Rangers ‘provisionally guilty’ of merchandise price-fixing

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Elite Sports, JD Sports and Rangers Football Club broke competition law by fixing the retail prices of certain Rangers-branded clothing products.

If confirmed, the companies involved can expect to face fines.

The provisional findings are:

  • Elite Sports and JD Sports fixed the retail prices of a number of Rangers-branded replica kits and other clothing products from September 2018 until at least July 2019.
  • Rangers FC also took part in the alleged collusion but only to the extent of fixing the retail price of adult home short-sleeved replica shirts from September 2018 to at least mid-November 2018. All 3 parties allegedly colluded to stop JD Sports undercutting the retail price of the shirt on Elite’s Gers Online store.

At the time, Elite was the manufacturer of Rangers-branded clothing and also sold Rangers-branded products directly through Gers Online Store and later in bricks-and-mortar shops in Glasgow and Belfast. The only UK-wide major retailer selling those products at the time was JD Sports.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) alleges that Rangers FC became concerned about the fact that, at the start of the 2018-19 football season, JD Sports was selling the Rangers replica top at a lower price than Elite, which was seen at the time as the club’s ‘retail partner’.

This resulted in an understanding between the 3 parties that JD Sports would increase its retail price of the Rangers adult short-sleeved home replica shirt by nearly 10%, from £55 to £60, to bring it in line with the prices being charged by Elite on Gers Online.

The CMA is also concerned that Elite and JD Sports – without involvement from Rangers –colluded to fix the retail prices of Rangers-branded clothing, including training wear and replica kit, over a longer period.

This included aligning the level and timing of discounts towards the end of the football season in 2019, to avoid competition between them and protect their profit margins at the expense of fans.

Elite and JD Sports applied for leniency during the CMA’s investigation and confessed to cartel activity. Provided they continue to cooperate with the investigation, each will receive a reduction on any financial penalties the CMA may decide to impose. Any business found to have infringed the prohibitions in the Competition Act 1998 can be fined up to 10% of its annual worldwide group turnover.

Michael Grenfell, Executive Director of Enforcement at the CMA, said: “We don’t hesitate to take action when we have concerns that companies may be working together to keep costs up.

“Football fans are well-known for their loyalty towards their teams. We are concerned that, in this case, Elite, JD Sports and, to some extent, Rangers, may have colluded to keep prices high, so that the 2 retailers could pocket more money for themselves at the expense of fans.”

These are the CMA’s provisional findings and the companies involved now have the chance to make representations to the CMA before it reaches a final decision.

More information can be found on the case page: 

Suspected anti-competitive behaviour in relation to the pricing of Rangers FC-branded replica football kit.

Carry On Regardless!

Prime Minister vows to ‘continue delivering on what matters to the British public’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will bring together his Cabinet today and pledge to continue delivering on what matters to the British people – despite a significant revolt that saw 148 Tory MPs vote against him in a vote of confidence at Westminster last night.

He will call on Ministers to drive forward progress on the government’s priorities – easing financial pressures on families, making access to NHS care quicker and easier, making the streets safer and levelling up and uniting the country.

Speaking at Cabinet, he will set out his vision for the coming weeks, which will see government deliver new policy commitments that will continue to make a real difference to people’s lives. This will include measures to reduce childcare costs for parents and a renewed drive to get more people onto the housing ladder.

The Prime Minister will also thank dedicated NHS staff as he highlights the progress made by the biggest catch-up programme in the health service’s history.

The Health and Social Care Levy, announced by the government last year, promised £39 billion of investment over the next three years so the NHS has the funding it needs to recover from the pandemic, treat patients quickly and end spiralling social care costs.

This represents more funding for health and social care than any government has ever invested before.

This money is already making a difference, with the NHS confirming yesterday that 90 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) are now open across the country and have delivered 1 million checks and tests on patients so far.

These centres are vital to clearing the Covid backlogs because by identifying and diagnosing problems as early as possible, patients can progress to treatment and care more quickly, which will reduce waiting lists.

Speaking ahead of Cabinet, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This is a government that delivers on what the people of this country care about most.

“We have pledged £37 billion to support households with their finances, made our communities safer through hiring 13,500 more police officers, and tackled the Covid backlogs in the NHS by opening nearly 100 Community Diagnostic Centres so people can access care closer to home.

