An upmarket homebuilder is giving certain buyers the chance to snap up properties at multi-award-winning developments for a fraction of the price – thanks to its ‘Golden Share’ homes.

Working with Edinburgh Council, CALA Homes (East) has launched a phase of affordable properties that give house hunters and first-time buyers the perfect opportunity to purchase their dream home in the desirable suburb of Balerno.

With a capped asking price, ‘Golden Share’ properties are sold at a more manageable price to buyers, who still own 100% of the property but pay only 80% of its market value. The property will then be sold at this rate for any subsequent resales.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director at CALA Homes
(East), is encouraging interested buyers to visit the developments in order to take in their historic charm and idyllic setting.

He said: “The opportunity of ‘Golden Share’ is really too good to miss as it gives first time buyers, or those looking to move further up the property ladder, the chance to secure their dream home at a lower price.

“We’re especially proud of the initiatives at Kingfisher Park and Ravelrig Heights, which have proven to be two of our most successful and celebrated developments in the east of Scotland.

“What is important is that the ‘Golden Share’ homes are truly integrated in the development and are the same bespoke style.

“Following our recent award wins, we can confidently say that our properties are the perfect fit for families with innovative space saving ideas, finished to CALA’s consistently
high standards.

“With homes at the developments selling fast, those interested should reserve now in order to take advantage of the unique offer and avoid disappointment.”

Set in one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after suburbs, homes at Kingfisher Park and Ravelrig Heights showcase CALA’s
highly-anticipated Light and Space Collection.

The ideal balance of semi-rural living, buyers can expect efficient travel links into the capital while also benefiting from the tranquillity and charm of suburban living.

The three-bed ‘Annick’ is currently for sale across both developments for £214,795 as part of the Golden Share scheme. Golden Share homes can be found at CALA’s
Kingfisher Park and Ravelrig Heights developments.

Qualification criteria applies for CALA’S Golden Share homes. For further information, visit: www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/balerno

MAKE A MEADOWS LODGE THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT AT THE MEADOWS, FORFAR

The Meadows in Forfar has released additional luxury turnkey lodges for sale, from just £70,000. The popular park, just eighteen miles from Dundee, includes the on site Lochlands Mill Restaurant, and is open all year. Leading lodge manufacturers, Pemberton, Atlas, and Omar have supplied the superbly appointed lodges at The Meadows, which is situated to the rear of the park, in a secluded and secure enclave, with its own entrance.

A wide choice of two and three bedroom lodge styles are available, with features including open plan living and dining areas, en-suite master bedrooms with dressing areas, and bathrooms with full sized baths and separate showers. Bespoke incentives will be available during the Christmas bonanza, and buyers can reserve a lodge for just £1000. When bought as a buy to let investment, the lodges offer a predicted 8% ROI, making them an ideal proposal to those with money to invest.

As well as being fully furnished, the lodges are supplied fully decorated too, for the ultimate convenience in holiday home living. The fully fitted kitchens have fully integrated appliances, whilst outside, buyers will find composite weatherproof decking and a driveway large enough for two cars. The Meadows employs its own in house team for maintenance.

Sales Manager Graham Calley said : “If you’re looking to secure a lodge as an investment for 2019, The Meadows offer is unbeatable with a superb staring price of just £70,000, and a predicted return on your investment of 8%. Come and visit us at The Meadows, where you can view our new show lodges on display, and see for yourself the picturesque location of the park which appeals strongly to holidaymakers.”

“As well as using your lodge as an investment property, you can holiday in it yourself if you wish,” added Graham.

“The location could not be more convenient, just minutes from Forfar, and eighteen miles by motorway to Dundee. There is so much to do in this area, from exploring the Angus Glens, to fishing, rambling and enjoying equestrian pursuits. The park is also well placed for the attractions of St Andrews, with many other golf courses nearby, including Carnoustie.”

For further details on The Meadows, Forfar, and to view the showhome, please contact Graham Calley on 07970 848465. www.themeadowsforfar.co.uk

Santa will not be amused at the goings-on at Westminster. But he might be hoping that the gift-wrapped Scottish budget delivered this week will fill us with some compensating Christmas cheer.

The Finance Secretary Derek Mackay announced extra resources for health, education and local government and reduced income tax for low earners. But there will be higher tax for high earners to pay for part of it. He called it “a budget for stimulus and stability.”  The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon waspishly picked up Theresa May’s old slogan saying it was an example of “strong and stable” government, in contrast to the chaos in London.

Scotland’s part in Mrs May’s near-downfall this week was neither large nor distinguished. Most, if not all, of the 13 Scottish Conservative MPs voted for her to continue as Prime Minister. But we can’t be sure, since it was a secret ballot, and at least two had said they would vote against her Brexit deal.  It was also interesting that the 13 didn’t band together to declare publicly in her favour.

In contrast the SNP leader at Westminster Ian Blackford was brutally straightforward. He called on Mrs May to resign immediately.  And Nicola Sturgeon has been pouring scorn on the Labour leadership for not joining in a vote of no-confidence in the House of Commons to unseat the Conservatives altogether. “For goodness sake,” she said, rather exasperatedly, “if the time is not right now, when will the time be right?”

But back to that Scottish budget. The main features are £730m extra for the NHS – largely as a result of an overall increase in the Scottish allocation from Westminster.  £500m for childcare. £180m to raise attainment in schools. And a 3 per cent rise in pay for public sector workers.  In addition, there is £5bn for capital spending over the next few years on projects like improving town centres and setting up the new Scottish National Investment Bank (£130m).

On the taxation side, the thresholds for lower rate tax-payers will rise in line with inflation, but not for higher rate taxpayers (earning above £43,430 a year). This has led to the Conservatives complaining that there will be an exodus of professional workers to lower-taxed England.  But Derek Mackay says his budget will mean that more than half of all workers will be paying less income tax this coming year than workers elsewhere in the UK. And 99 per cent will be paying less than they did last year.

