Detectives investigating an attempted murder in North Berwick are appealing for witnesses, CCTV or dashcam footage.
This follows an incident involving a white Audi A3 and a red Ford Focus (registration plate YM65 WWF) at around 8pm on Sunday 30 July 2023 on Clifford Road, roads near Tantallon Castle, Whitekirk, Tyninghame, all in North Berwick and roads near the entrance to Foxlake, Dunbar.
Detectives are also seeking information on the whereabouts of the Red Ford Focus (registration plate YM65 WWF).
Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of this incident. It is important we gather as much detail as possible, and any small piece of information could prove vital.
“Also, if anyone has dash cam equipment, please check it as there may be footage which could aid our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3501 of 30 July, 2023. Alternatively, you can pass your information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
The latest research taking place to help find a cure for one of the biggest causes of blindness will take centre stage in a Scotland-wide event.
Experts in the field of macular disease research will join the talk, including leading ophthalmology researcher professor Baljean Dhillion of the University of Edinburgh.
The online talks will take place over an hour on Zoom on Wednesday 13 September, 11am-12pm.
The event is overseen by sight loss charity the Macular Society, which is the only UK charity solely dedicated to funding research for macular disease. It supports people of all ages with a macular condition, of which some conditions have treatments to help people manage their central vision, though there is no cure.
Professor of clinical ophthalmology Baljean Dhillon will discuss some of the latest treatments available, as well as ongoing research into the fight against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The Macular Society’s Sarah Clinton will provide an update on research projects funded by the charity, as well as the audience having the opportunity to put their questions to the experts.
To register for the event please email the Macular Society at groupsadmin@macularsociety.org or call 01264 560 259 who will then be able to provide the Zoom link.
Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected by macular disease and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.
Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. AMD is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.
For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
On Friday 4th August the 76th edition of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe officially began. In celebration of the first day, the annual Artist Address took place for the first time since 2019, and the Fringe Society was delighted to welcome Le Gateau Chocolat as keynote speaker for this important event.
Designed as a celebratory moment for Fringe artists to gather at the beginning of the festival, Gateau gave a thought-provoking, empowering, and at times emotional speech to those gathered for the event.
It was in 2008 that Gateau made his debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, shortly after an appearance at the Adelaide Fringe. Due to work commitments in London, he felt unable to fully ensconce himself in the ‘anarchy of its magic’ and returned three years later in 2011 with Le Gateau Chocolat.
‘When you’re not performing the show, you’re selling it. When you’re not selling it, you’re doing PR. When you’re not doing PR, you’re rehearsing, adjusting to the conversation with the audience – in a permanent state of dampness. The exhaustion at a cellular level whilst also being deeply invigorating. You’re on a constant high which amplifies the lows – however brief they are.’
Highlighting the platform the Fringe can offer artists for career development, Gateau shared insights into the journey his show took following his 2011 debut as Le Gateau Chocolat: ‘The magic of Edinburgh Fringe was very present, and I was lucky enough to tap into the zeitgeist. Shows sold out. Reviews were great. It got a London transfer to The Menier Chocolate Factory. The Sydney Opera House. Poland. Christchurch, New Zealand. Melbourne. Auckland. It set me on a course that introduced me to Basement Jaxx and had me performing with them and Metropole Orkest at the Barbican. It’s how T-Mobile found me and reached out for me to be part of the flash mob ad at Terminal 5. It changed my life.’
Returning to the Fringe in 2018 with three shows, Duckie, Icons and Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret, Gateau’s journey continued, and he worked hard to engage with new audiences and build on his touring opportunities. Duckie went on to tour extensively across the UK and continues to do so with a new non-binary and neurodivergent performer.
Highlighting a need for greater inclusivity and access at the festival, Gateau stated ‘Inclusivity is not a word, it’s an action, it is practise.’ Citing the current cost of living crisis, accommodation costs and the risks artists take to bring work to the Fringe every year, Gateau referenced the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the resilience of artists, but that ‘elasticity doesn’t mean we can’t break.’
With an audience listening intently to Gateau’s story, the 2023 Artist Address highlighted the continued need for artist support across a range of areas.
Encouraging the room to support each other and to drive a sense of comradery and community, Gateau concluded his speech by stating: ‘There is magic here. I haven’t found it at every Fringe I’ve attended but I have found it several times.
You can and will be in conversation with your audiences – my hope for artists present and all artists at this festival is that you indeed find audiences. You are enough and the experiences that have brought you to this moment are valid.
