Category: North Edinburgh News

Letters: Scotland’s Economic Future: Sovereignty, Oil, and the $1.4 Trillion Lesson from Norway

Dear Editor,

I, Dhruva Kumar, as a former MP candidate for the ALBA Party and a lifelong advocate for Scottish self-determination, write to you with urgency: Scotland stands at a crossroads – and the stakes could not be higher.

The story of the North Sea oil boom is one of lost opportunity, misguided policy, and the biggest wealth gap in European history. In 1970, both the United Kingdom and Norway struck black gold beneath the frigid waters of the North Sea. Yet, half a century later, their destinies could not be more different.

Norway, choosing state ownership over corporate giveaways, transformed its oil wealth into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund now worth $1.74 trillion, or over $300,000 per citizen. The UK, in stark contrast, sold its reserves to private markets, leading to billions in corporate profits while returning scraps to the public purse. In 2020, the UK earned a paltry £0.2 billion from North Sea oil, compared to Norway’s staggering £9 billion 45-fold difference.

Scotland, as a resource-rich nation within the UK, has been left with little to show for its natural bounty. The revenues that could have provided world-class public services, infrastructure, and economic security instead filled the coffers of multinational oil giants. Meanwhile, Scottish citizens were left with rising costs of living, austerity-driven policies, and no lasting legacy from their natural wealth.

Supporters of the Union argue that Scotland benefits from UK-wide economic stability. But how can one defend stability when London-centric policies have squandered Scotland’s most valuable resource? The evidence is overwhelming: had Scotland followed Norway’s model, it could have built its sovereign wealth fund, securing long-term prosperity for generations.

Norway’s $1.4 trillion fund is not a fantasy-it is proof that sovereignty works. Westminster’s refusal to steward Scotland’s wealth is not a mistake-it is a policy.

Publish this reality: If Scotland had retained control of its oil since 1970, its sovereign fund could exceed $1.2 trillion today to pay every citizen £20,000 annually for life.

Westminster’s track record is clear:

  • 2022 Windfall Taxes: UK oil giants like BP and Shell reported $40 billion in profits, yet contributed minimally to public coffers.
  • Mismanagement: The UK has no sovereign wealth fund, while Norway’s grows by $150 billion annually (2021–2023 average).

The UK’s windfall tax fiasco of 2022 underscores this betrayal. While BP and Shell raked in $40 billion in profits, Scots faced soaring energy bills. This is not governance-it is exploitation.

GB Energy is as real as a workable heat pump on the Shetland Islands during the dead of winter-a hollow slogan masking systemic neglect.

The question for Scots is simple: do we continue allowing our wealth to slip through our fingers, or do we take control of our own destiny? The answer lies in sovereignty.

Yours sincerely,

Dhruva Kumar

Former Glasgow South MP Candidate

Depute Convenor, Media Officer, Alba Party Glasgow


Centenary of extraordinary Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay celebrated in a new exhibition at Modern Two

Ian Hamilton Finlay  

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two   

8 March – 26 May 2025  

Admission free   

Ian Hamilton Finlay | National Galleries of Scotland  

The centenary of the remarkable Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) will be marked in a new free display of his work on the ground floor of Modern Two in Edinburgh from 8 March to 26 May 2025.  

This exhibition will showcase key highlights from Ian Hamilton Finlay’s artistic career, starting in the early 1960s until his death in 2006. Hailed as a unique combination of poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, Finlay’s practice covered a wide range of media which will be reflected in this display of sculptures and prints as well as never-before-seen archival materials and a room-sized installation, all from Scotland’s national collection.  

From the Classical world to the French Revolution, the Enlightenment to World War Two, Finlay, a self-proclaimed ‘anti-modernist’, often looked to history for inspiration. Recurring motifs including boats, tanks, wallflowers and ships can be spotted throughout the range of artwork that will be on display. Although simple by design, they often draw on more complex references to history, literature and art – with subtle humorous nods.   

