Donald Turvill

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Correspondent at The Herald (Scotland)

Journalist with the Local Democracy Reporting Service in Edinburgh. Covering council and politics news in the capital for @BBC @EdinburghLive_. Story?➡️DMs open

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Articles

Number of second homes in Edinburgh drops after council tax change

2 days ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

The number of second homes has dropped according to new figures (Image: Newsquest) A council tax surcharge on second homes in Edinburgh has raised an additional £2.7m for the city in its first year. Edinburgh City Council introduced a double council tax charge for second homes last April, bringing the rate in line with that charged to owners of long-term empty properties.
No pandas, no problem: How ‘TikTok-famous’ animals keep buzz alive at Edinburgh Zoo

4 days ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

It's been over a year since Edinburg's pandas returned to China. But visitor numbers remain steady thanks to new viral additions to the zoo (Image: Damian Shields) In the ever-toxic world of social media, disinformation, culture wars and extreme content can make being online a minefield of misery at the best of times. But since almost the dawn of the internet there has been one antidote to the chaos that's never faltered: amusing videos of cute animals.
Edinburgh University withdraws 'don't be snobs' guidance criticised by students

5 days ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

There have been increasing complaints about class and background-based discrimination at the University of Edinburgh (Image: Damian Shields) The University of Edinburgh has withdrawn guidance urging students from privileged backgrounds to not be “snobs” which has been criticised for undermining efforts to tackle discrimination on campus.
Over half homeless accommodation requests unmet by Edinburgh Council in March

6 days ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

Rough sleeping is on the rise in the capital amid a lack of temporary accommodation. (Image: Newsquest) Over half of the requests for temporary accommodation in Edinburgh went unmet last month after the council was forced to stop using ‘unsuitable’ hotels and B&Bs to house homeless people.
Cammy Day ‘wrong to claim allegations were political plot’ says Labour councillor

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

Cammy Day (right) believes the SNP plotted to ruin his political career, after he was forced to resign over sexual harassment allegations. Until 2022 Day's Labour group was in coalition with the SNP, who were then led by Adam Nols-McVey (left) (Image: Free) Cammy Day has been criticised by one his former Scottish Labour colleagues for claiming sexual harassment allegations that led to his downfall were part of a political plot orchestrated by the SNP.
Tributes paid to 'warm and kind' Edinburgh councillor after sudden death

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

Tributes have been paid to a "warm and kind" Edinburgh councillor who has passed away suddenly. Val Walker, who was elected as a Labour councillor in 2022 and has since served as Culture and Communities Convener, died earlier this week, the council announced on Thursday, April 17. Council leader Jane Meagher said: "I was extremely sad to hear of Val’s sudden and unexpected death and my thoughts are with her family and friends.
Edinburgh Lib Dem leader to step back after being made interim Law Society chief

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

Kevin Lang (Image: City of Edinburgh Council) The leader of Edinburgh Council's Liberal Democrats is to step back from the role after being made interim chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland. Currently the organisation's external relations director, Councillor Kevin Lang will take up the top job at the solicitors' governing body from the end of April until a permanent replacement is recruited.
Edinburgh to get London-style transport ticketing - here's how it works

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

The new integrated ticketing system is in the 'final stages of testing' and will launch soon (Image: Edinburgh Trams) Anyone who knows Edinburgh will be quick to tell you that behind the internationally-celebrated architecture, history and festivals lies a slew of problems. As far as public transport is concerned though, it has long been in a strong position, especially when compared with most other UK cities.
What can Edinburgh learn from Glasgow’s drug consumption room pilot?

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Donald Turvill

Injection bay areas in the Using Space at The Thistle drugs consumption room at the NHS Enhanced Drug Treatment Facility at Hunter Street Health Centre in Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday January 9, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Edinburgh could be months away from opening its own drug consumption room following the launch of the UK’s first official facility in Glasgow earlier this year.
Inspectors warn two Edinburgh schools are 'substantial fire risk'

1 week ago | heraldscotland.com | Rebecca McCurdy |Donald Turvill

Two Edinburgh secondary schools were rated a 'substantial' fire risk. (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire) Two Edinburgh high schools pose "substantial" fire risks to pupils and teachers, The Herald can reveal. Safety inspectors consider Balerno High School and Currie High School to have "moderate" concerns to life safety. That rating means serious injury is likely in the event of a fire - but is "unlikely to result in multiple fatalities".