Wildlife officers are appealing after a protected bird of prey was found dead in a trap near Balerno, Edinburgh.
The dead peregrine falcon was found around 100 yards from a public path on the edge of a small woodland south of Wester Bavelaw on Thursday, 23 November, 2023.
Wildlife Crime Officer, Detective Constable Daniel Crilley, said: “This protected bird was found in a baited pole trap that is illegal.
“Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and forensic tests are being done as part of our ongoing enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“We are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has information that could help pour investigation to get in touch.
“If you can help please contact us via 101, quoting incident number 1376 of Friday, 24 November, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
More information on wildlife crime can be found on the Police Scotland website:
Actor and comedian, Ricky Tomlinson is to return to the stage in the popular musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture.
The Irish Annie’s tour will commence around the St Patricks Day celebrations at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham on Monday 11th March and will visit a further 25 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The show will now also premiere in Ireland, visiting 5 venues across the country. The UK and Ireland tour will come to an end with a special homecoming night at Liverpool Olympia on Saturday 4th May.
Tickets for all venues are on sale and selling fast!
Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy, featuring the well-known live 6-piece band The Shenanigans.
Meet landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun night out of comedy, music and mayhem, featuring original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy, along with your all-time favourite Irish tunes including Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, Danny Boy and many more.
The evening promises to have the audience laughing, singing, and dancing the night away.
Ricky Tomlinson will perform as himself as a celebrity guest in the pub. Ricky is a much-loved actor and comedian living all his life in Liverpool, he is best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker and Jim Royle in The Royle Family, he also played the title character in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager. He is a very keen musician playing both the banjo and harmonica.
Ricky said: “This show is a delight to be part of, with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful original and classic Irish music.
“Come and enjoy the show and sing-along with the song sheets provided. I guarantee you will have a ball!”
Irish Annie’s is co-produced by Bill Elms Productions (Judy & Liza, Jerry Springer The Opera, Swan Song, Something About George)and Asa Murphy Productions (Buddy Holly Lives, The Bobby Darin Story, New Generations).
The show also stars Catherine Rice as Irish Annie, Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy, Michael Alan-Bailey as Porky the Postman and Joe, Richard Barry as Noel Singen-Smithe and Maria Lovelady as Moira the Money Lender and May. There is often a special celebrity guest popping through the pub door at some venues.
Producer Bill Elms commented: “Irish Annie’s is the perfect show to bring out around St Patricks Day celebrations, it’s a huge feel-good show filled with great comedy, live music and some larger-than-life characters, I am thrilled that we have such a fantastic cast including Ricky Tomlinson, Asa Murphy, and Catherine Rice.
“The show premiered in Liverpool a few years ago and went down a storm, now it’s even bigger and better than before, this will be the biggest tour we have done, I am excited to get the show on the road, especially taking the show over to Ireland.”
Asa Murphy has created and directed the show. Asa has been a successful entertainer for 18 years. He has performed all over the world singing Big Band Swing music and my own self-penned songs.
He has fulfilled many of his dreams as a performer selling out London’s Ronnie Scott’s, topping the bill at the famous Liverpool Empire, and cruising and singing on the most beautiful liners in the world. Asa also has a very popular BBC Radio show and has been on the airwaves for 10 years.
In 2019 he turned his talents to writing stage musicals and has so far had three hit shows, Buddy Holly Lives, Mack The Knife and Irish Annie’s along with two children’s shows.
Writer, director, and performer Asa Murphy added:“This show is a celebration of everything that makes Irish culture and the people of Ireland so special. Laughter, music, and the ability to make people face life’s difficult obstacles through friendship.
“I am very proud that the show has been so well received in the UK and with my family originating from Cork and Tralee and many still living in Ireland, the Ireland dates will be a special personal moment and I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends in the Emerald Isle.”
The Irish Annie’s UK and Ireland Tour is sponsored by Eurogold and Hightown Group.
“NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, I URGE YOU TO SEE THIS PRODUCTION. IT’S A WONDERFUL, FEEL-GOOD SHOW THAT SYMBOLISES EVERYTHING THAT WE LOVE ABOUT IRISH MUSIC.”
Writebase – 10/10 Perfect
“THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE THEATRE WAS FANTASTIC WITH EVERYONE SINGING AND CLAPPING ALONG TO THE MUSIC.”
Shoppers at Fort Kinnaird were treated to a very special visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck on Saturday as part of its tour of the UK.
The festive experience offered a whole host of fun for all the family, including ‘elfie selfie’ photo opportunities and food huts serving delicious seasonal treats, as well as free personalised cans of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar given out to mark the occasion.
Visitors were also able to snap their all-important photo in front of the famous truck with the iconic image of Father Christmas on the side.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
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Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said:“Christmas is a really special time for us, and we were thrilled to be chosen as one of the locations on the tour, bringing the famous truck to Edinburgh.
“It was great to see so many visitors from across the region join us on Saturday for some festive fun as the countdown to Christmas officially begins.”
Find out more about Christmas at Fort Kinnaird here:
Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College and Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at The Balmoral, were the talented chefs who most impressed the expert industry judges.
Positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually to a chef working in Scotland, carrying on the legacy of Andrew Fairlie’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent in Scotland.
The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, and were challenged to create a dish with potato as its star ingredient while incorporating Scottish dairy. They had the further challenge of delivering an impressive surprise dish using hand-dived scallops.
Darren Seggie impressed the judges with his creative potato-based dessert comprising butter gold potato pudding and espuma, sourdough crumble and ice cream and caramel sauce. While Rachel Bremner blew everyone away with her dish – potato and egg yolk ravioli, crispy potato skins and potato espuma.
The final skills test took place at Perth College UHI with the winners announced afterwards during a ceremony at Gleneagles.
The judging panel included some of the country’s finest chefs, all of whom knew Andrew Fairlie well. The panel was headed up by Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at 2 Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie; alongside fellow 2 Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains; 1 Michelin-star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee; and Masterchef The Professionals winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.
The winners will be taken on an incredible 2-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, an international stage, as well as receiving a bespoke chef’s jacket from Goodfellows. These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing both talented scholars to develop their learnings over an extended period of time.
The scholarships are offered in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity with which Andrew Fairlie was closely connected. Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Stephen McLaughlin, lead judge and head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “Our five finalists have competed fiercely and fairly today and they have all given it everything to win this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. Everyone competed with great character and commitment and showed a real respect for one another this afternoon.
“The chefs should all be extremely proud of themselves for getting to the final but must also take great pride in how they handled the pressures of the day and in the fabulous dishes that they all produced. This was a tough one to find just one winner today as everyone cooked so well and all had showed great application in getting this far.
“We had no choice but to award two deserving winners… This year’s winners not only submitted immaculate application packs but followed this through and showcased themselves clearly as the best on the day with clean, precise and creative cookery”.
David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “It was a true delight to see our group of finalists demonstrate a passion for cooking that Andrew Fairlie would be proud of.
“A huge congratulations goes to Darren and Rachel, who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication to their craft. They have bright culinary futures ahead!”
Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “Offering our kitchens and facilities to support HIT Scotland and being part of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is very important to us, as he was our well-respected alumnus.
“Hosting for the third time, we have really enjoyed watching the finalists create their fantastic dishes, they’re at the top of their game and their efforts demonstrate to our students the very top of industry standards. Huge congratulations to the two winners!”
The 2023 finalists were:
Daniel Robb, 27, Chef de Partie at Gleneagles
Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at the Balmoral
Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College
Spud Henderson, 34, Sous Chef at Craig Millar @ 16 West End
Rita Varga, 31, Chef de Partie and kitchen departmental trainer at Voco Grand Central Hotel.
5 reasons Self Assessment customers don’t need to wait on hold
Nobody enjoys having to wait on hold on the phone just to resolve a simple query – and those completing Self Assessment tax returns no longer need to, with more help and advice than ever before available online.
