Day: March 11, 2023

The most popular soundtracks of 2022 revealed 

  • Whitney Houston’s biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” takes first place with over 2,5 billion streams 
  • “Top Gun: Maverick” comes in second, while “Elvis” is third 

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” has the most popular soundtrack of 2022, a new study has revealed. 

The study conducted by CasinoBonusCA analyzed 50 of the most popular movies of 2022 and compared their official soundtrack albums on Spotify, summing the streams for each song, to determine which soundtrack is the most popular of last year. 

Whitney Houston’s biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is first, as the album got a total of 2.5 billion streams. The soundtrack is composed of 35 songs, including some of Houston’s most famous hits, such as “How Will I Know”, “Saving All My Love for You” and the song which gave the movie its name, which also has the most streams in the whole album – almost one billion. 

Second on the list is “Top Gun: Maverick” with 1.4 billion streams overall. The highly anticipated sequel of the 1986 hit movie was released on May 27th, 2022, in North America, with its soundtrack dropping on Spotify in the same week.

The album includes original songs which quickly became popular, such as “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic, which has 733 million streams alone. 

Another biopic, “Elvis” comes in third place with 508 million streams. The album comprises 36 songs, among which there are covers of Presley’s songs, remixes and some original scores. 

Further down on the list, “Don’t Worry Darling”, starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh, is fourth with 407 million streams. The album contains only 13 songs but managed to be among the most listened of the year. 

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” closes the top five with 382 million streams. The soundtrack comprises original songs by Ludwig Goransson, Rihanna, Burna Boy and more.

Top 10 most popular soundtracks 2022 
Rank Movie/Tv Show Spotify album  play count 
1 Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody 2,530,000,000 
2 Top Gun: Maverick 1,400,000,000 
3 Elvis 508,000,000 
4 Don’t Worry Darling 407,000,000 
5 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 382,000,000 
6 Turning Red 184,000,000 
7 Purple Hearts 179,000,000 
8 Marry Me 147,000,000 
9 Nope 67,794,980 
10 Bullet Train 67,404,044 

A spokesperson for CasinoBonusCA commented on the findings: “It is interesting to see the biopics of Whitney Houston and Elvis where the soundtrack is a foundational part of the movie, are next to “regular” movies, which had an original and fairly new soundtrack that was created and curated specifically for it. 

“An example of this is Top Gun: Maverick, which includes original songs by OneRepublic and Lady Gaga, as well as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with features by Rihanna and Burna Boy”. 

iSIMPATHY: Improved patient care and safety

A cross-border trial has improved care for patients prescribed multiple medicines.

The iSIMPATHY project, funded by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, worked with professionals in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to comprehensively review patient medication.

Taking multiple medicines can be problematic if the increased risk of harm from interactions between drugs, or between drugs and diseases, outweighs the intended benefits.

Interim findings showed these interventions potentially prevented major organ failure, adverse drug reactions, avoided hospital admissions and saw patients moved to more appropriate medication.

Project funding, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), was match funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government and the Scottish Government.

Scotland’s Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “This project looked at some of our most vulnerable patients taking more than five medications. The reviews have avoided adverse combinations of drugs and hospitalisations while also reducing prescriptions and drugs costs.

“We will know more when the full evaluation is published in June, we will work with partners to see how we can these improvements can be applied more widely, potentially saving lives and money.”  

Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said: “Medicines are the most common healthcare intervention used within the health system, and the use of the right medicine for the right patient at the right time is central to this.

“In the delivery of this project, pharmacists were strategically and ideally placed as medicines experts within a multidisciplinary team framework working to maximise therapeutic outcomes for optimal patient benefit.

“I’d like to thank all the partners involved in the iSIMPATHY project for their work to achieve this.”

Northern Ireland Department of Health Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Mrs Cathy Harrison said: “I’m pleased to see the impact on patients and service users who have taken part in iSIMPATHY who are at the heart of the project’s aim to ensure the best and most sustainable use of medicines. 

