The Big Match features two men’s teams (Residential United v Commercial City) made up of football enthusiasts (of varying levels of skill and fitness!) from Edinburgh’s property and legal spheres.
They will be joined by local celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, ex-Hearts and Premier league player Christophe Berra, and ex-Hibs player and former pupil of Broughton High, Darren Dods.
The Big Match aims to raise a game-changing amount of money for local charities and this year we’re delighted they’ve chosen Spartans Community Foundation as their beneficiaries, so we’re keen to spread the word!
This is the fourth year of The Big Match. It’s free to spectators and the atmosphere is always brilliant, with vocal crowds!
The game is always hard fought – the referee will have a tough job harnessing the levels of competitive spirit on the pitch tomorrow!
A historic Leith landmark – once an industrial mill, later a cinema and most recently a bingo hall – is set for a new lease of life as a 200-bed student accommodation development.
JLL has brought the Manderston Street site, located just off Leith Walk, to market offering developers and investors the opportunity to a create high-quality, sustainable student living community in one of Edinburgh’s most characterful districts.
The building, which has been renamed The Grainworks, already benefits from planning consent for the transformation of the existing building into contemporary purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). A feasibility study has also been undertaken to explore the possibility of delivering a co-living scheme, depending on developer appetite.
The design, by Oberlanders Architects, celebrates the building’s heritage by utilising much of the original structure while introducing modern, light-filled spaces around a landscaped central courtyard.
The main entrance to the accommodation will open onto a new public realm that links directly to Leith Walk with the former railway viaduct and arches bordering the site to the north along Manderston Street.
The proposed scheme features a mix of cluster and studio apartments, complemented by shared amenities including study lounges, social spaces, a gym and outdoor areas. It has been designed to achieve PassivHaus (EnerPhit) sustainability standards, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon, adaptive reuse within Scotland’s student housing market.
Once complete, the development will add to the ongoing regeneration of Leith, now one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for its independent cafés, restaurants and creative scene, all just a short tram ride from the city centre.
Ewan Scott, Development & Regeneration Associate at JLL, said:“This scheme really captures the spirit of modern Leith, preserving the area’s history while giving it fresh purpose.
“Transforming a building that’s been part of the community for generations into a vibrant new home feels like the perfect next chapter.
“With planning already in place and a design that celebrates sustainability and heritage, The Grainworks offers a standout development opportunity in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhoods.”
Alba Continuation Group welcomes leader MacAskill’s ‘positive engagement’
Hopes for Scottish independence in the next Parliament through the election of Alba MSPS on the list heightens after constructive engagement with Kenny MacAskill following recent correspondence, marking meaningful progress toward a clear and democratic way forward.
In his latest communication, Mr MacAskill acknowledges that a full indemnity has now been offered, to remove all risk from the current Alba leadership.
He sets out a number of constitutional and financial questions requiring clarification. These questions are legitimate and reflect the seriousness of the responsibilities involved.
They provide not an obstacle, but a structured and democratic route to resolving outstanding matters in a transparent and credible way.
Earlier this week The ALBA Continuation Group set out a ‘confident and forward-looking’ proposal aimed at securing the Party’s future and maximising it’s impact in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election.
The group – made up of Angus Brendan MacNeil, Tommy Sheridan, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley, all elected with substantial support from party members – has confirmed it’s willingness to offer an unconditonal indemnity to facilitate an orderly and dignified transition in the Party’s leadership.
Commenting today, Angus Brendan MacNeil said, “Central to this pathway is democratic legitimacy. Any transfer of responsible officer roles, as defined by the Electoral Commission, must command the confidence of members.
“That legitimacy can be secured straightforwardly through an online ballot of members, organised efficiently and transparently. Such a ballot would provide a clear democratic mandate from the elected membership, ensuring that any organisational changes rest on firm constitutional foundations.
“Addressing financial clarity is equally important. Establishing certainty around liabilities, ongoing costs and indemnity arrangements is essential to protecting members and ensuring long-term stability. These are practical issues that can and should be resolved through open engagement and good faith.
“This moment represents a crossroads. Small decisions taken now may have significant consequences over the next two years. By choosing a democratic, member-led route, there is an opportunity to strengthen credibility, rebuild confidence and position Alba to stand at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election, which is vital in Scotland’s independence journey.
“Independence is within our grasp. With unity, transparency and democratic endorsement from members, Alba can enter the next Parliament as a clear, forceful and principled advocate for Scotland’s constitutional future.
“We look forward to continued constructive dialogue and to progressing matters swiftly, so that energy and focus can return to the central objective: delivering independence for Scotland through democratic means.”
Two men and a woman have been arrested and charged after drugs with an estimated value of around £364,000 were recovered from a property in Gilmerton.
