It's been almost a year now since I updated my blog which is pretty bad. However, it has been an eventful year and I've been too busy doing stuff to have time to write about stuff.
In the last year, I've started a new job and moved house so much of my mental energy has been expended doing that. I've also been unsure whether my responsibilities to my new employer would allow me to keep the blog but I've decided, with a few tweaks, I can keep it going as long as I don't stray too far into the realms of Scottish politics.
I've also received encouragement to continue from journalists and authors alike to keep the book blogging going. Apparently it makes me look brainy. Appearances can be deceptive.
Monday, 3 October 2011
READING: Larsson, Millenium trilogy
Stieg LarrsonMillenium Trilogy:
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
The Girl Who Played With Fire
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest
2005-07
I bought The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo trilogy on DVD in anticipation of the forthcoming Daniel Craig/David Fincher adaptation.
While the new extended editions offer more scope to explore Stieg Larrson's themes than the theatrical releases, much of what I liked about the books is still sadly but necessarily missing.
Larsson's Millennium trilogy was a masterclass in investigative reporting, with lots of trawling through secret documents, peering behind locked doors and firewalls, and exposing hidden injustices.
Unfortunately, this doesn't make for good telly but hidden in Millennium's pages is a wealth of innovative investigative tactics for journalists looking to expand their arsenal. However, some of the tactics employed by journalist Mikael Blomkvist and secretive hacker Lisbeth Salander are questionable.
With Fincher's film approaching at the end of a year that has seen one of the world's biggest newspapers collapse under the weight of hacking allegations and an infamous computer hacker facing untested allegations of sex crime in Sweden, one wonders how a fictional tale about an imprisoned Swedish journalist and a morally ambiguous promiscuous computer hacker will be received.
The moral dilemma that new Fans of the Dragon Tattoo will have to grapple with is whether they believe Salander and Blomkvist's legally questionable means were justified. Most of the trilogy's injustices could not have been exposed without data hacking.One wonders how Murdoch's hacks may have been received if they had turned up something useful that the police missed. Larsson would have known this wasn't beyond the realms of possibility:
"Are policemen more talented than ordinary people?", wonders Blomkvist in The Girl Who Played With Fire. "Sometimes a private investigator is better at working things out than a real detective."
While Larsson knew journalists who "make a living writing drivel", such as his own creation Tony Scala, he knew that there were just as many Blomkvists out there.
The need for Scottish Blomkvists to complement real detectives has rarely been more acute. The most recent statistics available (2008/09) show a massive spike in the number of experienced policemen retiring. It is not inconceivable that some of Scotland's seasoned hacks have a few more investigative tricks up their sleeves than the new batch of detective constables.
The same could be said about the security services. The most interesting thing about Cablegate was not the secret information itself, but that so much of the information had already found its way into the public domain. Most of the diplomatic cables about the Scottish Government could have been drawn straight from The Herald or The Scotsman.
No one has done more to divide opinion on the ignoble pursuit of hacking than Wikileaks/Cablegate founder Julian Assange. The similarities between Salander and Assange are striking. Both have a "selective morality"; both are speculated to have autistic spectrum disorders; both are promiscuous up to - and perhaps beyond depending on who you ask - the point of disrepute; and both view their respective opposite sexes with what could at the very least be described as suspicion.
However, by the end of The Girl Who Kicks The Hornet's Nest, the stains on Salander's character are cleansed with revelations that her perceived immorality was little more than a construct of police chauvinism, a salacious media and ultimately an immoral government fighting to hide its own dirty secrets.
The jury is still out on Assange. Or, more accurately, the jury has yet to be called as he is still fighting extradition to Sweden where he is facing charges of sexual assault. It is unclear how Assange's story will play out. On the face of it his story is a simple "did he or didn't he" intrigue but speculation is rife that Assange was, like Salander, the victim of secretive international anti-espionage tactics. The honey trap is the oldest trick in the book. Perhaps the final word should go to Assange himself:
"I have never said that this is a honey-trap...I have never said that this is not a honey-trap. I'm not accusing anyone until I have proof."
Mikael Blomkvist couldn't have put it better himself.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
READING: Ansary, Destiny Disrupted
Tamim AnsaryDestiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes
2009
THE first thing that strikes you about Tamim Ansary’s whistlestop tour through 1400 years of Islamic history is the title. Destiny Disrupted implies an unfulfilled entitlement co-opted by western hegemony, while boldly suggesting that this destiny is back on track and on course to be fulfilled.
As an Afghan-born author living in America, Ansary is well placed to analyse this “destiny” from both an Eastern and Western perspective, but as he outlines the circumstances that made the Islamic world the bastion of culture and knowledge for almost a millennium - and of its decline - he refrains from explicitly predicting how this supremacy could be achieved again.
“Although history is not over, the period since 9/11 has not mulched down enough to enter history yet: it still belongs to the journalists. It is not too soon, however, to reflect on this period as a manifestation of two great out-of-synch narratives intersecting.”
Speculation over the Islamic world’s possible resurgence is clearly, therefore, for other authors, but for Ansary the lessons are in the history.
In the course of 350-odd pages, in his own informal conversational style, he tells how a 6th century Arabian businessman in the middle of a “mid-life crisis” started a religion which, with a small band of followers, converted Mecca, conquered Medina and, through a mixture of theological persuasion and a series of unlikely military victories, spawned an empire that would stretch from the Atlantic coast to the borders of China.
In relating this period Ansary relegates some of the greatest events in Western history – the Crusades, the discovery of America [incidentally a voyage to find trade routes to the east], the Christian reformation and the resultant wars in Europe – to mere footnotes taking part in one small corner of the Eurasian continent while the great Ottoman, Safavid and Moghul Islamic empires held sway over much of the rest.
The closest Ansary comes to articulating the Islamic world’s disrupted “destiny” actually comes from university of Chicago historian Marshall Hodgson:
“In the sixteenth century of our era, a visitor from Mars could well have supposed that the human race was on the verge of becoming Muslim.”
However, Ansary shows how the Islamic world then went into a period of decline, largely through stagnation and mismanagement. Much of its territory fell to empires built on Judeo-Christian foundations, while the rest tried to adapt to the new world order.
However, Ansary’s unspoken implication is that the last 500 years of Judeo-Christian dominance in world history was just an interlude, that normal service will shortly be resumed. According to Ansary’s thesis, backed up by a wealth of undisputed historical facts, this resurgence has already begun and has been gathering pace for the last century.
From this point on Ansary’s simple, straightforward narration really begins to illuminate by boiling down the often impenetrable world of Middle East politics and Islamist aspirations in the last century into a series of simple fundamentals.
He declares the notion of “nation-statism”, the skeleton upon which most of the world’s principals of cooperation (The United Nations) and discord (from Arab nationalism right down to Scottish Nationalist backbiting) hangs, to be a modern-day invention, a phantom almost, and far from an established fact.
“It’s easy to forget that the organisation of the world into countries is less than a century old...Unfortunately, the ideology of ‘nationalism’ and the reality matched up only approximately if at all.”
But what does all this mean for Western hegemony?
Under the principles of “nation-statism” the United States of America, the chief exporter of Western hegemony today, is a unified entity, with a shared economy, military, official language and a constitution based on the principles of “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.
However, once the veil of nationalism is stripped away and its status as the established locus of organisation and control is removed, other networks of co-operation become apparent.
Today, “nation-statism” and Islamism are already combining. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran are already fully fledged Islamic States, where Sharia law and the law of the land are indistinguishable, but beneath the level of nationalism and statehood there is already a shared Islamic economy, military and common constitution.
Groups like the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which promotes Muslim values within the United Nations on behalf of its 57 member countries with Islamic majorities, and the Organisation of Petrolium Exporting Countries (OPEC), which fixes oil prices on behalf its member countries, most with Islamic majorities, form the basis of a quasi-governmental constitution and shared economy. Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, imports British and American arms by the bucketload, while militant groups like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, to name but a few, work towards similar ends and form the basis of a unified paramilitary force with international reach. Finally, the insistence that the Quran be read exclusively in Arabic ensures a common language across all Islamic and Islamic-majority states.
To cobble these links together and call them The United States of Islam would be a gross over-simplification, but it is clear that Islam fosters a common link between these nations that is 1000 years older than the nationalist glue that holds the United States of America together.
However, according to Ansary this reawakening of Islamic identity to re-establish its place in world history isn’t something to be feared. Some may find it unpalatable [and I’m going to nail my colours to the mast and state that I find all theocracies unpalatable whether Muslim, Jewish, Christian or other] but it’s not necessarily dangerous or incompatible with liberty:
“The conflict wracking the modern world is not, I think, best understood as a ‘clash of civilisations’, if that proposition means we’re-different-so-we-must-fight-until-there’s-only-one-of-us. It’s better understood as the friction generated by two mismatched world histories intersecting. Muslims were a crowd of people going somewhere. Europeans and their offshoots were a crowd of people going somewhere. When the two crowds crossed paths much bumping and crashing resulted, and the crashing is still going on...
“Islam is not the opposite of democracy; it’s a whole other framework. Within that framework there can be democracy, there can be tyranny, there can be many states in between.”
READING: Sands, Torture Team
Philippe Sands
Torture Team
2008
FORMER British prime minister Tony Blair was advised that an invasion of Iraq would be illegal just hours before former US president George Bush presented him with his timetable for war.
This was the central claim put forward by leading British QC Philippe Sands when he came to Edinburgh to promote his latest book Torture Team.
Professor Sands pointed to documents uploaded online by The Iraq Inquiry which lay bare the claims he made in his earlier book Lawless World (2005), specifically that attorney general Lord Goldsmith was leaned on by the government to change his views on the legality of a war with Iraq.
He pointed to a memo drawn up by Lord Goldsmith on the eve of Blair’s meeting with Bush on 31 January 2003 – available here – in which Goldsmith categorically stated that UN resolution 1441, which offered Saddam a final chance to disarm his weapons, “does not authorise the use of military force without a further determination by the security council”.
The existence of this memo has been known about for over five years, but Sands was particularly excited by the release of a new annotated version on The Iraq Inquiry website earlier this year which includes new and, Sands argues, damning notes by Tony Blair and his private secretary on foreign affairs Matthew Rycroft.
