Five things you need to know today - The Edinburgh Reporter

POP Scotland – Green message – Bob Dylan – Cocktails – Learning how to make a film

Today at 2pm cyclists will set off from The Meadows to cycle to Holyrood and highlight the need for Parliament to make Scotland a cycle friendly nation. Pedal on Parliament has gained traction over the last few weeks and about 1,000 or more cyclists are expected to take part.

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An election candidate in west Edinburgh has set a unique polling day puzzle for people in his area.

Green candidate, Gavin Corbett, who is widely-tipped to take one of the three council seats in Fountainbridge / Craiglockhart, has planted 9 stones the length and breadth of his area. Each of the stones has a letter on it which go together to make an important message. Once people have found all nine letters, using clues, and worked out the message they can contact the Green campaign team no later than noon on Wednesday 2 May. The clues are available as pdf on www.edinburghgreens.org.uk/site/local-teams/fc/ or phone 07847 504011 for a copy.

Gavin said:-

“One of the big worries about these local elections is voter turnout. This is especially so with the Tories, SNP and Lib Dems colluding to ban posters on lamposts in Edinburgh, one of the main visible ways in which people know an election is on. Low turnout is bad for candidates of all parties.

“So I wanted to think of ways of adding a bit of spark alongside the bread and butter work of canvassing and leafleting. The area in which I am standing and have lived for 20 years has so many fantastic assets: the canal, Harrison Park, Craiglockhart woods, the Water of Leith and some real landmark buildings as well. So, as well as being a bit of fun it is a way of showcasing the area at its best. And if it ends up with a few more people taking an interest in the election then even better!”

We have a comprehensive list of all candidates for the council elections next week here with individual profiles for each one.

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Hard Rain: Whole Earth? is a new, expanded version of the original challenging photographic essay about the state of our planet, inspired by Bob Dylan’s evocative lyric. It includes a section on the amazing solutions being pursued across the globe and here in Scotland. Visit the Tibetan tent and leave your thoughts on what needs to be done by Governments worldwide. The exhibition is premiering at the Botanics in the lead up to the Rio Convention. Free. Generously supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Scottish Government

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Espionage, one of the top nightclub, bar and event venues in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, is shaking things up this spring with the launch of its new cocktail menu! Also, in what’s believed to be a Scottish first – one of Espionage’s talented mixologists has created a very special ‘Scottish Mojito’, containing the nation’s much loved Irn Bru, which is perfectly shaken (and not stirred – just as 007 likes it!) – with Brugal rum, lime juice, sugar and fresh mint!

It’s the perfect fusion of this highly popular Latino drink with a twist and taste of Scotland added in for good measure. And all for only £5.50 (or £3.95 for those with a Keykard*, the venue’s discount card).

Nick Callaghan, Espionage’s manager said: “We’ve just launched our new cocktail list and our local clientele as well as the tourists absolutely love our Scottish Mojito and the other new cocktails we’ve added. These include our Passionberry Fizz, Bramble, a Very Long Island Ice Tea and the Spicy Italian Cooler. Do come in and try them! And if you have our KeyKard, our cocktails are only £3.95, seven days a week from 7pm until 3am, which is when we’re open.

“And if you’re looking to learn more about making your own cocktails, get yourself onto our Cocktail Masterclass course which we run regularly for £19.95 per person. You’ll get an interactive demonstration from one of our talented mixologists, make (and drink) two cocktails plus a shooter and receive a keepsake to take home. And we’re sure you’ll have an absolute ball whilst you learn something new!”

To book Espionage’s Cocktail Masterclass call 0131 477 7007 or email edinburgh@espionage007.co.uk. For more information on Espionage, go to www.espionage007.co.uk.

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Today between 11- 12.30pm

‘Making a Low Budget Feature Film – the Payoffs and Pitfalls’

Would you like to make the leap into feature film production? Get along to a panel discussion that will offer practical tips and insider knowledge to help you make it happen.

Chaired by Ros Davis – Film Commissioner, Marketing Edinburgh Film Focus

Panelists include:
Al Clarke – Producer, Wellington Films (Crying with Laughter, London to Brighton)
Mia Bays – Production Executive and Marketing Consultant for Microwave (Film London and the BBC’s innovative micro-budget feature fund)
John Maclean – Bafta winner of Best Short Film 2012
Allan Niblo – Vertigo/ NFTS (Producer and Co-Founder of Vertigo)

Event will include a screening of John Maclean’s Bafta award winning short ‘Pitch Black Heist’, starring Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham
For FREE tickets please contact Filmhouse Box Office on 0131 228 2688 or email louise.donoghue@cmi-scotland.co.uk