Around 3.20pm this afternoon (Saturday, 7 September, 2024), the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry.
Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed.
There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
OPENS AT THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW BEFORE TOURING TO INVERNESS, EDINBURGH AND ABERDEEN
This autumn, Scottish Opera presents a revival of the much-loved 2014 production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, which opens at Theatre Royal Glasgow on 12 October and tours to Inverness, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
It is performed alongside the Company’s specially created staging of Britten’s Albert Herring, which is at Lammermuir Festival, Theatre Royal Glasgow and Festival Theatre Edinburgh, bringing even more opera to Scottish audiences.
Conducted by Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford, Director-Designer duo Renaud Doucet and André Barbe (La bohème 2017) and Lighting Designer Guy Simard bring this quick-witted comedy to life with typically colourful and quirky style. Set in Rome at the cusp of the Swinging Sixties, the eccentric characters are given life in a world that is the perfect setting for a titanic clash of generations.
This highly successful production of Don Pasquale, which began life at Scottish Opera, was recently seen in Miami, Genoa, Vancouver, and Toronto.
David Stout, who delighted audiences in The Barber of Seville in Autumn 2023, returns to Scottish Opera as Don Pasquale, with three up-and-coming singers making their Scottish Opera debuts in the main roles.
Opera Australia principal soprano Stacey Alleaume is Norina, Filipe Manu (Jette Parker Young Artist 2019/20) is Pasquale’s son Ernesto, and Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (a member of the Jette Parker Artists Company of 2023/24) is Doctor Malatesta.
Don Pasquale runs a crumbling boarding house in Rome, and determined to keep his fortune to himself, he decides to marry, spiting his nephew Ernesto. But, when he finds a bride, he discovers that married life is not as simple as he expected …
Renaud Doucet and André Barbe said: ‘We are delighted to be returning to Scottish Opera with Don Pasquale. After studying the score, we thought that the creative vitality and energy of Rome in the mid 1960’s was an ideal setting for Donizetti’s generation clash opera.
‘We imagined that Don Pasquale owns a small, run-down pensione. Old and something of a hermit, he leaves the running of the hotel to his nephew Ernesto and to his staff – a rum bunch including a chain-smoking chambermaid, a greasy cook and a past-it porter, so old that he has shrunk inside his uniform. A chorus of tourists come and go.
‘The dramaturgy of the opera is illustrated during the overture by the video projection of a typically Italian 1960s ‘fotoromanzo’ — sequential storytelling using photographs, text and speech bubbles — starring the principal characters, enabling the audience to immediately jump into the action of this ‘dramma giocoso’ (drama with jokes).’
Stuart Stratford said: ‘Donizetti was at the absolute height of his powers in terms of melodic gifts and spectacular writing for voices in Don Pasquale.
‘This production by Renaud Doucet and André Barbe is amazing, and it sits alongside Britten’s quintessential British comedy, Albert Herring.
‘Both are very different ways of approaching laughs in the theatre, and they were written just about 100 years apart.’
Those who wish to discover more about how Don Pasquale was created can attend Pre-show Talks which delve into the detail of the opera. Tickets are free but should be booked in advance.
Audience members with a visual impairment can enjoy the full opera experience at Audio-described performances, which have a live commentary describing the action on stage without compromising the music. There are also free Touch Tours of the set, and a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.
Specially created Access performances of Don Pasquale run alongside the mainstage productions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. With Dementia Friendly values at their core, afternoon Access performances are for those who enjoy a more relaxed opera experience.
With a shorter running time (under two hours including an interval) and tickets at just £12.50, these performances are open to all, including those who may be living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the more relaxed atmosphere.
Don Pasquale is supported by The Scottish Opera Syndicate.
Tickets for Don Pasquale are on sale now at www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/don-pasquale/
Don Pasquale creative team
Conductor Stuart Stratford & Susannah Wapshott (21 November)
Director & Choreographer Renaud Doucet
Designer André Barbe
Lighting Designer Guy Simard
Don Pasquale cast
Don Pasquale David Stout
Norina Stacey Alleaume
Ernesto Filipe Manu
Doctor Malatesta Josef Jeongmeen Ahn
A Notary Jonathan Forbes Kennedy
Performance Diary
Theatre Royal Glasgow
12 • 17 • 26 October 2024, 7.15pm
20 October, 3pm (Audio-described performance with Touch Tour at 1.45pm)
Pre-show talk, 17 October, 6pm
Relaxed Access performance, 25 October, 3pm (Audio-described performance)
Eden Court Inverness
31 October, 7.15pm
2 November, 7.15pm (Audio-described performance with Pre-show talk and Touch Tour at 6pm)
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
8 • 16 November, 7.15pm
Pre-show talk, 16 November, 6pm
10 November, 3pm (Audio-described performance with Touch Tour at 1.45pm)
Relaxed Access performance,15 November, 3pm (Audio-described performance)
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
21 November, 7.15pm (Audio-described performance with Pre-show talk and Touch Tour at 6pm).
This autumn, Edinburgh’s City Art Centre opens a captivating new exhibition exploring Scottish printmaking.
Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland presents a fascinating selection of historic and contemporary prints from the City Art Centre’s renowned collection of Scottish art.
Over 30 different artists feature in the exhibition, including: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Muirhead Bone, D.Y. Cameron, Victoria Crowe, Anupa Gardner, Jane Hyslop, Walter Geikie, Leena Nammari, Eduardo Paolozzi, Anne Redpath, Willie Rodger, Mabel Royds, Paul Sandby and William Wilson.
Printmaking is one of the most richly diverse areas of the visual arts. For centuries, artists have employed different printmaking techniques and processes to create a variety of effects – experimenting with line, tone, texture and colour. The results range from highly detailed topographical images to vibrant abstract compositions, and from atmospheric impressions to quirky characterisations. In Scotland, this has long been recognised and embraced, with Scottish printmakers offering valuable contributions to the discipline.
Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland celebrates this versatile, ever evolving artform. The exhibition showcases examples of relief printing, intaglio printing, lithography and screenprinting, dating from the 18th century to present day.
Among the highlights are a unique woodcut print of Edinburgh Castle by Mabel Royds, an enormous linocut map of Midlothian by Jane Hyslop, and a vivid screenprint by Wilhemina Barns-Graham, produced when she was in her 80s.
Many of the artworks are new additions to the collection are on display at the City Art Centre for the very first time. These include compositions by Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Fleming and James Munro, as well as a group of prints by Willie Rodger, donated in 2023 by the Willie Rodger Art Trust.
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “It’s always such a delight to see a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art being presented for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and connect with.
“The Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland exhibition celebrates this versatile and ever evolving artform and is a fantastic opportunity to see over 30 different artist’s work. The extensive collection of work is a mix of existing and new additions to the collection, on display for the very first time.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit our City Art Centre and explore and reflect on the variety of artwork and experience the diversity of printmaking in Scotland.”
Edinburgh City Art Centre Curator, Dr Helen Scott said: “Printmaking is such a dynamic artform – it covers an incredibly varied range of techniques and can be used by artists in so many different ways.
“There are minutely detailed landscape views by 18th century artists like Paul Sandby and Thomas Donaldson, and then there are the evocative etchings of Muirhead Bone and D.Y. Cameron in the early 20th century, with their deep contrasts of light and shadow.
“The exhibition includes pieces by post-war printmaking innovators such as Eduardo Paolozzi and Philip Reeves. And there’s also a good selection of recent works by contemporary printmakers like Leena Nammari, Bronwen Sleigh and Adrian Wiszniewski.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with visitors – revealing the creative scope of printmaking and unpicking some of the practical techniques behind the artworks.”
Admission to the exhibition is free (donations are of course most welcome to enable free access for all!) and opens on Saturday 14 September 2024 and continues until 1 June 2025.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray has issued a statement identifying racism as a significant public health challenge, and a key cause of health inequalities.
Echoing the First Minister and other Scottish Government ministers’ comments on racism in the wake of recent violence in other parts of the United Kingdom, the Health Secretary has outlined various measures, including asking health boards to develop and deliver their own anti-racism plans.
Mr Gray said: “These changes can’t come fast enough. Racism already has a life-threatening effect on minority ethnic communities across the UK. That has been the case for generations.
“The only way we can make a difference now is to actively work against racism. This work is just one step in the right direction. There is no place in Scotland for hatred or racism of any kind.”
Earlier in the week, the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 Programme for Government included plans to embed anti-racism across the public sector.
A man arrested by detectives investigating the disappearance of Khasha Smith has been charged.
Khasha, of Edinburgh, was last seen to be safe and well on a FaceTime call on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, aged 35.
Following extensive enquiries, Khasha is believed to be dead. However, her body is yet to be found.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 September, 2024.
Khasha’s family have been made aware and have asked that their privacy is respected.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, is appealing to the public for information.
He said: “Our thoughts remain with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.
“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Nominations close for the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards at midnight on Friday 13th September.
The Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities.
Every year the LGIU receives hundreds of nominations – each acknowledging a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year.
The Cllr Awards are the only national ceremony that celebrate the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales and Scotland and nominations can be made by members of the public, friends and family, colleagues or residents.
Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community.
The 2024 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. Shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn.
Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.
To submit a nomination or for more information, please visit the Cllr Awards website.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “Now is the time to shine a light on the incredible work of councillors across our communities.
“They are working tirelessly behind the scenes, day in and day out, to make positive contributions that impact our daily lives in so many important ways, from maintaining streets to funding community projects and shaping the character of our towns.
“Now, more than ever before, local communities rely on elected members and their work too often goes unnoticed and unrecognised, making the Cllr Awards essential in highlighting their invaluable work.
“That is why we are proud to once again host the annual Cllr Awards, paying tribute to our locally elected representatives and sharing examples of the innovation and dedication of our councillors.
“We anticipate a wave of nominations this year before the 13 September deadline and look forward to hearing the remarkable stories behind them. These awards are made possible through the generous support of our founding partners, CCLA.”
From 24 September 2024 it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly influence, harass or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services in protected zones around certain hospitals and clinics.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force and creates protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.
Within those zones, it will be a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Gillian Mackay for all her hard work in progressing the Act and I am eternally grateful to all the women and staff who contributed to that process.
“It is unacceptable for women to face any unwanted influence, distress or alarm when accessing abortion services. In bringing the Act into force, I hope women across Scotland hear the clear message that the Scottish Government will protect their access to healthcare.
“People continue to have the right to free speech and protest in a democracy – however, no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions. This Act makes that clear.”
Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing Safe Access Zones. Anyone who breaks Safe Access Zone laws could be fined up to £10,000 under summary procedure or to an unlimited amount under solemn procedure. Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.
Full list of the locations of zones:
| Hospital |
| University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock |
| Borders General Hospital – Melrose |
| Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary |
| Galashiels Health Centre |
| Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer |
| Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline |
| Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy |
| Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert |
| Aberdeen Royal Infirmary |
| Aberdeen Community Hospital |
| Aberdeen Maternity Hospital |
| Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin |
| Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock |
| Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley |
| Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow |
| Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow |
| Ross Hall – Glasgow |
| New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow |
| Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow |
| Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow |
| Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire |
| Raigmore Hospital – Inverness |
| University Hospital Wishaw |
| Royal Infirmary Edinburgh |
| Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh |
| St John’s Hospital – Livingston |
| The Balfour – Livingston |
| Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick |
| Ninewells Hospital – Dundee |
| Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway |
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Dublin today to meet the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in his first official visit to Ireland.
Continuing his ‘drive to reset the UK’s relationships with its key international partners and deliver for hard-working British people’, he will welcome a new era in the British-Irish relationship and highlight the opportunity it presents to drive forward economic growth.
Ireland is one of the UK’s top trading partners and the trading relationship is worth 100 billion euros a year – supporting thousands of jobs for British and Irish people.
Boosting growth is the Prime Minister’s key mission of government, and the visit is another example of his personal commitment to drive up the UK’s standing in the world in order to attract investment to the UK and create more jobs for British people.
The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach will also meet Irish business leaders from companies including Accenture, Keelings and Primark today, to encourage enhanced bilateral trade and investment in pursuit of growth.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties – through our close geography, shared culture and the friendships of our people.
“Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that. We have a clear opportunity to go further and faster to make sure our partnership is fully delivering on behalf of the British and Irish people – driving growth and prosperity in both our countries.
“The Taoiseach and I are in lockstep about our future, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration further.”
The Taoiseach was the first international leader hosted by the Prime Minister in the UK following the July election – demonstrating the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to a strong UK-Ireland relationship.
Today’s visit comes after the Prime Minister’s visit to Berlin and Paris last week to continue the UK’s reset with its key European partners.
The leaders will attend the Republic of Ireland vs England Nations’ League football match on Saturday evening.
Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director of Accenture in Ireland said: “Accenture is delighted to be invited, alongside other business leaders in Ireland, to join UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach, Simon Harris to discuss mutual business opportunity across our two countries.
“It is encouraging to see the Prime Minister travel to Ireland so early in his premiership to join us for what promises to a great sporting occasion.”
A cherished resident of Milford Care Home in Edinburgh marked a special milestone as she celebrated her 100th birthday with a beautiful afternoon tea, surrounded by her loving family and fellow residents.
Doris Moffat was born and raised in Dagenham, East London. She spent her early years working as a dental technician before dedicating herself to raising her loving son, Alex. She became a proud grandmother of two and has always placed family at the heart of her life.
Reflecting on her century-long journey, Doris shared the secret to her long life, which she attributes to “eating well, walking, and the love of my family.” This simple yet profound philosophy has guided her through the many stages of her life, from her career in East London to her retirement in Scotland.
