Snapper Craig lights up festive city
3
Pub boss’s secret past exposed
5
Thirty not out for capital New Year celebrations
12-13
Wordsmiths win double gold
14
Musselburgh is set for a packed NYD meeting
20
December 2023
Peter Pan tale gives Allan Stewart the chance to dress like a dame for the 25th year
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
IT IS ALL about swashbuckling adventure and high flying at the Festival Theatre where the
Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will play until Hogmanay. The boy who never ages appears in a new telling of an old tale complete with special effects,
stunning sets, colourful costumes and a lot of laughs and fun.
The trip to Neverland is one which will enchant audiences of all ages with the usual double
entendres sprinkled throughout the script. The cast includes Allan Stewart appearing in his 25th panto as the dame Mrs Smee, Grant Stott as the big bad Hibs loving Captain
Read more on page 8
IT HAS ALREADY been the festive season for a few weeks, with lights, markets, the twinkly Christmas Wheel and loud screams from the Star Flyer. Spreading the festivities out to George Street has allowed for a more sedate pace there, with skaters at one end and Santa telling stories at the other.
Hogmanay is just round the corner and on pages 12-13 there is a handy guide to what will be happening and when. I particularly recommend First Footin’ on New Year’s Day when a range of free music is on offer in the city centre. It is certainly a gentler start than the Hogmanay fireworks. Christmas is traditionally the season of giving, and if you have a little to spare then this is the time to help others. Anyone who runs a charity or social enterprise is invited to tell us about their biggest story of the last year, and also outline their plans for 2024. We will publish as many stories as possible in our next edition and also online, hoping that will help to promote the best of the good causes in the capital. Charities are, and will remain, a central part of many people’s lives while government and local government bodies struggle to find cash to cope. A recent report by The Celtic Academies Alliance provoked by discussion at the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) warns that Scotland’s and the UK’s public finances are “unsustainable”.
One way to pay for some of the impact which tourists have on the capital is the Visitor Levy or tourist tax. The council says it is a major opportunity to general millions to “support, sustain and develop” the city. There has been as you would expect in Edinburgh a great deal of discussion about how to spend the income and the city council invites everyone to contribute to that ongoing debate.
Next year is the city’s 900th anniversary as a royal burgh but I am still waiting to hear about any civic plans to celebrate. If you know then do get in touch about this or any other stories.
Finally, I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Phyllis Stephen, Editor
AN IMPORTANT development in West Edinburgh is planned by the international entertainment group AEG which runs the O2 Arena in London. The proposal is to build an 8,500 seater arena designed by American architects HOK near to public transport links. The scheme includes restaurants and cafés, public realm, landscaping, parking and infrastructure. Until now Edinburgh has not had a large scale indoor venue like this, despite talk of a similar plan out at Straiton at one time in the dim and distant past.
Alex Hill, President and CEO of AEG Europe said: “AEG is thrilled to announce this spectacular new arena for Edinburgh.
“It’s a location with immense potential, amplified by Parabola’s transformative development and regeneration of Edinburgh Park.
“The much needed 8,500-capacity arena will bring world-class live music and entertainment to Edinburgh, further cementing its reputation as a destination for culture and global tourism.
“We look forward to this development becoming an integral part of the local community and complementing one of the best cities in the world for the arts and live entertainment.”
There will be planning events at 1 New Park
at Edinburgh Park Central - on 4 December and 9 January when outline plans will be displayed and the developers will be on hand to answer questions.
The application relates to plots EE1 and EE1b for which there is an existing consent for office space, an aparthotel, retain and a cinema.
The site is “bounded by a railway line and the Edinburgh Park Rail and Tram Station to the south, a hotel to the west, scrubland to the
SCOTLAND’S FIRST W Hotel – W Edinburgh – with its 244 guest rooms, a SushiSamba restaurant on the 10th floor, the W Lounge at the centre of the hotel with 360 degree views of the city, João’s Place, a speakeasy with a Brazilian twist, is open at St James Quarter.
north and an electricity substation to the east”. Corstorphine Community Council, Ratho & District Community Council, Sighthill Broomhouse and Parkhead Community Council and Currie Community Council will all be consulted on the proposals.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Great to see plans for an Edinburgh Arena at Edinburgh Park. Great opportunity for Edinburgh. Looking forward to the consultation and plans being submitted.”
Parabola the company which is creating a cultural quarter here in Edinburgh is headed by Peter Millican, OBE. He said: said: “This investment will complement all that is on offer at Edinburgh Park and ensure that the arts and culture has an outstanding live performance facility. The new Edinburgh Arena will put west Edinburgh on the map as a new cultural destination.”
Parabola has already created the bones of a “new urban quarter, a cultural destination and creative campus for Edinburgh” and Mr Millican has described it as one of Edinburgh’s most important masterplans. As well as homes for sale and rent there is also a plan for a 150 seat conference space.
www.edinburgharena.com will have more information when it goes live.
including more local libraries from this month. The digital version of this paper is also widely distributed and we estimate our total readership is in the region of around 20,000 people. You will find copies at Farmer Autocare, Summerhall, Art & Craft Collective, EICC, LifeCare on Cheyne Street, Coffee Angels, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Western General Hospital and now in some libraries again. 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
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January on this and other sites in East Princes Street Gardens, George Street and Castle Street and in St Andrew Square. The
of place. It has become such a focal point for locals and visitors, brought back to its
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
RESIDENTS OF Gillespie Crescent fail to see why a development which involves charity owned premises should make them feel at all charitable.
The development of the former Sight Scotland headquarters on Gillespie Crescent may result in much-needed funding for the charity, but in their neighbours’ view it will be at their expense.
Developers S Harrison plan to demolish the former HQ of Sight Scotland and develop the site into purpose built student flats. Plans are open to comment until 8 December.
The proposal is for 145 bedrooms with additional amenities including a cinema/multimedia room and gym, a green space accessible to the public, “green roofs, solar panels, air source heat pumps, a rain garden and permeable paving”.
Residents object to the move, saying there are factual inaccuracies in the applications. They have now formed Gillespie Crescent Community and Residents’ Association to support the area around their own street.
Christian Traynor, a resident, said: “Details are missing from the developers’ two planning applications - which is suspicious
- as they are very important being the daylight/sunlight assessment appendices. Additionally only a fraction of the street was informed. The lack of voice for the elderly residents in the Viewpoint sheltered housing in the Crescent is worrying.
“I cannot think that the council expects to solve the Housing Emergency by building yet another student block. Arguably this will simply bring more students to Edinburgh rather than free up housing.
“At the developers’ public meeting the proposal was five storeys high. Afterwards we realised their drawings depicted six
storeys, artfully obscured.
“The proposals have been amended to five storeys apparently in response to residents’ comments. But this is disingenuous and is we have found the standard ruse which was used elsewhere. The developers always propose an extra floor, knowing the height will be objected to, so they can later remove it for it to appear as if they are being considerate to neighbours.
“The charity’s need for money cannot be used as a justification for demolishing an historic building in a conservation area, to the detriment of this community for the foreseeable future.”
By OWEN THOMPSON MP
WESTMINSTER IS a joke. An unelected Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was foisted on us all by the Tory party membership.
He has now given us a foreign secretary in the form of former PM David Cameron who is also unelected.
Cameron, the architect of the Brexit disaster, will not be questioned by MPs as he is now a baron and sits in the House of Lords – a hastily made deal by Sunak.
We face two of the biggest international crises in years in the form of wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
Yet we cannot question and scrutinise the foreign secretary – one of the highest positions in the land – on these life-or-death issues.
Where is the democracy?
The House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has already raised his fears.
The Speaker said it is “especially important” the House of Commons is able to scrutinise the work of the Foreign Office.
He said: “This is not the first time in recent years that a Cabinet minister has been appointed in the House of Lords but given the gravity of the current international situation, it is especially important that this House is able to scrutinise the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office effectively.”
The House of Lords is already an affront to democracy even before the new Lord Cameron walks in there.
Scotland’s peers in the House of Lords “fail at every level” to represent the needs of the country.
A report produced by my colleague Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard makes the case for the abolition of the UK
Peers scrutinise government policy but membership is not selected by the public through election.
The report, titled Their Scottish Lordships, identified 78 members who could be regarded as Scotland’s peers, either those who have spent most of their active life in Scotland or who have been given a Scottish title.
Mr Sheppard showed the system does not represent the majority of Scotland as most Scottish peers are “privately educated
men over the age of 65”.
They are also opposed to Scottish independence.
So we stagger on with unelected Sunak bringing in equally unelected David Cameron.
And we call this a free country?
A new Scotland can do it better with a modern constitution which inspires and represents our citizens.
Scots can be grateful that independence gives us a way out of this anti-democratic, authoritarian, elitist morass.
By OLIVIA THOMAS
SCOTLAND’S CROWN Jewels have been put back on display after a spruce up.
A team of experts from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have carried out conservation work on the Honours of Scotland - the Crown, Sceptre and Sword of State, and visitors to Edinburgh Castle can see them in all their glory once more.
First used during the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543, these are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and among the oldest in Europe.
The Crown and Sceptre were presented to King Charles III at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Planning
IN THE GRAND tapestry of life, birth and death are the only fixed stitches. Yet, death remains a topic often shrouded in discomfort and avoidance. Planning for the inevitable, however, is an act of wisdom and compassion, to support those we leave behind. With a few simple steps, we can eliminate a lot of future stress for our loved ones, whilst making considerable savings.
MAINTAIN AN UP-TO-DATE WILL
Having a well-drafted Will is essential as it serves as a roadmap for the distribution of assets. Clearly outlining your wishes and communicating them effectively can avoid stress for your family, amd mitigate any potential fallouts or disagreements about personal possessions and money. And, if you have more than £36,000 and die without a will, it will almost certainly add stress and cost to the after-death process as additional steps are required.