Born in the Bahamas in 1925 to Scottish parents, Finlay moved to Scotland in his early childhood, taking up a brief stint at Glasgow School of Art and eventually settling in Edinburgh in the late 1950s. His love of the written word influenced the start of his career as a playwright and poet. He became a key figure in the concrete poetry movement – a type of visual poetry where words are arranged to create patterns and images on the page.  

Visitors will see early examples of Finlay’s concrete poetry, including the screenprint Star/Steer (1966), which tells the visual tale of a ship navigating stormy seas under the silvery light of the stars, presented through cascading words.

The artist’s first steps into the world of sculpture will also be explored through his days as a hobbyist toy-maker in 1960s Edinburgh. The exhibition will feature the wooden Toy Cow (1962-63), one of the earliest examples of Finlay’s sculptural work, alongside photographs of the artist amongst his toy creations.  

A visionary artist, Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout much of his work, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life.  From stone-carvers to typographers, ceramicists to calligraphers, he employed a wide range of specialist technicians to realise his work.   

In 1966, Finlay and his wife Sue moved into a semi-derelict farmland called Stonypath, south-west of Edinburgh, sheltered within the Pentland Hills. Here, he would go on to create what is often considered his greatest work: an ambitious, expansive garden filled with sculptures.

Renamed ‘Little Sparta’, in reference to the Spartan wars in Ancient Greece, and a humorous nod to his own personal battles with organisations such as the Scottish Arts Council, Finlay grew his creative practice in its grounds over the course of 40 years.

Rarely leaving its confines for decades due to agoraphobia (a fear of open, crowded spaces), Finlay created over 260 sculptures and artworks at Little Sparta, distributed across its four acres of curated gardens. The site remains an integral part of Finlay’s artistic legacy and is open to the public to enjoy each summer.  

Visitors to the exhibition can take a glimpse into the lush grounds of Little Sparta for themselves through Finlay’s installation Nature over again after Poussin (1979). Filling a whole room, the work comprises 11 photographs set on plinths, each offering different viewpoints of Little Sparta.

A carved stone can be found within each image, ‘signed’ with the initials of artists who embraced a more classical approach to painting landscapes. The work encourages a moment of escapism, embracing time to get lost within the serenity of each photo.    

The exhibition will also take over the Keiller library, where visitors can uncover more about the man behind the artwork through a selection of rare archival materials. Objects including letters, personal photographs and notebooks, many of which have never been on display before, will give a unique insight into Finlay’s inspirations, artwork and life.   

Patrick Elliot, Chief Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘Ian Hamilton Finlay was a completely unique figure in British art.

“Severe agoraphobia meant that he seldom left his house and garden in the Pentland Hills. Collectors, museum curators and art lovers from all over the world came to see him and his garden over a period of 40 years.

“He was a complete maverick, a wonderful, complicated, fascinating man and artist. Totally uncompromising and at times difficult, he created what is, in many people’s eyes, the greatest artwork created in Scotland in the second half of the twentieth century: his garden at Little Sparta.’  

Ian Hamilton Finlay is free to visit and yours to discover at Modern Two from Saturday 8 March 2025. 

Police: Have you seen Darren?

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 44-year-old man reported missing from Gorebridge.

Darren Showler was last seen around 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday, 9 March) in the Barleyknowe Crescent area of the village.

He is described as white, around 5ft 8in, with dark blonde curly hair. When last seen he was dressed all in black with a blue Northface hat, white headphones and black trainers. He was accompanied by a black French bulldog wearing a black harness with reflective straps and a flashing light attached.

Darren is believed to be in the Midlothian or Edinburgh area.

Inspector Allan Bath said: “Concerns are growing for Darren’s welfare and we need to make sure he is safe and well.

“We would urge anyone who has seen Darren or knows where he might be to get in touch.”

If you can help, please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3202 of Sunday, 9 March, 2025.

North Edinburgh Community Festival: Over half of stalls already booked

**HALF OF THE FESTIVAL STALLS ARE ALREADY BOOKED**

We have 80 stalls available to book for the festival. Over half are already booked, so if you were planning on taking a stall, please register!

Pricing recap:

Charities, groups and local organisations (not selling anything and offer a service) – £80 (or £150 if you can afford it and want to support the festival).

