FRESH START Community Hub is taking signups now for the free new absolute beginners English class on Tuesdays 1 – 3pm starting on Tuesday 14th January.
To enrol or refer please contact Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk
LOCAL businesses from in and around South Queensferry have been put in the spotlight by Cala Homes (East) as it unveiled its second ‘Showhome of Support’ within the area.
Situated within the homebuilder’s Rosebery Wynd development off Builyeon Road, the impressive four-bedroom Buchanan townhouse showhome has provided a platform for local retailers to promote their wares and showcase the very best that businesses in the area have to offer.
The initiative forms part of Cala’s South Queensferry Community Pledge – a bespoke package of community support designed to assist with local projects which bring benefit and value to the local community, in a meaningful and measurable way.
Expertly designed by the team at Show Business, the showhomes feature items from several local businesses from the area, including: Harbour Lane; Craigies Farm Beacon Stores; Lifestory; Catalog Interiors; The Bonnie Home; An Independent Zebra; Edinburgh Mercantile; Chloe Gardner Art and Ormis.
Jenni Colquhoun, studio manager at Harbour Lane, said: “We were thrilled when Cala approached us to style their new showhome with some of our pieces.
“South Queensferry’s high street is a gem which is filled with unique, vibrant independents that draw people to this truly special area, so it’s fantastic to see a housebuilder of that size celebrating and supporting the businesses at the heart of this community.”
As well as the new Showhome of Support, the award-winning homebuilder has also unveiled a new three-bedroom Balvenie showhome and three-bedroom Almond show apartment which are now available to view at Rosebery Wynd.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges, each of the homes within this new development offer a unique versatility that suit any lifestyle, with flexible spaces perfect for hosting friends and family, working from home or even transforming into a home gym or hobby room.
Homes within this vibrant new community benefit from all the beauty and convenience South Queensferry has to offer, all while being within easy reach of Scotland’s capital. The development perfectly combines semi-rural and urban city living, with Edinburgh just 20 minutes away by train and excellent commuter links to Fife and beyond.
What’s more, the development is surrounded by plenty of green space and is positioned within close proximity to a number of walking and cycling routes, as well as excellent local schools and a range of amenities, including independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Elaine Doyle, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We’re delighted to showcase the incredible talent of South Queensferry’s local businesses through our new Showhome of Support at Rosebery Wynd.
“This initiative is a key part of our South Queensferry Community Pledge, and by featuring locally sourced items from various artisans in our new four-bedroom Buchanan townhouse, we’re providing a unique platform for these businesses to showcase the best of their wares.
“With the addition of our new three-bedroom showhome and three-bedroom show apartment at Rosebery Wynd, we’re excited to offer even more choices for prospective buyers, whether it be first time buyers, downsizers or growing families alike.
“We expect demand for these homes to be high, so I would recommend to anyone who is interested in making the move to South Queensferry to book a viewing appointment with a member of our expert sales team, who will be able to discuss the range of incentives Cala can offer.”
The four-bedroom Buchanan Showhome of Support is available to view now, as well as the three-bedroom Balvenie and three-bedroom Almond apartment. To book a viewing, visit the Cala Homes website or call the sales team on 0131 608 5652.
Prices for two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at Rosebery Wynd start from £249,995 and £434,995. To find out more, visit: www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/rosebery-wynd-south-queensferry
Cala’s Showhome of Support initiative is one of many activities designed to bring meaningful and measurable benefit to South Queensferry through the town’s Community Pledge.
The housebuilder is currently supporting Queensferry and District Community Council’s (QDCC) ‘Community Chest’, which will see a total of £5,000 distributed to local organisations in 2025.
Groups can apply for up to £1,000 of funding until the deadline on Thursday, 31 December 2024. To apply, visit the application form link on the QDCC website.
To learn more about the South Queensferry Community Pledge, go to:
Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.
As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue. For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.
Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.
This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).
Limited-Time Offer
Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).
Early bird bookings for can be made here
Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented: ““We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder.
“With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out over the Christmas period.
Fort Kinnaird’s full opening times in the run up to and throughout the Christmas week are:
Opening days and times will vary by store, so it’s always recommended that visitors check with individual retailers before setting off.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Whether you’re visiting to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts, enjoy a seasonal meal, or simply to spend time with loved ones, we’re here right through the festive period to ensure you can get everything you need.”
In collaboration with Edinburgh-based charity, Cyrenians, Fort Kinnaird has also launched a Letters of Hope initiative this festive season, collecting and distributing heartfelt Christmas cards to those at risk of homelessness in and around the city.
Shoppers can post letters and cards into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – until 20th December. They will then be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.
For more information on Fort Kinnaird and to plan your festive trip please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas-day-out
Views are being sought on ways to improve how communities will receive additional benefits from renewable energy developments.
