{"NewsItems":[{"Headline":"Penicuik Athletic Youth FC presented with motions in Scottish Parliament","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CG-with-Penicuik-Athletic-Youth-Club-reps-14.09.23.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CG-with-Penicuik-Athletic-Youth-Club-reps-14.09.23.webp\" alt=\"CG with Penicuik Athletic Youth Club reps 14.09.23\" \/><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Representatives of Penicuik Athletic Youth Football Club were presented with two parliamentary motions in Holyrood last week by their MSP Christine Grahame in recognition of the Club\u2019s donations of football equipment to children in Malawi.<\/p>\n<p>The donations of strips, bibs and balls were made to youth football academies in Malawi via Strips4Malawi, which aims to provide new and good condition used youth football team strips to partner youth sports academies in a bid to encourage participation in sport among some of the most deprived young people in Malawi.<\/p>\n<p>PAYFC Chair James Robertson and Vice Chair Fraser Bertram visited the Scottish Parliament to receive framed copies of the two motions lodged by local MSP Christine Grahame, and to discuss their charitable work and the future of the Club.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caddy-Liners.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Commenting, Christine Grahame MSP said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have been following the work of PAYFC to donate their old strips to under-privileged children in Malawi and felt it appropriate to commend their efforts in the form of Parliamentary motions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese donations make an invaluable difference to some of the world\u2019s most disadvantaged young people, offering them an opportunity to play football with a full strip. This engenders a sense of pride and confidence playing for their respective teams and encourages them to continue to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of playing sport.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was delighted to invite James and Fraser in to Parliament to be presented with my motions in recognition of their Club\u2019s efforts. Their actions reflects the generosity and kindness of all the Club\u2019s members.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe also had a grand chat about facilities and with 500 young people engaged in football, finding a permanent home for them is key. I hope I can help them to take this forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Commenting, PAYFC Chair James Robertson said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThanks to Christine for her kind invitation and for recognising our football club for their efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Fraser and I enjoyed our chat with Christine as well as appreciate her offer of help regarding training facilities and a club base.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The motions can be viewed online here,  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/chamber-and-committees\/votes-and-motions\/S6M-07582\">Motion S6M-07582<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/chamber-and-committees\/votes-and-motions\/S6M-10144\">Motion S6M-10144<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20348},{"Headline":"Unaccompanied child asylum seekers taking up half of council placements","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp\" alt=\"Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A council social work chief has revealed nearly half of its residential places for children are being taken up by young unaccompanied asylum seekers.<\/p>\n<p>Joan Tranent, Midlothian Council\u2019s head of child services, said changes to rules in Kent, where asylum seekers who cross the Channel have been placed in hotels, mean local authorities are being asked to take on more youngsters.<\/p>\n<p>And she revealed Midlothian had taken a unique approach to some of the young people who they believe are older than they say by placing them in supported housing instead of full time care.<\/p>\n<p>Ms Tranent told a meeting of Midlothian Council\u2019s performance, review and scrutiny committee: \u201cOne of the biggest issues is unaccompanied asylum seeking children.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about the impact of taking on the youngsters she said: \u201cI have just come in this morning to a third request in six weeks to take another young person.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we take that young person and one other that means half our residential placements are taken up by unaccompanied asylum seeking children.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKent has had a ruling it is not allowed to place anyone under 16 in a hotel and the impact of that is we are all being mandated to take children and young people &#8211; at a pace we have never seen before.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3X7sDh0\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Little-Book-of-Student-Food.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3X7sDh0\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Councillor Peter Smaill asked Ms Tranent to describe the impact of the arriving youngsters after telling the meeting, which was held on Tuesday, the Scottish Government did not fund those who arrive after crossing the Channel as it was considered an \u201cEnglish problem\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>She told him UK Government funding supported young people who were being homed in Midlothian but revealed the council\u2019s unique approach to those claiming to be under 16, meant it was often reduced.<\/p>\n<p>She revealed: \u201cAges are disputed every single day in relation to the young people that present. If they say they are under 16 then obviously we have a duty of care and must accommodate them and what we are starting to do, because we suspect the vast majority are over 16, is move them into supported accommodation once we have done an assessment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo local authorities agree with that approach. I have spoken to the Care Inspectorate who say as long as our assessment is robust they will accept that and so we are still supporting them but as they move into accommodation that is not residential or foster care the funding then decreases.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The committee was told the service was looking into collaborating with neighbouring local authority East Lothian to find ways to meet the increased demand for spaces for the youngsters.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20346},{"Headline":"Almost 430,000 young people urged to claim their cash","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/HMRC-Midlothian-View-750x500-1.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/HMRC-Midlothian-View-750x500-1.webp\" alt=\"HMRC-Midlothian-View-750x500\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Almost 430,000 18-21 year olds with an unclaimed Child Trust Fund, worth an average of \u00a32,000, are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to claim their cash as part of UK Savings Week.<\/p>\n<p>Child Trust Funds are long-term, tax-free savings accounts and were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the UK Government contributing an initial deposit of at least \u00a3250. Funds can be withdrawn once the account matures when the child turns 18. <\/p>\n<p>A recent student survey, conducted by UCAS, asked first and second year university students about Child Trust Funds and the results showed that they were most interested to know how much money was in their account (43%) and how to claim it (32%). The survey also revealed 60% of students got their information about Child Trust Funds from their parents. <\/p>\n<p>Young adults and parents can search on <a href=\"http:\/\/GOV.UK\">GOV.UK<\/a> to find out where their Child Trust Fund account is held.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Angela MacDonald, HMRC\u2019s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMany 18-21 year olds are starting out in first jobs or apprenticeships, starting university or moving into their first home and their Child Trust Fund is a pot of money with their name on. I would encourage young people to use the online tool to track it down or, for parents of teenagers, to speak to them to ensure they\u2019re aware of their Child Trust Fund. It could make a real difference to their future plans.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>There are currently 5.3 million open Child Trust Fund accounts. Young people aged 16 or over can take control of their own Child Trust Fund, although the funds can only be withdrawn once they turn 18. More than 500,000 matured Child Trust Fund accounts have been claimed or transferred into an ISA since the oldest children on the scheme turned 18 in September 2020.  <\/p>\n<p>Families can continue to pay in up to \u00a39,000 a year tax-free into a Child Trust Fund until the account matures. The money stays in the account until the child withdraws or reinvests it into another account. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Advertise-May-2023.webp\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>The UCAS survey revealed that 74% of respondents were aware of Child Trust Funds.   <\/p>\n<p>Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, said:  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe would encourage all young people to investigate if they have money which is unclaimed in a Child Trust Fund and to use it wisely. A disproportionate amount of the money is unclaimed by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who are the very people who would benefit most from these funds. The investment could be placed into an adult ISA or put towards driving lessons, education or starting a business.  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe money in a Child Trust Fund has the potential to be life changing and the lack of knowledge about them shows the importance of financial education and financial planning from a young age\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>The UK Government is offering\u202fhelp for households. Check <a href=\"http:\/\/gov.uk\">GOV.UK<\/a> to find out what cost of living support you could be eligible for. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20343},{"Headline":"Tram Inquiry \u2018an absolute bloody disgrace\u2019","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-City-Chambers.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh-City-Chambers\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>It was meant to be a \u201cswift and thorough\u201d investigation \u2013 but for nine years people were left waiting for answers. <\/p>\n<p>Why it took so long to determine what went so horribly wrong with the project that returned trams to Edinburgh remains a mystery, but at last the findings of a \u00a313m inquiry have been released. <\/p>\n<p>Whilst its long-awaited publication will go at least some way to explain why the 11.5-mile line eventually delivered cost more than double the original estimate \u2013 for less than half the length initially proposed \u2013 and completed three years late, questions about the inquiry\u2019s own cost and timescale are not likely to go away as a result. <\/p>\n<p>An investigation involving sifting through millions of documents and interviewing dozens of witnesses was never going to be straight forward nor speedy. Since the then First Minister Alex Salmond announced it would be a \u201cswift and thorough\u201d process back in 2014 however, an entire new spur from the city centre to Newhaven has been built \u2013 not to mention the four new UK Prime Ministers and two World Cups in the intervening 111 months. <\/p>\n<p>If given the opportunity to quiz inquiry chair Lord Hardie, one city centre councillor who was on the front line of the tram disaster dealing with residents\u2019 woes said she\u2019d bluntly ask: \u201cWhat took you so f****** long?\u201d. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Councillor Jo Mowat said: \u201cIt hasn\u2019t been swift at all, but Alex Salmond was a fool for saying that because he made it an independent public inquiry so immediately lost any control over the timescale.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cI think it\u2019s been an absolute bloody disgrace that it\u2019s taken so long. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was asked to do a job with public money and he was asked to do a swift job. It is a complete disgrace. I would ask Lord Hardie to account for the millions of pounds of public money.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She urged MSPs to haul Lord Hardie, who was paid over \u00a31m, before a Holyrood committee so he could provide some answers as to why the inquiry became so drawn-out. <\/p>\n<p>However Cllr Mowat said usually politicians were \u201ctoo wimpy to ask the hard questions,\u201d adding: \u201cFrankly if Lord Hardie was in front of me I\u2019d be saying \u2018what took you so f****** long?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As news broke in April that the illusive report had been \u2018sent to the printers\u2019 the public braced themselves \u2013 and then braced for another five months as what can only be assumed was an ink cartridge malfunction was dealt with. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Advertise-May-2023.webp\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>MSPs have called for \u2018an inquiry into the inquiry\u2019 whilst Edinburgh Council\u2019s transport chief Councillor Scott Arthur jokingly asked the report was \u201cbeing copied by monks onto parchment\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>He said the delays to the people Edinburgh finding out \u201cthe truth\u201d were \u201cbeyond a joke,\u201d adding: \u201cHow can it possibly take six months to publish a report which has taken nine years to write?\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>However the inquiry team argued preparing a document of its size for publication was \u201ca complex and lengthy process\u201d however. <\/p>\n<p>Reflecting on why the public have had to wait so long for answers, former councillor Lesley Hinds who was served as transport convener during the last phase of the Airport to York Place line construction, speculated whether the remit was \u201ctoo wide\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Lord Hardie was tasked with finding out \u201cwhy the project incurred delays, cost considerably more than originally budgeted for and delivered significantly less than was projected through reductions in scope\u201d as and examine \u201cthe consequences of the failure to deliver the project in the time\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Mrs Hinds added: \u201cI just don\u2019t understand why it\u2019s cost so much. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know you have to get into detail, but why would it take so long to do this and cost so much money?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019re in charge of an inquiry you should set out what you\u2019re going to do, how much it\u2019s going to cost and when you\u2019re going to do it by.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Councillor Steve Burgess said he wondered about the \u201cvalue\u201d of the inquiry report. <\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cIf they were able to do a quick inquiry and provide something useful for the next project that would have been good, but god knows what they\u2019re going to come out with now and whether it\u2019s going to be of any use whatsoever. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople knew what had gone wrong; the thing about the contract not being the right one, and obviously the main lessons were learned because they\u2019ve been applied to the Newhaven line and it\u2019s worked. Things like shutting the entire street and not doing it piece by piece. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not sure that an inquiry that has dragged on and on and on is going to be very helpful. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think at the time it was kicked off there was a justification for it, but it would have been good if they had reported before the next line began.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3X7sDh0\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-Little-Book-of-Student-Food.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3X7sDh0\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20341},{"Headline":"Four drugs deaths in a month recorded in Midlothian","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1.webp\" alt=\"Midlothian-Council-Fairfield-House-Main1\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Four people have died from drugs overdoses in a single month in Midlothian in a devastating blow to social care teams who recorded their lowest fatalities in a decade last year.<\/p>\n<p>Midlothian\u2019s head of adult services Nick Clater said it was believed the deaths, which occurred in July, were linked to a \u2018more potent\u2019 batch of Benzodiazepines, which may have been circulating at the time.<\/p>\n<p>And he told a meeting of Midlothian Council\u2019s performance, review and scrutiny committee, the deaths had an impact on the staff which work out of the county\u2019s No11 social care and justice hub, as they dealt with the string of deaths.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cIt was probably the hardest time that staff group have had and was important to make sure they felt well supported at the time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, it is a difficult thing to say, but in that world that is what happens some times and it is about saying to staff that no matter how hard they have worked, sometimes that may be the outcome because we are talking about a variable substance use which ultimately may kill people.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Support-Us.jpg\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Mr Clater told the meeting, which was held yesterday at council chambers in Dalkeith, the \u2018assertive\u2019 model which the council uses to tackle drug use in the county had swung into full effect during the crisis.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cIn July when we had that spike in deaths we had capacity within our team to go out literally two\/three times a day to the people we were most concerned about to ensure they were well.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is that assertive interface which has been most important.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Midlothian saw the number of drug deaths in 2021 reach a decade long high with 23 people losing their lives. The huge drop to just four deaths in 2022 was put down in large part to the proactive approach taken by the No11 teams and third party support.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Clater said there was no doubt the teams deserved credit for the fall in death last year.<\/p>\n<p>He told the committee: \u201cThe drop was so significant that I think we have to take a degree of credit in the work we have done around the prevention model we have.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe issue we think in July, and we are still looking into the circumstances, is that there is a new and much more potent Benzodiazepine on the scene and we think that may have had an impact but we are still looking at that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe drug world is changing constantly and gone are the days when it was mainly heroin and methadone issues, it is much more around Benzodiazepines that are much more readily available, much cheaper, and being quite blunt about it much more lethal and we think that is what we saw in July.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Councillor Bryan Pottinger, committee member, said: \u201cGone are the days when we could just point the finger at the heroin addict, there are new cocktails out there and new ways of taking drugs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFour drugs deaths in one month really makes people sit up, but the hardest thing to report on is the drugs deaths you are preventing as it is hard to score or audit, but the preventative work which is going on is really good.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And Councillor Margot Russell added: \u201cThis local authority are blessed with having a team who really help other people.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe, as councillors have to support the staff, it is a very small team and we need to make sure their well being is being looked after as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20339},{"Headline":"Tram Inquiry: Findings \u2018mostly common sense\u2019","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Trams-St-Andrews-Square.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Trams-St-Andrews-Square.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh Trams St Andrews Square\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A former Edinburgh council leader has described the findings of a nine-year inquiry into what went wrong with the city\u2019s tram project as unsurprising and \u201cmostly common sense\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Donald Anderson, who was city leader from 1999 to 2006, welcomed the report but said it took \u201ctoo long\u201d to publish and failed to convey how the politics surrounding the scheme was \u201cconducted in a pressure cooker atmosphere which led to lots of people who should have known better behaving irrationally\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Lord Hardie\u2019s nine-year investigation into the infamous tram saga concluded there was \u201cpoor management and an abdication of responsibility on a large scale,\u201d laying most of the blame at the door of the council and Tie, its former arms-length company which managed the project, as well as Scottish Government Ministers who were criticised for withdrawing the oversight of Transport Scotland.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Among the main issues identified which resulted in the line being more than \u00a3400m over budget, three years late and half the length promised were a lack of collaborative working and councillors being presented with \u201cmisleading\u201d cost estimates in reports.<\/p>\n<p>Lord Hardie said the fiasco had a \u201csignificant and lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of Edinburgh residents, and the reputation of the city\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The 961-page report said a \u201clack of clarity as to who had responsibility for the performance of certain tasks\u201d contributed significantly to delays and cost issues.<\/p>\n<p>There was also a failure by the council to \u201cexercise proper oversight of the project with senior officials, including the responsible directors, failing to challenge Tie\u201d.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Mr Anderson said he felt \u201ca mixture of emotions\u201d upon reading it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cObviously I\u2019m angry at the way the tram project turned into what was a horrendous problem for Edinburgh and its residents,\u201d he said. \u201cHopefully we can begin to put that behind us now and if you look at the tram in overall terms and what it\u2019s delivered for Edinburgh it\u2019s been transformational in so many ways. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything in the report that surprises me, most of its common sense. The bits that Hardie doesn\u2019t quite get in my opinion is the way in which the politics of it was conducted in a pressure cooker atmosphere which I think led to lots of people who should know better behaving irrationally. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn some cases they provided misinformation to the people that they were advising which is just completely unacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Conservative Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said the report was a \u201cscathing critique of the SNP government and City of Edinburgh Council\u2019s roles in a national scandal\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cAfter years of delays and millions of pounds of public money, we at last have some conclusions on the appalling mishandling of Edinburgh\u2019s tram network.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe is clear that ministers failed to protect the public purse and acted in the SNP\u2019s political interests, rather than the public interest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJohn Swinney, especially, has questions to answer for removing safeguards that would have protected grant funds.