The Edinburgh Reporter February 2024

Dashing deeds Shawfair shock

Student flats appeal has council on hop

Yearof the

Bringing success and opportunity

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THERE WILL BE a full programme of events in the capital to herald the start of the Year of the Dragon and celebrate Chinese New Year 2024.

The entertainment in Edinburgh forms the largest celebration of its kind in Scotland and it runs from 3 to 13 February. There is a wide range of activities including the Official Chinese New Year Concert at Usher Hall which has become an annual fixture in the civic calendar.

The programme includes dragon and lion dances, a bilingual ceilidh, tai chi sessions, calligraphy and tarot card reading, all of which help to promote local businesses and to reinforce the links between Scottish and Chinese culture.

The Dragon is a significant emblem in Chinese culture symbolising power, nobleness, honour, luck and success, and it is predicted that the new year will bring opportunities, changes and challenges.

The festival in the capital is supported by Heriot-Watt University and Hainan Airlines, and is coordinated by Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). This forms a large part of the group’s China Ready initiative and ETAG will hold their annual conference during the week at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre with training sessions and industry meet-ups.

For a full run down of this month’s events to celebrate turn to page seven

Neil Hanna

Editorial

WHILE FEBRUARY is a month for lovebirds to express their affection for each other openly with Valentine’s Day cards and gifts our attention is elsewhere.

Instead of concentrating on the love-in this year we now have our own “luvvie” as Liam Rudden takes control of the theatre scene in Edinburgh and beyond for us. You can read what he recommends for you to see on pages 18 and 19. Liam is an awardwinning playwright, (with work which has been staged on Broadway), journalist, and theatre director. With more than four decades of experience working in the media. I am delighted to have him write for us - and I am sure you will be too when you read his column on page 18 - 19.

It appears there may not be much love lost for the newly appointed Chief Constable, Jo Farrell. Following a mis-step when Ms Farrell commandeered a force vehicle to take her home during Storm Babet, Stephen Rafferty broke the next part of the story online concerning the most senior civilian in Police Scotland. Most other national papers picked this up when it was published last month. Read more of the developing tale on pages 12-13.

Student flats in the city continue to dominate planning news (Page 3). One characteristic of the design of the purpose built flats is that they often comprise single rooms, rather than “cluster flats” where everyone shares and has to learn to get along.

The Consul General of India, Mr Bijay Salvaraj, spoke about students during the celebration dinner he hosted to mark the 75th Republic Day of India. He explained that the biggest problem which comes to his notice among Indian students who have come to study in Scotland is of isolation and loneliness. He asked his guests to seek out any Indian students in Edinburgh and show them some love, by for example by inviting them to share a meal at home.

I hope you have a “lovely” month and that you enjoy reading our take on the news.

Phyllis Stephen, Editor

Planning News

The redevelopment project for West Pilton Park has received funding. The latest design proposals are online and there are two community drop in sessions on 5 and 6 February at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre when anyone interested can go along to see the plans and ask questions. There are thoughts on how to improve play areas and introduce activity features such as a climbing boulder, a small skate space, basketball hoops, informal play, a slide and natural play features. One innovation would be a new wetland feature which might improve the usability of the park during wet weather as well as creating a new central place for wildlife, walking and sitting. elgt.org.uk

A planning application in principle has been lodged for West Town Edinburgh lying north east of Ingliston Park and Ride. This development will include 7,000 new homes, 15,000 square metres of office space, 20,100 square metres of retail, 300 hotel bedrooms, a primary school for around 530 pupils and a secondary school for around 1,200 pupils.

24/00132/PPP

The Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) at 16 Sibbald Walk on the site of the

former bus depot in the Old Town has been approved by the council and will comprise 207 studio beds and 60 cluster flats, affordable housing in the form of three bedroom townhouses, and premises for community or commercial use with associated landscaping. No car parking is included in the development which the council considered appropriate in the city centre location. 23/03463/FUL

Plans to replace the Drummond Building at

Edinburgh Park - formerly a base for RBS have been granted. This Edinburgh Green development will involve refurbishment of the Younger Building and replacement of the Drummond Building with 86,000+ square feet of office in seven buildings with a multi-use pavilion, mobility hub at the north east corner of the site and parkland. Plans were changed in November last year to replace undercroft parking with a multi-storey car park.

22/05659/FUL

total

is in the region of around 20,000 people. You will find copies at all branches of Farmer Autocare, Summerhall, Art & Craft Collective, EICC, LifeCare on Cheyne Street, Coffee Angels, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital and in some libraries.

If you can, then please subscribe to have your copy delivered to you each month. It helps us to cover the overheads of bringing the news to you in print and online which is free to access. We can also distribute door to door on some selected streets. If you would like us to include your street then please suggest it to us ter.ooo/subscribe

Editor: Phyllis Stephen

Designer: Felipe Perez

Photos: Martin P McAdam

Edinburgh Green

Quick off the mark

Developers are not hanging about for flats decision by council

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

A

DEVELOPER

has been accused of rushing through a planning appeal for student flats in a move which avoids holding a public hearing.

S Harrison wants to demolish a 1925 building formerly occupied by Sight Scotland at Gillespie Crescent and replace it with purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) of 145 self-contained studio flats

When Edinburgh City Council failed to determine the application within the two month timeframe the developer took the legitimate step of referring the matter to the Government Reporter.

The council has responded to the Reporter saying that the “proposals cannot be supported in their current form”.

A spokesperson for Harrison Developments said: “We have taken the decision to appeal to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA), as the Council have been unable to determine the application within the statutory timescale set. It is clearly in the best of interests of the Council, the community and ourselves, that this application is determined as quickly as possible in order to provide certainty to all those involved.”

Tollcross Community Council spokesperson, Paul Beswick, said: “The community council is disappointed that the applicant for the PBSA on Gillespie Crescent has rushed to appeal the case to the Scottish Government Reporter. This means there will be no local accountability by elected members of the planning committee,

and our local councillors and statutory consultees, like the community council, will not to be able to put their case in person to the committee.

“This process of appealing because the planning committee cannot determine the application in the agreed time-frame is becoming more common as the developers get a more favourable response from the Reporter than the Council. We now know, from documents submitted to the Reporter from the Council, that they would have refused the application.

“It appears that this was probably the intended strategy by the developer from the start because firstly it worked nearby at Lower Gilmore Place.

“The under-funding and under-staffing of

the planning department makes nondetermination within the two months more likely especially if it is known that further information will be requested.

“Secondly by picking the date for the application so that when time starts to run out, it was Christmas and New Year when no Planning Committee meetings occur. They knew that no meetings would take place between mid December and 4 January. The cornucopia of appeal documents seemed ready to go in on the exact deadline and it would appear unlikely that the developer waited for 29th December, expecting a decision, and then all the staff rushed round through the Hogmanay holidays. There were 73 complex documents sent to the Reporter on the day that the two months ran out .”

Modern Two celebrates 100 years of Leith’s Eduardo Paolozzi

IT IS 100 YEARS since Sir Eduardo Paolozzi was born, and Modern Two are staging an exhibition over the next three months to celebrate the centenary.

The work of Leith born artist Paolozzi is found in many places in Edinburgh, notably the sculpture The Manuscript of Monte Cassino outside St

Mary's Cathedral on Picardy Place. This represents the horror of war with its disembodied hands andwas gifted to the cathedral by Sir Tom and Lady Anne Farmer.

In the garden at Modern Two the Master of the Universe sits on guard near the gate, while inside his Vulcan and the Cleish Castle Ceiling Panels are on

permanent display. The café is named after the British pop artist of whom Edinburgh is rightly very proud.

Until recently there was an example of Paolozzi's sculpture in Edinburgh Park at the former RBS building entitled The Wealth of Nations.

Elsewhere the artist designed the mosaic for

Planting the seeds of kindness

DOBBIES EDINBURGH store is holding a free children’s event in February.

During half term, on 17 February, children aged between 4 and 10-years-old can take part in a Random Acts of Kindness Workshop when they can learn about the joys of being kind.

Children will learn about caring for the planet by making a bug hotel, feeding birds or planting pollinating flowers to help bees thrive, picking up litter or making compost.

Little Seedlings will also encourage participants to be nice to themselves by eating healthy food, doing things they love and being proud of themselves. One of the activities is to create a sunshine thank you card to put a smile on someone’s face.

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Workshop Leader, Liz Savage, is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the February Holiday Workshop. She said: “School holidays are a great chance to ignite a passion for a hobby. This workshop will allow kids to come together and learn, making friends along the way.

“Our Little Seedings Club is designed to engage and support local communities near our Edinburgh store by providing accessible, free of charge fun and educational activities.”

For more information about February’s Holiday Workshop and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events

Twenty years of Breathing Space

THE NHS SUPPORT service Breathing Space is celebrating its twentieth anniversary on 1 February.

Delivered by NHS 24 the service has become a vital lifeline for many people who need someone to listen, and to offer advice and support.

The organisation believes it has made an impact by responding to more than 1.5 million calls, and providing more than 96,000 hours of one to one support.

Tottenham Court Road Underground Station and his Newton is outside the British Library. But he was much more than just a sculptor. Paolozzi at 100 is a tribute to the father of Pop Art.

Paolozzi at 100 at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two running until 21 April 2024

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator, Breathing Space, said “For twenty years, Breathing Space has been a beacon of hope for people struggling with their mental health.

“We are incredibly proud of the difference we’ve made in supporting individuals and families across Scotland. Our commitment to providing accessible, confidential, and compassionate nonjudgmental support remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to be a vital resource for many years to come.”

Dire budget cuts

Prospects for new Eye Pavilion building are looking bleak

By SARAH BOYACK MSP

EDINBURGH is facing massive health challenges: A&E Waiting times are increasing; patients are waiting longer to get vital health operations and access to GPs and NHS dentists is becoming harder.

The Scottish Government’s decision to not fund the construction of a new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion is indicative of these failings and will have dire consequences for Edinburgh’s patients. I have been campaigning for years to secure a new facility, after the current building was deemed not fit for purpose in 2014. In spring last year, the then Health Minister Humza Yousaf committed to the new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.

When I sat down in October with campaigners and patients to meet the current Health Minister Michael Matheson on the urgent need for a new Eye Pavilion, we were assured the decision would be made around the budget. But no mention of the new Eye Pavilion was made in the budget in December, and it has now transpired it will not go ahead due to The Scottish Government’s cuts to capital budgets.

This is a slap in the face to the patients and campaigners who have worked so hard to secure a new Eye Pavilion for the city. With this project not going ahead, patients will be forced to use a building that is unable to deliver the standard of care required from our NHS.

The breadth and depth of support for the campaign has been inspiring. Hearing from patients, activists, and staff about the severe issues with current facilities has been both shocking and eye opening. After meeting with campaigners in November, myself, and a cross-party group of MSPs from across

Edinburgh, wrote to Michael Matheson asking to work constructively towards a new Eye Pavilion. The campaign also garnered the support of Gordon Brown, who has been a patient at the Eye Pavilion for its entire existence.

However, these calls have now been rejected.