‘Community benefits’ are provided by developers to local groups and can include funding, actions such as in-kind works, the direct support of projects, or other site-specific benefits – such as a reduction in energy bills through local electricity discount schemes or building affordable housing.
Feedback on how to ensure the benefits are sustainable, meaningful and make the biggest positive impact on communities, will be used to update existing guidance for onshore and offshore energy developments, setting out the best practice approach for developers and local areas when delivering community benefits.
Over the past 12 months, more than £30 million has been awarded in community benefits in Scotland, up from £25 million in 2023.
This figure is expected to further increase with investment in clean energy sectors forecast to reach £40 billion over the next decade – providing greater opportunities for local areas to benefit from community benefit schemes.
Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is set to become a global renewables powerhouse – generating not only enough green electricity to power all our homes and businesses, but also to export electricity to our neighbours who also need to decarbonise and become more energy secure.
“We believe that communities should be at the heart of this transition, and it is vital that they share in the significant economic and social benefits which will be created as we develop our renewable energy resources.
“This means making sure that energy developments provide community benefit schemes which deliver tangible and long lasting legacy benefits for local areas – as well as supporting local jobs, supply chain businesses and wider growth.
“I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation, to ensure that our arrangements deliver positive and meaningful impacts of the type that communities want and help support our just and fair transition to net zero and clean energy security.”
Scottish Renewables, Chief Executive, Claire Mack said: “As our clean energy transition gathers pace it is important to ensure lasting benefits are secured for Scotland. Delivering our pipeline of projects will provide a significant boost for the economy through high-value jobs, supply chain growth and inward investment.
“Scotland’s renewable energy industry is proud of our positive record to date on community benefits from projects and we want to ensure they continue to deliver for communities. In that effort, however, we must not lose sight of the challenges facing project deployment.
“We look forward to engaging constructively with this consultation to ensure community benefits are sustainable for industry and strategically placed to deliver a long-term, positive impact for local communities.”
Zoë Holliday from the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy said: “We commend the Scottish Government for committing to update the Good Practice Principles for community benefits.
“Since its establishment, the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy has been calling for these to be overhauled to reflect current technologies and context.
“Now is the time to be ambitious and to make improvements to the guidance to ensure a Fair Deal from the energy transition for communities across Scotland.”
Community benefits are additional benefits, that are currently voluntary, which developers provide to the community. The Scottish Government does not currently have the power to legislate for community benefits, which lies with the UK Government.
In spring 2025 the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 9 of its investigations: The provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities.
SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.
The organisations involved in the provision of such residential accommodation included the National Health Service, local authorities, voluntary providers, and private providers.
The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at those establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.
This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.
Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture; these will also be explored during the case study.
The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings, from relevant experts, from regulatory bodies, and from providers.
It may include evidence from a range of other witnesses in relation to a number of particular establishments. Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA.
At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday 24 January 2025.
What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures.
Application forms are also available on the website:
www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.
Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.
SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is now available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support
Seventeen establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study:
| School | Provider | Location |
| Children’s Home | Algrade Trust | Humbie |
| Donaldson’s School for Deaf Children | The Donaldson Trust | Edinburgh |
| Harmeny School | Harmeny Education Trust | Balerno |
| Ladyfield East Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Hannahfield Hall Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Ladyfield West Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital Eskdale House Unit, Crichton Royal Hospital | NHS Dumfries & Galloway | Dumfries |
| Lendrick Muir School | Seamab | Rumbling Bridge |
| Lennox Castle Hospital | NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and East Dunbartonshire Council | Lennoxtown, Glasgow |
| Linnwood Hall Children’s Home | Fife Council | Leven |
| Melville House | Fife Council | Cupar |
| Monken Hadley / Corsbie Hall / Woodlands School | Independent | Newton Stewart |
| Ovenstone Residential School | Fife Council | Pittenweem |
| Royal Blind School | Royal Blind | Edinburgh |
| Royal Scottish National Hospital | NHS Forth Valley | Larbert |
| Starley Hall School | Independent | Burntisland |
| St Joseph’s Hospital | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Rosewell |
| St Mary’s Balnakeil | Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God | Galashiels |
| St Vincent’s School for the Deaf and Blind | Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul | Tollcross, Glasgow |
| Woodfield Ladymary School | Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd | Colinton, Edinburgh |
FREE NEW YEAR’S DAY MUSIC TRAIL RETURNS THROUGHOUT CITY CENTRE
ARTISTS INCLUDING KARINE POLWART, THE VASELINES, HAYLEY ZALASSI, VALTOS, DEAD PONY AND MORE SET TO PLAY NEW YEAR’S DAY LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
edwinterfest.com/hogmanay/whats-on/first-footin
The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from 29 December to 1 January.