GET TO GRIPS WITH PROBATE
‘Probate’ is the general term used to describe the process of closing down someone’s financial, legal and tax affairs after they die. In Scotland we also use the word ‘Confirmation’. The process involves notifying various organisations of the death, creating an inventory of assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing inheritance.
APPOINT AN ‘EXECUTOR’ AND MAKE A LIST
Reed Hudson, Senior Metals Conservator at HES, said it is essential that the Honours look their best but it is still rare to have focussed on one project in this way.
Reed said: “It has allowed me to really enjoy small details that I might have missed otherwise, like the figures of the saints engraved on the blade of the sword, or the beautiful floral motifs incorporated into the designs of the sceptre and scabbard.
“We are continually developing our methods of analysis and care to ensure that we are safeguarding our national treasures in the best possible way. This project has allowed us to learn more about the Honours and their history, and we hope to share our findings in the new year.”
Appointing an executor in a Will is a pivotal decision. This individual oversees the process, ensuring your wishes are carried out. It is best to select someone reliable and organised. You can select a solicitor, but they may charge a lot. Another helpful step is to make a list of all the companies you have a financial relationship with, which will reduce the investigation work after you’re gone.
Confirming all funeral arrangements such as music and flower choices, and additional wishes such as organ donation can spare loved ones from making decisions at a difficult time. By taking some time to confront our own mortality, we can help our families face the inevitable with clarity and grace. It is an act of love to leave behind a well-organised plan, ensuring our departure causes as little burden as possible for those we care for most.
Mike Davis, founder and Managing Director of My Probate Partner
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
ONE OF EDINBURGH’S most popular student pubs is being run by an Irish sporting legend who was convicted of harassing a female solicitor.
Former Gaelic football star and All-Ireland title winner Kevin McGourty and his partner Damayanthi Anushka Ponniah have taken over the Earl of Marchmont in the heart of Edinburgh University student-land.
But McGourty’s criminal past, which includes being placed on probation for 18 months and a five year restraining order for carrying out a campaign of harassment against a woman, has been kept under wraps from customers.
McGourty, who also goes by the name of Caoimhean MacDhorchaidh, is also under investigation after it was claimed he had posed as a solicitor in a Glasgow court when he attempted to represent an accused person.
McGourty, 41, who comes from a famous Antrim GAA family, won an All-Ireland title in 2010 when he was an integral part of the St Gall’s team which secured their first championship title at a packed Croke Park. Off the pitch, he was accused of sending hundreds of texts, emails and making phone calls to his victim, and turned up at family celebrations which caused the woman “distress and upset”. He threatened to send an explicit photograph and video of the woman to her brother and father if she did not speak to him. He denied all of the charges, alleged to have taken place between April and May 2017, but in 2018 he plead guilty to disclosing a sexual photograph of his victim and of harassing her over a two month period. He was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and a five year restraining order prevented him from going within 30 metres of the woman or her brother, to whom he sent the photograph.
In July, the Sunday Mail reported that McGourty, using the name Caiomhean MacDhorchaidh, had appeared at Glasgow Justice of the Peace Court, where he identified himself to court officials and the prosecution as a solicitor in an attempt to represent an accused.
He claimed that he and his firm - The 3 Nations Legal Consultancy/Services - was registered with The Law Society of Scotland and that he held a valid legal practising certificate. When his position was challenged, McGourty told his “client” that he would have to get another lawyer to represent him and then left the court building.
It is a criminal offence for an unqualified person to pretend to be a solicitor and The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service later confirmed that there was no record of Caiomhean MacDhorchaidh or his firm on the Roll of Solicitors.
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service told The Edinburgh
Reporter: “The Procurator Fiscal is considering this incident and is liaising with the Law Society of Scotland and Police Scotland.”
The Earl of Marchmont is being operated by 3NationsPub Ltd, a company first set up on 16 November 2020 by Damayanthi Ponniah and registered to an address in Airdrie, Lanarkshire. She resigned as a director on 7 May 2022 and was reappointed as a director on 18 October 2023.
Caoimhean MacDhorchaidh was first appointed as a secretary of 3NationsPub Ltd on 28 February 2022, which was terminated on 8 May 2022 when he was appointed a director. On 11 October 2023, MacDhorchaidh resigned as a director - but on 19 October 2023 it was noted that since 28 July 2022 that he had been a “person with significant control” and held directly or indirectly “more than 25% but not more than 50% of the shares in the company”.
Anushka Ponniah denied that Mr McGourty was involved in the running of the pub and claimed that the operation and management of The Earl of Marchmont business was entirely her responsibility and the tenancy was in her name only.
She told The Edinburgh Reporter: “This is my bar, it’s my name on the lease and he has nothing to do with the business apart from helping me out when I had some staffing issues. A bunch of staff left when I took over the pub and he helped me out with some shifts here and there. What has his past got anything to do with my bar? I am the lease holder of this bar and he is just a worker like anyone else. He didn’t get paid for those shifts, there is no contract, he was just helping me out.”
Star Pubs & Bars owns the Earl of Marchmont but leases it to an independent company to run as their own. A company spokesperson said: “We are taking this information and allegation seriously and are investigating the situation.”
By STAFF REPORTER
CAMPAIGNERS staged a protest outside Edinburgh City Chambers to call on Lothian Pension Fund to stop investing in fossil fuels.
The protest marked a year since The City of Edinburgh Council voted in favour of divestment, but the fund has not yet enacted the request.
Protesters say Lothian Pension Fund has at least £350 million invested in the fossil fuel industry - a significant increase from the £229 million investment it held when the research was last conducted in October 2021.
The fund is estimated to have investments worth £19 million in the French oil giant TotalEnergies. The group which protested with placards outside the council HQ, believe the fund is worsening the climate crisis and threatening human rights. TotalEnergies is developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), stretching 1444 km across Uganda and Tanzania.
Lothian Pension Fund pension holders from the Divest Lothian campaign, and other campaigns (including Global Justice Now) are photographed above protesting at the City Chambers.
John Hardy from Divest Lothian said:
“It’s extremely disappointing that as the climate crisis worsens, the Lothian Pension Fund has failed to follow the democratic will of the council to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are driving climate breakdown. In particular, their investments in TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline harms our climate and puts local communities and important ecosystems at risk.
“The Lothian Pension Fund needs to listen to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians and divest from all fossil fuel companies immediately.
“Our future is at stake, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.”
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
A US RESEARCH scientist walked in the steps of her forefathers during a specially arranged visit to 18th century Whitefoord House on The Royal Mile.
North Carolina-based Kim El can trace her family links to the historic Canongate home to Caleb Whitefoord, the only son of Colonel Charles Whitefoord, and cousin of third baronet Sir John Whitefoord - the original owner of Whitefoord House, which dates to 1769 and was designed by the King’s Master Mason.
The building is now owned by the Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), which organised the visit after Kim’s stepfather Donald L Barriger Jr wrote to the charity informing them she would be in Edinburgh attending a seminar.
The well-connected Whitefoord family had Robert Burns and Walter Scott within their social circle, and the multi-talented Caleb went on to become an eminent scholar, wine merchant, political satirist, diplomat and trusted friend of Benjamin Franklin - one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Caleb’s daughter Maria married Captain Malcolm Laing Smith, and in due course, they migrated to what is now Tasmania, Australia, and Kim’s family is descended from one of their children, Major Caleb John Lee Smith.
Colin Leslie, SVR Head of External Relations, said: “We invited Kim to Whitefoord House for a tour of the buildings and grounds, and gave her an insight into how our charity has provided accommodation and support to veterans since it was established here in 1910, a century after her ancestors had moved on.
“With so many military connections in her
ancestry, Kim was delighted to discover that Whitefoord House is now the location for a charity providing accommodation to exservicemen and women. She was thrilled to see that Sir John’s portrait hangs in the boardroom at Whitefoord to this day, and it was our pleasure to welcome a descendant of the Whitefoord family, and give her the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of her ancestors.”
After her emotional visit Kim said: “I am so grateful to everyone at SVR and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Whitefoord House, which allowed me to connect with a piece of my
ancestry. The sense of community radiated within SVR and also between SVR and surrounding communities. It was refreshing and I am delighted to know that the house has been put to such great use to serve veterans.”
Kim’s mother Dianne added: “When we learned how close Kim would be to Whitefoord House, Don was adamant that we should try to make contact. From my perspective, it was a chance to show my three daughters that there is truly a valid family connection for us all back to Scotland. This was a wonderful chance to bring to life at least one part of the larger family tree.”
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
RESIDENTS IN Canonmills are gathering themselves once more to fight plans to build student flats on a gap site behind their homes.
Developer CA Ventures has resubmitted plans not dissimilar to those refused permission by the Government Reporter earlier this year for the former Jewsons yard on Eyre Place Lane. The new plans reduce the scheme by two townhouses and three student bed spaces. But the residents say they have not run out of steam.
An appeal by the developer turned on “deemed refusal of the application in February 2023” as the council had not considered the original plans within a reasonable timescale. Opposition was fierce.
The Reporter refused the application by the student flat development company who have now regrouped and resubmitted another application - a surprise for their neighbours. The developers say the scheme has been revised in terms of “design, scale and massing”.
The application will be considered at a council hearing on 6 December when resident Scott Baxter will speak. He said: “There are around 50 more objectors than there were to the original applications - some 450 people. We were quite surprised by this and ready to accept that people might have lost impetus, but are all heartened to realise it is even more of an issue for residents.
“Our core action group feels the
By DONALD TURVILL Local Democracy Reporter
AN EDINBURGH library is to remain closed for the foreseeable future after it was discovered the ‘entire roof’ contains potentially dangerous crumbling concrete.
The council says inspections to determine which of its buildings contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) are “substantially complete”.
The bubbly, lightweight material linked to cases of collapsing roofs has been discovered in 12 operational properties owned by the authority including eight schools, none of which have had to completely close as a result.