The Health Minister’s decision means that the eye hospital will fall deeper into crisis. Already, only one of its operating theatres can be used

and the problems caused by floods, lifts breakdowns and other facilities, will lead to countless cancelled or delayed appointments. The Scottish Government must stick to its election promise and fund a new Eye Pavilion. This issue goes far beyond party politics and patients must have access to the best facilities. If The Scottish Government do not reverse their decision, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Finance shambles creates chaos

By CLLR LESLEY MACINNES SNP Finance Spokesperson

SETTING EDINBURGH

Council’s annual budget should be a sober and focused time for councillors. Delivering quality services for Edinburgh residents is what we are elected to do. Last year became a complete farce when the Labour administration budget was voted down. They voted for a Lib Dem budget which tore up promises to Council staff and unions. The Council Leader admitted not even reading it before voting for it. This year we’re witnessing the same chaotic mess. Labour put the schools’ budget publicly under threat to the tune of £8.2m, alarming families and teachers. Apparently, the money’s now

been found to avoid those cuts, although we still don’t know where the Finance Convener found it. Down the back of the sofa?

SNP councillors highlighted that Edinburgh Leisure had opted not to pay the Real Living Wage to its lowest paid employees this year and tried to find solutions. Labour pushed on and named sports venues closing. Now it’s been revealed that the money was available all this time. Why did Labour not agree to our many attempts to fix this?

The Scottish Government is fully funding a Council Tax freeze to help hard-pressed households. This is one bill you won’t see go up. Labour instead claim they have to increase Council Tax by 10%.

Scrap meals for councillors

By CLLR ALYS MUMFORD Green Group co-convener and economic spokesperson

IF YOU WANT to see where political priorities really lie, you have to follow the money. And for the Greens, we hope that anyone looking at our budget will see that we are the party of social and climate justice.

We’ll be opposing the education cuts which would see pupils most in need of support have it snatched away from them, and schools lose half a day a week on learning about sustainability. We’ll be prioritising investment in active travel over car use, making sure public toilet provision is available for those who need it, and boosting spending on nature to increase Edinburgh’s biodiversity and give everyone access to green space. You’ll see proposals from us to find more money by scrapping unnecessary spending (do councillors really need to get a hot meal once a month? And what good is a fancy number plate on the Lord Provost’s car to Edinburgh residents struggling with the cost of living?), and instead investing it in meaningful community action on climate change, on supporting accessibility measures to make Edinburgh welcoming for all, and on reducing the economic inequality which is rife in the city.

This is a shambles. Labour and their pals in administration, the Tories and Lib Dems, are chasing headlines and pretend to save services under threat. They don’t care about the impact on our residents and employees. Enough with the political games. The SNP will present a serious budget option which concentrates on what really matters to the city. We’ll be protecting services, and you, as much as we can from the devastating cost-of-living crisis, improving the quality of our lives and environment and investing in our city’s future. Instead of Labour joining forces with the Tories, perhaps we can ask the Council Leader to read our budget this year –he might get some good ideas.

PART OF THE PUZZLE

We can’t ignore council tax - always a big part of the puzzle for any local authority. Greens have been clear in our opposition to the national Council Tax Freeze, which will benefit those in higher-valued properties at the expense of poorer people. Council Tax is a bad tax, but the answer is to scrap it and replace it with a better system, not simply to freeze it for a year and pile up problems for future budgets.

Finally, for us a budget isn’t just a spreadsheet to be argued over in February by 63 Councillors. It is the way we signal what we care about as a city, how we support workers and protect services, and how we invest in the future of Edinburgh and all who live here. We should be listening to the public, consulting with trade unions, and making sure we know the impact that our decisions will have on people and planet.

Sarah Boyack MSP outside the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Cllr Lesley Macinnes

Cllr Alys Mumford

Watching the pennies

Council leader claims the city is “lowest funded council in Scotland”

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

THE CITY OF Edinburgh Council decides how it will carve up the £1 billion which they spend each year at a series of meetings ending with a full council on 22 February.

Last year the minority Labour administration proposed a budget which was not approved by the 63 councillors. Instead the Liberal Democrat budget was passed after the Edinburgh Greens strategically split the vote. Instead of bringing down the administration it meant that, for example, the council had an additional £11 million to spend on transport. The council says that it has now carried out improvements on the largest area of roads and pavements in one financial year, thanks to the additional capital investment.

Far from being phased by the apparent defeat on last year’s budget, the Council Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “It was still the same envelope of money. I would argue that our budget was more progressive, but across the political parties there’s not huge differences in what we are trying to do. After core services and statutory obligations like child protection and older people’s care for example, it leaves us little wriggle room. I keep repeating my mantra that we're the lowest funded council in the whole of Scotland.”

BIG FREEZE

In a shock announcement the First Minister, Humza Yousaf said last autumn that Council Tax on a national level would be frozen, and that it would be fully funded for all 32 local authorities. The lack of notice has been criticised by Cosla. Even the Scottish Government only learned about it in a message from the First Minister’s office on the day of the announcement according to an FOI. Cosla says that the £144 million which the government

has set aside “does not fully fund a council tax freeze”.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson Cllr Katie Hagmann said the Local Government’s core revenue budget was cut by £63m from the outset, leaving “just £81m compensation for a council tax freeze. As a result, Local Government is faced with the reality that the funding offered for a council tax freeze only equates to a 2.8% rise.”

After a meeting of Council Leaders COSLA said that the principle that councils should be able to set their own council tax level should

Man’s best friend is just waiting for you

By STAFF REPORTER

THE DOGS Trust will open the doors at their West Calder rehoming centre on 17 February to give the public an opportunity to see for themselves the work they do.

remain. It is not yet certain that Edinburgh Council will freeze the rate of council tax paid in the capital, and other local authorities are said to be considering the possibility of raising rates - but that is not without possible penalty.

The council administration has already allocated funds for their Arms Length External Organisation, Edinburgh Leisure, so that it can resume paying its staff the Real Living Wage and keep all venues open, and also to continue to pay around £8.2 million into the Education Budget to avoid cuts to funding to head teachers for classroom supplies and school improvements.

VISITOR LEVY

One way that the council believes could improve its position is by introducing the Visitor Levy now making its way through The Scottish Parliament. This could raise more than £25 million each year. The government has said money raised would be reinvested in facilities and services that are “substantially used by visitors, benefitting tourists and local economies”.

The Council Leader told The Edinburgh Reporter: “I have always said that the money some of that the Visitor Levy should be should be used to support the responsible growth of culture in the city. We know that some of their festivals are struggling.”

But Cllr Day also proposed that some of the proceeds could for example be invested in parks. He said: “For example Pilrig Park has been used for festival performances in the past. We could use some of the money to upgrade that park to be one of our premier parks. It could then be a potential venue for future festivals, but also an even better park for people to enjoy all year round. There’s a win for the growth of responsible tourism and there’s a win for the local community.”

Craig Burt, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust West Calder, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the public to our centre to learn more about Dogs Trust and hope anyone with an interest in our work and our amazing dogs will join us. Staff from various teams including Education; Dog School and Home from Home fostering will be on hand to chat and answer any questions and I will be hosting tours on the day.

“Of course, a visit to our Rehoming Centre wouldn’t be complete without seeing a dog or two so anyone interested in adopting a canine companion is also encouraged to come along. Our rescue dogs can be viewed until 4pm with centre staff again being on hand to talk about our current residents.

“We hope that anyone who attends will leave the event with a deeper understanding of our work and what is involved in finding forever homes for our fantastic rescue dogs.”

Parking and entry are free to the event which runs from 11am – 2pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The team at Dogs Trust West Calder are currently caring for 59 dogs with 47 at the centre and 12 in foster homes. Y

You can see all the dogs patiently awaiting a new abode here: www.dogstrust.org.uk/ westcalder

Council Leader, Cllr Cammy Day

Supporter Relations

Officer Craig Burt with Zeus the pup

Reach for the stars

The 9th Capital Sci-Fi Con which will raise funds for Children’s Hospital Across Scotland (CHAS)

has a line up of truly galactic guests

By STAFF REPORTER

RAIDERS OF THE LOST Ark favourite Paul Freeman and Joseph Marcell, best known for playing wise-cracking butler Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, will join Star Wars legend (and Local Hero legend) Denis Lawson, Star Trek star David Ajala and the Eighth Doctor Who, Paul McGann at the convention at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh this month.

The event aimed at die hard science fiction fans is a major fundraiser for the charity and event founder Keith Armour received a British Empire Medal in the 2024 New Year Honours in recognition of his work.

Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS said: “We’re so excited to be announcing our full line-up for our ninth Capital Sci-Fi Con and will continue to make further exciting prop announcements on our Facebook page in the run up to the

event. We hope to see as many fans as possible over the course of the weekend to help us raise vital funds to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”

The Con brings together figures and fans

from the world of film and television, comic book writers and artists, traders as well as fun movie set props and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Scotland with all profits going directly to CHAS.

Other confirmed special guests include Star Wars Trilogy star Arti Shah plus the Con’s loyal ambassadors James Mackenzie, aka ‘Raven’ and Star Wars legends, Jimmy Vee and Angus MacInnes.

Photo props at this year’s event include a Tardis, Scooby Doo Mystery Machine and a host of other exciting exhibits from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.

Fun interactive attractions include a Nerf Shooting Gallery and a Robot Wars exhibition plus glitter and horror face painting.

To buy tickets for Capital Sci-Fi Con 2024 which is taking place on 17 and 18 February click here: www.capitalscificon.com/tickets

UK Covid-19 Inquiry - Every Story Matters

PROFESSOR JASON Leitch, CBE, was one of those who gave written and oral evidence at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry when it sat in Edinburgh for three weeks. Amid the noise over government ministers deleting WhatsApp messages, the inquiry focused on core political and administrative governance and decision-making. It included the initial response, devolved government decision making, political and civil service performance as well as the effectiveness of relationships with the UK government and local and voluntary sectors.

The inquiry also wants to hear from members of the public with their stories.

Every Story Matters will provide evidence about the

Storm damage at the Botanics

By GEORGE MAIR

STORMS ISHA and Jocelyn caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at Scotland’s most famous botanical gardens as they were hit by the highest wind speeds since recording began, it can be revealed.

Staff at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in the capital and its three regional sites are still assessing the full cost of repairs after the storms struck this week.

In Edinburgh, Storm Isha blew over a large birch, while around 20 glasshouse panes were smashed, polycarbonate panels were blown out and a polytunnel in a plant nursery was damaged as winds hit 70mph -- the highest since recording started in 2019.

During Storm Jocelyn, a cypress tree was lost after its large footplate was lifted from the ground, while multiple branches and debris were strewn across the Garden.

Glasshouses will remain closed to horticultural and scientific staff at the Edinburgh site until repairs are completed by specialist roof access contractors.

SITE-WIDE DAMAGE

Raoul Curtis-Machin, RBGE’s Director of Horticulture and Visitor Experience, said: “We are still clearing up the mess from Storms Isha and Jocelyn, and whilst we were fortunate to avoid any catastrophic losses over the last week, there was still noteworthy damage across four sites of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

human impact of the pandemic on people in the UK. It provides an opportunity for those affected by the pandemic to share their experiences online without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.

A spokesperson said: “While we can’t change the past, by sharing your experience with the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, you can help us to understand and assess what happened to you during the pandemic. This will assist the development of recommendations that could help future generations to come.”