“Lean into telling your stories as authentically as you can versus seeking validation from audience numbers, audience responses and reviews. If you succeed at doing that, tell me how because at 41 it’s a code I’m yet to crack! And to the facilitators of the storytellers, my plea to you is don’t take advantage of our reality; what we do is who we are.’
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “When Le Gateau Chocolat took to the stage you could hear a pin drop.The room was there to hear from an artist who has attended the Fringe for over 15 years and who has first-hand knowledge and experience of everything that this glorious event can challenge you with.
“We recognise the great financial risk that artists take in bringing work to the Fringe every year, and Gateau’s story highlights that every artist’s journey is different. Our immense thanks to Gateau for sharing his story, and to all the artists taking part in this year’s festival for making the commitment to be at this year’s Fringe.’
Scotland’s second Green Home Festival will be launched by Scottish Government minister Paul McLennan, who has agreed to kick off the week-long series of shows delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation.
Mr McLennan is scheduled to join TV presenter Anna Campbell-Jones on Monday 14 August for the first day of the festival, which will deliver 11 presentations on a range of sustainable topics, including heat pumps, home offices, water waste and energy efficiency.
The minister, who is MSP for East Lothian, said: “I am delighted that the Green Home Festival has returned for a second year and I am honoured to have been asked to get the ball rolling on a week of essential information and practical demonstrations.
“There is no doubt that net zero and low-carbon living is increasingly important for us all in the coming months and years, so this event will once again help householders understand how they can play their part and make their homes more sustainable.”
One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We look forward to welcoming the minister to the heart of Edinburgh as we launch the 2023 Green Home Festival.
“This year’s event is already causing a buzz and our army of experts can’t wait to help consumers along the road to low-carbon living.”
The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Made up of 28 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.
Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk
Scotland’s sensational illuminated trail Wondrous Woods is back this year in the spectacular new setting of Gosford House in East Lothian.
The event and its magical mascot Woody the Owl have found a new home at the magnificent country estate near Longniddry which has featured in the hugely-popular Outlander television series.
Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, the stunning lighting journey takes visitors through the winding mystical pathways of Wondrous Woods, starting at Gosford’s enchanting Lily Pond and Ice House.
Guests are invited to wander the 1.5km route of beautifully-lit trails which meander through ancient private woodlands and unseen gardens, past the Boat House and through the natural beauty of the landscape.
They will witness spectacular sound and lighting installations along the way and savour the superb sight of Gosford House illuminated in all its glory. They can then relax and join Woody in the Hay Field at Woody’s Nest for a bite to eat and a browse in the Woody Shop.
Geoff Crow, Director of 21CC Group said,“We are thrilled to be taking this magical lighting event to Gosford House.
“Paired with the beauty of such a magnificent setting, the trail is set to be a breathtaking feast for the senses. We are really excited about welcoming visitors back to Wondrous Woods and giving them a new perspective in a delightful venue.”
Gosford House has been home to the Earls of Wemyss since 1808 and opened its doors for events in 2010.
Alison Bombail, Venue Director comments:“We’re used to staging all sorts of wonderful celebrations here at Gosford House, but this is going to be something completely awe-inspiring, a really magical addition to our locality.
“We know what the wonderful people at GC Live can deliver and can’t wait to welcome the public to see the grounds illuminated in such a spectacular way.”
The magical illuminated adventure that is Wondrous Woods runs over Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions from October 27 to November 19, including a special run during the last week, where sessions are extended to run from Thursday to Sunday.
Tickets are available to buy online at https://www.wondrouswoods.com/ticket-information with off-peak Friday and Sunday tickets priced at £12 per child and £19 for an adult. Peak tickets on Saturdays are £13 per child and £20 per adult.
Wet July drives record breaking numbers underground to unravel Edinburgh’s dark past at The Real Mary King’s Close
The Met Office recently reported that it was the UK’s wettest July since 2009, and the sixth wettest July on record. The Real Mary King’s Close, which is situated beneath Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, saw a record-breaking number of visitors journey underground to the celebrated historic attraction.
With over 30.5k visitors last month – the highest number at the attraction in July ever – there’s no doubt about it that the rainy weather helped to draw crowds inside to discover Edinburgh’s mysterious past.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Real Mary King’s Close has not only established itself as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, but as one of the UK’s most highly rated experiences on TripAdvisor; inviting visitors to journey underground, encounter fascinating former residents, and become immersed in the city’s secrets and untold stories.
