Day: May 10, 2025

Soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

The remains of Private (Pte) John Tame of 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment were laid to rest on 8 May in Belgium, nearly 108 years after his death

The burial service for Pte Tame was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the War Detectives, and took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) New Irish Farm Cemetery. 

The service was supported by serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles and was attended by Keith Brooks, the great nephew of Pte Tame, who aided JCCC by providing the DNA sample used to identify him. 

Keith Brooks said: “John and his brothers Alfred and William have been remembered by the family from just photographs and vague memories from those who have now long passed.

“Now, after finding John’s remains, he is more than just a distant photograph. This has made him more real along with his story for future generations.

“This has all been achieved because of the excellent work the MOD do with all the research and investigations, giving missing people who have served their country the funeral they all greatly deserve.”

Pte Tame was identified after his remains were found during road works at Zonnebeke near Ypres in May 2018. Nearby artefacts included a cap badge and shoulder title of The Royal Berkshire Regiment.

The body also appeared to have been previously wounded around his left shoulder, which led to DNA matching confirming his identification.

Pte Tame was from Windsor, Berkshire, and the third-eldest of 7 children. His elder brothers Alfred and William George also enlisted and served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment which, though stationed in India at the outbreak of the World War 1, arrived on the Western Front on 5 November 1914. 

John’s brothers Lance Corporal Alfred Tame and Corporal William George Tame were both killed on 9 May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. They are still missing and are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. 

On Friday 9 May, the 110th anniversary of their deaths, the family of Pte Tame and a party from 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial to remember his missing brothers. 

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial with Keith Brooks to remember Private Tame’s brothers, killed 110 years ago today (Crown Copyright)

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: “It has been an honour to work with The Rifles to give Pte Tame the full military funeral that he deserves and to have conducted the research which led to his identification.

“It has also been a privilege to meet Keith, and to have shared this experience with him and his family.”

The grave will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. 

Commemorations Casework Manager at the CWGC, David Royle, said: “It is an honour to have been involved in the research that led to the formal identification of Private Tame and to have assisted his family with their choices for his Commission headstone.

“He is now at rest alongside his comrades in New Irish Farm Cemetery, where we will care for his grave in perpetuity.”

The service was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Cassells CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Rifles. Reverend Cassells said: “I count it a privilege to be involved in the proper burial of Pte Tame.

“It is right that his remains should be laid to rest with dignity and in a place where his service will be properly honoured.

“I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that their relative has been found and buried properly and that those connected with his army regiment would draw renewed commitment through his service for King and country.”

Edinburgh appoints visitor levy forum leader

Julie Ashworth will lead the new forum to advise the Council on all matters related to establishing Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy and its ongoing performance.

A recruitment panel, comprising senior representatives of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Visit Scotland and Edinburgh Association of Community Councils, identified the experienced executive as the ideal candidate to establish and lead the Visitor Levy Forum.

Councillors formally agreed to the appointment at the full Council meeting on Thursday 8 May.

Julie brings to the role considerable experience in complex stakeholder management and financial planning, and is a skilled networker with a strong track record of building relationships across multiple industry sectors, local and national governments.

She is founder and CEO of BroadReach Leadership Consultancy, whose clients span retail, technology, travel, education and the arts.

An Edinburgh resident, she currently serves as a Public Interest Board Trustee for the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, is Chair of the Board for the University of Aberdeen and has been a longstanding member of the Institute of Directors, where she is Chair of the Scotland Board.

She also contributes on a cross-party working group at the Scottish Parliament and is a member of the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business Group.

She has previously held executive and advisory positions with leading organisations operating in the retail sector including Marks and Spencer, Liberty of London, IBM, the Spirit Group and Clear Returns.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m delighted that Julie has been appointed as Chair of the Visitor Levy Forum. This independent role will be important in helping to deliver the scheme in a way that benefits everyone living, working in and visiting Edinburgh, making sure big decisions are taken in a way that supports the whole city.

“Julie’s proven ability to analyse important information and make sound decisions in high profile organisations will be a great asset to this new position. We believe her clear, determined and approachable style mean she is the right person to establish and lead a well-balanced forum where all views are given fair representation.