Traders (if you are selling anything) – £100 (or£150 if you can afford it and want to support the festival).

Food Traders – £250 for a pitch. These need to be self contained units, price cap of all food is no more than £6, you must have all health, safety and hygiene certification, hand wash basin and generator.

To register follow this link – https://forms.office.com/r/kmEA0rXDnP

Thursday Tots at Royston Wardieburn: Volunteers Needed!

Can anyone help?

Our Thursday Tots is a popular group but it can be a struggle to get everything cleared up at the end.

If you can spare an hour to support our current volunteers at the end (or even 30mins from 12) then please get in touch

It would also be good to have a bank of volunteers so our 2 main volunteers could have some time off. Tots runs 10:30-12 on Thursdays during term time.

If you think you can help then get in touch via FB msg or comment

Scientist from The University of Edinburgh takes research to Westminster

Benjamín Armijo Galdames, a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh, is attending Parliament to present his biosciences research to a range of politicians and a panel of expert judges as part of STEM for BRITAIN tomorrow (Tuesday 11 March).

Benjamín’s poster, on the valorisation of next generation plastic waste using engineering biology, will be judged against dozens of other scientists’ research in the only national competition of its kind.

Benjamín’s poster was shortlisted from several hundred applicants to appear at the event in Parliament.

On presenting his research in Parliament, Benjamín said, “I applied to STEM for BRITAIN as it is a highly prestigious and long-standing competition. I was also interested in being able to present my research to an audience that is currently involved in the creation of new regulations associated with sustainable development.

“To be able to interact with them, to understand their conception of our work and its importance is fundamental to promote the development of scientific research linked to the needs of society and our community.”

George Freeman MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “This annual competition is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak to a wide range of the country’s best young researchers.

“These early career engineers, mathematicians, and scientists are the architects of our future and STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

Benjamín’s research has been entered into the biosciences session of the competition, which will end in a gold, silver, and bronze prize-giving ceremony.

Judged by leading academics, each winner will receive a cash prize with a medal for the gold recipient.

The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee runs the event in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology, The Physiological Society, The Nutrition Society, and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, with sponsorship from Clay Mathematics Institute, United Kingdom Research and Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, AWE, the Society of Chemical Industry, Institute of Biomedical Science, the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research, the Biochemical Society, and the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

Digital Hub transforms life of vision-impaired veteran who had been housebound for two years

A weekly phone call has had a life-changing effect on four vision-impaired veterans, including one who had not left his house for over two years following the loss of his wife and his sight loss diagnosis.

The four veterans, Ann McLean, Jack McVitie, John Barber, and Helen Bennett, meet virtually through Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub every Wednesday to chat, support each other, and take part in lively quizzes. For them, these calls offer much more than just entertainment; they are a vital source of connection, belonging, and emotional support.

For John Barber, 74, who lives in Dunfermline and has macular degeneration, the group has completely transformed his life. John, a former member of the Territorial Army, was devastated after the loss of his wife. His vision loss and grief plunged him into a cycle of isolation, leaving him housebound for more than two years.

John explains: “When my wife died, I was extremely lonely and isolated, I just didn’t know what to do. I had lost all my confidence and spent two years barely leaving my house, staring at the walls 24 hours a day. But Sight Scotland Veterans has changed my life. The Wednesday Digital Hub group is the highlight of my week. Before, I didn’t speak to anyone all week long. I was so low, but now I’ve made real friends.

“I honestly believe the charity saved my life. I feel like a different person now, even though I still have hard days. Knowing there are people who genuinely care about you makes all the difference. The calls and the quizzes are the highlight of my week, and I just would not miss them. The fun and laughter we enjoy during these calls, it’s just amazing and I can’t thank them enough.”

John recently visited Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre in West Lothian to meet up with his Digital Hub friends face-to-face for the first time.

“It was the first time I’d left my house in years, and it was an incredible experience. Meeting everyone face-to-face for the first time was very emotional, I enjoyed it so much. The Linburn Centre was fantastic, and seeing all the ways they support everyone was really impressive.

“The friendships and support I’ve gained from the Wednesday calls have given me the courage to start living again.”