“Today, I pledge to continue delivering on these priorities. We are on the side of hard-working British people, and we are going to get on with the job.”

New benefit will help 400,000 households with winter fuel bills

Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will support 400,000 households

A guaranteed annual winter heating benefit of £50 will be paid for the first time in February 2023 to around 400,000 low income households.

Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will be the Scottish Government’s 13th benefit and replaces the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payments. The UK Government benefit is unreliable for households on low incomes as it only triggers a £25 payment when a ‘cold spell’ requirement is met and temperatures fall below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row in a certain place.

Instead, the Scottish Government will invest an annual £20 million in Low Income Winter Heating Assistance, which will provide a reliable payment every winter to help with energy bills.

Plans for Low Income Winter Heating Assistance have been welcomed by people with experience of the benefits system. 90 per cent of members of the Social Security Experience Panel agreed with the plan to remove the ‘cold spell’ requirement, and provide a reliable payment instead.

Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “Our new Low Income Winter Heating Assistance benefit will provide a reliable payment every winter to around 400,000 eligible households, including pensioners  and disabled people. This extra financial support from the Scottish Government will help at this time of rising energy bills and other cost of living pressures.

“Unlike the current Cold Weather Payments, Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will provide support to people irrespective of weather conditions or temperature levels where they live. It will be our thirteenth devolved benefit and will only be available in Scotland. It will also be an automatic payment to all those who are eligible, so there is no need to apply.

“Our £20 million annual investment will be a significant increase in support to around 400,000 households – compared with only £325,000 and 11,000 payments made by the UK Government in Cold Weather Payments in Scotland in winter 21-22.

“Making payments in February for the first year of Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will ensure a smooth transition from the UK scheme. We will explore the feasibility of bringing forward the payment date to earlier in winter in future years.

“This winter we will also be extending and increasing our Scottish Child Payment in November, as well as making Child Winter Heating Assistance payments for the third time. Both of these benefits are not available elsewhere in the UK.”

Banda Monumental de Mexico set to spread their wings in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Mexican military band, Banda Monumental de Mexico, will be taking over the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade when they return with another show-stopping performance ‘Mexico Celebrates Life’ to this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

To mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, part of the performance will be dedicated to Her Majesty and Duke of Edinburgh with a special Monarch butterfly wing costume created in her honour. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, one of the youngest dancers in Banda Monumental de Mexico, was the driving force behind the idea to include the beautiful butterfly wing costumes in this year’s showcase.

Her inspiration is a famous photograph taken of the late Duke of Edinburgh watching the Monarch Butterfly’s migration on a trip to Mexico in 1988 – part of a trip he attended to support a Mexican conservation group whose aim was to protect the Monarch Butterfly from serious threats to the species’ survival. 

Julieta Huerta Aviles, performer with Banda Monumental de Mexico said: “The opportunity to share our country’s music and culture with so many people at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real privilege. 

“The photograph of Prince Philip with the Monarch butterflies is incredibly beautiful and with it being The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year, it felt only right that part of our performance and costume honoured both of them in a special way. I am so excited to perform at the Tattoo and I can’t wait to see the costumes take centre stage.” 

In 2010, the Tattoo was presented with the official Royal Commemoration by Her Majesty to mark the organisations 60th anniversary and has since been known as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, over 50 Tattoo Dancers performed at ‘A Gallop Through History’ which took place at Windsor Castle.  

Michael Braithwaite, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Creative Director, said: “It’s such a thrill to have the dynamic and exciting Banda Monumental de Mexico return to the Tattoo this year. Our audience can expect an even bigger spectacle than before, and we can’t wait.  

“With the country celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year it’s wonderful to see the performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico pay tribute to both Her Majesty The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in such a poignant way, connecting back to their Mexican roots and culture. We’re excited to see the costumes dazzle in all their glory on the Esplanade.”  

All performers from Banda Monumental de Mexico reside from Tehuacán, a town in the state of Puebla which is famously known as the birthplace of many of the greatest musicians in Mexico.

The military band is made up of 120 members between the ages of 12 and 53. The band was formed exclusively for the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo by the Organizacion Cultural de Intercambios Internacionales México and saw more than 100 performers brought together proudly to share traditional Mariachi music. 