The council is bracing for a huge bill to carry out all the necessary remedial works, with an update on the total costs expected early next year.
In Blackhall Library, one of the worst affected sites, surveys found that the “entire roof area” has RAAC.
COUNCIL REPORT
A council report said: “More detailed analysis is ongoing due to significant ceiling coverings and equipment that needs to be removed. The library will remain closed meantime,” officials said in a report to the Finance and Resources Committee. “The inspection of the council’s operational estate, for the identification of RAAC, is substantially complete.
“There are few areas, in a limited number of buildings that require specialist equipment and/or additional works to expose the structural elements and these are being worked through incrementally to finalise the inspections.”
developer has made as little change as possible, just to incorporate any issues the Reporter mentioned. They’re just trying to push through this proposal with little effort for maximum gain.”
Celine Sinclair, CEO of children’s charity, The Yard, a neighbour to the site, said:
“We are bitterly disappointed to learn that the potential for a major development of this nature is still being considered.
“The impact on local families has been well voiced and we have grave concerns in relation to health and safety of our children and families at The Yard.
“The site would be much better suited to residential housing. We are hopeful that planners will see sense.”
Partial roof replacements are required at Trinity and Cramond primary schools, where some pupils have been moved into temporary classroom units erected in the playground.
Also called siporex, the low-cost building material was widely used to construct roofs, walls and floors between the 1950s and 1990s.
But with a lifespan of around 30 years, there are now major concerns over the safety of buildings up and down the country, which promoted an eleventhhour decision by the UK Government to shut over 100 schools in England just before the new term began in September.
A motion passed by councillors in September noted all costs associated with RAAC were “unplanned and unbudgeted”. They warned as no additional funding has been announced by the Scottish Government the crisis “may result in cuts to other vital areas of council spending”.
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
PLEDGES BY FORMER Bross Bagels boss Larah Bross to reimburse crowdfunders who invested up to £1,000 each in her failed business have been branded as worthless.
More than £166,000 was raised by Bross Bagels in two rounds of crowdfunding but the so-called “Shareholers” who stumped up their hard-earned cash are unlikely to receive a penny after the business crashed with debts of more than £1 million.
In an apparent damage limitation exercise, Larah Bross wrote to Shareholers offering them a “free gift” of half-price bagels and said that honouring her commitment to crowdfunders was her priority.
But there are doubts over the legal status of the repayment offer as the debt remains with Bross Bagels Ltd - which is being investigated by the court appointed liquidators Interpath Ltdand Ms Bross’s new business Hot Mama Bagels Ltd will not be obliged to repay crowdfunders or a long list of creditors.
One Shareholer, who asked not to be named, said: “I don't think reassurance from the bold Mama counts for much anyway and it is all too little, too late. She should just stop this disingenuous, patronising nonsense and do the decent thing - pay the crowdfunders, the suppliers and the small businesses which
have been scammed.”
The woman told The Edinburgh Reporter that her family invested £1,000 in the first round of investment in November 2021 because they lived close to Portobello and wanted to support a local business.
She added: “At the time, the bagels were good and my kids were teenagers at the time and loved them and bought into the whole Bross Bagels social media thing. We felt we were supporting a local business to grow and thrive and it sounded like a fun investment, and of course you got your money back after four years.
“It turned out to be a big mistake and the old adage ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ springs to mind. It is a shoddy state of affairs, the poor suppliers were taken for a ride and the fact Bross Bagels did not pay student loan obligations is really scummy.”
Shortly after opening the new business Hot Mama Bagels messaged all crowdfunders stating: “Honouring the investment of our 148 Shareholers remains a priority. You will have now been offered a free bagel club membership to Hot Mama Bagels Ltd and a commitment that your investment will be returned. The priority and focus now is to grow Hot Mama Bagels into a thriving business and to meet these and all other responsibilities.
However, in a follow up email, Larah Bross had to clarify the offer, saying: “I'm very sorry
By GEORGE MAIR
THE UK’S ONLY giant pandas are now in training for the long journey from their home at Edinburgh back to China.
Fans of Yang Guang and Tian Tian - also known as Sunshine and Sweetie - have run out of time to say goodbye to the star attractions at Edinburgh Zoo who are no longer on show to the public.
for any confusion, when I referred to the ‘free membership with HMB’ I was talking about your initial bagel club investment with Bross Bagels Ltd which is now being honoured by HMB free of charge. And which we intend to payback when the 4 yrs of your membership comes to the end of its term”.
Another crowdfunder was a teenager who used money gifted to her on her 18th birthday to invest £1,000 and seriously doubts the repayment offer will be made good.
Now working in Australia, she said: “I had just turned 18, I didn’t know enough about shares to invest money in something which could increase or lose value but I had been a customer for a while and I wanted to support a local business which had managed to survive Covid.
“It is a lot of money to an 18-year-old and I thought it was a pretty safe bet and that I would get my money back in four years, but I am not holding my breath. It is very stressful dealing with something like this when you are at the other side of the world and the money I had invested could have paid for my fare home or as a back-up in an emergency.
“There are no guarantees she will repay our investments and I find it very difficult and frustrating that when you look on Bross’s social media it’s as if nothing has happened and for those that don’t know better it looks like everything is running as normal.”
Bross Bagels Ltd went into liquidation on 3 August with debts of £1.27 million, including £626,000 due to HM Inland Revenue. The Edinburgh Reporter revealed that just weeks before the business folded, Larah Bross sold the assets of the company for £18,000 to her newly formed business Hot Mama Bagels Ltd.
The new entity was forced to close its landmark unit at St James Quarter but it continues to trade in three Bross Bagels sites in Portobello, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield using the same marketing, social media and branding assets.
The Edinburgh Reporter asked Larah Bross of Hot Mama Bagels Limited for comment but she declined the opportunity.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the charity which operates the zoo, restricted access to the pandas’ enclosure as the pair prepare to return to China.
The wildlife conservation charity’s keepers are to “ready the bears for the journey home” in early December. This includes crate training to help transport the animals away from the zoo and on their charter flight as comfortably as possible.
The animals, which will be accompanied back to China by the Zoo’s panda team leader Alison Maclean, arrived in the Scottish capital in 2011 as part of an initial ten-year arrangement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. The RZSS later negotiated a two year extension to the end of this year.
David Field, RZSS Chief Executive, hailed the animals’ “incredible impact” during their 12 year stay in Scotland.
He said: “With more than a million species at risk of extinction and our natural world in crisis, Yang Guang and Tian Tian have had an incredible impact by inspiring millions of people to care about nature.
“That added interest in the pandas’ departure this year has allowed us to connect many more people with the conservation causes that RZSS is actively involved with, and with nature more generally.”
Yang Guang and Tian Tian became the first giant pandas in the UK for 17 years when their special Panda Express cargo plane touched down in Edinburgh in December 2011. The original loan agreement provided that RZSS paid the Chinese an annual “donation” of one million dollars - around £750,000 - amid hopes that the animals would provide an historic cub in Scotland.
Edinburgh’s star attractions will return to China without having any offspring, however, despite attempts at natural breeding and artificial insemination since 2013.
By STAFF REPORTER
THE NON-ALCOHOLIC brewery, Jump Ship has launched a court case claiming that Brewdog has caused “confusion and damage” to its brand.
The Edinburgh brewing giant used an image of the second release of Jump Ship’s product in their marketing. Jump Ship claim that this has been detrimental to their business and say that Brewdog has not responded to correspondence.
Jump Ship launched the first edition of ‘Shore Leave’ in the middle of last year.
Sonja Mitchell founder of Jump Ship said: “I am incredibly disappointed that despite contacting BrewDog directly, I have been forced down the legal route to defend all that I and my team have
built. We have put considerable investment into the development of our Shore Leave series of beers – from the creation of the beer itself to the branding, packaging and distribution. We cannot afford to lose that.
Jump Ship has developed a steadfast reputation for great tasting beers with ethics at our heart and this is what we’re seeking to protect.
“At the point where BrewDog launched its beer, Jump Ship was the only brewer in the UK market with a beer called Shore Leave in production. The basis of our claim is that BrewDog’s actions cause a
Lynch,
risk of confusion amongst our stockists and drinkers and this causes financial harm to our brand. This is a period of exciting and positive growth for Jump Ship with growing sales in the UK and beyond and this matter is one we’re keen to clear up.”
Sonja set up Jump Ship in 2019 and following an equity based crowdfunder a brewery will open at Rosemains in Pathhead later this year.
The number of employees has risen this year with a new full-time brewer, marketing manager and head of sales appointed. www.jumpship.beer
THREE MEMBERS of the cast of the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan are locals - Kieran Lynch is from Portobello and he plays Peter Pan. He said: “I went to the panto since I was 5 years old and watched Allan and Grant on stage. Now getting to be in it, in the rehearsal room, getting to fly to Neverland with them is amazing.”
Rebecca Stenhouse plays Tink and used to visit the panto with her school - St Mary’s RC in Leith - each year. Rebecca
used to teach Kieran how to dance and told us that “with a little pixie dust and some happy thoughts I can actually fly”. Staying with her folks while she is here is a definite advantage as well as looking forward to time at the Christmas market and meeting up with friends.
Robyn Whyte is a new graduate from the Urdang Academy in London, and studied at the Central School of Ballet in South Queensferry. She previously appeared in
the ensemble in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Jason Manford at the Festival Theatre in 2016. She said that on the first night of the panto run her family had booked the entire front row of the stalls to give her their support. She said: “It is lovely to be here in Edinburgh. I really have been made to feel welcome by all the cast.”
And panto favourite Clare Gray is back once more, with Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless playing the Pirate Crew.