“iSIMPATHY has achieved this through training pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to deliver medicine reviews and embed a shared approach to managing multiple medicines.  Northern Ireland has been delighted to collaborate with our partner regions to build on the success of previous projects dedicated to improving medicine safety.”

Gina McIntyre, SEUPB CEO said: “Thanks to projects such as iSIMPATHY, we can understand the importance of cross-border cooperation, and how they are playing a major role in the efficient delivery of health services, in the border regions, alongside addressing challenges brought about by rising demand within a constrained budget environment.

“Health is an important precondition for economic growth, while also fostering social cohesion. I am delighted to see just how effective this project has been in improving the lives of people in the region.”

Prime Minister agrees unprecedented measures to tackle illegal migration alongside France

Package will see a new detention centre established in France as well as the deployment of more French personnel and enhanced technology to patrol beaches in a shared effort to drive down illegal migration

  • Package will see a new detention centre established in France as well as the deployment of more French personnel and enhanced technology to patrol beaches in a shared effort to drive down illegal migration.
  • The unparalleled multi-year agreement delivers on the PM’s priority to stop small boats and builds on joint measures taken with France in 2022 which increased patrols by 40%.
  • Enhanced cooperation aims to increase the interception rate for attempted crossings and drastically reduce the number of crossings each year.

Hundreds of extra French law enforcement officers will use enhanced technology and intelligence insight to prevent illegal Channel crossings under a new agreement struck by the Prime Minister and President Macron in Paris yesterday.

For the first time, the UK will help fund a detention centre in France to enhance the country’s ability to cope with the level of people being trafficked across the Channel. This new centre will support French efforts to increase detention capacity, allowing more migrants who might otherwise travel by dangerous and illegal routes to the UK to be removed from the French coast.

Building on our existing partnership, which saw twice as many illegal crossings stopped in 2022 than 2021, today’s agreement will also more than double the number of personnel deployed in northern France to tackle small boats, with over half of these in place by the end of the year. The UK will contribute funding towards this.

Efforts will be bolstered by a new, highly trained, permanent French mobile policing unit dedicated to tackling small boats. Additional drones, aircraft and other technologies like surveillance will also be deployed, as the UK and France step up intelligence sharing to clamp down on people trafficking routes.

These French efforts will be overseen by a new 24/7 zonal coordination centre, with permanent UK liaison officers. The coordination centre will bring all relevant French law enforcement partners together for the first time to coordinate the response to an alarming trend which has seen a 50% rise in illegal migration across Europe in the last year. The UK has our own Small Boats Operations Command which has ensured that 99% of those who enter British waters are intercepted.

This enhanced cooperation aims to increase the increase the interception rate for attempted crossings and drastically reduce the number of crossings each year, supporting our long-term, shared goal of completely stopping this illegal migration route.

The Prime Minister said: “I have made it one of my five priorities to stop the boats. We are delivering on that priority to stop people coming to the UK illegally.

“Last year I agreed the largest ever small boats deal with France to increase UK-funded patrols by 40 per cent. This week I announced measures to ensure nobody who enters the UK illegally can remain here.

“We don’t need to manage this problem, we need to break it. And today, we have gone further than ever before to put an end to this disgusting trade in human life. Working together, the UK and France will ensure that nobody can exploit our systems with impunity.”

In addition to the extra steps taken to patrol the beaches in the north of France, today’s agreement will also see further UK and French cooperation upstream to stop illegal migration at source. This includes further coordination between the National Crime Agency and its French counterpart via officers based in countries along the routes favoured by people traffickers.

Alongside last year’s deal with France, the Prime Minister has taken a number of steps to curb illegal migration since taking office. This includes re-establishing the Calais Group of Northern European nations to disrupt traffickers and setting a long-term ambition for a UK-EU wide agreement on returns – an ambition France has confirmed today that they share.

This week the UK Government has announced a Bill to end illegal entry as a route to asylum in the UK.

These measures will remove the incentive for people to risk their lives through dangerous and unnecessary journeys and pull the rug from under the criminal gangs profiting from this misery once and for all.

Illegal migrants will be detained and swiftly removed to their home country if safe, or another safe third country, such as Rwanda, where they will be supported to rebuild their lives.