This year’s Tattoo theme is ‘Voices’ and the Show will represent the collective power and connection of voice through a spectacular combination of music, dance and military precision from some of the world’s leading armed forces and cultural performers as it returns with a bang this August 5 – 27.  

The Show will run from 5 – 27 August 2022. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. 

Edinburgh sees a surge in Living Wage sign ups

A record number of employers have signed up for living wage accreditation in Edinburgh following the Capital’s commitment to be a Living Wage City.

In November 2021 a new partnership of city employers and the Council launched a plan to more than double the number of living wage accredited employers in Edinburgh. By helping to tackle low pay and insecure work, this is an important part of work needed to meet the city’s goal to end poverty in Edinburgh by 2030.

Since then, a record 58 organisations have now made a commitment to pay the Real Living Wage in Edinburgh with 42 employers accredited during the first five months of this year. This is the most successful period ever for new sign ups in Edinburgh and will result in more than 300 employees receiving a direct uplift in pay as a result of their employer’s commitment to the Real Living Wage.

The new sign ups – which include George Watson’s College, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), drinks company Glenmorangie and charity Age Scotland – join a movement of 541 Edinburgh based businesses voluntarily paying their staff a minimum hourly wage of £9.90 per hour. 

To support even more employers to become accredited, interested organisations are invited attend an interactive networking event on Thursday 16 June.

Hosted by Dr Ishbel McWha-Hermann at the University of Edinburgh Business School, the business breakfast will be held in partnership with Living Wage Scotland, the Council and University of Glasgow with tickets free to reserve on Eventbrite.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Tackling poverty in Edinburgh remains one of the Council’s key priorities. We want to make sure everyone can take advantage of everything the Capital has to offer and is paid a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. 

“It’s really positive that so many employers have been inspired by our new Living Wage City status. We’ve already doubled the number of organisations signing up, directly responding to our call to join us in making Edinburgh fairer. We want to see this trend continue.

“We all have a part to play in making sure Edinburgh’s economic recovery from Covid results in a fairer society. We have a commitment to end poverty in Edinburgh by the year 2030, but face challenges with the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs. By signing up to be a Living Wage employer, employers can show how much they value their workers and the financial security they deserve.”

Christine McCaig, Living Wage Projects Coordinator at Living Wage Scotland, said: “Nobody should experience in-work poverty and the Living Wage is a welcome step towards stamping out unfair working practices.

“The ‘City Status’ Edinburgh received last year is a sign of how much the Capital values workers and the Council’s commitment to becoming a fairer society. Being a living wage accredited employer has benefits for organisations, too. It shows care and commitment and can lead to greater retainment of skilled employees.

“It’s great to see such a surge in sign-ups and we should continue to aim high. Let’s work towards seeing every Edinburgh organisation accredited to help end poverty in our city.”

With Watson’s recent accreditation, Principal, Melvyn Roffe said: “At Watson’s we have long tried to ensure that everyone is properly paid for their work, but now is the right time to make the public commitment as a Scottish Living Wage employer.

“Poverty wages disrespect the contribution of individuals, put families under strain and undermine our communities. We should all do our bit to put a stop to them.”

Newly accredited employers in Edinburgh include:

  • George Watson’s College
  • Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
  • Age Scotland
  • Water Witness International
  • Health in Mind
  • Jump Research Ltd
  • Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
  • The Glenmorangie Company
  • EALA Impacts CIC
  • Moonwake Beer Co.
  • The Pantry and Pantry Events
  • Richard Murphy Architects Ltd
  • Union Direct Limited
  • The Lane Agency Ltd
  • Mackinnon Slater
  • Chamomile Sanctuary
  • The Corner Shop PR (Scotland) Ltd
  • Create Business Properties
  • Sequoia Information Services Group
  • Stockbridge Decorators Ltd
  • Greenside Venues LTD
  • ProjectChange
  • Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC)
  • Go Forth
  • Genoa Black Ventures LLP
  • Helen Lucas Architects Ltd.

New research centre to support the ‘new normal’ in tourism

Edinburgh Napier forms new Tourism Research Centre to help tackle environmental and social impact concerns

A new research centre that aims to support the ‘new normal’ in tourism has been launched by Edinburgh Napier University.