“The levy is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of our city, and with Julie onboard as forum chair, we are well placed to deliver a scheme that will enhance and sustain the things that make Edinburgh such a great place to live in and visit.”

Commenting on her appointment, Julie Ashworth said: “I am excited to get to work with establishing the forum and encouraging a broad range of views from businesses and communities across the city.

“We are entering a busy period as we build up to the implementation of the levy, and getting underway with the forum is a big opportunity for all of us.

“As a long-time resident of the city, I am passionate about Edinburgh’s heritage and future success. I strongly believe the forum can play a very important role in helping the levy to be delivered in a way that is fair, just and brings benefits to everyone in the years to come.”

Julie’s first task will be to establish the Edinburgh Visitor Levy Forum in line with the duties set out in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, with the first meeting taking place before 24 July 2025.

The forum’s purpose is to discuss and advise the Council on matters to do with the levy, including advising the Council on any recommended modifications to the scheme at the formal three-year review point.

The forum will also be consulted on how the income from the levy will be invested and invited to review and comment on the performance of the scheme and investments once in place. Decisions on amendments to the scheme and how the proceeds from the levy are invested will ultimately be taken by councillors.

It will comprise an equal number of representatives from the community and businesses operating in the city’s visitor economy, and aim for at least 40 per cent of the representatives to be women.

Council officers responsible for the investment streams and officers from the Council’s Programme Management Office will attend forum meetings and may make recommendations to the forum, but will not be members of the forum itself.

Granton Goes Greener: Plant Share

THURSDAY 15th MAY 5 – 7pm at GRANTON PARISH CHURCH

We are very excited to be hosting another FREE PLANT SHARE event at Granton Parish Church, Edinburgh🪴🌻🌵

This time, we will be working with some experienced gardeners from our local Salvation Army North, who are going to share some plants and plant cutting from their garden 💚💚💚.

We already have some plant pots and are looking for donations of both indoor and outdoor plants, plant cuttings and seeds.

And remember, you do not need to bring a plant to swap on the day, we hope to have some variety on offer for everyone needing some for their houses or gardens.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk

Community Safety Consulation

WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 12 – 3.30pm

Sharing this for anyone to join:

For more information on the Place Standard Tool visit www.placestandard.scot

WEDNESDAY 21ST MAY 2025

12:00 PM – 3:30PM @ WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

LUNCH PROVIDED

Join residents and service providers for an interactive consultation.

Have your say and help shape a safer and better West Pilton for everyone.

Major boost for mobile cinema

£500,000 funding to Screen Machine

Funding has been announced enabling an order to be placed for a new Screen Machine mobile cinema serving rural communities across Scotland.

The £500,000 Scottish Government grant allows Regional Screen Scotland (RSS) to order a new vehicle to take films to 44 locations in areas including the Highlands and Islands, Moray and North Ayrshire.

After the previous 80-seat vehicle was retired in 2023 following 18 years and 250,000 miles on the road, RSS started fundraising for a permanent replacement costing £1.7 million. A leased vehicle is currently continuing the service until April 2026.

The new machine will be energy efficient with the ability to charge via solar panels and battery packs, instead of a diesel generator.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Screen Machine service is a hugely important asset, bringing cinema to the doorsteps of people in many rural and island communities.

“It has proved its worth over 26 years, providing entertainment that town and city residents take for granted. In doing so it enriches people’s lives and plays a part in tackling rural depopulation.

“This grant allows Regional Screen Scotland to order a new, bespoke vehicle able to use Scotland’s ferry network and negotiate our rural roads. I wish the organisation well as it continues efforts to reach its fundraising target.”

Regional Screen Scotland interim Chief Executive Simon Drysdale said: “This generous grant from the Scottish Government completely transforms our fundraising campaign to raise the money required to build a new Screen Machine. We can now plan with greater confidence for a service that will be secured into the 2040s.

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, from Screen Scotland to the Arran Trust, customers of the Newtonmore Grill, letter-writing children in Barra and many, many more.”