Since John’s first visit to Linburn, his life has completely transformed. He has moved into sheltered housing, returned to the Linburn Centre with plans to become a regular visitor, and even ventured out to his local pub!

Jack McVitie, a former police officer who lost his sight due to diabetes, agrees that the weekly calls have had a profound impact on his life. “The Wednesday call is chaotic and full of laughter, but most importantly, we support each other.

“Before the charity stepped in, I was suicidal, I had lost my sense of purpose. But Sight Scotland Veterans gave me my worth back. Curtis and Donna from the Digital Hub team have so much enthusiasm, and you can tell they genuinely care about what they do.”

Donna McIntyre, Digital Activity Worker at Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “For these veterans, the Digital Hub is more than just a service, it’s a lifeline.

“It combats the isolation that so often accompanies vision loss and provides them with a sense of community, purpose, and belonging. It’s truly inspiring to witness the strong friendship these four have formed.

“It’s a reminder of how important connection is in life, and the camaraderie they’ve developed is nothing short of remarkable.”

Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub was created to combat loneliness and isolation and to help veterans connect, chat, and take part in fun activities. Every week, more than 90 veterans join the Digital Hub for virtual calls.

These aren’t just for entertainment; they’re opportunities to build friendships, share experiences, and feel part of something that’s both uplifting and meaningful.

The Digital Hub proves that technology can bring people together, no matter where you live.

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.

RCEM calls on Scottish government to address long, dangerous A&E waits

‘We need more than apologies, we need action’

As Scotland’s hospitals experienced the second worst January on record for A&E performance, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has told the government ‘we need more than apologies, we need action’.  

The figures, released last week (4 March) by Public Health Scotland, come after the First Minister, John Swinney and Health Secretary, Neil Gray, apologised to patients who have experienced extremely long stays in A&Es. 

The PHS data, for the month of January, reveals 8,401 patients waited 12 hours or longer in an Emergency Department before being admitted, discharged or transferred.  

Since January 2018, the number of people waiting 12 hours or more in major A&Es has increased by 11 times (767 to 8,401), eight hours or more by six times (2,816 to 16,684) and four hours or more by 2.6 times (15,401 to 40,552).   

Patients are often stuck in Emergency Departments, on trolleys in corridors, experiencing extremely long stays because there are no in-patient beds available.  

This is caused because people who are well-enough to go home cannot be discharged, often due to a lack of social care support.  

Therefore, the system grinds to a halt, with ambulances queued outside EDs, waiting to handover their vulnerable patients.  

So called ‘delayed discharges’ meant that an average of 1,964 patients each day were in hospital, waiting to be discharged, despite being deemed medically well enough to go home. This is the highest number since 2016, when guidelines changed.  

Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said: “This data provides a glimpse into the levels of pressure major hospitals in Scotland were under during the depths of winter.  

“Each figure, a person who was seeking urgent care in a system that is well off being described as ‘gold standard’. 

“And behind each person, is a team of hard-working and burnt-out Emergency Medicine clinicians who are trying to deliver the best care they can to patients who are often on a trolley in a corridor.  

“The time for warm words and apologies from policy makers has passed, we need action. Long stays are not just inconvenient – they are dangerous. This is where the real harm lies for patient safety.  

“The government’s operational improvement plan, set to be delivered this month, is a golden opportunity to detail how it will address this vitally important issue.  

“Until a meaningful plan is put in place, staff and patients will continue to bear the brunt of a system that is in crisis.” 

The Scottish Liberal Democrats recently revealed that an 87-year-old woman waited around 12 hours at A&E on separate occasions after she fell and broke her hip.  

Her experience was highlighted as the party released data showing 12,438 people aged over 85 waited more than 12 hours in A&E in 2024.  

After hearing the patient’s experience, First Minister John Swinney apologised to her and her family for the wait.  

Earlier last month, Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP apologised on BBC’s ‘Reporting Scotland’, stating “anybody that is waiting for too long to receive services, either in an Accident and Emergency Department or waiting on elective procedure, I apologise to them. It’s not an acceptable situation.”