Every Story Matters will remain open throughout the Inquiry and can be accessed on the inquiry website: www.covid19.publicinquiry.uk/every-story-matters

“Despite having names like naughty children, these storms have multiple impacts on our Gardens with our teams diverted from essential winter projects and maintenance work to clear dangerous debris scattered across our sites.

“We also lost valuable revenue from the closure of the Edinburgh Garden -- revenue that goes towards ongoing research into conservation and biodiversity loss, garden maintenance and upgrades.

“Our Gardens at Benmore, Logan and Dawyck escaped this fate as they have not yet reopened for the new season.

“Although there are always storms in Scotland in winter, it does feel like they are happening more frequently. The rainfall is definitely getting more extreme, and the teams on the ground feel like they’re barely getting a breather between one storm and the next.

“As the climate emergency deepens, we expect to experience storms such as Isha and Jocelyn more often and in different seasons.”

Professor Jason Leitch, CBE

Denis Lawson as Wedge Antilles

Paul McGann as the eighth Doctor

Depute Lord Provost, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Chinese New Year is just around the corner and preparations are well underway here in Edinburgh for this year’s programme.

“Year on year our Chinese New Year celebrations in Edinburgh continue to grow, fostering cultural cooperation, learning, understanding and mutual respect between the people of Scotland and China. I’d encourage everyone in the capital to get down and join in with the wide range of events and activities that are on offer.

“2024 is the Year of the Dragon and the year I happen to have been born. The dragon represents power, nobleness, honour, luck, and success - and it is our hope that these admirable qualities will grace our city, and the citizens in our respective countries, throughout the year ahead.”

Rob Lang, Chair of the ETAG China Ready Initiative, said “We’re delighted to be working with businesses across the city to welcome The Year of the Dragon by creating a unique and inspiring celebration of Scottish and Chinese culture. Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival creates an excellent opportunity to re-affirm Scotland’s capital city as an inspiring and welcoming destination for overseas visitors and with the new direct flights to China we are expecting significantly more Chinese visitors in 2024. The Celebrations also enable the people of the city to learn more about Chinese culture.”

NEW EXPERIENCES

Professor Ian Baxter of Heriot-Watt University said: "We are once again delighted to support the Chinese New Year celebrations which are for everyone to enjoy, enabling the sharing of cultural traditions, friendship and a chance to experience something different or new. As a University with an international outlook we want to enable everyone whether student, resident or visitor to have the opportunity to positively share diverse cultural and educational opportunities."

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS...

• 16 February

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh hosts a concert by musicians from Tianjin University of Finance & Economics.

• 4 February

Chinese New Year cultural and artistic display at the Mound Precinct outside the Scottish National Gallery. Entertainment includes lion dances, folk dances, Hanfu stories, the celebrated waist drums and the Long Fan Dance. Children's activities and aa ceilidh will complete the free celebrations.

• 9 February

Johnnie Walker Princes Street are holding Journey of Flavour tours hosted in Mandarin. (Also on 11 February)

• 10 February

Edinburgh Castle will light up red. The Official Chinese New Year Concert takes place at the Usher Hall with Scottish and Chinese music and song, highland dancing, the show-stopping Peking Opera and Lion and Dragon dances outside the venue.

• 11 February

Two Bilingual Ceilidhs at the City Art Centre.

the first hosted by the University of Edinburgh at the City Art Centre

• 13 February

The second Bilingual Ceilidh will be held at St Cecilia's Hall. An English and Mandarin speaking ceilidh caller will make the dances seem easy.

• 16 February

Concert at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with musicians from Tianjin University of Finance & Economics.

Other not-to-be-missed activities in the programme include Lion Dances which will be staged at St James Quarter, Chinese Calligraphy

for £20,000

By STAFF REPORTER

CAMILLA GRUDOVA author of The Coiled Serpent has been named on the longest for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize.

The work is a short story collection by the Edinburgh-based author. Grudova is the third Granta Best Young British Novelist 2023 to be nominated. Through a series of surreal tales she exposes the absurdity behind contemporary ideas of work, Britishness and art-making.

This is a prestigious literary award for young writers and those who are being considered include writers from the UK, Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago, US, Canada and Hong Kong. This year’s list is dominated by independent publishers. Worth £20,000, this global accolade recognises exceptional literary talent aged 39 or under, celebrating the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama. The prize is named after the Swanseaborn writer Dylan Thomas and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity. The prize invokes his memory to support the writers of today, nurture the talents of tomorrow, and celebrate international literary excellence.

and Paper Cutting Artists which will be hosted by designer handbag retailer, Strathberry on Multrees Walk, as well as Tai Chi Taster Sessions at the Tai Chi Centre on Bryson Road and Paper Cutting and Lantern Making Workshops and a Family Trail at St Cecilia’s Hall on Niddry Street.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions will be lighting up and decorating some of their exhibits, and Harvey Nichols is hosting Lunar New Year Tarot Card Reading with Kalem, Scotland’s leading palmist.

Shops and businesses around Edinburgh are taking part in the Festival with a range of specially themed Year of the Dragon offers.

Full details of all events, offers and activities can be found at www.chinesenewyear.scot

The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist will be announced on Thursday 21 March followed by the Winner’s Ceremony held in Swansea on Thursday 16 May, following International Dylan Thomas Day on Tuesday 14 May

Five years have passed without positive action at scene of fatalities

By KIRSTY LEWIN

On behalf of Spokes Porty

WHAT SAFETY work’s been happening on the most dangerous junction in Edinburgh for cyclists over the last six months? None, it turns out.

Despite the deaths of Stuart Elliot in 2019 and Heather Stronach in 2020 on their bikes at the Portobello High Street junction with Sir Harry Lauder Road, we are still no further forward than the emergency measures put in in 2022 that ban HGV drivers turning left off Portobello High Street.

Danger junction stalls At Soundhouse in February

We believed, following the Transport and Environment Committee decisions, that work would commence last summer. We now know that there were ‘resource pressures’ and the work didn’t start.

The original delivery timetable of summer 2024 now looks to be more like spring 2026. This will be a £1 million pound project that removes some traffic lanes and introduces a single crossing for pedestrians and cyclists between Portobello High Street and Inchview Terrace.

Many who live in Portobello and beyond are

shocked and disappointed by the lack of progress. Spokes worked in good faith with the Council and the local community on proposals to redesign the junction in a way that will make it safe, easy, and comfortable for people walking, wheeling, and cycling. This involved detailed work on the current temporary scheme and its diversion route for HGVs through Northfield. While we welcome the existing emergency measures, they are not ideal, and were only ever supposed to be temporary. The junction remains hostile to people walking, wheeling, and cycling. Fishwives’ Causeway cannot be

considered a viable alternative route for all as it only suits some routes and is not considered safe by many women in the dark. It’s not just Portobello. We are also concerned about the other dangerous junctions in the city, including the West End of Princes Street where Zhi Min Soh was killed on her bike in 2017. Nobody should be killed going out on their bikes in Edinburgh. It’s time for cycling safety to be taken seriously. This means prioritising resources to get well designed, future proofed schemes on the ground, and keeping communities informed about their progress.

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

SOUNDHOUSE ARE bringing Cahalen Morrison to Edinburgh for a one-off gig at Traverse. He won’t have to travel far.

Originally from New Mexico the Americana musician and songwriter has now settled in Scotland after a decade of touring. Equally at home on guitar, banjo, mandolin, singing three part harmony or unaccompanied, he has carved out a place for himself as a unique voice in American music.

Cahalen said: “After a lengthy process, at the end of 2023 I relocated from the States to Edinburgh. Since the beginning of the pandemic I have spent a lot of time here so it feels great to finally make it official. I have always been deeply drawn to the music, arts, people and culture, so (despite the weather) it is a very warm feeling to finally be a resident. I played my first gig in Edinburgh in 2011 for Douglas and Jane-Ann, so it feels full circle to start my musical journey as a resident in Scotland with them. I am thrilled to be kicking off the new Soundhouse season at the Traverse Theatre. I hope to see some new and familiar faces there.”

Spectacular species at photo exhibition

By OLIVIA THOMAS

WILDLIFE CAMERAMAN and presenter Hamza Yassin attended an event to mark the opening of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

The exhibition is on loan from the Natural History Museum in

London, and it features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Using photography’s unique emotive power it is hoped people will be inspired into advocating for the planet. Hamza Yassin said: “I was

delighted to be among the first people in Scotland to view this thought-provoking exhibition. As a wildlife cameraman and photographer myself, it was great to see such a variety of incredible images and to appreciate the skill, knowledge of nature and ingenuity that must have gone into capturing them. Photography like this can

really inspire us all to think about the beauty and fragility of our natural world, as well as the things we can do to protect it.”

Dates and times:

Until 6 May 2024, opening hours 10am to 5pm

To book tickets visit: www.nms.ac.uk/wpy

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of this year’s Traverse One series said: “Cahalen is one of the most talented musicians and songwriters we have come across in the past two decades. We can think of no one finer to kick off our new Traverse One gig programme in 2024.”

Cahalen Morrison live at Traverse One with special guest Cera Impala

Tickets: £16/£13

Date: Thursday 15 February 2024

Doors open: 7:30pm | Music starts: 8pm (bar open from 7pm)

Location: Traverse One, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh www.soundhouse.org.uk

The concert is supported by funding from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland

The junction of Sir Harry Lauder Road, Portobello Road and King’s Road where two cyclists have died

Cahalen Morrison

Wildlife Cameraman Hamza Yassin with pupils from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce

Line up for River Tweed Film Festival

A selection of films for anglers will add to the excitement of the new season

By STAFF REPORTER

ON 1 FEBRUARY the River Tweed opens for the 2024 salmon fishing season, and will be accompanied this year by the inaugural River Tweed Film Festival at Ednam House Hotel.

The festival will span two days and feature a captivating selection of handpicked films curated by Fishing TV, a renowned global film hub for angling enthusiasts.

The film Festival lineup includes

titles such as “Paul Young Hooked on Fishing,” “Our Wild Salmon” from Fisheries Management Scotland, and the muchanticipated Tweed premiere of “Mending the Line.”

The latter boasts an outstanding cast, led by Golden Globe winner Brian Cox (Succession, Troy) and Sinqua Walls (Nanny, White Men Can’t Jump), delivering powerful performances that bring to life a compelling narrative about universal themes of trauma,

resilience, and finding purpose.

Director Joshua Caldwell and Mending the Line screenwriter

Stephen Camelio said: “It speaks to universal themes of trauma, resilience, and finding something to live for, and strikes a chord with audiences from all walks of life.

We are incredibly excited to bring this film to audiences on the river Tweed, Scotland.”

Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, emphasised the importance of celebrating the Tweed’s fishing heritage.

Pain and no gain for some at Shawfair

By ARCHIE STEPHEN

A NEW DAVID Lloyd gym at Shawfair near Dalkeith has come in for a slew of criticism by furious members, with some claiming they have stopped going because it is too busy.

The gym opened in August and boasts luxury gym, pool, spa and recreational facilities but for many members the initial shine of joining the plush club has worn off with a rash of complaints on social media channels.

The litany of issues include being unable to park, with visitors using a nearby Park ‘n’ Ride facility and walking to the club, abuse of parking spaces reserved for disabled guests, overpriced food, queues to use the spa, overselling memberships and a packed gym area which makes its difficult to train at peak times.

