Snooker’s biggest stars heading for Edinburgh

Snooker’s all-time greats head for the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh next month for the BetVictor Scottish Open, with the star-studded line up and first round match schedule now confirmed.

Gary Wilson will be aiming to win the title for a third consecutive year, in a fantastic field which includes Scotland’s top player John Higgins, world number one Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and many more green baize giants. The event runs from December 9th to 15th at the superb Meadowbank Sports Centre venue in the heart of Edinburgh.

Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but must be booked fast now that the draw is out. They start at just £15 for one session, or £25 for an all-day ticket which gives fans the chance to watch a wide range of the world’s top stars. For all ticket details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Gary Wilson, who beat Joe O’Connor in the 2022 final and Noppon Saengkham to retain the title in 2023, starts his defence against China’s Long Zehuang on the opening morning of the tournament on Monday December 9th.

Huge first round clashes over the first two days include:

Gary Wilson v Long Zehuang – – Monday December 9th at 10am

John Higgins v Ian Burns – Monday December 9th at 1pm

Mark Allen v He Guoqiang – Monday December 9th afternoon

Judd Trump v Ishpreet Singh Chadha – Monday December 9th at 7pm

Mark Williams v David Lilley – Monday December 9th evening

Kyren Wilson v David Grace – Tuesday December 10th at 1pm

Mark Selby v Stuart Carrington – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Luca Brecel v Julien Leclercq – Tuesday December 10th afternoon

Shaun Murphy v Daniel Wells – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Xing Zihao – Tuesday December 10th at 7pm

Neil Robertson v Fan Zhengyi – Tuesday December 10th evening

WST’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tom Rowell said: “Edinburgh has proved a fantastic location for this event and the players have enjoyed packed crowds and a sensational atmosphere over the past two years.

“So we’re delighted to return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre especially with an incredibly strong line-up of our sport’s leading players. Tickets are already selling fast as this is the opportunity to watch world class sport from as little as £15. With such a high standard on the tour and so many epic matches already this season, there has never been a better time to watch snooker live.”

This is the third of four events in the BetVictor Home Nations Series, with the leading money winner across the series to bank an extra £150,000 bonus. Neil Robertson currently leads the way, just ahead of Kyren Wilson, with Judd Trump third. So there’s plenty at stake aside from the battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy in Edinburgh.

The BetVictor Scottish Open is televised by Eurosport, discovery+, DMAX and many other broadcasters worldwide.

Welby Resigns At Last

ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY JUSTIN WELBY HAS RESIGNED

His statement reads:

Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow. 

It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024. 

It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion. 

I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. 

The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England.

For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.

In the meantime, I will follow through on my commitment to meet victims. I will delegate all my other current responsibilities for safeguarding until the necessary risk assessment process is complete.

I ask everyone to keep my wife Caroline and my children in their prayers. They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. Caroline led the spouses’ programme during the Lambeth Conference and has travelled tirelessly in areas of conflict supporting the most vulnerable, the women, and those who care for them locally.

I believe that stepping aside is in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve. I pray that this decision points us back towards the love that Jesus Christ has for every one of us. 

For above all else, my deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.

Finding support

If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.

There are also other support services available.

Eco-Schools Scotland: Celebrate 30 years with Birthday Bingo!

Complete as many of our #EcoSchools30 Birthday Bingo activities as you can to enter our prize draw to win equipment from @Litterpickers to help your Eco-Committee!

https://keepscotlandbeautiful.org/eco-schools/celebrate/

Deathbed Will dispute serves as an important reminder to make your testament wishes known

A dispute over a Will partially destroyed by a 92-year-old woman on her deathbed serves as a “clear reminder” that people should make their testamentary wishes known, an expert has said. 

According to reports, the relatives of Carry Keats are embroiled in a £800,000 court dispute after she partially tore up her will on her deathbed.

The incident has led to a legal battle between her five cousins and her younger sister. While hospitalised, Ms Keats reportedly ripped through three-quarters of her will, a move that has raised questions about its legal validity. 

Lawyers have informed a High Court judge that Victorian legislation allows for a will to be revoked by tearing it up, provided legal requirements are followed.

Ms Keats died in 2022, just weeks after the incident, leaving an estate valued at £800,000, primarily comprising her home and land in Nomansland, Wiltshire. 

The case hinges on the interpretation of the Wills Act 1837, which dictates that for a will’s destruction to be valid, the testator must either destroy the will themselves or properly authorise someone else to do so. The cousins’ lawyer has argued that since Ms Keats’s solicitor rather than the testator finished tearing the will, this could invalidate the act due to  a“lack of authority”.