All of this, of course, has yet to be approved by the parliament at Holyrood where the SNP do not have an outright majority.  They need the support of the Greens, which they got last year.  This year however, the Greens are demanding rather a lot – a total reform of local government finance and, in particular, a move to a land value tax.  As last year, they will probably settle for a slight increase in funds for local government. The problem will be finding the money from elsewhere in the budget.

While all this was going on, the law courts have been adding to the confusion. The European Court of Justice confirmed last week’s interim ruling that Britain can unilaterally withdraw from Brexit and cancel the  Article 50 if parliament so wishes.  This was a case brought by an all-party group of Scottish politicians. And on Thursday the House of Lords ruled that the Scottish Parliament’s “Continuity Bill”, bringing back powers from Brussels to Holyrood, was indeed competent (except for one minor section) but it has since been overtaken by the UK Withdrawal Bill. Where that leaves us no one knows.

“Uncertainty” is certainly the word of the week. We have been struggling through a quagmire over Brexit, Mrs May’s position as prime minister, the Scottish budget and the strange feeling that the economy is floating on a thin layer of pond weed.  Unemployment is at a record low (3.7 per cent) but fewer people are in work. Wages levels are beginning to recover but high-street spending is weak.  The major stores, already depleted in number over the past year, are fearing a low-spending Christmas.  What is everyone waiting for?

The man who might have known the answer is long since dead.  Adam Smith, the Scot who invented modern economics, needs to up-date his famous “Wealth of Nations”.   As a measure of how desperate we are for answers, even his original copy of the book, published in 1776, has sold in auction for £908,000.

The 2018 BP Portrait Award exhibition, which opens at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on 15 December, will feature 48 stand-out works including An Angel at my Table by Miriam Escofet, which took this year’s first prize.

An Angel at my Table shows Escofet’s elderly mother seated at her kitchen table surrounded by tea crockery. The painting suggests a sense of space, perspective and time which conveys the sitter’s inner stillness and calm. Escofet says she was also conscious whilst painting that she wanted to ‘transmit an idea of the Universal Mother, who is at the centre of our psyche and emotional world.’

A delightful and accomplished portrait by National Galleries of Scotland staff member Laura Nardo will also be displayed as part of this year’s BP Portrait Award exhibition. The painting, titled LTR Team A, which features Nardo’s fellow Security and Visitor Services colleague Vittorio Milazzo, was born out of a friendship between the two colleagues. Nardo and Milazzo share Italian heritage; Nardo was born in Turin and has lived in Scotland since 2013 while Milazzo, a second-generation Scots-Italian, has family connections to Cassino, and Marsala in Sicily.

The winning portrait was selected from 2,667 entries from 88 countries, submitted for judging anonymously by a panel which included journalist Rosie Millard and artist Glenn Brown. Commenting on the portrait, Rosie Millard said ‘The crisp tablecloth and china are rendered so beautifully – and then you see that one of the plates and a winged sculpture on the table appear to be moving which adds a surreal quality to the portrait. It is also a very sensitive depiction of an elderly sitter.’ The artist was presented with a £35,000 prize and a commission, at the National Portrait Gallery Trustees’ discretion, worth £7,000.

The BP Portrait Award is one of the most important platforms for new and established portrait painters alike. Its first prize of £35,000 makes it one of the largest global arts competitions.

The second prize of £12,000 went to American painter, Felicia Forte, for Time Traveller, Matthew Napping, depicting her boyfriend Matthew asleep in bed. The judges were particularly impressed by the artist’s bold use of colour, creating a painting that exudes atmosphere while also being distinctly intimate and personal.

The third prize of £10,000 went to Chinese artist, Zhu Tongyao for Simone, his portrait of his neighbours’ child from his time staying in Florence. The judges appreciated how the work combined the tradition of Renaissance portraiture with the sitter’s modern style that conveyed a compelling portrayal of a youth on the cusp of adulthood.

The BP Young Artist Award of £9,000 for the work of a selected entrant aged between 18 and 30 has been won by 28 year-old Suffolk based artist Ania Hobson for A Portrait of two Female Painters – a portrait of the artist with her sister in law. The judges liked the handling of paint and directness in this work, capturing an interesting air of mystery around the relationship of the two young women.

The winner of the BP Travel Award 2018, an annual prize to enable artists to work in a different environment on a project related to portraiture, was Robert Seidel for his proposal to travel along the route of the river Danube by train, boat and bike to connect with people and make portraits in the regions through which the river passes. The prize of £8,000 is open to applications from any of this year’s BP Portrait Award-exhibited artists, except the prize winners.

The BP Travel Award 2017 was won by Casper White for his proposal to create works about music fans in clubs and concert venues in Berlin and Mallorca, representing an often youth-related subculture that is not traditionally recorded in portrait paintings. The resulting work will also be displayed in the BP Portrait Award 2018 exhibition.

2018 is the Portrait Award’s 39^th year at the National Portrait Gallery, London and 29^th year of sponsorship by BP. This extremely popular annual exhibition, which always proves to be a great success when shown in Scotland, aims to encourage artists over the age of 18 to focus upon and develop the skills of portraiture in their work.

Artists from or working in Scotland featured in the exhibition include Mark H. Lawrence with Mr & Mrs Cooper. Separated. and Laura Nardo with LTR Team A.

Christopher Baker, Director of European and Scottish Art and Portraiture at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “We are delighted to welcome back to Edinburgh and the National Galleries of Scotland the BP Portrait Award. It encompasses a wealth of artistic talent and demonstrates in such an inspiring way the vitality and variety of contemporary painted portraiture. We are particularly pleased this year, to be displaying a painting by Laura Nardo from the National Galleries – the portrait she has made of her colleague Vittorio Milazzo is such an affectionate and engaging work. The BP Portrait Award exhibition and programmes around it will, I am sure, once again prove to be immensely popular.” 

BP North Sea Regional President Ariel Flores said: “BP’s support for the arts is part of our wider contribution to society and we are proud of our long association with the prestigious BP Portrait Award. Promoting the very best in contemporary portrait painting, the BP Portrait Awardremains an unmissable highlight of the annual arts calendar. We would like to congratulate the prize winners and indeed all who entered. The standard, as always, was of the highest calibre.”