The Tourism Research Centre (TRC) was launched last week at the 30th Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) conference hosted by the University’s Business School.

The TRC – chaired by Edinburgh Napier’s Prof. Anna Leask – sees a number of academics from the University as well as visiting professors and industry personnel collaborating to produce relevant research for Scotland’s recovery and development as a top tourism destination.

The TRC covers a wide range of research themes, each with the aim of making various types of destinations socially responsible by focusing on evidence-based practical implications for managers and policymakers on sustainability and inclusivity.

Whether that be urban or rural spaces, natural resources, heritage sites or events or festivals, the goal is to enable stakeholders to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative ones while equally engaging local communities and looking out for staff.

Professor Anna Leask form the Business School photographed for the staff profile series.

Edinburgh Napier’s Professor Anna Leask (above) said: “In tourism and events, successful recovery from the past two years involves not only attracting enough visitors but equally tackling pre-pandemic concerns around environmental and social impacts. Scotland has set ambitious goals to meet both aspects in the coming years and become a world-leading example for others.

“The aim of the Tourism Research Centre is to support the sector in this aim by producing research for the country’s recovery and development as a top tourist destination.”

Members of the industry have already expressed their excitement about the new Centre.

Marc Crothall, CEO of the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) said: “The intelligence gathered via the TRC, and the industry having access to it, will contribute significantly to helping Scotland achieving our collective ambition, as set out in Scotland Outlook 2030, of becoming a world leader in 21st century tourism.”

David Cochrane, MBE, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland emphasised the TRC’s crucial role in supporting the sector.

He said: “The industry thrives on data and having the new Tourism Research Centre will add great value to the decision-making of this dynamic industry post-Covid.”

Executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, Mr Leon Thompson, also shared his enthusiasm about the Centre.

He said: “As we seek to address the challenges hospitality faces right now, it has never been more important for business and academia to work together. 

“Edinburgh Napier University’s Tourism Research Centre is an excellent resource which will ensure even greater collaboration as we support our sector towards recovery.

“The TRC also enables us to highlight the great achievements of our dynamic sector and, through partnership, build a very bright future for hospitality in Scotland.”

The TRC’s website can be accessed by anyone at www.napier.ac.uk/TourismENU.

Visitors can engage with the Centre: learn more about the researchers and research themes; keep up with the news; and read publications – including the latest output entitled, Covid and Innovation within Edinburgh’s Festivals [Festivals and Events (napier.ac.uk)] by Prof. Jane Ali-Knight, Prof. Kristen Holmes, Dr Gary Kerr and Ms Hannah Stewart

People who want to keep a close eye on the development of the Centre and get notified about publications, follow @TourismENU on Twitter.

Fancy writing a visual art review?

FREE WORKSHOP


Interested in writing about art? Discuss the visual art at Hidden Door, share ideas on writing and have your review published on our website.

We’re running a free writing workshop where you’ll learn about the practice of reviewing artworks. Explore the site as a group then create your own piece of writing which will be featured on our website.The event is open to anyone with a keen interest in contemporary visual art and critical writing, and are looking to develop their writing skills in a supportive and discursive environment.

Find out more and book your free place
“Edinburgh’s most free-flowing festival, a happy blend of grassroots artists and headline acts.” – The Guardian

Safety In Mind: NICEIC urges parents to prioritise electrical safety in the home this Child Safety Week

With Child Safety Week coming up, NICEIC – the UK’s leading body for certified electrical contractors – is reminding parents about the importance of having appropriate measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home for the whole family.

Child Safety Week takes place from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 June 2022, with this year’s theme designed to make sure busy families have the ‘safety in mind’ that really matters, especially when under pressure.

‘Safety in mind’ places a focus on the array of dangers that youngsters face both inside and outside of the home, covering areas such as choking hazards, swallowing button batteries, fire safety and walking near busy roads. 

In support, NICEIC says that there will be a proportion of the nation’s families who are unaware of the dangers that can exist around the home; whilst for others, they may be aware but too busy to keep up with simple maintenance and vital periodic checks. 