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Current Labour transport convener of Edinburgh Council, Scott Arthur, said he and the council leader \u201cwill act on the findings where needed\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>He said: \u201cThe success of the opening of the line to Newhaven, however, shows that the current administration has already learnt many of the lessons from what happened a decade ago. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have already approached the Lord Provost and asked that it is discussed at next week\u2019s Full Council. We now have a service which carried 1.2 million passengers in August alone.Nonetheless, we are on the side of those who want the Council and the Scottish Government to show they have learnt lessons from what went wrong in the past.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>His predecessor, former SNP transport convener Lesley Macinnes questioned the \u201cvalidity\u201d of Lord Hardie\u2019s criticisms directed at the Scottish Government, pointing out the new Picardy Place to Newhaven line was delivered \u201con time and on budget\u2026but without involvement of Transport Scotland\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cThis inquiry has spent an eye-watering amount of money and has taken an incredibly long time coming to its findings so it\u2019s good that finally it has published its report.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe look forward to getting a full breakdown of lessons learned but at first reading it appears that the tram extension to Newhaven has anticipated and reflected many of the report\u2019s comments and should be seen as a positive example of delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20336},{"Headline":"Anger as \u00a317m Danderhall Campus becomes jungle of weeds","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Danderhall-Campus-Weeds.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Danderhall-Campus-Weeds.webp\" alt=\"Danderhall Campus Weeds\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Danderhall Community Hub car park has seen shrubs overgrown with weeds.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Midlothian council is set to grass over landscaped beds installed as part of a new \u00a317m school campus after weeds ran out of control on the site.<\/p>\n<p>Danderhall Community Hub was handed over to Midlothian Council last year but locals have been left angered after the carefully designed beds became overrun with high nettle and weeds.<\/p>\n<p>And after claims by a local community group that nursery sand pits had to be taken out because they were lost in a jungle of weeds and officers asked to be allowed to use a locally barred toxic chemical on the ground, the council has said it is looking to \u2018create more space\u2019 by grassing over some of the beds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Danderhall Guerrilla Gardeners said the local authority should never have allowed the campus to include ambitious garden designs when they did not have the resources to look after it.<\/p>\n<p>The Guerrilla Gardeners, who were established during lockdown and have taken over public green spaces in the village in a deal with the council which stops them spraying toxic chemicals in their community, said shrubs and plantings at the hub and its adjoining car park have become a jungle.<\/p>\n<p>They said when they raised concerns with the council about the state of the school grounds, they were approached by a manager who asked if they could bypass their agreement and use chemicals to clear the problem.<\/p>\n<p>Helen Graham, from the gardeners, said: \u201cI was called and asked if they could use glyphosate, the very thing we were set up to stop, in the school grounds.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI made it very clear that was the last place it should be used and that the community and the council have a deal that it is not used here.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Work on the new Danderhall Community Hub began in 2019 with a new primary school and community facilities built along with a large car park, and was formally handed over to the council last year.<\/p>\n<p>Helen said that while the landscaping was being planted concerns were being raised about how it would be maintained.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cShrubs and hedgerow were being planted in the car park and throughout the site, but the council only has grass cutting machines and no other resources to maintain such a design.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce they took it over nothing was maintained and it became a jungle of weeds and nettles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe nursery sandpits had to be removed because they had become so overrun with weeds when school returned.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter we raised concerns some council workers were sent out but all they have done is strimmed over the weeds and plants and raked out areas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is a terrible waste of money and a mess. The council should be thinking about their ability to maintain sites like this before signing off on expensive designs that they cannot hope to look after in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Youngsters in the school last week took part in an awards ceremony as they were recognised for work on community gardens, as part of the Guerrilla Gardeners\u2019 Kids Project,  in the village by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>A Midlothian Council spokesperson said the sandpits had not been removed but were reduced in size and a grass strip added to stop sand blowing away.<\/p>\n<p>They added plans were now under way to grass over some of the bedded areas to \u201cgive children more space to play\u201d and \u201cmake it easier to maintain the outdoor area\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The spokesperson said: \u201cWe are liaising with Danderhall Guerrilla Gardeners to improve the landscaped area around the hub and the streets in the area. For example, teams have been out last week and two weeks ago weeding and strimming the bedded areas at the hub.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of our neighbourhood managers met with the Guerrilla Gardeners and agreed a plan of action, which is already under way.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe thank local people for their patience and want to assure Danderhall residents we are committed to making sure the area is as tidy and attractive as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20327},{"Headline":"\u00a3400,000 wind farm windfall for West Lothian charities","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Black_law_windfarm.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Black_law_windfarm.webp\" alt=\"Black_law_windfarm\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Black Law wind farm.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Community centres, a group feeding the elderly and West Lothian\u2019s school bank are among the charities which have benefited from \u00a3400,000 in wind farm windfall cash this year.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2007 West Lothian Community Development Trust has been supporting communities in the county with money raised from wind farms.<\/p>\n<p>The Trust was set up to administer community benefit payments from the wind farm developers at five sites.<\/p>\n<p>In a  report to the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager told councillors that a total of 18 organisations were awarded new grants by the trust in the last year, and the total value of these grants was \u00a3396,699.29.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2007 a total of \u00a32.8m has been awarded to 75 separate organisations<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The five wind farms in West Lothian which provided community benefit payments to WLDT are Black Law, Pateshill, Harburnhead, Tormywheel and Pearie Law.<\/p>\n<p>Community development trusts in West Calder and Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley and Whitburn  receive annual payments of wind farm cash for their community projects which range from running community centres to specific events such as gala days and Christmas events.<\/p>\n<p>Other beneficiaries this year included The Food Train\u2019s Eat Well Buddy Project which supports around 300 local older people to remain in their own home for as long as possible by the provision of support to access a fresh varied diet. In January The Food Train was awarded \u00a315,000 for the continued development of their Eat Well Buddy initiative. <\/p>\n<p>The School Bank West Lothian provides new and as new school clothing and supplies for children in West Lothian who are in poverty. It was awarded \u00a321,000 in November last year to support the continuation of their service to support young people and to launch additional projects.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Advertise-May-2023.webp\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Their aims are to help relieve poverty, enable equal access to education, and afford children dignity and self-respect. They work closely with schools and community groups in areas of high deprivation across West Lothian, such as Addiewell, Blackburn, Craigshill, Fauldhouse and Whitburn.<\/p>\n<p>During the 12 months until end of April 2022 the School Bank West Lothian supported 1,344 children with a school uniform pack, which equates to an increase of 32% on the previous year and provided over 700 uniform packs for children returning to school in August 2022. <\/p>\n<p>Mrs Stewart told councillors: \u201cThe West Lothian Development Trust has the potential to make a substantial difference to communities in West Lothian, both now and over the remaining lifespan of the wind farms. The West Lothian Development Trust, supported by council officers, will continue to ensure that the maximum benefit is obtained and distributed to support future regeneration opportunities in West Lothian. <\/p>\n<p>The policy adopted by the council on the formation of the trust required that any community benefit received from wind farms should be distributed within six miles of the development (70% within three miles and the remaining 30% within  six). <\/p>\n<p>The trust membership is made up of a third of representatives from the council, a third from the local communities and up to a third from wind farm developers. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20322},{"Headline":"Granton Gasholder at risk of overspend","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/granton-gasholder-work-.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/granton-gasholder-work-.webp\" alt=\"granton gasholder work\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Edinburgh\u2019s flagship Granton Gasholder restoration is at \u2018high risk\u2019 of overspending due to a lack of budget oversight, it has emerged.<\/p>\n<p>Work to transform the landmark into a new public park and amphitheatre got underway at the start of this year but audit reports have revealed there has been little scrutiny of how the \u00a317.6 million project is being managed.<\/p>\n<p>Concerns have been raised that a failure to effectively monitor the budget and \u201ckey information and decisions\u201d could lead to overspending or even \u201cproject failure\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Funded through the UK Government\u2019s \u2018Levelling Up\u2019 programme, the post-industrial site\u2019s redevelopment is central to the council\u2019s \u00a31.3 billion regeneration of Granton Waterfront, where 3,000 new homes are being built to create a \u2018sustainable coastal town\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lorna-Slater-Green-MSP-Scotland-Midlothian-View.jpg\" alt=\"www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>The bell that floated up as water filled the gasholder was removed in August in preparation to begin restoring the blue frame to its former glory.<\/p>\n<p>The space is then set to be landscaped with trees, shrubs and wildflowers and plans include \u2018multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated space for permanent and temporary public art, a relaxation area, outdoor trails and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions and play\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>However doubt has been cast over whether the existing funding package \u2013 consisting of \u00a316.4m from the UK Government and \u00a31.2m from the Scottish Government \u2013 will be sufficient to see it through to completion unless the council gets a grip on spending.