Commenting on this case, Victoria Townsend, who specialises in Contentious Trusts and Probate at leading law firm Smith Partnership, said: “A lot of people are surprised to learn that the Wills Act 1837 is still the governing legislation when it comes to the formalities behind Wills. 

“In this case, the dispute is over whether the deceased testator had intended to revoke the Will by way of destruction. Section 20 of The Wills Act 1837 allows for no Will to be revoked but by another Will or codicil, or by writing executed like a Will, or by destruction.

“Had the testator created a subsequent Will, this would have revoked her Will, regardless of whether she completed the action of tearing up the document, but it would appear that she chose not to do so. 

“As the cousins of the deceased appear to be claiming that she lacked capacity at the time the Will was torn up, if she had created a new Will rather than just tearing up the old one, it would no doubt be the case that they would also have disputed the new Will on the same basis of a lack of mental capacity.  

“As the deceased didn’t have a previous Will, in the event the Court finds the Will to have been validly revoked upon it being partially torn up, the intestacy rules will apply and her sister will inherit. 

“It will be interesting to see the judgment and outcome of this case. If nothing else, it is a good reminder to people to make sure you make your testamentary wishes known to people and to ensure you leave a valid will.”

Outlining her wider advice on how to avoid disputes in general, Ms Townsend said: “In order to avoid the issues faced with probate, there must be a focus on informing people about how to properly write a will.

“A lot is to do with being properly informed, going to professionals to write your will, being clear with family members what your intentions are, or just knowing really what may happen if you don’t do this properly,” explains Ms Townsend.

“COVID also engineered a lot of issues for writing wills, which is where a lot of problems have originated from that are now coming to light. 

“Keeping things proportionate is important. When people say it’s all about the principle, but they want to do x, y and z, you need to speak to them to identify what their objectives are,” explains Ms Townsend.

“We try to keep things realistic, and let people know at an early stage what they’re looking at so that objectives and expectations are appropriate and clear.

“Will disputes are centred around people who are  grieving. Naturally, many years of pent-up emotion, anger and family conflict come to the surface and can be heightened where money and estate assets are involved. Will disputes can be very costly, especially  if they reach court. 

“I think if people realised how much money can potentially be saved by avoiding will disputes then they would see the sense in  spending  a few hundred pounds on having a will professionally prepared .

The alternative could result in your family spending 50% of your estate on legal fees to resolve a legal wrangle,” she says.

Lost Shore Surf Resort makes waves with Grand Opening

Scotland’s first inland surf resort, Lost Shore Surf Resort, officially opened with an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony at its £60m site in Ratho, near Edinburgh, marking a new era for the nation’s adventure tourism.

Founder Andy Hadden, joined by Ratho Primary P7 House Captains, Scottish Junior Series Champion Robyn Larg, and professional surfer Ben Larg, proudly cut the ribbon at Europe’s largest and most advanced wave pool.

Andy Hadden said: “This is a dream come true. We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to experience Scotland’s new hub for world-class surfing, hospitality, and wellness.”

The resort, powered by Wavegarden technology, generates up to 1,000 customisable waves per hour and features luxury lodges, the Spear Sauna, and top Scottish eateries like Civerinos and Five March. 

The Wavegarden Cove is the most energy-efficient technology in the sector, consuming just 250-450 kilowatts per hour (kWh), or less energy than a single chair lift at a ski resort. 

With over 130 jobs created and a projected £11m annual boost to the local economy, Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to become a Scottish icon.

Countdown to the Colinton /Fairmilehead council by-election

With just two days to go until the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election, the city council’s elections team has been urging residents in the area to cast their votes on Thursday 14 November.

Residents in Colinton, Fairmilehead, Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston who are aged 16 or over and have registered to vote can participate in Thursday’s by-election. Together they will select a new councillor for the ward, which has a current electorate of 19,226.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “As the by-election approaches, I encourage residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward to visit their local polling place and have their say in electing a councillor to represent the community on issues affecting the ward and the wider city.

“Our elections pages provide helpful information on how the Single Transferable Vote system works – you can rank candidates in order of preference, choosing as many or few as you’d like.

“If you’ve requested and received a postal ballot, be sure to return it as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 14 November:

  • Charwood
  • Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
  • St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
  • Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
  • Pentland Community Centre

Anyone living in the area who is aged 16 or over and has registered can vote in the by-election, and votes can be cast by post or by proxy if more convenient.