Prof Sands even suggested that Blair thought Lord Goldsmith was “a tosser” for writing this memo on the eve of such an important meeting.
Sands told the audience at Edinburgh Book Festival: “If you go on The Iraq Inquiry website and have a look at the declassified documents available on the site there’s a memo from attorney general Lord Goldsmith dated 30 January 2003. The memo states:
Sands went on: “Mischievously, and wonderfully, the Chilcot Inquiry didn’t put up the original copy – it put up the annotated Number 10 copy. In the top left hand corner someone has scribbled:
“However, next to that is another note, by Tony Blair’s private secretary on foreign affairs Matthew Rycroft, which reads:
“At the bottom of the memo Goldsmith concludes: ‘I remain of the view that the correct legal interpretation of resolution 1441 is that it does not authorise the use of force without a further determination by the security council.’
“This phrase has been underlined and next to it, scribbled in Tony Blair's handwriting, is written: ‘I just don’t understand this.’
Sands continued: “In other words, Tony Blair is saying ‘I just don’t understand why this tosser is putting out advice saying that the war is illegal’.
“And what happened the next day? Blair’s chief foreign policy advisor [later US Ambassador] David Manning recorded a meeting between Bush and Blair which said that America was preparing for war. The advice is right there at the bottom of Manning’s Memo:
“It was made clear that he was doing this with or without another resolution and Blair told Bush that he was ‘solidly behind him’" Sands continued. "Bush added that it would be good if another resolution could be achieved but only as an insurance policy.”
Sands is much more engaging in person than his writing, which is unfortunately but necessarily dry and methodical. However, his style compliments the sterile language of the memos he describes in which US defence chiefs such as Donald Rumsfeld and William Haynes discuss the degrading and inhumane treatments they were meting out to terror suspects.
He is the first to admit that he is no journalist, and is more at home wading through papers than navigating emotive prose. However, for Torture Team he had to learn the skills of a journalist as most of the evidence he needed for his exposé of the US government’s sanctioning of torture techniques in the wake of 9/11 was very deliberately not written down.
“I think many of the people I spoke to for the book met with me precisely because I wasn’t a journalist,” said Sands.
However, Sands’ paper chase to discover who-knew-what-and-when, and his pursuit of key witnesses to corroborate his assertions, would make even Woodward and Bernstein proud.
Torture Team
2008
FORMER British prime minister Tony Blair was advised that an invasion of Iraq would be illegal just hours before former US president George Bush presented him with his timetable for war.
This was the central claim put forward by leading British QC Philippe Sands when he came to Edinburgh to promote his latest book Torture Team. Professor Sands pointed to documents uploaded online by The Iraq Inquiry which lay bare the claims he made in his earlier book Lawless World (2005), specifically that attorney general Lord Goldsmith was leaned on by the government to change his views on the legality of a war with Iraq.
He pointed to a memo drawn up by Lord Goldsmith on the eve of Blair’s meeting with Bush on 31 January 2003 – available here – in which Goldsmith categorically stated that UN resolution 1441, which offered Saddam a final chance to disarm his weapons, “does not authorise the use of military force without a further determination by the security council”.
The existence of this memo has been known about for over five years, but Sands was particularly excited by the release of a new annotated version on The Iraq Inquiry website earlier this year which includes new and, Sands argues, damning notes by Tony Blair and his private secretary on foreign affairs Matthew Rycroft.
Prof Sands even suggested that Blair thought Lord Goldsmith was “a tosser” for writing this memo on the eve of such an important meeting.
Sands told the audience at Edinburgh Book Festival: “If you go on The Iraq Inquiry website and have a look at the declassified documents available on the site there’s a memo from attorney general Lord Goldsmith dated 30 January 2003. The memo states:
'In view of your meeting with President Bush on Friday, I thought you might wish to know where I stand on the question of whether a further decision of the Security Council is legally required in order to authorise the use of force against Iraq...
'You should be aware that, notwithstanding the additional arguments put to me since our last discussion, I remain of the view that the correct legal interpretation of resolution 1441 is that it does not authorise the use of military force without a further determination by the security council.'
Sands went on: “Mischievously, and wonderfully, the Chilcot Inquiry didn’t put up the original copy – it put up the annotated Number 10 copy. In the top left hand corner someone has scribbled:
‘Clear advice from attorney on need for another resolution.’
“However, next to that is another note, by Tony Blair’s private secretary on foreign affairs Matthew Rycroft, which reads:
‘[We] specifically said we did not need further advice this week, Matthew.’
“At the bottom of the memo Goldsmith concludes: ‘I remain of the view that the correct legal interpretation of resolution 1441 is that it does not authorise the use of force without a further determination by the security council.’
“This phrase has been underlined and next to it, scribbled in Tony Blair's handwriting, is written: ‘I just don’t understand this.’
Sands continued: “In other words, Tony Blair is saying ‘I just don’t understand why this tosser is putting out advice saying that the war is illegal’.
“And what happened the next day? Blair’s chief foreign policy advisor [later US Ambassador] David Manning recorded a meeting between Bush and Blair which said that America was preparing for war. The advice is right there at the bottom of Manning’s Memo:
‘The start date for the military campaign was now pencilled in for 10 March. This was when the bombing would begin.’
“It was made clear that he was doing this with or without another resolution and Blair told Bush that he was ‘solidly behind him’" Sands continued. "Bush added that it would be good if another resolution could be achieved but only as an insurance policy.”
Sands is much more engaging in person than his writing, which is unfortunately but necessarily dry and methodical. However, his style compliments the sterile language of the memos he describes in which US defence chiefs such as Donald Rumsfeld and William Haynes discuss the degrading and inhumane treatments they were meting out to terror suspects.
He is the first to admit that he is no journalist, and is more at home wading through papers than navigating emotive prose. However, for Torture Team he had to learn the skills of a journalist as most of the evidence he needed for his exposé of the US government’s sanctioning of torture techniques in the wake of 9/11 was very deliberately not written down.
“I think many of the people I spoke to for the book met with me precisely because I wasn’t a journalist,” said Sands.
However, Sands’ paper chase to discover who-knew-what-and-when, and his pursuit of key witnesses to corroborate his assertions, would make even Woodward and Bernstein proud.
NEWS: Buses To Subsidise Trams For Four Years
MARK McLAUGHLIN and CHRIS MARSHALL
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 8, 2010, Friday
BUSES will have to subsidise an unfinished tram line for up to four years, tram bosses said today.
Despite fears about the economic viability of the trams project, a new business case has concluded that the incremental delivery of the line, starting with the section from the airport to St Andrew Square, will be profitable from day one.
However, that business case relies on the Capital's bus service shouldering most of the burden for three to four years when present operator Lothian Buses is amalgamated into the new bus and tram operator Transport Edinburgh Limited [TEL]. The bus to trams subsidy is thought to run to many millions of pounds a year.
It was previously reported that a line running only as far as Haymarket would need to be subsidised, but the new business case says a line reaching St Andrew Square would be viable.
The report does not say when TEL expects to complete the whole of line 1A to Ocean Terminal.
The News has seen details of the new report, which will be discussed by councillors next Thursday.
Lothian Buses made an operating profit of £9.29 million last year, after making the first loss in the company's history of £801,000 in 2008.
One source said it was unacceptable to expect Lothian Buses to prop up the ailing tram service.
The source said: "Spending public money on the trams is one thing, but sacrificing an excellent bus service is too far.
"To jeopardise the bus service across the city to build half a tram line defies any measure of common sense."
The report also confirms integrating the buses and trams has already begun, with the head of the tram project being controversially "parachuted" into the top job.
Richard Jeffrey, chief executive of tram firm TIE, has been handed the same designated position at TEL.
Ian Craig, managing director of Lothian Buses, has been given the position of TEL's chief operating officer.
There is anger that the positions have not been advertised and councillors could try to block the appointments.
One source said the appointments brought closer the possibility that tram bosses could use Lothian Buses to finance the beleaguered project.
A spokesman for TIE said: "The appointment of Richard Jeffrey and Ian Craig has been made based on the expertise these individuals will bring."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 8, 2010, Friday
BUSES will have to subsidise an unfinished tram line for up to four years, tram bosses said today.
Despite fears about the economic viability of the trams project, a new business case has concluded that the incremental delivery of the line, starting with the section from the airport to St Andrew Square, will be profitable from day one.
However, that business case relies on the Capital's bus service shouldering most of the burden for three to four years when present operator Lothian Buses is amalgamated into the new bus and tram operator Transport Edinburgh Limited [TEL]. The bus to trams subsidy is thought to run to many millions of pounds a year.
It was previously reported that a line running only as far as Haymarket would need to be subsidised, but the new business case says a line reaching St Andrew Square would be viable.
The report does not say when TEL expects to complete the whole of line 1A to Ocean Terminal.
The News has seen details of the new report, which will be discussed by councillors next Thursday.
Lothian Buses made an operating profit of £9.29 million last year, after making the first loss in the company's history of £801,000 in 2008.
One source said it was unacceptable to expect Lothian Buses to prop up the ailing tram service.
The source said: "Spending public money on the trams is one thing, but sacrificing an excellent bus service is too far.
"To jeopardise the bus service across the city to build half a tram line defies any measure of common sense."
The report also confirms integrating the buses and trams has already begun, with the head of the tram project being controversially "parachuted" into the top job.
Richard Jeffrey, chief executive of tram firm TIE, has been handed the same designated position at TEL.
Ian Craig, managing director of Lothian Buses, has been given the position of TEL's chief operating officer.
There is anger that the positions have not been advertised and councillors could try to block the appointments.
One source said the appointments brought closer the possibility that tram bosses could use Lothian Buses to finance the beleaguered project.
A spokesman for TIE said: "The appointment of Richard Jeffrey and Ian Craig has been made based on the expertise these individuals will bring."
NEWS: Salt 'n' Snow
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 5, 2010, Tuesday
THOUSANDS of tonnes of salt are being stockpiled in the Capital in preparation for another "whiteout" winter.
Road chiefs have also snapped up an extra five gritters and eight mini-tractors in an effort to keep the city moving in the face of predicted severe weather.
Forecasters who predicted last year's big freeze are warning the country is facing another "bitterly cold winter", with temperatures likely to plunge well below zero. Widespread fog is expected in December and heavy snow in January.