<\/p>\n<p>A report going before councillors this week said there was a \u201chigh\u201d risk of overspends \u201cif [the] budget is not monitored to sufficient level of detail\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>It noted urgent improvements were still required following an audit earlier this year, which revealed the cross-party group of councillors responsible for project oversight did not meet between March 2022 and April 2023.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-2.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>This meant that for over a year there had been \u201cno oversight or scrutiny of key information such as budget analysis, risks, supplier performance, or progress by members,\u201d risking \u201cproject failure if governance fails to adequately scrutinise key information and decisions\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, a review of meeting documents for the board overseeing the entire waterfront regeneration programme found that some \u201ckey information\u201d relating to the Gasholder project such as the risks involved and budget analysis were \u201cnot routinely presented,\u201d the May audit said.<\/p>\n<p>It added: \u201cWe note that officers only report risks or issues arising by exception due to the volume of information presented and decisions taken; however, we consider the Gasholder restoration project to be a key element of the overarching Granton Waterfront Programme.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The latest audit which maintains a \u2018high\u2019 risk of project overspends will go before the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee today.<\/p>\n<p>Council Leader Cammy Day said: \u201cFollowing the Council election in May 2022, it was agreed that membership of working groups wouldn\u2019t be proposed until the future political leadership of the Council was approved.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMembership of the working groups were decided on 9 February 2023 at Council. The new membership of the Edinburgh Waterfront All Party Oversight Group met soon after on 25 April 2023.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20318},{"Headline":"Politicians and officials mostly responsible for Edinburgh Tram Project failures","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Trams.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Trams.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh Trams\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry has laid most of the blame for the botched infrastructure project at the door of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Ministers. <\/p>\n<p>The long-awaited report on why the capital\u2019s tramway ended up costing more than double the original estimate, was less than half the length initially proposed and arrived three years late contains \u201ccriticisms of many companies, organisations and individuals\u201d however highlights \u201cconsiderable oversight, management and strategic mistakes\u201d by politicians and officials. <\/p>\n<p>The 11.5-mile line between the Airport and York Place opened in 2014 and cost the city \u00a31 billion in total with loan interest payments factored in. <\/p>\n<p>Inquiry chair Lord Hardie said his investigation found \u201ca litany of avoidable failures on the parts of several parties whose role it was to ensure that public funding was spent effectively\u201d.  <\/p>\n<p>He said \u201cpoor management and abdication of responsibility on a large scale\u201d have had a \u201csignificant and lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of Edinburgh residents, and the reputation of the city\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>A total of 24 recommendations have been set out for Scottish Ministers, including to consider changing legislation to allow for \u201ccivil and criminal sanctions\u201d against individuals or companies \u201cwho knowingly submit reports that include false statements to councillors\u201d. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Among the main causes of the failure to deliver the project within the initial \u00a3375m budget was the departure of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (Tie) \u2013 the council\u2019s arms-length company which managed the project until the controversies in 2011 led to it being wound up \u2013 from the procurement strategy intended to manage risk out of the project. <\/p>\n<p>It also highlighted Tie\u2019s failure to \u201cwork collaboratively\u201d with the council and contractors, to \u201creport accurately on progress and failure by [council] officials to monitor progress\u201d and to \u201cachieve the price certainty sought by [the council] and to transfer risk to contractor Bilfinger Berger (BSC) in accordance with the procurement strategy\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Contractor Parsons Brinckerhoff were criticised for delays producing project designs whilst BSC and Tie were said to have not managed the contract effectively enough. <\/p>\n<p>The report said a \u201clack of clarity as to who had responsibility for the performance of certain tasks\u201d also contributed significantly, with \u201coverlap regarding the respective roles of the various bodies created, and individuals appointed, to deliver the project\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>It added it was \u201cunclear whether all of the individuals appointed to specific roles actually fulfilled these roles\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Problems also arose from council officials writing \u201cmisleading reports\u201d for councillors which included \u201cfalse statements,\u201d Lord Hardie said. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caddy-Liners.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Another key mistake mentioned is the decision by Scottish Ministers in 2007 prior to work commencing on the tram line to withdraw the involvement of Transport Scotland which resulted in \u201closs of expertise in the management of major transport infrastructure projects\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Lord Hardie said: \u201cThe Inquiry process has been thorough and robust but also complex, with literally millions of documents that had to be carefully reviewed and detailed contractual issues to investigate. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis work has been time-consuming but necessary to produce a report which not only provides answers to what went wrong with the Edinburgh Trams Project, but also clear recommendations for future transport projects.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat is clear from the Inquiry\u2019s work is that there was a litany of avoidable failures on the parts of several parties whose role it was to ensure that public funding was spent effectively and to the benefit of Scotland\u2019s taxpayers, and that the Edinburgh Trams Project was delivered efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPoor management and abdication of responsibility on a large scale have had a significant and lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of Edinburgh residents, and the reputation of the city.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-1.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20311},{"Headline":"Rose pay the penalty in Peterhead","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Stewart-Brewing-Player-of-the-Match-is-KERR-YOUNG.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Stewart-Brewing-Player-of-the-Match-is-KERR-YOUNG.webp\" alt=\"Stewart Brewing Player of the Match is KERR YOUNG\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Stewart Brewing Player of the Match was Kerr Young.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Match report by Brendan Parkinson, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk\/\">Bonnyrigg Rose FC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Peterhead 2 Bonnyrigg Rose 1<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After a week off, Bonnyrigg Rose returned to action as they made the trip up north to face Peterhead at the Balmoor Stadium, the first ever meeting between the Rose and the Blue Toon.<\/p>\n<p>Robbie Horn made just the one change to the team that demolished Elgin City 5-1 two weeks ago as Callum Connolly came into the side to replace Lee Currie.<\/p>\n<p>The first half was competitive with chances aplenty for both sides. The first chance of the contest fell the way of Peterhead as a curling effort from just outside the area from Conor O&#8217;Keefe went narrowly wide.<\/p>\n<p>Smart Osadolor, high on confidence after netting his first Rose goal against Elgin, went close shortly after as his header went just wide of Stuart McKenzie&#8217;s left post.<\/p>\n<p>The Blue Toon continued to push for an opener in the latter stages of the first period after a pair of chances fell the way of Rory McAllister, the club&#8217;s record goalscorer. The first saw a Joe McKee effort deflect in his direction but he could only poke it straight at Paddy Martin. The second was a powerful header from a McKee free-kick as he ghosted between the Rose defence but his header was caught by Martin.<\/p>\n<p>There was a tentative approach from both sides in the early stages of the second half and Peterhead eventually opened the scoring in the 67th minute as Jack Brown squared to substitute Hamish Ritchie who rifled home inside the box, just 3 minutes after he took to the field.<\/p>\n<p>Bonnyrigg Rose were handed a lifeline with just over 10 to play as Angus Mailer was bundled by Jordan Armstrong in the box following a free-kick.<\/p>\n<p>Neil Martyniuk continued his good start to the season from the spot as cinch League 2&#8217;s top scorer tucked it into the corner beyond McKenzie who had made a good effort in diving the right way.<\/p>\n<p>However, there was to be some late heartbreak on the road for Rose as McAllister was fouled by substitute Dean Watson following a set-piece.<\/p>\n<p>Kieran Shanks stepped up for the hosts and made no mistake from 12 yards as he powered his penalty past Martin and secured all 3 points for Peterhead.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the defeat, Bonnyrigg Rose remain at the summit of cinch League 2 and will look to bounce back as they welcome the visit of Stenhousemuir to New Dundas Park next Saturday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20332},{"Headline":"Edinburgh Tram Inquiry: Where did it all go wrong?","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Tram-St-Andrews-Square.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edinburgh-Tram-St-Andrews-Square.webp\" alt=\"Edinburgh Tram St Andrews Square\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p><em>As the findings of the inquiry into Edinburgh\u2019s tram project are set to be published, almost nine years after the investigation was first announced, we take a look back at the city\u2019s most controversial and costly construction projects and speak to some of those who were involved.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>There was applause as the first tram rolled out of Gyle station, while onboard the passengers who had bagged a coveted ticket enjoyed what was described as a carnival atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>The bright clear morning in May 2014 was a landmark for the city as trams once again started taking paying customers \u2013 the first time in 58 years they had rattled through the ancient city.<\/p>\n<p>The cheering and clapping that greeted the event was for many an expression of relief rather than celebration. There was no official opening, no grand ribbon cutting \u2013 and after years of disputes over contracts, resulting in a single tram line that was horribly over budget and behind schedule, it wasn\u2019t hard to see why.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis was not a celebration, it was an embarrassment for the city,\u201d former Labour councillor and transport convener Lesley Hinds said. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-2.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Just three years earlier frayed councillors were feeling the heat over the project \u2013 and came close to cancelling it entirely.<\/p>\n<p>On a Thursday morning in summer 2011, the city\u2019s leaders had gathered to discuss how to rescue the city\u2019s then half-built tramway.  <\/p>\n<p>Already it was more than \u00a3200 million over budget, despite being significantly scaled-back two years earlier \u2013 and then again just weeks prior. <\/p>\n<p>But surely, locals thought, the botched construction of the ever-shrinking line which had ground the city centre to a standstill and devastated businesses along the troubled route couldn\u2019t get any more shambolic? <\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately for the people of Edinburgh, it could. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a momentous meeting; it was shocking,\u201d the Greens\u2019 Steve Burgess remembers of that August day 12 years ago. <\/p>\n<p>In the Main Council Chamber, there was a white elephant in the room. Was it time to cut losses and abandon the project altogether? Regardless of what happened next, the city council had already \u201cfailed the public and its staff,\u201d trade union representatives said at the meeting.<\/p>\n<p>Following a debate and four rounds of voting members settled on slashing another 11 stops off the line \u2013 in addition to the 10 which had previously been cut \u2013 to save \u00a355m. <\/p>\n<p>Trams would now only run between the airport and Haymarket \u2013 meaning they wouldn\u2019t even reach the city centre. The grim announcement followed a similar one just two weeks earlier that they wouldn\u2019t reach Leith, leaving residents who had put up with years of disruption and were previously told that a modern, exciting transportation system would play a major role in the area\u2019s regeneration left with nothing. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Owen-Thompson-Midlothian-MP-Jan-2023.jpg\" alt=\"owenthompson.scot?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>\u201cIt was just unbelievable \u2013 unthinkable,\u201d Cllr Burgess said of the decision which was backed by 25 votes to 19, with 13 abstentions. <\/p>\n<p>For one City Centre ward councillor, this was when everything began to \u201ccareer out of control\u201d to the point it wasn\u2019t clear if saving the illusive tram scheme would be possible at all. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe really didn\u2019t know which way was up,\u201d the Conservatives\u2019 Jo Mowat said. \u201cThe whole thing was just ruinously embarrassing. It was quite horrendous, and had been so awful up to that point because we\u2019d closed Princes Street twice, people couldn\u2019t get across the road and businesses were going bust.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the plan to further truncate the line would never come to pass, as within days of the jaw-dropping vote at the City Chambers the council was forced into a u-turn by the SNP-led Scottish Government, which had opposed the trams from the start, as it threatened to hold back \u00a372m needed to progress works. <\/p>\n<p>Within days, the u-turn was complete as it was announced the terminus would be St Andrew Square as previously planned. Eventually this was changed to York Place around the corner.<\/p>\n<p>And as the money ran out the council had to take out a \u00a3231m loan to finish the job. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Just weeks later, Princes Street, after being shut to traffic for almost a year during initial disastrous track-laying works in 2009, was closed for another 10 months and ripped up again to repair crumbling tarmac around the newly-laid tracks. <\/p>\n<p>The state of the capital\u2019s main thoroughfare \u2013 peppered with \u201cWorld War One trenches,\u201d as Cllr Burgess recalled \u2013 will be, for many, the image that sticks in the mind from that torrid time when it seemed the city\u2019s tram nightmare might never end. <\/p>\n<p>It was, as one outgoing city transport boss famously put it, \u201chell on wheels\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>But at last, the cursed project was on course for completion \u2013 with a final \u00a3776m budget and 2014 completion date set. <\/p>\n<p>Complications up to this point were mainly caused by disputes between German contractors, Bilfinger Berger, and the council\u2019s arms-length company Transport Initiatives Edinburgh, better known as Tie, which managed the project until the controversies in 2011 led to it being wound up and replaced with outside consultants Turner and Townsend. <\/p>\n<p>Almost as soon as spades hit the ground in 2008, rows broke out over incomplete designs, alleged changes to Bilfinger\u2019s work specification and underground utilities along the route which hadn\u2019t been diverted in time for track laying, with unexpected obstacles and artefacts discovered as roads were dug up. <\/p>\n<p>Costs began to spiral out of control as the project was hit with longer delays and increased cost estimates. By 2009, disputes had reached boiling point and Bilfinger halted works, demanding additional funds be made available. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-3.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Cash-strapped Edinburgh Council, which later had to hand over at least \u00a366m following a ruling by an arbiter, then officially cancelled the \u20181b\u2019 line which was due to run from Haymarket to Granton, alongside phase two which would have completed the network\u2019s northern loop. <\/p>\n<p>In the end, the capital was left with a tram line shorter than even half what was initially promised, costing \u00a3400m more than was first budgeted \u2013 around \u00a31 billion in total including interest payments \u2013 and arriving five years late. ]<\/p>\n<p>So where did it all go wrong for Edinburgh Trams? <\/p>\n<p>This question has been the focus of a nine year-long, \u00a313m public inquiry which is finally about to deliver its verdict.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the beginning, it wasn\u2019t chaos, we were going through a process,\u201d Cllr Mowat said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere was a lot of debate, a lot of concern \u2013 it was a lot of money. It was about regenerating Leith, it was about housing and jobs and we were signed up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She added: \u201cWe know we got to a point where we were being told lies. At the time we didn\u2019t know we were being told lies, I now know we were being lied to and it\u2019s difficult to pinpoint when that started.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe then discovered that the contract we had was this weird bespoke contract which left us very very exposed.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Cllr Burgess similarly said the contract was \u201cfull of holes\u201d and added: \u201cI was told that the contractor had a team of lawyers whose job it was to pick holes in the contract. Whereas if they\u2019d had an off the shelf contract that was more bulletproof we wouldn\u2019t have had the situation in which \u2013 well, the word was that the contractor had bid low and then was trying to extract more and more money.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Former Lord Provost Mrs Hinds, who tabled the ill-fated amendment to halt the line at Haymarket, and subsequently took over as the council\u2019s transport convener in 2012 after Labour gained power in a coalition deal with the SNP, said many of the problems were born out of the original agreement between Tie and contractors. <\/p>\n<p>\u201c[The contract] wasn\u2019t detailed enough, it wasn\u2019t robust enough and everything wasn\u2019t tied down,\u201d she said. \u201cWhatever you learn whenever you do any capital projects is when you\u2019ve signed a contract, don\u2019t start changing things \u2013 and that\u2019s what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She added: \u201cAnother issue was political differences, within the council you had divisions. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd thirdly there was the Scottish Government; it went through the Scottish Parliament, but what the SNP did was they removed all the Transport Scotland officials, just kept putting more and more money in and never asked any questions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Haymarket decision was maybe just a moment where we all thought: \u2018Either we\u2019re going to dump this all or actually be grown-ups and see how we can take this forward.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen I first started as transport convener the reputation of the city was pretty bad and I wanted to feel as if I could come in, make a difference and turn it around. It was a challenge, but I like challenges. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe ended up having meetings between the council and the tram project. Every week there was a meeting of officials \u2013 I just invited myself \u2013 and I wanted to make sure that all these professionals advising me were working together and all disputes were coming out early for the benefit of the contract, the council and the Scottish Parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Inquiry proceedings have heard that prior to this throughout Tie\u2019s involvement there were issues with transparency and councillors and officials not being armed with all the relevant facts in terms of costs and timescales when facing big decisions about the project. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Former Lib Dem council  leader Jenny Dawe said there was a \u201chuge amount of secrecy\u201d surrounding contractual disputes when she was quizzed by Lord Hardie in September 2017.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cThe information we were getting was that the dispute resolution was going in favour of Tie \u2013 they described it as a win or lose situation, we were winning and the other side was losing\u2026 it soon became obvious that that really wasn\u2019t perhaps quite what the situation was.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso about the costs and the timing, very often we were told, \u2018oh no we can\u2019t tell you that\u2019 particularly when matters reached what might be called a stand-off with the consortium.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe were basically told, \u2018No we can\u2019t give you that information\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCertainly the implication was \u2018you can\u2019t be trusted not to tell the consortium what we, Tie, are thinking and so we\u2019re not going to give you information\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Although she did not think this \u201cimpeded the decision-making\u201d of councillors who were making big calls on the progression of the scheme, Ms Dawe added \u201chighly confidential memos\u201d submitted to the inquiry suggested councillors \u201cwere perhaps being kept in the dark\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile former council accountant Rebecca Andrew told the inquiry she had \u201cconcerns about Tie\u2019s lack of transparency and cooperation with council officers throughout my dealings with the company\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cThere was not a systematic or proactive way for sharing important information with Council officers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She added if \u201cdifficult or awkward questions were being asked\u201d then senior staff from Tie would \u201ccomplain to council senior management\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Former chairman of Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses David Mackay, who was Tie\u2019s interim chairman in the first few months of construction, said during his hearing he became \u201calarmed\u201d at a growing number of stories written from leaked reports appearing in the press. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was regularly very concerned that the contractor was in receipt of information which they should not have been,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n<p>Councillors sitting on the company\u2019s board had \u201csplit responsibilities\u201d and \u201cwere looking for re-election,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think inevitably politicians find it difficult not to follow the party line. So the SNP were anti-tram. Others were very pro-tram. And that led to a conflict.\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caddy-Liners.