Anyone illegally entering the UK will be prevented from accessing the UK’s world-leading modern slavery support or abusing these laws to block their removal.

The only challenges that will suspend removal will be where someone claims that their removal to a safe third country would lead to a real risk of serious and irreversible harm, or on the basis that they do not fall within the cohort of persons liable to removal under the Bill. Any other challenges or human rights claims can also only be heard after removal, remotely.

By ending illegal immigration as a route to asylum, stopping the boats and taking back control of our borders the Bill will ensure the UK can better support people coming through fair, safe and legal routes.

Award-winning nature film completes line up of upcoming Wildscreen Film Festival showcase

  • Wildscreen has announced the full programme for their upcoming two-day natural world storytelling film screening showcase, with tickets available for as little as £12.
  • Four-time Panda Award winning film, ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, and an impressive list of Scottish artists and filmmakers complete the line up.
  • Additional networking opportunities will give delegates, both professionals and enthusiasts, a chance to connect with key players in the Scottish natural history TV and film industry.

Wildscreen, the leading conservation charity, has revealed the full line up for their two-day natural world storytelling film showcase, taking place at the Glasgow Science Centre on 18th-19th March, 2023, with tickets available for as little as £12.

‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of the coveted Golden Panda Award at the 2022 Festival and Royal Television Society Programme Award 2023 nominee, joins the jam-packed agenda alongside other film screenings exploring the lives of some of nature’s most underrepresented and enduring stories.

The showcase will also feature talks and Q&A sessions from global filmmakers and conservationists, with a celebration of renowned and emerging Scottish talent speaking at the event.

New to the Glasgow Roadshow is ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of four Panda Awards AKA the Green Oscars and it has been recently nominated in the Science & The Natural World category at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2023.

Directed by acclaimed Bristol-based wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, it explores the fascinating lives of bees living in his urban garden during lockdown. Following the screening, a Q&A, featuring two of the team who worked on the film – Glasgow-based music composer Fraser Purdie and Olivia Massey, will take place providing a chance to uncover the secrets behind this inspiring nature documentary.

The panel will also feature Jasmine Isa Qureshi, ambassador for the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust and will be chaired by Jackie Savery, Director and Founder of Glasgow production company Maramedia.

Other screening highlights, including ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’ and ‘Wild Romania’, allow attendees to experience the lives of the last wild cats on earth and the best-kept secrets in Europe’s wilderness. The Young Programmers Selection sees a carefully selected series of short films curated by local creative talent.

There will also be a collection of films exploring the latest efforts in ocean conservation featuring an expert panel, including Save our Seas’ Science Communicator, Dr. Isla Hodgson and Scottish Artivist, Rachel Brooks.

Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “Glasgow has a long history as a hub for natural world storytelling and environmental action, as a previous European City of Culture and home to the recent COP26 conference.

“This Roadshow allows us to bring our selection of acclaimed films to Scotland, whilst giving a platform to local filmmaking talent. Delegates will get a chance to understand some of nature’s most fascinating stories at a time when climate action and conservation are most needed. If you have an interest in natural history, this is not one to miss.”

A separate networking drinks reception, at the Saramago Terrace Bar, CCA on Friday 17th March, will take place before the showcase, with opportunities to catch up with existing colleagues and make new connections in the natural world filmmaking industry. The Glasgow Roadshow is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland, and it is sponsored by the Save our Seas Foundation.

Tickets are still available from as little as £12 with a variety of passes and concessions available to those seeking employment, in full-time education, registered disabled or over the age of 65. Free tickets and attendance support are available to local community groups working with underrepresented young people. Please do reach out to find out more.

See the full programme here.

Spring Budget: Promoters of tax avoidance to face criminal charges

  • People who refuse to stop promoting tax avoidance in the UK could serve time in prison. the Chancellor is expected to announce at next week’s Spring Budget.
  • Fewer non-compliant tax avoidance schemes operating in the market cuts the likelihood of people getting involved with them and facing thousands of pounds in unexpected future tax bills and penalties as a result
  • Part of Chancellor’s commitment to help protect taxpayers and public services.