The city council has stockpiled 5200 tonnes of salt, with another 2000 tonnes on order, and cleared a storage "dome" at its Bankhead depot to provide space for a salt reserve 40 per cent bigger than last year.
A council spokesman said: "We have been stockpiling salt since August and are expecting more deliveries in the coming weeks so we're ahead of the game."
The council has also bought another five gritters to add to the 26 it used last winter and an extra eight mini-tractors to supplement its gritting fleet of 18.
The city spent almost its whole £1.4 million winter maintenance budget in the first week of January as it was forced to buy in more salt from the Highlands and hire private salting firms to shore up its own stretched service.
"It's worth noting that we never actually ran out of salt this year, unlike some other local authorities," the council spokesman added. "So we intend to follow a similar programme to last year, improved by the increased storage and stockpiling."
It is unclear yet how much this year's operation is likely to cost.
Forecasters Positive Weather Solutions said Scotland was in the unusual position of facing a second extremely severe winter in a row. Senior forecaster Jonathan Powell said: "Scotland has another bitterly cold winter in store. Temperatures will rival those seen last year, with snowfall a close match."
The firm, which uses long-term weather patterns, said a white Christmas is a distinct possibility. Last winter was the coldest recorded in Scotland for 31 years.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 5, 2010, Tuesday
THOUSANDS of tonnes of salt are being stockpiled in the Capital in preparation for another "whiteout" winter.
Road chiefs have also snapped up an extra five gritters and eight mini-tractors in an effort to keep the city moving in the face of predicted severe weather.
Forecasters who predicted last year's big freeze are warning the country is facing another "bitterly cold winter", with temperatures likely to plunge well below zero. Widespread fog is expected in December and heavy snow in January.
The city council has stockpiled 5200 tonnes of salt, with another 2000 tonnes on order, and cleared a storage "dome" at its Bankhead depot to provide space for a salt reserve 40 per cent bigger than last year.
A council spokesman said: "We have been stockpiling salt since August and are expecting more deliveries in the coming weeks so we're ahead of the game."
The council has also bought another five gritters to add to the 26 it used last winter and an extra eight mini-tractors to supplement its gritting fleet of 18.
The city spent almost its whole £1.4 million winter maintenance budget in the first week of January as it was forced to buy in more salt from the Highlands and hire private salting firms to shore up its own stretched service.
"It's worth noting that we never actually ran out of salt this year, unlike some other local authorities," the council spokesman added. "So we intend to follow a similar programme to last year, improved by the increased storage and stockpiling."
It is unclear yet how much this year's operation is likely to cost.
Forecasters Positive Weather Solutions said Scotland was in the unusual position of facing a second extremely severe winter in a row. Senior forecaster Jonathan Powell said: "Scotland has another bitterly cold winter in store. Temperatures will rival those seen last year, with snowfall a close match."
The firm, which uses long-term weather patterns, said a white Christmas is a distinct possibility. Last winter was the coldest recorded in Scotland for 31 years.
NEWS: Mosque Back On Track After Parking U-Turn
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 4, 2010, Monday
THE expansion of an Islamic teaching centre in Polwarth is back on track following a U-turn by the council's transport department.
The Idara Centre on Temple Park Crescent - commonly known as the Polwarth Mosque - has been given the go-ahead to change the former Al-Hilal grocers at the junction of Yeaman Place into an extension of the existing centre following a traffic survey that found it would not cause parking problems.
The expansion was initially refused in May amid concerns the proposals would "attract further patrons to the existing centre putting an additional burden on street parking".
The centre re-submitted the application with only minimal alterations and gave an assurance that the plans were intended to create a more comfortable environment for existing users, not attract more people, convincing the department to lift its objection.
However, the centre's owner, The Idara Taleem-Ul Qur'an Trust, now faces another obstacle in realising its ambitions - the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan.
Most of the centre's users and staff are of Pakistani descent, and many have seen family displaced by the floods.
Idara chairman Amjed Hussain said: "Now that we've secured planning permission we will have to raise money to fund the expansion.
"Unfortunately, this will prove difficult with the ongoing situation in Pakistan. Many people are sending all the money they can back home which doesn't leave much for us, but this is understandable.
"Family, of course, comes first and we have been doing everything we can to raise funds for the appeal."
The Idara Centre has already hosted several fundraisers, most recently a dinner at Ingliston on Saturday.
Mr Hussain confirmed that the ultimate aim for the expanded unit remains the creation of an Islamic exhibition centre to engage with the non-Muslim local community.
The centre has been steadily expanding since its foundation at 8 Temple Park Crescent in 1986, when it catered for around 20 students. Within ten years its roll had expanded to around 200 students and the trust purchased two neighbouring units to accommodate its growing numbers.
However, Mr Hussain said the possibility of attracting more people was unlikely due to the small Islamic minority in the area.
Andrew McBride, development control manager at transport planning, said: "I now have no objection to this application. A survey has been undertaken monitoring the movements of patrons attending the existing facilities.
"The majority of attendees were pedestrians. Vehicle movements dropping off patrons were minimal.
"In light of this transport planning are satisfied that the change of use will not exacerbate parking levels."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
October 4, 2010, Monday
THE expansion of an Islamic teaching centre in Polwarth is back on track following a U-turn by the council's transport department.
The Idara Centre on Temple Park Crescent - commonly known as the Polwarth Mosque - has been given the go-ahead to change the former Al-Hilal grocers at the junction of Yeaman Place into an extension of the existing centre following a traffic survey that found it would not cause parking problems.
The expansion was initially refused in May amid concerns the proposals would "attract further patrons to the existing centre putting an additional burden on street parking".
The centre re-submitted the application with only minimal alterations and gave an assurance that the plans were intended to create a more comfortable environment for existing users, not attract more people, convincing the department to lift its objection.
However, the centre's owner, The Idara Taleem-Ul Qur'an Trust, now faces another obstacle in realising its ambitions - the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan.
Most of the centre's users and staff are of Pakistani descent, and many have seen family displaced by the floods.
Idara chairman Amjed Hussain said: "Now that we've secured planning permission we will have to raise money to fund the expansion.
"Unfortunately, this will prove difficult with the ongoing situation in Pakistan. Many people are sending all the money they can back home which doesn't leave much for us, but this is understandable.
"Family, of course, comes first and we have been doing everything we can to raise funds for the appeal."
The Idara Centre has already hosted several fundraisers, most recently a dinner at Ingliston on Saturday.
Mr Hussain confirmed that the ultimate aim for the expanded unit remains the creation of an Islamic exhibition centre to engage with the non-Muslim local community.
The centre has been steadily expanding since its foundation at 8 Temple Park Crescent in 1986, when it catered for around 20 students. Within ten years its roll had expanded to around 200 students and the trust purchased two neighbouring units to accommodate its growing numbers.
However, Mr Hussain said the possibility of attracting more people was unlikely due to the small Islamic minority in the area.
Andrew McBride, development control manager at transport planning, said: "I now have no objection to this application. A survey has been undertaken monitoring the movements of patrons attending the existing facilities.
"The majority of attendees were pedestrians. Vehicle movements dropping off patrons were minimal.
"In light of this transport planning are satisfied that the change of use will not exacerbate parking levels."
NEWS: Government Shuts Up Council Planners Over Shutters
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 30, 2010, Thursday
a JEWELLER has been told he can keep security shutters he fitted following a spate of attempted break-ins after appealing to the Scottish Government.
Mohammed Aslam, owner of Aslam Jeweller on Leith Walk, erected the shutters when his store was targeted by thieves several times, but he failed to secure planning permission.
The council issued an enforcement notice ordering him to take the shutters down on the grounds that they "fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area".
However, the government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals has ruled that Leith Walk's "disharmonious" array of clashing shopfronts and tenements is in fact part of the street's character.
Appeals reporter David Buylla said: "Although the shop front is not particularly harmonious with the tenement block above, this is consistent with the established character and appearance of the conservation area and causes no harm."
Mr Aslam said he was "very happy" with the decision.
He added: "I would like to thank all of the members of the public and local businesses who have supported me. We would also like to thank our planning consultant Derek Scott."
Mr Scott, who compiled the planning application and appeal, said external shutters were the store's only viable security option.
He added: "I was delighted with the decision. My client had made a genuine error in installing the shopfront and associated roller shutters in the first place without the benefit of planning permission.
"Thankfully common sense has prevailed and the Reporter from the Scottish Government quickly recognised that the alterations did not detract from the character or appearance of the area and granted permission retrospectively.
"Whilst the Council's design guidelines on shop fronts and roller shutters still have an important role to play, this appeal decision clearly shows that they are only one of a number of considerations that need to be taken into account."
A council spokesman said: "When considering applications within a conservation area, the council has a statutory duty to assess whether the proposals preserve or enhance the character or appearance of that area. In our view, this proposal was contrary to adopted policies and guidance and was not acceptable. The Reporter, however, has taken a different view - as, of course, he is entitled to do - and we are currently considering the policy implications of his decision."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 30, 2010, Thursday
a JEWELLER has been told he can keep security shutters he fitted following a spate of attempted break-ins after appealing to the Scottish Government.
Mohammed Aslam, owner of Aslam Jeweller on Leith Walk, erected the shutters when his store was targeted by thieves several times, but he failed to secure planning permission.
The council issued an enforcement notice ordering him to take the shutters down on the grounds that they "fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area".
However, the government's Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals has ruled that Leith Walk's "disharmonious" array of clashing shopfronts and tenements is in fact part of the street's character.
Appeals reporter David Buylla said: "Although the shop front is not particularly harmonious with the tenement block above, this is consistent with the established character and appearance of the conservation area and causes no harm."
Mr Aslam said he was "very happy" with the decision.
He added: "I would like to thank all of the members of the public and local businesses who have supported me. We would also like to thank our planning consultant Derek Scott."
Mr Scott, who compiled the planning application and appeal, said external shutters were the store's only viable security option.
He added: "I was delighted with the decision. My client had made a genuine error in installing the shopfront and associated roller shutters in the first place without the benefit of planning permission.
"Thankfully common sense has prevailed and the Reporter from the Scottish Government quickly recognised that the alterations did not detract from the character or appearance of the area and granted permission retrospectively.