David Lloyd management say some of the issues are down to the post-Christmas January peak demand and they are addressing matters by introducing a waiting list to manage capacity, while some members blame the complaints on “whingers”.

However, in an unscientific poll posted by a member on Facebook, only 56% of those who answered said they would renew their memberships, with 10% saying “cheerio” to David Lloyd, while the remaining 34% were “on the fence” about continuing as members.

The majority of unhappy members say local staff at Shawfair are excellent but blame corporate greed on signing up too many members to boost revenues at the expense of user-experience.

Jay Bee, a member since the gym opened, said: “I haven’t used the gym for the last four

months as it’s just too busy now and not enjoyable. My husband and I are just waiting for our 12 months (membership renewal) to be up, then we will move on.

“We were told the cap would be 3,000 members but this clearly was a sales tactic, more fool us. The staff are great but the corporate greed has ruined the place.”

Michael Bryant added: “What was a 5-star facility is now overwhelmed with numbers and has been for months (not January bump) yet still registering members daily. The club is becoming overcrowded, overused and also needs maintenance already.

“Worst of all is the daily and constant abuse of disabled parking that the club management don’t deal with. Greed over member experience it feels.”

Ryan O’Donovan complained that memberships have been oversold, saying:

“Majority of times the club is packed, you’re unable to get a parking space let alone use the facilities. This is all despite assurances they would keep membership low to ensure it was not too busy. Not worth spending £150+ per person per month if you can’t use the facilities.”

And Sasha Bey was reprimanded for bringing in her own food to the club. She said: “Absolutely ridiculous. A health club with a restaurant where the food isn’t even remotely macro friendly and is so overpriced for what it is. Maybe work on fixing your food options and pricing before telling people not to eat their own healthy meals in a health club.”

However, member Scott Allan defended Shawfair, saying: “I think 90% of the ‘issues’ are folk just being unreasonable whinging melts.”

David Lloyd said they are assessing car parking at the club and will be introducing a ticketing system to address the complaints around disabled parking, while extra group classes have been added to the timetable in response to high usage.

A spokesperson for David Lloyd Clubs said “January is our peak season, and we’d like to thank our members for their patience during this time. We’ve put measures in place to make sure our members have the best experience possible during the busy period.

“There is a waiting list at the club to manage capacity. We’re currently assessing our options for car parking, including more spaces in the future and encourage visits during off peak times where possible. We’re also now hosting extra group exercise classes at quieter times for members. We’d like to remind members that our club General Manager is always on hand to discuss any member concerns.”

PETER STUBBS who has died aged 78 joined the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in 1993. He was awarded the first ever Fellowship for a website in 2005 in the Research category. The site was a monumental achievement exploring the history of the Edinburgh Photographic Society (EPS) and its members from its foundation in 1861 to 1999. The website showed that good research did not always need to be presented in book form. Peter continued to expand the scope of the website until recently. As a member of the EPS for over thirty years he became the memory of the Society through his diligent research into its formation and its progress from its inception.

Peter also produced a fascinating record of the nineteenth century photographic businesses in the city, particularly in Princes Street, of which there were a large number. He formed the view that Robert Louis Stevenson was aware of the Edinburgh studio scene when he wrote his novel Jekyll and Hyde. Edinburgh was very much the focus of Peter’s photographic interests and over the years he created an archive of industry in the city. His major contribution to photography in the city is contained in the website edinphoto.org.uk. It is a huge combination of photographs of people, places and activities in the city both historic and recent. This shows how the city has developed over an extended period, including what has physically changed and what has remained the same. The website remains live, although some links are now broken.

Peter was an actuary by profession, which probably explained his capacity to organise such an extensive project. He has left an important legacy for the city, for Edinburgh Photographic Society and for photographic historians more generally.

His enthusiasm for photographic history did not extend to using old fashioned plate cameras. Once on a cold spring day on Rannoch Moor, as a fellow member was demonstrating the use of his newly acquired half-plate camera and taking forever to do so, he observed that he never wanted to use a camera like that. Indeed, as a member of the hillwalking group ‘All Year Ramblers’, he recorded their walks with his iPad.

Phil Wilkinson Jamie Stewart, CEO the River Tweed Commission

Debbie Anderson invites you to take yourself back to your childhood with traditional jars of sweets in her shop. Chewits and fudge will take you back a decade or two. Open from 10am except Mondays. Handy for the tram.

102 Leith Walk EH16 5DT 0131 554 1401

Subscribe today and have your own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter delivered to your front door from next month - in its own compostable envelope. Or donate a subscription to a friend as a wee present. The gift which keeps on giving all year long ter.ooo.subscribe

Vlad has a unique style at 48 Thistle Street with great coffee and above average chat . He may even play chess with you. The city centre micro roastery is increasingly the place to go. Coffee also available to order online if you are working from home. cobbledroasters.co.uk

Donate any unwanted items to this shop on Gilmore Place knowing that they will find a loving new home. Very little ever goes to landfill. Visit the shop to pick up a copy of our latest paper and also to admire their innovative and ever-changing window displays. birthlink.org.uk

Love Your Business networking club is relaxed, informal and good fun, and held at Black Ivy on the last Thursday of the month with a host of inspiring speakers sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and invaluable business tips. www.lybnetworking.com Facebook/howtolyb

Di Giorgio’s have a variety of cakes and slices, coffee with a smile and pasta and lasagne to go. Morning rolls and ciabattas are also available, but this is brownie heaven. And ask about their very special birthday cakes.

Open 7 days 10-4pm 1 Brandon Terrace EH3 5EA

The gallery focuses on original paintings, prints and fine crafts inspired by nature. Wide price range to accommodate various budgets. Jurgita warmly welcomes you to Dundas Street. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-4pm. birchtreegallery.co.uk

Party on down to the junction of Heriot Row at the top of India Street for a coffee and fine chat with mine host and local resident, Fleur Woolford. Open on weekday mornings until 12.30pm with handy EV charging right next to the former police box. Opposite India Street on Heriot Row

Very reasonable rates allow start-ups to use the small pop-up space as the first rung on the ladder. From food to political parties and all manner of organisations in between. Have a look at their pop-up garden when you visit. Croall Place EH7 4LT hello@leithwalkpolicebox.com

Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking guides of their own city. This is the alternative tour for locals and tourists alike. Book tours in Edinburgh, York, Manchester and Glasgow. invisible-cities.org

Subscribe today and have your own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter delivered to your front door from next month - in its own compostable envelope. Or donate a subscription to a friend as a wee present. The gift which keeps on giving all year long. ter.ooo.subscribe

Are you wanting to stop smoking? Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective method to quitting smoking in only one session. For more details on how hypnotherapy could help, please visit my website. www.stephenmcmurray.com 07908 553041

Subscribe today and have your own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter delivered to your front door from next month - in its own compostable envelope. Or donate a subscription to a friend as a gift. The gift which keeps on giving all year long. ter.ooo.subscribe

Bespoke tailoring for men. Craig’s focus is on making the highest quality personally tailored attire that others will aspire to. His pyjamas and dressing gowns will make your video calls or working from home very stylish. 0131 226 7775 • 45 Thistle Street EH2 1DY • craigbankstailoring.com

A unique gallery and gift shop in Edinburgh’s Southside - a cornucopia of all forms of art. Buy handmade art and craft from independent artists. Linsay says: “If we don’t have it, we can probably find it for you.” artcraftcollective.co.uk 0131 629 9123

Manda and her team will look after all your beauty requirements from massage to manicure. Perfectly located to offer you treatments during your busy work schedule. www.beautyhqedinburgh.co.uk 0131 556 3610 22a Dundas Street EH3 6JN

Heriot Gallery features exciting work by established and emerging contemporary artists. Exhibitions change regularly and there is always new work to view. Have a look at their website and add your email to the mailing list for Private Views. www.heriotgallery.com

Do go to this beautiful wee shop filled with Italian handmade goods. Bag a bargain in store at 44 Dundas Street or online -and all will be beautifullyparcelled up with gorgeous turquoise ribbon and tissue for a friend if you can bear to give it away... www.salentoshop.co.uk

A neat wee café and deli, Rotonda sells imported Mediterranean goods, as well as home baked goods, both sweet and savoury. Everything is home baked and cooked by owner Rebecca in house. 23c Dundas Street EH3 6QQ rotondaltd@gmail.com

Clydebuilt Sailmaker winner of the Master medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters encompasses hand-selected sherry casks from Lowland, Speyside and Highland distilleries. This and the full range of independent bottlings can be found in specialist stores. ardgowandistillerycom/stockists

STEPHEN MCMURRAY

HERIOT GALLERY BEAUTY

BOTHY COFFEE

THE OLD PALS ACT

Chief Constable Jo Farrell has not covered herself in glory since taking over one of Scotland’s most challenging roles and bringing in an ex-colleague from her previous force raises more questions than answers, as Stephen Rafferty reveals

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell called in expert advice from her former police force despite it being slated over its performance in a report by an independent watchdog, The Edinburgh Reporter can reveal.

The newly appointed Chief’s seat at Police Scotland headquarters at Tulliallan was barely warm when she sought counsel from her former Durham Constabulary colleague Gary Ridley, who as Assistant Chief Officer is in charge of finance, IT, business support and other strategic areas at the UK’s seventh smallest police force.

But just five weeks after Mr Ridley ran the rule over Police Scotland, a damning report by the independent inspectorate body HMICFRS on the performance of Durham Constabulary landed on the desk of Ms Farrell’s successor Chief Constable Rachel Bacon.

From ten categories assessed in the inspectorate report, two areas were singled out as “Requires improvement, five were said to be “Adequate”, two were assessed as “Good” and only one area was termed “Outstanding”.

The report assessed “Leadership and force management” at Durham as adequate but said it found examples of inconsistent performance across the inspected areas. Among the criticisms were a lack of investment in IT systems, inefficient and time-consuming processes, and force systems which did not communicate with each other - impacting on data gathering, decision making and productivity.

It was claimed Mr Ridley had been providing “unpaid advice” on matters including budget challenges, strategic planning and reducing bureaucracy. The Chief Constable later told the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee on 20 December: “Having been in policing for more than 30 years, I have a network of people whom I know bring value to policing, and Mr Ridley is one of them.”

The Edinburgh Reporter has established that at the time of his Tulliallan visit, Mr Ridley had tendered his resignation from his £110,000 a year post at Durham Constabulary and also from the

Deputy Chief Officer David has filed a complaint the Chief Constable and currently on sick leave

Deputy Chief Officer David Page

Chief Constable Jo Farrell

part-time post he fulfilled as Chief Finance Officer at the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office. Mr Ridley, 56, is due to retire at the end of March, according to Durham Constabulary.

At the end of Mr Ridley’s three day visit, Chief Constable Farrell took a decision which called into question her judgement, forcing her to make a humiliating public apology for an “error of judgement”.

It emerged that on October 20, at the height of Storm Babet and with southbound rail journeys from Waverley Station cancelled, the Chief Constable had commandeered a police vehicle and driver to ferry her and Mr Ridley on a 120 mile journey to their homes in England, effectively reducing the number of police traffic patrol cars available during a crisis.