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, comments: “We can all fall victim to having endless to-do lists, especially when it comes to the upkeep of one’s home. But when it comes to home safety, there are simple checks and measures which we would encourage parents to move up to the very top of their “must do” list in order to safeguard their children in and around the home.

“In terms of using electrical equipment safely in the home, it’s about taking sensible precautions; for example, keeping electrical cords out of reach, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving a child unattended when using a device still connected to the mains. Obviously, water and electrics don’t mix; so all drinks should be kept away from anything electrical and children must be dried thoroughly before being exposed to any light switches or nearby devices.”  

With the digital age coming into its own and children seeking entertainment via tablets, phones and consoles, NICEIC urges parents not to overlook the potential risks around using these types of electrical devices. All of these need to be plugged into an electrical socket at some point or another and it’s important to always ensure that the socket or an adapter is not overloaded, as this can increase the risk of a fire in the home. 

Paul continues: “Parents must not forget the hazards outside of the home too. The garden poses particular electrical safety risks thanks to the added potential for water and electricity to mix – especially with children dipping in and out of paddling pools. 

“When using electrical equipment outside, it’s important to make sure all electrical appliances are using a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically turns off electricity if a fault has been discovered. This will help protect children and all family members against the dangers of electrocution and fire which can be caused by earth faults. 

“Another important tip that may be surprising to parents is to not rely on plug socket covers. Regular sockets, that comply with British safety standards, have a built in protection mechanism already and socket covers will not prevent electric shock if the installation is not safe.”

Crucially, NICEIC recommends that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a qualified, certified professional, such as those listed with the NICEIC, as even the seemingly simplest of jobs can be incredibly dangerous if not installed properly.

If parents are unsure about any areas of electrical safety inside or outside of the home, a wealth of information is available from Electrical Safety First, the UK’s leading charity on electrical safety.

Resources can be located via the charity’s Safety Around the Home hub at www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk. 

Parents can also contact their local NICEIC certified electrical contractor for help and advice. Local NICEIC certified contractors can be searched for by visiting NICEIC.com.

Child Safety Week 2022 – safety in mind

The Children’s Burns Trust is once again partnering with the Child Accident Prevention Trust for Child Safety Week 2022.

Child Safety Week is an annual community education campaign run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide. CAPT’s aim is to help families build confidence and skills in managing risks to children’s safety, and for all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.

This year’s Child Safety Week runs from Monday 6th June to Sunday 12th June 2022 and the theme is ‘safety in mind’.

The Children’s Burns Trust, whose work is focused on three core areas – prevention being one –  understand first-hand how raising awareness of the dangers everyday items can pose to children really does help reduce the number of burns and scalds that occur each year.

This year, as part of Child Safety Week 2022, Children’s Burns Trust and CAPT are joining forces on a dedicated day during the week-long event to focus on raising awareness of the risks that lead to children being burned – specifically those relating to hot drink spills.

Instagram Live Event

On Thursday 9th June, the charity will be enhancing the Child Safety Week programme with an Instagram Live event on the subject of burn prevention and first aid.

The free online event, which begins at 1pm on Instagram Live, is aimed at parents, carers, grandparents, childcare professionals, teachers, health and social care professionals, and anyone with an interest in child safety.

Expert speakers, including specialists from NHS Burns Services, will share with the Instagram Live audience how they can prevent an injury from happening and the right First Aid to administer if an accident does occur.

To join the Instagram Live on Thursday 9th June at 1pm simply follow @ChildrensBurnsTrust and @CAPT_Charity on Instagram for updates and to watch on the day. 

For further information about Children’s Burns Trust’s activity on Thursday 9th June visit: https://www.cbtrust.org.uk/child-safety-week/

Child Safety Week will be covered extensively on social media via @CBTOfficial and @childsafetyweek, with the dedicated hashtag #childsafetyweek

By Royal Appointment: Corstorphine minister Moira joins elite Chapel Royal

Rev Moira McDonald will formally join her Majesty’s Household as a Chaplain-in-Ordinary today (6th of June).

The minister of Corstorphine Old Parish Church in Edinburgh said she was “shocked” and “surprised” to be appointed to the prestigious role which dates back to the 15th century.

It is today largely a ceremonial honour with members of the Chapel Royal taking part in formal state occasions and conducting services at significant national events.

