists
• Venue: RSA Upper Galleries, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
• Dates: until Wednesday 11 December 2024
• Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm
• Ticket Information: £6 entry | £4 concession | under 16’s and SSA Members free entry. Free entry for all on Mondays
• Website: https://www.s-s-a.org/

At Out of the Blue Abbeymount this weekend

An Open Studios this weekend will allow everyone the opportunity to have a look at what is being made by the very creative folk who work there.

The Winter Open Studios event at Abbeymount will be held on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December when the studios will be open from 12noon to 5pm.

A spokesperson said: “Our Open Studios Weekends are a great chance for you to come along and meet our resident artists and browse an exciting variety of works. Everything is handmade at the studios. With lots on offer, from fashion and textiles, ceramics and glass to  photography, painting, printmaking, illustration, and more!

“We’re busy making the final plans but in the meantime here are the artists and makers who took part in our most recent event

• Alex Butler | Paintings
• Alice Simpson | Drawing and Illustration
• Alison Williams | Painting, Sculpture
• Anneleen Lindsay | Photography
• Chloe Alexander | Paintings
• Christine Clark | Paintings
• Cosimo Damiano Angiulli | Fashion
• Frances Priest | Ceramics
• Francesca Grech | Illustration
• Helen Miles | Mosaics
• Jen Byrne | Upcycled Fashion
• Judy Clark | Fashion
• Julija Pustovrh | Ceramics
• Karina Pasiut | Fashion & Printing
• Katie Anderson | Illustration
• Kelly Zou | Illustration
• Kirsten Mirrey | Paintings
• Louise M. Lacaille | Paintings & Prints
• Rhona Taylor | Paintings
• Robbie Stevenson | Printmaking
• Robin Paine | Painting 
• Rosanna Reade | Watercolour, Print (Sunday only)
• Selma Augestad | Illustration
• Sew Ho Studios | Retro Fashion, Embroidery
• Trista Yen | Illustration
• 20+ makers from The Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop

“To keep up to date with all the Open Studios news, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Join in the conversation #AbbeymountOpenStudios”

Drylaw Good Apples

If you are interested in joining in with the Drylaw Good Apples project then click here.

To rebuild or not to rebuild?

At Riddle’s Court on 11 December Liz Davidson, Project Director at the National Trust for Scotland, will be talking about reconstructing Glasgow School of Art – or not. She and Caroline Stanford will also talk about other buildings. Tickets here

The loss of a significant building is often taken to be an opportunity to rebuild with a contemporary structure. But when should we, and how should we, attempt accurately to reconstruct buildings which have been destroyed? 

Liz Davidson was senior project manager on the Glasgow School of Art Regeneration project from 2014 through to 2022, and is now Project Director at the National Trust for Scotland with responsibility for the repair and conservation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House. She will reflect on the philosophy of the decision to restore after the first fire in 2014 and the much greater losses of the second fire which necessitate a full – at least structural – reconstruction.

Caroline Stanford is in-house Historian at The Landmark Trust, whose scholarly restoration projects have included Auchinleck House and Fairburn Tower (which included the creation of a well-researched, but hypothetical, painted ceiling). Using case studies from Landmark’s work, Caroline will discuss how Landmark arrives at a philosophy of repair for each building it takes on, and consider the pre-conditions that sometimes make facsimile reconstruction acceptable.

Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive, Diane McGiffen, is to step down from her role in 2025 after just more than three years in post.

The professional body for Scottish solicitors has announced that Ms McGiffen will be leaving the role in April 2025. She joined the Law Society as chief executive in January 2022, leading its work to support a “modern, thriving solicitor profession and act in the public interest”.

She said: “The Law Society of Scotland is committed to upholding the rule of law, promoting access to justice, and acting for solicitors and the public. It has been an enormous privilege and a real pleasure to work alongside my colleagues to support Scotland’s solicitor profession to thrive and uphold those timeless values

“I have been very proud to spend time with our many members across Scotland, to work with our committed Council members, and to see first-hand the care, consideration and expertise with which the Society’s many volunteers comment and advise on legislation and areas of legal practice.

“There are many exciting opportunities ahead for the Society and it is the right time for me to pass the baton to a successor next year.”

Susan Murray, President of the Law Society, said: “Diane has done great work for the Law Society in leading our strategic development and in championing the profession and the role it plays within our society.

“It has been a real pleasure working closely with Diane. She has been a wonderful support and wise counsel to me and my fellow Council members, as well as the staff team at the Society. We wish her all the very best in the future.”

Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are organising a joint concert at Usher Hall to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Scotland’s Salute VE80 will take place on 6 May with music from a tri-service orchestra telling the story of the victory. It will bring the stories of those who were there to life and will be an act of remembrance.

The event will be narrated by Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, previously the voice of the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with BFBS’s own Mark Mckenzie acting as the evenings compere. 

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland are exceptionally proud to bring the latest in our commemorative concerts in honour of this historic milestone in partnership with Poppyscotland. Our Scotland Salutes concert is set to be a fantastic evening, with wonderful music and stories playing out on stage, whilst representing our nation coming together to reflect on the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe, 80 years on.”

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland added: “It is always important to reflect on the sacrifices that Service requires, and indeed to celebrate VE Day, in particular in 2025 given that it is the 80^th anniversary of such a historic event.

“All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”

Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, and are the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones, are available from November 25^th and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.