"Whilst the Council's design guidelines on shop fronts and roller shutters still have an important role to play, this appeal decision clearly shows that they are only one of a number of considerations that need to be taken into account."
A council spokesman said: "When considering applications within a conservation area, the council has a statutory duty to assess whether the proposals preserve or enhance the character or appearance of that area. In our view, this proposal was contrary to adopted policies and guidance and was not acceptable. The Reporter, however, has taken a different view - as, of course, he is entitled to do - and we are currently considering the policy implications of his decision."
NEWS: Seamens' Memorial To Set Sail
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 24, 2010, Friday
A STATUE to honour merchant seamen is set to be unveiled in the Capital later this year after its £100,000 price tag was raised in less than six months.
A flood of donations from around the world means the memorial celebrations for the thousands of merchant seamen who gave their lives in British conflicts is now progressing at full steam.
The Princess Royal, patron of the Merchant Navy Memorial Trust, is coming to Leith on November 16 to reveal the bronze statue, which will stand atop a 15-foot plinth outside the Malmaison Hotel at The Shore.
The memorial's sculptor Jill Watson said she is "delighted" that she will be given the honour of meeting the Princess Royal, who she described as "a wonderful supporter of the Trust".
She added: "I certainly hope the sculpture will be well received, but it is not for me to say.
"The story is so important and so many people so connected to it, not just in Leith but throughout Scotland. Everyone you meet, has some connection, memory or story to tell.
"I have family connections with the sea through the fishing industry. My grandfather had a timber business very near the site of the monument.
"A friend was a young chief officer on board the ship which took Winston Churchill across the Atlantic during the war."
The statue on top of the plinth will be a bronze, timber and steel representation of a merchant vessel.
Ms Watson added: "It is made up of modelled steel and timber bows with sails cast into bronze.
"I am enjoying the work enormously. The committee have been tremendously helpful.
"The whole thing has been a huge challenge, to do justice to the brave men who went to sea.
"It is an important and complex commission.
"Learning about the importance of foreign trade, the hard lives at sea, the war years, the dangers, has been an adventure in itself. It will have educational benefits for future generations."
The Trust now hopes to add to the donations they've received so far and raise a total pot of £250,000 to fund other projects in the future.
Lord Provost George Grubb said: "Preparations are well under way for the formal unveiling of this magnificent lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
"The Port of Leith has played a critical role in Scotland's seafaring past, so it is entirely fitting that the new monument should take pride of place at the Shore.
"There are countless families here in Edinburgh, across Scotland and beyond whose forebears served this country at sea and this striking monument will be of national significance."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 24, 2010, Friday
A STATUE to honour merchant seamen is set to be unveiled in the Capital later this year after its £100,000 price tag was raised in less than six months.
A flood of donations from around the world means the memorial celebrations for the thousands of merchant seamen who gave their lives in British conflicts is now progressing at full steam.
The Princess Royal, patron of the Merchant Navy Memorial Trust, is coming to Leith on November 16 to reveal the bronze statue, which will stand atop a 15-foot plinth outside the Malmaison Hotel at The Shore.
The memorial's sculptor Jill Watson said she is "delighted" that she will be given the honour of meeting the Princess Royal, who she described as "a wonderful supporter of the Trust".
She added: "I certainly hope the sculpture will be well received, but it is not for me to say.
"The story is so important and so many people so connected to it, not just in Leith but throughout Scotland. Everyone you meet, has some connection, memory or story to tell.
"I have family connections with the sea through the fishing industry. My grandfather had a timber business very near the site of the monument.
"A friend was a young chief officer on board the ship which took Winston Churchill across the Atlantic during the war."
The statue on top of the plinth will be a bronze, timber and steel representation of a merchant vessel.
Ms Watson added: "It is made up of modelled steel and timber bows with sails cast into bronze.
"I am enjoying the work enormously. The committee have been tremendously helpful.
"The whole thing has been a huge challenge, to do justice to the brave men who went to sea.
"It is an important and complex commission.
"Learning about the importance of foreign trade, the hard lives at sea, the war years, the dangers, has been an adventure in itself. It will have educational benefits for future generations."
The Trust now hopes to add to the donations they've received so far and raise a total pot of £250,000 to fund other projects in the future.
Lord Provost George Grubb said: "Preparations are well under way for the formal unveiling of this magnificent lasting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on our behalf.
"The Port of Leith has played a critical role in Scotland's seafaring past, so it is entirely fitting that the new monument should take pride of place at the Shore.
"There are countless families here in Edinburgh, across Scotland and beyond whose forebears served this country at sea and this striking monument will be of national significance."
NEWS: Binmen Caught Out In A Backstreet
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 23, 2010, Thursday
AN investigation has been launched after council bin men were caught on camera apparently collecting private rubbish from the back of a Ford Transit van on a city side street.
A local resident watched as the van reversed up to the bin lorry and the men began off-loading bags of rubbish, wood, and even an old fireplace.
The bin lorry involved was not one used for so-called special uplifts, where bulky items are collected for a £20 fee, or trade waste collections, which must be arranged on contract.
The bizarre exchange was captured on camera on Tuesday morning on Lindsay Street, behind the rundown Fort House block in Leith, and a probe has now been launched.
A city council spokeswoman confirmed that the photos were currently under investigation.
She added: "We welcome detailed reports into these types of incidents and would encourage the public to come forward to help us target mismanagement of waste and inappropriate use of resources.
"Any staff misuse of council vehicles or property could result in disciplinary action and improper disposal of commercial waste can result in prosecution."
The resident who photographed the incident said he started watching after a "shabby"-looking white van appeared on the street.
"It would only be seen by the small number of people still living in the block because it's due to be knocked down.
"They had what looked like and old fireplace, a van-load of wood and a couple of cement bags filled with various bits of junk. It looked like they were dumping stuff from a house clearance.
"The guys had a wee laugh and a joke with the bin men and then drove off, then the bin men went back on their rounds."
Businesses that do not have an official waste disposal contract with the council or other licensed waste carrier are liable for a fine of up to £2000.
The city council axed free special uplifts for domestic waste in April and now charge a £19.99 flat rate fee, in a move critics feared would lead to a rise in flytipping.
However, Councillor Maureen Child, environment spokeswoman for the council's Labour group said: "Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which may yet show that there was nothing untoward going on here, I would have serious concerns about such practices taking place as a result of the scrapping of free uplifts.
"If council bin lorries are being used to collect private waste it's a matter of great concern. It's just not on."
The last remaining residents of Fort House are expected to be removed by the end of the year, with demolition work set to begin shortly after.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 23, 2010, Thursday
AN investigation has been launched after council bin men were caught on camera apparently collecting private rubbish from the back of a Ford Transit van on a city side street.
A local resident watched as the van reversed up to the bin lorry and the men began off-loading bags of rubbish, wood, and even an old fireplace.
The bin lorry involved was not one used for so-called special uplifts, where bulky items are collected for a £20 fee, or trade waste collections, which must be arranged on contract.
The bizarre exchange was captured on camera on Tuesday morning on Lindsay Street, behind the rundown Fort House block in Leith, and a probe has now been launched.
A city council spokeswoman confirmed that the photos were currently under investigation.
She added: "We welcome detailed reports into these types of incidents and would encourage the public to come forward to help us target mismanagement of waste and inappropriate use of resources.
"Any staff misuse of council vehicles or property could result in disciplinary action and improper disposal of commercial waste can result in prosecution."
The resident who photographed the incident said he started watching after a "shabby"-looking white van appeared on the street.
"It would only be seen by the small number of people still living in the block because it's due to be knocked down.
"They had what looked like and old fireplace, a van-load of wood and a couple of cement bags filled with various bits of junk. It looked like they were dumping stuff from a house clearance.
"The guys had a wee laugh and a joke with the bin men and then drove off, then the bin men went back on their rounds."
Businesses that do not have an official waste disposal contract with the council or other licensed waste carrier are liable for a fine of up to £2000.
The city council axed free special uplifts for domestic waste in April and now charge a £19.99 flat rate fee, in a move critics feared would lead to a rise in flytipping.
However, Councillor Maureen Child, environment spokeswoman for the council's Labour group said: "Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which may yet show that there was nothing untoward going on here, I would have serious concerns about such practices taking place as a result of the scrapping of free uplifts.
"If council bin lorries are being used to collect private waste it's a matter of great concern. It's just not on."
The last remaining residents of Fort House are expected to be removed by the end of the year, with demolition work set to begin shortly after.
NEWS: Saddling Up To Cut Fuel Prices
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 22, 2010, Wednesday
UP to 700 bikers are expected to ride a "rolling roadblock" into Edinburgh this weekend in protest at the spiralling cost of fuel.
The fuel protest, organised by the Fife Bikers club, is due to leave from Kinross and arrive at the Capital's Kings Stables Road by around 1pm on Saturday.
The protest is a repeat of a similar stunt conducted in 2008, where around 350 bikers blocked both carriageways along sections of the A90 for around an hour.
Protest co-ordinator Stephen Forsyth, 45, of Fife Bikers, said: "We received quite a bit of attention the last time we did this, and this time we expect it to be even bigger.
"We honestly don't expect it to make a blind bit of difference because we received little response from MSPs, who said fuel taxation was a matter for Westminster, while most of the MPs couldn't care less.
"However, we received a very favourable response from the public, who were supportive of what we were trying to achieve.
"We're trying to minimise the disruption to the public. We actually wanted to do it last weekend but the police said no because of the Pope's visit, and they didn't want to have another major event in the city, so we changed it to this weekend.
"Police will be escorting us in a rolling road block, so only the sections of the road with motorcycles will be closed. We will be driving at a steady 30mph or so, so delays should be minimal."
The government plans to add 1p to petrol and diesel prices from 1 October, at a time when the cost of petrol and diesel is already likely to rise because of increasing crude oil prices and weaker sterling.
Mr Forsyth added: "It always seems to be the motorist that's hit the hardest. We are the easiest target because the Government knows we need fuel, and it's not just commuters but delivery drivers who rely on their vehicles for work.
"Many of our members use their motorcycles to commute into Edinburgh for work. There's a large number of motorcycle-only spaces in the city, and they're usually all full.
"Many people think that motorcycles are more of a recreational hobby but for many it's their main form of travel."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the force would be working with the organisers to facilitate the protest and will make all efforts to reduce the impact on the travelling public.