Ms McDonald said she was caught unaware when Rev Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, asked her to consider taking on the role.

“When he phoned me and began talking to me about his role as Dean of the Chapel Royal and the duties of chaplains to the Royal Household, I assumed he was phoning to put a few names before me and to ask if I could recommend one or another,” she explained.

“So, when he then asked me if I would allow my name to go forward, I was shocked and surprised to say the least.

“My thought was that if someone had felt confident enough in me to put my name forward then I should say yes.”

Ms McDonald grew up in Renfrew in the west of Scotland and was called to ministry when she was 22, first serving in East Lothian before taking up her current role in Edinburgh.

“The things of life where I thought I would be out of my depth have been the happiest and most fulfilling times I could have asked for,” she said.

“So here is another call – or a nudge – to do something that feels daunting.

“But that the few people whose counsel I’ve sought have all said ‘go for it’ says to me that I should stop worrying about being out of my comfort zone, and enjoy the adventure.”

There are 10 chaplains to the Queen in Scotland and each normally holds office until the age of 70.

The chaplains, along with a physician, a surgeon, an apothecary, a sculptor, an astronomer, an historiographer and some others form part of Her Majesty’s household.

The Queen is also served by her two domestic Royal Chaplains, the ministers of Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.

All chaplains are all personally chosen by the Queen and are people in whom she has placed her trust.

Professor Fergusson said: “I’m very pleased indeed to receive the announcement of the Queen’s appointment of Rev Moira McDonald to the Chapel Royal.

“As a parish minister in west Edinburgh for many years, she has served her congregation and presbytery with distinction.

“Moira will have much to contribute to the work of the Chapel Royal with her proven skills as a pastor and communicator, and I look forward to working with her.

“I am sure that her congregation at Corstorphine Old will be equally delighted by this news.”

Ms McDonald studied English Literature at the University of Dundee then worked at the University of London for two years as an ecumenical assistant chaplain.

She met her husband Ian there and they conducted a long-distance romance for three years while she studied divinity at New College in Edinburgh before getting married in 1995.

The minister did her probation at Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh under the supervision of Very Rev Dr Russell Barr, who later asked her to become one of his chaplains during his year as Moderator of the General Assembly in 2016-17.

Ms McDonald said: “Ian and I moved to the East Lothian mining village of Wallyford on the same day Tony and Cherie Blair moved into 10 Downing Street and I was ordained and inducted into St Clement’s and St Ninian’s Parish Church.

“Our son Ben was born in 2001 and in 2005 we moved to Corstorphine Old Parish in Edinburgh, the city where our daughter Sophie was born in 2009.

“The Old Parish has a mixed and busy life, involving two primary schools and one secondary school, it is a place with lots of history and a strong community and it is a pleasure to serve the people here.

“The Old Parish church itself, founded in 1429, is a special place to gather and share and worship and support one another as we muddle through life and celebrate God in our midst.”

When not being kept busy with parish ministry Ms McDonald enjoys gardening and learning to play the piano, and as her daughter is about to take Spanish at school she has also started learning the language thanks to Duolingo.

She confesses that so far she is only able to say ‘Juan eats apples’!

The minister added: “As a family we enjoy travel and walking, going to the cinema and theatre and when I start fussing around people, my family simply gives me a good book and I’ll be quiet for hours.”

Veterans mark Platinum Jubilee with Edinburgh celebration

UK military veterans, along with friends and family members, were joined by staff of the charity Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) and other guests to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the weekend thanks to a generous grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Held at the SVR-run Whitefoord House in Edinburgh, veterans and guests enjoyed live music and a barbeque which featured the official Jubilee pudding prepared by one of the charity’s chefs, Nigel Richards-Clark. The event was the first major community gathering at the residence since the Covid pandemic.

Joining the celebrations were members of the Association of Wrens and Royal Naval Association Edinburgh Branches, which also sponsored a Queen’s Jubilee tree-planting ceremony held in the residence’s garden last month.

The event at Whitefoord coincided with other Jubilee celebrations at SVR’s residences in Dundee and Glasgow, supported by a £9,900 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. 

TODAY IS D-DAY

The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. 

A special mention then to my dear old friend, Normandy veteran TONY DELAHOY.