By KIRSTY LEWIN
MANY PEOPLE IN Edinburgh are now travelling to Europe for their holidays by train, often with bikes, to avoid flying and to enjoy a slower, more interesting, and pleasurable journey. It can seem daunting if you haven’t done it before. In October I travelled alone to Portugal with my Brompton, a fold up bike, by train, ferry, and bus. It took around 76 hours but was a fantastic trip. The beauty of a fold up bike is that it doesn’t need booked onto trains or buses. It’s treated as luggage if it’s covered or bagged. It’s also useful in the event of a train replacement bus service as many bus companies will refuse to take a nonfoldable bike without a box or bag.
I started my planning with The Man in Seat 61 website - a brilliant resource which provides information about UK, European and worldwide train travel. I looked at various options from Edinburgh to Lisbon, most of which involved two overnight stays in hotels on the way. These were expensive, so I looked at further options using the Trainline and ferry websites. The great thing about Trainline is that you can also book buses through it where there are no useful train options.
The long-distance ferries don’t go every day, so it took a bit of juggling but eventually I settled on a route. This involved cycling to Waverley station from Portobello, getting the train to London, cycling across London, getting the train to Portsmouth, taking the ferry to Santander, getting the train to Madrid, taking the metro across Madrid, catching the night bus to Lisbon, travelling on the metro across Lisbon, and finally getting a bus to Ericeira on the coast. It may sound complicated but it was easy and fun, even with an unexpected bus replacement on part of the route.
The most expensive segment was on Brittany Ferries to Santander. As it’s a two-night trip I needed a bed so had to reserve a four-bed cabin. However, that expense was more than made up for by the £8 ticket for the night bus from Madrid to Lisbon. The highlight of this epic trip was having the ORCA charity on-board the ferry and spotting dolphins around the boat. You won’t see that on a plane.
By STAFF REPORTER
ADAM CUSACK SAYS that getting Buddy Dog Sam is “the best thing we’ve ever done”.
The 20-year-old from Musselburgh lives with sight loss and other health conditions, and he was assisted by Guide Dogs UK and the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery in the life-changing move. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £6 million for Guide Dogs since 2018, helping them transform lives through numerous projects and services just like the Buddy Dogs’ service.
Adam now has an incredible companion and he is said to have flourished, growing in confidence and independence.
When Adam was three years old, he contracted Meningitis, a rare, combined strain of Haemophilus Influenza B and D. He was put in an induced coma for two weeks to aid his recovery, but incurred a brain injury which impacted his optic nerve. He lost 25% of his eyesight on the bottom left quadrant of each eye and suffers other conditions, such as epilepsy, as a result.
Growing up, Adam adapted well to his sight loss. But, despite that, his conditions impacted his life, and from the ages of around 10 to 17, he became more insular and isolated.
His family heard about the Guide Dogs’ Buddy Dog service which matches children, young people and families with a dog.
Buddy dogs are former trainee guide dogs that have had a career change. They are pet
dogs who support children and young people in building confidence and trust and provide companionship. During the time that Adam’s family applied for a buddy dog, the service was fully funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
In December 2021, when Adam was aged 18, Guide Dogs introduced the family to yellow Labrador cross golden retriever Sam. There was an immediate bond between Adam and Sam. Frank, Adam’s dad, said: “Having Sam has transformed every facet of our family. Adam has a dog he looks after, which has increased
his confidence and independence.”
In 2022, Adam suffered a health setback. His condition caused several seizures, which compromised his central nervous system. He was in severe pain, needing hospital treatment, and was confined to a wheelchair for a couple of months. During this time, Sam would rest his head on Adam to try and comfort him. Frank said, “Without Sam’s friendship throughout that period, Adam would be significantly more damaged. Sam provides an emotional point for Adam to anchor himself to. And physically, he’s also better off now being more mobile.”
Adam said: “He’s changed my life for the better. When I was unwell, he helped by just being there for me and comforting me. We always say that getting Sam is the best thing we’ve ever done.”
Robbie Campbell, Buddy Dog Service Lead at Guide Dogs commented, “The bond between Adam and Sam has been incredible from the start. Sam has really supported Adam through some difficult times, which has been great for his physical and mental wellbeing. Having Sam has bought a lot of laughter to the family life.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players have been able to support such a wonderful Guide Dogs service. It’s great to know that buddy dogs provide children and young people with sight loss like Adam much-needed emotional support and build confidence and trust at such a crucial stage in their lives.”
THE TENNIS coaching programme Edinburgh Tennis raised more than £1,500 for the Edinburgh Food Project while hosting more than 90 players at their Birthday Party.
Tennis coaches Michael Millar and Finn Mclean staged a series of fun games, activities and mini
tournaments for players of all ages and abilities at Merchiston Castle School's tennis dome.
Pizza company Civerino's supplied the pizza to keep everyone's energy levels topped up. Michael said “We’ve run this event for six years now and this
has been the biggest turnout ever! Whilst it is my birthday, I love that the party can bring together so many keen players from all the different areas of tennis for such an important cause. Sport can be such a powerful tool for good and I want to pass that message
By STAFF REPORTER
VALENCIA COMMUNITIES Trust has stepped in to help replace the leaky church hall roof at St Peter’s Lutton Place, hoping that many local people will benefit each week.
Congregation and other community users are celebrating the award of grants from two trusts - £25,000 from Valencia Communities Trust and £3,000 from Benefact Trust which will help pay for a new roof on the large, well used hall just off South Clerk Street.
St Peter’s Rector, Rev Nick Wills said: “We are so grateful to Valencia Community Trust and Benefact Trust.
“Hundreds of people from our church and wider community meet here every week. Over recent years our congregation has invested a lot of money ourselves into refurbishing our hall and rooms. They are now accessible and a resource for many different community organisations.”
The current hall was built in 1937 to replace an older 19th century hall on the site. The extensive halls and meeting rooms at Lutton Place have been upgraded in recent years to be more energy efficient and comfortable.
Mark Denholm from Pinnacle Roofing specialists, who won the competitive tender to renew and upgrade the roof said: “The new slate is of a heritage style, over an improved, modern ventilation system. This re roof should serve well in the years to come.”
Kate Langer, Tailor Ed Foundation, runs a playgroup for children with autism and their families at St Peter’s Hall. She said:
on to the players.” Edinburgh Tennis is a partnership of Michael and Finn’s coaching expertise, offering tuition to juniors and adults who are playing at all levels from total beginners to county and even national level. www.edinburghtennis.com
“The hall works well for the families we support. It is a good size for children who may be feeling anxious. It is also warm, pleasant and accessible in a central location, convenient for many of the families that we work with. So many families we work with, find it difficult to access a safe space with activities appropriate for their kids. At St Peter’s they can come and know their kids will have fun and parents can relax a little.
Parents have also really benefitted from networks created at these sessions.”
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. One of our stockists.
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 a compostable envelope. Or donate a subscription to a friend as a Christmas gift. The gift which keeps on giving. 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
Subscribe today and have your own copy of The Edinburgh Reporter delivered to your front door from next month - in a compostable envelope. Or donate a subscription to a friend as a Christmas gift. The gift which keeps on giving long after December ter.ooo.subscribe
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
A specialist importer of boutique fine wines from Italy. Carefully hand-picked award-winning wines of premium quality sourced from winemakers direct. Oleg and Elvira visit every vineyard. Free UK delivery - same day delivery to Edinburgh available. independent.wine
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
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
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
Love Your Business networking club is relaxed, informal and good fun, and is 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
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 our 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 and see for yourself how much they’ve taken off in their regular sales. Bag a bargain in store at 44 Dundas Street or online - all will be parcelled up with gorgeous turquoise ribbon and tissue. 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
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
A CAPITAL PR agency has been recognised for its commitment to long term excellence and creativity on behalf of its clients.
The team at Leith-based Holyrood PR celebrated with a double haul of Golds when the industry’s CIPR PRide Awards made a return to an in-person award for the first time in four years.
The 12-strong agency, which has been operating in Edinburgh for 21 years, won Gold for Best Long-term Campaign (with the national Learn to Swim programme) and Best Long-Term Client Care (with walking charity, Paths for All).
Scott Douglas, Managing Director, said: “The PRide awards featured two categories dedicated to delivering long-term value to clients and for us to win them both is an outstanding result.
“We fight for our clients and work tirelessly to keep the work that we do fresh, imaginative and inspiring. More than half of our clients have worked with us for more than three years and it is testament to this approach and our team for buying into it.”
Holyrood PR works with a hosts of blue chip clients and household names, including Scottish Water, Cala Homes, Mackie’s of Scotland, Musselburgh Racecourse and Capability Scotland.
The Best Long-term Campaign award recognised the agency’s work in creating Scotland’s “generation swim” as part of the innovative and hugely successful Learn to Swim programme. Created in partnership with Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming, the project has seen more than 100,000 Scottish youngsters take part in vital swimming lessons.
Holyrood PR was also recognised for Best Long-term Client Care in recognition of its work with national charity Paths for All to help Change Scotland’s attitude to walking.
As well as the two Gold awards, Holyrood PR also claimed a Silver, when Account Manager Fergus Robb was runner up in the prestigious Young Communicator of the Year category.
Holyrood PR staff have won the sought-after prize on four occasions since 2008.
In total, Holyrood PR was shortlisted in seven separate categories at the PRide Awards. The others included Best Corporate Communications Campaign; Best Healthcare and/or Wellbeing Campaign; Best Integrated Campaign and Best Use of Media Relations.
The latest Gold awards mean that the highly successful PR agency has now secured wins in at least 17 different PR award categories.
A PUBLIC AFFAIRS agency is due to announce five hires in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, adding to its 60-strong team of employees and associates.
Aspect has opened an office Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, its first since relocating its Aberdeen headquarters last November.
The new Edinburgh office is led by public affairs and stakeholder engagement director, Peter Smyth, who was one of the remaining team at Indigo PR when it closed in June.
Reporting to founder and CEO Andrew McCallum, Mr Smyth sits on the Aspect leadership team with Yvonne McCallum, company director, Jenny Adams, marketing director, Leona Minellas, communication director, and Ewan Duthie, digital director.