15 December 2018 – 10 March 2019

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

Free admission | 0131 624 6200

#BPPortrait

Lothian MSP Gordon Lindhurst paid an early morning visit to Royal Mail’s Edinburgh Western Delivery Office to say thanks to hard working staff in the current busy festive period.

At the delivery office, he met with manager Brian Murray as well as hard working postmen and women who are working flat out to ensure gifts are delivered in time for Christmas across the capital.

The run up to Christmas is the busiest period for Royal Mail staff, especially with the ever growing online market, as well as people sending Christmas cards and parcels.

Commenting Gordon Lindhurst MSP said: “I was delighted to pay a visit to the Edinburgh Western Delivery office to say thanks to our hard working Royal Mail staff, who do a wonderful job all year around, but even more so at this busy festive period.

“I could see first-hand just how much was going on to ensure Christmas gifts and cards will be delivered on time across the capital.

“Our postmen and women deliver in all sorts of weathers and are truly dedicated to their work so it was great to have an opportunity to say my thanks.”

What do you do if you are climbing the walls when Christmas is over and looking for something to entertain the kids?   Let them burn off their excess energy and climb the walls at Scrambles soft play at EICA: Ratho, which reopens to the public on 3 January 2019 after a major refurbishment.

With brand new frames for babies, toddlers and juniors, suitable for 0-10 years old, join in the adventure with Scrambles’ new hero character, Skye and her mountain friends, owl and stag, who are never happier than when they recruit new explorers on their adventures.

Managed by friendly, caring staff, Scrambles has a fresh, new look and layout with extended seating and a new café downstairs with a capacity of 130 persons. Enjoy a ‘hug in a mug’ and a tray bake or scone and other healthy snacks and drinks, whilst your children explore, swing, climb and slide away their excess energy.

Scrambles’ soft play is open from 9:00-17:00 hrs daily (although there will be a later start time of 9:30 on 3 January 2019 due to a media-call) and prices vary depending on age and play-length.

Scrambles is located at:  Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena, Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AA – Telephone 0131 333 6333 / info.ratho@edinburghleisure.co.uk

For more information:   www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

“Here to help, and not to be assaulted or abused” is the message that Chief Inspector Stuart Davidson of Police Scotland, and colleagues across the other emergency services want to get out as we head into what is always one of the busiest times of the year for our emergency services.

“Figures for the period 1 April to 30 September 2018 show that there were some 98 reports of assaults on those working in our emergency services, either police, ambulance, fire or hospital staff explains Chief Inspector Davidson.

“That’s one in ten incidences of assaults reported to police during this period involved a crime against one of our emergency workers, and it’s simply just not acceptable. We are taking a zero tolerance stance against this type of behaviour. Emergency service workers are there to assist and help the public and not to be abused or assaulted, either verbally or physically, in the line of their duty.

“The festive period is always one of the busiest times of year for the emergency services and the last thing our staff need is to be faced with any abusive type of behaviour when out and about, 24 hours a day, carrying out their duties across our communities. Anyone found committing any crime against any of our emergency workers can expect to be dealt with using the full force of the law.

“In policing terms, our officers are appropriately trained to a high level and are issued with personal protective equipment and receive regular refresher training. We are also currently training a number of conventional uniformed officers to carry, and use where necessary, conductive energy devices, commonly known as Taser. Some of these officers are already deployed across the division to improve the safety of the public, police officers and others providing an emergency service in the region.”

Kenny McFadzean, Head of Ambulance Services within Dumfries & Galloway said, “It is now a sad reality that verbal and physical assaults by members of the public is now almost a daily occurrence for ambulance crews across Scotland. Ambulance crews are available and respond on a 24/7 basis to medical and traumatic emergencies experienced by members of the public and should not have to face this type of unwarranted behaviour towards them whilst carrying out this challenging, and on occasions, stressful essential role.

“From the 1 April to 11 December 2018, there were 89 reported verbal/physical assaults on ambulance crews in the West of Scotland alone, with one of these occurring within the Dumfries and Galloway Region, it should be noted however, that the vast majority of verbal assaults go unreported as it so commonplace.

“The Scottish Ambulance Service does not condone assaults of any kind on its staff members and will fully support and cooperate with Police Scotland colleagues in pursuing anyone suspected of committing such assaults in line with the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act.”

Hamish McGhie, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for Dumfries and Galloway said, “Attacks on emergency responders are completely unacceptable and I am sure the public would be outraged by incidents where police, firefighters and NHS and ambulance service staff have been targeted while working to protect people and property.

“We value our communities and know they greatly appreciate the work of their emergency services. However, while it’s clear the vast majority of people would never dream of attacking an emergency responder, we will always stand united with our partners in condemning such attacks.”

Doctor Peter Armstrong from the Accident and Emergency Department at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary said, “At this time of year we want people to enjoy themselves but to do so safely and know your own limits. If you are drinking alcohol remember your tolerance might not be the same as others you are drinking with.”

Having visited the Marine Hotel in North Berwick often as a child, it was lovely to be able to return recently for a Festive Afternoon Tea.

There is no doubt that the dining room setting is perfect, wonderful views from the bay windows straight over to the Bass Ross. Indeed I was lucky enough to be seated at a table with a quite unique view across the golf course.

As I took my seat, I was asked if I’d like a glass of prosecco…would I? Of course I thought! What a great way to start a festive celebration.

As I sipped my chilled fizz I made my tea selection which was delivered to my table together with a wonderful cake stand which offered lots of festive treats. I worked from the bottom to the top and started with the delicious turkey and cranberry sandwiches, my first taste of both this year; next came the delightful warm scones with cream and jam, again, featuring cranberry. Finally, I reached the top plate which offered everything from chocolate roulade to mince pies. Wonderful.

I took my time to appreciate the delights on offer alongside the views. I was lucky it was such a lovely day, nothing marred the vista and gave me time to reflect on happy memories of lovely family holidays – as I look forward to Christmas. Perfect start to the holiday season, definitely worth a visit!