But many people, unaware of the extent of online support now out there, are still calling instead, often with questions that could be answered via GOV.UK.
Releasing details of the top 5 reasons people call the helpline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging everyone to check online when seeking help about their tax return, to get a much quicker and easier result.
HMRC received more than 5.5 million calls to the Self Assessment helpline last year, with 1.2 million calls in the 8 weeks leading up to the 31 January deadline. Around a third of these calls were routine or simple enquiries.
The most common calls to the Self Assessment helpline, which can be checked online are:
Do I need to fill in a tax return?
How do I fill in my online tax return?
How do I check how much tax I owe?
Where’s my Self Assessment tax refund?
What happens if I can’t pay my tax bill?
Using HMRC’s online services means customers can access the information they need to resolve all of these questions quickly and easily – day or night – without the need to call HMRC.
Reason for calling the helpline
Online support
Do I need to fill in a tax return?
Customers can use the online tool to check if they need to complete a tax return. They will need to answer a few simple questions and it will help them decide if they need to submit one.
HMRC works this out for customers based on their completed tax return. They can easily check and pay any tax owed via the HMRC app or via the online service.
If customers cannot pay any tax owed in full, they can set up a payment plan, known as a Time to Pay arrangement.Interest will be payable on any outstanding payments after the deadline.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:“There is no need to spend time waiting to speak to us. Using our online services for simple queries about your tax return means you can get the help you need quickly.
“We have a wealth of free resources and support online to help you complete your tax return. Search ‘help with Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
There is guidance available on GOV.UK to help customers complete their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024. Anyone completing a tax return for the first time can use HMRC’s step-by-step guide which explains what they need to do.
Research undertaken by HMRC shows that 86% of its individual customers are open to engaging with HMRC digitally in the future. It is quicker and easier and has the additional wider benefit of enabling the department to focus more of its phone support on those with complex queries and those who are vulnerable.
Self Assessment customers can pay any tax owed via the free and secure HMRC app. Since April 2023, almost 100,000 customers have paid £121 million in tax via the app.
If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way to pay the tax they owe. They may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC if they owe less than £30,000.
There is a new affordability assessment in the self-serve Time to Pay online service. Customers will be asked about their income and spending to calculate their disposable income and set up an affordable payment plan for them.
Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
The first ever Scottish Building Society Festival took place this weekend with over 100 players competing in the event which celebrates inclusive rugby.
The festival brought together five clubs from across Scotland to play in a tournament, for all ages and abilities.
Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, Fife Clan, Borders Clan, Strathmore Clan and Ayrshire Clan all played in a round-robin tournament.
Inclusive Rugby involves both able bodied players and those with a physical or learning disability, playing in one unified outfit.
Scottish Building Society, as the primary partner of Edinburgh Rugby, hosted the festival at Hive Stadium with the players also being invited along to the Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht match that same evening.
Paul Denton, CEO of Scottish Building Society said: “When we became the main partners with Edinburgh Rugby, we wanted to use our platform to create more opportunities for people to get involved in rugby.
“The festival was born from this value, and it was incredibly encouraging to have over 100 players come along and play in our first festival celebrating inclusive rugby.
“Rugby is a sport for everyone and using our platform we want to create more opportunities to make the game more accessible and inspire more people to get involved.
“Our hope is that people see this festival and for next year we can get even more players along to celebrate inclusiveness and the sport we love.”
Edinburgh Rugby Community Manager, Ruaridh Pye said: “It was a hugely inspiring day hosting the first ever Scottish Building Society Festival here at Hive Stadium.
“Five clubs from across Scotland coming together to celebrate what rugby means is very special and we hope it will inspire those interested in rugby that this is truly a sport for everyone.