Subsequently, Police Scotland’s most senior civilian employee, David Page, lodged a grievance against the Chief Constable and he is currently on sick leave, as exclusively revealed by The Edinburgh Reporter on 10 January.

Mr Page sits on Police Scotland’s executive alongside deputy and assistant chief constables and is responsible for Corporate Support services at the UK’s second largest police force, including finance, procurement, estates and people and development.

Calum Steele summed up the concerns of Police Scotland observers when the retired head of the Scottish

Mr Ridley had been providing unpaid advice on matters including budget challenges, strategic planning and reducing bureaucracy

Police Federation told the Sunday Times: “Pissing off the most senior of the civilian staff with David Page either demonstrates supreme confidence in her own abilities or supreme naivety in the fact that she never assessed the capabilities and skills of David Page in that short space of time before she’s bringing in former colleagues.”

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay, MSP, told The Edinburgh Reporter: “The chief constable has stated that she’s free to seek advice from whoever she wants. However, there will be concern if doing so has resulted in the grievance being raised by a senior colleague. The SNP’s creation of Police Scotland has brought about a decade of drama and distraction, which does nothing for public confidence or officer morale.”

According to the HMICFRS report one of the areas requiring improvement by Durham Constabulary was in responding to the public. The force was said to be below the expected standard for quickly answering 999 calls and the review focussed on a lack of long-term investment into systems and IT infrastructure which meant they were outdated and not meeting demand. It said the force “… doesn’t always answer emergency and non-emergency calls in a timely way, and it doesn’t always respond to calls for service as quickly as it should. This is partly because the constabulary hasn’t re-invested in IT systems as they

have become outdated.”

The PEEL report (police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy) added: “… it needs to make sure that it prioritises and appropriately funds its plans to replace and upgrade aging IT infrastructure … we would encourage the constabulary to make sure these plans are implemented to avoid further deterioration in service.”

The report said: “The constabulary continues to operate with several manual and time-consuming processes. Some of these could be replaced with automated systems that would allow it to produce and present good-quality data more efficiently.

“For example, force systems don’t communicate well with each other. This can make gathering data much more difficult and time-consuming before any analytical work can be carried out. The constabulary needs to sort out the inefficiencies within its systems and processes so that the workforce can be more productive.”

Police Scotland refused to comment on the appropriateness of the Chief Constable’s decision to call in external advice from her former force, adding that she had “covered off details of the advice provided at the Justice Committee in December”.

Durham Constabulary refused to divulge how many occasions Mr Ridley had provided advice to Police Scotland or confirm if his visit was on a formal or informal basis.

A spokesman said: “ACO Ridley remains in post. He is expected to retire, as scheduled, at the end of March 2024. Durham Constabulary has received no payment (financial or otherwise) in respect of advice/support provided by ACO Ridley to Police Scotland.”

Gary Ridley (below)

Cost cutting at Abrdn

500 Job losses announced at Edinburgh-based institution

ASSET MANAGER, Abrdn, has confirmed that about 500 jobs will be lost as part of a £150 million round of cuts by the end of next year.

The Edinburgh-based institution, which has undergone a controversial restructuring under chief executive Stephen Bird, has seen an outflow of funds and its long-term credit rating downgraded by Moody’s.

The job losses amount to about 10% of its 5,000 workforce in London and Edinburgh and the company confirmed speculation in a scheduled trading update.

It said the cost-cutting programme is designed “to restore our core Investments business to an acceptable level of profitability and allow for incremental reinvestment into growth areas.”

It is due to announce full-year results on 27 February when investors will look to see if it has turned around a first half loss before tax of £169million.

A pressing issue has been its inability to stem an outflow of funds. It said today that institutional and retail wealth net outflows in H2 2023 were £11.2billion. Insurance Partners net outflows were £1.3billion.

INVESTOR CAUTION

It has not been alone in suffering outflows. Most active investment houses in the UK have seen a move to cheaper passive index-tracking investment and investor caution towards equities generally.

In a statement, Mr Bird said: “Market conditions have remained challenging for our mix of business, and this is reflected in our year-end AUMA, flow numbers, and margins. The Board and I are committed to taking these significant cost actions now to restore our core Investments business to a more acceptable level of profitability.

“Although our business model benefits from the diversification that comes from operating three businesses, we will not rest until all of them are contributing strongly to group profitability, as Adviser and interactive investor have done in 2023.

“The new transformation programme announced, when completed, will deliver a step change in our cost to income ratio. We exceeded our £75m cost reduction target for 2023 for Investments, but we recognise more needs to be done.

“After a root and branch review, we are now re-engineering and simplifying our business model to remove at least £150m of costs – mostly from group functions and support services. The programme will largely be implemented in

2024, completing in 2025. These changes will allow us to continue our focus on building a growth business.”

The company, originally Standard Life Aberdeen, was created out of the 2017 merger of Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset Management, and its rebranding as Abrdn under new management prompted widespread derision. The Standard Life brand and business was sold to Phoenix.

Moody’s said it was cutting Abrdn’s long-term issuer rating by one notch to Baa1 from A3 because of what it called “idiosyncratic weaknesses in its credit profile, exacerbated by industry-wide headwinds”.

It was reported in January that Abrdn had introduced a 52-week cap on redundancy payments from this month in a fresh effort to curb costs. Paid parental leave is also being reduced for staff from October.

Standard Life Aberdeen had adopted a controversial co-CEO model, but after both Martin Gilbert and Keith Skeoch departed, the board hired former Citigroup banker Mr Bird in 2020.

He was tasked with turning the business around and as part of the re-modelling of the group he paid £1.5 billion for Interactive Investor, the investment platform, which helped build a position in the DIY retail market.

Under its newly-hired finance director Jason Windsor, the company now plans to reintroduce quarterly reporting which was dropped in 2017 in a move to encourage long-termism.

Its shares have performed poorly, trading 17%

down over the year and by a third over five years. The share price and company value has fallen sharply since the merger.

In recent years it has yo-yoed in and out of the FTSE 100 and there has been pressure from some investors to break up the business.

Last year the company vacated its purposebuilt head office in St Andrew Square that it only moved into six years earlier and relocated to its historic base in nearby George Street where it employs fewer staff.

In a note Panmure Gordon said: “We have argued strongly that the company has needed to address the cost base in its Investments division, as well as more broadly.

“It is now (belatedly) doing so, but the need for that cost cutting becomes ever more apparent: flows in H2/23 were awful and the profit outcome for 2023 has been rescued by interest income for which management should not seek to take credit.

“The aim is to reduce costs by £150million compared with 2023’s outcome but on markedto-market estimates revenues will fall by ~£80m over that period too.

“The cost cutting is undoubtedly welcome but not yet the end of the story. There remains value in the shares on any reasonable assumptions about the value of the quite disparate businesses, at least now there appears to be an attempt to preserve some of that value.”

This article was first published by the Daily Business news website. www.dailybusinessgroup.co.uk

Edinburgh weaves its magic in China

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

AN EDINBURGH based retailer is among the contenders to win at the China Scotland Business Awards.

Museum Context is the leading independent business involved in selling Harry Potter merchandise.

Andrew McRae founded the business in 2007 out of a “love for cultural heritage and a desire to offer top quality interior accessories and giftware”. He said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.” He was keen to ensure that the Edinburgh part of the Harry Potter story should not remain untold. He wanted to highlight that Edinburgh influenced the settings and many of the characters created by JK Rowling as she wrote the early Harry Potter books in the Elephant House café, known worldwide as ‘the birthplace of Harry Potter’. McRae has opened 24 outlets including two in Edinburgh and one in Hong Kong.

In a new partnership between Museum Context and Elephant house an immersive experience bringing together the merchandise and the story of the café where it started will be established in Hong Kong.

“Elephant House International Hong Kong will be the centrepiece for Museum Context’s expansion in the Greater Bay area, Mainland China, and the Far East,” McRae said. “Our connection to Hong Kong is both emotional and business-driven. We’re excited about this next chapter and look forward to continuing to contribute to the Scotland Hong Kong relationship.” The awards will be announced and presented at the China-Britain Business Council’s Chinese Burns Supper in Edinburgh on 8 February 2024.

Andrew McRae

Stephen Bird

New platform for selling art in the works

Scots start-up secures £300k investment

By ARCHIE STEPHEN

SCOTTISH START-UP business Trademylux Limited has secured a £300,000 investment from TRICAPITAL Angels Limited and Scottish Enterprise as it launches the first in a series of luxury goods resale platforms.

Trading as sellmyartworks.com, the first venture will focus on the art resales market and is a prelude to rolling out other luxury goods resale platforms as the company matures.

The online platform removes the need to sell valuable pre-loved art through traditional auction houses or other less trusted routes by providing a transparent, secure and cost effective way of acquiring and disposing of art work, thereby creating liquidity and promoting further art transactional activity.

According to Edinburgh-based founder Bob Corsie, the few existing UK online art resellers focus on a limited number of well-known artists at the top end of the market, meaning there are tens of thousands of art works

overlooked. Sellmyartworks aims to fill this void and the business anticipates first year sales of more than 300 art works followed by a strong growth trajectory.

He said: “This is a project we have worked on for several years but was put on ice because of the Covid pandemic and we are now delighted to be supported financially and strategically by TRICAPITAL and Scottish Enterprise.

“There is a real demand for an easy-to-use, secure and equitable art resale service with thousands of people wanting to dispose of art for multiple reasons - downsizing, unwanted gifts, inheritance or just simply they’ve fallen out of love with the piece.

Similarly, there is burgeoning demand on the customer side which we can satisfyeasily and cost effectively.

“Often with auction house sales, the final hammer price is a very poor reflection on the actual value and once high costs and commissions are deducted, the buyer is shocked at the total they have to pay,

while the seller is left disappointed.”

Corsie explained sellmyartworks assesses a number of factors, including current trading prices for individual artists, the overall popularity of the artist, auction house results, and where and how the art work should be listed. The original artist will also receive a royalty through the Artist’s Resale Right.

“There are many people who own art pieces they no longer want - collectively worth millions of pounds - but they don’t have a satisfactory way of disposing of them. This creates a choke point in the market because they’re reluctant to go and buy more art, but our platform will create liquidity by giving the seller a sensible return so that they can invest in more art, which benefits the whole art industry.”

Stringent checks to establish proof of

identity, ownership rights and authenticity of the art work listed on sellmyartworks.com are in place and will adhere to UK Government and international guidelines.

“This is a simple, fast, affordable and accessible way to buy and sell pre-loved art work and it is a win-win-win for seller, buyer and the original artist,” added Corsie.

TRICAPITAL Angels Limited CEO, Moray Martin, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Trademylux as it sets out on the first chapter of what looks like an exciting journey.”

Kerry Sharp, Director of Entrepreneurship and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Trademylux has a unique proposition, deploying modern technology to support the continued success of an age-old industry. We look forward to witnessing the company’s progress as it launches its online platform.”

Rachel has top designs on the West End

By PHYLLIS STEPHEN

RACHEL SCOTT is a name well known on Dundas Street where finding a designer wedding dress shop has made many dreams come true in the last two decades.