Festive Afternoon Tea is £27.50. For further information or to book 0844 879 9130

There are rare but beautiful moments in Edinburgh when I feel I might be in Glasgow. Like when someone talks to you at a bus stop, or ‘chats you up’ in the pub. Of course if a chippy runs out of brown sauce there’s also a Glasgow feeling but heaven forbid that should ever come to pass.

I’d been waiting for One20 to open for some time. Indeed I thought, like Theresa May’s demise, it might never happen. But some things are worth waiting for. Peering through the window my first thoughts were this place looks a bit stylish, glamorous and well, a whole load of Glaswegian. For a long time I’ve lamented the abundance of lovely places Glasgow people not only frequent but expect. There’s always something a bit ‘extra’ about the West Coast.

So for my first visit to One20 I took my favourite weegie, my dear, long suffering chauffeur, handyman and general ‘could you drop off some bacon, a paper and a bottle of gin on your way home’ errand boy. Although I prefer to call him Dad.

My father appreciates a bit of glam, and I thought this would be just his type of place. He’s very good at, and therefore critical of, lighting. So my mother and I are constantly bracing ourselves for the inevitable, how he might light the room survey, on arrival at a new venue.

“Beautifully lit,” father muses… And I agree that the fancy light fittings are indeed lovely. Whilst dad is concerned with dimmer switches, my main worry, as I mention in every review, is how comfortable my backside will be. The chairs in One20 are Perspex, trendy and comfortable! Two happy people already.

“Don’t you think we could be in Glasgow?” I ask Daddy.“We could even be in Milan,” he replies. Praise indeed.

My dad is such an old school gent he’d literally rather staple his eyelids to the floorboards than take the good seat in a restaurant. In other words, he’s spent almost all his dining experiences facing a wall. My mother might joke he has the best view in the room! However you often miss the atmosphere of a place, no matter how gorgeous your wife is. In One20 they have eyeline mirrors on the wall, so you can see what’s going on behind you. That’s thoughtful and the kind of touch we appreciate.

The interior is sophisticated and cool, without being pretentious. Lovely wine displays and a cookbook mini library, it feels like somewhere great for the best food and drinks, it’s reassuring and there’s a cosy family feeling which might be because it’s a father and son business. Dad Ronnie in the kitchen and Kyle is on the floor.

On to the food. We are given our own individual mini baguettes, made in the ‘traditional way of French bakers’. There’s not much you can question about French bakers, except perhaps an inability not to take themselves seriously. However, making bread they do well and we have ours with ‘Lescure‘ butter from Normandy. Fabulous bread and butter is a sign of great things to come…

The old fella and I share a Burratta, a fresh buffalo milk cheese made with mozzarella and cream, served with semi-secci tomatoes, pesto and 25 year balsamic vinegar. Excellent it is too. I love the reverence with which aged balsamic is drizzled by the chef. I’d spray it about the place like a Formula One driver, unable to cope with such restraint. We share two mains. Restaurants are so much into sharing these days I didn’t think I could cope with the sheer guilt and selfishness of a whole meal to myself.

Our first is a charcuterie platter, which is an impressive mix of the finest meats, some lovely tart pickles and a piccalilli sauce that’s the best I’ve ever tasted. They also offer a cheese and vegetarian platter, all with the added reassurance: ‘custom made plates also available to suit your desire’. 50 shades of sharing platters. (It’s noted desire, not ‘desires’. No platter would satisfy all of those.)

We then indulge in a sea bass fillet cooked en papillote and it is confirmed that the standard thing about the food here is a combination of simplicity with the very best quality.

On the drinks front we enjoy a Sieve, CorteAdami, Veneto, a Nero D’Avolo and a ‘Konrad Bianco’. All exquisite but the Konrad Bianco was my favourite as it’s what I’d like the name of my third husband to be.

For pudding we share an Odissea: A light choc cream, vanilla bavaroise with chocolate pastry on a crunchy base. It was simply lovely. Like eating a giant Ferrero Rocher upgraded to first class.

I love the look of this restaurant, the way the kitchen is separated by a glass partition, the abundant art work on the walls (and all for sale) and the stairway to the basement is actually nice to walk down.

But here’s where this establishment could transfer to Glasgow: they have fantastic loos. Twenty years ago when I lived in Glasgow I was being presented with a hand towel and sloshed with some Chanel when the equivalent night out in Edinburgh would have a 30 minute wait for a wee in something less salubrious.

And soon there’s to be a big food and wine emporium right next door. I like people who have the vision and confidence to open up businesses like this. They bring so much to the area and although I’m not a local resident these days I will definitely be a customer.

One20 – they’ve got the balance between local and classy just right. My only criticism is given reluctantly: the service, although charming and professional is just a tad formal. This is the sort of place where customers are going to be regulars, and I’d like to reassure the owners that this is a gem. Relax and enjoy it!

One20
120 Dundas Street
Edinburgh
EH3 5DQ
0131 556 1911
One-20.co.uk

Police and medics have joined together to warn about the lifelong consequences one punch can cause.

During 2017/18 six people in Scotland died as the result of a single punch. On four of those occasions the perpetrator was under 18, and also on four of those occasions the perpetrators were under the influence of alcohol.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said, “We want to highlight that a drunken disagreement or an argument that gets out of hand can have long-term consequences for the victim and the accused.

“I want people to enjoy themselves on nights out but at the same time, think about how much alcohol they are consuming and the effect it has on their actions.

“We get less inhibited when drinking and can become more aggressive, but a split-second, ill-informed decision can end someone’s life, and leave the perpetrator facing a long jail sentence, effectively ruining two peoples’ lives and their families’ lives.”

People who suffer a brain injury as a result of violence are much more likely to develop addictions and get depressed. That depression is more likely to be resistant to treatment, and sadly many of these people take their own lives. Even a single concussion can double the chances of suicide in six months.

Dr Michael Murray, a Director of Medics Against Violence and Consultant Neuro-anaesthetist at the Institute for Neuro Science, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow, said, “If you do survive a head injury, you’re twice as likely to be disabled. Some people are left unable to speak, some are unable to swallow, there can be visual problems and a lot of victims are left in a wheelchair or severely disabled.