Since opening its doors in 2003, The Close has produced over 250,000 hours’ worth of tours. The celebrated attraction continues to provide both tourists and locals in Edinburgh with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s dark past; such as the extreme living conditions endured during the plague and the harsh effects of social hierarchy during the 17th century.
Once vibrant and bustling with life, Mary King’s Close was a busy thoroughfare filled with traders and Old Town residents, as well the occasional royal visitor.
In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots was held under house arrest at the home of the Lord Provost, Simon Preston, on the neighbouring Stewart’s Close – which can be seen at The Real Mary King’s Close today.
When the plague arrived during the 1640s, the street’s close quarters made a perfect breeding ground for infection, permeating its homes and affecting the lives of the residents.
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Real Mary King’s Close said; “As we know, summer in Scotland does not always mean sun! However, with a history as rich as Edinburgh’s, people are never short of things to do.
“Last month we had a record-breaking number of visitors for the month of July, with over thirty thousand people journeying underneath the iconic Royal Mile to learn all about the city’s mysterious past. The wet month certainly made people reconsider plans, and look for indoor activities.
“At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time. We are thrilled to have been recently named as one of the Top 10 visitor attractions in the UK and cannot wait to welcome more curious souls this month during the Fringe Festival, rain or shine!”
Passengers rely on good connectivity through our train network, whether it be for work or leisure (writes Lothians Labour MSP FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).
What’s more, many passengers rely on ticket offices in stations to guide them through a journey and help them with buying tickets for a stress-free experience. This is especially true of older people or those without digital connectivity, who might not have the ability to book tickets on their phone.
They are also a massive resource for tourists, such as the thousands who visit Scotland, to help them enjoy trips in what might be an unfamiliar environment.
That’s why the plans to remove, or reduce the opening hours of, ticket offices for many train operators would be so catastrophic. Not only will this affect passengers on train services leaving Scotland – for example, the Avanti West Coast services leaving Glasgow – but it will also affect the huge numbers of passengers who wish to buy tickets in England to travel up to Scotland.
Just the other week, I was travelling back home to Scotland from England and had difficulties buying tickets on my phone in the station due to connection issues, so much so that I missed the train I wanted to get on.
If this was difficult for me, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for somebody who was less able to use a smartphone or navigate the complex booking and payment process online.
Without ticket offices, passenger service could be drastically worsened due to poor accessibility, restricted access to best value tickets and a devastating lack of support for ease of journeys. This will also lead to a de-staffing of stations, which could worsen passenger safety, security and experience.
This is why we must save our ticket offices. You can have your say by responding to the Transport Focus consultation by 1st September 2023.
Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, will make a special appearance at Edinburgh International Book Festival before heading north to Shetland to complete the Scottish leg of his epic nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ tour
Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022 -2024), Joseph Coelho, will then go on to visit Shetland library to complete the Scottish leg of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ adventure.
The award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children’s author is on an epic cross-country mission to join a library in every local authority in the UK – more than 200 libraries in total – with the aim of encouraging people, young and old, to join their local library.
Paul Coelho is championing local libraries and the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people.
From 15-19 May, Coelho visited Orkney, the Highlands and the Western Isles for a jam-packed week of school and library events with Scottish Book Trust, including visits to Orkney Library & Archive (15 May) and Stornoway Library (18 May).
He will then return in August for a further visit to Shetland to join Shetland Library (29 August) which will mark the completion of the Scottish leg of his Library Marathon.
Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, said:“I am thrilled to round off the Scottish leg of my Library Marathon tour by visiting libraries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive.
“They have been a vital part of my life: from living on estates where I had a library next door, to my first Saturday job, to working at the British Library whilst studying at UCL, to touring theatre shows designed to be performed in libraries.
“I’m immensely grateful to libraries and the services they provide, so I want to use my platform as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to champion these essential launchpads of learning. I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow!”
Joseph Coelho has now visited 178 libraries across the UK as part of his Library Marathon, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.
At his visit to libraries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, he will register for a library card, borrow a book, as well as reading to and performing for the children in the library.
Coelho’s ambitious ‘Library Marathon’ began prior to his appointment as the foremost representative of children’s literature, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, and was put on hold due to the Covid pandemic.
Now Joseph – who is acclaimed for his work including the Luna Loves picture books, middle grade series Fairy Tales Gone Bad, YA verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree, as well as poetry collections for all ages including Overheard in a Tower Block and Poems Aloud – is set to complete his campaign by putting library advocacy at the heart of his laureateship.