She added: "The route, which includes the A90 southwards from Kinross across the Forth Road Bridge then along the A90 into Central Edinburgh, may result in some delays for motorists. Police would encourage other road users who will be travelling on these roads from noon until 1.30pm on Saturday to consider revising their route or altering their travelling time.
"King's Stables Road is the only route that will be closed, all others will be on a traffic hold basis only."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 22, 2010, Wednesday
UP to 700 bikers are expected to ride a "rolling roadblock" into Edinburgh this weekend in protest at the spiralling cost of fuel.
The fuel protest, organised by the Fife Bikers club, is due to leave from Kinross and arrive at the Capital's Kings Stables Road by around 1pm on Saturday.
The protest is a repeat of a similar stunt conducted in 2008, where around 350 bikers blocked both carriageways along sections of the A90 for around an hour.
Protest co-ordinator Stephen Forsyth, 45, of Fife Bikers, said: "We received quite a bit of attention the last time we did this, and this time we expect it to be even bigger.
"We honestly don't expect it to make a blind bit of difference because we received little response from MSPs, who said fuel taxation was a matter for Westminster, while most of the MPs couldn't care less.
"However, we received a very favourable response from the public, who were supportive of what we were trying to achieve.
"We're trying to minimise the disruption to the public. We actually wanted to do it last weekend but the police said no because of the Pope's visit, and they didn't want to have another major event in the city, so we changed it to this weekend.
"Police will be escorting us in a rolling road block, so only the sections of the road with motorcycles will be closed. We will be driving at a steady 30mph or so, so delays should be minimal."
The government plans to add 1p to petrol and diesel prices from 1 October, at a time when the cost of petrol and diesel is already likely to rise because of increasing crude oil prices and weaker sterling.
Mr Forsyth added: "It always seems to be the motorist that's hit the hardest. We are the easiest target because the Government knows we need fuel, and it's not just commuters but delivery drivers who rely on their vehicles for work.
"Many of our members use their motorcycles to commute into Edinburgh for work. There's a large number of motorcycle-only spaces in the city, and they're usually all full.
"Many people think that motorcycles are more of a recreational hobby but for many it's their main form of travel."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the force would be working with the organisers to facilitate the protest and will make all efforts to reduce the impact on the travelling public.
She added: "The route, which includes the A90 southwards from Kinross across the Forth Road Bridge then along the A90 into Central Edinburgh, may result in some delays for motorists. Police would encourage other road users who will be travelling on these roads from noon until 1.30pm on Saturday to consider revising their route or altering their travelling time.
"King's Stables Road is the only route that will be closed, all others will be on a traffic hold basis only."
NEWS: Questions Over Squaddie Death
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 16, 2010, Thursday
A YOUNG judo champion and soldier has been laid to rest with full military honours as mourners were told of unanswered questions around her death.
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, died at the age of 29 while serving with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
A coroner's inquest is under way to discover the circumstances around her body being found on a recreation ground in Farnham, just outside Aldershot, where she was based.
Cpl Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment and had seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Her family have spoken of the devastating loss of a "fantastic daughter" who took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
A eulogy from Cpl Hart's mother Janet, read out at her funeral at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium yesterday, spoke of unanswered questions.
She said: "To Stephanie, my daughter, so many questions, so few answers, so many things left unsaid.
"You were the light of my life and now that light has been diminished. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Till we meet again, mum."
At her funeral, Cpl Hart was described as "a young woman who gave so much to all who knew her in the world of judo and in the army".
Standing over her coffin, which was draped in the British flag with a single red rose, her father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "This should have been my day, with Steph here and me in there, but it's not."
Cpl Hart won her first Scottish senior judo title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games. After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal.
A spokesman for Cpl Hart's regiment refused to comment until the inquest has concluded.
A police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that Cpl Stephanie Hart's body was found at Heath End Recreation Ground, Farnham, at 11.30am on 28 August 2010. Police have found no suspicious circumstances."
The coroner's inquest is not expected to return a verdict for another four weeks.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 16, 2010, Thursday
A YOUNG judo champion and soldier has been laid to rest with full military honours as mourners were told of unanswered questions around her death.
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, died at the age of 29 while serving with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
A coroner's inquest is under way to discover the circumstances around her body being found on a recreation ground in Farnham, just outside Aldershot, where she was based.
Cpl Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment and had seen service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Her family have spoken of the devastating loss of a "fantastic daughter" who took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
A eulogy from Cpl Hart's mother Janet, read out at her funeral at Edinburgh's Mortonhall Crematorium yesterday, spoke of unanswered questions.
She said: "To Stephanie, my daughter, so many questions, so few answers, so many things left unsaid.
"You were the light of my life and now that light has been diminished. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Till we meet again, mum."
At her funeral, Cpl Hart was described as "a young woman who gave so much to all who knew her in the world of judo and in the army".
Standing over her coffin, which was draped in the British flag with a single red rose, her father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "This should have been my day, with Steph here and me in there, but it's not."
Cpl Hart won her first Scottish senior judo title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games. After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal.
A spokesman for Cpl Hart's regiment refused to comment until the inquest has concluded.
A police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that Cpl Stephanie Hart's body was found at Heath End Recreation Ground, Farnham, at 11.30am on 28 August 2010. Police have found no suspicious circumstances."
The coroner's inquest is not expected to return a verdict for another four weeks.
NEWS: Woman Miscarries After Assault
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 15, 2010, Wednesday
A VULNERABLE pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage after she was hit over the head with a bottle and beaten as she tried to buy drugs for a friend in a Capital underpass.
Emma Flint, 27, suffered head injuries, cuts, bruising to her abdomen and bleeding during the assault, despite begging her attackers to stop because she was pregnant.
Last week her attacker, heroin addict Natalie Paterson, 40, was jailed for 14 months for the attack but both Ms Flint and her family believe she should have been given a far harsher sentence.
Miss Flint, of Craigentinny, said: "She ended a life that day and should have been given 10 years."
She said she had gone to the underpass in Murrayburn Drive in Wester Hailes to "buy some smoke" for a friend from the group.
She said: "When I arrived a gang of them set about me. Natalie hit me over the head with a bottle and I fell, then they all started laying into me.
"I kept saying to them 'stop, stop, I'm pregnant' but apparently that didn't matter to them.
"They stole everything from me, my mobile, money, keys and fags, and ran away. As she was running, Natalie turned around and said, 'if I see you round here again you'll end up in a box'.
"Somehow I managed to get up and make it to the main road. I nearly got hit by a cab because I was staggering around, and someone phoned the emergency services.
"I was in hospital for a few hours. Three days later I discovered I had miscarried. The attack has ruined my life and yet Natalie Paterson will probably be free in seven months. I know it's a cliche, but the law is an ass."
In a letter to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Miss Flint's doctor Ewen Stewart, of Rose Garden Medical Centre, confirmed that she was pregnant at the time of the assault.
He said: "I can confirm that on 11 August 2008 we received a fax from the Pregnancy Support Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh confirming that she had a complete miscarriage. This does appear to have been following the incident."
Paterson sobbed as she was jailed last Wednesday, having previously admitted to assault and robbery at the Murrayburn Drive underpass on 7 August 2008.
Two other people were charged in connection with the assault but their not-guilty pleas were accepted. Paterson was also sentenced to a further two months for a separate assault on a child in 2009.
Defence lawyer Paul Dunn told the court that Paterson had been the victim of a serious crime herself in 2005 and had spiralled into a series of crimes, but that she was taking steps to get off the drink and drugs she turned to after being the victim of a crime.
Sheriff Noble said: "You did participate in an assault and robbery on a woman with learning difficulties. It can only be dealt with by way of custody."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 15, 2010, Wednesday
A VULNERABLE pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage after she was hit over the head with a bottle and beaten as she tried to buy drugs for a friend in a Capital underpass.
Emma Flint, 27, suffered head injuries, cuts, bruising to her abdomen and bleeding during the assault, despite begging her attackers to stop because she was pregnant.
Last week her attacker, heroin addict Natalie Paterson, 40, was jailed for 14 months for the attack but both Ms Flint and her family believe she should have been given a far harsher sentence.
Miss Flint, of Craigentinny, said: "She ended a life that day and should have been given 10 years."
She said she had gone to the underpass in Murrayburn Drive in Wester Hailes to "buy some smoke" for a friend from the group.
She said: "When I arrived a gang of them set about me. Natalie hit me over the head with a bottle and I fell, then they all started laying into me.
"I kept saying to them 'stop, stop, I'm pregnant' but apparently that didn't matter to them.
"They stole everything from me, my mobile, money, keys and fags, and ran away. As she was running, Natalie turned around and said, 'if I see you round here again you'll end up in a box'.
"Somehow I managed to get up and make it to the main road. I nearly got hit by a cab because I was staggering around, and someone phoned the emergency services.
"I was in hospital for a few hours. Three days later I discovered I had miscarried. The attack has ruined my life and yet Natalie Paterson will probably be free in seven months. I know it's a cliche, but the law is an ass."
In a letter to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Miss Flint's doctor Ewen Stewart, of Rose Garden Medical Centre, confirmed that she was pregnant at the time of the assault.
He said: "I can confirm that on 11 August 2008 we received a fax from the Pregnancy Support Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh confirming that she had a complete miscarriage. This does appear to have been following the incident."
Paterson sobbed as she was jailed last Wednesday, having previously admitted to assault and robbery at the Murrayburn Drive underpass on 7 August 2008.
Two other people were charged in connection with the assault but their not-guilty pleas were accepted. Paterson was also sentenced to a further two months for a separate assault on a child in 2009.
Defence lawyer Paul Dunn told the court that Paterson had been the victim of a serious crime herself in 2005 and had spiralled into a series of crimes, but that she was taking steps to get off the drink and drugs she turned to after being the victim of a crime.
Sheriff Noble said: "You did participate in an assault and robbery on a woman with learning difficulties. It can only be dealt with by way of custody."
NEWS: A Death Off Barracks
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 13, 2010, Monday
THE father of a former Scots judo champion who died suddenly while serving in the army in England has paid tribute to his "fantastic daughter".
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
She died aged just 29 while serving in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she was stationed with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
Miss Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment. Her death on August 28 occurred off barracks.
Miss Hart's father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. She wasn't only a friend to me but a friend to many.