The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30am.

Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election.

Water Main upgrade: Boswall Gardens

SCOTTISH Water are upgrading the water main in Boswall Gardens, Edinburgh, to ensure you continue to enjoy fresh, clear drinking water and reduce the chance of pipes bursting.

Work will commence on Monday, 18 November and is expected to last approximately six weeks.

The work is being carried out by our contractor, Cleantech. 

At A Glance:

  • Water main upgrade to improve resilience
  • From Monday, 18 November
  • Six week duration
  • Delivered by Cleantech

What to Expect: 

Boswall Gardens at the junction with Boswall Terrace will be closed for the duration of our work. Diversion routes will be via Boswall Crescent, Boswall Drive, and Boswall Parkway.

The road closure is essential to allow our team to replace the water main. It will be in place from 8:00am to 5:00pm daily, with an amnesty period at lunchtime between 12:00 noon and 1:00pm to allow essential access for local residents only. 

The road will remain open out with hours of operation. Weekend working will also be utilised to expedite work. The hours of operation will be:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
  • Sunday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Access will be maintained at all times for emergency vehicles and pedestrians. Please take care while following any diversion signage and allow extra time for journeys through this area.

We will do our best to minimise any disruption and construction noise where possible. Any areas of operation will be made safe and secure, with full reinstatements carried out on completion of the work.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this essential work.

Old Edinburgh Club: Bringing the history of Edinburgh to life

Do you have some research you wish to do concerning the history of Edinburgh? Do you need funds to help you accomplish this goal? Why not apply for a grant from the Old Edinburgh Club?

https://oldedinburghclub.org.uk/projects/jean-guild-grants/

We have an introductory meeting at The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL commencing at 7:30 on the 19th of this month (November) which you can attend by applying to membership@oldedinburghclub.org.uk.

Please come early so we can start on time.

Dedicated Midlothian volunteer honoured at sportscotland COV Awards

A sports volunteer from Midlothian has won the Volunteer of the Year award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards 2024.

Stevie Halliday has been recognised for the time and dedication he has given to rugby in the area, particularly at Dalkeith RFC.

Serving as the Director of Youth Rugby last year, Stevie has transformed Dalkeith RFC’s mini and youth rugby sections. Under his leadership, the club fielded its first under-18 team in over a decade, culminating in Dalkeith RFC’s inaugural appearance in a national final. 

The club’s mini and youth sections have seen remarkable growth under his guidance, now boasting over 300 boys and girls. Thanks to Stevie’s hard work and organisation, Dalkeith RFC consistently fields boys’ teams at under-13, under-14, under-16, and under-18 levels, along with its first girls’ youth teams. 

One of Stevie’s focuses has been providing opportunities for girls graduating from mini rugby to continue playing at Dalkeith RFC. This initiative has been a success with 27 girls now actively participating in youth rugby.

Stevie also coaches the under-18 side, steering them to the National School Bowl Final at Murrayfield, marking the club’s first national final in its history.

Stevie’s support for Dalkeith RFC’s youth players extends beyond coaching. He has organised first aid courses, mental health workshops and encouraged players to take on roles in running the club and coaching. His commitment to Dalkeith RFC is longstanding, having served as a player, Club Captain and President.

Stevie said: “My view is you always gets out of something what you put in. I met my wife at the rugby club, we’ve got two kids who are both involved in the rugby now so that drives me on to make sure there’s a place for them to be.

“It’s been a place that’s been a good environment for me and I want to make sure it stays that way for everyone else.”

Jason Hendrie, First Team Coach at Dalkeith RFC, said: “He’s always pushing everyone at the club to make things better. He’s always wanting the best for the club, if we didn’t have Stevie I don’t know where we’d be. He drives it so much.”

The sportscotland COV Awards celebrates the people who make sport happen in communities across Scotland, who inspire and enhance the lives of others and often commit their own time to help make sport accessible to as many people as possible. 

This year nearly 300 nominations were received covering 34 different sports and all 32 local authorities.

The COV winners were invited to collect their award at a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday 7 November.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Every year the Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the people across the country who have given so much of their time and dedication to Scottish sport and are making such an impact on their sport and their community.

“Across Scotland, there are thousands of people who recognise the impact that sport can have on us all. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and ,with a huge amount of hard work, helped to change people’s lives.

“Individuals like Stevie have dedicated a huge amount of their time to helping others realise their sporting potential.”