Mr McCallum said: “Establishing an office in Edinburgh is a major milestone in Aspect’s growth journey and a proud moment for our talented team who are the driving force behind our continued success which will see a 50% increase in year-on-year top line growth in 2023.”
This article was first published by the Daily Business news website.
www.dailybusinessgroup.co.uk
COX & CO, Scotland’s first property investment house, has expanded its operation to include an estate agency division.
The new arm of the Edinburghbased business has five brokers offering a service that owner John Cox claims is similar to the US realtor or ‘Dubai property agent.
The team comprises property professionals Moni Tagore, Jenny Purves, Andrew Cramond, Mantas Lozys and the recently-appointed director of sales, Judy Shields.
Mr Cox said: “To be able to offer a bespoke estate agency proposition in Edinburgh & the Lothians and beyond is a hugely exciting development for the business and it is only the start as there are plans for extensive growth over the next two years to cover the majority of Scotland.
“The aim is to keep growing across the central belt over the next 12 months, by which time we will have doubled our team of property brokers to 10. Ultimately, I’m looking at creating 20 jobs over the next two years as we extend our reach.”
The move comes just two years after Mr Cox became majority shareholder of the business, which was set up in 2014 through the amalgamation of two family companies – his father’s mortgage brokerage and his own jointlyowned letting agency.
The firm now has more than 300 properties under management with the majority of landlords holding portfolios.
This article was first published by the Daily Business news website. www.dailybusinessgroup.co.uk
INVESTMENT into Edinburgh’s commercial property market has nudged ahead of the total for the whole of last year, according to analysis by Knight Frank. It found that £596 million of deals have been completed so far this year, which compares with £555m for the 12 months of 2022.
Retail property is on course for its best performance since 2017, up 70% with £170m changing hands in the year to date. Among the retail assets in Edinburgh to trade hands during 2023 are Craigleith Retail Park and Corstorphine Retail Park. High profile transactions include Argyle House, near Edinburgh Castle, which fetched £38m in one of the biggest office deals of the year.
Hotels have also been an active sector in Edinburgh, with £114m worth of deals. The figure is the second highest in the last five years, after 2021’s £196m.
Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria was acquired in July and several properties on St Andrew Square have been purchased for redevelopment to hotels Institutional buyers have been behind 41% of investment volumes in the city during 2023, with international investors representing another 37%.
Edinburgh accounts for around 46% of total investment in Scottish commercial property this year.
This article was first published by the Daily Business news website. www.dailybusinessgroup.co.uk
TWO SCOTTISH communications agencies – Pagoda PR and Denvir Marketing – have joined forces and created FullSpark to offer a range of services.
It will combine public affairs and media relations, brand development, digital marketing and web design, and formalises a long-standing partnership.
The agencies will continue to operate separately under their ownerships while offering the full suite of services through the FullSpark partnership.
Angela Casey, managing director of Edinburgh-based Pagoda PR, described it as an “exciting development”.
Chris George, managing director of Denvir, added: “We have been working with Pagoda for a number of years, and we’re thrilled to be formalising our relationship.” Denvir was established 20 years ago just three years after Pagoda.
This article was first published by the Daily Business news website.
www.dailybusinessgroup.co.uk
West End boutique establishment offers a convenient place to stay – and it smells nice
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
CAROLINE AND Nick Claydon bought former offices at Stafford Street and after a complete makeover the one-time Georgian townhouse has become an elegant family owned 15-room hotel in the West End. The Edinburgh Reporter caught up with Caroline as a last minute flurry of activity was taking place in the background with carpets being laid and furniture placed in position .
Caroline explained she had been helped in the design by Claire Johnston from I Am Nomad design in Glasgow and every room will have one of four different colour themes.
Claire has sourced bespoke furniture for every room. Caroline said that as well as the four different colour schemes there will be a separate colour scheme in the hallway.
MODERN FEATURES
This is a hotel with a number of differentiating features. There will for example be no welcome staff as everything is based on a set of systems - including the heating in bedrooms which will run according to the people in the room, and not simply on the numbers on the thermostats. With no reception staff hotel guests will be able to come and go as they please which Caroline said is what they find visitors want.
She explained: "My husband Nick and I have been investing in property since 2008 first in buy to let with properties which were made available as social housing, then HMOs down south for students, charities and young professionals.
“Then we got the chance to buy a guesthouse in Southport and thought it would be interesting to try that. We cut our teeth down there and really enjoyed it, but were a bit intimidated to enter the property market in Edinburgh.
“We were fortunate - there were ten other offers for the property even though it was squint and falling down. They accepted our offer because of our track record and then we started the planning process which was quite horrific at times.
"There have been lots of bumps in the road but we are looking forward to opening on Stafford Street - just as long as the water is ever connected. We are going for a soft opening and will open to the public just before the beginning of December."
She continued: "We want to bring as much
business to the West End as possible and there are a number of businesses there who are open to collaborate with us - although we are very much the new kid on the block.
“Occupancy levels should be at 80% - we have 15 double rooms so we only need 30 people. But it is hundreds of extra people who will come to the area to shop.”
There will be a hotel manager appointed at Eleven Stafford Street but nobody will actually be on site.
The rooms only hotel has a range of ensuite accommodation from "intimate cozy doubles to spacious signature rooms". All are kitted out with high end features such as a GHD Air hairdryer (although hairdresser Charlie Miller is handily right next door). There are luxury robes and a De Longhi pod coffee machine in each room.
If available then all fifteen rooms can be booked together for a special occasion.
The couple’s first hotel in Southport and this one will soon be joined by a second Edinburgh
address at Leith Links where there is another town house which is just waiting to be converted. Both Edinburgh addresses will be very accessible as they are close to tram and bus routes as well as shops and restaurants.
Caroline is born and bred in Edinburgh and told us that her great grandfather was once the sergeant at the Leith police station. Her family are from Leith, so it is a bit sentimental having a part of their business in Leith.
Identifying what sets their business apart Caroline said that they have deliberately targeted whole townhouses in the capital.
She said: "I was quoted by a property agent that there are only about 40 whole townhouses left in the New Town. We were keen to keep Stafford Street as one house. We want it to be really accessible and our research showed that people want the self check in and check out. People definitely rank hairdryers high up on their wish list so that is why we have gone for a bit of luxury with the GHD dryers
With designer furnishings Caroline felt it
needed its own bespoke range of hand made Scottish products.
That is where Nadine Pierce came in. Nadine is the founder of Pentland Aromatics in Nine Mile Burn who makes soaps, skincare and fragrance products with an emphasis on high quality scents that reflect the essence of nature.
Caroline explained: "We have combined the experience of an Edinburgh townhouse with all its features like cornicing and all of that, but have systemised everything else. So we have combined two worlds and to make everything a bit bespoke I wanted to have our own product range where guests can “Shop their Stay”.
“Everyone has commented on the mattresses we use in our other property saying they are "ridiculously comfortable".
“Then I got to thinking that people might like to buy the robes which we provide. It evolved from there and I reached out through Edinburgh Gossip Girls (egg) and I met Nadine - who I had met before when I was in recruitment.
“Nadine was the only one who could spend the time and energy coming up with a scent that I liked and she put together a whole range of hand and body wash, hand and body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. We have four products and these will all be branded specially for the hotel.”
Nadine was delighted by the commission. She said: "Caroline had posted on the egg Facebook group looking to source the hotel products from a local business and a number of people had recommended me (which was nice!).
"I didn't actually have some of the things in my range that she was looking for and she was struggling to find products she liked.
“We got chatting and she saw an opportunity for me to create a range for her, I wasn't going to turn that down.
"That was back in April, and the first thing was to get a signature fragrance sorted as well as start on the product development.
"Let's just say it's been an insane learning curve for me and at times, I was thinking she'd have to go with an off-the-shelf range, but we got there and I'm now in production ready for the hotel opening. I am really excited to see it all come to fruition."
stay@elevenstaffordstreet.co.uk elevenstaffordstreet.com
By Charlie Ellis
ROSEBURN HAS, in recent years, been the focus of some degree of public controversy. The City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) has caused a degree of disruption and disgruntlement. With roadworks now finished, can this area now recover?
One thing that brings people to an area are good shops and cafés.
Roseburn Terrace has three cafés, representing different eras of coffee. The Roseburn Café is a well established ‘greasy spoon’, while Vigo is characteristic of cafés common in the 1990s and early 2000s. Vigo serves traditional Italian style espresso, dark and strong. On the other side of the road Disposition Coffee represents the contemporary coffee scene, serving excellent Third Wave coffee. Opened in 2022, the shop was previously Ruth Davidson’s constituency office and prior to that a branch of Spar - and before that a restaurant. It’s evidence of change in the area.
Disposition has a strong connection with the highly regarded Machina Espresso coffee bar and roastery who supply their beans. Recent highlights include the fruity Nyabirongo, from
the Ugandan Rwenzori Mountains. As an espresso it is balanced and smooth with distinct notes of blood orange, toffee, and marmalade.
The coffees I’ve had there have been consistently good, with plenty of character. My most recent visit was on a sunny Sunday morning. The place was packed, with all seats taken. This meant that some customers had to take their coffee out. Luckily, Roseburn is, in terms of quiet walks through the city, one of the best situated places. It sits on a connection point between the ex-railway paths (remnants of the old Murrayfield Station are evident in the undergrowth), and the Water of Leith Walkway.