Doris moved to Scotland with her husband in October 2008, a decision she made to be closer to her immediate family. Tragically, just two months after their move, Doris’ husband passed away. Despite this heartache, she found solace in her family and the beautiful surroundings of Scotland.
The centenarian’s birthday celebration at Milford Care Home was a heartwarming affair as Doris was joined by her family, some of whom had travelled from as far as Cornwall to celebrate with her. Together they enjoyed a special afternoon tea in her honour.
Doris, 100, said: “Turning 100 is such an exciting milestone, but what truly makes it special is having my loving family here with me. I’m overjoyed that they’ve travelled all the way from England to Edinburgh to celebrate this day together. Being surrounded by those I love means the world to me.”
Doris also shared one of her fondest memories—a humorous anecdote involving her late husband. She said: “I’ll never forget the time I saw my husband bump into a lamppost after a good night out. He looked at it and said, ‘Excuse me, sir.’ That always brought a smile to my face!”
Kelly Skellet, manager at Milford Care Home, said: ” Doris is such a wonderful person, and it’s heartwarming to see her surrounded by her loved ones on her 100th birthday.
“The afternoon tea with her family and fellow residents truly reflects the close-knit community we have here, and we’re honoured to share in her joy on this special day.”
Renaissance Care has 17 homes across Scotland in areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Lanarkshire.
The private care homes vary in size and style, ranging from small boutique-style residential care homes with 20 rooms to larger purpose-built care homes for assisted living offering specialist nursing and dementia care.
For more information about Renaissance Care facilities, please visit:
Hundreds of homes in Edinburgh are undergoing major energy upgrades – helping to tackle fuel poverty and carbon emissions in some of the city’s most deprived areas.
Edinburgh’s ambitious multi-million-pound retrofitting roll-out and mixed tenure improvements will make council homes ‘net zero ready’ in the coming years, with measures such as external wall insulation and solar panels being installed to improve living standards in many low-rise buildings and multi-storey blocks.
Marking the Council’s latest set of insulation upgrades, the Housing, Homeless and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher visited tenants in the North of the city to see how their homes have been transformed.
Along Crewe Road North and Crewe Road Gardens, at least £2.23 million has been invested this year towards making 90 homes in mixed tenure buildings warmer and cheaper to heat. The vast majority of these (70) are Council homes.
Funded by a mix of EES/ABS grants, owner contributions and Council funding, properties in the area have benefited from external wall insulation and in many cases replacement roofing, with all works delivered by Insulated Render Systems (IRS) in partnership with the Council, Changeworks and Home Energy Scotland.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It’s hard to describe the huge difference these measures will make: to the fabric and warmth of these homes, to people’s fuel bills and to the environment, and of course to the lives of everyone who lives in them now and in the future.
“By bringing these older homes up to a newer energy efficiency standard, we’re not only driving down carbon emissions, we’re clamping down on issues like damp and fuel poverty. It’s complex work but it’s vital because it prioritises our tenants and their living standards.
“It has been a pleasure to meet with some of the residents and to hear their feedback and I’m pleased to see the real difference the building work is making. The works taking place along Crewe Road are an indication of more upgrades to come. Just think what we could achieve if we were to receive the funding we need to roll this programme out even further, to improve even more of our tenants’ homes?
“I’m grateful to the partners involved in supporting this roll-out and to our tenants, whose rents help towards paying for improvements to council homes alongside grant funding. Edinburgh faces a Housing Emergency and we need to tackle it together.”
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Changeworks, said: “Changeworks has worked in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council on a number of EES ABS projects and it’s great to see the fabric improvements made to properties here on Crewe Road.
“Ongoing high energy costs mean that these energy efficiency projects make a real difference to householders, helping them stay warm and save energy as well as reducing carbon emissions.”
Green measures have also been installed to homes in Gilmerton, where over 180 eligible private home owners and tenants are benefitting from £2.5 million investment over two years towards solar PV panels and battery energy storage, external wall insulation and upgrades to the look of buildings. Future upgrades with Changeworks are also planned for homes in the Liberton area in the year ahead.
Elsewhere in the city, at least £2.2 million has been invested by the Council to transform a block of 36 homes in Oxgangs into a modern looking, sustainable building with upgrades to the roof and coverings, external walls, stairwells, and common landings.
The Council is now looking to undertake a whole house retrofit of the multistorey blocks May and Gunnet and is carrying out design work for blocks in Leith, Mixed tenure improvements also taking place in Lochend, Restalrig and in Wester Hailes.