"She was a fantastic daughter. She liked school, even though she didn't particularly excel. She was excellent at college, where she did sports science, and had ambitions to go to university but she put it on hold to train in judo for the Commonwealth Games. She was told that you only get one shot at it, whereas you can study any time, so she went for it.
"We were delighted when she got her lottery funding and I supported her every step of the way, but despite the funding I had to put a lot more money into her training than I ever had.
"In the end she decided to join the army to prove to everyone that she was able to stand on her own two feet and make a living."
Mr Hart declined to comment on the circumstances of her death, or discuss her military career, saying he would prefer to leave these matters to the army.
An army spokeswoman declined to comment on the cause of death, except to say that an initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.
She added: "A full inquest was also carried out and returned no outstanding questions. As far as the army is concerned the matter is now closed."
Miss Hart joined her local judo club aged eight. She won her first Scottish senior title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games.
After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal in 2002.
Mr Hart added: "Stephanie was outstanding, as a sportswoman, as a soldier, a daughter, a sister, auntie and cousin. Everybody loved her.
"We loved her and the army loved her. She put into her 29 years ten times what most people put into their whole life. I couldn't be more proud of her."
A statement from the British Judo Association said: "Steph was the ultimate professional as well as a talented sportswoman, a true ambassador and role model for all.
"Steph will be sadly missed by her judo friends, who remember her as an effervescent player who always had time for everyone."
Miss Hart served in Iraq as part of the first British non-special forces unit across the border from Kuwait at the start of the war. She later transferred to the Royal Logistics Corps, and came back from a tour of duty to Afghanistan in March.
She is survived by her father, her mother Janet, siblings Phil, Sharon and Terry.
She is to be given a full military funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on Wednesday.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 13, 2010, Monday
THE father of a former Scots judo champion who died suddenly while serving in the army in England has paid tribute to his "fantastic daughter".
Corporal Stephanie Hart, originally from Sighthill, took a bronze for Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 before signing up for the army shortly before the outbreak of the war in Iraq.
She died aged just 29 while serving in Aldershot, Hampshire, where she was stationed with 10th Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment.
Miss Hart, known as Steph, was stationed in the town as part of a British force attached to the predominantly Nepalese regiment. Her death on August 28 occurred off barracks.
Miss Hart's father Ian, 60, who lives in Broxburn, said: "I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. She wasn't only a friend to me but a friend to many.
"She was a fantastic daughter. She liked school, even though she didn't particularly excel. She was excellent at college, where she did sports science, and had ambitions to go to university but she put it on hold to train in judo for the Commonwealth Games. She was told that you only get one shot at it, whereas you can study any time, so she went for it.
"We were delighted when she got her lottery funding and I supported her every step of the way, but despite the funding I had to put a lot more money into her training than I ever had.
"In the end she decided to join the army to prove to everyone that she was able to stand on her own two feet and make a living."
Mr Hart declined to comment on the circumstances of her death, or discuss her military career, saying he would prefer to leave these matters to the army.
An army spokeswoman declined to comment on the cause of death, except to say that an initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances.
She added: "A full inquest was also carried out and returned no outstanding questions. As far as the army is concerned the matter is now closed."
Miss Hart joined her local judo club aged eight. She won her first Scottish senior title at the age of 15 and represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games.
After joining the army, she led the Combined Services Ladies Team to the national team medal in 2002.
Mr Hart added: "Stephanie was outstanding, as a sportswoman, as a soldier, a daughter, a sister, auntie and cousin. Everybody loved her.
"We loved her and the army loved her. She put into her 29 years ten times what most people put into their whole life. I couldn't be more proud of her."
A statement from the British Judo Association said: "Steph was the ultimate professional as well as a talented sportswoman, a true ambassador and role model for all.
"Steph will be sadly missed by her judo friends, who remember her as an effervescent player who always had time for everyone."
Miss Hart served in Iraq as part of the first British non-special forces unit across the border from Kuwait at the start of the war. She later transferred to the Royal Logistics Corps, and came back from a tour of duty to Afghanistan in March.
She is survived by her father, her mother Janet, siblings Phil, Sharon and Terry.
She is to be given a full military funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel on Wednesday.
NEWS: Drummond To Kenya
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 11, 2010, Saturday
AS SCHOOL outings go, it was one of the more ambitious ones.
A group of sixth-year pupils from Drummond Community High School have recently returned from a trip to Kenya, as part of a partnership project with Muthambi Boys and Girls School in Marima, a town in the shadow of Mount Kenya.
In exchange for lessons in Scottish poetry and how to cook shortbread, the teenagers were given Swahili language tuition and a trip to a crocodile farm.
Drummond librarian Annie Scanlon, who accompanied the children on the trip, also helped to design a new school library out of "a motley collection of damp and ancient old books on rickety shelves".
She said: "With eight boys working as volunteer librarians, we cleared shelves and set up some of the new and exciting books that we had managed to take out with us.
"The library will now open for the boys in the evenings and we hope to send out more books in the future.
"In the girls school, we taught lessons on Scottish poetry and did cookery demonstrations, introducing the girls to shortbread.
"It was difficult to record their comments as their mouths were so full.
"We also took part in sports and games, music, tribal dancing and question and answer sessions on every topic under the sun, plus we made a short film on the life of a Muthambi schoolgirl."
As well as strengthening their curricular links, the school is hoping to raise £15,000 to bring eight students and two staff over to Drummond in June 2011.
Ms Scanlon added: "The trip far exceeded our expectations both educationally and socially and it would not be exaggerating to say that it has changed the lives of students and staff in all three schools.
"We embarked on a very full programme for our ten-day visit which was a combination of working and meeting with the Kenyan students and learning a bit about the life of ordinary Kenyans. The experience was far more fun than the usual 'safari' holiday."
"When we weren't in school we were out experiencing Kenyan life guided by Muthambi staff and students. We visited a crocodile farm and handled 'teenage' crocs with big teeth."
City education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren praised the school's visit.
She said: "Global citizenship is an important part of the curriculum for Edinburgh schools and visits like this strengthen relationships and broaden horizons for our pupils.
"Similar links are being nurtured and developed all across Edinburgh and I think it's something the city should take great pride in."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 11, 2010, Saturday
AS SCHOOL outings go, it was one of the more ambitious ones.
A group of sixth-year pupils from Drummond Community High School have recently returned from a trip to Kenya, as part of a partnership project with Muthambi Boys and Girls School in Marima, a town in the shadow of Mount Kenya.
In exchange for lessons in Scottish poetry and how to cook shortbread, the teenagers were given Swahili language tuition and a trip to a crocodile farm.
Drummond librarian Annie Scanlon, who accompanied the children on the trip, also helped to design a new school library out of "a motley collection of damp and ancient old books on rickety shelves".
She said: "With eight boys working as volunteer librarians, we cleared shelves and set up some of the new and exciting books that we had managed to take out with us.
"The library will now open for the boys in the evenings and we hope to send out more books in the future.
"In the girls school, we taught lessons on Scottish poetry and did cookery demonstrations, introducing the girls to shortbread.
"It was difficult to record their comments as their mouths were so full.
"We also took part in sports and games, music, tribal dancing and question and answer sessions on every topic under the sun, plus we made a short film on the life of a Muthambi schoolgirl."
As well as strengthening their curricular links, the school is hoping to raise £15,000 to bring eight students and two staff over to Drummond in June 2011.
Ms Scanlon added: "The trip far exceeded our expectations both educationally and socially and it would not be exaggerating to say that it has changed the lives of students and staff in all three schools.
"We embarked on a very full programme for our ten-day visit which was a combination of working and meeting with the Kenyan students and learning a bit about the life of ordinary Kenyans. The experience was far more fun than the usual 'safari' holiday."
"When we weren't in school we were out experiencing Kenyan life guided by Muthambi staff and students. We visited a crocodile farm and handled 'teenage' crocs with big teeth."
City education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren praised the school's visit.
She said: "Global citizenship is an important part of the curriculum for Edinburgh schools and visits like this strengthen relationships and broaden horizons for our pupils.
"Similar links are being nurtured and developed all across Edinburgh and I think it's something the city should take great pride in."
NEWS: Britain's Oldest Woman Dies Aged 111
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 8, 2010, Wednesday
BRITAIN'S oldest woman, Annie Turnbull, has died just three weeks shy of what would have been her 112th birthday.
Mrs Turnbull passed away at the care home in Leith where she had moved three years ago, having lived semi-independently in sheltered accommodation until the age of 109.
Her strength and longevity astounded friends and family but her advancing years made her something of a reluctant celebrity, and she was never fully comfortable with the mantle of Britain's oldest woman.
Daughter Margaret Paterson, 77, said: "She didn't like to make a fuss. Everybody that knew her had a good word to say about her. You can make a lot of friends in 111 years.
"She was a wonderful woman and while she lived to a marvellous age the years always failed to show."
Mrs Turnbull lived during the reigns of six British monarchs, outlived the premierships of 26 prime ministers and survived two world wars.
Born on 21 September 1898 when Queen Victoria was on the throne, her life has witnessed the advent of TV, air travel and the birth of the NHS.
Born and brought up in Stoneyburn, West Lothian, Mrs Turnbull moved to the Capital after leaving school aged 14.
Dougie Donnelly, 74, whose mother was a close friend of Mrs Turnbull in Stoneyburn, said: "Annie was often fond of telling people that she used to push me around in my pram, which was a very long time ago considering my age now. She always used to tell me stories about life in Stoneyburn back in the day, about who worked in which pub and who lived where. She was the last link to the days of old.
"She was a marvellous woman, and to me she was always my auntie Annie."
The year of her birth saw the introduction of Edinburgh's first motor buses "the Penny Stinkers" as well as the opening of the Glenogle Baths in Stockbridge.
She went into service as a table-maid, a job she held for most of her working life.
The job gave her the chance to meet well-known people, including author Rudyard Kipling.
She lived in Easter Road until the age of 92, before moving to the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.
Britain's oldest woman is now Elsie Steele, of Repton in Derbyshire, who is due to turn 112 on January 6 next year.
The world's current oldest living person remains Frenchwoman Eugenie Blanchard at 114 years and 204 days.
The oldest person in recorded history was Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who set the record at 122 before her death in 1997.