From Roseburn Cliff, walkers and cyclists can enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the walkway, taking them to the Gallery of Modern Art. Going out of town, the walkway takes you through Roseburn Park, past Murrayfield Stadium and to one of the ‘hidden gems’ of Edinburgh: the restored and improved walled garden at Saughton Park. Soon this area will be even better connected with a new link between the Union Canal towpath
6 Disentangle (7)
1 Astute (6)
4 Empty space (6)
9 eg a tele (anag) (7) 10 Lay to rest (5)
11 Authorisation (3-2)
12 Dish of grated potato (5)
13 Chairperson’s ultimate power — Scott gave in (anag) (7,4)
18 Tiny bit (of comfort?) (5)
20 Place to 10 someone (5)
22 Get a whiff of (5) 23 Foul-smelling (7) 24 Tucks in clothing (6)
25 That’s concerning! (2,4)
and the path junction at Russell Road. Disposition Coffee shares the premises with Hordeum Botanical Studio. This coffee and plants combination has become increasingly common and the foliage helps create a really lovely environment in which to enjoy your coffee. Disposition says their ‘space is one in which to relax, be present with yourself and others and fully appreciate the moment’. This may be true on a quiet day, but perhaps not at the weekend when it soon fills up. In addition to specialty coffee, Disposition serves a range of teas and tempting baking. For brunch, they offer a range of tasty grilled sandwiches, including a aubergine parm. They’ve introduced the Bertha sandwich, combining Company Bakery sourdough, with chorizo iberico, mature cheddar, artichoke, truffle acacia honey & aioli.
Disposition is a great new addition to the specialty coffee scene and a top spot to visit during, or prior to, a wander along the many wonderful paths that converge near it.
Disposition Coffee 29 Roseburn Terrace EH12 5NQ
1 One attracts attention when making one (6) 2 Kind of football (5) 3 Lacking (7) 5 Imperfectly (5)
7 Demand for a particular product (6)
8 Fabric pattern (from a fish?) (11)
14 Impute (7)
15 In fashion (7)
16 Talk about people’s private lives (6)
17 Surface gloss (6)
19 Not suitable (5)
21 Make up (for) (5)
SOLUTIONS
ROB BRETT’S Ondine Oyster and Grill are offering Ondine at Home this year.
Deliveries will be made on Saturday 23 December only.
A spokesperson said: “We don’t want you to miss out on any of our classic dishes that we have created over the last 15 years, so we thought that we should make them available for you to enjoy at home this Christmas.”
This will be a pick-up service only at Ondine restaurant, and
last orders must be placed by Thursday 21 December.
To order now contact enquiries@ondinerestaurant.co.uk
IT SEEMS NO SOONER does one restaurant or food and drink establishment door close in Edinburgh then others are waiting in the wings to take their place.
Some recent casualties include the fabulous Aurora on Edinburgh’s Great Junction Street, which has recently announced that it will be closing its doors on 31 December as it prepares to ‘make room for more adventures’ after seven years of service.
I hope this won’t be the last we hear from Kamil and his team – the meal I had there was one of my standouts in 23 years of dining across the city – innovative, inventive, and out of this world. They will be sadly missed.
The owner of sandwich shop ‘Fed’ on Forth Street, is now up for sale as the owner prepares to move on, after building up an “excellent reputation” in the capital.
A new cocktail bar, 63rd + 1st on Frederick Street which made a brief appearance for just over a year, has been replaced by Rosa’s Thai, a
new concept of Thai dining, which opened its doors last month.
What was once the nightclub Bourbon on Frederick Street has now been replaced with a new late-night bar Freddy’s with live music and DJs and an extensive cocktail selection.
SPECTACULAR AND LAVISH
Caledonian Heritable, which owns the Dome and Archerfield has opened Encore in the West End. Described as ‘spectacular and lavish’, this late-night speakeasy sits below the West End Brasserie on Hope Street. Encore echoes the Parisian vibe, taking inspiration from Paris’s Moulin Rouge and La République district, and promises a range of “vivid, playful drinks” and a signature menu of Scottish and French classics.
And exciting news recently announced and something to look forward to in the new year is RUSK & RUSK’s Spanish Butcher, famed for its distinctive Galicia meets Brooklyn set up, is due to take on a starring role on North Castle Street in spring 2024.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of whisky. Ever since I won the Best Reader’s Recipe at the Observer Food Monthly Awards in 2016 for my Whisky, Orange, and Almond Cake (yes, I’m still dining out on that accolade), I’ve been on a mission to try to get all my friends to appreciate Scotland’s national drink.
I was recently invited by Glenmorangie to step into its technicolour world at their Wonder Hotline, an immersive pop-up which was in residence at St James Quarter for three days only.
Transforming a classic British phone box into an imaginative whisky adventure, decorated in
Glenmorangie’s bold signature orange, saturated even more with a kaleidoscopic of colour, the experience was great fun. We were invited to strike a pose in the seriously Instagrammable orange phone box.
A Glenmorangie coin was dispensed which I then exchanged for a ‘Decadent Old Fashioned’ made with Glenmorangie Lasanta, which is aged for 12 years, and is finished with a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. It was full of Christmas flavour.
Signalling the start of Glenmorangie’s countdown as they bring in the festive season across some of
the capital’s top bars with a measure of deliciousness, a dash of wonder and a journey of intrigue, they certainly transformed an everyday experience into a magical moment.
While the pop-up experience may be over, you can still join in with the fun with a Glenmorangie cocktail as 20 of the city’s best bars get ready for the capital’s season of celebrations.
Malones Leith brings touch of the Irish with oyster and Guinness nights
are not for you either there are other
From the hidden gem, Nightcap (a particular favourite of mine), to the playful sophistication of Commons Club and the relaxed fun of Eve, both at Virgin Hotel, there are delicious and wonderful Glenmorangie cocktails out there to enthuse your senses.
‘Hotel of the Year’ unveils a new mouth-watering offering for the Christmas period
By PHYLLIS STEPHEN
SCOTLAND’S ‘Hotel of the Year’ has unveiled a mouth-watering new ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ that will be served daily from 1 until 23 December.
Luxury floating hotel Fingal was crowned ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24’ by the internationally recognised Automobile Association (AA) earlier this year.
Permanently berthed on the Leith waterfront, Fingal provides a classic setting for diners to enjoy afternoon tea, with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage.
Open to non-residents for Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of eight self-contained private dining booths for small pre-booked groups.
Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by the ship’s past.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has a relaxed feel and huge floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the views.
2 DECEMBER - Sing-a-long Saturday Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without music. From carols and hymns to the race to number one, Edinburgh’s Christmas has a weekend of singing. Feel festive and sing along with some of Edinburgh’s best contemporary choirs to everyone’s favourite Christmas hits.
3 DECEMBER - Nativity Carol Concert with Edinburgh Churches Together. Enter into the Christmas spirit with the Nativity Carol Concert from Edinburgh Churches Together. Join voices with a number of church choirs and sing along with traditional Christmas carols and hymns, backed by music from the Salvation Army Band. Ministers from Edinburgh’s churches will lead prayers and religious messages before gathering to bless the Nativity scene on the top path of West Princes Street Gardens.
Available daily from 12.30pm until 3.30pm in the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar, Fingal’s galley team have created the new ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ to offer guests and non-residents one of the most decadent and dainty of British traditions in a world-class culinary destination with a nautical twist.
Savoury highlights of the new ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ menu include Fingal’s hot smoked salmon quiche, brie, sage and onion
arancini and marinated crayfish cocktail, Bloody Mary. Anyone with a sweet tooth can indulge in a Drambuie macaron, Pain d’épice with cardamom frosting, dark chocolate and orange confit tart, as well as praline and coconut snowballs.
Re-launched as a luxury hotel in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just a short walk away.
Fingal’s new ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ menu is priced at £55 per person and £70 per person for the extra special Champagne Afternoon Tea. www.fingal.co.uk
9 DECEMBER - Santa Paws. Bring the whole family together this Christmas with Edinburgh’s Christmas Santa Paws day. Dress up your four-legged little helpers in their sparkly best with a pet-parade and fun and games throughout the day.
10 DECEMBER - 2.5k Santa Fun Run raising cash for children’s charity When you Wish Upon a Star. Stockbridge Pipeband will help walkers and runners on their way.
www.edinburgh-christmas.com
SARAH WOOD
PROJECT PARADISE
Fruitmarket Warehouse 09.12.23–21.01.23. 11am–6pm daily
THIS WINTER from 9 December to 21 January, the Fruitmarket Warehouse plays host to Sarah Wood’s film Project Paradise inspired by the Black and White Oil Conference organised by Richard Demarco, CBE, in Edinburgh in 1974 at which Joseph Beuys and Buckminster Fuller both spoke.
The conference took place in the context of the imminent exploitation of oil and natural gas in the North Sea. It posed a number of questions and made observations frighteningly relevant now as we try to find ways to combat climate change, mitigate its ravages and keep any fossil fuels underground.
In a letter preparing for the event, Demarco asked Beuys: “Can the experience of art help? Can the artist play a role? Can the artist make sacred the
land and the waters around the Scottish coasts so that they will not be exploited? Have we a visionary artist who can do for Scotland what Constable did for England and make sacred what is called landscape country, and no doubt safe, for the moment anyway, from the hands of developers?”
Some 50 years on, Wood’s film examines the idea of Paradise as a way of talking about how we relate to nature now as often something simply to commodify. She argues that
our current panic about resources is about the end of an era rather than the end of the planet. Instead, the film invites viewers to open up thought and imagine how we might want to live in the future. Projected as a portal into the floor of the warehouse, Project Paradise invites midwinter audiences to gather round the light of the image and come together as participants in the reimagining of a new way of living in the world.
www.fruitmarket.co.uk
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
PORTOBELLO’S VELVET Easel Gallery is celebrating a decade of promoting Scottish artists with a new Tenth Anniversary exhibition.
Since opening its doors in 2013, the gallery has established itself within the growing art scene in Edinburgh and developed a reputation for its curated mixed exhibitions which predominantly feature Scottish artists.
Each exhibition also offers a range of affordable ceramics, sculpture, glass and jewellery, and as a member of the Own Art Scheme the gallery is making art more accessible to everyone, whether it is a first time purchase or an addition to an expanding art collection.