People who refuse to stop promoting tax avoidance in the UK could serve time in prison, the Chancellor is expected to announce at next week’s Spring Budget.

The UK loses around £400 million per year to marketed tax avoidance, money which could be going towards public services, and it is the users of schemes, including agency workers, contractors and freelancers, who can end up with big tax bills, rather than the promoters who sold it to them.

Wednesday’s expected announcement is part of the Chancellor’s commitment to continue cracking down on those selling tax avoidance schemes to help protect taxpayers and public services.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “It is everyday people who lose out from tax avoidance, whether it’s individuals facing big bills after getting involved with harmful schemes or funding being taken away from public services.

“That is why I am determined for promoters to face the music for the damage they cause and the lives they harm by stopping them in their tracks.”

Marketed tax avoidance schemes tempt people into avoidance landing them with unexpected tax bills. Promoters of schemes are behind the schemes, and they often use a network of sellers to help them. Over the last 18 years, they have shifted focus away from wealthy clients towards people on middle incomes. Today the market is dominated by umbrella companies that choose to target contractors and agency workers.

To help everyday taxpayers, HMRC are laser-focused on driving promoters out of business. 31 tax avoidance schemes and 27 of their promoters had been named by HMRC to warn thousands of taxpayers to not to get involved.

There are also already financial penalties in place for promoters who ignore “Stop Notices” and don’t stop promoting.

But the Chancellor is expected to go one step further at the Budget by announcing a consultation that could result with promoters serving time in UK prisons when found guilty in a court of law.

While individuals are ultimately accountable for their own tax affairs, this action will also help up to 2.4 million contractors, including hospital workers, who can become involved in tax avoidance through the agencies they trust to handle their tax affairs. According to HMRC, hospital workers, including those working part-time, are the highest users of tax avoidance schemes in the UK out of any sector.

Fewer non-compliant tax avoidance schemes operating in the market cuts the likelihood of people getting involved with them in the first place, and facing thousands of pounds in unexpected future tax bills and penalties as a result.

Case Study – Tanya, nurse

Tanya got caught up in a tax avoidance scheme and has shared her story as a warning to others.

Tanya is a single parent. She works as a critical care nurse at her local hospital. She found her job through an agency, and they recommended an umbrella company that provided payroll services. Tanya chose an umbrella company that gave her the highest take-home pay. This turned out to be a tax avoidance scheme which she joined. This left her with an unexpected tax bill, on top of the high fees she had paid to the umbrella company for using the scheme.

“I was sold on the benefits of higher pay.”

Tanya explains: “As a nurse I trust my patients and they trust me, that is the relationship of care. I trusted my agency and umbrella company and I feel like they lied to me and scammed me, I thought my umbrella company would care but they didn’t.

“My agency and umbrella company sold me the benefits of higher pay through what they described as their Tax Plan model. This has now left me owing HMRC money and my umbrella company has washed their hands of me, they just disappeared and left me with the tax bills.”

It is unlikely that Tanya will be able to recover the high fees charged by her umbrella company, as they are now seeking voluntary liquidation. She must also pay tax of nearly £7,500 and some interest.

Tanya contacted HMRC and wanted to sort everything out. If she can’t settle her taxes and pay what she owes in one go, she will be offered time to pay her tax bill by instalments.

As well as criminalising promoters of such schemes, the Chancellor is also expected to announce that their directors could be quickly disqualified from directing companies. This builds on the government’s existing work to deter promoters from promoting schemes.

Holyrood approves 3% rent cap

Emergency protections for tenants extended

Private rent increases will be capped at 3% and restrictions will remain on enforcement of evictions under measures approved today by MSPs.

The changes to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act will mean that from 1 April 2023:

  • If a private landlord chooses to increase a tenant’s rent mid-tenancy, the increase will be capped at 3%
  • Private landlords will alternatively be able to apply for a rent increase of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in defined and limited circumstances
  • Enforcement of evictions will continue to be paused for up to six months except in a number of specified circumstances
  • Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months’ worth of rent will continue to apply

These measures will be extended to 30 September, provided they remain necessary, with the option to extend for another six-month period if required.