With only two weeks to go until New Year’s Day itself, this year’s First Footin’ programme boasts a packed line-up of free and ticketed gigs to kick off the New Year in iconic venues across the city.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund, January 1st 2025 sees the First Footin’ programme go even further than before, with artists playing live sets in Portobello Town Hall and Leith Arches as well as historic landmarks St. Giles’ Cathedral and Greyfriars Kirk, and contemporary venues Greyfriars Hall and Eve at Virgin Hotel, Fruitmarket Warehouse and bars throughout the city centre, including Cold Town House.
This year’s programme includes an incredible line-up of Scottish artists including Valtos, DJ Hayley Zalassi, Zoe Graham, Dara Dubh, who gathered today at First Footin’ venue Cold Town House to mark two weeks to go until the gigs. First Footin’ also features Karine Polwart, NATI, Spyres, Mama Terra, Bee Asha, Broken Chanter, Eyve, Lewis McLaughlin, Grayling, Afterlands, and more.
On being part of First Footin’, Glasgow anti-punk band Dead Pony said; “We’re super excited to play this year’s First Footin’. We can think of no better way to start the New Year than to crank our amps up and blast some tunes at – possibly – weary revellers.
“Everyone’s hangover is about to get blown to smithereens by the Dead Pony Doof Wagon. Strap in!”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay co-Director Al Thomson said: ‘We are so pleased to present another spectacular First Footin’ event on New Year’s Day.
“This year’s programme is bigger than ever and packed full of incredible artists from across Scotland and beyond. Audiences can explore the expanded event footprint, discovering their favourite new artists in spectacular venues, and start 2025 in the company of friends old and new. With so much to see, make sure you plan your day well to catch your favourite acts’
Acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Karine Polwart will host a stunning performance to mark the turning-of-the-year with ‘Come Away In’, a commissioned project welcoming special guest musicians Lori Watson and Corrina Hewat, along with 200 community choir singers, celebrating crossing the threshold of the New Year in the embrace of massed voices and song. Alongside Choir Director Stephen Deazley, Karine Polwart and the community singers will fill the stunning St Giles Cathedral with music on the 1st January.
The tranquil surroundings of Greyfriars Kirk will once again transform into a vibrant hub of Scottish music, featuring Skye natives Valtos, who have taken the Trad and Electronic music worlds by storm, artist and composer Kate Young, Edinburgh born indie artists Lewis McLaughlin and internet sensation NATI (solo).
A showcase of the very best in contemporary Scottish music at Virgin Hotel, presents artists nominated for the SAY Award 2024, featuring Dead Pony, Spyres, Broken Chanter and Edinburgh rap and spoken word artist Bee Asha.
Scottish musical duo Norman&Corrie will welcome audiences to the St. Andrew Square Speigeltent, challenging traditional notions of folk and jazz with new pieces translated from ancestral melodies. Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023, and Glasgow artist Harry Gorski-Brown performing fiddle, pipes and vocals, are special guests.
For classical music-lovers, Fruitmarket Gallery presents a diverse programme of music for viola and cello performed by acclaimed Canadian cellist Christian Elliott and Fiona Winning, Principal Violist of the Royal Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras.
New venue Leith Arches presents some of Scotland hottest new acts including Mama Terra; Glaswegian Pianist, Composer & Producer Marco Cafolla & Saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski, Mama Terra are hotly tipped by JazzFM, Loch Lomond folk-pop singer-songwriter Liv Dawn, Edinburgh rock band Low Tide, and grunge-fuelled rock from Dutch Wine.
Portobello Town Hall is home to a free afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Bella McNab’s Dance Band, with Brazilian and Cuban big-band flair from community street band Shunpike Social Club.
In the evening, BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band) bring their spectacular club night Vitamin C out to Portobello Town Hall on New Year’s Day featuring alt-rock legends The Vaselines, infectious indie-dance from Sacred Paws and Django Django’s Dave Maclean for an epic DJ set.
Meanwhile, Leith Arches hosts a celebration of House and Old Skool, with an all-female line-up led by DJ Hayley Zalassi, and special guests SWATT TEAM and Disco T*TS, Leith Arches is guaranteed to keep you dancing into 2025.
In the evening, the music continues with the First Footin Sessions with Cold Town Beer, live events throughout the Grassmarket and New Town bars, featuring a feast of music from foot-stomping trad from Eamonn Coyne & Friends, to a special set from SAY Award nominees Afterlands’ in Cold Town House.
First Footin’ is just one of the offerings available from the four-day Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme. Local residents and visitors from across the globe will come together to bid farewell to the final few days of 2024 and welcome in the New Year with an unmissable programme of live music and exceptional entertainment, including the world-class Midnight Moment fireworks and a celebration like no other at Edinburgh’s Street Party.