Velvet Easel owner, Jane Grant, said: “We have a regular group of artists who exhibit with us all year round, including Garry Harper, Jackie Henderson, Ian Neill, Catriona Millar, Cherylene Dyer, Amanda Owenson, Alan Richmond, Amanda Phillips, and Louise Marks (to name a
few). They are all very skilled in their field, some with an international reputation, their work sells well and they are all Scottish or based in Scotland.
“In each exhibition, I also try to take on two or three new artists. For some of them, it’s their first time showing in any gallery and we are always keen to support and encourage emerging artists. Recent examples would be Morven Ferguson and Zuzanna Salamon - who has gone on to be selected for the Royal Academy exhibitions two summers in a row.
“We have introduced an affordable range of glass, jewellery, gifts and ceramics etc. This was to help us through the Covid crisis, and I think it has served us well as we have a much larger footfall in the gallery, with lots of locals who have never previously set foot in the place who are now regular faces.”
The Velvet Easel Gallery, 298 Portobello High Street – Tenth Anniversary exhibition until 28 January. www.velveteasel.co.uk
3RD
In 1894, Edinburgh-born author Robert Louis Stevenson died in Samoa, at the age of 44.
7TH
In 2002, in the evening, a fire started above the Belle Angele nightclub off the Cowgate; it swept up through the eight-storey structure to other buildings on Cowgate and above it on South Bridge; it took more than a day for the fire, to be brought under control,
and several days for it to be completely extinguished; thankfully no lives were lost.
19TH
In 1887, Rumford Medal-winning Leith-born scientist Balfour Stewart died during a journey from Scotland to his estates in Ireland.
21ST In 1965, Stuart Mitchell, Scottish pianist and composer, best known for his Seven Wonders Suite, was
EACH YEAR Capital
Theatres invite more than 600 children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) to enjoy a relaxed performance of the pantomime, and this year will be in early December.
A spokesperson for the theatre company said: “Pantomime is one of Britain’s greatest festive traditions and Capital Theatres believe everyone should be given the opportunity to enjoy the magical childhood experience.
“Due to additional needs, pantomime and indeed theatre generally, is largely inaccessible for children who attend ASN schools and the relaxed panto is often their only theatre experience.”
The term relaxed means a less formal performance, and includes a dialling down of sound and light, (roving lights which might be shone at the audience will most
born in Edinburgh. And in 1989, Edinburgh’s City Bypass was completed.
27TH
In 1794, Major Alexander Gordon Laing, the first European to reach Timbuktu via the north/ south route, was born in Edinburgh.
The complete list of all events in November can be viewed on: theedinburghreporter.co.uk
likely not be used), but it may also affect the script or the content of the panto.
Some teachers may be invited to watch a performance beforehand to assess if there are any trigger points which would impact on the young audience.
Those invited will, for example, include children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.
It is possible to offer the free tickets for the relaxed performance thanks to support from Cash for Kids, and there are also some free tickets for children with care experience and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. All members of the audience are invited along with a carer or teacher.
This is a performance which the cast and crew at Capital Theatres enjoy a great deal. Usually there are around a dozen ushers
working at each performance, but for this one day around 25 volunteers from all areas of the company come forward to swell that number. Each school is then assigned one member of the front of house team to look after them exclusively during their visit to the theatre.
The auditorium is made to feel quite different as the house lights are not fully dimmed as they would be for other performances.
Some young people can find it too intimidating to be in full darkness, and it allows anyone who might need to get up and walk around to do so more easily. There are few expectations of “proper” audience behaviour - and keeping quiet and still is certainly not one of them.
Children and carers are able to feel relaxed, free to make noise, move around, be themselves and enjoy the pantomime in a way that really suits their needs.
by fire
New Year’s Day punters at Musselburgh will be given the chance to win membership golden ticket
By STEPHEN RAFFERTY
NEW YEAR’S DAY first footers at Musselburgh Racecourse will have a chance to win a Golden Ticket which secures an annual Grandstand Membership to 24 of the East Lothian course’s 2024 race meetings.
Musselburgh’s New Year’s Day meeting is one of Scotland’s largest sporting events held on 1 January and it is heading for a 6,000-plus sell out attendance. The £100,000 fixture of competitive jumps racing includes the £40,000 feature race, the Auld Reekie Handicap Stakes, and the £30,000 Hogmaneigh Hurdle.
To celebrate the New Year, 24 envelopes with fantastic prizes will be hidden around the course - with one containing a Golden Ticket which provides priority entry and exclusive grandstand viewing and tickets to other race days throughout the year.
Aisling Johnston, Marketing Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “We are beginning 2024 with a flying start and promise to keep the festive fun going well past the bells. Each year we are adding exciting and fun elements to this day, perfect for a postChristmas get-together that has something for everyone.
By CALLUM NAPIER
AFTER WINNING their last two matches, Hibs have shown a different side to their game ahead of a testing run of fixtures in December.
Sandwiched between home games against Aberdeen and Hearts at the beginning and end of the month are four away trips in a row. Prior to the last home fixture against Kilmarnock, Hibs were on a run of seven without a win. Nick Montgomery said: “I’ve been really happy with the improvements we’ve made.
“Now I just want to continue to push forward and turn some of these draws into wins.”
Since then, they have ground out victories against difficult opponents in Kilmarnock and Dundee.
“The Golden Ticket hunt is a new and exciting addition to what will be a fantastic start to the year and eagle-eyed guests have a chance to win entry to all of our exciting race days over the next 12 months.”
The racecourse is making it easier for racegoers and revellers to join the celebrations, putting on “first footer” ticketed bus travel from Penicuik, Dalkeith, Galashiels, Gorebridge, Dunbar, Haddington and central Edinburgh to ferry guests to and from the East Lothian venue.
Aisling added: “New Year’s Day is one big party at Musselburgh and I would encourage people to get their tickets soon to avoid disappointment, as the event usually sells out
and we predict this year will be no different.”
The entertainment continues off the track in the heated Highland Fling Marquee with live music from Kilter Ceilidh Band and the marquees will have TV screens showing all the racing action.
Gates open at 10.30am, provisional times for the first and last race are 12.25pm and 3.20pm. www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/fixtures
A turn in fortunes for Portuguese youngster Jair Tavares has coincided with Hibs’ recent form. The 22-year-old was exiled under previous management but has flourished since the arrival of Montgomery, scoring two goals in four games, and putting in a man of the match performance against Dundee. Tavares and Hibs will look to continue their run of victories as they approach the hectic festive footballing period.
By CALLUM NAPIER
WHEN WELSHMAN Dylan Levitt signed for Hibs in the summer, he would not have predicted such a disruptive start to his career down at Easter Road.
His first competitive game was the disastrous UEFA Conference League defeat to Andorran minnows Inter Club d'Escaldes and a few weeks later the Head Coach who brought him to the club, Lee Johnson, was sacked.
As new boss Nick Montgomery was appointed, Levitt was just returning to full fitness from an ankle injury that he had suffered in the European return leg.
After a couple of weeks side-lined and a few appearances off the bench, Levitt now finds himself in Montgomery’s starting eleven, and in recent weeks he has flourished in the centre of midfield alongside Joe Newell.
At the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, Levitt played well and was unlucky to suffer defeat, he then continued his good form in the recent 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock. It would appear that the new system is ideal for the 23-year-old.
Discussing Montgomery’s style of play, he said: “I didn’t know much but the first day he came in was my first
day training after coming back from injury. Ever since then, he laid down what he wanted from everyone in each position.
“It’s exciting when a new manager comes in, and the way he sets us up suits me perfectly, so when he first came in, I was buzzing to be involved. He laid it down from day one and everyone is buying into it.”
On whether he was worried that he couldn’t showcase his talents straight away, Levitt said: “You’ve always got that little doubt in your mind coming back from injury no matter where you are if a new manager has come in.
“Just getting back up to
fitness, taking everything on board tactically from what he was wanting from midfielders so I would know what I was doing.”
Despite his young age, Levitt brings plenty of experience from former club Dundee United, where he was the star man and already has 13 international caps to his name.
Now, the Welshman will be looking to kick on with Hibs and get back into his country's squad after missing out on selection for their recent matches.
Eagerly looking towards the future, Levitt said: “I think there is much more to come from me.”
By NIGEL DUNCAN
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER Alan Forrest arrived at Hearts three years ago fully aware of the scrutiny he would be under as a player and the pressure the club would be subjected to from success-hungry fans. He had a burning ambition to develop his career and he still has.
The 27-year-old knew that if things were going well following his move from Livingston there would be plaudits but, conversely, if he or the club was going through an indifferent period then the pressure would rack up.
MENTALLY PREPARED
Prestwick-born Forrest was fully prepared mentally for what lay ahead and he has now played in more than 40 games for the Jambos, scoring six goals.
The Scotland under-21 cap remains ambitious as well as being realistic and he said: “Any player at any level will know if they are doing well or if they are having sticky moments. I like the pressure.”
It is, he conceded, difficult to please everybody, but his aim is to go into every game and contribute “as best I can”, whether scoring or assisting. He added: “That’s all I’m looking at, trying to help the team. Whatever comes of that comes of that.”
Looking back, a teenage Forrest started his senior career close to home with Ayr United and he made an instant impression, making his debut in a Scottish Challenge Cup match against Queen’s Park.
He came off the bench to score after 89 minutes and become Ayr’s youngest ever goalscorer. He was 16.
Forrest then made 197 appearances for the Championship side, scoring 48 goals in a spell from 2013 to 2020. Livingston came calling in 2020 and he made 62 appearances for the West Lothian combine, scoring on nine occasions. His exploits did not go unnoticed in the corridors of power at Tynecastle and the 5ft 9in tall player made the short move along the M8 to the capital. Forrest, whose older brother plays for Celtic, has not been a constant fixture for Hearts’ first team.
