Councillor jailed for child sex abuse

A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after being convicted of sexual offences against a teenage girl.

David Graham, a local authority councillor, had been found guilty on Wednesday, 23 July, 2025, following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The offences took place at various locations in Fife and Edinburgh between February and August, 2023.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson, of the child abuse investigation unit in Glenrothes, said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. He was well-known and abused his position of power when the offending took place.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Graham held a position of trust and authority in the community which he chose to exploit to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable teenage girl. She has shown immense courage in helping to ensure that Graham faced justice for his crimes.

“It is now vital she gets the support she needs to move forward with her life. No matter how long ago it happened or who the perpetrator was, we would urge victims of sexual abuse to reach out for help with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. 

“Childline is available 24/7 for any child or young person who needs someone to speak to by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk.

“Adults with concerns over the wellbeing of a child and victims of abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.” 

Senior health leader takes on the final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh

  • Scotland’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer will lace up her walking shoes on Saturday 6 September, to take part in the final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh.
  • This will be the last MoonWalk in the capital, before the iconic overnight fundraising event, organised by cancer charity Walk the Walk, leaves Edinburgh after 19 years to go on tour to another city
  • Professor Carolyn McDonald (pictured), alongside fellow AHP Leaders Helen Moores-Poole and Anne Wallace (Team “Allied Angels”) will take on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) challenge wearing Walk the Walk’s trademark brightly decorated bras
  • The Chief AHP Officer leads the national strategy for the 14 allied health professions (AHPs) across Scotland, such as radiographers, physiotherapists, paramedics, dietitians and occupational therapists 
  • AHPs are the third largest clinical workforce within NHS Scotland, playing a huge role in health promotion and also in frontline care, including for thousands of people with cancer. 

Scotland’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, Professor Carolyn McDonald said:- “Team ‘Allied Angels’ is very excited to be taking part in next month’s final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh.

“As Allied Health Professions Leaders, we constantly strive to encourage people to walk for health, to build friendships and community and to support one another to improve their physical and mental health.

“This is an approach which we share with The MoonWalk organisers, Walk the Walk. We also support so many people across Scotland on their cancer journeys – just as Walk the Walk has done so brilliantly over the last 19 years. 

“We are thrilled to have this wonderful chance to celebrate the incredible impact which The MoonWalk has had over the years and also to say ‘thank you’ “. 

  • People of all ages across Scotland can also get involved in the final MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh in a number of ways:-
  • Signing up for the Half Moon (13.1 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk Scotland. Entries close at midnight on Monday 25th August
  • Taking part in the 5K ZOOM Walk on the morning of Sat 6th Sept – a challenge for all ages and abilities. Registration available until the day. 
  • Registering as a Volunteer to make both events (starting from Holyrood Park) run smoothly

For more information about cancer charity Walk the Walk and to sign up as a Walker or Volunteer on Saturday 6th September, go to www.walkthewalk.org

Autumn activities planned for West Pilton Park

EDINBURGH & LOTHIAN GREENSPACE TRUST

ELGT is delighted to announce the beginning of an exciting engagement programme within West Pilton Park.

Join us in September & October and learn to build a wildlife habitat round the ‘Wee Forest’-no experience necessary.

If you’re keen to get involved, contact emily@elgt.org.uk.

MYDG: All clubs back this week

All of our clubs are BACK and ready to welcome our awesome young people!!

Please note: There are a few changes to where some groups are running from – Don Bosco will be at the PENNYWELL HUB building THIS WEEK (Wednesday 20th August)!

If there are any questions regarding days/times/venues please contact the team on the MYDG Mobile Number – 07960955667

The original Elephant House Café set to reopen four years after devastating fire

  • £150,000 ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign launched
  • Appeal for ‘fandals’ to support restoration

The original world-famous Elephant House Café, renowned as the birthplace of Harry Potter, is set to reopen following a devastating fire that forced its closure four years ago.

Today, the owners have announced an ambitious restoration plan, including the launch of the ‘Restore the magic’ fundraising campaign to help bring the beloved literary landmark back to life.

A must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans worldwide, The Elephant House Café became famous for being one of J.K. Rowling’s favourite writing spots in the early days of the series.

Fans from across the globe flocked to the café to soak up its magical atmosphere and, in true Potterhead tradition, scrawled messages of admiration, quotes, and artwork in the toilets – a spontaneous tribute that became an iconic feature of the café’s history and a symbol of the love people had for the café and the stories born within its walls.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the café owners are now appealing for the graffiti ‘fandals’ to support the crowdfunder for the opportunity to come back and leave their mark again.

“The Elephant House has always been a home for writers, dreamers, and fans of literature,” said David Taylor, owner of The Elephant House Café. “The fire was a heartbreaking loss, but the passion and enthusiasm from fans have been overwhelming.

“The scale of the devastation caused by the fire in such an historic building in the heart of a world heritage site means restoration is complex. We are determined to bring back this special place, and with the ‘Restore the magic’ campaign, we hope to unite the community and fans worldwide to help us rebuild.”