“For those planning a night out in the next few months I’d say, look after your brain. You wouldn’t drop your laptop onto the pavement from six feet up. You can get that repaired or replaced, you can’t do that with your brain. If you damage your brain that’s it, there’s no alternative.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, will donate almost 500 books to school libraries this Christmas to mark the centenary of Dame Muriel Spark’s birth.

During a visit to Tynecastle High School yesterday (Wednesday 12 December), the Lord Provost announced that a complete set of Spark’s 22 novels will be delivered to every Council secondary school.

He said: “Muriel Spark remains one of Edinburgh’s greatest literary exports and I remember reading her novels when I was younger. Her characters and stories remain with me to this day as does a real joy of reading.

“To mark the centenary of her birth, I think every child in the Capital should have the opportunity to discover her work. She is, after all, one of the greatest writers to come out of our city! Her books will line library shelves at every secondary school so that future generations can grow up with her writing too.”

Best-known as the author of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Dame Muriel was a poet, fiction writer and biographer who was born in Edinburgh. She was at the top of her profession, internationally, for more than half a century and remains one of Scotland’s finest and most respected writers.

The initiative was inspired by a Motion initially put forward by Councillor Melanie Main, who called for the 100th anniversary to be marked by the Council. She added: “Muriel Spark is one of Scotland’s most internationally acclaimed female writers! I have been inspired by her since I was schoolgirl at James Gillespies – Spark’s old school too – and I’m delighted my Motion was passed. Her writing will now be in all of the city’s secondary schools.”

Napier Photo Collective cordially invite you to be their guest for a silent photo auction they are hosting on the 17th of December.

Each year a group of graduating photography students from Edinburgh Napier University come together to form Napier Photo Collective.

The auction will help raise the funds needed to represent the University for the tenth consecutive year at ‘Free Range’, the largest degree show in Europe which is held at the prestigious Old Truman Brewery in London.

The auction will kick off at 6PM in the Glassroom on 10 Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DT and, for entry, they are asking for a donation of £2 per person. There will be complimentary beverages and nibbles accompanied with live music from some talented local musicians.

There will be a range of photographic work available to bid on in the silent auction, as well as a raffle with some fantastic prizes from local artists, and Christmas cards for sale that their photographers have designed.

It is hoped that as many as possible will join NPC for an incredible evening in the run up to Christmas, and be a part of helping them reach our goal of getting to ‘Free Range’ in 2019.

Mackie’s of Scotland are sponsoring MagicFest’s Now You See it, Now You Don’t – a photography exhibition at the Scottish Storytelling Centre that is free and open to the public from tomorrow 13 December 2018 until 26 January 2019.

Recreating famous optical illusions across the city, with young carers aged between five and 17, Scottish magician-scientist Kevin Quantum and Swedish magician Charlie Caper have teamed up with YouTube star Professor Richard Wiseman to produce the gravity-defying set-ups.

To celebrate the Year of Young People, MagicFest have partnered with Edinburgh Young Carers and YouTube superstar Professor Richard Wiseman for the jaw-dropping photo exhibition.

The exhibition recreates a series of the most famous optical illusions, staged all over Edinburgh, with 30 young carers aged between 5 and 17 involved in the planning team and as models.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a break-in and theft at which took place at a newsagents on Lynedoch Place sometime between 5.30pm on Sunday 9th and 5am on Monday 10th December.

After entry was forced, a four-figure sum of cash was stolen along with cigarettes worth around £3000.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help officers identify those responsible is asked to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor from the Community Investigation Unit at Gayfield Police Station said: “The area around this store is busy throughout the day and so it is likely someone may have seen something suspicious or witnessed the culprits in the act.

“If you believe you have information that can assist with our investigation the please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact the CIU at Gayfield via 101 and quote incident number 398 of the 10th December. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paul Ness, 45, pled guilty today to the culpable homicide of Alan Glancy at his home in the Port Hamilton area of the capital.

The 47-year-old’s body was found in his property on 1 February, with Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team launching a murder inquiry after a post mortem on 9 February.

Inquiries established that Ness had assaulted Mr Glancy within his home between 10 January and 1 February and that he died as a result of a fatal stab wound to his leg.

Ness was arrested and subsequently charged on 15th February 2018.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Pinkney of the Major Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Alan Glancy and I would like to thank them for their assistance throughout our investigation.

“Ness is a dangerous individual who subjected Alan to a level of violence that resulted in the loss of his life.

“Ness has now admitted his actions and although nothing will bring Alan back, we hope this will allow them some closure to this chapter of their lives.”

Ness is due to be sentenced on 11 January 2019 at the High Court in Glasgow.

Berwick Bandits bring back five riders from the side which narrowly missed out on the SGB Championship play-offs last season.

Aaron Summers, Kevin Doolan, Nikolaj B Jakobsen, Jye Etheridge and Dany Gappmaier return.

Coty Garcia kick-starts his second spell in the Borders after starting his British career with the club in 2015.

And teenage star Leon Flint steps up to the higher level with his local side with his father Gary in as team manager under the new set-up fronted by Jamie Courtney.

Courtney said: “I’m running the club this year with a new business plan and it’s all about making Berwick Bandits work as a responsible enterprise, continuing our speedway for many years to come.”

Elsewhere, Glasgow Tigers captain Craig Cook, a former captain of Edinburgh Monarchs, will also track for Peterborough Panthers in the SGB Premiership.

Cook, who rode for Panthers in the second tier for much of the 2016 season, has made the move to rejoin the club after a long association with Belle Vue.

He links with fellow signings Chris Harris and Hans Andersen.

Promoter Ged Rathbone said: “This will be a good move for him (Craig). He knows the supporters, he’s liked by the supporters and he wants to come here and win.”

Meanwhile, former Monarchs star Max Fricke has resigned for Manchester-based Belle Vue.

And Glasgow Tigers have signed 6ft 3in racer Luke Chessell who is making his return to the sport after a two-year absence.

Is Wendy & Peter Pan a fast-moving adventure story or a reflection on age, grief, gender-stereotyping, the meaning of family and of love? In Ella Hickson’s brilliant adaptation of JM Barrie’s book it is all of these things and more. Women are empowered, men are freed from their emotional straitjackets, and while at the beginning it is not only Pan’s boys who are lost, by the time the final curtain falls, many people have found their way again.