A warrant was executed in the Combe Cruik area on Tuesday, 3 March.
During the search PD Freddie (pictured), an eight-year-old Springer Spaniel specialist drugs search dog, indicated to officers that drugs were concealed in a room.
Officers recovered 3.64kg of diamorphine with an estimated street value of around £364,000 and a five figure sum of cash.
The men, both aged 32, and a woman aged 36, were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences. They were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 4 March).
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lumsden said: “This was a significant recovery which highlights our continued commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce, and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“Drugs cause misery in our community and the public has an important role to play in helping us to take action against those responsible for the manufacture and sale of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us on 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Office evictions threaten the future of Leith businesses
The future of Leith’s vibrant Shore community is under threat as local office tenants at Waterside House face eviction to make way for short-term holiday lets.
The Shore Business Collective has launched the ‘Save The Shore’ campaign, backed by Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern & Leith, to block a planning application that threatens the survival of local institutions.
The proposal by Gregor Properties (Ref: 26/00362/FULSTL) seeks to convert the offices at 46 Shore (Waterside House) into guest serviced apartments.
The Shore Business Collective warns this move will replace a steady, year-round workforce with a transient population, devastating the trade for local staples including the likes of Shore Deli, Victor Hugo Deli, and SESH Hairdressing.
The threat extends beyond footfall. The proposed apartments sit directly above the Malt & Hops, one of Leith’s most historic pubs and live music venue. Residents in short-term lets often clash with established music venues, putting the pub’s license and viability at risk.
The Shore Business Collective also cites increased security concerns and waste management issues often associated with high-turnover holiday apartments.
The Malt & Hops is a primary fundraiser for the Leith Jazz & Blues Festival, there are also concerns that impact to the pub’s trade put the future of cultural events like this at risk.
January Watson, Secretary of the Shore Business Collective and Area Manager for The Malt Group, said: “The Shore thrives because of its balance of residents, workers, and visitors. By evicting the businesses that call 46 Shore home, we are losing the very people who sustain our economy from Monday to Friday.
“Tourists don’t use local dry cleaners or hairdressers. If we lose our daytime population and see our pubs silenced by noise complaints, the unique vibrancy of Leith will vanish.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern & Leith added: “Proposals by Gregor Properties to convert the Waterside House offices into guest serviced apartments are concerning many people locally.
“The loss of office space would not only affect those based in the building but it could also impact local hospitality units, like the Malt & Hops pub.
“I encourage people in Leith and beyond to get behind the various efforts to protect the Shore area. Together, let’s make it clear that we really value our local businesses and want them to be supported.”
The Shore Business Collective is calling on all locals and supporters of Leith to object to the change of use by emailing local councillors and the planning department and referencing: 26/00362/FULSTL
During this session we’ll be looking back at what the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians, have chosen to wear over the decades; following fads & fashions from the past and how we dressed to impress.
We’ll look at where people shopped for their clothing, whether buying traditional tartan, a Victorian corset on Princes Street, teen garb in Leith or flared denim on 1970s Cockburn Street.
Drugs worth more than £180,000 have been recovered as part of multi-agency operation to tackle organised immigration crime across the country.
Officers engaged with more than 660 people travelling in and out Scotland using airports, roads and ferry terminals across three days of action, which began on Tuesday, 24 February.
Thirty vehicles were searched at ports in Stranraer, which resulted in 27kgs of cannabis being discovered at Loch Ryan. At Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, 78 flights were met.
Over the course of the activity, £7,000 worth of cash was seized and four people were arrested in connection with drugs, road traffic and immigration offences.
A key aim of Operation Lockstream was to safeguard vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and Police Scotland officers worked closely with partners from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Border Force, Home Office Immigration, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Scottish SPCA throughout.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Organised immigration crime is happening now in Scotland and tackling it is a priority.
“We know that criminals use our transport hubs for a range of illegal activities, and working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.
“Action like this is only possible through the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that you will be listened to and the information you provide could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality.”
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, NPCC’s Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, said: “This week we have leveraged all of law enforcement powers at the UK’s borders to target people who come to the UK to commit any form of criminality.
“It has been a significant joint effort involving many officers, staff, and multiple agencies, across the rail network, roads, seaports and airports.
“This activity has generated strong results and crucial intelligence that will help us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”
Social Care Minister hails “landmark” Anne’s Law regulations
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s unanimous approval of new measures enshrining the right of care home residents to contact with family and friends.
Anne’s Law was developed following the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions on care home visits had a significant impact on residents’ health and wellbeing, but will also apply in circumstances such as flu outbreaks.
The regulations establish that homes must allow and support visiting unless suspension is essential to prevent serious risk to life, health or wellbeing. Even then, care homes are still required to facilitate visits for those nearing end of life or where the harm caused by suspension outweighs other risks.