Now the firm is branching out with a new quirky space on Queensferry Street in the West End. Recognising the need for something more bespoke in evening wear than is available anywhere else in Scotland, and having long been asked by her big name suppliers and her customers to do so, owner Rachel Snedden will offer designer evening dresses. The shopping experience is one personal to the client and Rachel and her three strong team will help create the look which works for those who are going to the ball, or who are about to be the mother of the bride or groom - from top to

toe. Rachel also makes her own tiaras and jewellery to complete the individual outfits.

After a flurry of measuring and design input, the couture outfit will be made from scratch to individual requirements.

A lover of themes which do not always fall in line with traditional expectations, Rachel has chosen to

fit out the new shop with gym equipment. The entrance is reclaimed gym flooring, and yes, the mannequin in the window is doing a handstand while wearing a sparkly evening gown.

Rachel's new premises will show off colourful cocktail dresses and black tie gowns on the racks for customers to try before their own couture dress is then created.

Clients who wish to explore the collection can book a private appointment with Rachel at the boutique from Thursday 1 February.

There is an open weekend on Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 February when everyone is invited and

appointments are not necessary.

Rachel said: "I have looked before at opening up a non bridal shop, doing something more classic with ready to wear. But I have always struggled with the idea that someone might have to just put a dress back on the rail and leave if it just doesn't fit. I like to maintain a level of bespokeness and flexibility for my clients. I have had an amazing opportunity to work with some incredible designers, and they are the best at what they do. The makes we will offer - from collections by Vivienne Westwood, Temperley and Suzanne Neville are only available in London apart from here in our new shop."

www.rachelscottcouture.co.uk

Ian Georgeson

From l-r: Investor Moray Martin of TRICAPITAL and Trademylux directors Bob Corsie and Brian McCrindle

Rachel Snedden

CAFÉ SCENE: The Coffee Cave

By Charlie Ellis

A new type of brew on tap

Small space is already building up a big coffee reputation

OF ALL THE AREAS in Edinburgh, Fountainbridge is probably the one which has changed the most in recent years. Following the closure of the breweries, it has rapidly transformed into a residential area, packed with new flats. As in other areas of the city (such as that around Salamander Street), a whole new area of the city has emerged with new streets and squares engraved onto the city map.

One potentially interesting coffee destination is the mysterious Main St Beanery at the junction of Fountainbridge and Gilmore Place. This place has been closed for a long time but still seems to be being looked after and kept ready. But, ready for what? This long period of mothballing has prompted all sorts of colourful theories online. Shortly before the festive period, a Christmas tree appeared in the window, which again suggested that it might reopen. But as yet, there is no sign of espresso pouring through the portafilters at this Mary Celeste of a place.

Fortunately, just a few yards away is undoubtedly the top coffee spot in the

area. Though small, The Coffee Cave is very much open and has quickly built up a strong reputation since starting business in May 2021. The place is easy to miss, wedged between Hank’s Sandwich Bar and Grow Urban. Don’t miss out. On my visits there, I’ve been served really well made coffees which have been rich and flavoursome. As they should, their cortados really pack a punch with a satisfyingly thick crema colliding with the textured milk. Just the type of coffee that people need in the early morning - many commuters will pass by The Coffee Cave on their way to Haymarket Station. It’s also ideal for those wanting to follow the canal-side walkway which offers one of the most interesting ‘active travel’ routes in the city. Once a backwater, it’s increasingly busy. Take care as you pass under the bridges - you wouldn’t want to see your skilfully brewed coffee knocked from your hand into the water.

The coffee served by The Coffee Cave is roasted by Linlithgow-based Black Dog Coffee. Their coffees include the Kambo which has notes of

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Cyber fraud — mashing chips (anag) (8,4)

9 Name of eight Roman Catholic Popes (5)

10 Shows off (7)

11 Snare (4)

12 Preferred (8)

14 London’s oldest professional football club, established 1879 (6)

15 Carefree (6)

18 Wake-up bugle call (8)

20 Need (4)

22 Grown without synthetic additives (7)

‘dark chocolate, caramel, honey and slightly floral scents’. Black Dog and The Coffee Cave have been working together to bring the customers ‘a variety of seasonal coffees, so the selection we have available is grown and harvested at specific times according to its location, to ensure we deliver the best possible taste to you.’

These words are certainly borne out by the positive feedback they’ve consistently received.

The Coffee Cave is takeaway only, selling a selection of sweet treats (such as a raspberry and coconut macaroon) alongside the coffee, as well as offering Black Dog beans for home brewing. They also serve savoury snacks, with their black pudding sausage roll a seeming favourite. Noted by myself and several other customers is the service offered by the baristas; warm and welcoming. As Fountainbridge becomes an increasingly popular area, there’s little doubt that the coffee scene will expand. The Coffee Cave has set a high standard for others to follow.

The Coffee Cave 158 Fountainbridge EH3 9RX

23 Kind of birch tree, producing rotresistant wood (5)

24 One of those annoyingly slow motorists? (6,6) DOWN

2 Tack in sole of boot (7)

3 Drop to the sea bed (4)

4 Not meant seriously (2,4)

5 Rainwater spout ending in a grotesque figure (8)

6 Alcoholic drink made with apples (5)

7 Bad luck — mute invaders (anag) (12)

8 Diverse (12)

13 Landed estate in Spain and Latin America (8)

16 Gibberish (7)

17 Even-tempered (6)

19 One who does not eat or use animal products (5)

21 They came bearing gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh (4)

SOLUTIONS

A little bit of RIO in your life

EDINBURGH food lovers can now mark their calendars as RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces its arrival to the capital city this month. The popular Brazilian Steakhouse offering an authentic Brazilian Churrasco dining experience will open its doors on George Street, within the historic Assembly Rooms building in a 150-cover space formerly home to Jamie’s Italian.

RIO will welcome guests to enjoy “exquisite cuts of meat carved tableside in a traditional Rodizio style”, while watching skilled chefs prepare authentic dishes from a central sushi bar. As is traditional there is an unlimited gourmet salad bar lining the walls with an array of imported cheeses, meats and Brazilian flavours for diners to choose from.

Frugal this February

Bring your own brings down the expense

AS WE EAGERLY step into February, bidding farewell to the somewhat gloomy and prolonged days of January, I find myself back from the sunlit shores of Malaga — a charming city that makes for an excellent getaway if you haven’t experienced it yet. This trip has become an annual tradition, serving as a delightful celebration for my birthday nestled at the close of January.

Navigating the cost of living remains a challenge, and while the expense of dining out continues to rise, with some restaurants demanding £30+ or more for a rather ordinary bottle of wine, it’s a luxury I still budget for. However, dining out doesn’t have to break the bank.

In my role as a food and drink reviewer, I frequently recommend eateries, and many of them happen to be BYOB establishments here in Edinburgh. Opting for Bring Your Own

Bottle venues not only ensures a more economical dining experience but also facilitates fair bill-splitting, especially when dining with friends who may be abstaining from alcohol or sticking to a diet.

This approach not only makes the evening more affordable but also accommodates the diverse preferences of your dining companions. For instance, my friends who savour SB, a grape variety I personally can’t abide, can relish their chosen bottle, while I indulge in my preferred phat, buttery Chardonnay—a taste not universally loved.

To assist you in your frugal feasting endeavours, I have curated a list of BYOB restaurants in Edinburgh. While some may charge a nominal corkage fee to cover glass disposal, it’s a small price to pay for the pleasure of savouring a delightful bottle of wine of your choosing.

KERRY’S TOP BYOB RESTAURANTS...

JAPANESE

• Chizurutei Morrison Street

INDIAN / SRI LANKAN

• Masti

• Tanjore

• Chennai’s Marina Jock’s Lodge;

blows for kick off at new pitchside Tynecastle Park Hotel

WHILE MY sporting allegiance typically leans towards rugby rather than football, the recent news about Heart of Midlothian has piqued my interest. The club will open a 25-bedroom hotel and events space as part of its extensive growth strategy, marking a

significant milestone in its 150-year history. Nestled within the heart of the west side of Edinburgh at the renowned Tynecastle Park, the development will be the first club-owned and operated hotel inside a football stadium in the UK.

The Tynecastle Park Hotel has a range of individually styled guest rooms, catering to various needs. Beyond the accommodation, there is a club lounge and six new dedicated meeting spaces. The wellestablished and award-winning Skyline Restaurant, which sits

on the top floor of the main stand will open seven days a week offering overnight guests and non-residents Scottish seasonal menus. I’m assured the hotel is not just for football fans. The new Tynecastle Park Hotel provides easy access to the city centre,

Edinburgh Airport and Murrayfield Stadium for people looking for high-quality, contemporary accommodation as part of an Edinburgh city break or even business travellers. Special opening package, dinner bed and breakfast from £150 per room.

Culinary capers in the capital with Kerry Teakle

From Hamilton to Hollywood’s Broderick and Parker, new writing to bite-size drama and a magical trip along the Yellow Brick Road, February has it all...

WHAT BETTER WAY to open a new monthly theatre column than with the arrival of, arguably, the hottest ticket on the planet right now, Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical, which comes to the Festival Theatre for a nine week season (28 February-27 April).

Welcome to ‘Liam Rudden - Must See Theatre’, my new monthly column exclusive to The Edinburgh Reporter in which I shall be recommending the best shows to see in Edinburgh, and beyond, in the coming weeks. Each month, I’ll select my Must See shows coming to the city and pick one Hot Ticket to catch if taking a London theatre break, along with production news and maybe even the odd bit of showbiz gossip.

Right, back to Hamilton, the story of one of

America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, ‘an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today’.

After seeing the original London West End cast in 2018, I wrote, ‘Hamilton is a magical, engaging spectacular laced with a dark vein of humour that makes for a glorious fun evening’. Sung-through, the score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway ensuring the story fairly rolls along. I also noted at the time, ‘The raps are insanely catchy and the energy and talent on stage, mesmerising’. If you have tickets, you’re in for a treat. If not, there are limited seats still available at many performances.

Running time 2 hours 45 minutes including interval. Tickets £25-£99.50 www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/allshows/hamilton/2158

Two very different musicals tour to The Playhouse this month, the first of which has one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s most powerful compositions, I Don’t Know How To Love Him. Sung by Mary Magdalene. For me it is the highlight of any production of Jesus Christ Superstar (6-10 February), so I’m looking forward to seeing Timothy Sheader’s new production which was originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

Set against the backdrop of an

Edinburgh’s Mr Entertainment picks his Hot Tickets to see in the Capital and beyond •

From l-r: DeAngelo Jones, Shaq Taylor, Billy Nevers and KM Drew Boateng in Hamilton

L-R Shauna Macdonald and Jess Hardwick in Two Sisters

extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas, if any musical should carry the tagline ‘a tale as old as time’ it is perhaps this one, other showstoppers to listen out for are Gethsemane and the anthemic Superstar.

Performances Tuesday-Saturday, 7.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm. Running time

1 hour 50 minutes including interval. Tickets £13-£68

www.atgtickets.com/shows/jesus-christsuperstar/edinburgh-playhouse/

Just close your eyes, click your heels and think, ‘There’s no place like home’, and you may well find yourself back at The Playhouse a week later as, direct from London’s West End, comes Michael Harrison’s brand new production of The Wizard Of Oz (13-17 February).