The restoration project aims to preserve the charm and legacy of The Elephant House while modernising it to create an even more welcoming space for writers, readers, and coffee lovers.

The fundraising campaign will offer multiple ways for supporters to contribute, including exclusive merchandise, sponsorship opportunities, and donation tiers that allow fans to leave their mark in creative ways within the rebuilt café.

The crowdfunder is now live at Restore The Magic: Rebuild The Elephant House | Indiegogo

Today: BLAST Boxing at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

TUESDAY SESSIONS

9.30 -11.30 BOX N’ BLETHER

5 – 5:45 youth boxing and fitness session

6 – 7pm BLAST BOXfit!

All sessions are aimed at mental aswell as physical well-being.

Delivered in a friendly fun but challenging manner focused on having a laugh and building positive relationships within the groups.

BLAST, it’s more than just boxing! 👌🏻💪🏻❤️🥊

Millions to receive benefit payments ahead of August bank holiday

  • Change to benefits payment date for millions of people will help them with their financial planning and providing peace of mind for those on low incomes.
  • It comes ahead of the new school year, which will allow families and carers to plan their spending with confidence, knowing their support is already in place.
  • This proactive measure demonstrates the Government’s commitment through its Plan for Change to raising living standards, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring growth is felt by everyone, everywhere.
  • Applies across the entire United Kingdom (Scotland follows the same principle despite different bank holiday arrangements).

Millions of people will receive their essential financial support before the August bank holiday weekend, as the Government has confirmed that benefit payments will be brought forward to Friday 22 August.

The early payment arrangement will apply to all major benefits including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, State Pension, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring that payments originally scheduled for the weekend of 23-25 August reach recipients on time.

This proactive measure will provide financial certainty for families as they prepare for the new school year, allowing parents and carers to plan their spending with confidence knowing their support is already in place during what can be an expensive time for households.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “We know how much families rely on these payments, and by bringing them forward ahead of the bank holiday we’re ensuring no one has to worry about whether their support will be there when they need it most.

“This is especially important ahead of the new school year – no family should have to choose between buying school supplies and putting food on the table.

“This is what our Plan for Change is all about – putting working families and the most vulnerable first and ensuring every family has the security they need to plan for the future.”

The early payment policy ensures recipients receive their funds before banks and government offices close for the holiday weekend, maintaining the continuity of support that millions depend upon.

Barnton luxury retirement development announced finalist for third major award of 2025

The Avenue, an exclusive retirement community by five-star home builder Cruden Homes, is in the running for its third major accolade after being shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2025 Herald Property Awards.

This latest nomination follows an impressive award season for The Avenue, which has already scooped Housing Development of the Year (Small, Private Sale) at the 2025 Scottish Home Awards and Private Development of the Year (Medium) at the 2025 Homes for Scotland Awards. 

Located in the leafy suburb of Barnton, just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, The Avenue’s boutique offering includes 48 energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, each built to a high specification. 

Designed exclusively for those aged 55 and over, the development combines elegant, hotel-inspired living and thoughtful amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a stylish club lounge and guest suite, and will benefit from a dedicated concierge service. The Avenue’s focus on sustainability, quality and design sets it apart in the retirement living sector.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique opportunity for those aged 55 and over to live in luxurious, peaceful homes, alongside a lovely community of like-minded neighbours.

“We prioritised quality and innovation from the outset, and it is fantastic to see this commitment recognised with our recent award successes and this latest nomination.”

The Herald Property awards, hosted in partnership with Prime Property Auctions, celebrate Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords.

For more information on The Avenue’s luxury retirement living, please visit: 

www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

The Ripple community project may take EIJB to court

The Ripple Project is threatening to take Edinburgh Intergation Joint Board to court over this year’s controversial funding process.

The Restalrig-based community hub believes the EIJB’s consultation process was too short, key information was withheld and responses were not adequately considered.

They maintain the EIJB’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved after ‘an unfair and unlawful consultation process’. 

THE RIPPLE STATEMENT:

“The Ripple Project has formally written with a pre-action letter to the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to challenge the way its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved. We believe the consultation process was too short, key information was withheld, and responses were not properly considered.

“We have asked the Board to withdraw the decision and re-run a lawful, transparent consultation — and we hope they will do so without the need for court action.” 

The EIJB has until 27 August to reply. The Ripple would prefer the EIJB to withdraw their decision and ‘run a fair, lawful consultation without going to court’ – but if the Ripple Project finds the EIJB’s response unsatisfactory, they may then lodge a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session. 

The date of the EIJB’s next meeting does not currently appear on the organisation’s website.

THE RIPPLE’s PRE-ACTION LETTER TO THE EIJB IN FULL:

Pre-Action+Letter+Proposed+Petition+for+Judicial+Review+under+Chapter+58+of+the+Rules+of+the+Court+of+SessionDownload