Barbecue Weekend Warning: Remember These Safety Checks

SMSTS Course’s Derek Hales reveals the BBQ mistakes that could ruin your weekend – and your health:

With sunshine making an appearance across the UK this weekend, thousands will be dusting off their barbecues – but construction safety expert Derek Hales from SMSTS Course is urging Brits to apply some of the same safety thinking used on building sites to their back gardens.

“We talk a lot about hazards in the workplace – but BBQs carry just as many risks when the right checks aren’t made,” says Hales. “And people often don’t realise it until they’re either ill or injured.”

The Most Overlooked BBQ Dangers – According to Safety Experts

Charcoal Poisoning Indoors or Undercover

It might be tempting to take the party indoors if the weather turns – but using a charcoal BBQ in a garage, tent, or under a gazebo can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s odourless, silent, and deadly.

Reusing Old BBQ Coals

Half-burnt coals from last year might save money, but they can release harmful chemicals and don’t reach the temperatures needed to cook meat safely.

Cross-Contamination From BBQ Utensils

Many people flip raw meat with tongs – then use the same ones for cooked food. That’s a fast track to food poisoning. Always separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.

Using Flammable Liquids Like Petrol or Paint Thinners

It happens more often than you think. Only use BBQ-safe firelighters. Industrial liquids can explode and release toxic fumes.

Not Letting the Grill Heat Properly

Undercooked chicken and sausages are a classic summer BBQ fail. It takes 10–15 minutes for most grills to reach safe cooking temperatures – rushing it increases the risk of campylobacter or salmonella.

Cleaning Grills With Wire Brushes

Tiny metal bristles from old grill brushes can break off and embed in burgers or hot dogs, causing serious internal injuries if swallowed. Use natural alternatives like onion halves or heat-proof scrapers.

Poor Gas Maintenance

For gas BBQ users, cracked hoses, loose regulators, or leaky connections can cause flare-ups or even explosions. A simple soapy water test can reveal leaks before you turn the gas on.

Hales adds: “Whether you’re in a garden, on a balcony, or in a park – take a few minutes to run through basic checks.

“The goal is to enjoy the sunshine, not end up in A&E.”

Letter to the Editor: Cats need sun protection too

Dear Letters Editor,

This Sun Awareness Week (12-18 May) we would like to remind cat owners that it’s not only humans that need sun protection as the weather heats up, but cats too, especially those with pale or thin fur.

At Cats Protection we often take cats into our care who have been out in the sun for extended periods and have developed cancerous cells as a result. Cats with unpigmented ears or noses are susceptible to skin cancer through sun damage and we know that a third of all skin cancers that are presented in cats are due to sun exposure.

We recently treated all-white cat Gracie’s sun damaged ears which had become burned and painful, leading to the development of skin cancer.

The treatment she needed was the complete removal of her ear flaps.

Thankfully she has made an excellent recovery and has been successfully rehomed, however this could easily have been a different outcome if the cancer had developed further.

There are some simple tips that can help protect cats in the sun including:

  • Keeping your cat indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm
  • Speaking to a vet about a suitable sunscreen for your cat
  • Ensuring there is outdoor shade, such as boxes or plant pots placed close together
  • Providing outdoor water to avoid the risk of your cat becoming dehydrated.

The Cats Protection website has plenty more tips and guidance for keeping cats safe during warm weather  – www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-and-warm-weather   

Yours faithfully

Sarah Elliott BVetMed MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) MRCVS

Central Veterinary Officer, Cats Protection

Three sought following Leith assault

POLICE are appealing for information following an assault in Leith.

The incident happened around 1am on Tuesday, 6 May, 2025 on Elbe Street when a 58-year-old man was assaulted. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

The three suspects are described as being white men, around 6ft tall, in their 50s, and of muscular build.

One had short, blonde hair. Another had red hair and was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue top. The third had dark hair and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed this to contact us.

“We are particularly keen to speak to a person who stopped to assist the man assaulted following the incident.

“We also ask anyone with private CCTV of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1675 of 7 May, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.