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Mr Mackay \u2013 who said the first few years of construction had been \u201chell on wheels\u201d and called Bilfinger a \u201cdelinquent contractor who scented a victim\u201d upon his sudden departure in 2010 \u2013 told the inquiry that confidential information being used for political knockabout led to officials being \u201cvery, very cautious about what was said in front of councillors\u201d at times. <\/p>\n<p>He said as a result some reports to councillors were subject to \u201cvery heavy editing\u201d to avoid sensitive information.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA lot of the information that we provided to the city officials was confidential, and I was concerned that if it went in an open council report, it would leak and would leak very quickly.  And that would damage our strategy,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n<p>Bilfinger Berger has previously blamed the debacle on Tie\u2019s failure to divert utilities in time. In 2011, as things started to get back on track, then consortium boss Dr Jochen Keysberg said the contractors experience had been \u201cextraordinary\u201d, adding that learning of delays in preparatory work was \u201cthe biggest surprise\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>Bilfinger UK declined an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service and was subsequently asked via email what it thought had gone wrong with the project, how political disputes affected construction and its reaction to being branded a \u201cdelinquent contractor\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The company responded in a statement saying: \u201cThe business has engaged fully with the inquiry throughout its nine-year duration and remains focused on delivering its long-term role to help maintain the city\u2019s tram system.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Whilst it has been up to Lord Hardie to answer \u2018what went wrong?\u2019, the question of \u2018was it all worth it?\u2019 is one for the people of Edinburgh, and Scotland, who in the end paid for the trams, and finally, over a decade behind schedule, have a completed line between the airport and Newhaven. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not sure we\u2019ve learned the right lessons out of it,\u201d Councillor Mowat said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we can learn the right lessons out of it, potentially. But that needs Holyrood to learn some lessons out of it, which is the way that Government funding works in Scotland. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou cannot ever leave a local government to try and put in infrastructure of this scale, it opens up so many bigger questions about local government; if you answer those then possibly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cllr Burgess added: \u201cThe tram was a very controversial thing for the city, the whole thing was deeply unpopular; it was a crisis really.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the thought was we needed to stick by it and get it done, and of course it did prove as soon as it was done and the tram was running it was a success. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery time you have to tell somebody there\u2019s no money for something they say \u2018why are you spending all the money on trams? And they still say that. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think now that people have seen the trams up and running I think people like them and they\u2019re a positive thing.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Mrs Hinds said there will \u201calways be people who are anti-tram.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However she said the arrival of the Newhaven line had sparked \u201ca real change in people\u2019s attitudes\u201d. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20308},{"Headline":"Hit BBC One show brings auction to Dalkeith on Thursday","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Travelling-Auctioneers.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Travelling-Auctioneers.webp\" alt=\"Travelling Auctioneers\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Two of the stars of hit BBC One show, The Travelling Auctioneers \u2013 Christina Trevanion and JJ Chalmers \u2013 are visiting Restoration Yard at Dalkeith Country Park in Dalkeith on Thursday 21st September and looking for local residents to take part in a major auction.  <\/p>\n<p>Ahead of the show\u2019s upcoming second series, Christina and JJ have taken their auction house and workshop across the UK, unearthing hidden gems and restoring unwanted items to their former glory. Now, in association with Thomson Roddick Edinburgh, they&#8217;re ready to sell them! <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Caddy-Liners.jpg\" alt=\"amzn.to\/3uMBt4X\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Locals can view the online catalogue and register to bid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomsonroddick.com\/catalogue\/6F6D95CC9FF7EEC518CEA07F93D4CA81\/234EE8408EA626887A25312564534F0C\/specialist-auction-of-collectables-and-antiques-for-bbcs-th\/\">HERE.<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;d like to take part in the filming of The Travelling Auctioneers, and perhaps even bid, head to Restoration Yard on arrival where you will be directed to the auction. You can also register to bid on site from 11:30am. The auction begins at 12 noon. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20304},{"Headline":"Football has a positive impact on people\u2019s lives in many ways","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-MSP-Scottish-Parliament.webp","Content":"<img src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-MSP-Scottish-Parliament.webp\" alt=\"Colin Beattie MSP\"  class=\"img-responsive\" \/><br><b>Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View<\/b><br><br>\n<p>This month marks the 150th anniversary of the Scottish Football Association, giving us an opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution of our national sport in Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>From the grassroots to the professional level, football has a positive impact on people\u2019s lives in many ways. Playing football is a great way to stay active and healthy; it can improve fitness, reduce stress and anxiety. Football can also help create a sense of community cohesion and promote social inclusion.<\/p>\n<p>Scotland leads the way in match attendance per capita across Europe, highlighting how important this great sport is to our culture. Our national sport also contributes massively to our economy. During the 2022\/23 season, Scottish football clubs welcomed over five million attendees, benefiting our hospitality sector. This is despite efforts from the Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain\u2019s attempt to undermine Scottish football fans.<\/p>\n<p>The Traffic Commissioner published ill thought-out proposals for consultation last week looking to change guidelines around supporters\u2019 buses in Scotland. These unworkable plans were proposed without consultation with the Scottish Government, clubs, or fans. This demonstrated a complete disregard for Scotland and our national game, and all parties in the Scottish Parliament condemned these plans.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-1.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Even Conservative MSPs agreed that these decisions should be reserved for the Scottish authorities. I am happy to hear that Conservative MSPs believe that decisions affecting Scotland, are best made in Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, this consultation has ceased, and Scottish football fans can continue to support their club on away days as they currently do. I welcome the scrapping of these outrageous proposals, and I am grateful for the Scottish Government continuing to support Scottish football fans.<\/p>\n<p>I commend the work of my colleagues in Westminster in their attempts to pressure the UK Government to explore the possibility of placing Scotland Men National Team games under listed events legislation, enabling the broadcast rights to be offered to free-to-air broadcasters. Scotland Women National Team games are regularly broadcast on free-to-air channels and their success has inspired the next generation of women footballers. Unfortunately, these calls were rejected by the UK Government, highlighting Westminster\u2019s contempt for Scottish football and its fans.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20296},{"Headline":"Dalkeith named Heritage Tree Hotspot as experts record 500 \u201cLiving Legends\u201d","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dalkeith-named-Heritage-Tree-Hotspot-1.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dalkeith-named-Heritage-Tree-Hotspot-1.webp\" alt=\"Dalkeith named Heritage Tree Hotspot\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">From left to right, Conar Gow (Park Staff), Clair McFarlan, Keith Knight, Judy Dowling.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian has been revealed as a heritage tree hotspot after experts recorded 500 ancient, veteran and notable oaks over the last year.  <\/p>\n<p>Many of the trees may be descended from a single giant called \u201cThe Michael\u201d and are thought to have been planted to funnel deer towards aristocratic hunters. <\/p>\n<p>Details of the trees are to be included on the Woodland Trust\u2019s Ancient Tree Inventory which maps the oldest and most important trees in the UK. <\/p>\n<p>Ten Woodland Trust Scotland volunteers completed the marathon mission to measure, photograph and log exact GPS locations over the course of 14 recording days, with oversight from Scotland\u2019s lead ancient tree verifiers Keith Knight and Clair McFarlan.<\/p>\n<p>Just over 500 trees were recorded, nearly all of them stunning and characterful pedunculate oaks. 100 were deemed ancient, 300 veteran and 100 notable.*<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>It is unusual in Scotland to have so many remarkable oaks in one place. It is more usual to find a single spectacular tree on its own in the landscape. The Dalkeith group is one of three hotspots hosting heritage oaks by the hundred \u2013 the others being the Cadzow oaks in South Lanarkshire and the Lochwood oaks at Annandale in Dumfries and Galloway.  <\/p>\n<p>Keith Knight said: \u201cIt is likely the trees were planted hundreds of years ago as a way of managing deer for hunting. The Lords and Ladies would all come out from Holyrood. Deer would be driven into the strip of land where the North and South Esk rivers converge. Trees planted along the edge would block their escape.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The oldest and biggest oak on the site is known as \u201cThe Michael\u201d which is probably a corruption of the Scots word \u201cmeikle\u201d meaning big \u2013 although some also link the oak to the 16th Century sailing ship The Michael which was the largest vessel afloat at the time. The Michael oak would have already been an imposing tree at the time The Michael ship put to sea from Newhaven in the 1500s.  <\/p>\n<p>The Michael oak has multiple stems and may be the result of more than one sapling being planted together. It has a remarkable girth of 10.3m at 0.8m up the trunk and could be up to 1000 years old. It is thought a lot of the other oaks on the site are its offspring or descendants. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The Dalkeith oaks were once difficult for casual visitors to find, but since 2016 there has been a 2.4km waymarked trail taking in many of the trees. <\/p>\n<p>According to Park Manager Ross Mason the Old Wood purple trail is amongst the most popular walks with visitors. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have to give credit to all the Woodland Trust Volunteers who kept coming back to help tackle the mammoth task of documenting all these trees over the months,\u201d he said. \u201cOn the plus side it is always nice to spend the day in the woods with people who all have a genuine passion for these trees and nature in general.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: \u201cOld oaks are terrific for supporting lots of other wildlife. Many birds and mammals will make use of the nooks and crannies in a craggy old tree, and deadwood is essential to the life cycle of many insects and fungi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese Dalkeith ancients are well cared for thanks to Ross and his colleagues but sadly not all venerable old trees are in such safe hands. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAncient trees are as much a part of our heritage as stately homes, cathedrals and works of art, but they don\u2019t get the same protection. Our campaign to Protect our Living Legends has already collected over 50,000 signatures petitioning all UK Governments to do better.\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-1.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>*Ancient, Veteran, and Notable <\/p>\n<p>An ancient tree is in the third and final stage of its life. How old an ancient tree is depends on the species. Some species can live longer than others with yews, oaks and sweet chestnuts topping the age charts at over 1000 years. Other species, including birch and willow, live shorter lives. <\/p>\n<p>A veteran tree is usually in the second or mature stage of life. It will have some of the features found on an ancient tree but won&#8217;t have the great age. Although they are not as old as ancient trees, they&#8217;re still incredibly important.  <\/p>\n<p>Notable trees are usually mature trees which may stand out in the local environment because they are large in comparison with other trees around them. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20290},{"Headline":"Net zero home is a Scottish first for Energy Training Academy","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Energy-Training-Company-first-net-zero-home-of-its-kind-in-Scotland.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Energy-Training-Company-first-net-zero-home-of-its-kind-in-Scotland.webp\" alt=\"Energy Training Company first net zero home of its kind in Scotland\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>The Energy Training Academy has announced that it has started work on the first net zero home of its kind in Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>A one-bedroom bungalow, the unique property is housed within the 12,000 sq ft. training centre in Dalkeith and once finished it will comprise a kitchen, living-room and bathroom, all kitted out with the newest of technologies. <\/p>\n<p>There will also be attic space for solar training, with solar panels on the front and back of the roof, while a garage space will store batteries, a hot water cylinder and boilers.<\/p>\n<p>The project, which aims to help establish Scotland as a leader in sustainable living and workforce development, revolves around three primary objectives: upskilling engineers and tradespeople, addressing the retrofitting challenges in the current built environment and providing energy efficiency education for youngsters.<\/p>\n<p>Construction of the home of the future has been made possible thanks to collaboration with the capital\u2019s Garage Conversion Company, which is carrying out the build, and St Andrews Timber &#038; Building Supplies, which is donating all the required materials.<\/p>\n<p>State-of-the-art training will be delivered as a result of partnerships with renowned companies such as myenergi, Worcester Bosch, Ideal Heating, Samsung, Alpha, Poly Pipe and Connex.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>\u201cThis has been an ambition of mine for years and it\u2019s really exciting to see it start to become a reality,\u201d said Mark Glasgow, founder of the Energy Training Academy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI firmly believe this initiative holds significant promise for Scotland&#8217;s sustainable future and will showcase Scotland as a shining example of sustainability and innovation. Once complete, the Net Zero Home will align perfectly with Scotland&#8217;s ambitious climate and educational goals. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the academy we recognise the importance of a skilled workforce to achieve net-zero emissions. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis initiative includes comprehensive training programmes for engineers and tradespeople and upskilling not only creates employment opportunities but also empowers individuals to contribute to a greener Scotland.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA key element of the project will be addressing the complex challenges of retrofitting existing buildings to meet net-zero standards by demonstrating practical solutions. We\u2019ll showcase how achievable net-zero or zero-bills homes can be and aim to inspire homeowners, businesses, and policymakers to take action and accelerate the transition to a sustainable built environment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAlso, teaching youngsters about energy efficiency is crucial for a sustainable future and we\u2019ll use the Net Zero Home to engage and educate the next generation on the importance of energy conservation.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Once complete, visitors will be given guided tours of the futuristic home to see how the technology that drives sustainability will work and how it plays a part in energy reduction.<\/p>\n<p>Senior pupils from Castlebrae Community Campus are helping with the build and having the youngsters involved has extra significance for Mark, himself a former pupil of Castlebrae High School in Niddrie.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe training centre is not only the largest and most modern in Scotland but also operates as a social enterprise, contributing positively to the community,\u201d added Mark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe schoolkids are here for work experience and will leave with transferable skills to put on a CV which will hopefully raise their self-esteem, build confidence in the workplace and ultimately lead to a career. It is going to be a priceless experience for them seeing a traditional build as well as what the home of the future will look like and all that entails. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe need a new modern apprenticeship and that\u2019s what we are trying to do here. I know how important it was to get a break in the trade and I want similar and more for my school and others in Edinburgh and the Lothians.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHopefully I can inspire them to go on from here and make a career for themselves. They know I am from Castlebrae High School and maybe they\u2019ll look at what I\u2019m doing now and take some inspiration. Who knows, maybe they could become a business leader in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lorna-Slater-Green-MSP-Scotland-Midlothian-View.jpg\" alt=\"www.parliament.scot\/msps\/current-and-previous-msps\/lorna-slater\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Derek Welsh, owner of The Garage Conversion Company said: \u201cWe are delighted to help bring Mark\u2019s vision to life by building the home of the future. Having the pupils from Castlebrae on the tools is a fantastic way to help provide them with a pathway into employment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Ronnie Robinson, managing director of St Andrews Timber &#038; Building Supplies said: \u201cThe net zero home is going to change people\u2019s lives by helping with the transition into renewables and we\u2019re proud to be playing a small part in that.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20286},{"Headline":"Families to save hundreds on energy bills through \u00a31 billion insulation scheme","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-insulation.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/home-insulation.webp\" alt=\"home insulation\"><\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson<\/b><br><br>\n<p>More than 300,000 families are set to save hundreds of pounds on their bills thanks to new energy efficiency upgrades.<\/p>\n<p>The UK government has launched the \u00a31 billion drive to help those most in need heat their home for less, through the Great British Insulation Scheme.<\/p>\n<p>Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered vital upgrades &#8211; such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation &#8211; which could cut their annual energy bill by an average of between \u00a3300 to \u00a3400. <\/p>\n<p>The scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes as well as extend support to a wider range of households compared to other existing government-funded schemes. Those eligible for support under the Great British Insulation Scheme include families in council tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland and Wales, with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-Midlothian-View-Ad-2023.jpg\" alt=\"www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>The 300,000 set to benefit come on top of the 2.4 million homes that have so far benefited from new energy efficiency measures under existing support schemes, as part of government\u2019s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable across the country.<\/p>\n<p>These customers will be able to find out if they can get support to make their homes more energy efficient by using a new online checker tool.<\/p>\n<p>Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are determined to help families keep their homes warm through the winter months and save on their energy costs.<\/p>\n<p> \u201cOur Great British Insulation Scheme will help hundreds of thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable in society, get the upgrades their homes need, while cutting their energy bills.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The scheme will help build on the government\u2019s progress in improving energy efficiency in the country\u2019s homes \u2013 in 2010, just 14 per cent of homes had an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 47 per cent in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>This support will run alongside the existing Energy Company Obligation scheme, which offers free home energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels to families on low incomes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Customers will be able to use a new online checker for the Great British Insulation Scheme to find out if they are eligible. The tool will ask a series of questions &#8211; including how they heat their home, whether their home has solid or cavity walls, and if they are receiving any benefits.<\/p>\n<p>A separate checker has also been launched for the Home Upgrade Grant, which could help as many as 25,000 off-the-gas-grid homes that have an EPC rating of D to G. People can find out if they qualify for energy efficiency support &#8211; ranging from insulation and draft proofing to new windows and doors, as well as heat pumps and solar panels.<\/p>\n<p>Customers using the online tools will then be referred to either their energy supplier, for support from the ECO programme and Great British Insulation Scheme, or their local council for the Home Upgrade Grant, to take the next step in making their home more energy efficient.<\/p>\n<p>Mike Thornton, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImproving the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of addressing both the energy crisis and climate emergency.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy reducing demand for fossil fuels it provides a triple win long-term solution for cutting energy bills, decreasing carbon emissions and improving energy security.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme is therefore a welcome development as it will mean more households are eligible for financial support for insulation measures and comes at a crucial time as we approach the colder winter months.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The new online checker tool can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.check-eligibility-for-gb-insulation-scheme.service.gov.uk\/8d8a906a-373d-4f44-b70b-16581f4bfeea\/country\/\">HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-View-Support-Us.jpg\" alt=\"www.midlothianview.com\/support?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20293},{"Headline":"West Lothian roads praised by Scottish Road Works Commissioner","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Almondvale-Road-in-West-Lothian.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Almondvale-Road-in-West-Lothian.webp\" alt=\"Almondvale Road in West Lothian\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Almondvale Road, Livingston in West Lothian.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville<\/b><br><br>\n<p>West Lothian has been listed among the top ten Scottish council areas with the best roads.