The play opens in the Darling family’s Edwardian nursery.  Despite having a perfectly good mother of her own, Wendy has already taken on the maternal role for her three battle-mad brothers – but there are already hints that she’s not enjoying it. When she wants to join in the game, oldest brother John tells her that ‘girls can only be damsels; they start off scared and end up grateful.’ No wonder she goes back to fussing about the laundry.

Then younger brother Tom dies, an event movingly portrayed by the arrival of Dorian Simpson’s Dr Giles, his steps funereal, his suit black. He is followed by Pan and his friends, who carry the boy away. No words are spoken. The family is torn apart by grief, and Wendy, struggling with unfounded guilt, frantically tries to ‘care’ more and more in an effort to make everything right again.

Enter Peter Pan, stage left, through a window. Wendy’s transformation has begun.

And what a transformation it is. Wendy battles her way through Neverland, ably dealing with murderous pirates, mouthy fairies, and Peter Pan himself, in her desperation to find Tom, her own lost boy. On the way she encounters a very different version of Tinkerbell (Sally Reid, an hilariously feisty Glaswegian Tink), Bonnie Baddoo’s sad, determined loner Tiger Lily – who has also lost her own ‘proud, beautiful’ family to Hook’s crew, Gyuri Sarossy’s excellent Captain Hook – here a South London gangster type who’s past his sell-by-date and knows it – and Dorian Simpson’s wonderful Smee, groovy dancer and Hook’s second-in-command, determined to do his best for his boss and always ready to lift him out of his mid-life crisis gloom with talk of country cottages and gardening (‘It’s not time for a pity party – it’s time for a pina colada!’)

There are lots of jokes, both verbal and visual (including a quirky new interpretation of Pooh Sticks, which had the younger members of the audience in fits) and lots of battles (the only point at which the show dragged a bit was in the second half, when one began to feel battle-weary to say the least – this company loves its sword fights maybe a little too much), but there are also moments of great poignancy. Peter and the Lost Boys want a mother more than anything – they want Wendy to fill that role, but just as Peter doesn’t want to grow up, so Wendy realises she has to live her own life (‘Why is it always my job? I want to have some fun!’) . Hook wants her to join the pirate crew – but he wants her to do that in a green party frock, one that she is soon hitching up round her waist as she escapes with Tiger Lily – ‘I’ve had enough of playing nice.’

And above all, there is a sense of time passing. For Wendy and her family, time brings healing. Once she knows what has happened to Tom, she is able to bring her brothers back to Bloomsbury, and bring happiness back to the Darling family (their mother is even going to get a job). For Captain Hook, the tick tock of the clock not only heralds the arrival of his arch enemy, the crocodile (and oh yes, he makes a cameo appearance too); it also reminds him that he is not the young buck he once was. Peter is determined to stop time, at least for him and his Lost Boys; instead they will play together in Neverland for ever. He may not have to ‘be grown up and never have fun again’, but deep down he now knows far more than any child. He’s a sensitive soul who has decided to bury his own feelings, and his devil-may-care exterior hides a lonely, damaged heart. As Hook observes, there is some suffering behind that innocent mask. The real sadness in this story is Peter’s; he is unable to move on, whereas Wendy has not only learned how to deal with her grief but also how to grab life by the horns and truly live it.

Ziggy Heath (Pan) and Isobel McArthur (Wendy), both of whom give exceptional, nuanced performances, are undoubtedly the stars of this excellent show, but the entire cast is top notch. Max Johns has designed wonderful sets, from the patchwork-quilted bedroom to the underground world of Neverland, complete with old baths, building blocks – and a curtain of that very same patchwork. The costumes produced by the Lyceum’s own workshop really add to the visual impact. Tink’s blingy leggings and Doc Martens are the perfect complement to her character, and when Wendy decides to play nasty, out goes the flannelette nightie and in come the dungarees and turban. Nobody’s going to mess with her any more.

Wendy and Peter Pan is a standout Christmas show for everyone, from people who want to ponder on the inherent tragedies of life to those who simply enjoy watching a pirate getting a party on.

Wendy and Peter Pan is at The Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh until 5 January 2019. There are no performances on 25 December or 1 January. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office on 0131 248 2828 or online here.

Scottish rugby legend George “Doddie” Weir was presented with the prestigious Edinburgh Award 2018 just at the end of last month.

Surrounded by friends, family and familiar faces from professional rugby, Doddie inspected a set of his handprints outside the City Chambers before being presented with an engraved Loving Cup from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross.

The award celebrates the difference he has made to the city, to sport and to Motor Neurone Disease awareness and research.

Doddie becomes the 12th person to receive the city’s biggest annual accolade, following in the footsteps of last year’s recipient Timothy O’Shea (2017) and fellow sporting heroes Ken Buchanan (2015), George Kerr (2010) and Sir Chris Hoy (2009).

The Rt Hon Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “Doddie is not only an inspiring sportsman but a real champion of MND research, helping to raise awareness through his own Foundation and provide much-needed funds towards finding a cure for this disease.

“He is Edinburgh’s gentle giant, as well-respected and loved by citizens as much as his peers and rugby fans. Doddie really has made an outstanding contribution to sport, to charity and to the Capital. The Edinburgh Award is the city’s way of recognising all that he has achieved.”

The Edinburgh-born 48 year-old began his professional rugby career at Melrose RFC, before going on to become one of the most successful and well-loved members of Scotland’s National Team and for the Newcastle Falcons.

After announcing in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, Doddie continues to raise thousands of pounds to help research causes and cures for MND through his charitable foundation, My Name’5 Doddie.

Doddie commented: “I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award, especially when I see the names of those who have received it before me. Edinburgh has been good to me – it’s where I was born, I was educated at Stewart’s Melville College and began my rugby career here, and of course I have a special connection with Murrayfield.

“The support I have received from all over the world since I shared my diagnosis has been incredible and it has helped drive the work of our Foundation forward as we try to raise awareness around Motor Neurone Disease and help find a cure for this devastating disease.