As previously announced, the social sector rent freeze has been replaced with agreements from landlords to keep any rent increase for 2023-24 well below inflation. The rent cap for student accommodation is to be suspended, recognising its limited impact on annual rents set on the basis of an academic year.

Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Our emergency legislation has given tenants across the rented sector additional protection as we continue to live through these challenging and uncertain economic times.

“It is clear that many households in the private rented sector in particular continue to struggle, which is why we are capping in-tenancy rent increases in the private sector at 3% from next month, with safeguards in place recognising the effects the cost of living crisis may have on some landlords. Our restrictions on evictions will continue across all sectors, with the social sector rent cap having been replaced with voluntary agreements from landlords to keep rents affordable.

“We will continue to keep these measures under review, ensuring they remain necessary and proportionate to the challenges at hand.”

The evictions moratorium pauses enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost of living crisis except in a number of specified circumstances. Evictions can be delayed for a maximum of 6 months while the measures are in force.

Landlords can apply to Rent Service Scotland (RSS) to increase rent to partially cover specific costs including increased mortgage interest payments on the property they are letting, an increase in landlords’ insurance or increases in service charges paid as part of a tenancy, subject to an overall limit. This limit is currently set at 3% of total rent. From 1 April the limit will be increased to 6%. In effect this retains the ability for landlords to raise rents at a level of 3% above the cap.

Under the agreement on social rents for 2023-24, COSLA has committed to keeping local authority rent increases to an average of no more than £5 a week. Members of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Glasgow West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations have reported planned increases averaging 6.1%.

EIS members overwhelmingly vote to accept teacher pay offer

Members of the EIS have voted overwhelmingly to accept the current pay offer proposed by local authority employers and the Scottish Government.

In an online ballot that closed today, 90%  of those voting opted to accept the pay offer. Turnout in the ballot was 82% . The EIS represents over 80% of Scotland’s teachers at all grades and in all sectors of education.

Speaking after the ballot result was announced at a meeting of the EIS national Council in Edinburgh yesterday, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said: “EIS members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the current pay offer, with 90% of those voting opting to accept in an online ballot.

“Turnout in the ballot was also high, confirming that Scotland’s teachers believe that it is now time to accept the offer and bring an end to the programme of industrial action in our schools.”

Ms Bradley added, “The acceptance of this offer will mean that, for most teachers, their pay will increase by 12.3% by next month in comparison to current pay levels. This includes a backdated 7% increase from April 2022, and a 5% increase from this April.

“Teachers will also receive a further 2% increase in pay from January next year, with the next pay settlement then scheduled to be negotiated and payable from August 2024 onwards. The total current package will amount to a 14.6% increase in pay for most teachers by January 2024.”

Ms Bradley continued, “EIS members have taken a pragmatic decision in voting to accept the current pay offer. While it does not meet our aspirations in respect of a restorative pay settlement for Scotland’s teachers, it is the best deal that can realistically be achieved in the current political and financial climate without further prolonged industrial action.

“It compares favourably with recent pay settlements across the public sector, and does provide pay certainty for Scotland’s teachers for the next 16 months until the next pay settlement is scheduled to be delivered in August 2024.”

Ms Bradley concluded, “It is deeply regrettable that it took a sustained industrial dispute, and the first programme of national strike action on pay by teachers in forty years, for the Scottish Government and COSLA to finally come up with an acceptable pay offer for Scotland’s hard-working teaching professionals.

“Scotland’s pupils, parents and teachers deserve better, and the Scottish Government and Scotland’s local authorities must commit to ensuring that education is properly funded, and that teachers are fairly paid, in all future years in order that Scottish Education can provide as it should for our young people and for the good of our whole society.”

Spey Lounge serious assault: Do you know this woman?

POLICE in Edinburgh have issued images of a woman they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault that took place in Leith on Monday, 5 December, 2022.

The serious assault took place around 1.25am within the Spey Lounge on Leith Walk.

The woman is described as white, 40-50 years-old, around 5 ft 6ins in height and of slim build with long, dark-coloured hair that was tied in a ponytail. She was wearing a black padded coat and white trousers.