<\/p>\n<p>The Performance Committee heard earlier this week that West Lothian is ranked ninth out of 32 Scottish councils for overall road condition.<\/p>\n<p>And one councillor claimed this week you can feel the quality of the road as you drive into the county from Edinburgh.<\/p>\n<p>The Scottish Road Works Commissioner praised the performance of the council in managing works the road network, councillors on the Environment and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP) heard.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The Commissioner monitors performance, promotes and encourages good practice by both utility companies and roads authorities.<\/p>\n<p>The main objectives are to shorten the time taken for works, improve coordination between councils and utilities and monitor how well roads are reinstated when work is completed. <\/p>\n<p>Detailing a review of the council\u2019s management of road works by the Commissioner, Kenneth Brown, Roads Network Manager for the council told the meeting: \u201cThanks to the hard work of the utilities team we have been rated well managed for the third consecutive year. The report also highlights areas for improvement and I\u2019m pleased to report we have already taken the necessary steps to make those improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Conservative Alison Adamson said: \u201cI draw comparisons all the time between West Lothian and Edinburgh. I was driving through Edinburgh at the weekend and I was absolutely shocked at the state of the roads there. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou could  actually feel the difference coming back through the [Almond Valley railway] viaduct [ over the A89 at Broxburn]  back into West Lothian. It actually felt different, the quality of the road it actually felt different.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Broxburn councillor Diane Calder, SNP, highlighted  the issue of utility companies leaving traffic lights in place in her ward when work was either complete or was not being carried out, and asked what the council did to monitor and evaluate the work carried out by utilities companies.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Brown explained that the council had a dedicated officer who inspected the works of utility companies<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cWe have the stick to use which is the ability to issue fixed penalty notices if they overrun or leave traffic measures lying around on site.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cIn general there is a lot of utility work going on across West Lothian. The vast majority of utility companies do cooperate with us but obviously there are outliers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Commissioner said improvements were needed in updating public records information on  a streets gazetteer and on the underground pipe and cables network which is  available on the national register of road works.<\/p>\n<p>In his report Mr Brown said that both records had fallen behind \u201cdue to  difficulties recruiting an experienced engineer to our utilities team.\u201d The records have now been updated.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Brown added: \u201cThis is the result of the on-going efforts by all the staff involved and was achieved despite the resource problems. We now have a full utilities team who are addressing the specific actions raised.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Colin-Beattie-Midlothian-View-Ad-2023.jpg\" alt=\"www.colinbeattiemsp.org\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20276},{"Headline":"Anger over taxpayer-funded \u2018hot fork buffet\u2019 for Edinburgh councillors","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EICC-Edinburgh.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EICC-Edinburgh.webp\" alt=\"EICC Edinburgh\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">The one-day workshop will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) next week.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Donald Turvill<\/b><br><br>\n<p>Edinburgh Council has been criticised over a taxpayer-funded  \u2018hot fork buffet\u2019 set to be provided for a networking event, with the estimated cost of over \u00a32,000 described as \u2018the next stop on the gravy train\u2019. <\/p>\n<p>City councillors and officials are set to tuck into a selection of lavish dishes including a \u2018leek, blue cheese, chestnut mushroom and herb crumble\u2019 and \u2018sweet potato, apricot and herb cous cous with harissa dressing\u2019 at the one-day workshop at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) next week. <\/p>\n<p>The event has been organised to give elected members the opportunity to find out more about the work of the council\u2019s arms-length companies, known as \u2018ALEOs\u2019, such as Edinburgh Leisure and Lothian buses. <\/p>\n<p>The invite sent out to councillors added: \u201cWe will also enjoy refreshments including drinks and a hot fork buffet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chocolate and honey tarts and lemon and almond cake with apricot and amaretto glaze will also be served for dessert. <\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Independent councillor Ross Mckenzie, who confirmed he would not be attending, said he was keen to find \u201cways to make ALEOs more accountable\u201d but added being \u201cwined and dined\u201d was not the right way to go about it. <\/p>\n<p>Whilst the cost of feeding all 63 councillors with the \u00a331-a-head buffet, plus at least 11 other known speakers and attendees, would be north of \u00a32,000, it is understood only around a fifth of councillors have responded to the invitation so far, putting the likely catering costs for the lunch closer to \u00a3750. <\/p>\n<p>Responding to the invitation in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Councillor McKenzie said: \u201cNext stop on the Edinburgh Council gravy train is a trip to the EICC for a \u2018training event\u2019 that starts with a \u2018hot fork buffet\u2019 and ends with free drink. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe training? A series of speeches from \u2018ALEO business leaders\u2019, including the one that doesn\u2019t pay the Living Wage.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>Writing on his councillor Facebook page, he added: \u201cEdinburgh Council\u2019s Arms Length External Organisations (ALEOs) are owned by the Council but operate at a distance from Council control.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are issues with a few of them \u2013 Edinburgh Leisure not paying the Living Wage and Lothian Buses not consulting enough on timetable changes are just two examples.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m interested in finding ways to make ALEOs more accountable, but I don\u2019t think being wined and dined by their overpaid \u2018business leaders\u2019 is the right way to go about it so I won\u2019t be attending this event.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The council said: \u201cThe event gives councillors an opportunity to hear from ALEO business leaders about their organisations backgrounds, as well as current and future plans.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe workshop is a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the city\u2019s ALEO\u2019s, and for open discussions and networking.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-2.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>","PostId":20273},{"Headline":"Midlothian Guerrilla Gardeners kids collect award for work","Excerpt":"","FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Danderhall-Guerilla-Gardeners.webp","Content":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Danderhall-Guerilla-Gardeners.webp\" alt=\"Danderhall Guerilla Gardeners\"><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:80%\">Danderhall Guerrilla Gardeners youngsters were awarded for their work on community spaces.<\/p>\n<br><b>Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp<\/b><br><br>\n<p>A community gardens project which introduces school children in Midlothian to nature has received a prestigious award.<\/p>\n<p>Danderhall and District Guerrilla Gardeners Kids Project has received a Grow and Learn in Nature award from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.<\/p>\n<p>The national organisation was so impressed with the work which was carried out at one of the town\u2019s public garden spaces they sent their education officer along to take part in some of the work.<\/p>\n<p>And this week 45 youngsters from Danderhall\u2019s P5 were presented with their award certificate to mark all their hard work.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>The volunteer group formed during lockdown to represent its local community after it united against the use of pesticide by Midlothian Council.<\/p>\n<p>It signed an agreement with the local authority to take over maintenance of public spaces so they were not sprayed with toxic chemicals.<\/p>\n<p>The RCHS Grow and Learn in Nature (GLiN)award is a project-based award for groups who make their outdoor spaces more nature friendly.<\/p>\n<p>It is the second time the group has been awarded for its work with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award last year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><a href=\"http:\/\/www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><img class=\"img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Midlothian-East-Lothian-Business-Expo-2023-Workshop-2.jpg\" alt=\"www.melcc.org.uk\/chamber-events\/1032\/?referral=MidlothianView\"><\/a><hr><\/div>\n<p>Helen Graham from the Guerrilla Gardeners said the work received support from grants to help it grow and work with local youngsters.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cEssential grants from Action Earth and Stewart Milne Homes made it possible for us to bring wildlife of every kind into the village, to compensate for the loss of their habitats with all of the housing developments around us.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have planted and chosen carefully our hedgerows and plants, those that are beneficial to wildlife and pollinators and to provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and bees.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve installed a water source and with a pesticide ban in our gardens, choosing the correct soil and composts helps protect essential mini-beasts and worms that are vital in the growing of healthy plants.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>\n<p>RCHS education officer Emma Griffiths joined youngsters working on the community\u2019s Maulsford garden, which involved P5 youngsters in creating a haven for wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>Emma said: \u201cWe at RCHS were so impressed with this unique project in Danderhall,  l just had to be involved.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis past year, l\u2019ve seen all of the children so keen to learn and loving to be outdoors looking after their environment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Guerrilla kids have been planting for bees and butterflies, testing soils for a healthy bug life, learning of the dangers of pesticides, keeping their village clear of plastics in their litter-picking sessions, making bird feeders and bug hotels, and planting vegetables in their fabulous allotment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat the Guerrilla Gardeners do as a group and with the Kids\u2018 project offers everyone the opportunity to connect with nature, developing an appreciation and understanding of their natural environment and the importance of it to all of us. They are very worthy GLiN award winners\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-xs-12 hidden-lg hidden-md hidden-sm pp-no-pad-left-right\"><hr><a style=\"font-size:80%\"href=\"https:\/\/www.midlothianview.com\/advertise\">Midlothian View Advertising<\/a><br><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n    <!-- SquareAd -->\n    <ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n         style=\"display:block\"\n         data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6282831920891841\"\n         data-ad-slot=\"6575612442\"\n         data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n         data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n    <script>\n         (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n    <\/script><hr><\/div>","PostId":20270}]}