Mrs Turnbull died last Thursday, September 2, after a short illness. Her funeral will be held at Seafield Crematorium at 11am on Saturday.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 8, 2010, Wednesday
BRITAIN'S oldest woman, Annie Turnbull, has died just three weeks shy of what would have been her 112th birthday.
Mrs Turnbull passed away at the care home in Leith where she had moved three years ago, having lived semi-independently in sheltered accommodation until the age of 109.
Her strength and longevity astounded friends and family but her advancing years made her something of a reluctant celebrity, and she was never fully comfortable with the mantle of Britain's oldest woman.
Daughter Margaret Paterson, 77, said: "She didn't like to make a fuss. Everybody that knew her had a good word to say about her. You can make a lot of friends in 111 years.
"She was a wonderful woman and while she lived to a marvellous age the years always failed to show."
Mrs Turnbull lived during the reigns of six British monarchs, outlived the premierships of 26 prime ministers and survived two world wars.
Born on 21 September 1898 when Queen Victoria was on the throne, her life has witnessed the advent of TV, air travel and the birth of the NHS.
Born and brought up in Stoneyburn, West Lothian, Mrs Turnbull moved to the Capital after leaving school aged 14.
Dougie Donnelly, 74, whose mother was a close friend of Mrs Turnbull in Stoneyburn, said: "Annie was often fond of telling people that she used to push me around in my pram, which was a very long time ago considering my age now. She always used to tell me stories about life in Stoneyburn back in the day, about who worked in which pub and who lived where. She was the last link to the days of old.
"She was a marvellous woman, and to me she was always my auntie Annie."
The year of her birth saw the introduction of Edinburgh's first motor buses "the Penny Stinkers" as well as the opening of the Glenogle Baths in Stockbridge.
She went into service as a table-maid, a job she held for most of her working life.
The job gave her the chance to meet well-known people, including author Rudyard Kipling.
She lived in Easter Road until the age of 92, before moving to the Manderston Court sheltered housing complex.
Britain's oldest woman is now Elsie Steele, of Repton in Derbyshire, who is due to turn 112 on January 6 next year.
The world's current oldest living person remains Frenchwoman Eugenie Blanchard at 114 years and 204 days.
The oldest person in recorded history was Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who set the record at 122 before her death in 1997.
Mrs Turnbull died last Thursday, September 2, after a short illness. Her funeral will be held at Seafield Crematorium at 11am on Saturday.
NEWS: Police Investigate The BNP Over "Bizarre" Website
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 6, 2010, Monday
CITY rocker Edwyn Collins demanded that the BNP remove his song from a "bizarre" party website that is being investigated by police.
The Edinburgh-born star's hit A Girl Like You featured on a Lothians British National Party website behind images of Asian men burning a union flag and veiled women waving banners saying "God Bless Hitler".
The "Lothians BNP Video" site has now been taken off-line and its creator, BNP Central Scotland organiser Mike Coyle, has resigned from the party.
Police are investigating whether any action can be taken against the site. Edwyn Collins' wife and manager, Grace Maxwell, warned the BNP against using copyrighted material on their websites.
Ms Maxwell said: "There are many iffy videos on YouTube using A Girl Like You without permission and we are normally very relaxed about it.
"Whilst we don't believe that viewers would imagine for a moment that Edwyn has sanctioned the use of his track in this bizarre setting, for the removal of any doubt, we will require it to be deleted and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this happens."
The site, which was accessed via a link on the BNP Scotland website, also featured Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World with a montage calling the founder of Islam a "murderer" and "a paedophile", and several original songs by a Whitburn-based heavy metal band called Mott & Bailey.
The tracks railed against "invaders marching through our land, coming in like the night" and "darkness bringing down the walls". Videos accompanying the tracks featured images of 9/11, the London bombings and processions of coffins being carried through Wootton Bassett intermixed with images of British mosques and protesting Muslims.
Mr Coyle initially defended the site, stating that he saw nothing criminal in its content and claiming that "the BNP are not in the business of upsetting people". However, within hours of being contacted by the News, copyrighted content had been removed and the site had been re-branded "The Unofficial BNP Video Site". Mr Coyle then resigned.
The father-of-four said: "My last act as a BNP member was to dismantle this site. I put my head above the parapet and ended up being lied to. I set up this website with the full approval of the Scottish party, but now that my name stands to be dragged through the newspapers they have failed to show me any support.
"When I stood as a candidate in the last election my children were subjected to death threats, but I stood firm. They have lied to me for the last time."
The BNP Scotland website carries contact details for party members, party news and a page of material written by BNP Scotland leader Gary Raikes. But Mr Raikes described it as "an unofficial blog". A line has been added to the site stating, "This is an unofficial BNP site".
He said Mr Coyle's site was set up with his support but was not officially sanctioned by the party.
He said: "We are sorry to lose Mr Coyle over this. Many sites support the BNP and we are glad for that support but cannot be held responsible for content. This would appear to be yet another witch hunt by the left-wing press."
BNP national leader Nick Griffin declined to comment.
Muslim activist Osama Saeed, founder of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, said: "The videos show the BNP are stuck in a time warp, laden with images from the Crusades. The far-right always try to isolate and stigmatise particular groups and the latest is Muslims."
A police spokesman said: "Inquiries will be made in order to establish whether any further action can be taken."
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 6, 2010, Monday
CITY rocker Edwyn Collins demanded that the BNP remove his song from a "bizarre" party website that is being investigated by police.
The Edinburgh-born star's hit A Girl Like You featured on a Lothians British National Party website behind images of Asian men burning a union flag and veiled women waving banners saying "God Bless Hitler".
The "Lothians BNP Video" site has now been taken off-line and its creator, BNP Central Scotland organiser Mike Coyle, has resigned from the party.
Police are investigating whether any action can be taken against the site. Edwyn Collins' wife and manager, Grace Maxwell, warned the BNP against using copyrighted material on their websites.
Ms Maxwell said: "There are many iffy videos on YouTube using A Girl Like You without permission and we are normally very relaxed about it.
"Whilst we don't believe that viewers would imagine for a moment that Edwyn has sanctioned the use of his track in this bizarre setting, for the removal of any doubt, we will require it to be deleted and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this happens."
The site, which was accessed via a link on the BNP Scotland website, also featured Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World with a montage calling the founder of Islam a "murderer" and "a paedophile", and several original songs by a Whitburn-based heavy metal band called Mott & Bailey.
The tracks railed against "invaders marching through our land, coming in like the night" and "darkness bringing down the walls". Videos accompanying the tracks featured images of 9/11, the London bombings and processions of coffins being carried through Wootton Bassett intermixed with images of British mosques and protesting Muslims.
Mr Coyle initially defended the site, stating that he saw nothing criminal in its content and claiming that "the BNP are not in the business of upsetting people". However, within hours of being contacted by the News, copyrighted content had been removed and the site had been re-branded "The Unofficial BNP Video Site". Mr Coyle then resigned.
The father-of-four said: "My last act as a BNP member was to dismantle this site. I put my head above the parapet and ended up being lied to. I set up this website with the full approval of the Scottish party, but now that my name stands to be dragged through the newspapers they have failed to show me any support.
"When I stood as a candidate in the last election my children were subjected to death threats, but I stood firm. They have lied to me for the last time."
The BNP Scotland website carries contact details for party members, party news and a page of material written by BNP Scotland leader Gary Raikes. But Mr Raikes described it as "an unofficial blog". A line has been added to the site stating, "This is an unofficial BNP site".
He said Mr Coyle's site was set up with his support but was not officially sanctioned by the party.
He said: "We are sorry to lose Mr Coyle over this. Many sites support the BNP and we are glad for that support but cannot be held responsible for content. This would appear to be yet another witch hunt by the left-wing press."
BNP national leader Nick Griffin declined to comment.
Muslim activist Osama Saeed, founder of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, said: "The videos show the BNP are stuck in a time warp, laden with images from the Crusades. The far-right always try to isolate and stigmatise particular groups and the latest is Muslims."
A police spokesman said: "Inquiries will be made in order to establish whether any further action can be taken."
NEWS: Sub-Standard Life
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 2, 2010, Thursday
BANKS and business leaders have warned that more financial job losses are on the way, following the announcement that 600 posts are to be slashed at Standard Life.
The financial giant announced yesterday that the majority of the cuts - 480 posts - would come from its Edinburgh business, but said it would attempt to find new posts within the company for those affected.
However, with more financial cuts looming, many of those facing redundancy may struggle to find another job locally.
City development leader Tom Buchanan said: "We always knew that there would be more job losses in the financial sector. We just want to ensure that we can minimise these losses in Edinburgh and put appropriate measures in place to ensure re-employment."
Standard Life employs around 6000 people in Edinburgh, down from 10,000 in 2004.
The announcement comes on the back of a mass cull at RBS which has slashed 22,600 jobs since the banking crisis began.
Last week, the bank announced it was shedding a further 400 Scottish posts at its Direct Line insurance offices in Glasgow. RBS media relations manager Linda Harper today reiterated comments made by chief executive Stephen Hester that more cuts were on the way.
Insurer Aegon UK is expected to announce up to 600 more job losses later this month.
Standard Life public relations manager Nicola McGowan said: "We are aiming to reduce our reliance on contract staff so 100 of the posts to go will be contractors. We expect a further 100 to go through people moving out of the business naturally by the end of 2011.
"We have created 100 new posts in our technology and innovation business and will endeavour to recruit internally.
"We intend to centralise 50 jobs in the English regions to Edinburgh. Those filling these posts will have the opportunity to relocate."
Graham Birse, deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "Yesterday's announcement amounts to a reorganisation of their business rather than a dire warning on the future of the sector."
The news comes as it was confirmed that Edinburgh has slipped down from 28th on a list of the world's top financial cities - the Global Financial Centres report by research firm z/Yen.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 2, 2010, Thursday
BANKS and business leaders have warned that more financial job losses are on the way, following the announcement that 600 posts are to be slashed at Standard Life.
The financial giant announced yesterday that the majority of the cuts - 480 posts - would come from its Edinburgh business, but said it would attempt to find new posts within the company for those affected.
However, with more financial cuts looming, many of those facing redundancy may struggle to find another job locally.