Detective Constable Lyndsey Singer of Gayfield Police Station said: “We are keen to talk to the woman in these images in connection with this incident and would urge anyone who may recognise her to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Any witnesses to the incident can contact officers via 101. Please quote incident number 0143 of 5 December 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Royal seal of approval for Edinburgh’s support for Ukrainian refugees

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the City Chambers yesterday to recognise and celebrate the city of Edinburgh’s work in supporting Ukrainians.

Their Royal Highnesses Edward and Sophie were also attending to thank the diverse range of volunteers who are supporting them across the Capital.

During the reception Their Royal Highnesses met the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Council Leader Cammy Day, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Kuslii, Hannah Beaton Hawryluk, Chair of the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) Edinburgh Branch, Paul Wilson, Chief Officer for Volunteer Edinburgh, alongside senior Council officers involved in the Ukraine effort. 

Friday marked exactly one year to the day since the City of Edinburgh’s formal response to the war against Ukraine began.  

In that time over 10,000 Ukrainians have passed through our Welcome Hub as the primary entry point to Scotland, with over 3000 Ukrainians making their new lives here in the Capital. Over 500 Ukrainian children are in education across the city and receiving the full support of our services.

Last month, the city marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine with a programme of events across the Capital.

The Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “I am hugely proud of the efforts by colleagues, partners, residents, and businesses in welcoming Ukrainians making their new home here in Edinburgh over the past year. Whilst this past year has brought significant challenges, the city of Edinburgh has shown its resilience, compassion, and character.  

“On this momentous day when the Dukedom of Edinburgh has been conferred on Their Royal Highnesses, it is fantastic to have The Duke and Duchess in attendance to meet some of these individuals and groups. This visit is testament to the selfless and dedicated work that has gone on across the city since the start of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

“We must continue to recognise the extraordinary sacrifice made by the Ukrainian people over the past year and reiterate our continuing solidarity with all Ukrainians.  

“I would also like to make it clear to the Ukrainians who are building their new lives in Edinburgh that this is your home, and we are incredibly proud to support you.

“We are grateful for the enormous contribution our new Ukrainian community to making Edinburgh the modern, diverse and vibrant capital city it is today.”

Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “It was a privilege to meet with the newly titled Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and on the occasion of the Duke’s 59th birthday, today to showcase the contribution of AUGB Edinburgh and the wider partnership to Edinburgh’s response to supporting newly arrived Ukrainians in the city. 

“The city’s response has only been possible by partners working together and supporting each other, thank you in particular to the City of Edinburgh Council and third sector partners who we have worked closely with over the last year. We hope the Duke and Duchesses visit today has demonstrated the continuing work across the city and the work of the Association here in Edinburgh.”

Paul Wilson, Chief Officer at Volunteer Edinburgh said: “Since the start of the war against Ukraine, volunteers in Edinburgh have been giving their time to help. Edinburgh has been at the forefront of Scotland’s response to the Ukraine crisis and volunteers too have been there from the start.

“Whether it be collecting, sorting and dispatching much needed aid, supporting the community activities of the AUGB, providing cultural and welcome activities, supporting English’s language learning or the nearly 7000 hours of volunteering done by Welcome Volunteers at the Airport, it is these volunteers that have enabled our city to give such an amazing welcome and their kindness and generosity has shown the very best of Edinburgh.”

AUGB pics courtesy of Getty Images

Match of the Day to go ahead without presenters or pundits tonight

PRESENTERS AND COMMENTATORS SHOW SUPPORT FOR GARY LINEKER

BBC’s flagship football show Match of the Day will air tonight without a studio presenter, pundits, or its regular commentators, after the BBC told Gary Lineker to step back in a row over impartiality.

The BBC said it it had asked Lineker to step back from presenting after “extensive discussions” with him following the presnter’s criticism of government asylum policy on Twitter, where he compared the language used by the government to unveil its new plans as “not dissimilar to” 1930s Germany.

A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.

“The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.

“When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none. We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”

Gary Lineker has made no further public comment.