The ‘Library Marathon’ will culminate in a special, public event at the British Library in October 2023 to mark National Libraries Week 2023.
Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust added:“Libraries are essential community hubs for children and families and with the current cost of living crisis, can offer a safe and warm space, packed full of fabulous books that will inspire children of all ages on their reading journeys.
“Sharing stories and reading together with children has been proven to bring children wide-ranging benefits that can positively affect their lives. If Joseph’s Library Marathon has inspired you to visit your own local library, talk to the librarians – they are experts and can support you to find books and stories that you and your child will enjoy reading together.”
The ‘Library Marathon’ is one of three major initiatives announced by the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, which is managed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, as part of his two year tenure.
Coelho’s other campaigns include the ‘Poetry Prompts’ weekly online series, which celebrates the power of poetry in all its forms, and ‘Bookmaker Like You’, which aims to showcase a diversity of new talent within the book industry so that every child can see themselves as a bookmaker.
The cobbled streets of Edinburgh have been brought to life by the colour and vibrancy of The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra.
The Orchestra are creating a carnival atmosphere each night with their performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and did the same at Victoria Street, wowing passersby with their spectacular outfits.
Set against the colour of the iconic Edinburgh street, the performers gave locals and tourists alike a glimpse of the colour of their performance at this year’s Tattoo Show, Stories.
The Tattoo is running until 26 August 2023 and tickets can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh.
Levels of attainment for pupils across Edinburgh remain above those achieved before the Covid pandemic, while passes in vocational courses continue to climb, according to exam results released yesterday.
More than 9500 pupils in the Capital received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on Tuesday (8 August). 2023 was the second year since 2019 that pupils sat formal exams and attainment remains high in comparison. Different assessment models were used in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic.
Passes in National Progression Awards (NPA), vocational courses equivalent to National passes, have also increased, with 48 NPA courses leading to 941 passes at levels 4, 5 and 6. This is compared to 26 NPA courses and 296 passes in 2019.
A total of 51,941 resulted awards were certificated for 9,583 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 85 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.
National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 78% (up one percentage point from 2019 but down one percentage point compared to last year) and Highers saw passes of 78% (up two percentage points from 2019 though three percentage points lower than 2022).
Notable results include:
By the end of S4, 48% achieved 5 passes at National 5 or better (5 percentage points up on 2019 but 1 percentage point down on 2022)
By the end of S5*, 63% achieved 1 or more Higher passes or better (6 percentage points up on 2019 and the same as 2022)
By the end of S6* 69% achieved one or more Higher passes (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019)
Pupil Vincent Rodziewicz, who is about to start S6 at Craigmount High School, said: “This year I got an A and a few Bs and I was quite surprised by these results, they were very positive actually – I expected to do worse in Maths.
“I don’t feel that stressed about the way exams are done though, I don’t mind being in a big hall.”
Zaneta, who is an S5 pupil at Craigmount, added:“I was really nervous, but I think my results are good – I wasn’t really expecting straight As.
“It will give me a lot of confidence going into S5 as well, because I know it’s going to be a difficult year.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Covid pandemic may seem like a distant memory for some, but recent years have posed a real challenge for pupils and teaching staff in all our schools who have had to deal with the impact on learning and teaching.
“All our teachers and staff have worked extremely hard in preparing pupils for these exams, as well as parents/carers whose support is invaluable and, most of all, our young people themselves should be praised for their hard work and achievements.
“We want to make sure all school pupils are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience – every learner’s journey is unique. We look forward to building on the success of this year’s learners as they move through the senior phase and onto positive destinations.”
Additional information – analysis
Results by the end of S4 5 passes at National 5 or better – 48% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 5 percentage points up on 2019)
Results by the end of S5* 1+ pass at Higher or better – 63% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019) 3+ passes at Higher or better – 44% (same as 2022 but 6 percentage points up on 2019) 5+ passes at Higher or better – 24% (same as 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019).
Results by the end of S6* 1+ pass at Higher or better – 69% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 3 percentage points up on 2019) 3+ passes Higher or better – 51% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019) 5+ passes at Higher or better – 38% (2 percentage points down on 2022 but 2 percentage points up on 2019) 1+ pass at Advanced Higher – 31% (1 percentage point down on 2022 but 4 percentage points up on 2019)