Yes, it’s time to follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto and her unlikely friends as they determine to defeat The Wicked Witch of the West, played by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne.

Watch out too for the ever popular Gary Wilmot as The Wizard - last time I saw him on The Playhouse boards was as Bill Snibson in the 1983 tour of Me And My Girl. His casting might just assuage the fact I’ve never been a fan of L Frank Baum’s psychedelic fantasyland. Generations are, however, so I’m hoping this is the production to change my mind.

Altogether now, We're Off To See The Wizard…

Running time 2 hours 5 minutes including interval. Tickets £13-£79 www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/ edinburgh-playhouse/

If drama is your thing, The Lyceum is always the place to be and this month, a new play by the theatre’s artistic director David Greig, starring Shauna Macdonald, Jess Hardwick and Erik Olsson, receives its premiere.

A co-production with Malmö Stadsteater, Two Sisters (10 February-2 March) reflects on who we were at 16, who we became, and the gap between these expectations: Emma and Amy return to their childhood paradise, a seaside caravan park. The park has changed and childhood is now a distant memory. With career anxieties and romantic complications, resurfacing memories remind them how far, or not, they have come from their teenage selves.

If you'd like a deeper insight into the work, there’s a post show discussion after the evening performance on 27 February with members of the cast, creative team and writer.

Running time TBC. Tickets £16-£38 (Previews £15) lyceum.org.uk/events/two-sisters#dates-andtimes

Thinking of taking a theatre break? February’s London Hot Ticket, is a Must See for fans of Ferris Bueller and Sex And The City, Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite (until 31 March) stars real-life husband and wife Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker as not one, but three

different couples in one famous hotel room. Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials - if only they can get her out of the bathroom. In New York, Plaza Suite became the must-have ticket for Broadway audiences playing to sold-out houses and shattering multiple box-office records at the Hudson Theatre, in London, see it at The Savoy Theatre.

Running time TBA. Tickets £40 (daily lottery)-£300 www.atgtickets.com/shows/plaza-suite/ savoy-theatre

Finally, if you’re hungry for a bite-sized slice of lunchtime theatre, A Play, A Pie, And A Pint returns for another season at The Traverse with Jack, by Liam Moffat (22 February-2 March), a darkly comic monologue exploring life, love, loss and hope, all with the help of man's best friend. When newly christened puppy Jack’s reluctant owner’s life spirals into selfdestruction, booze, hook-ups, and the Virgin Mary, can Jack come to the rescue?

Running time 50 minutes. Tickets £17.50 (Play only £12) www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/ event/a-play-a-pie-a-pint-jack-spring-24

Reviews of all these productions will appear on my Must See Theatre Substack, subscribe free at liamrudden.substack.com and each review will be delivered straight to your inbox as it goes live.

Thanks for reading, until next month, happy theatre-going.

Liam

Liam Rudden Writer. Broadcaster. Director. Liam Rudden Media | Must See Theatre www.liamrudden.com

X (formerly Twitter) @LiamRudden Instagram @liamruddenofficial

Mathew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker in Plaza Suite

Hibees add a trio of fresh new faces to their squad

By CALLUM NAPIER

AFTER A QUIET START to the January transfer window, Hibs have added “three quality players”, according to Nick Montgomery.

Much needed quality from a Hibs point of view, the recent loss to Rangers stretched their winless league run to four games.

The first signing of the window was Myziane Maloida from German club Union Berlin, a forward with a high pedigree who has been signed for a total of 14 million euros throughout his career.

The 24-year-old joined on loan until the end of the season, Montgomery said: “Myziane is a very talented young player who has undoubted potential to play at the very highest level.

“For us to have the chance to sign a player of this calibre in January is an opportunity we worked hard to make happen.”

Hibs also took the opportunity to offer former Tottenham Hotspur player, Luke Amos, a trial period with the squad.

The 26-year-old had been without a club since being released by QPR in June 2023 and, after a successful trial stint, the midfielder signed an 18-month deal to bolster Hibs’ midfield options.

Perhaps the most interesting transfer of the three was the loan signing of AFC Bournemouth midfielder, Emiliano Marcondes, until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful career thus far, achieving promotion from the English Championship with both Bournemouth and Brentford.

It also indicates how the two clubs could

potentially work together in the future as Hibs await SFA approval on Bill Foley’s minority investment.

The Danish attacking midfielder met Montgomery in Dubai where the squad were holding their winter training camp, there he was shown how he could potentially fit into the team’s system.

Despite attracting interest from elsewhere, the overseas meeting gave Hibs an advantage when Marcondes chose his next club, Montgomery said: “When you can look someone in the eye, you can have an honest conversation and you can create a relationship.

“I told him we could help him get back playing competitively, and he can help us.

“He is a top quality player, and it is about trying to win games of football.”

If Hibs are to have any hope of closing the gap on their city rivals in third, it is crucial the

Easy as one, two, three Scottish talent angling for a win

if not, the bottom six is a real possibility.

Post Rangers, Montgomery said: “We’re in a rebuilding phase, I knew that coming into the club, and that this January transfer window wasn’t going to be easy.

“We’ve brought three quality players in, but they need to get up to speed.”

Centre-back is a position that Hibs have needed to address for some time, Montgomery said: “We were close to a good centre-back, but the club decided they needed to keep him.

“We’ll keep trying to look for reenforcements, but it’s very hard. But I know where we’re going, and right now it’s a bit of short-term pain.”

February brings a packed month of tough league fixtures for Hibs, and a fifth-round Scottish Cup away tie to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

By NIGEL DUNCAN

STEVIE BARRETT won the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) match at Newhaven in Edinburgh, the first of a series of ten this year.

He totalled 754 points with 26 fish and Zone 1 winner was Prestonpans-based Stevie Burns with 32 fish for 710 points while Zone 2 winner was Chris Horn from Kirkcaldy with 32 fish for 727 points. Barrett also landed the longest fish, a 30cm cod, and the 22 anglers who took part landed 395 fish between them in the four-hour event.

Eryk Janik was the top junior with 14 fish for 313 points and the next match is at Dundee’s Riverside Drive on April 7. There are eight other matches and here is a reminder of the dates: May 12, Elliot Beach, Arbroath; June 9, Riverside Drive, Dundee; July 14, East Fife Open; August 11, Individual Members; August 25, Clyde and West; September 29, Erskine; October/ November in Ayrshire with venue and date to be confirmed; November 9/10, Iain Reid Memorial.

The Edinburgh New Year Shore League sponsored by The Edinburgh Angling Centre, The Fishing Megastore and Cox and Rawle continues and here are the dates for your diary: Match 4: February 9, Newhaven; Match 5, February 23, Portobello Beach (west); Match 6, March 8, Newhaven; Match 7, February 22, Newhaven.

Sports Cup Final to go live

THE 2023/24 Sky Sports Cup Final will be played on 24 March with a 1.30pm kick off.

The SWPL is keen to increase attendance at their matches to allow more people to watch. The location has been chosen to allow fans of both clubs the best possible opportunity of attending the match in Edinburgh. Tickets for the match are now on sale through the Heart of Midlothian ticketing website.

There will also be hospitality tickets on sale to the public, a sign of the growth and increasing demand to support the women’s game. Hospitality tickets and pricing will be announced soon via SWPL channels.

SWPL Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre, said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate both teams for reaching the final of the Sky Sports Cup. The match is a huge opportunity to showcase the very best of women’s football in Scotland and I am sure both clubs will relish the chance to win the first silverware of the season, in front of a huge crowd at Tynecastle.

“We’re delighted, that despite rising costs, our ticket prices remain the same as last season. It’s really important that the Sky Sports Cup is affordable and accessible, and the introduction of a family ticket provides excellent value for fans, who we hope will turn out in large

numbers in March.

“Like last year, not only will your ticket allow you to watch some of the best players in Scotland, there will be lots of family-friendly activities happening in and around the stadium I’d encourage all fans to come along early to sample the activities and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere.

“We’re also really pleased that hospitality tickets will be available to buy for the first time ever. Given the brilliant facilities at Tynecastle Park and the demand we had last season, we’re sure this will be a popular offering to supporters who wish to enhance the matchday experience.”

(Match is live on Sky Sports and NOW)

new signings can hit the ground running,

Nicola Docherty of Rangers and Imogen Longcake of Partick Thistle

Myziane Maloida

Luke Amos

Emiliano Marcondes

Getting into lifeguarding

The Prince’s Trust will help young people dip a toe in the water of a new career

By STAFF REPORTER

YOUNG PEOPLE are encouraged to Get into Lifeguarding by joining a free course offered by Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with Prince’s Trust.

The course will take place on 8 February 2024 at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre. From participants ten candidates will then be chosen to take part in a further three week long course.

This course will help young people aged between 16 and 30 to get into employment, education and training. The programme also includes a week’s work experience with the charity which runs pools in Edinburgh. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and there will be support offered to successful candidates for six months after the programme.

Interested applicants should apply by Friday, 2nd February 2024 to be considered for this opportunity. Email matthew.rooney@ princes-trust.org.uk with their name, telephone number and email address or alternatively

apply via the Prince’s Trust website or call 0800 842 842.

Alyson Coats, Manager at Leith Victoria Swim Centre, explained: “This will be the second time Edinburgh Leisure has run such a programme. It’s a win-win – with young people having a great opportunity to learn with Edinburgh Leisure and gain valuable experience, which we hope sets them up for employment in the future, either with us or another opportunity in the leisure industry. For many young people this could be life-changing for them.”

Lorenzo D’Silva, who came through the first cohort in July 2023, and secured a job as a lifeguard at the Royal Commonwealth Pool on finishing the course said: “The National Pool Lifeguard Course (NPLQ) was only one week but the Prince’s Trust also gave us the opportunity to gain valuable skills in team building and interview techniques during the process which really helped when I was offered a job interview with Edinburgh Leisure. If you’ve not been in the mindset of

Successful candidates will have to be available to take part in all the training days. The programme schedule is...

• 8 February - Pre-selection Day at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

• 19-23 February - NPLQ course at Portobello Swim Centre

• 26 February – 1 March - Work experience at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s venues

• 4 March - Interview experience

• 6 March - Post course celebration event at

getting a job it helps you to understand how to present yourself.

“I started working full-time in September at the Commie. It’s a great place to work with a

great team. Everyone’s friendly and genuine and it’s a very inclusive place to work. There’s a great sense of camaraderie – like a big family, which is great as I come from one myself.”

Ice cool Grant on penalties and picking up points

By NIGEL DUNCAN

JORGE GRANT looked ice cool as he cradled the ball in his arm waiting for the green light to take a pressure penalty against Aberdeen which helped take the Jambos well clear of the rest and comfortably in third place in the cinch Premiership.

Banbury-born Grant slotted after 57 minutes with aplomb and later explained to the assembled media how he took over penalty duties from regular spot kick exponent Lawrence Shankland.

A switch had been on the cards after Shankland missed against Hibs, Livingston and Dundee, and it was the 28-year-old, Glasgow-born striker who made the decision to stand down according to head coach Steven Naismith.

Step forward 30-year-old Grant. He admitted to watching Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos in the warm-up and said: "There was a lot

of time to be fair obviously with VAR and stuff and waiting to take the penalty."