City development leader Tom Buchanan said: "We always knew that there would be more job losses in the financial sector. We just want to ensure that we can minimise these losses in Edinburgh and put appropriate measures in place to ensure re-employment."
Standard Life employs around 6000 people in Edinburgh, down from 10,000 in 2004.
The announcement comes on the back of a mass cull at RBS which has slashed 22,600 jobs since the banking crisis began.
Last week, the bank announced it was shedding a further 400 Scottish posts at its Direct Line insurance offices in Glasgow. RBS media relations manager Linda Harper today reiterated comments made by chief executive Stephen Hester that more cuts were on the way.
Insurer Aegon UK is expected to announce up to 600 more job losses later this month.
Standard Life public relations manager Nicola McGowan said: "We are aiming to reduce our reliance on contract staff so 100 of the posts to go will be contractors. We expect a further 100 to go through people moving out of the business naturally by the end of 2011.
"We have created 100 new posts in our technology and innovation business and will endeavour to recruit internally.
"We intend to centralise 50 jobs in the English regions to Edinburgh. Those filling these posts will have the opportunity to relocate."
Graham Birse, deputy chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "Yesterday's announcement amounts to a reorganisation of their business rather than a dire warning on the future of the sector."
The news comes as it was confirmed that Edinburgh has slipped down from 28th on a list of the world's top financial cities - the Global Financial Centres report by research firm z/Yen.
NEWS: A room with a view
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
August 25, 2010, Wednesday
THEY will be among the most sought-after flats in Edinburgh, if you're willing to pay for the view.
Developers have been granted planning permission to convert three upper-storey store rooms on Princes Street into six luxury flats, offering majestic views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens below.
Property experts expect the flats - to be created on the narrow upper floors above Bookworld - could fetch up to £300,000.
However, the flats are set to be extremely compact, with a combined lounge and kitchen with little room for more than a sofa, television and dining table, plus a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a small box room.
In addition, the lack of parking has led planners to demand a £7000 contribution from the developer to the City Car Club, in exchange for a year's free membership for residents.
The flats are being developed by Charlotte Square-based real estate investment firm City & Wharf.
Director Angus Forsyth said: "Given the location and the views, we have designed these flats to appeal to the luxury end of the market.
"I would think they would appeal to professionals given the proximity to the central business district, so they would be ideal for people working locally.
"The flats are not huge. They're probably about average size for a two-bedroom property in the city centre. There is a master bedroom and a second smaller room which could be used as a bedroom or study.
"We currently have no idea how much to market these flats for. Once the development is a little more advanced we'll get the professionals in to put a price tag on them."
There are very few residential properties on Princes Street. The last property to go up for sale, a three-bedroom penthouse overlooking The Mound, was sold for £380,000 earlier this year.
Sales negotiator Debra Lennie said: "That was a particularly nice flat with a balcony and we had a lot of interest from abroad for that one.
"We had enquiries from all over Europe and America from people who were thinking about moving here. I think people living in Edinburgh are slightly put off by living in the city centre, and the difficulties it can bring in relation to parking and noise, but Edinburgh is no different from some of the other great European cities such as Paris where city living is cherished."
Another property was sold through Leslie Deans & Co in 2007 for a similar price. Mr Deans said he would expect the new flats to go for slightly less.
He said: "I wouldn't expect the flats at the back, overlooking Rose Street, to go for much more than £200,000 but at the front you're paying for the view, and what a magnificent view you will get.
"I would expect that view to add another £50,000 on to the price, and if the flats are finished to an extremely high standard they could even fetch £300,000."
Conservation group The Cockburn Association has welcomed the plans, saying that the flats would add "round-the-clock vitality to the area".
However, potential buyers may have to wait a while before getting their foot in the door. Mr Forsyth said that City & Wharf would wait until market conditions improved before acting on the planning permission, which is valid for three years.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
August 25, 2010, Wednesday
THEY will be among the most sought-after flats in Edinburgh, if you're willing to pay for the view.
Developers have been granted planning permission to convert three upper-storey store rooms on Princes Street into six luxury flats, offering majestic views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens below.
Property experts expect the flats - to be created on the narrow upper floors above Bookworld - could fetch up to £300,000.
However, the flats are set to be extremely compact, with a combined lounge and kitchen with little room for more than a sofa, television and dining table, plus a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a small box room.
In addition, the lack of parking has led planners to demand a £7000 contribution from the developer to the City Car Club, in exchange for a year's free membership for residents.
The flats are being developed by Charlotte Square-based real estate investment firm City & Wharf.
Director Angus Forsyth said: "Given the location and the views, we have designed these flats to appeal to the luxury end of the market.
"I would think they would appeal to professionals given the proximity to the central business district, so they would be ideal for people working locally.
"The flats are not huge. They're probably about average size for a two-bedroom property in the city centre. There is a master bedroom and a second smaller room which could be used as a bedroom or study.
"We currently have no idea how much to market these flats for. Once the development is a little more advanced we'll get the professionals in to put a price tag on them."
There are very few residential properties on Princes Street. The last property to go up for sale, a three-bedroom penthouse overlooking The Mound, was sold for £380,000 earlier this year.
Sales negotiator Debra Lennie said: "That was a particularly nice flat with a balcony and we had a lot of interest from abroad for that one.
"We had enquiries from all over Europe and America from people who were thinking about moving here. I think people living in Edinburgh are slightly put off by living in the city centre, and the difficulties it can bring in relation to parking and noise, but Edinburgh is no different from some of the other great European cities such as Paris where city living is cherished."
Another property was sold through Leslie Deans & Co in 2007 for a similar price. Mr Deans said he would expect the new flats to go for slightly less.
He said: "I wouldn't expect the flats at the back, overlooking Rose Street, to go for much more than £200,000 but at the front you're paying for the view, and what a magnificent view you will get.
"I would expect that view to add another £50,000 on to the price, and if the flats are finished to an extremely high standard they could even fetch £300,000."
Conservation group The Cockburn Association has welcomed the plans, saying that the flats would add "round-the-clock vitality to the area".
However, potential buyers may have to wait a while before getting their foot in the door. Mr Forsyth said that City & Wharf would wait until market conditions improved before acting on the planning permission, which is valid for three years.
NEWS: Dr Livingstone, I presume you need a good clean-up
MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
August 24, 2010, Tuesday
DURING his life he would have been used to wading through the droppings of many a strange creature in the jungles of Africa, but his effigy has since come under attack from some less exotic mess.
Now a century of bird droppings is set to be cleaned from the famous statue of the explorer David Livingstone in the Capital.
The bronze statue, which stands near the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens, needs essential conservation work to prevent corrosion.
It will be scrubbed and gently cleaned to remove all the accumulated grime, particularly algae and bird droppings, which are acidic, before a specialist treatment is applied to stabilise any corrosion.
The bronze will then be re-patinated and a new layer of wax applied to protect it.
City centre councillor Charles Dundas said: "The work is being done as part of the city-wide 12 monuments scheme, which also includes the refurbishment of the Burns Monument, the Grassmarket Well, Nelson's Monument and the Time Ball.
"This is probably one of the easier stages of the project but no less important because they're probably some of the most photographed statues in the city.
"I think it's good that Livingstone is getting a clean-up as he's such an important figure in Scotland, with a legacy that continues to this day."
Two other statues, featuring the liberal politician and reformer Adam Black and writer and philosopher Professor John Wilson, will also be cleaned in the GBP16,550 project, which is funded by Edinburgh World Heritage, Edinburgh City Council and a donation from the Mount Royal Hotel on Princes Street.
The work will be carried out in part by volunteers and out-of-work youths under the Future Jobs Fund.
Livingstone was born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire in 1813. In 1841 he went to South Africa as a missionary doctor, and became an explorer, journeying to Lake Ngami, the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
Upon his return in 1856 he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his discoveries.
He returned to Africa in 1858 and discovered Lake Nyasa. He died of malaria and internal bleeding due to dysentery in 1873, in Zambia, while searching for the source of the Nile.
Livingstone was one of the most popular national heroes of the late 19th century. He famously "disappeared" at one point, and his subsequent meeting with HM Stanley gave rise to the popular quotation, "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"
His statue was created by the sculptor Amelia Paton Hill, one of the few women sculptors in 19th century Edinburgh.
Evening News (Edinburgh)
August 24, 2010, Tuesday
DURING his life he would have been used to wading through the droppings of many a strange creature in the jungles of Africa, but his effigy has since come under attack from some less exotic mess.
Now a century of bird droppings is set to be cleaned from the famous statue of the explorer David Livingstone in the Capital.
The bronze statue, which stands near the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens, needs essential conservation work to prevent corrosion.
It will be scrubbed and gently cleaned to remove all the accumulated grime, particularly algae and bird droppings, which are acidic, before a specialist treatment is applied to stabilise any corrosion.
The bronze will then be re-patinated and a new layer of wax applied to protect it.
City centre councillor Charles Dundas said: "The work is being done as part of the city-wide 12 monuments scheme, which also includes the refurbishment of the Burns Monument, the Grassmarket Well, Nelson's Monument and the Time Ball.
"This is probably one of the easier stages of the project but no less important because they're probably some of the most photographed statues in the city.
"I think it's good that Livingstone is getting a clean-up as he's such an important figure in Scotland, with a legacy that continues to this day."
Two other statues, featuring the liberal politician and reformer Adam Black and writer and philosopher Professor John Wilson, will also be cleaned in the GBP16,550 project, which is funded by Edinburgh World Heritage, Edinburgh City Council and a donation from the Mount Royal Hotel on Princes Street.
The work will be carried out in part by volunteers and out-of-work youths under the Future Jobs Fund.
Livingstone was born in Blantyre, Lanarkshire in 1813. In 1841 he went to South Africa as a missionary doctor, and became an explorer, journeying to Lake Ngami, the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
Upon his return in 1856 he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society for his discoveries.
He returned to Africa in 1858 and discovered Lake Nyasa. He died of malaria and internal bleeding due to dysentery in 1873, in Zambia, while searching for the source of the Nile.
Livingstone was one of the most popular national heroes of the late 19th century. He famously "disappeared" at one point, and his subsequent meeting with HM Stanley gave rise to the popular quotation, "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"
His statue was created by the sculptor Amelia Paton Hill, one of the few women sculptors in 19th century Edinburgh.
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