However, his stunning strike in horrible conditions from outside the box in the recent
showed his potential and the goal will live long in the memory of those who were there.
Forrest is anxious, as all footballers are, for more game time, but he firmly believes Steven Naismith’s Hearts have competed this season, even in games against the Old Firm.
Their style of play that has evolved through hours of planning and hard work in training sessions at Riccarton and the “Naisey way”, he believes, is one that will succeed for the Tynecastle team in the long-term.
There have been bumps along the way, like the defeat by Rangers in the Viaplay Scottish League Cup semi-final when he was on the Hampden pitch for 29 minutes, and the 4-1 home defeat to Celtic, but, asked if morale had been dented in recent defeats to the Old Firm, he admitted: “Losing games is not ideal, you are not going to be buzzing.
“There has been a good reaction in training. Everyone is pulling together, everyone is here for the same reason and there are positives to take. It is about us sticking together and we know in this league it is tight.”
He remained up-beat about future prospects for the Gorgie club and stressed: “We know we are not too far away, but we need to all pull together and get some wins.”
The fans would love that but Forrest has been in the game long enough as a professional and he knows it is easier to talk about succeeding than to achieve.
He said: “We know we are capable, we have players in the dressing room, but it is about us getting points on the board.”
He desperately wants to see Hearts go on a run and he acknowledged that players and managers do come under criticism when results don’t go to plan.
“We’ve had games in which we have played well,” he said. Take the Edinburgh Derby, that is a game he felt Hearts should have won and it was hard playing Rangers and Celtic in a concentrated period.
The experienced professional said: “Results are going to be scrutinised at a club like this, but teams outwith Rangers and Celtic can go on a good run.”
MORE THAN 50 sets of brothers have represented Scotland at rugby union but it is pretty safe to say there hasn’t been a cap pair honoured quite like Simon and Julian Scott of Stewart’s Melville.
The siblings owe their sporting status to a much acclaimed review of previous matches initially deemed unworthy of Test status and in their case the “upgrade” concerned a match played 37 years ago.
What’s more, only around half of the capped siblings appeared in the same fixture – in the Scotts’ case it was against mighty France in a tour encounter at Tarbes.
Given that the initial review decided to recognise fixtures against – with due respect –inferior rugby nations than France it was a case of common sense prevailing at the second consideration - and how grateful the brothers are. Simon, a centre three-quarter now aged 66, said: “Around the time of that match I felt I was close to a full cap having been on the Scotland bench four times, but when it never happened I parked the disappointment in a dark recess of my mind.
“When the call came from SRU President
Colin Rigby I was very emotional. It meant so much.”
While Simon took the call as he awaited hip surgery Julian, a solicitor, was attending a company board meeting.
“I returned to that meeting with moist eyes” admitted Julian, 61, a scrum half whose rugby CV includes captaining a Scottish Schools team that contained Gavin Hastings and David Sole.
“In some ways it is good to have happened now as there are so many family members to celebrate with who were not even thought about in ’86 never mind born!” added Julian.
Memories of the match which ended in a 16-16 draw? For Julian it is partly the quirky nature of proceedings.
“An 8.30 pm kick off on a Wednesday evening took a bit of getting used to because awakening at 6am with no internet, no breakfast telly etc meant a lot of adrenaline to control for hours on end.
“During the game the French stand off, Jean-Patrick Lescarboura, he of the film star looks, looked up on his own 10 metre line, actually kissed the ball, and then let fly with an enormous drop goal attempt which hit a post! I don’t remember our No 10 Dougie
Wyllie doing that for Stew Mel!
“Another memory was the great French winger Patrick Estève thinking he had sidestepped our prop Norrie Rowan and was clear to the try-line. He hadn’t reckoned on Norrie being so quick, retreating ten yards. How we loved a player known as the ‘Narbonne Express’ being de-railed by someone we immediately dubbed the ‘Boroughmuir freight train’!”
Looking back Simon recalls making a pledge with illustrious school mates Jim and Fin Calder, twins who represented not only Scotland but the British and Irish Lions, albeit on separate tours.
“We’d just finished with the Scottish Schools team and immediately said ‘let give it a real go and see how far we can all get in senior rugby’?
“We all know about the Calders and their success; it was my biggest regret that I came up short …. until now.”
A formal capping ceremony is expected to take place around the time of the 2024 Six Nations tournament but Stewart’s Melville had a tribute lunch in the Inverleith clubhouse and how fitting that the function was heavily over-subscribed before photos of the brothers were added to a gallery of internationalists.
GOALKEEPER ANDREW Coulson (above middle) picked up a Most Valuable Player award as the Scotland under-14 water polo team distinguished themselves at an inter-regional tournament in Walsall featuring Irish counterparts and a string of crack English opponents.
The young Scots won three, lost two and drew one of their six matches to come out with credits.
Andrew said: “Thanks to my coach Ruaridh (Henderson) for helping me improve as goal keeper. And a big shout-out to my teammates – we are a great team and I’m proud to be part of it.”
While Andrew turns out for Dundee side Menzieshill, the majority of the side were from Edinburgh and Fife.
Warrender’s Bram Stenhouse, age 12, said: “It was an incredible experience taking part in this tournament. I’d like to thank our team managers and our brilliant coach, Ruaridh, who has taught us so much.”
Bram’s club-mate Charlie Grey, age 13, added: “It was a great experience for all of us. We learned so much and hope to have the opportunity to come back again next year.”
Finally, Portobello’s Dominic Moodie, age 13, summed the experience up, saying: “The atmosphere in the pool was amazing when the crowd were cheering us on, especially when I had to take a couple of penalties.”
EAST OF SCOTLAND men have set the bar high with victory in the first UK inter-county padel championship held at a 14 court complex in Bristol.
Twenty teams took part and the East won all four group games before progressing to knock out stages where they defeated Yorkshire in the final.
Team member Vincent Hivert, Growth and Participation Director at the Game4Padel organisation says:
“Selection was based on the latest rankings but the great thing about this success is that there is so much depth in East padel we could have picked another five players and felt confident of doing well.
“We were captained by Sam MacNeil (an East county tennis player) and he is now ranked among the top two or three players in the UK.”
The East line-up, left to right: Ross Murdoch, David Holmes, Philip Blythe, Vincent Hivert and Sam MacNeil.
THIS TALENTED quartet dominated the under-14 events when the Lothian Schools badminton championships took place in Penicuik.
They were, left to right, Maggie Wang (George Heriot’s, girls’ doubles), Sophie Walker (Penicuik High, runner-up in both doubles events), Emma Joshua (Mary Erskine, triple champion) and Amy Hunter (Craigmount High,
runner-up in singles and girls’ doubles).
The seniors event also took place and included in the prize winning group are: Aryan Anirhuddan (Stewart’s- Melville), David Campbell (Dunbar Grammar), Lucy Degg (North Berwick High), Emma Joshua (Mary Erskine), Blair Whitson (Firrhill High), Anton Valanraj (Sinclair Academy, Winchburgh), Sophie
KIRSTY WILSON, 15, of Edinburgh Judo Club, has been presented with Judo Scotland’s Young Referee Award for 2023 by Sam Ingram, the 2012 paralympic silver medallist Sam, who has been visually impaired with Monochromatism from birth, and is Judo Scotland’s Club Support Officer.
Kirsty, a student at George Heriot’s School, joined Edinburgh Judo Club aged three and a half. A dozen years later she earned her brown belt and is working to a black belt.
Last October the club asked the young judoka if anyone wanted to go to a refereeing course and Kirsty volunteered. Participants were shown the basic elements of how to referee as well as the movements and terminology. She also learned about the CARE System used to analyse and review at the mat side.
After passing the written test in which candidates were given various scenarios and had to decide how they would react, Kirsty then gained practical experience by attending
and refereeing tournaments involving children just starting out to senior tournaments with experienced judoka.
This took her throughout Scotland and she qualified as an Area Referee. Kirsty often officiates in the morning, competes in the afternoon and then officiates in the latter stages of the tournament.
Awarded her referee’s accolade at Judo Scotland’s Annual Gathering at Largs it is the first time anyone from Edinburgh Judo has earned this prestigious award.
Walker (Penicuik HIgh), Giselle Lee (Mary Erskine), Amy Hunter (Craigmount), Chloe Hu (St.George’s) and Maggie Wang (George Heriot’s).
Lucy Degg was a triple champion in the senior events while Hari Narayan Pranavan won the senior boy’s singles with Samuel Corlett, also from Boroughmuir High a successful partner in the senior boy’s doubles event.
WHEN REDPATH Albion coach Irfan Sheikh headed back to Mumbai, India, for a family visit he was able to maintain a sequence of international aid provided by the Pilrig Park-based football club.
Irfan took with him some used Albion kit for needy village kids who were delighted to accept the donation.
Club chairman Bryan Maughan said: “As well as the boys’ team we were able to kit out a girls team who have just played their first ever match, winning 3-0. Given the
RISING EDINBURGH
tennis star Hanna Augustynska added to her laurels by winning the Junior International Tennis Europe 14 and under doubles event held in Liverpool. Hanna partnered Mia Zhou from Hampshire &
dustbowl pitch our UK players are so lucky with their facilities.”
A couple of years ago Redpath Albion showed similar generosity using Irfan as the conduit but their gestures go back much further.
Redpath Albion’s first donation was a shipment to the North Australian outback in 2001 where it was appreciated by the local Aboriginal community.
In 2006 they also helped out a football team in Tanzania.
Isle of Wight and together this second seeded pair overcame Italian opponents in the semifinal before overcoming official favourites Tara Lawal and Daisy Wooton in a Champions tie-break (10-5) after two sets had been shared.
Earlier this year Hanna, then 13, won the women’s singles at the Edinburgh Open, while in July we reported on how she had travelled to Dublin to win her first Tennis Europe Singles title. Hanna is pictured left with Mia and their trophy.