Those who are most important to a care home resident will be named in personal care plans as essential care supporters – with a legal presumption that suspending their visits is likely to seriously harm health and wellbeing.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur said: “Meaningful activity and social connections are important for the wellbeing and quality of life of people living in adult care homes. For many residents, family members or friends build on the support provided by care home staff.
“These regulations enshrine the right to direct contact in law and recognise the vital role family, friends and others play in providing essential care, support and companionship to loved ones in adult care homes.
“In developing the legislation, I am pleased that we were able to work closely with Natasha Hamilton, whose petition first highlighted the issue during the pandemic.
“It is another important landmark in improving and reforming the social care system and I thank Care Home Relatives Scotland and others for their continued work and support.”
Spokesperson for Care Home Relatives Scotland Cathie Russell said: “On behalf of Care Home Relatives Scotland and people living in care, we welcome the regulations for Anne’s Law passing this milestone in Parliament today.
“This law ensures that the damage caused by isolating residents from their loved ones and the importance of recognising residents as members of society is always taken into account.
“Those closest to loved ones in care are not simply visitors but essential care supporters. We are grateful to everyone who has worked to make this happen.”
Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Care Donald Macaskill said: “Scottish Care warmly welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s passing of Anne’s Law. Enshrining the right of care home residents to maintain meaningful connections with those who matter most is a vital human rights milestone.
“This legislation recognises the profound importance of relationships, autonomy and emotional wellbeing in care, and we look forward to working with partners to ensure its implementation strengthens the lives of those who live and work in Scotland’s care homes.”
The foundations of Anne’s Law were developed through updated guidance and strengthened health and social care standards. It was put on a statutory footing as part of the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 and these are supporting regulations.
Line-up announced for The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling, taking place on Saturday 20 June at the Royal Highland Centre
A major new partnership is set to bring one of Scotland’s most exciting contemporary folk festivals to the capital for the very first time.
For one day only on Saturday 20 June, the Royal Highland Show will partner with renowned trad music festival The Reeling to bring The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling to the Royal Highland Centre.
Following the success of the Royal Highland Hoolie over the past three years, organisers at the Royal Highland Centre have teamed up with The Reeling, the celebrated festival founded in Glasgow, to deliver a bumper trad music experience during the iconic Show weekend.
The one-day Highland Show edition of The Reeling will shine a spotlight on the very best of Scotland’s contemporary trad scene, with a line-up featuring Breabach, Dlù, Dougie MacLean, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Q and Skippinish.
Advance tickets can be purchased from 9.00am Tuesday 3rd March via the Royal Highland Show website with combined Royal Highland Show and The Reeling entry priced at £75. The Reeling-only tickets are £45, while child tickets are £27.50. A VIP upgrade to The Reeling can be purchased for an additional £30.
Gate prices will be higher and availability cannot be guaranteed, so early booking is advised.
The Royal Highland Centre – Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue – delivers some of the biggest events in the country, welcoming more than one million visitors every year.
As well as hosting the Royal Highland Show, which welcomes over 220,000 visitors to Ingliston each year across the four-day event, the venue has become a major destination for live music.
This August, it will welcome a series of Summer Sessions featuring Biffy Clyro, Florence and the Machine and brand-new festival Heather on the Hill, created by Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX.
The arrival of The Reeling signals another significant step in the venue’s ambition to grow and diversify its festival and large-scale event offering.
Mark Currie, Director at Royal Highland Centre, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership opportunity for us and really signifies the direction we are going in as we continue to build and strengthen our event and festival offering at the Royal Highland Centre.
“The Royal Highland Show weekend is the perfect platform for an event like this. Over the past three years, the musical element of the Show through the Royal Highland Hoolie has become a real draw for Show-goers, and we know that partnering with The Reeling will only build on that momentum.
“Bringing one of Scotland’s most exciting trad music festivals to Ingliston for a special Highland Show edition feels like a natural evolution, and we’re proud to be working with The Reeling to create something new and ambitious as part of the Show weekend.”
Founded by Michael Pellegrotti, co-director of Skye Live, The Reeling has quickly established itself as a flagship celebration of contemporary Scottish folk music since launching at Rouken Glen Park in 2023.
Now, the festival makes its move to Scotland’s capital for the first time.
Michael Pellegrotti, Founder of The Reeling, said: “We’re delighted to partner with The Royal Highland Show to bring The Reeling to Edinburgh for the first time. Both events celebrate the very best of Scotland, making this a natural collaboration.
“With a fantastic line-up of artists and so much to experience at the show, it’s set to be a great day out for everyone.”
The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling takes place on Saturday 20 June at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.