“Edinburgh has been at the forefront of this support, along with the Borders, and I highly appreciate the efforts of everyone. I am determined that together, we will make a difference.

“I would like to thank the Lord Provost for this honour and foradding my enormous paw prints to the others already there at the City Chambers.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault which took place around 1pm on Monday 10th December in Falconer Rise, Dedridge.

A member of the public was walking in the area when he came across a 50-year-old man being kicked to the head and body while on the ground, by a male suspect.

The male then made off and police and ambulance were contacted.

As a result of this attack the victim sustained injuries to his head, face and ribs and was taken to St John’s Hospital where he continues to be treated.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, mid-thirties with a shaved head and wearing a dark blue tracksuit, white jumper and Adidas trainers.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten from Livingston CID said: “Had it not been for the member of the public disturbing this attack, the outcome may have been far more serious and we are pursuing various lines of investigation to identify the male responsible.

“If you recognise the description of the suspect, or believe you have information that can assist with our inquiries, then please contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Livingston CID via 101 and quote incident number 1605 of the 10th December. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder and attempted robbery which took place around 9.20am on Monday 10 December in the Calder Road area.

A 38-year-old man was assaulted and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries. An attempt was also made to steal his wallet.

A 31-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and assault with intent to rob. A 25-year-old man has been charged with assault.

Both men are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday 12 December.

Detective Sergeant Todd Rutherford said: “Operation Arable is underway in Edinburgh to combat violence and robbery of personal possessions and as such, we will actively be pursuing those involved in this type of crime.”

The family of a 15-year-old girl who was found dead on Calton Hill on Saturday morning have asked anyone with information to contact the police.

Mhari O’Neill from the Willowbrae area was reported missing during the early hours of Saturday 8th December before a member of the public found her body on Calton Hill at around 6.30am that day.

The 15-year-old’s death is currently unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, the family of Mhari O’Neill said: “Mhari was much loved by all that knew her and we know that her passing will have a profound impact on her closest friends, as it has ourselves.

“Mhari was considering applying to attend university and one of her main passions was music; she loved going to gigs

.”What we need now is to find out exactly what happened to Mhari and we want anyone who thinks they may have information to get in touch with the police.

“We thank everyone for their support and ask that we be left in privacy to grieve at this time.”

Detective Inspector Susan Balfour from the Major Investigation Team said: “Our deepest sympathies are with Mhari’s family and friends at this time and we are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.

“We believe Mhari met a friend in the city centre, near to Waverley Station, on Friday afternoon before making her way to Calton Hill sometime later.  However, we are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen her throughout the evening or early morning of Saturday, so we have a clearer picture of all her movements.

“Mhari’s death is currently unexplained and her movements for a number of hours prior to her body being found are unaccounted for.

“We are committed to providing Mhari’s family with as much information in relation to her death as possible and anyone who can assist with our ongoing inquiry is urged to come forward.

“Naturally, we are working closely with partners in Education to help support any young people who may have been affected by Mhari’s death.”

Those with information can contact the Major Investigation Team in Edinburgh via 101 and quote incident number 900 of the 8th December.

Police are appealing for help to trace 90-year-old William Scott who was last seen in the Chesser Loan area around 8.45am yesterday morning.

He is described as aroun 5’1” with balding with white hair to the back and sides.

He regularly wears glasses and when last seen he was wearing a dark coloured jacket and grey trousers.

Friends and family are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing.

Inspector Gill Lundberg from Drylaw Police station says “William has been missing for a number of hours now, this is completely out of character for him and his friends are understandably worried about it.

“If you believe you have seen William or have any information please contact 101.”

The city council’s locality committees have been labelled “a nonsense” after it emerged they don’t even have the authority to put up new signposts.

A call to put up welcome signs in Craiglockhart has been kicked into the long grass after the South West Locality Committee heard fears that backing the campaign could open the floodgates for communities wanting to put up the notices.

Green Cllr Gavin Corbett tabled at motion at the south west locality committee asking for support for the ability to put up welcome signs in Craiglockhart.

Cllr Corbett said: “The community council has wanted for some time to put some signs up – it’s going to raise some funds itself. I thought it would be pretty straightforward if it meets the criteria.

“Unfortunately the feedback is that we cannot do that because it’s not a village, it’s a suburb. It should be a reasonable thing for a locality to be able to put up some welcome signs. We are just asking to support the idea that a community council should be able to welcome people to its neighbourhood.”

He added: “I know one of the fears is somehow we can open the floodgates. I don’t see there’s a question of community councils snaking down the road. Even if there is a question of people wanting signs, how bad can that be?

“We should be encouraging people to put up signs. I do think it would reflect slightly poorly on this committee if we cannot.”

Cllr Corbett gained cross-party support for his motion – but officers spoke out against the logistics.

Locality manager Mike Avery said: “My only concern is that we may run the risk of setting a city-wide precedent that maybe out of the remit of this committee.”

South west locality convener, Cllr Denis Dixon, supported the idea – and agreed to take the issue up with the council’s executive transport committee.

He said: “We are all in agreement that we support this motion and we would like these signs in place.

“It’s generally a good idea. The problem we have is that it maybe out of our remit. We need to source and find out exactly who may approve this. What I propose to do is take this discussion up with the convener of transport and environment and pinpoint the person who would make that decision.”

But councillors criticised the committee’s lack of power with SNP Cllr David Key labelling the situation “a nonsense”.

He added: “There are branded signs all over Gorgie-Dalry. We are asking for two signposts in one of our villages or suburbs.

“I agree that if we cannot make a decision on two signposts at this committee, what is the point in this committee?”

Conservative Cllr Phil Doggart added: “I thought the whole purpose of locality committees was we could take a decision that affects the locality. This is a very straightforward low cost minimal impact but good for the neighbourhood.

“It seems we are being hamstrung and it seems very bizarre we have to go back to another committee. It really brings into question the whole question of locality committees if we are not able to take a minimal impact decision – what’s the point?”