The celebrations kick off on the 29th December with the spectacular Torchlight Procession and the 30th sees a host of events including Idlewild headlining the Night Afore Concert at Assembly Rooms, and Hot Dub Time Machine warming up New Year’s partygoers with the Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens.
On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels and its all-night ceilidh makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 55,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine, BBC Radio 1 DJ Arielle Free, Peatbog Faeries, Valtos and much more.
The iconic Concert in the Gardens Hogmanay show this year will welcome Texas for a 35th anniversary greatest hits show joined by special guest Edinburgh’s own Callum Beattie and Carla Easton. There’s plenty for the whole family across the four-day festivities with the Bairns Revels, Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh at Assembly Roxy, Sprogmanay at Portobello Town Hall and more.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2024/25 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and Essential Edinburgh, all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland.
Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 4-day celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Drugs worth more than £50 million were seized across the country in 2024 as Police Scotland continues to act to tackle organised crime.
A number of significant drugs recoveries have taken place across Scotland throughout the year, including multiple high value cannabis cultivations.
This recently included plants valued at £1.5million in Peterhead, which were found at a property on Queen Street in September.
In October, officers recovered 90kgs of cocaine, 23kgs of heroin, 19kgs of MDMA and around 5,800 diazepam and ecstasy tablets following a search of a property in Curzon Street in Glasgow.
A further 20kg of cocaine was also found in a nearby vehicle, bringing the value of the drugs found to £5.5million.
A 24-year-old man was jailed in October after cocaine worth £2,447,900 was recovered from his car after it was stopped following a pursuit in Dundee in February this year.
Earlier this month, we confirmed eight people had been arrested in Glasgow as part of Operation Silhouette, an ongoing investigation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.
Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities.
“We remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in serious crime impacting Scotland at all levels, whether they are operating from within Scotland, the wider UK or beyond our borders.
“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.
“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Action like this is only possible with the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that your information will be listened to and will be used to help us take action on those involved in criminality.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Illegal drugs ruin lives and blight communities and I welcome Police Scotland’s commitment to disrupting organised crime groups who seek to profit from this misery.
“Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and other partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and we will continue to work together to reduce the impact of such crime on individuals and communities.”
The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Progress Report 2024 details some of the advances made by the SOCT and its partners this year.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison has urged Parliament to engage constructively with the 2025-26 Scottish Budget.
The Budget Bill, published today, gives Parliament the opportunity to scrutinise the Scottish Government’s public spending proposals as set out by Ms Robison on 4 December. Committees will take evidence on the plans before MSPs debate the Bill’s general principles in the Chamber.
The Finance and Public Administration Committee will consider the detail of the Bill and any Government amendments ahead of the Parliament’s final debate and vote on whether the Bill should become law.
Proposed income tax rates and bands, which will apply from April, are set out in a Scottish Rate Resolution that is subject to a separate vote before the final stage of the Bill.
The Finance Secretary said: “This Budget invests in public services, lifts children out of poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency and supports jobs and economic growth.
“Parliament can show that we understand the pressures people are facing by coming together to bring hope to people, to renew our public services and deliver a wealth of new opportunities in our economy.
“I am urging all parties to work with us to pass this Budget and to deliver the progress and hope that people in Scotland desperately want to see.”
Budget (Scotland) (No. 4) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website
The 2025-26 Budget includes:
LABOUR ADMINISTRATION LIMPS ON WITH TORY AND LIB DEM SUPPORT
LABOUR councillor Jane Meagher has been appointed as the new Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Former Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Ms Meagher replaces Labour’s Cammy Day, who resigned as council leader on Monday 9 December following serious allegations of misconduct.
The former leader, who is suspended from the Labour group while under investigation, did not not attend the meeting in person but voted online.
An attempt by the SNP – the biggest party in the City Chambers – to take over the running of Edinburgh with Green and Independent support was defeated in a vote as the minority Labour administration clung on to power backed by Tory and Lib Dem councillors. Labour holds just TEN seats in Edinburgh.
Leith Labour councillor Katrina Faccenda abstained in the vote.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “This has been an extremely difficult and damaging time for the Council. Today was an opportunity to restore stability and to get on with the business of running the city.
“As we count to down to 2025 – and to the challenging budget and other decisions that await us in the new year – we need stability, confidence and consensus.
“I know from speaking to colleagues from other political groups that they agree – and that’s what I’ve committed to today.
“I am, by my nature, a consensus builder – willing to take on board others’ views, willing to compromise and willing to take the type of decisions that will help and benefit the people of Edinburgh – particularly those most in need of our support.
“That’s the kind of leadership we need, and that’s what I’m determined to deliver for the city I’ve lived in for 50 years.”
Ms Meagher took part in the crisis council meeting while away on a family holiday in Tanzania.