“It was such a heartwarming day, and having the players come out at half time of our match against Connacht and receive the cheers from the crowd was a special moment.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP pursues support for children with additional support needs
ASN Reform Scotland recently attended the Scottish Parliament to hold a drop-in session for MSPs. Their mission was to raise awareness amongst MSPs about the issues that children with ASN and their parents are facing, how to improve ASN education in Scotland, and to help raise awareness of children with ASN ‘s educational needs.
Training for people who work with children and young people with complex additional support needs emerged as a key theme from the Scottish Government’s recent 2023 report, ‘Pupils with complex additional support needs: research into provision’. These findings about challenges in accessing training were echoed by parents in the ASN Reform Scotland Group, who raised concerns that the environment provided by mainstream schools is often not appropriate for children with additional support needs due to, for example, a lack of appropriate training for teachers.
Foysol Choudhury MSP hosted the ASN Reform Scotland Group’s drop-in session for MSPs at the Scottish Parliament, after meeting the group outside the Scottish Parliament before the Parliament’s summer recess and offering his assistance to the group. Mr Choudhury says it was saddening to hear about the lack of appropriate support some children are getting at school, with some parents reporting having to take on the burden of teaching their own children.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was made clear at the drop-in session that parents feel unsupported.
“The group are calling to increase ASN provisions in Scotland and ensure all teachers get specific ASN training to bring the best for all our children.
“There should be support for children with ASN in school along with school staff members getting provided with the correct training in all types of schools, so parents can feel they are sending their children to a safe and beneficial environment”.
Parents from the ASN Reform Scotland group also raised with Mr Choudhury their concerns over stretched funding and called for accountability over how funds are spent to support a child with ASN.
The group says this will not just benefit the children’s development but will also help their families, as parents will be assured are that their children are getting the right support and care when they are at school.
A rolling presentation was played at the meeting, to convey the concerns of parents of children with ASN across Scotland. One parent noted they want “All teachers to have ASN training in mainstream schools”. Another noted: “My child deserves to thrive, not just survive in school”.
Mr Choudhury says he will continue to support the ASN Reform Group and other parents wherever he can.
Crimestoppers is today (Tuesday 28th November), launching a new Scotland-wide house breaking campaign with Police Scotland.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of how homeowners and tenants – particularly the vulnerable in our communities – can protect their property by speaking up anonymously if they know of a planned break-in or have witnessed suspicious activity in their area.
In 2021-22, there were 8,489 recorded housebreaking crimes. However, with Christmas fast approaching and the country experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, Police Scotland have warned that they expect an increase in the number of housebreakings.
Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police and takes crime information whilst guaranteeing anonymity – no courts, no witness statements, no comeback. By never asking for personal details, it encourages people to come forward who might otherwise stay silent.
The campaign will supply all Police Scotland Divisions and Community Safety Partners with campaign posters, postcards, and local area banners.
A Scotland-wide social media campaign will enable anyone with information to pass it on completely anonymously and securely via the online form on Crimestoppers website.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager for the independent charity Crimestoppers, said: “Housebreaking is not a victimless crime. It’s traumatic to lose valuable and personally important items from your home – and the emotional shock of having your property invaded can also be deeply upsetting.
“Criminal gangs can target the most vulnerable in communities and our campaign aims to gather information about who is behind house theft.
“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.
“If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the charity’s website and fill in the simple and secure anonymous online form. By working together we can help keep our homes and communities safe.”
Detective Superintendent Andy Patrick, Police Scotland’s Acquisitive Crime Lead said:“Housebreaking is an extremely invasive crime, which can have a devastating impact on victims long after the offence has been committed.
“Police Scotland treats all reports of housebreaking with the utmost seriousness, and we have dedicated teams who specifically investigate such crimes to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Our communities have a vital role to play in preventing housebreaking by taking appropriate steps to safeguard their homes, businesses, and outbuildings, such as garages and sheds. We have a range of useful crime prevention advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk.
“Similarly, I would also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity they witness within their community to police, or should they have information relating to a planned housebreaking, then contact us via 101, or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity. In an emergency always use 999.”