LABOUR WANT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SERVICES

CONSERVATIVES WANT A BUDGET FOR ALL OF SCOTLAND

There was to be no change at the top of the Ladbrokes League 2 on Tuesday night as Edinburgh City and Peterhead shared the spoils  in a 1-1 draw in front of over 450 fans who braved the cold at Ainslie Park. 

Jason Brown opened for the visitors before Liam Henderson equalised shortly after. City spent the final 10 minutes a man down after Andy Black saw Red after a second yellow.

The opening forty five minutes were largely spent with the ball in the air and neither keeper being forced into any notable action in a half that was as much for the purists as it was for an excuse to nip off for an early cheeky chicken curry pie.  

Following the half time oranges and undoubtedly a couple of encouraging exchanges in the respective changing rooms, the teams came back out looking for an opening that they hoped would be the catalyst to go on and win the game.

Cometh the hour and the hardy bunch of Blue Toon followers had reason to celebrate when Jason Brown nipped in front Calum Antell between the City sticks to fire home from close range.

That lead was to be short lived however and just nine minutes later, the home support were on their feet as Liam Henderson came up trumps to guide the ball beyond Greg Fleming to set up a tense final quarter of an hour at the home of The Spartans FC. 

FT: Edinburgh City 1-1 Peterhead  

Edinburgh City: Antell, Thomson, Black, Balatoni, Laird, Smith, B. Henderson, Rodger, Taylor, Shepherd, L. Henderson. SUBS: Morton, Beveridge, Hall, Kennedy, Watson, Lumsden, Galbraith.

Peterhead: Fleming, Brown, Dunlop, Stevenson, Brown, McAllister, Leitch, McLean, Dow, W Gibson, Lyle.  Subs: R Gibson, Eadie, Ferry, Kavanagh, Home, McCracken.

One of the big shows to see in Edinburgh this festive season is Kinky Boots which strode into the Playhouse this week for the start of a three-week stint.

With music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony winner Cyndi Lauper and based on the book by Harvey Fierstein and the 2005 film version, Kinky Boots – written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth – is inspired by true events.

It’s the story of Charlie Price played by Joel Harper-Jackson who inherits a Northampton shoe factory from his father. With the business struggling and staff served notice, Price encounters a drag queen called Lola. The pair immediately strike up a rapport to the extent that Lola is appointed a designer at the factory with the aim of producing a sought-after line of high-heeled boots – designed specifically with the transvestite market in mind. Price and Lola forge an unlikely partnership which highlights there are several similarities between the pair.

With things looking up thanks to their new market, the boot makers head to Milan where Lola’s impressive entourage The Angels steal the catwalk show – in-your-face and dressed (in drag) to kill. But behind the feisty displays there lies a touching tale of love and respect. Both Price and Lola feel they have been something of a disappointment to their respective fathers and the song Not My Father’s Son reflects their feelings perfectly.

The part of factory girl Lauren is played by Paula Lane, a well-known star of the small screen and perhaps best known for playing the part of Kylie Platt in ITV’s Coronation Street.

But the undoubted star of Tuesday evening’s performance was a fella who isn’t meant to star in the show until next week. The part of Lola was meant to be played by Callum Francis until 15th December. However, Mr Francis was not well enough to perform last night so in stepped the hugely impressive Kayi Ushe, who is due to play the part from 17th December. Ushe was quite brilliant with his portrayal as Lola, the Queen of Drag.

Lola and her Angels are superb and make the show what it is. Dressed in killer heels and with moves to thrill Lola certainly knows how to release his inner diva and his presence on stage was considerable. The standing ovation he – and the rest of the cast – received from a near sell-out audience at the Edinburgh Playhouse was richly deserved.

The use of conveyor belts during the number ‘Everybody Say Yeah ‘was impressive and, of course, the kinky boots themselves were sublime. Kudos to the cast – men and women – who not only wore them effortlessly but danced around the stage strutting their stuff.

Although the show starts slowly it soon builds up and while there’s a somewhat predictable feel-good factor at the end it’s a very enjoyable show. The undeniable message of the show is accept others for who they are and if you enjoy the festive party season this is the show for you with inhibitions loosened and people just having a great time. And that’s what you’ll have if you watch this impressive performance.

Kinky Boots is on at the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 5th January 2019. Tickets here.

Edinburgh Reporter rating: ****

An investigation is underway after the body of a missing 15-year-old girl was found next to a monument on Calton Hill at 6.30am on Saturday morning.

The area has been cordoned off to allow for forensic examinations to take place.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh are investigating following the death of a 15-year-old girl, who was found on Calton Hill, at around 6.30am on Saturday.

“The girl had been reported missing during the early hours of Saturday morning and search activity was under way to trace her prior to the discovery of her body.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”

A  51-year-old woman pled guilty to drink driving at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today and was fined £700 and disqualified for 20 months.

The incident happened around 9am yesterday morning on the A90 in the Cramond area.

Inspector Roger Park from the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh said: Whilst I am pleased that Police Officers were able to intervene in this incident and bring the matter to an early and satisfactory conclusion without injury to anyone, I wish to take the opportunity to remind people of the dangers of drink driving.

“In this incident, the breath test showed a reading of over six times the legal limit and it is fortunate that no one was injured.

“Drinking and driving can kill and have a life changing impact. If you are found to be unfit while behind the wheel you will be charged, and if convicted you will lose your licence and you will have a criminal record.

“The Festive party season is in full swing and I would urge anyone going out not to drink and drive and to be aware that you could still be over the limit the next morning.

“Anyone who sees a vehicle being driven erratically should contact Police Scotland on 101, or dial 999 if a crime is in progress.”

British Transport Police are looking for help to identify a man whom they believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault of a train conductor which took place at Edinburgh Gateway station.

On 2 December at approximately 9.20pm, two men boarded a Kirkcaldy bound service at Edinburgh Haymarket.

Shortly after the train departed, one of the men became threatening and aggressive to other passengers.

As the train reached Edinburgh Gateway, the conductor asked the man to leave the service as a result of his behaviour.

The man then followed the conductor onto the platform where he assaulted him.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference of 573 of 02/12/18.