The former Nottingham Forest, Notts County, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City and Peterborough United player said he had previously taken penalties and talked to Shankland in the changing room before the game.

They also chatted on the pitch during the game and Grant added: "Lawrence has scored so many penalties for us but, at the moment it is not working, so if I can take a bit of pressure off him then fine.

"It is about the team and I watched the (Aberdeen) keeper before the game and saw where he was diving and so I knew it was going to go that way."

Grant added: "We have a great group (of players) but we have things to work on."

The 5ft 9in midfielder, who arrived at Tynecastle in 2022, also conceded that there were items in

his own game he needs to fine tune and added: "The manager put his trust in me during December and playing games is good for me.

"It was probably lucky that there was a short period of games before the break and that gave me more time to recover (from a knock)."

On the rest of the season, Grant said there were still a lot of games to go and the squad need, in his view, to take it game by game.

Grant said: "If you start looking too far ahead that is going to be a problem.

"We have to try and pick up three points every time we go out there. Last year, we were four or five points clear before the winter break and it was a learning experience for the boys who were here last year. Hopefully, we can push on.

"We work on patterns of play in training and those things are starting to come out in games and we have good movement between attackers."

Meadowbank Sports Centre

Lorenzo D’Silva

Jorge Grant

Polo stars net silver

Caledonia pool together to win second place at Manchester festival

A SCOTTISH BOYS team, playing as Caledonia, took a silver medal from the Festival of Water Polo in Manchester.

Among their rivals in a tournament won by English side St Ambrose was a secondary Scottish team known as “Storm”.

It was a strange experience for some of the Caledonians as the previous day some Storm players were team-mates in the Scottish under-15 championships.

Caledonian player Bram Stenhouse, 13, a member of the Warrender club, was voted Scotland/Caledonia coaches player of the year

on the basis of outstanding improvement over the past 12 months.

Bram said: “It was an honour and an exciting experience to represent Scotland in the Manchester tournament. We all played our very best and were delighted to take home silver medals. Thanks to our coach Ruaridh Henderson who has taught us so much and also to our team managers.”

A total of 25 teams took part in Manchester. The successful Scottish squads comprised: Caledonia – Frank Bacik, Andrew Coulson, Charlie Grey, Fraser Hughes, Alex Hurd, James

Northamptonshire.

The trophy is named after Chris Boardman, former Olympic and World champion as well as three time Tour de France stage winner. Rhys rides for Junior development

Lees, Ben Maclean, Dominic Moodie, Bram Stonehouse, John Wilson.

Caledonia Storm – Matt Alborough, Aaron Bayne, Wilf Braban, Ethan Cole, Matthew Cox, Euan Ferrier, Michael Moodie, Kari Patterson, Ben Saywell, Muray Simpson, Caleb Wilson. Coaches – Alastair Campbell and Ruaridh Henderson. Assistant coaches – Leo Sanders and Keith Bayne. Managers – Nicola Moodie, Peter Wilson and Geraldine Simpson. Warrender won the Scottish boys under-15 title emulating their girls team to complete a club double.

team Trainsharp and previously rode for Edinburgh Road Club.

He won the award for consistent high placings across various time trial disciplines including short and long time trials and hill climbs.

Current Scottish Hill climb champion, Rhys received his award from Stirling’s Christina McKenzie, female record holder cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Royal finds a new home at Holyrood Business Park

NOMADIC ROYAL Boxing Club have finally found a home and will be putting down roots at Holyrood Business Park.

Coach and former Army champion Junior Burton has been at the heart of fund raising including running three ultra marathons in three days to raise around £2500 for funds.

And that has helped provide a permanent base for around 30 boxers who train on three evenings each week with fitness classes completing the midweek schedule. Until now they have been training at various rented venues.

Among those who will benefit will be unbeaten junior champion Lachlan Ross while Burton, who is assisted by Michael Wood, says “Zac Dillon, from Gilmerton, is another young boxer to keep an eye on.”

The club staged a successful show at Oriam last year and plans are afoot to organise a follow up event, possibly nearer the Holyrood Business Centre headquarters which are due to operational soon.

Burton insists the premises will be expertly kitted out.

“We have spent a small fortune on kit including £3000 on (punch) bags alone” he says.

SPORTSMAN’S BRUNCH

Hutchison Vale Community Sports Football Club are holding a fundraising brunch at Bainfield Bowling Club on Sunday 24 March from 1-6pm. The event will feature guest speakers Tam Cowan and Joe Camay

Tickets cost £25 and it is expected to be attended by former Hutchie footballers who turned professional.

Hail Caledonia!

CAPITAL CYCLIST Rhys Edwards, 17, a student at James Gillespie’s HS, was awarded the British Time Trialling champion of champions trophy for junior men at a ceremony in Daventry,

Gathering pace

Membership of frame running group is growing

CORSTORPHINE AAC’S frame running group is enjoying a surge in members, additional specialist equipment and awards for its coaches as it celebrates a first anniversary.

The group – the first of its kind in Edinburgh – launched in January 2023 with one-hour sessions for two athletes as part of Corstorphine AC’s Active Schools training on Friday afternoons at The Royal High School.

It now accommodates six physically disabled and impaired competitors aged 12-60 on the track at Saughton each week, with the group having been gifted a new frame from the Be More Bailey Foundation set up to provide opportunities for young people with disabilities to take part in athletic disciplines using specialist equipment.

Frames cost around £3,000 each and the club has managed to fund-raise enough for a further three.

CAAC’s team was also chosen as one of the first beneficiaries of Athletics Trust Scotland’s Transforming Lives campaign, with a grant to purchase spare parts such as saddles, seat posts, chest plates and special gripped gloves so that each frame can be modified to suit an

individual’s body.

All this plus the sterling efforts of Graeme Reid and Francesca Snitjer being recognised with Lothian Disability Sport’s coach of the year award in a period when a further coach, Sarah Murphy, was recently recruited to the coaching team.

Original members Ian Duncan and Finlay Menzies have also tasted success both nationally and internationally. Ian won four gold medals at the World Abilitysport International Cup in Denmark last July, while Finlay scooped three golds at the Scottish Disability Sport Junior Athletics Championships at Grangemouth in June and completed both the Edinburgh and Manchester half- marathons – the latter in a personal best time of 1hr 39mins.”

Graeme Reid says: “The highlight for everyone involved was the inclusion of the frame running squad on club championship day.”

Frame running is a form of adaptive running, which supports athletes’ bodies by means of a ‘trike’, allowing them to experience the sensation of free movement – often for the first time.

Come on in the water is n-ice

EDINBURGH’S CONNOR Mollison has dipped his toe into ice water swimming and emerged with two gold medals from British Championships.

The 31-year-old photographer, who has trained with the Warrender Baths Masters group and outdoors at Foxlake Adventure Centre travelled to Cheltenham Lido and turned up trumps in both the 50m backstroke and freestyle events. Also successful was Edinburghborn swimmer Dan Wallace, the former Olympic silver medallist and world champion who took the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle events.

With Dan pipping Connor

in the 50m butterfly event it made for an interesting car journey home for the two friends who, last year, were part of a quartet who raised over $200,000 for Ukranian Relief and Cancer Support Charities with a sponsored English Channel swim.

The focus now for Connor is on ice water swimming. The one-time Scottish junior squad representative said: “Ice swimming is a fairly new sport with ambitions to one day achieve Winter Olympic status. I had been out of competitive swimming for about 10 years when I decided to give it a go as a way back into competing and things worked out well in Cheltenham.

“Rules state that water

Murrayfield Racers plan a reunion

MEMBERS OF the all-conquering Murrayfield Racers ice hockey team who dominated the Northern League during its 16-year existence from 1966-’82 got together at the capital rink to plan a League re-union at the same venue on Friday, 22 March.

They are:: Willie Kerr, Denis Clair, Scott Neil, Derek Reilly and Dean Edmiston some of whom also shared in eight Racers triumphs in the prestigious Icy Smith Cup.

As well as former Racers goaltender Willie Clark, now 93-years-old and

skipper Gordon Inglis, former GB rep Terry Matthews is expected to attend leading a group from Whitley Bay. Others are expected to travel from the now defunct Durham team and Ayr as well as East coast sides Fife Flyers and Dundee Rockets.

Derek Reilly, now 76, spent his entire career with Murrayfield playing 882 games and was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987. He played for team GB at three world championships.

Anther likely attendee will be Freddie Wood

who, in the Racers first recorded match against Ayr Bruins, scored seven goals in an 8-1 victory.

Organiser Denis Clair joked: “The re-union will include one opposition player I got to know when we had a fight on the ice all those years ago. We’ve been friends ever since and I look forward to seeing him!”

The Northern League was won in its first three years by Paisley Mohawks but subsequently Racers won seven times with a couple of successes each for Whitley Bay, Fife and Dundee.

Mile maestro ready to run

TEENAGE MILE maestro Corey Campbell will take to the track for his first competitive outing of 2024 in Boston next week when he returns to the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix taking place on Saturday 3, February.

temperature has to be under five degrees and it was slightly above that but it was still cold and organisers pressed on with the competition. Hopefully I’m swim-fit enough to have taken a step towards representing GB having missed out on becoming a Scottish senior internationalist back in the day when it was my goal to compete in a Commonwealth Games.”

Connor added: “Part of the exercise is learning how to handle the cold as well as race – it’s a balance - and compared with sitting in cold water muscles can seize up more quickly when racing – something I’ve had to get used to.”

And the 17-year-old will have a spring in his stride not just because it is the meeting where, in 2023, he gained a Commonwealth Youth Games qualifying time.

On this occasion he will have spent the first three weeks of 2024 undertaking warm weather training in Potchefstroom, South Africa, at the same camp as fellow Scot Jake Wightman, the 2022 world 1,500 metres champion.

Corey, who became world record holder for the mile at under-15 age group in 2022 running 4.05.77 returned to his Dunbar home in latish January and talked targets for 2024 in an exclusive interview with the Edinburgh Reporter.

Top of the agenda will be another qualification –this time for the World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, in August where he hopes to compete at 1500m and 3000m.

Also, another age-group mile record is very much on the wish list.

“I missed out on attempting the under-16 mile best partly because I didn’t run in the

Monument Mile at Stirling where I set the under-15 record but I also tore the top portion of my quad muscle at a crucial time.

“Despite this I did run a 1500m P.B. of 3m 45secs which converts to a 4.02 or 0.3 mile.

“So, yes, getting under the four minute mile barrier remains a big deal.

“Heading for Boston I am happy with my training and quietly confident. I support myself.

“The camp itself was exceptionally structured and the only problem was switching from winter to summer which meant early sun-rises affecting sleep!

“I was under the direction of coach Matt Yates who is a friend of my own coach at East Lothian AC, Alastair Russell, and it was good to be in the company of lots of nationalities, looking across and seeing the likes of Jake Wightman and Keely Hodgkinson.”

Keely was just 19 when she won an Olympic 800m silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics perhaps proving that teenage years need be no barrier to top honours for Corey who has switched from school in Edinburgh (George Heriot’s) to Dunbar Grammar for S6 in order to ensure travel time can now be spent doing more training and preparing for athletics.

Corstorphine Athletic Club’s frame running group

Corey Campbell (right) with Olympic 800m Bronze medallist Patryk Dobek of Poland