A tree that is
truly fit for a king
77
SBT Awards for four Edinburgh writers
Handing over the pace stick for the last time at the Castle
By OLIVIA THOMASWINCHBURGH celebrated the Coronation
of King Charles III with a party and a tree
planting. Locals Janet Bain, Hazel Macleod
and Elizabeth Walker, Hugh Hogg, Robert
Duncan and Nina Brown, are all members
of the Good Companions group who
remember a tree being planted for The
Queen’s Coronation in 1953, and Janet
suggested they do something similar.The
Good Companions Group is part of
Winchburgh Development Trust and was
founded by Kate Knox to bring local
people aged 50+ together.
The tree was planted opposite Sinclair
Academy and Winchburgh Academy by
members of the group, school pupils and
members of Winchburgh Community
Growing Group.
Hazel Mcleod, a volunteer for the Good
Companions group and founding director
of Winchburgh Community Development
Trust said: “It’s exciting for the local
community to be doing something to
mark this historic occasion that future
generations will be able to look back on in
years to come. There has always been a
strong sense of community in Winchburgh,
and this is a lovely example of people of
all different ages coming together to
do something special that will stand the
test of time.
“For the occasion, we brought in
tricycles so that those with limited mobility
were able to attend and enjoy a scenic ride
through the new Auldcathie Park.”
Members of the club also enjoyed an
afternoon tea from The Wee Winchburgh
Café in the community centre with songs
by vintage-inspired singer Sarah Laing.By STAFF REPORTEREDINBURGH AUTHORS have
received New Writers Awards
from Scottish Book Trust (SBT).
Four writers who are based in
the capital will benefit from a
prestigious year-long writer
development programme, a
bursary and opportunities to
get their work in front of
professionals working in the
publishing industry.
The quartet includes young
adult fiction writer Sonali Misra,
children’s writer Henry Coles,
Gaelic poet Robbie MacLeòidand poet Medha Singh. Previous
winners of the award include
Booker Prize winner Graeme
Macrae Burnett so the new
writers are in good company.
Henry Coles second book The
Traitor’s Moon was long listed
for the Bath and WriteMentor
children’s novel awards. Medha
Singh is a graduate from the
University of Edinburgh and her
collection of poems is
forthcoming to join a huge array
of past works, some translated
into Hindi, Spanish and French.
Robbie MacLeòid has worked in
prose, songwriting, drama andvideo game writing. Sonali Misra
born and raised in Delhi is
finishing the first part of her
trilogy Aasra.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish
Book Trust, said: “This year’s
cohort of New Writers Awardees
showcase some of the best new
writing talent in Scotland. We’re
excited to support them on the
next stage of their writing
journeys to help them develop
and hone their skills further.”
Alan Bett, Head of Literature &
Publishing at Creative Scotland,
said: “Scottish Book Trust’s New
Writers Awards continues tolaunch fresh and inspiring
voices into professional writing,
supporting them every step of
the way. We’re excited to see the
future of Scottish literature
emerge from this list and,
eventually, onto bookshop
shelves. The list of successful
authors and poets to have
come through New Writers is
testament to the success of
the programme, helping them
develop their creative work
and navigate the professional
challenges of these early
career stages. We wish them
all success.”By OLIVIA THOMASWARRANT OFFICER CLASS One (WO1)
Anthony Gibson MVO was on parade for the
last time at the end of 25 years of service in the
Scots Guards when he oversaw the Gun Salute
in May for the Coronation.
Gibson has had a remarkable military career
and been in one of the most privileged
positions for any Scots Guard or senior soldier
in the British Army during his tenure as
Garrison Sergeant Major. It is interesting to
note that Edinburgh Castle is indeed a garrison
under the control of the British Army, which is
why the flag flown from the castle is the Union
Jack. Not only has the warrant officer been
deployed on operations to Iraq and
Afghanistan he has also travelled to manycountries including across Europe,
Canada, and Hong Kong.
The pinnacle of his career however was
the role he played in delivering Operation
UNICORN following the passing of her Late
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For this he was
awarded as a Member of the Royal Victorian
Order (MVO) – a significant award signifying
great duty and honour when he also had the
privilege of meeting HM The King.
The Lancashire lad was unusually emotional
after the Coronation Gun Salute, and said: “I
may not be a son of Scotland, but Scotland will
forever be in my heart. Thank you everyone for
the many memories.”
Inverurie born WO1 Ruaridh Teach of The
Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) will now
be responsible for priming British Armysoldiers in Scotland on future ceremonial
events and is on the left above receiving the
pace stick.
He said: “Thank you to WO1 Gibson for
all you have done during your tenure and
for setting me up for success. I look forward
to executing the State Ceremonial Events
over the summer, especially welcoming
The King to Edinburgh for Royal Week. It’s
shaping up to be week to remember for myself
and Edinburgh.”
The Garrison Sergeant Major is responsible
for the delivery of all state ceremonial events in
Scotland, mainly Edinburgh and Balmoral. The
role is normally filled by the most Senior
Non-Commissioned Officer in Scotland and
falls under the remit of Headquarters 51
Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland.Changing of the guard
Medha SinghWO1 Anthony Gibson MVO
(right) hands over to his
successorHenry ColesRobbie MacLeòidSonali MisraHeadshots by Rob McDougall
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